The Bible in english, that is to say, the content of all the holy scripture, both of the old and new Testament truly translated after the verity of the Hebr●e and Greek texts, by the diligent study of dy●ers excellent learned men expert in the for said tongues. printed at London by Thomas 〈◊〉 and 〈…〉 for Thomas Berthe●et: printer unto the Kings grace. Cum Privilegio ad imprimendum solum. 1540 ¶ An Almanac for xxx years. The number of the years. Easter. The golden number/ Or prime. The letter 〈◊〉 Bisextus. M. d. xi. xxviij. Mar. ij D C M. d. xli. xvij. April. iij B M. d. xlij. ix. April. iiij A M. d. xliij xxv. Mar. v G M. d. xliiij. xiv. April. vi F E M. d. xlv. v. April. seven D M. d. xlvi. xxv. April. viii C M. d. xlvii. x. April. ix B M. d. xlviii. two. April. x A G M. d. xlix. xxi. April. xi F M. d. l. vi. April. xii E M. d. li nineteen. Mar. xiii. D M. d. lij. xviii. April. xiiii C B M. d. liii. ●●. Ap●● xv A M. d. liv. xxv. M●● xvi. G M. d. lv. xiiii. Ap●● xvii F M. d. lvi. thirty. ma xviii. E D M. d. lvii. xviii. A●● nineteen. C M. d. lviii. x. April i B M. d. lix. xxvi. Mar. two A M. d. lx. xiiii. April iii F G M. d. lxi. vi. April iiii E M. d. lxii. xxix. mar. v D M. d. lxiii. xi. April vi C M. d. lxiiii. two. April. seven A ● M. d. lxv. xxii. April. viii. G M. d. lxvi. xiiii. April ix F M. d. lxvii thirty. Mar. x E M. d. lxviii. xviii. April xi D C ¶ The year hath. xii. months. lii. weeks and one day. And it hath in all, three hundred and. lvi. days and six hours. The Calendar. KL january, hath. xxxi. days. The moan. thirty iii A Circumcision i b Octaves of S. Steven two xi c Octaves of S. john iii d Octaves of Innocentes iiii nineteen e v viii f 〈◊〉 vi g Felix and january seven xvi A Lucian viii v b joice ix c Paul first her. x xiii d The son in 〈◊〉. xi two e S. Archade martyr xii f octaves. Epypha. Hilary xiii x g S. Felex Priest xiiii A Maure abbot xv xviii b S. Mercell xvi seven c S. Anthony xvii d S. Priscia virgin xviii xv e Wulstayne bishop. nineteen iiii f Fabian/ and Sebast. xx g Agnes virgin xxi A S. Uincent martyr xxii ● b S. Emerencyane xxiii c S. Timothe xxiiii ix d conversion of saint Paul. xxv e Polycarpe bishop xxvi xvii f S. Julian bishop xxvii vi g S. Agnes second xxviii A S. valery bishop xxix xiiii b thirty iii c xxxi KL February hath. xxviii days: the moan. xxix. d S. Brigit gyrgyn i xi e 〈…〉 Lady two nineteen f S. Blaze bishop iii viii g gilbert iiii A S. Agathe virgin v xvi b vi x c S. Angule bishop seven d S. Paul bishop viii xiii e S. Appollone virgin ix two f S. Scolastica virgin x g Eufrasye virgin xi x A ¶ The son in pisces. xii b S. Uulfran bishop xiii xviii c S. valentine martyr xiiii seven d Faustine and iovyte xv e Julian virgin xvi xv f Policron bishop xvii iiii g simeon bishop xviii A Sabyne martyr nineteen xii b S. Myldrede virgin xx i c xxi d Cathedra S. Petri. xxii ix e Locus byssexti xxiii f ●athy 〈◊〉 xxiiii xvii g invention of Paul xxv vi A Nestor bishop xxvi b austin xxvii xiiii c Oswolde bishop. xxviii KL March hath. xxxi. days. The moan. thirty iii d David bishop i e S. Chad bishop two xi f Martyne ❧ iii g Adriane iiii nineteen A ● v viii b Victor and Uictoryn vi c Perpetue and Felicite seven xvi d deposition of Felix viii v e xl martyrs ix f Agape virgin x xiii g Queryon and candid xi two A Gregory xii b Theodore matron xiii x c ¶ The son in 〈◊〉 xiiii d xv xviii e Hilary and tacoan● xvi seven f patrick bishop xvii g Edward king xviii xv A joseph nineteen iiii b Cuthbert abbot xx c Benet abbot xxi xii d xiii i e Theodore Priest xxiii f Agapite martyr xxiiii ix g 〈…〉 xxv A Castor martyr xxvi xvii b xxvii vi c Dorothy virgin xxviii d Uictorine xxix xiiii e Quirine ☞ thirty iii f Adelme bishop. xxxi KL April hath. thirty. days The moan. xxix g Theodore virgin i xi A Mary Egypcyan two b Richard bishop iii nineteen c S. Ambrose bishop iiii viii d Martiani and martia. v xvi e ❧ vi v f euphemy seven g viii xiii A Perpetuus bishop ix two b ☞ x c Buthlake xi ● d ¶ The son in 〈◊〉 xii e julina xiii xviii f xiiii seven g xv H Isydore xvi xv b Anicete ❧ xvii iiii c Eliuthere xviii d nineteen xii e Saint Victor xx i f simeon bishop xxi g Saint Sother xxii ix H George martyr xxiii b Wylfryde bishop xxiiii xvii c Macke Evangelist xxv vi d Saint Clete xxvi e Anastase xxvii xiiii f xxviii iii g Peter of Milan xxix H Erkenwolde. thirty KL May hath xxxi. days The moan. thirty. xi b Philip and james Apostles. i c Athanase bishop two nineteen d Invention of the cross iii viii e ☞ iiii f Godarde v xvi g Iohn before the Latyn port vi v H saint john of Beverley seven b Appearing of S. Michael viii xiii c Transla. of saint Nicholas ix two d Gordian and Epimacl● x e saint Anthony martyr xi x f ❧ xii g Saruatius confessor xiiii xviii H ¶ The son in Gemini. xiiii seven b Isydore martyr xv c saint Brandyne bishop xvi xv d Transla. of S. bernard xvii iiii e Dioscor martyr xviii f saint Dunstayne bishop nineteen xii g saint bernardine xx i H saint Helyne queen xxi b Julian virgin xxii ix c Desidery martyr xxiii d Transla. of francis xxiiii xvii e Aldelme bishop xxv vi f saint austin ☞ xxvi g saint Bede Priest xxvii xiiii H saint Germayne bishop xviii iii b saint Corone martyr xxix c saint Felix thirty xi d saint Petronylle virgin. xxxi KL june hath. thirty. days The moan. xxix. e Nicodeme martyr i ●●● f Mercellyne and Pet. ●● viii g saint Erasmus iii xvi H Saint Petroce iiii v b saint Boniface v c saint melon archbishop vi xiii d Transia. of saint Wulstane seven two e Medarde and Gyldarde viii f Transla. of saint Edmund. ix x g ● x H saint Barnaby Apostle xi xviii b Basilyde▪ and Ciryne. etc. xii seven c ¶ 〈…〉 〈…〉 xiii d Saint basel bishop xiiii xv e Uite, modest and cre. xv iiii f saint richard xvi g saint Botulph xvii xii H xviii b nineteen c Transla of saint Edward xx xi d Walburge virgin xxi e Saint Albone martyr xxii xvii f Audrey Fast xxiii vi g ●at●●i. saint Iohn 〈…〉 xxiiii H Transl. Elegy bishop xxv xiiii b Iohn and Paul xxvi iii c saint Crescens xxvii d Fast. xxviii xi e Peter and Paul Apostl● xxix f come▪ of saint Paul. thirty KL julie hath. xxxi. days The moan. thirty. nineteen g Octa. of saint john Baptist i viii H Visitation of our Lady two v b iii xvi c Transla. Martyne iiii v d Zoe virgin and martyr v e Octa. of Peter and Paul vi xiii f seven two g saint Grymbalde viii H saint Cirily bishop ix ● b Seven brothers martyrs x c Transla. of saint Benet xi xviii d Nabor and felix xii seven e xiii f ¶ The son in Zen. xiiii xv g Transla of saint Swithune xv iiii H Transla. of Osmunde xvi b Kenelm king xvii xii c Arnulphe bishop xviii i d Ruffyne and justyne nineteen e saint Margarete virgin xx ix f praxedes virgin xxi g Mary Magdalene xxii xvii H Apolinaris bishop xxiii vi b Cristin virgin Fast. xxiiii c ●amys Apostle xxv xiiii d Anne mother. etc. xxvi iii e The seven slepers xxvii f Samson bishop xxviii xi g nineteen H Abdon and sennes thirty nineteen b Germayne bishop xxxi KL August hath. xxxi. days. the moan. thirty: xiii c Lammas day i xvi d Steven confessor two ● e invention of saint Steven iii f justyne priest. iiii xiii g v two Transfiguration of our lord vi b The feast of jesus seven x c Cyryake and his fellows. viii d Roman Fast. ix viiix e 〈…〉 x seven f Tyburtius martyr xi g Saint Clare xii xv hippolyte and his fellows. xiii iiii b Eusebius Fast. xiiii c assumption of 〈…〉 xv xii d ¶ The son●● 〈…〉 xvi i e Octave of Laurence xvii f Agapyte martyr xviii ix g Magnus martyr nineteen H Lewes bishop xx xvii b Saint bernard xxi vi c Octave of the assumption xxii d Fast. xxiii xiii e 〈…〉 xxiiii iii f Lewes king xxv g Saint Seryne xxvi xi ● Rufe martyr xxvii nineteen b Saint Austyn. xxviii c decollation of Iohn xxix viii d Felix and Audacte thirty e Saint Cuthbert virgin. xxxi KL September hath. thirty. days. the moan. xxix. xvi f Saint Gyles abbot i v g Saint Anthony martyr two iii xiii b translation of Cuthbert iiii two c Bertyne abbot v d Saint Eugenius vi x e seven f 〈…〉 viii xviii g Gorgone martyr ix seven H Silvius bishop x b xi xv c Mercyane bishop xii iiii d Maurilius bishop xiii e Exaltation of the cross xiiii xii f ¶ The son in Libra xv i g goeth virgin xvi Lambert bishop xvii ix b Victor and corone xviii c januarius martyr nineteen xvii d Saint Eustace Fast. xx vi e 〈…〉 xxi f Maurice and his company xxii xiiii g Tecla virgin xxiii iii H Andoche martyr xxiiii b xxv xi c Cyprian and justine. xxvi d Cosme and Damiane xxvii nineteen e xxviii viii f 〈…〉 xxix g Saint Jerome priest thirty KL October hath. xxxi. days: the moan: thirty. xvi Remygy bishop i v b two xiii c iii two d iiii e Appollinaris martyr v x f saint faith vi g seven xviii H Pelagy viii seven b ix c Geron and victor x xv d Ficasius bishop xi iiii e saint Wylfryde xii f Translation of Edward xiii xii g xiiii H Wulfran bishop xv b ¶ 〈…〉 xvi ix c xvii d ●●●● evangelist xviii xvii e Fredeswyde virgin nineteen seven f Austreberte virgin xx g xi. thousand virgins xxi xiiii H Mary salome xxii iii b Roman bishop xxiii c Maglore bishop xxiiii xi f Crispyne and Crispiane xxv e Euariste xxvi nineteen f Fast. xxvii viii g 〈…〉 juda xxviii H Narcissus bishop xxix xvi b Germayne capua. nineteen v c Quintyn Fast. xxxi KL November hath. thirty. days. the moan. xxix. d The feast of all saints i xiii e All soul's day two two f Wenefrede virgin iii g Amantius iiii x ● ●ete priest ● b Leonarde vi c Wylfryde archbishop. seven seven d viii e Theodore ix xv f Martyne confessor x iiii g Martyne bishop xi H Pattern matryr xii xii b xiii i c Transla. of Erkenwalde xiiii d ¶ The son in 〈◊〉 xv ix e edmund archbishop xvi f New bishop xvii xvii g Orta. of Martyne xviii H Elyzabeth nineteen b Edmund king xx xiiii c xxi iii d Ceryly virgin xxii e xxiii xi f Grysogone martyr. xxiiii g Katherine virgin xxv nineteen H xxvi viii b Agricole xxvii c Rufi martyr xxviii xvi d Saturnine Fast. xxix v e Andrew Apostle. thirty KL December hath. xxxi days: the moan: xxix: f i g Liban two H Deposi. Osmunde iii b Barbara virgin iiii c Sabbe abbot v xviii d 〈◊〉 of our 〈◊〉 vi seven e Octaves of Andrew seven f 〈◊〉 bishop viii xv g Cipriane abbot ix iiii H x b Damasce xi xii c ¶ 〈◊〉 son in 〈◊〉. xii i d lucy virgin xiii e xiiii ix f valery bishop xv g ¶ O sa●tenua. xvi xvi A Lazarus bishop xvii vi b Graciane bishop xviii c nineteen xiiii d julyan martyr xx iii e Thomas apostle xxi f thirty. martyrs xxii xi g Victory virgin xxiii A Fast. xxiiii nineteen b nativity of our Lord. xxv viii c 〈◊〉 prothomattyr xxvi d 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 xxvii xvi e 〈◊〉 ●ay. xxviii v f xxix g Transla. of james thirty xiii H Sylvester xxxi ¶ The names of all the books of the Bible & the content of the chapters of every book, with the number of the leaf where the books begin. Chapt●●● Le●●● Genesis, The first book of Moses L first Exodus, The second book of Moses xi xxii Leviticus The third book of Moses xxvii xxxix Numeri, The fourth book of Moses xxxvi lii Deuterono, The fifth book of Moses xxxiiii lxix The books of the second part. Chapters 〈◊〉 josua, The book of josua xxiiii two judicum, The book of judges xxi xii Ruth, The book of Ruth iiii xxii i Regum, The first book of the kings xxxi xxiiii two. Regum, The second book of the kings xxiiii xxxvii three Regum, The third book of the kings xxii xlviii iiii. Regum, The fourth book of the kings xxv lxi i Paralip. The first of the chronicles xxix lxxiii two. Paralip. The second of the chronicles xxxvi lxxxv i Esdras, The first book of Esdras x xcix two. Esdras, The second book of Esdras xiii ciii i Esther, The first book of Esther x cix job, The book of job xlii cxii The books of the third part Chapters ●ea●e Psalterium, The psalter cl ll Proverbia. The proverbs of Solomon xxxi xxviii Ecclesiast. The book of the preacher xii xxxvii● Cantica Cantirorum. The ballet of ballets. vii● ●l Isaiah The prophecy of Isaiah. lxvi xlii jeremy The prophecy of jeremy. lii lxxii Trent The lamentacyous of jeremy. v lxxxvi Ezechiel The prophecy of Ezechiel. lxviii lxxxviii. Daniel The prophecy of Daniel. xii cviii Oseas The prophecy of Oseas. xiiii cxv joel The prophecy of joel. iii cxviii Amos The prophecy of Amos. ix cxix Abdye The prophecy of Abdye. i cxxi jonas The prophecy of jonas. iiii cxxii Micheas The prophecy of Micheas. seven cxxiii Nahum The prophecy of Nahum. iii cxxiiii Abacuk The prophecy of Abacuk. iii cxxv Sophony The prophecy of Sophony. iii cxxvi Aggeus The prophecy of Aggeus. two cxxix Zachatias The prophecy of Zachary. xiiii cxxix Malachy The prophecy of Malachy. iii cxxxiii The books of 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 Leaf iii. Esdras The third book of Esdras. ix two iiii. Esdras The fourth book of Esdras. xvi viii Tobias The book of Tobias. xiiii nineteen judith The book of judith. xvi xxiii two. Hester Certain chapters of Hester. vi xxviii Saptencia The book of wisdom. nineteen xxix Ecclesiasti. The book of jesus Syrac. li xxxvi Baruch The prophet Baruch. vi liv The song Of the. iii. children in the Oven. i lvii The story Of Susanna. i lviii The story Of Bell. i lviii The prayer of Manasses. i lix The first book of the Maccabees. xvi lx The second book of the Maccabees. xv lxxii ● All the 〈◊〉 of the new 〈◊〉 are contained in title thereof. ¶ 〈…〉 and tokens that we have set in the Bible. FIrst/ where as often times ye shall find a Roman letter in the text, it sygaifieth that so much as is in the Roman letter doth abound, and is more in the common translation in Latyn, then is found either in the Hebrew or in the Greek, which words and sentences we have added, not only to manifest the same unto you, but also to satisfy and content those, that here before time, hath missed such sentences in the Bybles and new Testaments before set for the. More over, where as ye find this sign ●, it betekeneth a diucrsyte and difference of reading between the hebrews and the Chaldees in the same place, which diversities of reading we were purposed to have set forth particularly unto you. But for so moche as they are very long and tedious, and this volume is very great & huge already, we have therefore at this time left them out, trusting hereafter to set them forth in some little volume by themselves. We have also (as ye may see) added many hands both in the mergent of this volume, & also in the text, upon the which we purposed to have made in the end of the Bible (in a table by themselves) certain godly annotations: but for so moche as yet there hath not been sufficient time ministered to the kings most honourable counsel, for the oversight and correction of the said annotations, we will therefore omit them, till their more connentente leisure. Doing now no more but beseek the most gentle reader, that when thou comest at such a place where the hand doth stand (or any other where, in the Bible) & thou canst not attain to the meaning & true knowledge of that sentence, then do not rashly presume to make any private interpretation thereof: but submit thyself to the judgement of those that are godly learned in Christ jesus. To the which Christ jesus be honour and praise for ever. Amen. ¶ The first Book of Moses called in the Hebrew Bereschith: and in the latin Genesis. ¶ The creation of the world. ¶ By the word all things be create of God, of man's creation, rule, and sustenance CAPITULO. I. IN the beginning * Psal. cii. d. ●ere. x. b. Eccl, 18. a. ● Esd. vi. c ●eb. i c. xi a God created heaven, and earth. The earth was void▪ & empty/ and darkness was upon the face of the deep, and the spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said: Let there be made light, and there was light made. And god saw the light, that it was good. And God made a division between the light and darkness. And God called the light, day, & the darkness called he, night. And the evening and the morning was made one day. And God said: Let there be a firmament in the mids of the waters, and let it make a division between waters and waters. And god made the firmament, and set a division between waters, which were under the firmament and between the waters that were above the firmament And it was so done. And god called the firmament, Heaven. The evening also and the morning was made the second day. And god said: * ●rouer. 8. d ●ob. xxvi. c Let the waters under heaven be gathered together in to one place, that the dry land may be seen. And so it came to pass. And god called the dry land earth: and the gathering together of waters called he the sees. And god saw that it was good And god said: Let the earth bring forth green herb/ which may engender seed: and fruitful tree, yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed may be in itself upon the earth. And so it was done. And the earth brought forth green herb, making seed, after his kind, & the tree yielding fruit whose seed was in itself after his kind. And God saw that it was good. The evening, also and the morning was made the third day. And god said: * Psal. 136. a 4. Eid. 6. d let there be made lights in the firmament of heaven, & let them make a difference between the day & the night, & let them be for signs, & for appointed seasons, days, and years. And let them be for lights in the firmament of heaven, that they may give light upon the earth. And so it was done. And god made * jere. xxxi. ● two great lights: A greater light to rule the day, & a less light to rule the night. (And he made) Stars also. And God set them in the firmament heaven, that they might give light upon the earth▪ and that they might rule the day & the night, and to make a difference between the light and the darkness. And God saw that it was good. The evening also/ and the morning was made the fourth day. And God said: * 4. Esd. 6. d Let the waters bring forth moving creature that hath life, and foul that may flee upon the earth in the face of the firmament of heaven. And god created great whales, and every living, & moving creature, which the waters brought forth after their kind, and every feathered foul after their kind. And God saw that it was good. And god blessed them, saying▪ Grow and increase and fill the waters of the See, and let feathered fowls be multiplied in the earth. The evening also and the morning was made the fifth day. And God said: Let the earth bring forth living creature after his kind, cattles worm, & beast of the earth after his kind, and so it came to pass. And God made the beast of the earth after his kind, and cattle after their kind, and every thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind. And god saw that it was good. And god said: Let us make man in our image after our likeness, and let them have rule over the fish of the See, & over foul of the air, and over cattles, & over the earth, & over all thing, that creepeth upon the earth. And so god created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him: male, and female created he them. And god blessed them, and God said unto them: Grow and increase, and replenish the earth, and subdue it/ and have dominion over the fish of the See, and over foul of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. And God said: Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed/ which is in the upper face of all the earth: and every tree in the which is fruit of tree/ and that beareth seed, that they may be meat for you. And unto every beast of the earth, & to every bird of the air, and to every such thing as creepeth upon the earth (wherein is a living soul) I have given all greenness of herb for meat. And so it was done. And * Sapi, u. d, Eccle. 17. a Mat, nineteen. a Mar. x. a Sapi. ix. a psal. 18. b God saw Eccl. 39 ●. Mar. seven. ● i. timo. 4. a every thing that he had made, & behold: it was exceeding good. The evening also, and the morning was made the sixth day▪ ¶ The hallowing of the Sabbath the Chapitre afore repeated. The four clouds of paradise: The setting of than in paradise: The tree of knowledge forbidden. The creation of Eva: The institution of marriage. CAPI. II. THe heaven also and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. And in the seventh day god ended his work, which he had made. * Exodi. xx. b ●bre. iii●● And in the seventh day he rested from all his work which he had made. And God blessed the seventh day, and sayntified it, because that in it he had rested from all his work, which God created to make. These are the generations of the henens and of the earth when they were created in the day when the Lord God made the earth, and the heavens, and every plant of the field, before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field, before it grew. For the lord god had not caused it to rain upon the earth, neither was there a man to till the ground. And there went up a mist from the exth, and watered the hole face of the ground. The Lord God also * shope man, even dust of the ground, & breathed in to his nosethyrls the breath of life, & Adam was made a living soul. Moreover the lord god planted a garden in Eden from the east and there he put man, whom he had made. Also out of the ground made the Lord God to grow, every tree that was pleasant to the sight, & commodious for meat. And the * Prove. 3. c. reve. two. b tree of life, and the tree of knowledge of good & of evil, was in the mids of the garden. And out of Eden there went forth a river to water the garden. And from thence it was divided, & became in to four heads. The name of one is * Eccl. 24. c. Pison. The same is it that compasseth the hole land of Havilah, where is gold. And the gold of that land is good. There is also Bidellium, and the stone Onichinus. The name of the second river, is Gihen, the same is it that compasseth the hole land of Ethiopis. The name of the third river is Hydekel, and it goeth toward the east side of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates. And so the lord god took Adam, and put him in to the garden of Eden, that he might dress and keep it. And the Lord God commanded Adam, saying: Eating, thou shalt eat of every tree of the garden. But of the tree of knowledge of good & evil, thou shalt not eat of it. For in what day soever thou eatest thereof, thou shalt die the death. And again, the Lord God said. It is not good that Adam should be alone, I will make him an help/ which may be present with him. And so out of the ground shope the Lord god every beast of the field, and every foul of the air, and brought it unto the man: that he might see, how he would call it. For likewise as man himself named every living thing, even so was the name thereof. Man himself, therefore named the names unto all cattles, and foul of the air, and to every beast of the field: And for man found he not an help, that might be present with him. The Lord God also caused a slumber to fall upon Adam, & he slept. And he took one of his rib, and closed up the flesh in stead thereof. And the rib which the Lord God had taken from man/ * Eccl. xvii. i Cor. xi. ● made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And the man said. This is now boon of my bones/ and flesh of my flesh, she shall be called woman, because she was taken out of man. For this cause shall a man leave his father, and his mother, and shall be joined with his wife/ and they * Mat. nineteen. ● Mark. x. ● Ephe. v. g. i. Cor. vi. ● shall become one flesh. And they were both naked, the man I say/ and his wife, and were not ashamed. ¶ The serpent deceiveth the woman. The serpent is cursed: the punishment of the man and woman. Adam driven out of Paradise. christ our saviour is promised. CAPI. III. BUt the serpent was sotyller then all the beasts of the field, which the Lord God made. And he said unto the woman: yea, hath God said, ye shall not eat of every tree of the garden? And the woman said unto the serpent: we eat of the fruit of the tree of the garden, but as for the fruit of the tree which is in the mids of the garden, God hath said, ye shall not eat of it, neigh there shall ye touch it, least haply ye die. And * two. Cor. xi. 〈◊〉 the serpent said unto the woman: ye shall not die the death, but God doth know, that the same day that ye eat thereof, your eyes shall be opened/ and ye shall be even as Gods, knowing good and evil. And so the * Eccle. 25 ● woman (saying that the same tree was good to eat/ and delectable to the eyes/ and that the same tree was pleasant to get wisdom) took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave unto her husband being with her/ which did eat also. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked/ and they sowed fig leaves together/ and made themselves aprons. And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day. And Adam and his wife hid themselves from the face of the Lord God, among the trees of the garden. And the lord God called Adam and said unto him, where art thou? Which said. I heard thy voice in the garden, and was afraid, because I was naked, and hid myself. And he said. Who told thee, that thou wast naked? Hast thou not eaten of the same tree, of which I commanded thee, that thou shouldest not eat of it? And Adam said. The woman, whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat. And the lord god said to the woman: why hast thou done this? And the woman said: Yonder serpent beguiled me, and I did eat. And the lord god said unto the serpent, because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field. Upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life. I will also put enmytye between thee, and the woman, between thy seed & her seed. * Collo. two. c. The same shall tread down thy head, & thou shalt tread upon his heel. But unto the woman he said. Multiplyeng I will multiply thy sorrow and thy conceiving. In sorrow shalt thou bring forth children, and thy lust shall pertain to thy husband, and he shall have the rule of the. Unto Adam he said. Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, & haste eaten of the tree (of which I commanded thee, saying. Thou shalt not eat of it) cursed is the ground for thy sake. In sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life. thorn also and thistle shall it cause to grow unto thee, and thou shalt eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou be turned again in to the ground, for out of it was thou taken, in as much as thou * job. 34. art dust, & in to dust shalt thou be turned again. And Adam called his wives name Eva, because she was the mother of all living. Unto the same Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make leathern garments, and clothed them. And the Lord God said. Behold, yonder man hath been even as one of us, that he might know good and evil. And now lest haply he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever. And the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to dress the ground that he was taken out of. And so he drove out man, and at the East side of the garden of Eden, he set Cherubim, and the glistering flame of a shaking sword, to keep the way of the tree of life. ❧ ❀ ❧ ¶ Coin hilleth his ryghtious brother Abel. Cain despaireth The generation of Enoch. Mathusaell, Tuhall, Lamrech, Seth, Enos. CAPI. four ADam knew Eva his wife. Who conceiving, bare Cain, saying. I have gotten a man of the Lord. And she proceeding forth, brought forth his brother Abel, and Abel was a shepherd. But Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in process of days it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an oblation unto the Lord. Abel also brought of the firstlings of the sheep, and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto * job. 34. Abel, and to his oblation. But unto Cain/ and to his offering he had no respect. For the which cause Cain was exceeding wroth, and his countenance abated. And the Lord said unto Cain. Why art thou wroth, and why is thy countenance abated? If thou do well, shall there not be a promotion. And if thou dost not well, lieth not thy sin in the doors? Unto the also pertaineth the lust thereof, and thou shalt have dominion over it. And Cain spoke unto Abel his brother. (let us go forth) And it fortuned * Sapi. x. a 1. johun. 3. a Hebre. xii. ● Mat. ●3. d. Iuo●. ●. d. when they were in the field, Cain rose up against Abel his brother and slew him. And the lord said unto Cain. Where is Abel thy brother? Which said. I wot not. Am I my brother's keeper? And he said. What hast thou done? The voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me out of the ground. And now art thou cursed upon the earth, which hath opened her mouth, to receive thy brother's blood from thy hand. If thou till the ground, she shall not proceed to yield unto the her strength. Fugitive, and a vagabond shalt thou be in the earth. And Cain said unto the Lord. My * job. xv. ● iniquity is more, then that it may be forgiven. Behold, thou hast cast me out this day from the upper face of the earth, and from thy face shall I be hid. Fugitive also and a vagabond shall I be in the earth. And it shall come to pass, every one that findeth me, shall slay me. And the Lord said unto him, (it shall not be so) Yea, but who so ever sleeth Cain, it shall be avenged seven fold. And the Lord set a mark upon Cain lest any man finding him, should kill him. And Cain went out from the face of the Lord, and dwelt in the land Nod, Eastward from Eden. Cain also knew his wife, which conceived and bare Enoch, and building a city, he called the name of the same city after the name of his son Enoch. Unto the same Enoch was borne Irad. Irad begat Mehuiaell, and Mehuiaell begat Methuschael. Methuschaell begat Lamech. And Lamech took unto him two wives. The name of the one, Ada, & the name of the other Zylla. And Ada begat jabal, which was the father of such as dwell in tents/ and of such as have cattle. His brother's name was jubal, which was the father of all that handle harp, and organ. And Zylla also begat Thuball Cain, which wrought cunningly every craft of brass & of iron. The sister of Thubal Cain, was Naema. And Lamech said unto his wives Ada, and Zylla: Hear my voice ye wives of Lamech hearken unto my speech: If I have slay a man to the wounding of myself, and a young man to mine own punishment. If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy times, and seven times. Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son, and called his name Seth. For God (said she) hath appointed me another seed in stead of Abel, whom Cain slew. And unto the same Seth also there was borne a son, and he called his name▪ Enos▪ Then began they to make invocation in the name of the Lord. ¶ The Genealogy of Adam, and of other Fathers unto Noe. CAPI. V THis is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God▪ created man, in the likeness of God made he him. Male, and female created he them, and blessed them, and called their name Adam in the day of their creation. And Adam lived an hundred, and thirty years, and begat (a son) in his own likeness after his image, and called his name Seth. All the days of Adam (after he had begotten * i. Para. i a Seth) were eight hundred years, and he begat sons & daughters. And all the days that Adam lived, were nine ijundred and thirty years, and he died. Seth lived an hundred and five years, and begat Enos. And Seth lived (after he begat Enos) eight hundred years, and seven years, and begat sons and daughters. And all the days of Seth were, nine hundred, and twelve years. And he died. Enos lived ninety years, and begat Kenan. And Enos lived (after he begat Kenan) eight hundred, and fifteen years, and begat sons & daughters. And all the days of Enos were nine hundred, and five years. And he died. Kenan lived seventy years, and begat Mahelael. And kenan lived (after he begat Mahelael) eight hundred years, and forty years, and begat sons and daughters. And all the days of Kenan were nine hundred years, and ten years/ and he died. Mahelael lived syxtye years, & five years, and begat Jared. And again, Mahelael lived (after he begat Jared) eight hundred and thirty years, and begat sons and daughters. And all the days of Mahelael were eight hundred ninety, and five years. And he died. Jared lived an hundred/ and sixty, and two years, & begat Enoch. And Jared lived (after he begat Enoch) eight hundred years, and begat sons and daughters. And all the days of Jared were nine hundred, and sextye and two years. And he died. Enoch lived sextye and five years, & begat Methuselah. And Enoch * Eccle. 〈…〉 Hebre. 〈…〉 walked with God after he begat Methuselah, three hundred years, and begat sons and daughters. And all the days of Enoch were three hundred sextye, and five years. And Enoch * Gen. x 〈…〉 walked with god, & he (was ‡ S●● 〈…〉 4. Reg 〈…〉 no more seen), for god took him away. Methuselah also lived an hundred years, and eyghtye & seven years, and begat Lamech. And again Methuselah lived (after he begat Lamech,) seven hundred years, and eyghtye, & two years, and begat sons, and daughters. And all the days of Methuselah were nigh hundred years and sextye, and nine years, & he died. Lamech lived an hundred years & eyghtye and two years, & begat a son, and called his nyme Noah, saying. This same shall comfort us from our work and from the sorrow of our hands, from the earth, which God cursed. And Lamech lived (after he begat Noah) five hundred years & ninety and five years, and begat sons and daughters. And All the days of Lamech were seven hundred years/ & seventy, and seven years, & he died. Noah was five hundred year old. And Noah begat Sem/ Ham, and japheth. ¶ The cause of the flood: The malice of man's heart: God warneth Noah of the coming of the flood: The preparing of the Ark CAPI. VI ANd it came to pass, that man began to be multiplied in the upper face of the earth, & there were daughters borne unto them. The sons of god also saw the daughters of men that they were fair, and they took them wives of all that they had chosen. And the Lord said: My spirit shall not all way, strive in man because that he is flesh, & his days shallbe * i. Peter 〈…〉 an hundred, & twenty years. But there were giants in the earth in those days, yea & after that the sons of God came unto the daughters of men, & they had gendered unto them: the same became mighty men of the world, and men of renown. But god saw that the malice of man was great in the earth/ & all the imagination of the thoughts of his * Gene viii d heart was only evil every day. And it ‡ ●●. Re. xv. c repented the Lord, that he had made man in the earth, & he was touched with sorrow in his heart. And the Lord said: I will (from the upper face of the earth) destroy man, whom I have created both man, cattles/ worm/ and foul of the air, for it repenteth me that I have made them. But Noah found grace in the eyes of the lord. These are the generations of Noah. * Eccl. 44. b Noah was a just and a perfect man in his generations/ and * Genesi. v. c walked with God. Noah begat three sons: Sem, Ham, & japheth. The earth also was corrupt before god, and the same earth was filled with cruelty. And god looked upon the earth/ and behold, it was corrupt. For all flesh had corrupt his way upon earth. And God said unto Noah: The end of all flesh is come before me/ for the earth is filled with cruelty from the face of them. And behold, I will destroy them with the earth: Make the an Ark of pine trees. habitations shalt thou make in the Ark, and shalt pitch it within and without with pitch. And of this fashion shalt thou make it. The length of the Ark shallbe three hundred cubits. The breadth of it, fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits. A window shalt thou make in the Ark, and in a cubit shall thou finish it above, but the door of the Ark shalt thou set in the side thereof. With three loftꝭ one above another shalt thou make it. And behold, I, even I, do bring a flood of waters upon the earth, that I may destroy all flesh wherein is the breath of life under heaven: And every thing that is in the earth, shall die. With the also will I make my * Gene. ix. b and ● seven. a. covenant, & thou shalt come into the Ark, thou, & thy sons, thy wife, & thy so●●es wives with the. And of every living thing, & of all flesh, a pair of every one shalt thou bring into the Ark, to keep them alive with the. They shallbe male, & female. Of feathered fowls also after their kind, and of cattle after their kind, of every worm of the earth after his kind, two of every one shall come unto thee, that thou mayst keep them alive. And take thou with the of all meat that is eaten/ and thou shalt lay it up with thee, that it may be meat for thee, and them. Noah therefore did according unto all that God commanded him/ even so did he. ¶ The entrance of Noah, and of them that were with him into the Ark. The rising of the flood, wherthrow allthings did perish. CAPI. VII. ANd the Lord said unto Noah: Come thou and all thy house in to the Ark, for the have I seen * two. peter. two ● righteous before me in this generation. Of every * Levi. xi. a clean beast thou shalt take with the seven & seven The male & his female. But of unclean cattle two, the male, & his female. Of fowls also of the air/ seven & seven, the male and the female, to keep seed alive upon the face of all the hole earth. For yet after seven days I will rain upon the earth forty days, & forty nights. And all substance that I have made will I destroy from the upper face of the earth. Noah therefore did according unto all that God commanded him. And Noah was six hundred years, & the * Mat▪ 24. ● Luke. xvii ● froude of waters was upon the earth. And Noah came (and his sons, & his wife, & his sons wives with him) unto the Ark, because of the waters of the flood. Of clean cattles, & of unclean cattles, & of flying fowls, and of every such as creepeth upon the earth, there came two, and two unto Noah into the Ark, the male & the female, as God had commanded Noah. It fortuned also after seven days, & the waters of the flood were upon the earth. In the six hundred year of noah's life, in the second month, the seventh day of the month. In the same day were all the fountains of the great deep broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. And the rain was upon the earth forty days, and forty nights. In the self same day entered Noah, Sem, Ham and japheth the sons of Noah, & Noah's wife, & the three wives of his sons with them into the Ark: They & every beast after his kind/ & all cattles after their kind, yea and every worm that creepeth upon the earth after his kind/ & every bird after his kind/ and every flienge and feathered foul. And they came unto Noah into the Ark two, and two, of all flesh wherein is the breath of life. And they entering in, came male, and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him. And the Lord shut him in round about. And the * Sapi. x. ● flood came forty days upon the earth, & the waters were increased, and bore up the Ark, which was lift up above the earth. The waters also prevailed, and were increased exceedingly upon the earth, & the Ark floated on the upper face of the waters. And the waters prevailed exeedingly tongues, countries, and in their nations. Unto Sem also the father of all the chyldrem of Eber (and elder brother of jayheth) there were children borne. The children of Sem: Elam and Assur, Arphachsad/ & Lud, & Aram. The children of Aram: Hus, & Hull, Gether, & Mas * i. Para. i. d Arphachsad begat Selah, & Selah begat Eber. Unto Eber also were borne two sons: The name of the one was Peleg, for in his days was the earth divided. And his brother's name was jaketan. jaketan begat Almodad, and Saleph. Hazermaveth, and jerah, and Hodoran, and Uzall/ and Dickla/ Obal also/ and Abimael and Scheba, and Ophir, and Havila, and jobab. All these were the children of jaketan. And their dwelling was from Mesa, as thou goest unto Sephar a mountain of the east. These are the children of Sem after their kindred's, and tongues in their lands, and nations. And so these are the kindreds of children of Noah/ after their generations in their peoples, and of these were the nations divided in the earth after the flood. ¶ The building of Babel. The confusion of tongues. The generation of Sem the son of Noah, until Abram, which goeth with Lot unto Haran. CAPI. XI. ALL the hole earth was of one language, and like speech. And it heppened when they went forth from the east, they found a plain in the land of Sinhar, and there they abode. And they said every one●o his neighbour: Come/ let us prepare bryck, and burn them in the fire. And they had brick for stone, & slime had they in stead of mortar. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a towet, whose top may reach unto heaven/ & let us make us a name, least haply we be scattered abroad in to the upper face of the hole earth. But the Lord came down, to see the city, and tower which the children of men builded. And the Lord said: Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language, and this they by begin to do, neither will it be restrained from them, whatsoever they have imagined to do. Come on, let us go down, and confound there their language, that every one perceive not his neighbours speech. And so the Lord scattered them from that place in to the upper face of all the earth. And they left of to build the city. And therefore is the name of it called * Geneti. x. b confusion. Babel, because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth. And from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. These are the generations of Sem: Sem was an hundred year old, & begat Arphachsad two year after the flood. And Sem lived (after he begat Arphachsad) five hundred years, and begat sons, and daughters. Arphachsad lived five and thirty years And begat Selah. And Arphachsad lived (after he begat Selah) four hundred, and three years/ and begat sons, and daughters. Selah lived thirty years/ and begat Eber. And Selah lived (after he begat Eber) four hundred and three years, and be got sons and daughters. Eber lived four and thirty years, and begat Peleg. And Eber lived (after he begat Peleg) four hundred/ and thirty years and begat sons, and daughters. Peleg lived thirty years, and begat Reu. And Peleg lived (after he begat Reu) two hundred and nine years, & begat sons and daughters. Reu lived two and thirty years, and begat Serug. And Reu lived (after he begat Serug) two hundred and seven years, and begat sons and daughters. Serug lived thirty years, and begat Nahor. And Serug lived (after he begat Nahor) two hundred years, and begat sons and daughters. And Nahor lived nine & twenty years and begat Terah. And Nahor lived (after he begat Terah) an hundred and nynetene years/ and begat sons and douhhters. Terah lived seventeen years/ and begat Abram, Nahor/ and Haran. These are the generations of * i. Para. i. d joshua, 24 a Terah: Terah begat Abram, Nahor, & Haran. Haran begat Lot. And Haran died in the presence of Terah his father/ in the land of his nativity even in Ur of the Caldees. Abram/ and Nahor took them wives. The name of Abraham's wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahors wife was Milca, the daughter of Haran the father of Milca/ & the father of jisea. But * Hebre. x●●. Sarai was barren, and had no child. And Terah took Abram * joshua 24. ● two. Esd. ix. b his son, and Lot the son of Haran, his sons son/ and Sara his daughter in law, his son Abraham's wife. And they departed together from Ur of the Caldees, that they might go into the land of Chanaan/ and they came unto Charan, and dwelt there. And the days of Terah were two hundred, and five years/ and Terah died in Charan. ¶ Abram is blessed of God, & goeth with Lot unto the lunbe of Canaan, which god promised to give unto him and his seed. Abram goeth into Egypt, and causeth Sarai his wife to call herself his sister, for whom Pharaoh is plagued. CAPI. XII. ANd the Lord said unto Abram. * ●des. seven. a Hebru. xi. c Get the out of thy country, and out of thy nation, and from thy father's house▪ unto a laud that I will show the. And I will make of the a great people, and will * Gene. 18. r. and. xxii r. Acts. three d. bless thee, and make thy name great, that thou mayst be a blessing. I will also bless them that bless thee, and curse such as curseth thee/ and in the shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. And so Abram departed even as the lord spoke unto him/ and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy and five years old/ when he departed out of Charan. And Abram took Sarai his wife and Lot his brother's son/ and all their * Gene. ●ii. a and xiiii. c substance that they had in possession/ and the souls that they had begotten in Charan. And they departed/ that they might come in to the land of Canaan, & in to the land of Canaan they came. Abram passed thorough the land unto the place of Sichem, & unto the plain of Moreh. And the Cananite was then in the land. And the Lord appearing unto Abram/ said. Unto thy * Gene. xiii. d xv. d. xvii v Deut. 34. v seed will I give this land. And there builded he an altar unto the lord/ even where he had appeared unto him. And removing thence unto a mountain that was eastward from Beehel, he pitched his tent, having bethel on the west side, and Hal on the East. And he building an altar unto the Lord, did call on the name of the Lord. And Abram went forth going and departing toward the South. But there was a dearth in that land, and therefore went Abram down in to Egypte, that he might sojourn there, for there was afore dearth in the land. And it happened when he was come near to enter in to Egypt he said unto Sarai his wife. Behold, I know, that thou art a fair woman to look upon. Therefore shall it come to pass that when the egyptians see thee, they shall say. She is his wife. And they shall kill me, but they shall save the alive. say (I pray thee) that * Give. xx. a thou art my sister, that I may far well for thy sake, and that my soul may live thorough thine occasion. And so it happened, when Abram was come in to Egypte, the Egyptians beheld the woman, for she was very fair. The princes also of Pharaoh saw her, and commended her before Pharaoh, and the woman was taken in to pharao's house. And he entreated Abram well for her sake, and he had sheep and oxen, and he asses, men servants, and maid servants, she asses and camels. And the Lord smote Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abraham's wife. And Pharaoh calling Abram said? Why hast thou done this unto me? Why didst thou not tell me, that she was thy wife? Why saidest thou, she is my sister and I took her to my wife? Now therefore behold there is thy wife, take her, and go thy way. And Pharaoh gave the men commandment concerning him, and they conveyed him forth, and his wife, and all that he had. ¶ Abram and Lot depart out of Egypte. And Abram divideth his land, and castle with Lot his brother son. Again here is promised unto At ●●m the land of Canaan. CAPI. XIII ANd so Abram got him up out of Egipte, he and his wife, and * Gene. xii. ● all that he had, and Lot with him, toward the south. And Abram was very rich, in cattle, in silver, and gold. And he went forth on his journey from the south toward bethel, unto the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Hat. Even unto the place of the * Gene. xii. c. altar which he had made there at the first, and there Abram called on the name of the Lord. Lot also which went with Abram had sheep, cattle, and tents, and the land was not able to receive them, that they might dwell together, for the * Gene. 36. a substance of their riches was great, and they could not dwell together. And there fell a strife between the herdsmen of Abraham's cattle, & the herdsmen of Lot's cattle. Moreover the * Gene. xii. ● Canaanites and the Pheresytes dwelled at that time in the land. Then said Abram unto Lot. Let there be no strife (I pray thee) between the and me, and * Eccle. 25. ● between my herdsmen and thine, for we be brethren. Is not all the * Heir. xi. a. hole land before the. Depart I pray the fro me. If thou wilt take the left hand, I will go to the right. And if thou depart to the right hand, I will go to the left. And so Lot lifting up his eyes, beheld all the country of jordane, which was a plenteous country of water every where, before the Lord destroyed Sodom and gomorra, even as the garden of the lord, like the land of Egypte as thou comest unto Zoar. Then Lot chose all the plain country of jordane, & took his journey from the east. And so departed the one brother from the other. Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot abode in the cities of the plain, & tented until Sodom. But * Eze. x●i●. the men of Sodom were wicked, and exceeding sinners before the Lord. And the Lord said unto Abram, after that Lot was departed from him. lift up thine eyes now, & look from the place where thou art, northward, soutwarde, eastward and westward, for all * Gene. xii. b 17. b. ● 26 a Acts. seven. a the land which thou seest will I give unto the and to thy seed for ever. And I will make thy seed, as the dust of the earth, so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, thy feed also shall be numbered. Arise and walk about in the land, after the length of it, and after the breadth thereof, for I will give it unto the. And Abram removing his tent, came and dwelled in the valleys of Mamre, namely in Ebron, and builded there an altar to the Lord. ¶ Lot is taken prisoner: The victory of Abram of the Sodomities. Lot is delyurred by Abram. Melchisedech offereth gifts unto Abram, Abram payeth tithes to Melchisedech. CAPI. XIIII. ANd it chanced in the days of Amraphaell king of Synhar, Aryoch king of Ellasar, Kedorlaomor king of Elam And Thydeall king of the nations. And they made war with Bera king of Sodom, & with Birsa king of Gomorra, and with Sineab king of Adama, and with Semeabar king of Zeboim, and with the king of Bela, the same is Zoar. All these were joined together in the vale of Siddim where the salt See is. For twelve year were they subject to king Kedorlaomor, and in the. xiii. year they rebelled. But in the. xiiii. year came Kedorlaomor, and the kings that were with him, & smote the giants in Astaroth Karnaim, and the Susyms in Ham, and the Emyms in the plain of Kariathim, & the Horyms in moun taynes Seir unto the plain of Pharam, which bordreth upon the wilderness. And they returning came to En Mispat, which is Kades, and smote all the country of the Amalechytes, & also the Amorites that dwelled in Hazezon Thamar. And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorra, and the king of Adama, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bala, which is Zoar. And warred with them in the vale of Syddym, that is to say, with Kedorlaomor the king of Elam, and with Thydeall king of the Nations, and with Amraphaell king of Synhar. And with Arioch king of Ellasar four kings against five. And that vale of Syddym was full of slime pits. And the king of Sodom and Gomorra fled, and fell there. And they that remained, fled to the mountain. And they taking all the goods of Sodom and Gomorra, and all their victuals, went their way. And they carried away Lot also Abraham's brothers son, and his good (for he dwelled in Sodom) and departed. And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew, which dwelled in the valleys of * Gene. x●● Mamre the Amoryte, brother of Escholl, and brother of Aner, which were confederate with Abram. When Abram heard that his brother was taken, he harnessed his fresh young men, borne in his own house three hundred and eighteen, and followed on them until Dan. And he was set in array upon them by night, he and his servants, and smote them, and pursued them unto Hoba, which lieth on the left hand of Damascos, and recovered all the goods, and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, the women also and the people. After that he returned again from the slaughter of Kedorlaomor, & of the kings that were with him, came the king of Sodom forth to meet him in the plain valcy, which is kings dale. And * Hebr▪ v●●●. Melchisedech king of Salem brought forth bread and wine, for he was the priest of the most highest God, and blessed him, and said. Blessed be Abram unto the high God possessor of heaven and earth. And blessed be the high God which hath delivered thine enemies in to thy hand. And so he gave him tithes of all. And the king of Sodom said unto Abram. give me the souls, and take the goods to thyself. And Abram answered the king of Sodom. I have lift up my hand unto the Lord the high god possessor of heaven and earth, that I will not take of all that is thine, so moche as a thread or shoe latchet, least thou shouldest say, I have made Abram rich. Save only that which the young men have eaten, and the parts of the men which went with me, Aner, Eschol and Mamre which shall take their parts. ¶ To Abram is promised Isaac. And again the land of Lanaā●●pro●●ysed. The faith of Abram. The bondage and deliverance of the children of Israel. CAPI. XV. AFter these things were done, the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying. Fear not Abram, I am thy defence, and thy reward shall be exceeding great. And Abram said. LORD God what wilt thou give me when I go childless, and the child of the stewadshyp of my house is this Eleazar of Damascus. And Abraham said. See, to me hast thou given no seed, and lo, a lad borne in my house is mine heir. And behold, the word of the lord came unto him saying. He shall not be thine heir, but one that shall come out of thine own body shall be thine heir. And he brought him out and said. Look up unto heaven, and tell the * Iere 33 d Roma. 4. d stars, if thou be able to number them. And hesayd unto him, * Roma. 4. ● even so shall thy seed be. And Abraham * jacob. two. d Gala. iii a. believed the Lord, and that counted he to him for righteousness. And again/ he said unto him. I am the Lord that brought the out of Ur, of the Caldees, to give the this land, and that thou mightest possess it. And he said. Lord God, whereby shall I know that I shall possess it? He answered him. Take an heifer of three year old, and a she goote of three year old, and a three year old, ram, a turtle dove also, and a young pigeon. He took therefore all these unto him, and divided them in the mids, & laid every piece, one against an other. But the fowls divided he not. And when the birds fell on the carcases, Abram drove them away. And when the son was down, there fell a slumber upon Abram. And lo, a dark & great fear fell upon him. And he said unto Abram. Know this of a surety, that thy * Acts. seven. a seed shall be a stranger in a land that pertaineth not unto them. And shall serve them, and they shall entreat them evil * Erodi. xii. f judith. v. b Gala. iii. a. four hundred years. Yet not with standing the nation whom they shall serve, will I judge. And afterward shall they come out with great substance. And thou shalt go unto thy fathers in peace, and shalt be buried in a good old age. But in the fourth genera cyon they shall return hither again, for the wickedness of the Amorites is not yet full. And it came to pass that when the son went down, there was a dark cloud. And behold, there was a smoking furnace and a fire brand going between the said pieces. In that same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram saying * Gene. 24. a . Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypte, even unto the great river, the river Euphrates, the Kenytes, the Kenizites, and the Cadmonites, the Hethites, and the Pherezites, and the giants, the Amorites also, and the Canaanites, the Gergesytes & the jebusites. ¶ Agar conceiveth: She▪ fletth Satai. She is comforted of the Angel: She beareth Ishmael. CAPI. XVI SArai Abraham's wife bore him no children. But she had an hand maid an Egyptian, Agar by name. And Sarai said unto Abram. Behold the Lord hath restrained me, that I can not bear. I pray the go in unto my maid, peradventure I may be edified by her. And Abram obeyed the voice of Sarai. And Sarai Abraham's wife took Agar her maid the Egyptian (after Abram had dwelled. x. year in the land of Canaan) and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife. Which when he had gone in unto Agar, she conceived. And when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes. And Sarai said unto Abram. Thou dost me wrong▪ I have given my maid in to thy bosom. Which saying that she hath conceived, I am despised in her eyes the lord judge between the & me. But Abram said to Sarai. Behold, thy maid is in thy hand, do with her as it pleaseth the. And when Sarai fared foul with her, she fled from the face of her. And the angel of the Lord found her beside a fountain of water in the wilderness, even by the well that is in the way to Sur. And he said. Agar Sarais maid, whence camest thou, & whither goest thou? She said. I i'll from the face of my master Sarai▪ And the angel of the lord said unto her. Return to thy master again, & submit thyself unto her hands. And again, the angel of the Lord said unto her. In increasing I will increase thy seed, & it shall not be numbered for multitude▪ And the lords angel said unto her, se 〈…〉 art with child and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael, for the Lord hath heard thy tribulation. He also will be a wild man, and his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him. And he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren. And she called the name of the Lord that spoke unto her. Thou God lookest on me, for she said. I have not seen here the back parts of him that seeth me? Wherefore the well was called, the well of him that liveth and seeth me. And it is between Cades and Bared. And Agar bore Abram a son, & Abram called his sons name which Agar bore unto him, Ishmael. And Abram was. lxxxvi. year old, when Agar bore him Ishmael. Abram is called Abraham: and Sarai is named Sara. The land of Canaan is here the fifth time promised. Circumsision. Isaac is promised. Abraham prayeth for Ishmael. CAPI. xvii. WHen Abram was ninety year old/ and. ix. the Lord appeared to Abram and said unto him. I am the almighty god. Walk * Genes. v. d Gene. vi. c. before me and be thou perfit. And I will make my bond between me and thee, and will multiply the exeedingly. And Abram fell on his face. And GOD talked with him, saying. Behold, I am, and my testament is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many * Eccle. 44. c nations. Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham. * Roma. iiii c For a father of many nations have I made thee, I will make the to grow exceedingly, and will make nations of thee: Yea and kings shall spring out of the. Moreover I will make my bond * Acts. seven. b between me and thee, and thy seed after thee, in their generations, by an everlasting testament, that I may be God unto the and to thy seed after the. And I will give unto the & to thy seed after thee, * ●eue. xiii d the land wherein thou art a stranger, even all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and will be their God. And god said again unto Abraham, and thou therefore shalt keep my testament, both thou and thy seed after the in their generations. This is my testament which ye shall keep between me and you, & thy seed after the. Every man-child among you shallbe circumcised. Ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be a * Roma. 4. b token of the bond between me and you. And every man child of. viii. days * Gent. xxi. a Luke. two. d Levi. xii. e. old shall be circumcised among you, and such as be in your gone 〈…〉 s, and borne at home, and he that is bought with money of any stranger which is not of thy seed. He that is borne in thy house, and he also that is bought with money, must needs be circumcised. And my testament shall be in your flesh, for an everlasting bond. And the uncircumcised man child, in whose flesh the foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall perish, from his people, because he hath broken my testament And God said unto Abraham. Sarai thy wife shalt thou not call Sarai, but Sara shall her name be. And I will bless her, and have given the a son of her, and will bless her: people also, yea & kings of people shall spring of her. But Abraham fell upon his face & laughed, and said in his heart. Shall a child be borne unto him that is an hundred year old, and shall Sara that is ninety year old, bear? And Abraham said unto God. O that Ishmael might live in thy sight. Unto whom God said. Sara thy wife shall * Gene. 18. b. bear the a son in deed, & thou shalt call his name Isaac. And I will make my bond with him, for an * Esai. 24. b. everlasting bond, & with his seed after him. And as concerning Ishmael also, I have herd the. For I have blessed him, and will make him to increase, and will multiply him exceedingly. Twelve * Gene. 25. b. princes shall he beget, & I will make a great nation of him. But my bond will I make with Isaac, which Sara shall bear unto thee, even this time twelve month. And he left of talking with him, & departed up from Abraham. Abraham took Ishmael his son and all such as were borne in his house & all that was bought with money as many as were menchyldrens, which were among the men of Abraham's house, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin, even in that self same day, as god had said unto him. Abraham also himself was eighteen year old &. ix. when the flesh of his foreskin, was circumcised. Ishmael his son was xiii. year old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. The self same day was Abraham circumcised & Ishmael his son. And all the men of his house, borne in his house, or bought with meney (of strangers) were circumcised with him. ¶ There appeared three men unto Abraham. Isaac is promised. Sara laugheth. The destruction of the Sodomites is declared unto Abraham. Abraham prayeth for them. CAPI. XVIII. ANd the lord appeared unto him in the plain of Mamre, and he sat in his tent door in the heat of the day. And he lift up his eyes and looked, and lo, three men stood by him. And when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, & fell on the ground, and said. Lord (I beseech thee) if I have found favour in thy sight, go not (I pray thee) from thy servant. Let a little water be fet, and wash your feet, and refresh yourselves under the tree. And I will fet a * judi. nineteen. i morsel of bread, to comfort your hearts withal. And then shall ye go your ways, for even therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said. Do even so as thou hast said. And Abraham went a pace in to his tent unto Sara, and said. Make ready at once three pecks of fine meal, kneade it, and make cakes. And Abraham running unto his beasts, set a calf tendre and good and gave it unto a young man, and he hasted to make it ready at once. And he took butter and milk and the calf which he had prepared, & set it before them, & stood himself by them under the tree * Tobi. xii▪ judi. xiii. when they did eat. And they said unto him. Where is Sara thy wife? He answered. Behold, she is in the tent. And he said, In returning, I will come again unto thee, according to the time of life. And lo * Roma. ix b Sara thy wife shall have a son. That heard Sara, in the tent door which was behind him. Abraham & Sara were both old and well stricken in age, and it ceased to be with Sara after the manner, as it is with women. Therefore Sara laughed within herself, saying. Now I am warred old, shall I give myself 〈◊〉 * Eccl. 25. a. lust, & my lord old also? And God said unto Abraham. Wherefore laughed Sara, saying. Shall I of a surety bear a child which am old? is there any thing wonderful to God? According to the time * 4. Re. iiiii. c Roma. ix. b appointed, will I return unto the even according to the time of life, & Sara shall have a son. But Sara denied, saying. I laughed not, for she was afraid. And he said. It is not so, but thou laughed. And then these men rising up, looked toward Sodom. And Abraham went with them to bring them on the way. And the lord said. Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do? seeing that Abraham shall be a * Eccle xliiii. Gene. 17. a great and a mighty people, & all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, & do after right and conscience, that the lord may bring upon Abraham all that he hath spoken unto him. And the lord said. * Ezec. xvi. c. The cry of Sodom and Gomorra is great, & their sin is exceeding grievous. I will go down now and see whither they have done all together according to that cry which is come unto me, and if not, that I may know. And the men departed thence & went to Sodom ward. But Abraham stood yet before the Lord, & Abraham drew near and said. wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? peradventure there be. l. righteous within the city, wilt thou destroy, and not spare the place for the sake of. l. righteous that are therein? that be far from thee, that thou shouldest do after this saying, and slay the righteous with the wicked, & that the righteous should be as the wicked that be far from the. Shall not the judge of all the world do according to right? And the lord said. If I find in Sodom. l. righteous within the City, I will spare all the place for their sakes. And Abraham answering said. Behold, I take upon me to speak unto my lord, * Gene. two. b which am but dust & ashes. Peradventure there shall lack five of fifty righteous. wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said. If I find. xl. & five, I will not destroy them. And he proceeded to speak unto him again, saying. Peradventure there shallbe forty found there. ●He answered. I will not do it for fourtyes sake. He said again. O, let not my Lord be angry that I speak. Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said. I will do nothing if I find thirty there. He said again. O se, I take upon me to speak now also unto my lord. Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. He answered. I will not destroy them for twentyes' sake. And he said. O let not my Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but ones. Peradventure there shall ten be found there. He answered. I will not destroy them for tens sake. And the lord went his way as soon as he left commoning with Abraham. And Abraham also returned unto his place. ¶ Lot receiveth Angels in to his house: The filthy justes of the Sodomites, & their subversion: Lot is delivered: the city zoar: Lot's wife is turned into a pillar of salt: Lot is dronkers his incest with his daughters. CAPI XIX. ANd there came. two. angels to Sodom, at even. And Lot sat in the gate of Sodom. And Lot seeing them, rose up to meet them, and he bowed himself to the ground with his face. And he said. My lords, turn in I pray you in to your servants house, & tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early to go on your ways. Which said, Nay, but we will bide in the streets all night. And he in manner did even * Gene. 23. a, compel them violently. And they turning in unto him entered in to his house, a 〈…〉 made them a feast, and did bake sweet 〈…〉 d and they did * Luk. xxiii. c eat. And before they went to Tobi. xii. d rest, the men of the city (even the men of Sodom) compassed the house round about both old and young, all the people from all quarters. And they calling unto Lot, said unto him. Where are the men which came in to the this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them. And Lot went out at the doors unto them, and shut the door after him, and said. Nay for God's sake brethren, do not so wickedly. Behold I have two daughters which have known no man, them will I bring out now unto you, and do with them as it seemeth good in your eyes. Only unto these men do nothing, for therefore came they in, under the shadow of my rose. And they said. Stand aside there. And they said, he came in as one to sojourn and will he be now a * E●od. two. b A●t●●. seven. d judge? we will now deal worse with the then with them. And they pressed sore upon the man, even Lot, and came to break up the door, but the men put forth their hand and pulled Lot in to the house to them, and shut to the door. And the men that were at the door of the house, they smote with blindness * Sapi. nineteen: c 4. Reg. 6. d both small and great, so that they fainted & could not find the door. And the men said unto Lot. If thou have yet here any son in law or sons or daughters, or what so ever thou hast in the city, bring it out of this place, for we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is great * Gene. 18. ● before the face of god, for the Lord hath sent us to destroy it. And Lot went out and spoke unto his sons in law which married his boughters, saying, stand up, get you out of this place, for the Lord will over throw this city. But he seemed as though he had mocked, unto his sons in law. And when the morning arose the angel caused Lot to speed him saying. Stand up, take thy wife & thy two. daughters at hand, lest peradventure thou perish in the sin of the city. And as he prolonged the time, the men caught both him, his wife and his two daughters by the hands, The lord being merciful unto him, and they brought him forth, and set him without the city. It fortuned when they had brought them out, he said. Save thy life, and look not behind thee, neither tarry thou in all this plain country. Save thyself in the mountain, least thou perish. And Lot said unto them. No, I pray the my Lord. Behold, thy set●●●●t hath found grace in thy sight, and thou hast magnified thy mercy, which thou hast showed unto me, in saving my life. Behold, I can not be saved in the mountain, least haply some misfortune fall upon me, & I die. Behold here is a city by, to flee unto even yonder little one. Oh, let me be saved there, is it not a little one, and my soul shall live? And he said to him, see I have received thy request as concerning this thing, that I will not overthrow this city for the which thou hast spoken. Haste thee, & be saved there, for I can do nothing till thou be come thither. And therefore the name of the city is called Zoar. And the son was now risen upon the earth, when Lot was entered in to Zoer. Then the Lord rained upon * Esai. xiii. d Jere l. f Ez●. xvi. ●. Sodom & Gomorra▪ brimstone and fire from the lord out of heaven, & overthrew those cities & all the region, & all that dwelled in the cities, & that that grew upon the earth. But Lot's wife looked behind her, & was turned in to a pillar of salt. But Abraham rising up early, got him to the place where he stood before the presence of God, and looking toward Sodom and Gomorra and toward all the land of that country he looked. And behold the smoke of the country arose as the smoke of a furnace. And it happened that when god destroyed the cities of that region, he thought upon Abraham, and sent Lot * two. pet●●. Sapi, ● Amos 4▪ Luck. 〈◊〉 judi. ●. ● out from the mids of the overthrowing, when he overthrew the cities where Lot dwelled. And Lot departed out of Zoar, & dwelled in the mountain & his. two. daughters were with him, for he feared to tarry in Zoar, but dwelled in a cave he & his. two. daughters. And the elder said unto the younger. Our father is old, & there is not a man in the earth to come in unto us after the manner of all the world. Come, we will make our father drunken with wine, & lie which him, that we may save seed of our father. And so they made their father drunken with wine that night. And the elder daughter went & lay which her father. And he perceived it not, neither when she lay down, nor when she rose up. And on the morrow it happened that the elder said unto the younger, behold, yesternight lay I with my father. Let us make him drunk, with wine this night also and come thou & lie which him, that we may raise up seed of our father. And they made their Father drunk with wine that night also. And the younger arose, & lay with him. And he perceived it not: neither when she lay down, neither when she rose up. Thus were both the daughters of Lot with child by their father. And the elder bare a son, & called his name Moab. The same is the father of the Moabites unto this day. And the younger bore a son also & called his name Ben Ammy. The same is the father of the children of Ammon unto this day. ¶ Abraham went as a stranger in the land of Gerar. The ●yngeo Gerar taketh away his wife. CAPI. XX. ANd Abraham departed thence toward the south country, and dwelled between Cades, and Sur: and Sojourned in Gerar. And Abraham said of Sara his wife: she is my * Gene.. xii. and xxvi. ● sister. And Abimalech king of Gerar sent, and fet Sara away. But God came to Abimalech in dream in the night and said to him: See, thou shalt die for the woman's sake which thou haste taken away, for she is a man's wife. But Abimalech had not yet come nigh her, & he said: Lord wilt thou slay rightwise people? said not he untome, she is my sister? Yea▪ and said not she herself: he is my▪ brother? with a pure heart and innocent hands have I done this▪ And God said unto him by a dream. I wot it well that thou dydell▪ it 〈◊〉 the pureness of thy heart. I kept the also that thou shouldest not sin against me, and therefore suffered I the not to touch her. Now therefore deliver the man his wife again, for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, that thou mayst live. But & if thou deliver her not again, be sure that thou shalt die the death, both thou, and all that thou hast. And so Abimelech rising up betimes in the morning called all his servants, and told all these sayings in their eats, and the men were sore afraid. And Abimelech called Abraham & said unto him. What hast thou done unto us, and what have I offended thee▪ that thou hast brought on me & on my kingdom so great a sin thou hast done deeds unto me that ought not to be done. And Abimelech said unto Abraham. What sa●pest thou that thou hast done this thing? Abraham answered. For I said, surely the fear of god is not in this place, and they shall sl●e me for my wives sake, yet in very deed she is my sister, for she is the daughter of my father, though she be not the daughter of my mother and she became my wife. And after, god caused me to wander out of my father's house, I said unto her. This kindness shalt thou show unto me in all places where we come, that thou say of me, he is my brother. Then took Abimelech sheep and oxen, men servants and women servants and gave them unto Abraham, & delivered him Sara his wife again. And Abimelech said. Behold, my land lieth before thee, dwell where it pleaseth the best. But unto Sara he said. See, I have given thy brother a thousand pieces of silver. Behold, it shallbe a covering of thine eyes unto all that are with the. And thus withal was she reproved. And so Abraham prayed unto god, and god healed Abimelech and his wife and his maidens, and they bare children. For the Lord had closed to all the matryces of the house of Abimelech, because of Sara Abraham's wife. ¶ Isaac is borne. Agar is cast out with her young ●orme I●▪ ●a●●●. The ange●● comforteth Agar. The covenant sythment Abimel●ch and Abraham. CAPI. XXI. THe lord visited Sara as he had said and did unto her * ●●. xviii. b ●nd. xvii. c. Gala. iiii. ● Hebre. xi. ● according as he had promised. For Sara was with child and bare Abraham a son in his old age/ even the same season which the lord had appointed him. And Abraham called his sons name that was borne unto him, which Math. i. ● joshua. xxiiii. a Sara & bore him, Isaac. And Abraham ‡ Gen. 17. ● cyrcumcysed Isaac his son when he was. viii. days old, as God commanded him. And Abraham was an hundred year old, when his son Isaac was borne unto him, But Sara said, God hath made me ● laughing stock; so that all that hear, will laugh at me. She said also ● Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sara should have given children suck? for I have borne him a son in his old age. The child grow, and was weyned, and Abraham made a great feast, the same day that Isaac was weyned. And Sara saw the Son of Agar the Egyptyan, (which she had borne unto Abraham) to be a mocker. Wherefore she said unto Abraham, * Put away this bond maid and her son for the son of this bond woman shall not be heir with my son Isaac, and this saying was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son. And God said unto Abraham. Let it not be grievous in thy fight because of the lad and of thy bond maid. All that Sara saith unto thee, here her voice for * in Isaac shall thy seed be called. More over of the son of the bond woman will I make a nation, by cause he is thy ‡ seed. And so Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Ager, putting it on her shoulders with the lad also, & sent her away, who departing, wandered up and down in the wilderness of Beer Seba. And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the lad under a bush and went and sat on the other side a great way, as it were a boweshot of, for she said. I will not see the death of the child. And she sitting down on the other side, lift up her voice and wept. And god heard the voice of the child. And the angel of God called Ager out of heaven and said unto her. What aileth the Ager? Fear not for God hath herd the voice of the child. Arise, and lift up the lad from the place in which he is, & take him in thy hand, for I will make of him a great people. And god opened her eyes, & she saw a well of water▪ she went & filled the bottle with water, & gave the boy drink. And god was with the lad, & he grew & dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer. And he dwelt in the wilderness of Pbaran. And his mother got him a wife out of the land of Egypte. And it chanced the same season, that Abimelech and Phicol chief captain of his host spoke unto Abraham saying. * 〈…〉. 26. ● God is with the in all that thou dost. And now therefore swear unto me even here by God, th●● thou wilt not hurt me, nor my children, nor my children's children. But that thou shalt deal with me/ and the ●olintrey where thou haste be●●●●●●aunge●, according unto the kindness tha● I ha●●● showed the. And Abraham said▪ I will sw●●●. And Abraham rebuked, Ab●●elech for a well of water, which Abimelechs' servants had violently taken away. And Abimelech said. I wot not who hath done this thing. Also thou toldest me not, neither herd I of it, but this day. And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech. And they made both if them ab●nde together: And Abraham set all, ewe lambs by themselves. And Abimelech ●●d unto Abraham▪ What mean these seven. ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves? He answ●●d. For these. seven. lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well. Wherefore the place is called Beer Seba, because that there they swore both of them. Thus made they a bond together in Beer Seba. And Abimelech and Phicoll the chief Captain of his host rose up, and turned again unto the land of the Philistines. And Abraham planted a wood in Beer Seba, and called there on the name of the lord, the everlasting god, and sojourned in the Philistius land a long season. The faith of Abraham is proved, he offered his son Isaac. Chryst our saviour is promised. The generation of Nachor Abraham's brother. CAPI. XXII. AFter these sayings it happened that God did * prove Abraham, and said unto him. Abraham, which answered, here am I And he said, take thy only son Isaac whom thou lovest, and get the unto the land Moria, and offer him up there for a Sacrifice upon one of the mountains, which I will show the. Then Abraham rose up early in the morning, and saddled his ass, and took two of his young men with him, and Isaac his son, and clove wood for the sacrifice, and rose up, and got him to the place which God had appointed him. The third day Abraham life up his eyes and saw the place a far of. And Abraham said unto his young men. Abide you here with the ass, I and the lad will go yonder/ and worship, and come again unto you. And Abraham took the wood of the sacrifice & laybe it upon Isaac his son, but he himself took fire in his hand, and a knife. And they went ba●●● of them together. When spoke Isaac unto Abraham his 〈◊〉 and said: My father? And he answer 〈…〉 th●●e am I my son. He said: See here ●●●yre and wood, but where is the sheep for sacrifice? Abraham answered: my son, God will provide him a sheep for sacrifice. And so they went both together. And when they cam● unto the place which God had showed him, Abraham made an jaco. two. ●●. Mat. two. ● altar there, and dressed the wood, & bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar above upon the wood. And Abraham stretching▪ forth his hand, took the kynfe to have killed his son. And the angel of the Lord called unto him from heaven, saying: Abraham Abraham? And he said: here am I And he said: lay not thy hand upon the child, neither do any thing at all unto him, for now I know that thou fearest god, and hast for my sake not spared thine only son And Abraham lifting up his eyes, looked about: and behold, there was a ram caught by the horns in a thicket. And he went, and took the ram and offered him up for a sacrifice in the stead of his son. And Abraham called the name of the place, the Lord will se. As it is said this day: in the mount will the Lord be seen. And the angel of the lord cried unto Abraham from heaven the second Hebre. vi. ● time, and said: By myself have I sworn (sayeth the Lord) because thou haste done this thing, and haste not spared thy only son: that in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplyenge I will multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven, & as the sand which is upon the see side. And thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies. And in thy seed Gene. xii. ● Act. iii. d Gala. iii. ● shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because thou haste heard my voice. And so turned Abraham again unto his young men, and they rose up and came together to Beer Seba. And Abraham dwelt in Beer Seba. And it chanced after these things, that one told Abraham saying: Behold, Milcha, she hath also borne children unto thy brother Nachor: Hus his eldest son, and Bus his brother, and Kemuel the father of the Siraans', and ceased, and Haso/ and Pyldas, and jedlaph/ and bethuel. And Bethuel begat Rebecca. These. viii. did Milcha bear to Nachor Abraham's brother. And his concubine called Rhuma, she bore also Tebah, and Gaham, Thaas, & Maacha. ¶ Sara dieth, and is buried in the field that Abraham bought of Ephron the Hittite. CAPI. XXIII. SAra was an hundred, and xxvii year old (so long lived she) and Sara died in Kyriat Arba. The same is Hebron in the land of Canaan. And Abraham came to mourn Sara, & to weep for her. And so Abraham stood up from the sight of his course, & spoke to the sons of Heth, saying. I am a stranger/ and a foryner among you/ give me a possession to bury i●● with you/ that I may bury my corpse out of my sight. And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying unto him: Hear us lord, thou art a prince of God among us. In the chiefest of our sepulchers bury thy deed. None of us also shall forbid the his sepulchre, but thou mayst bury thy deed therein? And Abraham stood up, & bowed himself before the people of the land/ the children of Heth. And he commoned with them saying. If it be your mind that I shall bury my deed out of my sight/ hear me: and speak for me to Ephron the son of Zoar: that he may give me the double cave which he hath/ and that is in the end of his field/ but for as much money/ as it is worth shall he give it me in the presence of you/ for a possession to bury in. For Ephron dwelled among the children of Heth. And Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the audience of the children of Heth, & of all that went in at the gates of his city, saying. Not so my Lord/ hear me. The field give I thee/ and the cave that therein is, give I the also/ & even in the presence of the sons of my people give I it thee/ bury thy deed. And Abraham bowed him self before the people of the land, and spoke unto Ephron in the audience of the people of the country/ saying: I pray the hear me if it please the I will give silver for the field, take it/ of me/ and I will bury my deed there. Ephron answered Abraham saying unto him. My Lord/ hearken unto me. The land is worth four hundred sycles of silver: what is that betwixt the & me? bury therefore thy deed. And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron, & weighed him the silver which he had said/ in the audience of the sons of Heth. Even. iiii hundred silver sycles of currant money among merchants. And the field of Epron with the duoble cave which was before Manre, even the field and the cave that was therein/ and all the trees th●t were in the field, & that were in all the b 〈…〉 s round about, was made sure but 〈…〉 ham for a possession/ in the sight 〈…〉 ldrens of Heth, before all that went in at the gates of the city. After this did Abraham bury Sara his wife in the double cave of the field that lieth before Mamre. The same is Hebron in the land of Chanaan. And so both the field & the cave that is therein/ was made unto Abraham a sure possession to bury in, of the sons of Heth ¶ Abraham sendeth a servant to seek a wife for his son. The faithful Isaac taketh fair Rebecca to wife. CAPI. XXIIII. ABraham was old and stricken in days and the Lord had blessed him in all things. And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house which had the rule over all that he had. Put thy hand under my thy, & I will make the swear by the Lord god of heaven, & god of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son, of the daughters of Chanaan, among which I dwell. But thou shalt go unto my country and to my native land, & take a wife unto my son Isaac. But the servant said unto him, peradventure the woman will not agree to come with me unto this land, shall I bring thy son again unto the land which thou camest out of? To whom Abraham answered: be ware, that thou bring not my son thither again. The Lord God of heaven which took me from my father's house, & from the land where I was borne, and which spoke unto me, and that swore unto me, saying: unto thy * Gene. ●v. ● Gene. xii. ● seed will I give this land/ he shall ●ende his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence. Nevertheless if the woman will not agree to follow thee/ than shalt thou be with out danger of this my doth. Only bring not my son thither again. And the servant put his hand under the thy of Abraham his master, & swore to him as concerning that ma●●er. And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master and departed, & had of all manner goods of his master with him, and stood up and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor. And made his camels to lie down without the city by a well's side of water, at even: about the time that women come out to draw water/ & he said. Lord god of my master Abraham I beseech thee, send me good speed this day, and show mercy unto my master Abraham. Lo I stand here by the well of water/ and the daughters of the men of this city come out to draw water, Now the damsel to whom I say/ hold down thy pitcher I pray the that I may drink. If she say also: drink/ and I will give thy camels drink, the same is she that thou haste ordained for thy servant Isaac: yea, and thereby shall I know that thou hast showed mercy on my master. And it came to pass or he had left speaking behold, Rebecca came out/ the daughter of Bethuel, son to Mylca the wife of Nahor Abraham's brother, and her pitcher upon her shoulder. The damsel was very fair to look upon, and yet a maid, and unknown of man. And she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up. And the servant running unto her: said, Let me sup a little water of thy pitcher. And she said: drink my lord. And she hasted & let down her pitcher upon her arm, and gave him drink. And when she had gynen him drink, she said. I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have drunk enough. And she powered out her pitcher in to the trough hastily, & ran again unto the well to fet water: and drew for all his camels. And the man wondered at her. But held his peace, to weet whether the Lord had made his journey prosperous or not. And it fortuned as the camels had left drinking, the man took a golden earring of half a sickle weight, and two bracelets for her hands, of ten sickles weight of gold, and said. Whose daughter art thou? tell me I pray thee, is there room in thy father's house for us to lodge in? She answered him, I am the daughter of Bathu ell the son of Milca, which she bore unto Nahor: & said moreover unto him: we have litter and pravonder enough, & also room to lodge in. And the man bowed himself, & worshipped the Lord, and said: blessed be the Lord god of my master Abraham, which ceaseth not to deal mercifully and truly with my master, and hath brought me the way to my masters brother's house. And the damsel ran & told them of her mother's house these things. And Rebecca had a brother called Laban. And he ran out unto the man, even to the well: for as soon as he had seen thy earrings, and the bracelettees in his sisters hands (and heard the words of Rebecca his sister saying: thus said the man unto me) he went out unto the man. And loo, he stood with the camels by the well side. And he said: come in thou blessed of the Lord. Wherefore standest thou without? I have dressed the house, and made room for the camels. And then the man came in to the house, and he unbryd led the camels, and (Laban) brought litter, and pravonder for the camels, and water to wash his feet, and the mennꝭ feet that were with him/ and set meat before him to eat▪ But he said I will not eat, until I have said mine erande. And he said: say on. And he said, I am Abraham's servant, and God hath blessed my master out of measure, that he is become great, & hath given him sheep, and oxen, silver and gold, menseruantes, & maid servants, camels, and asses. And * Gene. xx●● Sara my masters wife bore him a son, when she was old, and unto him hath he given all that he hath. And my master made me swear saying: thou shalt not take a wife to my son among the daughters of the Cananytes in whose land I dwell. But thou shalt go unto my father's house/ and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son. And I said unto my master: peradventure the wife will not follow me? And he answered me. The Lord, before whom I walk, will send his angel with thee, & prosper thy journey, & thou shalt take a wife for my son, of my kindred/ and of my father's house. Then shalt thou be guiltless of my curse, when thou comest to my kindred. And if they give the not one, thou shalt be guiltless of my curse. And so I came this day unto the well, & said. O Lord, the god of my master Abraham, if thou makest my journey which I go, prosperous: behold I stand by this well of water, and when a virgin cometh forth to draw water, and I say to her: give me (I pray thee) a little water of thy pitcher to drink, and she say to me: drink thou, and I will also draw for thy camels, that same is the wife whom the Lord hath prepared for my masters son. And before I had made an end of speaking in mine heart: behold Rebecca came forth, and her pitcher on her shoulder, and she went down unto the well, and drew water And I said to her, give me drink I pray the. And she made haste, and took down her pitcher from of her, and said, drink, and I will give thy camels drink also. And I drank, and she gave the camels drink also. And I asked her, saying: whose daughter arte y●? She answered/ the daughter of Bathuell Nahors Son * Gene. 2●. ● and. xxiii● whom Milca bore unto him. And I put the ear-ring upon her face, and the bracellettes upon her hands. And I bowed myself, and worshepped the Lord, and blessed the Lord God of my master Abraham which had brought me the right way, to take my masters brother's daughter unto his son. Now also if ye will deal mercifully/ and truly with my master tell me, and if not, tell me also: that I may turn me to the right hand or the left. Then answered Laban, and Bathuell/ saying. This saying is proceeded even out of the Lord, we can not therefore say unto the either good or bad: behold, Rebecca is before thee, take her/ and go/ that she may be thy masters sons wife/ even as god hath said. And when Abraham's servant heard their words, he worshipped the lord, flat upon the earth. And the servant took forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold and raiment, and gave them to Rebecca. And unto her brother/ and to her mother, he gave gifts. And they did eat, and drink/ both he and the men that were with him, & tarried all night. And when they rose up in the morning. He said: let me depart unto my may stir. Her brother/ and her mother answered, let the damsel abide with us a while/ and it be but even ten days/ and than shall she go. He said unto them, hinder me not, behold: the Lord hath prospered my journey. Send me away therefore, that I may go unto my master. And they said/ we will call the damsel/ and inquire at her mouth, and they called forth Rebecca, and said unto her, wilt thou go with this man? And she answered, I will go. And so they let Rebecca their sister go, and her norse, and Abraham's servant, and his men. And they blessed Rebecca, and said unto her. Thou art our sister, grow in to thousand thousands, * Gene. xxii. ● and thy seed possess the gace of their enemies. And Rebecca arose and her damsels, and sat them up upon the camels, & went their way after the man. And the servant took Rebecca, and went his way. And Isaac was coming from the way of the well, which was called of the * Gene xvi. d living and saying me, for he dwelled in the south country, and Isaac was gone out to pray in the field at the even tide. And lifting up his eyes he saw the camels coming. And Rebecca lift up her eyes/ and when she saw Isaac, she lighted of the camel, & said unto the servant, what man is this, that cometh walking against us in the field? And the servant said, it is my master. Therefore she took her cloak, and put it about her. And the servant told Isaac all things that he had done. And Isaac brought her in to his mother's Saras tent, and took Rebecca/ and she became his wife, and he loved her, and so Isaac received comfort after his mother. ¶ Abraham took Kethura to his wife. Abraham dieth. The genealogy. and death of Ishmael. The birth of jacob. and Esau. Esau selleth his birthright. CAPI. XXV. ABraham proceeded further/ & took him a wife called Kethura, which bore him Simran, and jecksan, and Medan, & Midian, and/ jesback, and Suah. jecksan begat Seba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were. Assurim/ Letusim, & Leumim. And the sonnis of Midian: Epha/ and Ephar Hanoch, and Abida, and Elda. All these were the children of Kethura. And Abraham gave all his goods unto Isaac. But unto the sons of the concubines which Abraham had/ he gave gifts, and sent them away from Isaac his son (while he yet lived) Eastward, unto the land of Kedes. And these are the days of the years of Abraham's life which he lived, an hundred and. lxxv. year/ and then fell sick, and died/ in a * Gene. xv. ●. lusty age (when he had lived enough) and was put unto his people. And his sonnis Isaac, and Ishmael buried him in the double cave in the field of Ephron son of Zoar/ the Hethyre beside the plain of Mamre. Which field Abraham bought of the sonnis of Heth. There was Abraham buried/ and Sara his wife. It fortuned that after the death of Abraham that god blessed Isaac his son, and Isaac dwelled by the well of the living, and saying me. These are the generacious of Ishmael, Abraham's son, which Agar the Egypcian Saras handmaid bare unto Abraham. And these are the names of the sons of Ishmael, in their names according to their kindreds. The eldest son of Ishmael: Nebaioth, and Cedar, and Adbeel, & Mibsam/ and Misma/ Duma/ and Masa, and Hadar Thema, jetur, Naphis, and Kedma. These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names by their towns and castles, * Gene xvii ● i. Para. i. b twelve princes of their households. And these are the years of the life of Ishmael, an hundred/ and xxxvii. year, and he feli sick, and died/ & was laid unto his people. And they dwelled from Hevilah unto Sur, that is by the border of Egypt, as thou goest toward the Assiryans. And he died in the presence of all his brethren. And these are the generations of Isaac Abraham's son, Abraham begat Isaac. And Isaac was forty year old when he took Rebecca to wife, the daughter of Bathuell the Sirian of Mesopotamia/ and sister to Laban the Sirien. And Isaac made intercession unto the Lord for his wife, because she was barren/ and the Lord was entreated of him, and Rebecca his wife conceived/ and the children strove together within her. There fore she said/ if it should go so to pass, what helpeth it that I am with child? Wherefore she went to ask the Lord. And the Lord said unto her/ there are two manner of people in thy womb, and two nations shall be divided out of thy bowels, and the one nation shallbe mighty then the other, and the * Roma. ix. c elder shallbe servant unto the younger. Therefore when her time was come to be delivered, behold/ there were two twins in her womb. And he that came out first was reed, and he was all over as it were a rough garment, & they called his name Esau. And after him, came his brother out, & his hand holding Esau by the * Dsec, xii. ●. heel. And his name was called jacob. And Isaac was. ix. year old when they were borne/ and the boys grew, and Esau became a cunning hunter/ and tylman. But jacob was a perfit man/ and dwelled in the tents. Isaac loved Esau because he did eat of his venison, but Rebecca loved jacob. jacob sod pottage/ and Esau came from the field/ and was fayntye, and Esau said to jacob/ fede me I pray the with that reed pottage, for I am fayntye. And therefore was his name called * ●bdi. ●. ● Edom. And jacob said, sell me this day thy ‡ ●ebre. xii c birthright. Esau said, Loo I am at the point to die/ & what profit shall this byrthryght do me? jacob answered * ●●●●. 47 g swear to me then this day. And he swore to him, and sold his birthright unto jacob. Then jacob gave Esau bread/ and pottage of rise. And he did eat/ and drink/ and rose up, and went his way. And Esau re guarded not his birthright. ¶ Isaac is rebuked of Abim●lech, for calling Rebecca his sy●●ex. Chryst is promised. The chiding of the 〈◊〉 for the wells. Isaac is comforted. The atonement between Abim●lech and Isaac. The bigamy of Esau. CAPI. XXVI. ANd there came a dearth in the land, pass sing the first dearth that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistians unto Gerat. And the Lord appeared unto him, and said: Go not down into Egypte, but bide in the land which I shall show unto thee, sojourn in this land/ and I will be with thee/ and will bless thee/ for unto the and unto thy seed I will give all these * ●●n●. 〈◊〉. b. and xiii. d countries. And I will perform the oath which I swore unto Abraham thy father, and will * G●n●. xv. b and. xxii. c Eccl, ●●●●●● multiply thy seed as the stars of heaven/ and will give unto thy seed all these countries. And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed/ because that Abraham hearkened unto my voice, and kept mine ordinances/ my commandments, my statutes, and my laws. And Isaac dwelled in Gerar. And the men of the place asked him of his wife/ and he said: she is my * Gene. 〈…〉 and. 〈◊〉▪ ●. sister, for he feared to say, She is my wife. least the men of the place should have killed him because of Rebecca which was beautiful to the eye. And it happened after he had been there long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistians looked out at a window/ and saw Isaac sporting with Rebecca his wife. And Abimelech called Isaac, and said, she is of a surety thy wife, & why saidest thou: She is my sister? To whom Isaac answered, I thought that I might peradventure have died for her sake. Abimelech said, why haste thou done this unto us? one of the people might lightly have line by thy wife, & so shouldest thou have brought sin upon us. And so Abime lech charged all his people, saying: he that toucheth this man or his wife, shall die the death. Isaac sowed in that land, and found in that same year an. C. bushels, and the Lord blessed him, and the man waxed mighty, and went forth and grew till he was exceeding great/ for he had possession of sheep/ of oxen and a mighty household, and therefore the Philistians had envy at him, for the Philistines stopped, and filled up with earth all the wells which his father servants digged in his father abraham's tyme. And Abimelech said unto Isaac, get the from us for thou art mightier than we a great deal. Therefore Isaac departed thence, and abode in the valley of G●●ar/ and dwelled there. And Isaac returning, digged again the well of water which they digged in the days of Abraham his father, which the Philistyans had stopped after the death of Abraham/ and gave them the same names which his father gave them. Isaac's servants digged in the valley, and found a well of living water. And the herdsmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdsmen, saying: the water is ours. Then called he the well * Conten▪ cyon. Eseck, because they strove with him. And they digged another well/ & strove for that also. And he called the name of it * Enmyt●. Sitena. And then he departed thence/ and digged another well for the which they stxove not, therefore called he it * Iargen●s Rehoboth, saying: The Lord hath now made us room, that we may increase upon the earth. And he went up thence, to Beer Seba. And the Lord appeared unto him the same night, and said: I am the God of Abraham thy father, fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiylye thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake. And he builded an altar there, and called upon the name of the Lord/ and pitched his tent. And there Isaac's servants digged a well. Then came Abimelech unto him from Gerar, and Ahusath his friend, and Phicell chief captain of his work. And Isaac said unto them: Wherefore come ye to me, saying ye hate me and have put me away from you? Which answered: In saying, we saw that the * Gene. xxi. c. Lord was with thee/ & we said: let there be now an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a bond with thee, that thou shouldest do us no hurt, as we have not touched thee, and as we have done unto the nothing but good, and sent the away in peace, for thou art now the blessed of the Lord. And he made them a feast, and they did eate and drink. And they rose up by times in the morning, and swore one to another. And Isaac sent them away. And they departed from him in peace. And that same day it happened, that Isaac's servants came and told him of a well which they had digged, and said unto him, we have found water. And he called it * Oth. Seba. And the name of the city is called Beer Seba unto this day. Esau was xl. year old and he took a wife called judith, the daughter of Bery an Hethyte, and Basmath the daughter of Elon, an Hethyte also, which were disobedient unto Isaac, and Rebecca. ¶ jacob stealeth the blessing from Esau by his mother's counsel. Isaac is sad. Esau is comforted. The hatred of Esau towards jacob. CAPI. XXVII. ANd it came to pass that when Isaac waxed old and his eyes were dim (so that he could not se.) He called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him: my son Which said to him: here am I And he said, behold, I am now old, & know not the day of my death, and now therefore take thy weapons, thy quiver, & thy bow, & get the to the fields, that thou mayst take me some venison, and make me meat such as I love, and bring it me, that I may eat, and that my soul may bless the before that I die. But Rebecca heard when Isaac spoke to Esau his son. And Esau went in to the field to catch Uenyson, and to bring it. ✚ And Rebecca said unto jacob her son, saying? Behold I have herd thy father talking with Esau thy brother and saying: bring me venison, and make me meat, that I may eat and bless the before the Lord/ afore my death. Now therefore my son hear my voice in that which I command thee: get the to the flock, and bring me thence two good kids: that I may make meat of them for thy father, such as he loveth. And thou shalt bring it to thy father, that he ●●aye eat: and that he may bless the before his death. Then said jacob to Rebecca his mother: behold, Esau my brother is a rough man, & I am smooth. My father shall peradventure feel me/ & I shall seem unto him as though I went about to beguile him, and so shall he bring a curse upon me, and not a blessing: and his mother said unto him: Upon me be thy curse my son, only hear my voice, and go and fetch me them. And jacob went and fet them, and brought them to his mother. And his mother made meat such as she knew his father loved. And Rebecca fet goodly raiment of her eldest son Esau, which were in the house with her, & put them upon jacob her youngest son/ and she put the kid skins upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck. And she put the meat and bread which she had prepared, in the hand of her son jacob. Wher●he came to his father, he said: my father? And he answered: here am I, who art thou my son? And jacob said unto his father: I am Esau thy eldest son, I have done according as thou badst me, up and sit, and eat of my venison, that thy soul may bless me. And Isaac said unto his son, how cometh it that thou haste found it so quickly my son? He answered: The Lord thy God brought it to my hand. Then said Isaac unto jacob/ come near and ●et me feel the my son, whether thou be my son Esau or not. Then went jacob to Isaac his father, and he felt him, and said: the voice is jacob's voice, but the hands/ are the hands of Esau. And so he knew him not, because his hands were rough, as his brother Esau's hands: and so he blessed him. And he asked him, art thou my son Esau? And he said, I am. Then said he, bring me/ and let me eat of my sonnis venison, that my soul may bless the. And he brought him and he eat. And he brought him wine also & he drank. And his father Isaac said unto him, come near/ and kiss me my son. And he went unto him and kissed him. And he smelled the savour of his raiment, & * Ec●le, ili. b. Hebru. xi. d blessed him, & said See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field which the Lord hath blessed, God give the of the dew of heaven, and of the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn, and wine. People be thy servants, and nations bow unto the. Be Lord over thy brethren, and thy mother's children stoop unto the. Cursed be he that curseth thee, and blessed be he that blesseth the. It happened that as soon as Isaac had made an end of blessing, and jacob was scarce gone out from the presence of Isaac his father. Then came Esau his brother from his hunting, and had made also meat, and brought it unto his father/ and said unto his father, let my father arise and eat of his sons venyson/ that thy soul may bless me. Then his father Isaac said unto him, who art thou? he answered, I am thy eldest son Esau. And Isaac was greatly astonied out of measure, and said, which is he/ & where is he then that hath hunted venison, & brought it me? and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him, and he shall be blessed. When Esau heard the words of his father, he cried out greatly & bitterly/ above measure, and said unto his father, bless me also my father. Who answered: thy brother came with subtilty, and hath taken away thy blessing. And he said again: He may well be called jacob, for he hath undermined me now two times, first he took away my byrthryght and see/ now hath he taken away my blessing also. And he said, haste thou kept never a blessing for me? Isaac answered and said unto Esau: be hold I have made him thy Lord/ and all his mother's children have I made his servants. Moreover with corn & wine have I stablished him/ what can I do unto the now my son? And Esau said unto his father, haste thou but that one blessing my father? bless me also my father, so lifted up Esau his voice and * Hebre. xiie wept. Then Isaac his father answered and said unto him, behold, thy owelling place shall be the fatness of the earth/ & of the dew of heaven from above. ⊢ And with thy sword shalt thou live, and shalt be thy brother's servant. And it will come to pass, that when thou shalt get the maystryens, thou shalt lose his yoke from of thy neck. And Esau * Eb●i. i. e hated jacob, because of the blessing that his Father blessed him with all. And Esau said in his heart. The days of my father's sorrow are at hand, and I will slay my brother jacob. And these words of Esau her eldest son were told to Rebecca. And she sent and called jacob her youngest son, and said unto him, behold thy brother Esau threateneth to kill thee/ now therefore my son hear my voice, make the ready to flee to Laban my brother at Haran, and tarry with him a while * Gene. 33. ●● until thy brother's fierceness be suaged, & until thy brother's wrath turn away from thee, and he for get the things which thou hast done to him. Then will I send and fet the away from thence. Why should I be desolate of you both in one day? And Rebecca spoke to Isaac, I am weary of my life, for fear of the daughters of Heth. If jacob take a wife of the donghters of Heth, such one as these are, or of the daughters of the land, what good shall my life do me? ¶ jacob is sent into Mesopotamia to Laban for a wife. Esau marrieth an Ismaclite. jacob dreameth. Chryst is pro mysed. jacob voweth. CAPI. XXVIII. ANd so Isaac called jacob and * Gene. 27 ●● blessed him, and charged him/ and sarde unto him, see thou take not a wife of the daughters of Canaan, but arise and get the to Mesopotamia to the house of Bethuel thy motherz father/ and there take the a wife of the daughters of Laban thy mother's brother. And god almighty bless thee, and make the to increase, & multiply thee/ that thou mayst be a number of people, and give the blessing of Abraham, to the and to thy seed with thee/ that thou mayst possess the land (wherein thou art a stranger) which God gave unto Abraham. Thus Isaac sent forth jacob. And he went to Mesopotamia unto Laban/ son of Bethuel the Sirien, and brother to Rebecca jacob and Esau's mother. When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed jacob/ and sent him to * Osec. 〈◊〉 Mesopotamia/ to fet him a wife thence/ and that as he blessed him he gave him a charge, saying: thou shalt not take a wife of the daughters of Canaan, and that jacob had obeyed his father and mother, and was gone unto Mesopotamia: & Esau saying also that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac his father, than went he unto Ishmael/ and took unto the wives which he had, Mahala the daughter of Ishmael Abraham's son, the sister of Nabaioth to be his wife. jacob departed from Beer Seba/ to come unto Haran, and came unto a place by chance, & tarried there all night, because the Son was down. And took a stone of the place, and put it under his heed, and laid him down in the same place to sleep. And he dreamt, and behold, there stood a ladder upon the earth/ & the top of it reached up to heaven. And see, the angels of God went up and down upon it, yea and God stood nigh it/ and said. I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: The land which thou sleepest upon, will I give the and thy seed. And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth/ and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, to the east, to the north, and to the south. And thorough thee, & in thy seed shall all the kindred's of the earth be blessed. And see I am with thee/ and will keep the in all places whether thou goest, and will bring the again in to this land, neither will I leave the until I have made good all that I have promised the. When jacob was awaked out of his sleep/ he said: surely the lord is in this place/ and I was not aware. And he was afraid, and said/ how fearful is this place? it is none other, but even the house of God, & the gate of heaven. And jacob stood up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had laid under his head/ and pitched it up an end * Gene. 31. b. and powered oil on the top of it. And he called the name of the place * The House of god bethel, but the name of the city was called Lus, before tyme. And jacob vowed a vow, saying: If God will be with me, and will keep me in this journey which I go, and will give me bread to eat, and clothes to put on, so that I come again unto my father's house in safety: then shall the Lord be my God, and this stone which I have set up an end, shall be God's house, and of all that thou shalt give me, will I give the tenth unto the. ¶ jacob cometh to Laban, and serveth seven year for Rahel Lea was brought to his bed in stead of Rahel. He marrieth both. Lea conceiveth. CAPI. XXIX. THen jacob lift up his feet, and came into the east country. And as he looked about, behold there was a well in the field, and three flocks of sheep lay thereby (for at that well were the flocks watered) & there was a great stone upon the well mouth. And thither were all the flocks brought, and they rolled the stone from the wells mouth, and watered the sheep, & put the stone again upon the wells mouth into his place. And jacob said unto them, my brethren whence be ye? And they said: of Haran are we. And he said unto them, know ye Laban the son of Nahor? They said: we know him. And he said unto them again: Is he in good health? And they said, he his in good health, and behold, his daughter rahel cometh with the sheep. And he said, lo, it is yet but high day, neither is it time that the cattle should be gathered together, water ye the sheep and go and feed them. And they said, we may not, until all the flocks be brought together, & till they roll the stone from the wells mouth, and so we water our sheep. While he yet talked with them, rahel came with her father's sheep, for she kept them As soon as jacob saw Rahel, the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, he went and rolled the stone from the wells mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother. And jacob kissed rahel, and lift up his voice and wept, and jacob told Rahel that he was her father's brother, and Rebeccas' son. Therefore ran she and told her father. And it happened when Laban heard tell of jacob his sisters son, he ran to meet him and inbraced him, & kissed him/ & brought him to his house. And he told Laban all the matter. To whom Laban said, well, thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month. And Laban said unto jacob: Though thou be my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me/ what shall thy wages be? Laban had two daughters, the eldest called Lea, and the youngest Rahel. Lea was tender eyed, but rahel was beautiful and well favoured. And jacob loved rahel, and said: I will serve the seven year for Rahel thy youngest daughter. Laban answered: it is better that I give her thee, then to another man: bide with me. And jacob served * Gene. xii. b. seven years for rahel and they seemed unto him but a few days/ for the love he had to her. And jacob said unto Laban: give me my wife, that I may lie with her. For my days are fulfilled. Then Laban gathered together all the men of that place, & made a feast. And when even was come, he took Lea his daughter, & brought her to him, and he went * Gene. xxi. ●. in unto her. And Laban gave unto his daughter Lea, Zilpha his maid; to be her servant. (To whom when lacob came in according to the custom.) And when the morning was come, behold it was Lea. Then said he to Laban, wherefore hast thou played thus with me? did not I serve the for rahel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me? Laban answered: it is not the manner of this place, to marry the days journey, & overtook him at the mount Gilead. And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him. Take heed, that thou speak not to jacob ought save good. And Laban overtook jacob, and jacob had pitched his tent in the mount. And Laban with his brethren pitched their tent also upon the mount Gilead. And Laban said to jacob. Why hast thou this done to steal away my heart, and carry away my daughters as though they had been taken captive with the sword? Wherefore goest thou away secretly unknown to me and didst not tell me, that I might have brought the on the way with mirth, singing tymtell, and harp, and hast not suffered me to kiss my children and my daughters? Thou wast * i Reg. 13. c. two. Pat. 16 c a fool now to do it, for I am able to do you evil. But the God of your father spoke unto me yesterday, saying. Take heed that thou speak not to jacob ought save good. And now though thou goest thy way, because thou longest after thy father's house, yet wherefore hast thou stolen my Gods? jacob answered and said to Laban, because I was afraid, and thought that thou wouldest have taken away thy daughters from me. But (where as thou layest theft to my charge.) with whom so ever thou findest thy godis, let him die here before our brethren. Seek that thine is by me, and take it to the. But jacob wist not that rahel had stolen them. Then went Laban in to jacob's tent, and in to Leas tent, and in to the two maidens tents, & found them not. Then went he out of Leas tent, and entered in to Rahels' tent. And Rahel had taken the images and put them in the Camel's straw, & sat down upon them. And Laban searched all the tent, and found them not. Then said she to her father. My Lord, be not angry that I can not rise up before thee, for the custom of women is come upon me. So searched he, but found not those idols. And jacob was wroth, and did chide with Laban. jacob also answered and said to Laban. What have I trespassed, or what have I offended, that thou followedst so after me? Thou hast searched all my stuff, and what hast thou found of all thy household stuff? put it here before thy brethren and mine that they may judge between us both. Behold. This. xx. year have I been with thee, thy sheep & thy gootes have not been barren, & the rams of thy flock have I not eaten. What soever was torn of beasts I brought it not unto thee, but made it good myself. Of my hand didst thou require it, even as it that was stolen by day or night. By day the heat consumed me, and the frost by night and my sleep departed fro mine eyes. Thus have I been. xx. year in thy house, and served the * Gene. 29. ●● xiiii. years for thy. two. daughters, &. vi. years for thy sheep, and thou hast changed my reward. x. times. And except the god of my father, the God of Abraham, & the fere of Isaac had been with me: surely thou hadst sent me away now all empty. But god beheld my tribulation/ and the labour of my hands: and rebuked the yester day. Laban answered and said unto jacob: these daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and these sheep are my sheep, and all that thou seest is mine. And what can I do this day unto these my daughters, or unto their children which they have borne? Now therefore come on/ and let us make a bond, I and thou: which may be a witness between the and me. Then took jacob a stone and set it up an end, & jacob said unto his brethren: gather stones. And they took stones, & made an heap, and they did eat thereupon the heap. And Laban called it * The h●● of wy●● jegar Sahadutha, but jacob called it * Tum●● testific●● Gilead. (either of them according to the property of his own language.) Then said Laban. This heap is * A totc●● witness between the and me this day, and therefore it is called Gilead. (that is a heap of witness.) And Mizpah. For he said. The Lord look between me & the when we are departed one from an other. If thou shalt vex my daughters or shalt take other wives beside my daughters. Here is no man with us. Behold, God be witness between the and me. And Laban said more over to jacob. Behold, this heap and this mark which I have set here, between me & the. This heap be witness and also this mark that I will not come over this heap to thee, nor thou shalt not come over this heap/ and this mark unto me, to do any harm. The God of Abraham, the God of Nahor, and the God of their fathers be judge between us. And jacob swore by the fear of his father Isaac. Then jacob did sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread. And they did eat bread and tarried all night in the hill. And early in the morning Laban rose up and kissed his children and his daughters, and blessed them. And Laban departing, went unto his place again. ¶ The vision of Angels. jacob sendeth presents to Esau. He wrestleth with the Angel, which changed his name, and called him Israel. CAPI. XXXII. BUT jacob went forth on his journey. And the angel of God came, and met him. And when jacob same them, he said, this is god's host, & called the name of that place * 29 〈◊〉 double ●●nye. Mahanaim. (This is an army.) And jacob sent messengers before him to Esau his brother, unto the land * josua 24. a of Seit and the field of Edom. And he commanded them, saying. Thus shall ye speak to my lord Esau, thy servant jacob saith thus. I have sojourned and been a stranger with Laban unto this time and have oxen, asses, and sheep, men servants, and women servants, and have sent to show it my Lord that I may find grace in thy sight. And the messengers came again to jacob, saying. We came unto thy brother Esau, and he cometh against thee/ and hath four hundred men with him. But jacob was greatly afraid, and wist not which way to turn himself, and divided the people that was with him, and the Sheep, and Oxen, and Camels, into two companies, and said. If Esau come to the one part and smite it, the other shall save itself. And jacob said again. O god of my father Abraham, & God of my father Isaac, Lord which saidest unto me * Gene. 13. b. return unto thy country and to thy kindred, & I will do all well with the. I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and truth/ which thou hast showed unto thy servant. For with my staff came I over this jordan, and now have I gotten two droves. deliver me from the hands of my brother Esau, for I fear him, least he will come and smite the mother with the children. Thou saidest, I will surely do the good, and make thy seed as the sand of the see, which can not be numbered for multitude. And he tarried there that same night, and took of that which came to hand, a present, for Esau his brother two hundred she goats &. xx. he goats. two. hundred sheep, and. xx. rams, thirty mylche camels with their colts. xl. kine and. x. bulls. xx. she asses and x. fools, and delivered them in to the hand of his servants, every drove by themselves and said unto his servants. Go forth before me, and put a space between drove and drove. And he commanded the foremost, saying. If Esau my brother meet the and ask thee, saying. Whose art thou, and whither goest thou, and whose are these that go before thee? Thou shalt say, they be thy servant jacob's, and it is a present sent unto my lord Esau, & behold himself cometh after us. And so commanded he the second, and the third, and all that followed the droves, saying. Of this manerse that ye speak unto Esau when ye meet him, and say moreover thy servant jacob also cometh after us, for he said, I will pease his wrath with the present that goeth before me, and afterward I will see him myself, if peradventure he will receive me to grace. So went the present before him, and he tarried all that night in the company, and rose up the same night & took his two wives and his. two. maidens, and his xi. sons, and went over the ford jabok. And he took them and sent them over the river, and sent over all that he had, and tarried behind himself alone. And there * O see, xii. v. wrestled a man with him unto the breaking of the day. And when he saw that he could not prevail against him, he smote him under the thy, and the synowe of jacob's thy shrank, as he wrestled with him. And he said. Let me go, for the day breaketh. Which answered. I will not let the go, except thou bless me. And he said unto him. What is thy name? He answered, jacob. He said. Thou shalt be called jacob no more, but * Gene. 35. v. Israel. For as a prince hast thou wrestled with God, and with man, and hast prevailed. And jacob asked him, saying. Tell me thy name. And he said, wherefore dost thou so ask after my * judi. xiii. c. name? and he blessed him there. And jacob called the name of the place * The face of God. Pheniell, for I have seen god/ face to face: & my life is preserved. And as he went over Pheniell the Son rose upon him/ and he halted upon his thy. And therefore is it that the children of Israel eat not of the synow that shrank in that place of the thy/ unto this day: because that he touched the place of jacob's thy in the synowe that shrunk. ¶ Esau and jacob are agreed: And jacob came unto Sicheni. CAPI. XXXIII. Jacob lifting up his eyes, looked. And behold, Esau came, having with him four hundred men. And he divided the children unto Lea and unto rahel, and unto the two maidens. And he put the maidens and their children formoost, and Lea and her children after, and rahel and joseph hyndermost. And he went before them and * Gene. nineteen a. fell on the ground. seven. times until he came unto his brother. Esau * Gene. 27. ● came to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck, and kissed him, & they wept. And he lift up his eyes & saw the women, and the children, & said. Whence hast thou these? (And do they belong unto the) And he answered, they are the children, which God hath given thy servant. Then came the maidens forth, and their children, and did their obeisance. Lea also with her children came, and did their obeisance. And last of all came joseph and Rahel, and did their obeisance. And he said, what is all the drove, which I met? He answered, that I may find grace in the sight of my lord. And Esau said. I have enough my brother, keep that thou hast unto thyself. To whom jacob answered, oh nay, but if I have found grace in thy sight, receive my present of my hand, for I have seen thy face * Hester. ●v d as though I had seen the face of god. And thou hast had a good will toward me. Oh take my blessing that is brought thee, for God hath had mercy on me. (giving me all things.) And I have enough. And so he compelled him, and he took it. And he said. Let us take our journey and go, I will go before the. jacob answered him, my Lord. Thou knowest, that the children are tender, and the ewes & kine with young under mine hand, which if men should overdryve but even one day all the sheep will die. Oh let my lord go before his servant, and I will drive fair and softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children, be able to endure, until I come to my Lord unto Seir. And Esau said. Let me yet leave some of my folk with the. And he answered, what needeth it? (This one thing only have I need of.) Let me find grace in the sight of my Lord. So Esau went his way again that same day unto Seir. And jacob took his journey toward Sucoth, and built him an house, and made bothes for his cattle. And therefore is it, that the name of the place is called * Bothes. Sucoth. And jacob came to Salem a city of Sichem which is in the land of Canaan, after that he was come from Mesopotamia, and pitched before the city, and bought a parcel of ground (where he pitched his tent) of the children of Hemor Sichems' father, for an hundred pieces of money. And he made there an altar, and called upon the mighty God of Israel. ¶ The ravishing of Dyna jacob's daughter. The men of Sichem are slain by the sons of jacob. CAPI. XXXIIII. DINA the daughter of Lea, * Gene. 〈…〉 which she bore unto jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. Whom when Sichem the son of Hemor the Hevite Lord of the country saw, he took her, and lay with her, and * two. Reg. 〈◊〉. forced her, and his heart lay unto Dina the daughter of jacob. And he loved that damsel and spoke kindly unto her, and Sichem spoke unto his father Hemor, saying: get me this maiden unto my wife. And jacob heard that he had defiled Dina his daughter, his sons being with their cattle in the field, and he held his peace, until they were come. And Hemor the father of Sichem went out unto jacob, to common with him. And when the sonnis of jacob coming out of the field heard it, it grieved them and they were not a little wroth, because he had wrought folly in Israel, in that he had lain with jacob's daughter, which thing ought not to be done. And Hemor commoned with them saying: the soul of my son Sichem longeth for your daughter: give her him to wife, & make marriage with us/ and give your daughters unto us, and take our daughters unto you, and ye shall dwell with us, & the land shall be before you, dwell and do your business, and have your possessions therein. And Sichem said unto her father, and her brethren: let me find grace in your eyes, and what soever ye appoint me, that will I give. Ask freely of me, both the dowry, and gifts, and I will give according as ye say unto me, so that ye give me the Damsel to wife. But the sons of jacob answered to Sichem and Hemor his father talking among themselves deceytefully, because he had defiled Dina their sister. And they said unto them. We can not do this thing that we should give our sister to one that is uncircumcised, for that were a shame unto us. But in this will we consent unto you? If ye will be as we be, & all the men children among you be circumcised, them will we give our daughters to you, & take your daughters to us, & will dwell with you, & be one people. But & if ye will not hearken unto us to be circumcised, then will we take our daughter & go our ways. Their words pleased Hemor, and Sichem his son. And the young man deferred not for to do the thing, because he had a lust to jacob's daughter. He was also most set by of all that were in his father's house. Then Hemor & Sichem his son went unto the gate of their city, and commoned with the men of theyʒ city, saying. These men are unfeigned toward us, and dwell in the land and do their ocupation therein. And in the land is to wine enough for them, we will take their daughters to wives, and give them our daughters. Only herein will they consent unto us for to dwell with us, and to be one people. If all the men children that are among us be circumcised as they are. Shall not their goods, and their substance, and all their cattle be ours, only if we consent unto them? For they will dwell with us. And unto Hemor and Sichem his son hearkened all that went out at the gate of his city. And all the men children were circumcised, what so ever went out at the gates of his city. And it happened the third day (when it was painful to them) two of the sons of jacob simeon and Levi Dinas brethren, took either of them his * Gene. ●lix a judi. ix. a sword & went in to the city boldly, and siewe all that was male, and slew also Hemor & Sichem his son with the edge of the sword, & took Dina out of Sichems' house, and went their way. And the sons of jacob coming upon the deed, spoiled the city, because they had defiled their sister, & took their sheep, oxen, and their asses, and what soever was in the city, & also in the fields. And all their goods and all their children, and their wives took they captive and made havoc of all that was in the house. But jacob said to simeon and Levi. Ye have troubled me and made me stink before the inhabitors of the land, before the Canaanyte and the Pherezite. And I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me and slay me, and so shall I and my house be destroyed. And they answered, should they deal with our sister as with an whore? ¶ jacob goeth up unto bethel where he burieth the Idols. Deborah dieth. jacob is called Israel. The land Canaan is promised. rahel dieth in labour. Reuben lay with his father's concubine. Isaac dieth. CAPI. XXXV. ANd God said unto jacob, arise and get the up to Bethel, and dwell there. And make there an altar unto GOD that appeared unto thee, * Gene. 28. ● when thou fleddest from the face of Esau thy brother. Then said jacob unto his household & to all that were with him. Put a way the strange godis that are among you & be clean, and change your garmentis, for we will arise & go up to Bethel and I will make an altar there, unto God, which heard me in the day of my tribulation, and was with me in the way which I went. And they gave unto jacob all the strange Gods which they had in their hand, and all their earrings which were in their ears/ and jacob hid them under an Oak, which was by sichem. And when they departed/ the fere of god fell upon the cities that were round about them. And they did not follow after the sonnis of jacob So came jacab to Lus, which is in the land of Canaan. The same is Bethel, he and all the people that was with him. And he builded there an altar, & called the place. The God of bethel, because that god appeared unto him there, when he fled from the face of his brother. But * Gene. 24. 8 Deborn Rebeccas' norse, died, & was buried beneath Bethel under an oak. And the name of it was called the Oak of lamentation. And god appeared unto jacob again after he came out of Mesopotamia and blessed him, and God said unto him, thy name is jacob. notwithstanding thou shalt be no more called * G●●●. 32. ●. jacob, but Israel shall be thy name. And he called his name Israel. And God said unto him. I am God almighty, grow and multiply, people: and a multitude of people shall spring of the. Yea and kings shall come out of thy loins And the lands which I gave Abraham and Isaac, will I give unto thee, & unto thy seed after the will I give that land also. And so god departed up from him in the place where he had talked with him. And jacob set up a mark in the place where he talked with him even a mark of stone and powered drink offering thereon, and powered also oil thereon, and jacob called the name of the place where God spoke with him * The house of god Bethel. And they departed from bethel, & when he was but a field breadth from Ephrath, Ramires hell began to travail. And in travailing she was in peril. And it happened as she was in pains of her labour, the midwife said unto her. Fear not, for this son is thine also. Then as her soul was a departing, that she * i Reg. 4. ●● must die, she called his name Ben Ont. (The son of my sorrow.) But his father called him Ben jamin. (The son of the right hand.) And thus died rahel and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethleem. And jacob set up a stone upon her grave, which is called Rahels' Grave stone unto this day. And Israel went thence, and pitched up his tent beyond the * Wiche. 4● tour of Edar. And it chanced as Israel dwelt in the land, that Reuben went and lay * Gene. xli●● with Bilha his father's concubine, and it came to Israel's ear. The sons of jacob were. xii. in number. The sons of Lea. Reuben jacob's eldest son, and Simeon Levi, juda, Isachar, & Zabulon. The sons of Rahel, joseph and Ben jamin. The sons of Belha Rahels' maid, Dan and Neptali. The sons of Zilpha Lias maid Gad and Aser. These are the sons of jacob which were borne him in Mesopotamia. And so jacob came unto Isaac his father to Mamre unto Kyriath Arba which is Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned as strangers. And the days of Isaac were an hundred and. lxxx. years, & Isaac fell sick and died, & was put unto his people, being old and full of days. And his sons Esau and jacob buried him. ¶ The wives of Esau. jacob and Esau are rich. The genealogic of Esau. CAPI. XXXVI. THese are the generations of Esau. The same is Edom. Esau took his wives of of the daughters of Canaan. Ada the daughter of Elon an Hittite, & Ahalibama the daughter of Ana, the daughter of Zibeon an Hevite, and Basmath Ismaels' * Gene. 28. ●. daughter & sister of Nebaioth. And Ada bore unto Esau, Eliphas, and Basmath bare Reguel. And Ahalibama bore jesus and jaelam and Korah. These are the sons of Esau which were borne him in the land of Canaan. And Esau took his wives and his sons and daughters, and all the souls of his house, his goods and all his cat●ell, and all his substance which he had got in the land of Canaan, and went in to a country away from the face of his brother jacob, for their * Gene. 13. ●. riches was moche, & they could not dwell together, and the land wherein they were strangers, could not teceyve them, because of their possession. Thus dwelt Esau in mount Seir. The same Esau is Edom. These are the generations of Esau, father of the edomites in mount Seir. And these are the names of Esau's sons. * 1. Para. ●. ● Eliphas the son of Ada the wife of Esau, and Reguel the son of Basmath the wife of Esau. And the sons of Eliphas were, Theman, Omar, Zepho, jaethom and Kenas. And Thimna was concubine to Elyphas Esau's son, and bare unto Eliphas Amalech. And these are the sons of Ada Esau's wife. And these are the sons of Regueli, Nahath, Serah, Samma and Misa. These were the sons of Basmath Esau's wife. And these were the sons of Ahalibama the daughter of Ana daughter of Zebion Esau's wife, and she bore unto Esau, jeus, jealam and Korah. These were dukes of the sons of Esau. The chylden of * i. Para▪ 〈◊〉 Eliphas the first son of Esau, were these. Duke Theman, duke Omar, duke Zepho, duke Kenas, and duke Korah, duke Gaethan, & duke Amalech. These are the dukes that came of Eliphas in the land of of Edom, and these were the sons of Ada. These also are the children of Reguell Esau's son. Duke Nahath, duke Serah. duke Samma, duke Misa. These are the dukes that came of Reguel in the land of Edom. And these are the sons of Basmath Esau's wife. These were the children of Aha libama Esau's wife. Duke jeus, duke Gaelan, duke Korah, these dukes came of Ahalibama the daughter of Ana Esau's wife. These are the children of Esau, and these are the dukes of them, which Esau is Edom These are the children Seir the Horite, the inhabitoure of the land, Lothan, sobal, Zibeon, and Ana, and Dison, Eser and Disan. These also are the dukes of the Horites/ the children of Seir in the land of Edom. And the children of Lothan were, Hori and Hemam. And Lothans' sister was called Thymna. The children of S●●a● were these. Aluan, Manahath & ebal, Sepho & Onan. These are the children of Zibeon. Aia and Ana. This was that Ana that found mules in the wilderness, as he fed his father Zibeons asses. The children of Ana were these. Dison and Ahalibama the daughter of Ana These are the children of Dison, Hemdan and Esban, jethran and Cheran. The children of Ezar are these. Bylhan, Seauā and Akan. The children of Disan also are these. Uz and Aran. These are the dukes that came of Hori. Duke Lothan, duke sobal, duke Zibeon, duke Ana, duke Dison, duke Ezer, duke Disan. These be the dukes that came of Hoary after their duke doms in the land of Seir. These are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom before there reigned any king upon the children of Israel. Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edomea, and the name of his city was Dinhaba. And when Bela died, jobab the son of Serah out of Bozra, reigned in his stead. When jobab also was dead, Husam of the land of Themany reigned in his stead. And after the death of Husam, Hadad the son of Bedad which slew the Madianites in the field of the Moabites, reigned in his stead, and the name of his city was Auith. When Hadad was dead, Samla of Masteka reigned in his stead. When Samla was dead, Saul of the river Rehoboth reigned in his stead. When Saul was dead, Baal Hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead. And after the death of Baal Hanan the son of Achbor. Hadad reigned in his stead, and the name of his city was Pahu. And his wives name Mehetabeel the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mesaab. These are the names of the dukes that came of Esau, in the xii. kindreds, places & names, duke Thymma, duke Alva, duke jetheth, duke Ahalibama, duke Ela, duke Pinon, duke Kenas, duke Theman, duke Myhzar, duke Magdyel, duke Iram. These be the dukes of Edomea according to their habitations, in the land of their possessions. This Esau is the father of the edomites. ¶ joseph a●cuseth his brethren. joseph dreameth and is sold to the Ismaelites. jacob bewaleth joseph. CAPI. XXXVII. Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, even in the land of Canaan. These are the generations of jacob. When joseph was. xvii. year old, he kept sheep with his brethren, & the lad was with the sons of Bilha, & with the sons of Zilpha his father's wives. And he brought unto their father an evil saying of them. But Israel loved joseph more than all his children, because he begat him in his old age, & he made him a cote of many colours. And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him and could not speak peaceably unto him. Moreover when joseph * 〈◊〉. x●ii. ● had dreamt a dream, he told it his brethren, which hated him yet the more. ✚ And he said unto them. Hear I pray you this dream, which I have dreamt. Behold, we were binding sheves in the mids of the field. And lo, my sheaf arose, and stood up right, & yours stood round about and made obeisance to my sheaf. To whom his brethren said. Shalt thou be our king in deed? or shalt thou in deed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more, because of his dreams, and of his words. And he dreamt yet another dream and told it his brethren, saying. Behold I have had one dream more. Me thought the son & the moon and. xi. stars made obeisance to me. And when he had told it unto his father & his brethren, his father rebuked him, & said unto him. What is this dream which thou hast dreamt, shall I and thy mother & thy brethren come to fall on the ground before thee? And his brethren hated him, but his father noted the saying. His brethren also went to keep their father's sheep in Siehem and Israel said unto joseph. Do not thy brethren keep sheep in Sichem? Come, and I will send the to them. He answered * 1. Reg. 3. ●. here am I. And he said unto him. Go & see whither it be well with thy brethren and the sheep and bring me word again. And so he sent him out of the vale of Hebron and he went to Sichem. And a certain man found hum. And behold he was wand'ring out of his way in the field, and the man asked him. What seekest thou? He answered, I seek my brethren, tell me I pray the where they keep sheep. And the man said, they are departed hence, for I heard them say, let us go unto Dothan. Thus went joseph after his brethren, and found them in Dothan. And when they saw him a far of before he came at them, they took counsel against him, for to slay him. For one said to an other Behold this * Met. x●i. ● Ma●. 〈◊〉 ●. Luke. 〈◊〉. ●. dreamer cometh, come now therefore and let us slay him and cast him in to some pit, and we will say, a wicked beast hath devoured him, and we shall see what will come of his dreams. When Reuben heard that, he rid him out of their hands, and said. We will not kill him. And Reuben said moreover unto them. shed not his * Gene. x●●●. ● blood, but cast him in to some pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand upon him. (This he said.) Namely that he might rid him out of their hands and deliver him to his father again. ⊢ And it happened that when joseph was come unto his brethren, they striped him out of his cote, his party coloured cote that was upon him, and they took him and cast 〈◊〉 ... in to an empty pit, wherein was no water. And they sat them down to eat bread. And as they lift up their eyes and looked about there came a company of Ismaelites from Gilead, and their camels laden with spicery balm, and myrrh, and were going down to carry it in to Egypte. And juda said unto his brethren. What availeth it if we slay our brother, & keep his blood secret? come on and let us * acts. v●●● Gene. 45. ● sell him to the Ismaelites, & let not our hand be upon him, for he is our brother & our flesh. And his brethren were content. Then as the Madianites merchant men passed by, they drew and lift joseph out of the pit and sold him unto the Ismaelytes for. xx. pieces of silver. And they brought joseph in to Egypte. And when Reuben came again unto the pit and found not joseph there, he rend his clothes and went again unto his brethren saying, the lad is not yonder, and whither shall I go? And they took joseph's coote and killed a goote, and dipped the coote in the blood. And they sent that party coloured coote, and brought it unto their father and said. This have we found, see whither it be thy sons coote or no. And he knew it, saying. It is my sons coote, a wicked beast hath * Gene. 44. f dovoured him, joseph is rend in pieces. And jacob rend his clothes, & put sack cloth about his loins, and sorrowed for his son a long season. But all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him. Nevertheless he would not be comforted, but said. I will go down into the grave unto my son, mourning. And thus his father wept for him. And the Madianytes * Gene ●9. a. Psal. ●nn. ● Sap●. x. ● sold him in Egipte unto Potiphar a lord of pharao's, and his chief steward. ¶ The marriage of juda, Et, Onon, Sela. juda lay with his daughter Thamar. The birth of Tharez, and zarah. CAPI. XXXVIII. IT fortuned at that time, that judas went down from his brethren, and got him to a man called Hira of Odollam, & there he saw the daughter of a man called * i. Para. two a Sua a Canaanite. And he took her & went in to her. And she conceived and bore a son, and called his name Er. And she conceived again, and bore a son and called him Onan. And she conceived again, and bare yet a son, whom she called Se●a. And he was at Chesyb when she bore him. And judas gave Et his eldest son a wife, whose name was Thamar. And Er, judas eldest son was wicked in the sight of the lord, & the Lord slew him. And judas said unto Onan. Go in to thy brother's wife and mary her, that thou mayst stir up seed dnto thy brother. And when Onan perceived that the seed should not be his, therefore when he went in to his brother's wife, he spilled it on the ground, and gave not seed unto his brother. And the thing which he did, disposed the lord, wherefore he slew him also. Then said judas to Thamar his daughter in law. Remain a widow at thy father's house, till Sela my son be grown. For he said. least peradventure he die also, as his brethren did. And Thamar went & dwelt in her father's house. And in process of time, the daughter of Sua judas wife died. Then judas when he had left mourning, went unto his sheep shearers to Thymnath, he and his friend Hira of Odollam. And one told Thamar saying. Behold, thy father in law goeth up to Thymnath, to * Gene two. 〈…〉 shear his sheep. And she put her widows garments of from her and covered her with a cloak, and dysgysed herself And sat her down in a common place, which is by the high ways side to Tymnath, for because the saw that Sela was grown, & she was not given unto him to wife. When juda saw her, he thought it had been an whore, because she had covered her face And he turned to her unto the way, and said, come I pray thee, let me lie with thee, for he knew not that it was his daughter in law. And she answered. What wilt thou give me, for to lie with me? Then said he, I will send the a kid from the flock. She said. Then give me a pledge till thou send it. He said, what pledge shall I give thee? She answered. Thy signet, thy bracelet, and thy staff that is in thy hand. And he gave it her and lay by her, & she was with child by him. And she got her up and went & put her mantel from her, and put on her widows raiment. And judas sent the kid by his friend of Odollam, for to receive his pledge again from the wives hand, but he found her not. Then asked he the men of the same place saying. Where is the hore that sat openly by the way side? They answered. There was no hoar here. He came therefore to juda again and said unto him. I can not find her, and also the men of the place said, that there was no hore there. And juda said, let her take it to her, least we be shamed. Behold I sent the kid and thou hast not found her. And it came to pass that after three months, one told juda saying. Thamar thy daughter in law hath played the hore, and with playing the hore is become great with child. And juda said, bring her forth, that she may be brent. And when they brought her forth, she sent to her father in law, saying. By the man unto whom these things pertain, am I with child. And said also. Look whose are this seal, bracelet, and this staff. And juda knew them, and said. She hath been more righteous than I, because I gave her not to Sela my son. And he lay with her no more. It fortuned when time was come that she should be delivered. Behold there was two twins in her womb. And it fortuned, that when she traveled, the one put out his hand and the midwife took and bound a red thread about it saying, this is come out first And it chanced, that he plucked his hand back again. And behold his brother came out. And she said, wherefore hast thou rend a rent upon thee? and called his name, Pharez. Afterward came out his brother that had the reed thread about his hand, and his name was colled Zarah. ¶ God prospereth joseph. pharao's wife tempteth joseph. He is accused, & ●ast in prison. God hath mercy upon him. CAPI. XXXIX. joseph was brought unto Egypte, and Putiphar * Gene. 37. g a Lord of pharao's (and his chief steward an Egyptian) bought him of the Ismaelites which had brought him thither. And God was with joseph, & he be came a lucky man, continuing in the house of his master the Egyptian. And his master saw that God was with him, and that God made all that he did to prosper in his hand. And joseph found grace in his masters sight, and served him. And made him ruler of his house/ and put all that he had in his hand. And it fortuned from the time that he had made him ruler over his house, & overall that he had, that the lord * Gene. 31. d. blessed the Egyptians house for joseph's sake, & the blessing of the Lord was upon all that he had: in the house, and in the field. And therefore he left all that he had in joseph's hand, and looked upon nothing that was with him, save only on the bread which he did eat. And joseph was a * ●●eg. 16. t. goodly person and a well-favoured. And it fortuned after this, that his masters wife cast her eyes upon joseph, and said: come lie with me. But he refused/ & said to his masters wife: Behold, my master woteth not what he hath in the house with me, & hath committed all that he hath to my hand. There is no man greater in the house than I. Neither hath he kept any thing from me, but only thee/ because thou art his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God? And after this manner spoke she to joseph day by day, but he hearkened not unto her/ to sleep near her, or to be in her company. And it fortuned on a certain convement day/ that joseph entered in to the house/ to do his business, & there was no man of the household by/ in the house. And she caught him by the garment saying/ come sleep with me. And he left his garment in her hand and fled/ and got him out. And it chanced: when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand/ and was fled out. (And she not regarded.) She called unto the men of her house, & told them, saying: See, he hath brought in an Hebrew unto us, to do us shame, for he came in to me/ for to have slept with me. And I began to cry with a loud voice. And when he heard that I lift up my voice & cried, he left his garment which me, and fled away, and got him out. And she laid up his garment by her, until her lord came home. And she told him with these wordis saying: This hebrews servant which thou hast brought unto us, came into me, to do me shame. But as soon as I lift up my voice & cried, he left his garment with me, and fled out. When his master. (Being to light of credence.) heard these words of his wife which she told him saying: after this manner did thy servant to me, he waxed wroth And the master took joseph and put him in * Psal. 〈…〉 prison even in to the place where the kings prisoners lay bound. And there continued he in prison, but God was with joseph, and showed him mercy, and got him favour in the sight of the Lord of the prison. And the keeper of the prison committed to joseph's hand all the prisoners that were in the prison house. And whatsoever was done there/ that did he. And the keeper of the prison looked unto nothing that was under his hand, saying that God was with him. For whatsoever he did, God made it to prosper. ¶ joseph expoundeth the dreams of the two prisoners. CAPI. XL. ANd it chanced after this/ that the butler of the king of Egypte, and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt. And Pharaoh was angry against his two officers: against the chief butler, & the chief baker, and put them in ward in his chief stewards house/ even in the prison, and place where joseph was bound. And the chief Steward gave joseph a charge with them, & he served them. And they continued a season in ward. And they dreamt either of them in one night, both the butler, & the baker of the king of Egypt, which were bound in the prison house/ either of them his dream, & each man's dream of a sundry interpretation. When joseph came in unto them in the morning, & looked upon them: behold, they were sad. And he asked pharao's officers that were with him in his masters ward saying: Wherefore lokeye so sadly to day? They answered him: we have dreamt a dream, and have no man to declare it. And joseph said unto them: Do not interpretynges belong to God: yet tell me? And the chief butler told his dream to joseph, and said unto him: In my dream me thought there stood a vine before me and in the vine were three branches/ and it was as though it budded, and her blossoms shot forth, and the grapes thereof waxed type. And I had pharao's cup in my hand/ and took of the grapes and wrong them into pharao's cup, and delivered pharao's cup in to his hand. And joseph said unto him: this is the interpretation of it. The three brances are three days, for within three days shall Pharaoh lift up thine head, and restore the unto thine office again/ and thou shalt deliver pharao's cup in to his hand, after the old manner wherein thou waste wont to give him drink. But if thou think on me with thee, when thou art in good case/ show mercy (I pray thee) unto me. And make mention of me to Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house: for I was stolen out of the land of the hebrews, and here also have I done no thing at all, wherefore they should have put me in to this dungeon. When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said unto joseph: me thought also in my dream, that I had three wyker baskets on my head. And in the uppermost basket there was of all manner baken meats for Pharaoh. And the birds did eat them out of the basket that was upon my head. And joseph answered/ and said: this is the interpretation thereof. The three baskets are three days, for this day three days shall Pharaoh take thy head from thee, and shall hang the on a tree, and the birds shall eat thy flesh from of the. And it came to pass the third day which was pharao's * Met. 14. ●. birth day, that he made a feast unto all his servants. And he lifted up the head of the chief butler, and of the chief baker among his servants. And restored the chief butler unto his butlershyp again, which also reached the cup in to pharao's hand, but he hanged the chief baker: even as joseph had interpretated unto them. Neither did the chief butler remember joseph, but forgot him. ¶ pharao's dreams expounded by joseph. He is made ruler over all Egypte. He hath two sons, Manasses and Ephraim. The dearth beginneth in Egypte. CAPI. XLI. AND it fortuned after two years, that Pharaoh dreamt, and behold, he stood by a rivers side, and there came out of the river seven goodly kine, and fat flesshed/ and fed in a meadow, and seven other kine came up after them out of the river, evil favoured and lean flesshed, and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the river. And the evil favoured and lean flesshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine: & Pharaoh awoke. And he slept again and dreamt the second tyme. And behold, seven ears of corn grew upon one stalk, rank/ and goodly. And again, seven thine ears blasted with the east wind, sprang up after them, and the seven thine ears devoured the seven rank, and full cares. And Pharaoh awaked: and see, it was a dream. And when the morning came, his spirit was troubled. And he sent and called for all the soothsayers of Egypte, & all the wise men thereof, and Pharaoh told them his dream: but there was none among them that could interpretate it unto Pharaoh. Then spoke the chief butler unto Pharaoh saying: I do remember my faults this day. Pharaoh being angry with his servants, put in ward in the chief stewards house both me, and the chief baker. And we dreamt both of us in one night, and each man's dream of a sundry interpretation. And there was with us a young man an Hebrew borne/ servant unto the chief Steward. To whom when we told them, he declared our dreams to us according to either of our dreams. And as he declared them unto us, even so it came to pass. For he restored me to mine office again, & hanged him. Pharaoh sent therefore and called joseph. And they brought him hastily out of * Psal. 〈◊〉 prison. And he shaved himself, and changed his raiment/ and came in to Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said unto joseph: I have seen a dream, and no man can interpretate it, & I have herd say of thee, that as soon as thou hearest a dream/ thou canst interpretate it. joseph answered Pharaoh, & said: Not I/ but god shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace. And Pharaoh said unto joseph: When I dreamt me thought I stood by a river side, & there came out of the river seven fat flesshed, and well favoured kine, and fed in the meadow. And then seven other kine came up after them, poor & very evil favoured and lean flesshed: such as I never saw in all the land of Egypte/ they were so evil favoured. And the seven lean and evil favoured kine did eat up the first seven fat kine. And when they had eaten them up/ a man could not perceive that they had eaten them, but they were still as evil favoured as they were at the beginning. And I awoke. And I saw again in my dream, & behold, seven ears sprang out of one stalk full & fair/ and seven other ears again, withered, thine & blasted with the east wind, sprang up after them. And the thine ears devoured the seven good ears. And I have told it unto the soothsayers, but there was no man that could tell, what it meaneth. And joseph answered Pharaoh, both pharao's dreams are one. And god hath showed Pharaoh what he is about to do. The seven good kine are seven years: and the seven good ears are seven years also, and it is but one dream. Likewise, the seven thine & evil favoured kine that came out after them, are seven years: & the seven empty and blasted ears shall be seven years of hunger. This which I have said unto Pharaoh, is it that God is about to do/ & showeth it unto Pharaoh. Behold there come seven year of great plenteousness through out all the land of Egypte. And again there shall arise after them seven years of hunger. And all the plenteousness shallbe forgotten in the land of Egypte. And the hunger shall consume the land: neither shall the plenteousness be known in the land, by reason of that hunger that shall come after, for it shallbe exceeding great. And as concerning that the dream was doubled unto Pharaoh the second time, behold, the thing is certainly prepared of god/ and God will shortly bring it to pass. Now therefore, let Pharaoh provide for a man of understanding & wisdom, and set him over the land of Egypte. And let Pharaoh do this also, that he make officers over the land and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypte in the seven plenteous years/ and let them gather all the food of these good years that come, & lay up corn under the hand of Pharaoh, that there may be food in the cities, and there let them keep it: that there may be food in store in the land, against the seven years of hunger which shall come in the land of Egypt, that the land perish not thorough hunger. And the saying pleased Pharaoh/ & all his servants. Then said Pharaoh unto his servants: where shall we find such a man as this is/ in whom is the spirit of God? And Pharaoh said unto joseph: for as much as god hath showed the all this, there is no man of understanding, and wisdom like unto the. Thou therefore shalt be * Psal. ●lilib ● Math. two f Dani. two. g. Acts. seven. b over my house, and according to thy word shall all my people be ruled, only in the kings seat will I be above the. And Pharaoh said again unto joseph: behold, I have set the over all the land of Egypte. And he took of his ring from his hand, & put it upon joseph's hand, & arrayed him in cloth of reins, and put a golden chain about his neck, & set him upon the best chariot that he had, save one. And they cried before him: Bow the line, and Pharaoh made him ruler overall the land of Egypt. And Pharaoh said unto joseph: I am Pharaoh, without the shall no man lift up his hand or foot in all the land of Egypte. And he called joseph's name Zaphnath Paena. And he gave him to wife Asnath the daughter of Putiphar priest of On. Then went joseph abroad in the land of Egypte. And he was thirty year old when he stood before Pharaoh king of Egypte. And joseph departing from the presence of Pharaoh/ went thorough out all the land of Egypte. And in the seven plenteous years they made sheves & gathered up all the food of the seven plenteous years which were in the land of Egypte, & laid up the same in the cities. The food of the fields that grew round about every city, laid he up in the same. And joseph laid up corn in store, like unto the sand of the see, in multitude out of measure, until he left nombring: For it was without number. And unto joseph were borne two sons (before the years of hunger came) which Asnath the daughter of Putiphar priest of On, bare unto him. And joseph called the name of the first son * Gene. 46. c Manasse, for God (said he) hath made me forget all my labour, and all my father's house hold. The name of the second called he Ephraim, for god (said he) hath caused me to grow in the land of my trouble. And when the seven years of plenteousness that was in the land of Egypt were ended, then came the seven years of * Acts. seven. b dearth according as joseph had said. And the dearth was in all lands: but in all the land of Egypte was there yet food. And when the land of Egypt also began to hunger the people cried to Pharaoh for bread. And Pharaoh said unto all the Egyptians, god unto joseph, and what he sayeth to you, that do. And the dearth was throughout all the land. And joseph opened all the barns wherein was corn, and sold unto the egyptians. For the hunger waxed sore in the land of Egypte. And all countries came in to Egypte to joseph for to buy corn: because that the hunger was so sore in all lands. ¶ joseph's brethren come into Egypte to by corn. He knoweth, and trieth them Simeon is put in prison: they return to their father asking Ben jamin: he denieth. CAPI. XLII. ANd jacob saying that there was corn in Egypt, said unto his Sons, why gape ye one upon another? And he said: behold, I have herd that there is corn in Egypt. * Acts. seven. b Get you down thither and buy us corn from thence, that we may live and not die. So went joseph's ten brethren down to buy corn of the Egyptians. But Ben jamyn joseph's brother would not jacob send which his other brethren/ for he said: least some misfortune happen him. And the sonnis of Israel came to buy corn among other that came, for there was dearth in the land of Canaan. And joseph was governor in the land, and sold to all the people of the land. And his brethren came, and fell flat on the ground before him. When joseph saw his brethren, he knew them, and made himself strange unto them, & spoke roughly unto them, saying: whence come ye? They answered: out of the land of Canaan, to buy bytayle. And joseph knew his brethren, but they knew not him. And joseph remembered his * Gene. 37. b dreams which he dreamt of them, & said unto them: ye are spies, and to see where the land is weak, is your coming. To whom they said: nay my Lord, but to buy victual thy servants are come. We are all one man's sons, and mean truly, and thy servants are no spies. And he said unto them again/ nay, but even to see where the land is weak/ is your coming. And they said, we thy servants are. xii. brethren, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan. And behold, the youngest is this day with our father, & one, no man woteth where he is And joseph said unto them, that is it that I spoke unto you, saying: ye are spies. Hereby ye shall be proved. By the life of Pharaoh, ye shall not go hence, except your youngest brother come hither. Send out one of you/ which may fet your brother & ye shallbe kept in prison, that your words may be proved, whither there be any truth in you: or else by the life of Pharaoh, ye are but spies. And he put them in ward thredayes. And joseph said unto them the third day: This do and live, for I fear God. If ye mean no hurt, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison, & go ye & bring the necessary food to your households, but bring your youngest brother unto me: that your words may be tried, & that ye die not. And they did so. And one said to another: we have verily sinned against our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul when he besought us, & we would not hear him: and therefore is this trouble come upon us. And Reuben answered them saying: said I not unto you that ye should not * Gene. 37. d sin against the lad? and ye would not hear. And see, his blood is required. They were not aware that joseph understood them, for he spoke unto them by an interpreter. And he turned from them and wept * Gene. 4●▪ and ●●v. 〈◊〉 and turned to them again, & commoned with them, and took out Simeon from among them, and bound him before their eyes/ and joseph commawded to fill their sacks with corn/ & to put every man's money in his sack, and to give them victual t● spend by the way. And thus did he unto them. And they jaded their asses with the corn and departed thence. And as one of them opened his sack/ for to give his ass pravonder in the june, he spied his money: for it was in his sacks mouth. And he said unto his brethren: my money is restored me again. For lo, it is even in my sack. And their heart failed them, and they were astonied, and said one to another: Why hath god dealt thus with us? And so they came unto jacob their father unto the land of Canaan, and told him all that had happened them, saying: The man, even the lord of the land spoke roughly to us, and committing us to prison took us for spies of the country. And we said unto him: we mean truly and are no spies. We be. xii. brethren/ sons of our father, one is away, and the youngest is this day with our father in the land of Canaan. And that man/ which is the lord of the country said again unto us: hereby shall I know if ye mean truly: leave one of your brethren here with me, and take food necessary for your households and get you away, and bring your youngest brother unto me, that I may know that ye are no spies, but mean truly: So will I deliver you your brother, & ye shall occupy in the land. And it fortuned as they emptied their sacks, behold: every man's bundle of money was in his sack. And when both they and their father saw the bundles of money, they were afraid. And jacob their father said unto them: Me have ye rob of my children: joseph is away, and simeon is away/ and ye take Ben jamin away. All these things are against me. Reuben said unto his father: Slay my two sons, if I bring him not to the again. Deliver him to my hand, and I will bring him to the again. And he said: my son shall not go down with you. For his brother is dead, and he is left alone. If some misfortune happen unto him by the way which ye go, ye shall * Gene. 46 〈◊〉 bring my grey head with sorrow unto the grave. ¶ bringing Ben jamin, the brethren returned to joseph with gifts. simeon is d●yuered ou● of prison. joseph goeth aside/ and weepeth. They feast together. CAPI. XLIII. AND the dearth was great in the land. And it fortuned when they had eaten up the corn which they brought out of the land of Egypte, their father said unto them: go again, & buy us a little food. juda answered him, & said: the man did testify unto us, saying: * Gene. x●ii. d look that ye see not my face, except your brother be with you. If thou wilt send our brother with us/ we will go down/ and buy the food. But if thou wilt not send him, we will not go down: for the man said unto us, look that ye see not my face except your brother be with you. And Israel said: wherefore dealt ye so cruelly with me, as to tell the man that ye had yet a brother? They answered. The man asked us straightly of our kindred saying, Is your father yet alive? have ye not another brother? And we told him according to these wordis. Could we know that he would say: bring your brother down with you? Then said juda unto Israel his father: Send the lad with me, that we may rise & go, and that we may live, and not die, both we, thou, and also our children. I will be surety for him, of my handis shalt thou require him. If I bring him not to the again/ and set him before thine eyes/ * Gene. 44 ● then let me bear the blame for ever. Truly except we had made this tarrying: by this, we had been here twice and come again. And their father Israel said unto them: If it must needs be so now: then do thus. Take of the best fruits of the land in your vessels, & bring the man a present, a courtesy bawlme, and a courtesy of honey, spices/ and myrrh/ nuts, & almonds. And take double money in your hand. And the money that was brought again in your sacks, take it again with you, seest peradventure it was some oversight. Take also your brother with you/ and arise and go again to the man. And God almighty give you mercy in the sight of the man, that he may deliver you your other brother, and this Ben iamin, and I shallbe rob of my child, as I have been. Thus ●oke they the present and twice so much more money in their hand with Ben jamin. And rose up, went down to Egypte; and stood before joseph. When joseph saw Ben jamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house, bring these men home, & slay, & make ready, for these men shall dine with me at noon. And the man did as joseph bade, & brought them into joseph's house. When the men were brought into joseph's house, they were afraid, and said: because of the money that came in your sacks mouths at the first time, are we brought in/ that he may pick a quarrel with us, and to lay some thing to our charge, and to bring us in bondage and our asses also. Therefore came they to the man that was ruler over joseph's house, and commoned with him at the door of the house, & said: Oh Sir, we came down hither at the first time to buy food: and as we came to an june, it happened that we opened our sacks: and behold, every man's * Gene. 〈◊〉. ● money was in the mouth of his sack with full weight: And we have brought it again in our hand, and other money have we brought also in our hands, to buy food, but we can not tell who put our money in our sacks. And he said, peace be unto you, fear not: your God and the God of your father hath given you that treasure in your sacks/ I had your money. And he brought Simeon out to them/ and the man led them into joseph's house, & gave them water to wash their feet, & gave their asses provender: And they made ready their present against joseph came at noon, for they heard say that they should eat bread there. When joseph came home, they brought the present in to the house to him, which was in their hands, and fell flat on the ground before him. And he welcomed them courteously/ saying: is your father that old man which ye told me of, in good health? and is he yet aly●e? they answered: thy servant our father is in good health, and is yet alive. And they bowed down their heads, and made obeysawce. And he lifting up his eyes, beheld his brother Ben jamin his more there's son, and said, * Gene. xli●. ● is this your younger brother of whom ye said unto me? And he said: God be mercy full unto the my son. And joseph made haste (for * Gene. xlii. ● and. ●●v. ● his heart did melt upon his brother) & sought where too weep, and entered in to his chambre, & wept there. And he washed his face and came out and refrained himself, and said: set bread on the table. And they prepared for him by himself, and for them by themselves/ & for the Egyptians which did eat with him by themselves, because the Egyptians may not eat bread with the hebrews, for that is an abomination unto the Egyptians. And they sat before him: the eldest according unto his age, and the youngest according unto his youth. And the men marveled among themselves. And they brought rewards unto them from before him: but Ben jamins part was five ●yues so much as any of theirs. And they drinking were drunk with him. Ohad/ jachin/ and Zohar, and saul the Son of a Cananitysh woman. The children of * i. Para. 6 a Levi: Gerson, Kahath, and Merari. The children * i. Para. 4 a of juda: Er, & Onan, Sela, and Pharez, and Zerah, But, Er, and Onan died in the land of Canaan. The children of Pharez also were Hezron, and Hamul. The children of Isachar: Tola, Phua, job, and Simron. The children of Zabulon: Sered, Elon, & jaheleleel. These be the children of Lea, which she bore unto jacob in Mesopotamia with his daughter Dina. All the souls of his sons and daughters make. thirty. and. iii. The children of Gad: Ziphion, and Haggi, Suni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli. The children of * i. Para. 7. f Asser: jemna, and jesua, jesui/ & Brya, and Serah their sister. And the children of Brya: Heber, and Malchiell. These are the children of Silpha, whom Laban gave to Lea his daughter. And these she bore unto jacob even. rvi. souls. The children of rahel jacob's wife: joseph & Ben jamin. And unto joseph in the land of Egypte were borne, Manasses, and Ephraim which * Gent. 41. a. Asnath the daughter of Putiphar priest of On bare unto him. The children of * i Para. 7 b and. viii. a. Ben jamin, Bela, Becher, Asbell, Gera, Naeman/ Ehi, and Ros, Mupim, Hupim, & Arde. These are the children of Rahel, which she bore unto jacob. xiiii. soules all together. The children of Dan, Husim. The children of Nephtalt, jahezeell/ Guni, jezer, & Sillem. These are the sons of Bylha/ which Laban gave unto rahel his daughter, and she bore these unto jacob/ all together. seven. souls. And so all the * duty. x. d. souls that came with jacob into Egypte, which came out of his loins (beside jacob's sons wives) were all together. lx. &. vi. souls. And the sonꝭ of joseph, which were borne him in Egypt, were two souls: So that all the soulis of the house of jacob which came into Egypte, are. lxx. And he sent juda before him unto joseph, to direct his face unto Gosan/ & they came into the land of Gosan. And joseph made ready his chariot/ and went up to meet Israel his father unto Gosan, and presented himself unto him/ & fell on his neck, and wept upon his neck a good while. And Israel said unto joseph: Now am I content to die, in so much as I have seen thee, and because thou art yet alive. And joseph said unto his brethren, & unto his father's house: I will go up & show Pharaoh and tell him: My brethren and my Father's house which were in the land of Canaan, are come unto me/ and they are shephectdes (for they were men of cattle) and they have brought their sheep, and their oxen, and all that they have. And if it chance that Pharaoh call you, and ask you, what your occupation is, ye shall answer: thy servants have been men occupied about cattle, from our childhod unto this time, we and our fathers, that ye may dwell in the land of Gosan. For every shepherd is abomination unto the Egyptians ¶ jacob i● broughe before Pharaoh: to him i● given the land of Gosan. He maheth his son swear for his burial. CAPI. XLVII. joseph came therefore/ and told Pharaoh, and said: my Father, and my brethren, their sheep, and their oxen/ and all that they have, are come out of the land of Canaan, and behold, they are in the land of Gosan. And joseph took of the hymnoost of his brethren: even five men, and presented them unto Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said unto his brethren: what is your occupation? And they answered Pharaoh: shepheerdes are thy servants/ both we and also our fathers. They said moreover unto Pharaoh: for to * Gen●. 〈◊〉 sojourn in the land are we come/ for thy servants have no pasture for their sheep/ so sore is the famine in the land of Canaan. Now therefore let thy servants dwell in the land of Gosan. And Pharaoh said unto joseph: thy father, and thy brethren are come unto the. The land of Egypte is before thee: In the best place of the land make both thy father and thy brethren dwell: even in the land of Gosan let them dwell. Moreover if thou know any men of activyte among them, make th● rulers over my cattle. And joseph brought in jacob his father, and set him before Pharaoh. And jacob blessed Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said unto jacob: how old art thou? jacob said unto Pharaoh: the days of my pilgrimage are an hundred and. thirty. years. Few and evil have the days of my life been, and have not attained unto the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimages. And jacob blessed Pharaoh, and went out from him. And joseph prepared dwellings for his Father and his brethren, and gave them possessions in the land of Egypte/ in the best of the land: even in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. And joseph made provision for his father, his brethren/ and all his father's household with bread, even as young children are fed. There was no bread in all the land/ for the dearth was exceeding sore: so that the land of Egypte and the land of Canaan were famished by the reason of the dearth. And joseph brought together all the money that was found in the land of Egypte and of Canaan, for the corn which they bought & he laid up the money in pharao's house. When money failed in the land of Egypte, and of Canaan, all the Egyptians came unto joseph, and said. give us bread: wherefore sufferest thou us to die before thee, when our money is spent? Then said joseph: bring your cattle, and I will give you for your cattle if ye be without money. And they brought their cattle unto joseph. And joseph gave them bread for horses and sheep, and oxen, and asses, and fed them with bread for all their cattle that year. But when that year was ended, they came unto him the next year, and said unto him. We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent, my Lord also had our cattle & beasts, neither is there aught left in the sight of my lord, but even our bodies and our lands. Wherefore lettest thou us die before thine eyes, and the land to go to nought? Buy us and our lands for bread, and both we and our lands will be bond to Pharaoh. Only give us seed, that we may live and not die, and that the land go not to waste. And so joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh. For the Egyptians sold every man his land/ because the dearth was sore upon them, and so the land became pharao's. And he appointed the people unto the Cities from one side of Egypte unto the other: only the land of the priests bought he not. For the Preestes had an ordinance of Pharaoh, that they should care that which was appointed unto them, which Pharaoh had given them, wherefore they sold not their lands. Then joseph had said unto the folk: behold, I have bought you this day & your land for Pharaoh. Take there seed and sow the land. And of the increase, ye shall give the fifth to Pharaoh, and. iiii. parts shall be your own, for seed of the field, and for you, and them of your households, and for your children, to eat. And they answered. Thou hast saved our lives. Let us find grace in the sight of my Lord, and we will be pharao's servants. And joseph made it a law over the land of Egypte unto this day, that Pharaoh should have the fift part except the land of the priests only, which was not pharao's. And Israel dwelt in Egypte: even in the country of Gosan. And they had their possessions therein, and grew and multiplied exceedingly. Moreover, jacob lived in the land of Egypte. xvii. years, so that the hole age of jacob was an hundred and. xlvii. year. When the time drew nigh, that Israel must die: he sent for his son joseph, & said to him. If I have found grace in thy sight oh, put thy hand now under my thy, and deal mercifully & truly with me, that thou bury me not in Egypte, but I will lie with my fathers, and thou shalt carry me out of Egypte, and bury me in their butyal. And he answered. I will do as thou hast said. And he said * Gene. 25. ●. swear unto me. And he swore unto him. And Israel worshipped toward the beds head. ¶ jacob lieth speak: He despreth Ephraim and Manasses for his sons, and blesseth them. CAPI. XLVIII. AFTer these deeds it happened, that a messenger said unto joseph, thy father is sick. And he took with him his two sons, Manasses and Ephraim. Then was it said unto jacob: behold, thy son joseph cometh unto the. And Israel took his strength unto him, and sat up on the bed and jacob said unto joseph. God almighty appeared unto me at * Gene. 〈◊〉. Lus in the land of Canaan, and blessed me, and said unto me: behold, I will make the grow, & will multiply thee, and will make a great * Gene. 46, ● number of people of thee, and will give this land unto thy seed after the unto an everlasting possession. And now thy two sons Manasses & Ephraim which were borne unto the in the land of Egypte, before I came to the in to Egypte, are mine: even as Reuben & Symeon are mine. And the children which thou hast gotten after them, shallbe thine own: & shall be called after the names of their brethren in their inheritance. And when I came from Me sopotamia, rahel * Gene. 35▪ ●. died upon my hand in the land of Canaan, by the way: when there was but a field breed to come to Ephrat. And I buried her there in the way to Ephrat. The same is Bethleem. And Israel beheld joseph's sons & said: what are these? joseph said unto his father: they are my sons which god hath given me here. And he said: oh, bring them to me, and let me bless them. And the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not well se. And he brought them to him, & he kissed them & embraced them And Israel said unto joseph: I had not thought to have seen thy face, and yet loo● God hath showed it me and also thy seed. And joseph took them away from his lap, and worshipped on the ground before him. Then took joseph them both: Ephraim with his right hand toward Israel's left hand, and manasses with his left hand, toward Israel's right hand, & brought them unto him. And Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it upon Ephraim's head, which was the younger, and his left hand upon Manasses head, guiding his hands wisely, for Manasses was the elder. And he blessed joseph, & said: God, before whom my father's Abraham & Isaac did walk, God which hath fed me all my life long unto this day. And the angel which hath delivered me from all evil, bless these lads: & let my name be named in them, & the name of my father's Abraham and Isaac, & that they may grow in to a multitude/ in the mids of the earth. When joseth saw that his father laid his right hand upon the head of Ephraim, it displeased him. And he life up his father's hand, to have removed it from Ephraim's head unto Manasses head, & joseph said unto his father: Not so my father, for this is the eldest. Put thy right hand upon his head. And his father would not, but said: I know it well my son, I know it well. He shall be also a people and shall be great. But his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his seed shall be full of people. And he blessed them that day and said. In the let Israel bless and say. God make the as Ephraim and as Manasses. And set Ephraim before Manasses. And Israel said unto joseph: behold I die. And God shall be with you/ and bring you again unto the land of your fathers. Moreover I have given unto thee, a portion of * johe. iiii. a land above thy brethren, which I got out of the hand of the Amorite in my sword and in my bow. ¶ jacob blesseth his own sons. And showeth them what is to come. He appointeth where he will be buried: he dieth. CAPI. XLIX. ANd jacob called for his sons & said, come together, that I may tell you what shall happen you in the last days. Gather you together, and hear ye sons of jacob, hearken unto Israel your father Reuben mine * Gene. 29. f eldest son/ thou art my might/ and the beginning of my strength, the nobleness of dignity, and the nobleness of power. Unstable as water. Thou shalt not be the cheyfest, because thou wenteste up to thy father's bed. Even then didst thou defile it, and it was no more my couch. The brethren Simeon and Levy, cruel instruments in their habitations. In to their secrets come not my Soul/ unto their congregation be my honour not coupled: for in their * Gent. 〈◊〉 wrath they slew a man, and in theirself will they digged down a wall. Cursed be their wrath, for it was shameless, and their fierceness, for it was cruel. I will divide them in jacob, and scatter them in Israel. juda thou art he, whom thy brethren shall praise. Thy hand shall be in the * i. P●●●. 〈◊〉 neck of thine enemies, thy father's children shall stoop before the. juda is a * Mich●. 〈◊〉 lions whelp. From the spoil my son thou art come an high. He laid him down and couched himself as a lion, and as a * Gene. 〈◊〉 lioness. Who will stir him up? The sceptre shall not depart from juda, and a law giver from between his feet, until Sylo come. And unto him shall the gathering of the people be. He shall bind his fool unto the vine, and his asses colt unto the branch. He washed his garment in wine, and his mantel in the blood of grapes. His eyes are redder than wine, & his teeth white than milk. * Iosu●. 〈◊〉 Zebulon shall dwell beside the haven of the see and nigh the haven of ships. His border shallbe unto Sydon. Isachar a strong ass couching him down between two burdens, and saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant, and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant unto tribute. * judic. 〈◊〉 xiiii. 〈◊〉 xvii. 〈◊〉 Dan shall judge his people and the tribes of Israel. Dan shall be a serpent in the way, an edder in the path, biting the horse heel's and his rider fell backward: after thy salvation have I looked (o Lord.) Gad, an host of men shall evercome him. And he shall overcome at the last. Of Asser, his breed shall be fat, and he shall give pleasures for a king. Neptalym is a swift hind, giving goodly words. That flourishing child joseph, that plenteous child by the well side, the daughters ran upon the wall. They have provoked him, and shot him through with darts. The archers have envy him. But his bow abode fast, and the arms of his hands were made strong, by the hands of the mighty God of jacob. Out of him shall come an herd man, a stone in Israel: From thy father's God which hath helped thee, and with the almighty, which hath blessed the with blessings from heaven above, with blessings of the deep that lieth under, and with blessings of the breasts & of the womb. The blessings of thy father were stronger than the blessings of mine elders, unto the utmoost of the hills of the world, and they shall be on the head of joseph, and on the top of the head of him that was separate from his brethren. Ben jamin shall ravish as a wolf. In the morning he shall devour the prey, & at night he shall divide the spoil. All these are the. xii. tribes of Israel, and this their father spoke unto them and blessed them, every one of them blessed he with a several blessing. And he charged them, and said unto them. When I shallbe gathered unto my * Gene. 25. a. people, bury me with my fathers, in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hethyte, in the double cave that is in the field by the country of Mamre in the land of Canaan. Which field Abraham bought of Ephron the Hittite, for a possession to bury in, where as were buried Abraham & Sara his wife. And where as were buried Isaac & Rebecca his wife. And there I buried Lea. The field & the cave that is therein, was bought of the children of Heth. And when jacob had commanded all that he would unto his sons, he plucked up his feet unto the bed & died, & was * ●●●●. seven. c. put unto his people. And joseph fell upon his father's face, and wept upon him, and kissed him. ¶ jacob is buried. joseph forgiveth his brethren the injury they did. He dieth. CAPI. L. ANd joseph commanded his servants the Physicians, to enbawme his father, & the physicians enbalmed Israel. xl. days long, for so long doth the embawming last, and the Egyptians bewailed him. lxx. days. And when the days of weeping were ended, joseph spoke unto the house of Pharaoh, saying: If I have found favour in your eyes, speak in the ears of Pharaoh, saying: My father made me swear, and said: Lo, I die * Gene. 47. g bury me in my grave which I have made me in the land of Canaan. Now therefore let me go and bury my father, and then will I come again. And Pharaoh said, go and bury thy father, according as he made the swear. And joseph went up to bury his father, & with him went all the servants of Pharaoh that were the elders of his house, and all the elders of the land of Egypte, & all the house of joseph, & his brethren, and his father's house, only their children and their sheep & their cattle left they behind in the land of Gosan. And there went with him also charettes & horsemen: & it was an exceeding great company. And they came to the corn floor of Atad which is beyond jordane, & there they made a great & exceeding sore lamentation. And he * Eccle. xxii d mourned for his father seven days. And when the inhabiters of the land (even the Cananitꝭ) saw the mourning in the corn floor of Atad, they said: this is a great mourning unto the egyptians. Wherefore the name of the place is called, the mourning of the Egyptians, & it is beyond jordane. And his sons did unto him according as he had commanded them. For his sons carried him * Gene. 49. c. Acts. seven. ● in to the land of Canaan, & buried him in the double cave of the field: which cave * Gene. 23. d. Abraham bought, & the field also, to be a place to bury in, of Ephron the Hittite before Mamre. And joseph returned in to Egypte again, he & his brethren (& all that went up with him to bury his father,) as soon as he had buried him. And when joseph's brethren saw that their father was dead, they said: joseph might fortune to hate us & * Gene. 37. ● reward us again all the evil which we did unto him. And they did a commandment unto joseph, saying: thy father charged us before his death, saying. This wise shall ye say unto joseph, forgive (I pray thee) the trespass of thy brethren/ & their sin: for they rewarded the evil. And now (we pray thee) forgive the trespass of the servants of thy father's god. And joseph wept, when they spoke unto him. For his brethren came unto him/ & fell flat before his face, saying: behold we be thy servants. To whom joseph said * Gene. 45. ● fear not. Am I God? ye thought evil against me: but God turned it unto good/ to bring to pass/ as it is this day/ and to save moche people alive. Fere not therefore/ Now I will nourish you & your children/ & he comforted them/ & spoke kindly unto them. joseph dwelled in Egypte he & his father's house: & joseph lived an. C. &. x. year. And joseph saw * Tobi. 14. ● job. xlii. d Psal. 117. ● Ephraim's children, even unto the third generation. And unto Machir the son of Manasses were children borne, on joseph's knees. And joseph said unto his brethren: I die. And god will surely visit you & bring you out of this land, unto the land which he swore unto Abraham, Isaac, & jacob. And joseph took an oath of the children of Israel saying: God will not fail but visit you: & ye shall carry my * Hebre. xi. d. Exod. xiii d Iosu●. 24 g bones hence. And so joseph died, when he was an hundred &. x. year old. And they embalmed him with spices, putting him in a chest in Egypte. ¶ The end of the first book of Moses called in the Hebrew Bereschith, and in the Latyn Genesis. ¶ The second book of Moses called in the Hebrew: Uelle Schemoth: And in the Latyn Exodus. ¶ The children of jacob are numbered. The new Pharaoh oppresseth them. The act of the godly mydwyvee. CAPI. I. THese are the names of the * Gene. 46. b children of Israel, which came into Egypte with jacob, every man came with his household. Reuben, simeon, Levi, & juda, Isachar Zabulon, & Bentamin, Dan, Neptalt, Gad and Aser. All these souls that came out of the loins of jacob were. ixx. But joseph was in Egypt already. And joseph died and all his brethren and all that generation, and the * A●●es. vis. c. Psol. ●iiii c children of Israel grew, increased, multiplied, and warred exceeding mighty, and the land was full of them. But there rose up a new king in Egypte which knew not joseph. And he said unto his folk: behold, the people of the children of Israel are greater and mightier than we. Come on, let us play wisely with them, lest they multiply, & lest it happen, that (if there chance any war) they join themselves unto our enemies and fight against us, and so get them out of the land. Therefore did they set task masters over them, to keep them under with burdens. And they bylte unto Pharaoh treasure ●●ties: Phiton and Rameses. But the more they vexed them, the more they multiplied and grew, so that they abhorred the children of Israel. And the Egyptians held the children of Israel in bondage without mercy. Therefore was their life bitter unto them in that cruel bondage, in clay and brick, and all manner of work in the fields. For all the service which they did unto them, was full of tyranny. And the king of Egypte said unto the midwives' of the hebrews women, of which the ones name was Sepkora and the other Phua: when they do the office of a midwife to the women of the hebrews/ and se in the birth time that it is a boy, ye shall kill it. But if it be a daughter, it shall live. Not withstanding the midwives' feared God/ and did not as the king of Egypte commanded them: but saved the menchyldrens. And the king of Egypte called for the midwives', and said unto them: why have ye dealt on this manner, & have saved the men children? And the midwives' answered Pharaoh, that the hebrews women are not as the women of Egypt: for they are sturdy women and are delivered ere the midwives' come at them. And god therefore dealt well with the midwives'. And the people multiplied and waxed very mighty. And it fortuned because the mywyves' feared GOD, he made them houses. And Pharaoh charged all his people saying: All the men children that are borne, cast into the river, and save the maid children alive. ¶ Moses is burn and cast into the Flags. He is taken up of pharao's daughter. He killeth the Egyptian. He fleeth, and marrieth a wife. The Israelites cry unto the lord. CAPI. II. ANd there went a man of * Exo 〈…〉 i. Pat. 〈…〉 the house of Levy. And took a daughter of Levy. And the wife conceived/ & bore a son. And when she saw that it was a proper child * Acted. 〈…〉 Hebr● 〈…〉 she hid him three months. And when she could no longer hide him, she took a basket of bulrusshes and daubed it with slime and pitch, and laid the child therein, & put it in the flags by the rivers brink. And his sister stood a far of, to weet what would come of it. * Acts, 〈…〉 two. Reg 〈…〉 And the daughter of Pharaoh came down * Da●l▪ 〈…〉 to wash herself in the river, and her maidens walked along by the rivers side. And when she saw the basket among the flags, she sent her maid to fetch it. And when she had opened it, she saw it was a child: and behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on it, and said: It is one of the hebrews children. Then said his sister unto pharao's daughter: shall I go and call unto the a nurse of the hebrews women, to nurse thee, the child. pharao's daughter answered her: Go. And the maid ran, and called the child's mother. To whom pharao's daughter said. Take this child away, and nurse it for me. I will reward the. And the woman took the child and nursed it up. The child grew, and she brought it unto pharao's daughter, and it was made her son, and she called the name of it Moses, because (said she) I took him out of the water. And it happened in those days, when Moses was waxed great, that he went out unto his brethren, and looked on their burdens, and spied an Egyptian smiting an Hebrew which was one of his brethren. And he looked round about, and when he saw no man by/ be slew the Egyptian, and hid him in the sand. And when he was gone out, another day behold, two hebrews strove together. And he said unto him that did the wrong. wherefore smitest thou thy fellow? He answered. & Who made the a man of authority to ●des. seven. d Gene. nineteen d. judge use Speakest thou to kill me, as thou kylledst the Egyptyan? And Moses feared and said: of a surety this thing is known. And Pharaoh heard of it, and went about to s●ee Moses. And Moses fleeing from the face of Pharaoh, dwelt in the land of Midian, and he sat down by a wells side. The priest of Midian had. seven. daughters which came and drew water, and filled the troghes, for to water their father's sheep. And the shepherds came and drove them away. But Moses stood up and helped them and watered their sheep. And when they came to Raguel their father, he said. How happeneth it that ye are come so soon to day? And they answered. A man of Egypte delivered us from the hand of the shepherds, and so drew us water, and watered the sheep. He said unto his daughters. And where is he? why have ye so left the man? Call him that he may eat bread. And Moses was content to dwell with the man. And he gave Moses zephora his daughter, which when she bore a son * Exod. 18. a. called him Gerson, for he said. I have been a stranger in a strange land. ❀ (And she bore yet another son, whom he called Elieser, saying: the God of my father is mine helper, and hath rid me out of the hands of Pharaoh. And it chanced in process of time, that the king of Egypte died, and the children of Israel sighed by the reason of bondage, and cried. And their complaint came up unto God from the bondage, & god heard their moan. And god remembered his promise with Abraham, Isaac and jacob. And God looked upon the children of Israel, and God had respect unto them. ¶ Moses hopeth sheep. He seeth God in a bush: he is sent to the children of Israel, and to Pharaoh that cyraviit. CAPI. III. MOses kept the sheep of * ●●●e. 18. a. jethro his father in law▪ priest of Midian, and he drove the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, Horeb. * ●●●●. 14 a ●nes. seven. d And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the myddis of the bush. And he looked, & behold, the bush burned with fire, and the busshe was not consumed. Therefore Moses said. I will go now, and see this great sight, how it cometh that the bush burneth not. And when the Lord saw that he came for to see, God called unto him out of the mids of the bush, and said. Moses, Moses. He answered: here am I And he said. * Iosu●. v. d. Come not hither, put thy shoes of thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. And he said * Math. 22. c M●t. xii. c. Luke. xx. e I am the god of thy father, the god of Abraham, the god of Isaac, and the god of jacob. And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon god. And the Lord said: I have surely seve the trouble of my people which are in Egypt * Exod. xxii. ● Eccle. xxi. a & have herd their cry from the face of their task masters. For I know their sorrows and am come down to deliver them, out of the hand of the egyptians, and to bring them out of that land unto a good land and a large, and unto a land that floweth with milk and honey, even unto the place of the Canaanites and Hethytes, and Amorites, and Pherezites, and Hevites, and of the jebusites. Now therefore, the complaint of the children of Israel is come unto me. And I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come thou therefore, & I will send the unto Pharaoh, that thou mayst bring my people the children of Israel out of Egypt? And Moses said unto god. what am I to go unto Pharaoh, and to bring the children of Israel out of Egypte? And he answered. I will be with the. And this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent the. After that thou hast brought the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain. And Moses said unto God. Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, I shall say unto them. The god of your fathers hath sent me unto you, and if they say unto me, what is his name, what answer shall I give them? And god answered Moses. I am that I am. And he said, this shalt thou say unto the children of Israel: I AM hath sent me unto you. And God spoke further unto Moses. Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel * Hebre. xi. ● the Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the god of Isaac and the god of jacob hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever; and this is my memorial in to generation and generation. Go and gather the elders of Israel together, and thou shalt say unto them. The Lord god of your fathers, the god of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of jacob appeared unto me, and said. In visiting have I visited you, and know that which is done to you in Egypte. And I have said, I will bring you out of the tribulation of Egypte unto the land of the Cananytes, and Hethyres, and Amory●es▪ and Pherezites, & Hevites, and jebusites, even unto a land that floweth with milk, and honey. And when they hear thy voice then go/ both thou and the elders of Israel shall go unto the king of Egypte, and say unto him. The Lord God of the hebrews hath met with us, & now will we go therefore three days journey in to the wilderness/ and do sacrifice unto the lord our god. And I am sure/ that the king of Egypte will not let you go, no not in a mighty hand: and I will stretch out mine hand and smite Egypte with all my wonders which I will do in the mids thereof. And after that he will let you go. And * Exodi. xi. a and. x●i. c I will get this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that when ye go, ye shall not go empty, but a wife shall borrow of her neighbours, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver and of gold, and raiment. And ye shall put them on your sons and daughters, & shall ●ob the Egyptians. ¶ Moses receiveth signs of his calling. He goeth in to Egypte. His wife zephora circumcised her son. Aaron me●●●● with Moses. CAPI. four MOses answered and said. See, they will not believe me nor hearken unto my voice but will say, the Lord hath not appeared unto the. And the Lord said unto him. What is that which is in thine hand? He answered, a rod. And he said. Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent. And Moses fled from the sight of it. And the Lord said unto Moses. Put forth thine hand and take it by the tail. And therefore he put forth his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand. For this thing (saith he) shall they believe thee, that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of jacob, hath appeared unto the. And the Lord said furthermore unto him Thrust thine hand into thy bosom, and he thrust his hand in to his bosom. And when he took it out again, behold, his hand was leprous even as snow. And he said. Put thine hand in thy bosom again. And he put his hand in to his bosom again, and plucked it out of his bosom, and behold, it was turned again as his other flesh. Therefore if they will not believe thee, neither hear the voice of the first token, yet will they believe for the voice of the second token. But and if they will not believe the two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice. Thou shalt take the water of the river, and power it upon the dry land. And the water which thou takest out of the river, shall turn to blood upon the dry land. Moses said unto the Lord: oh my Lord, I am not eloquent from yesterday and ere yesterday, and namely since thou hast spoken unto thy servant, but I am slow mouthed and slow tongued. And the Lord said unto him. Who hath made man's mouth, or who hath made the dumb or the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord? Therefore * Math. 〈…〉 I will be with thy mouth, and teach the what thou shalt say. He said: oh my Lord, send I pray the by the hand of him whom thou wilt send. And the Lord was angry with Moses, & said. Do not I know Aaron thy brother the levity, that he can speak? For lo, he cometh forth to meet thee, and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart. Therefore thou shalt speak unto him, and put these words in his mouth, and I will be with thy mouth and with his mouth, & will teach you what ye ought to do. And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people. He also shall be as thy mouth, and thou shalt be his God, & thou shalt take this rod in thy hand wherewith thou shalt do miracles. Therefore Moses went and returned to jethro his father in law again, and said unto him. I will go now and turn again unto my brethren which are in Egypte, and see whither they be yet alive. And jethro said to Moses, go in peace. And the Lord said unto Moses in Midian. Go, and return again in to Egypte * Math. 〈…〉 for the men are dead which went about to kill the. And Moses took his wife and his sons, and put them on an ass, and went again to Egypte, and Moses took the rod of God in his hand. And the Lord said unto Moses, when thou art entered & come into Egypte again see that thou do all the wonders before Pharaoh which I have put in thy hand. But I will hold * Exod●. 〈…〉 his heart, and he shall not let the people go. And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh thus sayeth the Lord. Israel is mine eldest son, and I have said unto thee, that thou shouldest let my son go, that he may serve me, and thou wouldest not let him go: behold I will * Exod. 〈…〉 slay thine eldest son. And it chanced by the way in the Inn that the Lord met him, and would have killed him. And Zephora took a stone, and cut away the foreskin of her son, and fell at his feet, and said. A bloody husband art thou unto me. Then he let him go. And she said a bloody husband, because of the circumcision. Then said the lord unto Aaron: go meet Moses in the wilderness. And he went and met him in the mount of God/ & kissed him. And Moses told Aaron all the words of the lord which had sent him, and all the tokens which he had charged him withal. So went Moses and Aaron & gathered all the elders of the children of Israel. And Aaron told all the words which the lord had spoken unto Moses, and did the miracles in the sight of the people, and the people believed. And when they heard that the lord had visited the children of Israel, & had looked upon their tribulation, they bowed their head, & worshipped. ¶ Moses & Aaron go unto Pharaoh. The people is oppressed more and more: they ●●ye out upon Moses & Aaron therefore. CAPI. V MOses and Aaron went in afterward, and told Pharaoh, thus saith the lord God of Israel. Let my people go, that they may keep holy day unto me in the wilderness. And Pharaoh said: who * 〈◊〉. xxi. ●. is the lord that I should hear his voice, and let Israel go? I know not the Lord, neither will I let Israel go. And they said, the God of the hebrews hath met with us, and therefore will we go three days journey in to the desert, and sacrifice unto the Lord our God, least there happen unto us either pestilence or sword. Then said the king of Egypte unto them. Wherefore do ye, Moses and Aaron let the people from their works, get you unto your labour. And Pharaoh said furthermore. Behold there is moche people now in the land and ye make them leave their work. And Pharaoh commanded the same day unto the task masters which were among the people, and unto the officers, saying. Ye shall give the people no more straw, to make brick withal, (as ye did in time passed) let them go and gather them straw themselves and the number of brick which they were wont to make in time passed, lay unto their charges also, and mynyshe nothing thereof. For they be idle, and therefore cry, saying. We will go and do sacrifice unto our God. They must have more work laid upon them, that they may labour therein, and not regard vain words. Then went the task masters of the people and the officers out, and told the people. Thus say the Pharaoh. I will give you no more straw, go yourselves and gather you straw where ye can find it, yet shall none of your labour be minished. And so were the people scattered abroad thorough out all the land of Egypte for to gather stubble, in stead of straw. And the task masters hasted them forward, saying. Fulfil your works day by day, even as if ye had straw. And the officers of the children of Israel which pharao's task masters had set over them, were beaten. And they said unto them. Wherefore have ye not fulfilled your task in making brick, both yesterday and to day, as well as in time passed? The officers also of the children of Israel came and complained unto Pharaoh, saying wherefore dealest thou thus with thy servants? There is no straw given unto thy servants, and they say unto us: make brick. And thy servants are beaten, and thy people is foul entreated. He said: idle are ye, idle, and therefore ye say. We will go and do sacrifice unto the Lord. Go therefore now & work, & there shall no straw be given you, & yet shall ye deliver the hole tale of brick. And the officers of the children of Israel did with heaviness look on them that said. Ye shall minish nothing of your daily making of brick. And they met Moses and Aaron, which stood in their way as they came out from Pharaoh, and said unto them. The Lord look unto you and judge you, which hath made the savour of us stink in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of his servants, and have put a sword in their hand to s●ee us. Moses returned unto the Lord & said. Lord, wherefore hast thou dealt cruelly with this people, and wherefore hast thou sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in thy name, he hath fared foul with this folk, & yet thou hast not delivered thy people at all. Then the Lord said unto Moses. Now shalt thou see, what I will do unto Pharaoh, for in a mighty hand shall he let them go, and * Exod. 1●. ● in a mighty hand shall he drive them out of his land. ¶ God promiseth deliverance, and the land of Canaan. The genealogy of Reuben, Simeon, and Le●●. CAPI. VI ANd God spoke unto Moses, and said unto him. I am the Lord, I appeared unto Abraham Isaac and jacob as an almighty God: and in my name jehovah was I not known unto them. Moreover * ●●●●. 17. ●. I made an appointment with them to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage wherein they were strangers. And I have also heard the groaning of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage, & have remembered my couenaū● Wherefore say unto the children of Israel. I am the Lord, I will bring you out from the burdens of the Egyptians, and will rid you out of their bondage, and will deliver you in a stretched out arm, and in great judgements. And I will take you for my people, and will be to you a God. And ye shall know, that I am the lord your God, which bring you out from the burdens of the Eypgtians. And I will bring you unto the land concerning the which I did life up my hand to give it unto Abraham, Isaac, and jacob, and will give it unto you for a possession, even I the Lord. And Moses told the children of Israel even so. But they hearkened not unto Moses, for anguish of spirit/ and for cruel bondage. The Lord spoke unto Moses, saying. Go in, & speak unto Pharaoh king of Egypt that he let the children of Israel go out of his land. And Moses spoke before the lord saying. Behold, the children of Israel hearken not unto me, how then shall Pharaoh hear me/ which am of uncircucised lips? And the lord spoke unto Moses and unto Aaron, and gave them a charge unto the children of Israel and unto Pharaoh king of Egypte, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypte. These be the heeds of their father's houses. The * Gene. 46. ● Erodi i. a Nume. 26 ●●. Para. v a children of Reuben the eldest son of Israel are these. Hanoh, and Pallu, Hezron, & Charmi, these are the households of Reuben. The children of Simeon, Gemuel, and jamin, Ohad, and jachim, Zohar, and Saul the son of a Canaanites wife. These are the kindreds of simeon. These also * 1. Para. 6 a and xxiii. ● Nume. 〈◊〉▪ ● and. xxvi. ● are the names of the children of Levi in their generations. Gerson, and Kahath and Merari. Levi lived an hundred &. xxxvii. years. The sons of Gerson. Libui and Semei by their kindreds. The children of Kahath, Amram, and jezear, Hebron and Usiel. And Kahath lived an hundred and. xxxiii. year. The children of Merari, Maheli and Musi. These are the kindreds of Levi by their generations. * ●●●●. two. a. Amram took ‡ Nume. 26 ● jochebed his niece to wife and she bore him Aaron and Moses. (And Maria) And Amram lived an hundred and. xxxvii. year. The children of jezear, Korah, Nepheg and Sichri. The children of Usiel, Misael, Elxapha● and Sithri. And Aaron took Elizaba daughter of Aminadab and sister of Naason, to wife, which bore him Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. The children of Korah, Assir, and Elkana and Ab●assaph. These are the kindreds of the Korahites. Eleazar Aaron's some took him one of the daughters of Putuel to wife, which bore him Pinehas, and these be the principal fathers of the Levites thorough out their kindreds. This is that Aaron and Moses to whom the Lord said. Bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt, according to their armies. These are that Moses and Aaron which spoke to Pharaoh king of Egypte, that they might bring the children of Israel out of Egypte. And in the day when the LORD spoke unto Moses in the land of Egypte, he spoke unto him, saying. I am the lord, speak thou unto Pharaoh the king of Egypte all that I say unto the. And Moses said before the Lord. Behold I am of * Exod▪ 〈◊〉 uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh give me audience. ¶ The tokens to know god. The rod of Moses is turned to a serpent. The Sorcerers do even the same. The waters are turned in to blood. CAPI. VII. ANd the Lord said unto Moses, Behold, I have made the pharao's God, and Aaron thy brother shall be thy prophet. Thou shalt speak all that I commanded thee, and Aaron thy brother shall speak unto Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land. And * Exod▪ 〈◊〉 I will harden pharao's heart, and multiply my miracles and my wonders in the land of Egypte. But Pharaoh shall not hearken unto you, that I may set mine hand upon Egypte, and bring out mine armies, and my people the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt in great judgements. And the egyptians shall know that I am the lord, when I stretch forth my hand upon Egypt, and bring out the children of Israel from among them. Moses and Aaron did as the Lord commanded them/ even so did they. Moses was lxxx. year old, and Aaron. lxxxiii. when they spoke unto Pharaoh. And the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron/ saying: If Pharaoh speak unto you saying: Show a wonder: thou shalt say unto Aaron, take thy rod, & cast it before Pharaoh, that it may be a serpent. Then went Moses & Aaron in unto Pharaoh, and did even as the Lord had commanded. And Aaron cast forth his rod before Pharaoh and before his servants, * Exod▪ 〈◊〉 and it turned to a Serpent. Then Pharaoh called for the wise men and * two. 〈◊〉. Enchanters: and those wise men of Egypte did in like manner with their Sorcery. For they cast down every man his rod, and they turned to serpentis: but Aaron's rod did eat up their rods: & he hardened pharao's heart, that he hearkened not unto them, even as the Lord had said. The lord also said unto Moses: pharao's heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go. Get the unto Pharaoh in the morning, lo, he will come unto the water, and thou shalt stand upon the rivers brink against he come, and the rod which turned to a serpent, shalt thou take in thine hand, & thou shalt say unto him: the lord god of the hebrews hath sent me unto thee, saying: * Exods. 8. a. let my people go/ that they may serve me in the wilderness. And behold, hitherto thou wouldest not here. Thus sayeth the Lord: In this thou shalt know that I am the Lord. Behold, I will smite (with the rod that is in mine hand) the water that is in the river, and it shall turn to blood. And the fish that is in the river shall die, & the river shall stink, & it shall grieve the Egyptians to drink of the water of the river And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say unto Aaron: take thy rod, and stretch out thine hand over the waters of Egypt, over their streams, over their rivers, and ponds and all poles of water, which they have, that they may be blood, and that there may be blood thorough out all the land of Egypte: both in vessels of wood, and also of stone. And Moses, and Aaron did even as the Lord commanded. And he lift up the rod, and smote the waters that were in the river in the sight of Pharaoh, & in the sight of his servants/ and all the water that was in the river, turned into blood. And the fish that was in the river died * Psal. 78. e. ●●d. 〈◊〉. ●. and the river stank, and the Egyptians coude not drink of the waters of the river. And there was blood throughout all the land of Egypt. And the enchanters of Egypt did likewise with their sorceries, and he hardened pharao's heart: neither did he hearken unto them * ●●od. iiii. d 〈◊〉 seven, a as the Lord had said. And Pharaoh turned himself, and went again into his house, and set not his heart there unto. And the Egyptians digged round about the river for water to drink/ for they could not drink of the water of the river. And it continued a week after that the Lord had smitten the river. ¶ The plague of Frogs▪ Moses prayeth for Pharaoh. The plague of lice. CAPI. VIII. THe Lord spoke unto Moses/ God unto Pharaoh and tell him▪ thus sayeth the Lord: * ●●od. seven. ● 〈◊〉▪ x. a. Let my people go, that they may serve me. If thou will not let them go: behold, I will smite all thy border with frogs. And the river shall serall with frogs, which shall go up & come into thine house/ and in to thy privy chambre where thou sleepest, and upon thy bed/ and into the house of thy servants, and upon thy people, and in to thine ovens/ and upon thy meats. And the frogs shall come upon thee, and on thy people and upon all thy servants. * Psal. 78, ●. and▪ cv. ● And the Lord spoke unto Moses: say unto Aaron, stretch forth thine hand with thy rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds/ that thou mayest bring up frogs upon the land of Egypt. And Aaron stretched his hand/ over the waters of Egypte, and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypte. And the sorcerers did likewise with their sorcery, & brought frogs up upon the land of Egypte. Then Pharaoh called for Moses, & Aaron, and said, * 3. Reg. 13. ● Exodi. i●● and x. ● Acts. viii● pray ye unto the lord, that he may take away the frogs from me, and from my people/ and I will let the people go, that they may do sacrifice unto the Lord. And Moses said unto Pharaoh: Rejoice thou over me, & appoint when I shall pray for thee, and for thy servants, and for thy people, to drive away the frogs from thee, and thy houses, and that they may remain but in the river only. He said: to morrow. And he said: even as thou hast said, that thou mayst know that there is none like unto the lord our god. And so the frogs shall depart from thee, and from thy houses, from thy servants, and from thy people, & shall remain in the river only. Moses, and Aaron, went out from Pharaoh, and Moses cried unto the Lord upon the appointment of frogs, which he had made unto Pharaoh. And the lord did according to the saying of Moses. And the frogs died out of the houses, out of the courts and fields. And they gathered them togy there upon heaps, & the land stank of them. But when Pharaoh saw that he had rest given him, he hardened his heart, and hearkened not unto them, as the Lord had said. And the Lord said unto Moses: say unto Aaron: stretch out thy rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may turn to lice thorough out all the land of Egypte. And they did so. For Aaron stretched out his hand, and with his rod he smote the dust of the earth, which turned to lice in man, and beast, so that all the dust of the land turned to lice, throughout all the land of Egypt▪ and the enchanters assayed likewise with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not. And the lice were both upon men, and beasts. Then said the enchanters unto Pharaoh: it is the finger of God. And pharao's heart remained obstinate, and he hearkened not unto them, even * Erodi. 7. a. as the Lord had said. And the Lord said unto Moses: rise up early in the morning, & stand before Pharaoh, for he will come forth unto the water: and thou shalt say unto him, thus sayeth the Lord: let my people go, that they may serve me. Else, if thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send all manner of flees both upon thee, and thy servants, and thy people/ and into thy houses. And the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of flees, & the ground whereon they are. And the land of * Gene. 47. f Gosan where my people are, will I cause to be wonderful in that day, so that there shall no flees be there. Whereby thou shalt know, that I am the Lord in the mids of the earth. And I will put a division between my people, and thine. And even to morrow shall this miracle be done. The lord did even so: and there came noisome flees into the house of Pharaoh, and into his servants houses, and in to all the land of Egypte: and the land was corrupt, with these flees. And Pharaoh called for Moses, and Aaron/ and said: Go, and do sacrifice unto your God in the land. And Moses answered: it is not meet that we so do. For than we must offer unto the Lord our God, that which is an abomination unto the Egyptians: But and if we sacrifice that which is an abomination unto the Egyptians before their eyes, should they not stone us? we will go three days journey into the desert, and sacrifice unto the Lord our God * Exodi. lii. f as he hath commanded us. And Pharaoh said: I will let you go, that ye may sacrifice unto the Lord your God in the wilderness, but go not far away, pray for me. And Moses said: behold, I will go out from thee, & pray unto the Lord, that the flees may depart from Pharaoh/ and from his servants, and from his people to morrow. But let Pharaoh from hence forth deceive no more, that he will not let the people go to sacrifice unto the Lord. And Moses went out from Pharaoh/ & prayed unto the lord. And the lord did according to the say enge of Moses, and the flees departed from Pharaoh and from his servants, and from his people and there remained not one. And Pharaoh hardened his heart even then also, and did not let the people go. ¶ The murrain of beasts. The plague of botches and sores The horrile hail, thunder, and lightening. CAPI. IX. THe Lord said unto Moses: go in unto Pharaoh, & thou shalt tell him, thus sayeth the Lord God of the hebrews: * Exodi. 7● let my people go, that they may serve me. If thou wilt not let them go, & wilt hold them still: behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thy flock which is in the field, for upon horses/ asses/ camels, oxen/ and sheep/ there shallbe a mighty great morray ne. And the lord shall do wonderfully between the beasts of Israel/ and the beasts of Egypte: so that there shall nothing die of all that pertaineth to the children of Israel. And the Lord appointed a time, saying: to morrow the lord shall finish this word in the land And the Lord did it on the morrow, and all the cattle of Egypte died, but of the cattle of the children of Israel died not one. And Pharaoh sent, and behold there was not one of the cattle of the Israelites dead. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened that he would not let the people go. And the Lord said unto Moses, & Aaron, take your handis full of ashes out of the four nace, and Moses shall sprynkel it up in to the air in the sight of Pharaoh/ & it shall turn to dust in all the land of Egypte that there may be swelling soores with blains both on man, and be'st throughout all the land of Egypt. And they took ashes out of the furnace, and stood before Pharaoh, and Moses sprinkled it up in to the air. And there were soores with blains both in men and beasts/ and the sorceress could not stand before Moses because of the blains: for there were botches upon the enchanters and upon all the Egyptians. And the lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, and he hearkened not unto them * Exod. ● as the Lord had said unto Moses. And the Lord said unto Moses: rise up early in the morning, and stand before Pharaoh/ and thou shalt tell him, thus sayeth the Lord God of the Hebrews * Exodi. ● Let my people go, that they may serve me, or else I will at this time send all my plagues upon thine heart, and upon thy servants, and on thy people, that thou mayst know, that there is none like me in all the earth. For now I will stretch out my hand, that I may smite thee, and thy people with pestilence, & thou shalt petysshe from the earth. And in very deed * Roma ● Psal. 4 for this cause have I kept thee/ for to show the my power, and that they might declare my name throughout all the world. Yet thou exaltest thyself against my people, that thou wilt not let them go: behold, to morrow this time I will send down a mighty great hail: even such a one as was not in Egypte since it was grounded unto this tyme. Send therefore now, and gather thy beasts, & all that thou hast in the field. For upon all the men, & beasts which are found in the field, and not brought home, shall the hail fall, & they shall die. And as many as feared the word of the lord among the servants of Pharaoh, made their servants and their beasts flee into the houses: but he that regarded not the word of the Lord, left his servants, & his beasts in the field. And the Lord said unto Moses: stretch forth thy hand unto heaven, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, upon men and upon beasts, and upon all the herbs of the field throughout the land of Egypt. And Moses stretched out his rod unto heaven, & the lord thundered & hailed, and the fire ran a long upon the ground. * Psal. 78, c. and. cv. c And the Lord so hailed in the land of Egypt, that there was hail & fire mingled with the hail, so grievous, & such as there was noon throughout all the land of Egypt, since people inhabited it. And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt, all that was in the field both man/ and beast. And the hail smote all the herbs of the field/ & broke all the trees of the field: only in the land of Gosan where the children of Israel were, was there no hail. And Pharaoh sent and called for Moses, and Aaron/ & said unto them: I have now sinned/ the Lord is righteous, and I, and my people are ☞ ungodly. * Exodi. 8. b. Pray ye unto the lord. For it is much that there should be thunders of god, & hail. I will let you go/ and ye shall tarry no longer. Moses said unto him: assoon as I am out of the city, I will spread abroad my hands unto the lord, & the thunder shall cease, neither shall there be any more hail: that thou mayst know how that the earth is the Lords. But I know that thou, and thy servants yet fear not the ☞ face of the Lord God. And so the flax and the barley were smitten, for the barley was shot up, and the flax was bolled: but the wheat, and the rye were not smitten, for they were late sown. And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh/ and spread abroad his hands unto the lord, and the thunder, and hail ceased, neither rained it upon the earth. And when Pharaoh saw that the rain/ and the hail and thunder were ceased, he sinned again, & hardened his heart: he and his servants. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened/ neither would he let the Children of Israel go, as the Lord had said by ☞ the hand of Moses. ¶ The heart of Pharaoh is hardened of God. The grasshoppers. The thick darkness. CAPI. X. ANd the Lord said unto Moses: go in unto Pharaoh: For * Exod. iiii. t I have hardened his heart, & the heart of his servants, that I might put these my signs amongst them, and that thou tell in the audience of thy son, and of thy sons son/ what things I have done in Egypt, & the miracles which I have done among them: that ye may know how that I am the Lord. And so Moses/ & Aaron came unto Pharaoh, and said unto him: Thus sayeth the Lord God of the hebrews: how long shall it be or thou wilt submit thyself unto me? * Exodi. 8. ●. and i●, a Let my people god that they may serve me. Dr else, ❀ (if thou do resist,) and wilt not let my people go: behold, to morrow will I bring grasshoppers into thy coostes, and they shall cover the face of the earth that it can not be seen/ and they shall eat the residue which remaineth unto you and is escaped from the hail: and they shall eat every green tree that beareth you fruit in the field, & they shall fill thy houses, and all thy servants houses, and the houses of all the Egyptians after such a manner, as neither thy fathers nor thy father's fathers have seen/ since the time they were upon the earth unto this day. And he turned himself about, and went out from Pharaoh. And pharao's servants said unto him: How long shall he be a slander unto us? Let the men go, that they may serve the lord their god: knowest thou not yet that Egypte is destroyed? And Moses, and Aaron were brought again unto Pharaoh, and he said unto them. Go and serve the lord your god. Who are they that shall go? And Moses answered: we will go with our young, and with our old: yea and with our sons/ and with our daughters, and with our sheep, and with our oxen must we god: For we must hold a feast unto the Lord. And he said unto them: let it be so. The Lord be with you. When I let you go, and your children also: take heed, for ye have some mischief in hand. Nay not so: but go they that are men and serve the lord, for that was your desire. And they thrust them out of pharao's presence. And the Lord said unto Moses: Stretch out thy hand, over the land of Egypt for grasshoppers, that they may come upon the land of Egypte, and eat all the herbs of the land, & all that the hail left behind. And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, & the lord brought an East wind upon the land/ all that day and all that night. And in the morning the East wind * Psal. 〈◊〉. c Sapi. xvi b johe. i. ●. brought the grasshoppers/ and the grasshoppers went up over all the land of Egypte, & remained in all quarters of Egypt very grievously: Before them were there no such grasshoppers, neither after them shallbe, for they covered all the face of the earth, so that the land was dark. And they did eat all the herbs of the land, and all the fruits of the trees, & whatsoever the hail had left: there was no green thing left in the trees, & herbs of the field thorough all the land of Egypt. Therefore Pharaoh called for Moses, and Aaron in haste, and said: I have sinned against the lord your god/ and against you. And now forgive me my Sin only this once, and * Exodi. ix. ●. pray unto the Lord your god, that he may take away from me ☞ this death only. And Moses went out from Pharaoh/ and prayed unto the Lord, and the Lord turned a mighty strong west wind, and it took away the grasshoppers and cast them into the red see; so that there was not one grasshopper in all the coost of Egypt. And the Lord * Exodi. 4. ●. hardened pharao's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go. And the lord said unto Moses: Stretch out thy hand unto heaven, that there may be upon the land of Egypt: darkness which may be felt. And Moses stretched forth his hand unto heaven, and there was a thick * Sapi. 17. a. darkness upon all the land of Egypte, three days long, no man saw another, neither rose up from the place where he was by the space of three days, but all the children of Israel had light where they dwelled. And Pharaoh called for Moses and said: go, and serve the Lord, only let your sheep, and your oxen abide, and let your children go with you. And Moses said: thou must give us also offeryngis and burnt-offerings, for to sacrifice unto the Lord our God: our cattle also shall go with us, and there shall not one hooffe be left behind, for thereof must we take to serve the lord our God. Neither do we know, what we shall offer unto the Lord, until we come thither. But the Lord hardened pharao's heart, and he would not let them go. And Pharaoh said unto him: get the from me, and take heed to thyself/ and se my face no more. For when soever thou comest in my sight/ thou shalt die. And Moses said: Let it be as thou hast said: I will see thy face no more. ¶ The lord commandeth to rob the Egyptians. The death of all the first begotten in Egypte CAPI. XI. ANd the Lord said unto Moses: yet will I bring one plague more upon Pharaoh, and upon Egypte, and after that he will let you go hence. And when he letteth you go/ he shall utterly drive you hence. Speak thou therefore in the cares of the people, that every man borrow of his nyghbour, and every woman of her neyghbourresse * Exodi 〈◊〉 and xii. 〈◊〉 jewels of silver, and jewels of gold. And the Lord shall give the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover * Eccle. 〈◊〉 Moses was very great in the land of Egypte: in the sight of pharao's servants, and in the sight of the people. And Moses said: thus saith the Lord: * Exod. ●. 〈◊〉 At midnight will I go out in to the mids of Egypt, & all the first borne in the land of Egypt shall die: even from the first borne of Pharaoh that ☞ sitteth on his seat, unto the first borne of the maid servant that is behind the mill, and all the first gendered of the cattle. And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypte: such as there was never none like, nor shallbe. But among all the Children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, nor yet man or beast: that ye may know, how that the lord ❀ (by a great miracle) putteth a difference between the Egyptians and Israel. And these thy servants shall all come down unto me, and fall before me, and say: get the out and all the people that are under thee, and then will I depart. And he went out from Pharaoh with an angry countenance. And the Lord said unto Moses: Pharaoh shall not hear you, that my wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypte. And Moses and Aaron, did all these wonders: ❀ (And tokens which are written) before Pharaoh. And the Lord hardened pharao's heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land. CAPI. XII. ¶ The passover is eaten. The sweet bread. They must teach their children what the passover signifieth. The destruceyon of the first begotten in Egypt. The robbery of the Egyptians. The going out of the Israelites. ANd ✚ the Lord spoke unto Moses, & Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying: This month shall be unto you the beginning of months, & the first month of the year shall it be unto you. Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel, saying: In the tenth day of this month, every man take unto him ☞ a lamb, according to the house of the fathers, a lamb throughout every house. If the household be to little ☞ for the lamb, let him take his neighbour which is next unto his house according to the number of the souls: every one of you (according to his caring) shall make your count for a lamb. And let that lamb of yours be with out blemish, a male of a year old, which ye shall take out from among the sheep or from among the gootes. And ye shall keep him in, until the. * ●●. xiv. ● xiiii. day of the same month. And every man of the multitude of Israel shall kill him about even. And they shall take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts, and on the upper dorepost: even in the houses, where they shall eat him. And they shall eat the flesh the same night: roost with fire, and with unleavened bread, and with sour herbꝭ they shall eat it. See that ye eat not thereof raw nor sudden in water, but roost with fire: the head, feet, and appurtenance there of. And ye shall let nothing of it remain unto the morning. That which remaineth of it until the morrow, shall ye burn with fire. Of this manner shall ye eat it: with your loins girded, and your shoes on your feet. and your staves in your hands. And ye shall eat it in haste/ for it is the Lordis passover ⊢ for I will pass thorough the land of Egypt this same night, and will smite all the first borne in the land of Egypt/ both of man, & beast, and upon all the Gods of Egypt will I the Lord do execution. And the blood shall be unto you a token in the houses wherein ye are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you/ and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypte. And this day shall be unto you a remembrance, and ye shall keep it holy unto the lord: even throughout your geveracyons shall ye keep it holy day, that it be a custom for ☞ ever. * Exod. 23. b. ●. xxxiiii. c. Seven days shall ye eat unleavened bread, & the first day ye shall put away leaven out of your houses. For whosoever eateth levended bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shallbe plucked out from Israel. * Levi. xxiii ● Nume. 28. c The first day shallbe an holy convocation, & the seventh day shallbe an holy convocation unto you. There shall be no manner of work done in them, save about that only which every man must eat, that only may ye do. And ye shall observe unleavened bread. For this same day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt/ therefore ye shall observe this day, & all your children after you, by a custom for ever. * Levi i. 23 ● Nume. 28. c The first month, & the. xiiii. day of the month at even, ye shall eat sweet bread unto the. xxi. day of the month at even again. Seven days shall there be no leavening bread found in your houses. And whosoever eateth levended bread/ that soul shallbe rooted out from the multitude of Israel: whither he be a stranger or borne in the land. Ye shall eat nothing levended, but in all your habitations shall ye eat sweet bread. Moses called for all the elders of Israel, & said unto them: chose out & take you to every household of you, a sheep/ and kyl it for passover. And take a bunch of hyssop/ & dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the upper post & the two side posts with the blood that is in the basin, and noon of you go out at the door of his house until the morning. For the Lord will go about to smite the Egyptians. And when he seeth the blood upon the upper door post, & on the two side posts/ he will pass over the door/ and will not suffer the dystroyer to come in to your house, to plague you. Therefore shall ye observe this thing, that it be an ordinance both to the and thy sons for ever. And when ye be come in to the land which the Lord will give you, according as he hath promised, ye shall keep this service. * Iosu●. 4. a. And when your Children ask you what manner of service is this ye do? Ye shall say: it is the sacrifice of the Lordis passover, which passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypte, as he smote the Egyptians, & saved our houses. And the people bowed themselves, and worshipped. And the children of Israel went, & did as the Lord had commanded Moses, and Aaron: Even so did they. And at * Exodi. ●i. ● Psal. 135. ● Sapi. 18. c. midnight the Lord smote all the first borne in the land of Egypt: from the first borne of Pharaoh that sat on his seat, unto the first borne of the captive that was in prison/ & all the first gendered of cattle. And Pharaoh arose in the night, he and all his servants, & all the Egyptians: * Sapi. 18. ●. & there was a great crying in Egypte, for there was no house where there was not one dead. And he called unto Moses & Aaron by night, saying: rise up & get you out from among my people: both ye & also the children of Israel, & go & serve the Lord as ye have said. And take your sheep, and your droves with you as ye have said/ and departed and ☞ * Gene. 27. ● bless me. And the Egyptians were fierce upon the people that they might send them out of the land in haste: for they said: we die all. And the people took their dough before it was soured, & their victuals bound in clothes upon their shoulders. And the children of Israel did according to the saying of Moses, and they borrowed of the Egyptians * Exodi. iii, g jewels of silver, & jewels of gold/ & raiment. And the Lord gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: so that they granted such things as they required. And they rob the Egyptians. And the * Nun 33 a children of Israel took their journey from Rameses to Suchoth * Nun. xi. ●. . vi. hundred thousand men of foot, beside children. And much comen people went also with them, and sheep, and exon an exceeding great flock. And they baked sweet cakꝭ of the dough which they brought out of Egypt, for it was not soured. For when they were thrust out by the Egyptians/ they could not tarry to prepare themselves any provision of meat. The dwelling of the children of Israel which they dwelled in Egypt, was * Gene. xv. c. judic. v. b. Acts. seven. a Gala. iii, c . iiii. hundred &. thirty. years, and when the iiii. hundred, and. thirty. years were expired, even the self same day departed all the hosts of the Lord out of the land of Egypt. It is a night to be observed to the lord, in the which he brought them out of the land of Egypte. This is that night of the lord which all the children of Israel must keep throughout their generations. And the Lord said unto Moses and Aaron: this is the law of Passeover: there shall no stranger eat thereof. But every servant that is bought for money (after that thou hast circumcised him) shall eat thereof. A stranger and a hired servant shall not eat thereof. In one house shall it be eaten. Thou shalt carry noon of the flesh out at the house: * job. nineteen. g Neither shall ye break a ‡ ● Nu. ix. b bone thereof. All the multitude shall observe it. If a stranger also dwell among you, and will hold Passeover unto the Lord/ let him cyrcumcyse all that be males, and then let him come, and observe it, & he shallbe as one that is borne in the land. For the uncyrcumcysed shall not eat there of. One manner of law shallbe unto him that is ☞ borne in the land/ & unto the stranger that dwelleth among you. And all the children of Israel did as the Lord commanded Moses, and Aaron. Even so did they. And the self same day did the Lord bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt with their armies. ¶ The first begotten must be sanctified unto the Lord. The memory all of their deliverance. Why they were entire thorough the wilderness. The bones of joseph. The pillar of the cloud. CAPI. XIII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses saying. * Exodi. 〈…〉 Nume. 〈…〉 Luke. two Sayntifye unto me all the first borne, that open all manner matrices among the children of Israel as well of man as of beast, for it is mine. And Moses said unto the people: think on this day in which ye came out of Egypt out of the house of bon dage: for thorough a mighty hand the lord brought you out from thence. There shall no * i. Cor●● levended bread be eaten. This day come ye out in the month ☞ when corn beginneth to ripe. * Exodi. 〈…〉 and. 〈…〉 xxxiii. ● When the Lord had brought the in to the land of the Cananytes, Hethites, Amorites, Hevites, & jebusites * Gene. 〈…〉. Exodi. 〈…〉 which he swore unto thy Fathers that he would give thee, a land wherein milk & honey floweth, y● shalt keep this service in this same month Seven days thou shalt eat sweet bread: * Deutt. 〈…〉 and in the. seven. day it is the feast of the lord. Sweet bread shallbe eaten seven days, and there shall no levended bread be seen/ nor yet leaven with the in all thy quarters. And thou shalt show thy son in that day saying: this is done, because of that which the Lord did unto me when I came out of Egypt. And it shallbe a sign unto the upon thine hand, & for a remembrance between thine eyes, that the lords law may be in thy mouth. For * Psal. 〈…〉 in a strong hand the lord brought the out of Egypt, keep therefore this ordinance in his season from year to year. And it will come to pass, that the Lord shall bring the in to the land of the Canaanites which he * Gene. 〈…〉 swore unto thee, & to thy fathers: and shall give it the. And then thou shalt appoint unto the Lord all that openeth the matrice. ☞ And every thing cast, that first doth open the matrice of a beast which thou hast: if they be males, they shallbe the lords. And Every first gendered of an ass, thou shalt redeem with a lamb: if thou redeem him not/ thou shalt break his neck. All the first borne among thy Children also, shalt thou buy out. And when thy son asketh the ☞ to morrow saying: what is this? thou shalt say unto him: With a mighty hand the Lord brought us out of Egypte, out of the house of bondage. And ☞ when Pharaoh was loath to let us go/ the Lord slew all the first borne in the land of Egypt: as well the first borne of man as of beast. Therefore I sacrifice unto the Lord all the males that open the matrice/ & all the first borne of my Children I redeem. This shallbe a token upon thine hand, and a remembrance between thine eyes, that the Lord brought out of Egypte thorough a mighty hand. It came to pass, that when Pharaoh had let the people go, god carried them not thorough the way, and land of the Philystynes, which was the more nigh way. But God said: least the people haply repent/ when they see war/ and so turn again to Egypt. But god led the people about thorough the way of the wilderness of the red see. And the children of Israel went up harnessed out of the land of Egypte. And Moses took the bones of joseph with him, for he made the children of Israel swear, saying: * e'en. l. d ●sue. 24. g God will surely visit you, and ye shall take my bones away hence with you. * ●ume. 33. b And they took their journey from Suchoth: and abode in Etham in the edge of the wilderness. * ●ume. 14 c ●orin. x. a ●sai. two two. b And the lord went before them by a day in a pillar of a cloud to lead them the way: and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light: that they might go both by day, and by night. * Nehe. ix. d. The pillar of the cloud departed not by day, nor the pillar of fire by night, out of the sight of the people. ¶ pharao's heart is hardeved and followeth the Israelites, with all his host and captains and is drowned. The Israelites grudge. They go thorough the red see. CAPI. XIIII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses saying: Speak to the children of Israel/ that they turn, and remain before Pi Hiroth between Mygdol, and the see over against * ●ume, 33 b Baalzephon: and before that shall they pitch by the see. For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, they are tangled in the land/ the wilderness hath shut them in. And I will harden pharao's heart, that he shall follow after you: and I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, the Egyptians also shall know, that I am the lord And they did even so. And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled. And the heart of Pharaoh, & of his servants turned against the people, and they said: why have we this done that we have let Israel go out of our service? and he made ready his charettes, and took his people with him, and took. vi. hundred chosen charettes, and all the charettes of Egypt, and cap taynes upon every one of them. And the lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he followed after the children of Israel. But the Children of Israel went out with * Psal. 135. b an high hand, and the Egyptians followed after them, & all the horses, and charettes of Pharaoh, and his horsemen, & his host overoke them abiding by the see: beside Pi Hiroth before Baalzephon And when Pharaoh drew nigh, the children of Israel lift up their eyes, & behold/ the Egyptians followed after them, & they were sore afraid * jostle. 24 ● & the children of Israel cried out unto the Lord. But they said unto Moses: because there were no graves in Egypt, hast thou therefore brought us away for to die in the wilderness? Wherefore haste thou served us thus, for to carry us out of Egipte Did not we tell the this in Egypt/ saying let us be in rest/ that we may serve the Egyptians? For it had been better for us to have served the Egyptians, then for to die in the will dearness. And Moses said unto the people * two. Pat. xx, c fear ye not, stand still, & behold how the Lord shall save you this day. For ye that have seen the Egyptians this day/ shall se them no more for ever. The Lord shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace. And the Lord said unto Moses, wherefore criest thou unto me? Speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward. But lift thou up thy rod, & stretch out thy hand over the see, & divide it a sondre, and let the children of Israel go on dry ground thorough the midst of the see. And behold, I will harden the heart of the Egyptians that they may follow them. And I will get me honour upon Pharaoh, and upon all his host, and upon his charettes, and upon his horsemen. And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord when I have gotten me honour upon Pharaoh, upon his charettes, and upon his horsemen. And the Angel of god which went before the host of Israel, removed/ & began to go behind them. And the clowden pillar that was before the face of them, begun to stand behind them, and came between the host of the Egyptians/ and the host of Israel. It was ☞ also a dark cloud, and gave light by night: and all the night long the one came not at the other. And Moses stretched forth his hand over the see, and the Lord carried away the see by a very strong East wind all that night, and made the see dry land, & the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went in to the midst of the see upon the dry ground. And the waters were a wall unto them, on their right hand, & on their left hand. And the Egyptians followed, and went in after them to the midst of the see, even all pharao's horses, his charettes. and his horsemen. ✚ And in the morning watch, the Lord * judi. ix. a looked unto the host of the Egyptians out of the fiery, & cloudy pillar, and troubled the host of the Egyptians/ & took of his chariot wheels/ and carried them away violently, so that the Egyptians said: Let us f●e from the face of Israel, for the Lord fighteth for them against the Egyptians. And the lord said unto Moses: stretch out thine hand over the See, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptian, upon his charettes, and upon his horsemen. And Moses stretched forth his hand over the see, & it came again to his course early in the morning, & the Egyptians fled against it. And the * Sapi. ●. d Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the see, & the water returned, and covered the charettes & the horsemen: and all the host of Pharaoh that came in to the see after them, so that there remained not one of them. But the children of Israel walked upon dry land * Esai. 〈◊〉. d thorough the midst of the see, & the waters were a wall unto them: on the right hand of them, and on the left. * i Mar. 4 a Thus the Lord delivered Israel the self same day out of the hand of the Egyptians, and Israel saw the egyptians dead upon the see side. And Israel saw that mighty power which the lord showed upon the Egyptians * Psal. cv. d. and the people feared the Lord: & believed the lord, and his servant Moses. ¶ Moses and the people with the women sing. At the prayer of Moses, the bitter waters were sweet. God must be herd. They come to Elim. CAPI. XV. THen Moses and the children of Israel sang this song unto the lord, & said. * Erod. xv. c I will sing unto the lord ⊢, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse & him that road upon him hath he overthrown in the see. * Psal. 118. c Esa●a. xii. a The Lord is my strength, & praise, and he is become my salvation. He is my god, and I will glorify him: my fahthers' God, and I will exalt him. The lord is a man of war. The lord is his name: pharao's charettes, & his host hath he cast into the see. His chosen captains also are drowned in the red See, that deep waters have covered them: they sunk to the bottom as a stone. Thy ryghthand lord, is become glorious in power: thy ryghthande lord hath all to dashed the enemy. And in thy great glory thou hast overthrown them that rose up against thee: thou sentest forth thy wrath which consumed them even as stubble. Thorough the wind of thy nose thrills/ the water gathered together: the floods stood still as an heap, & the deep water congealed together in the ☞ heart of the see The enemy said: I will follow on them, I will overtake them, I will divide the spoil I will satisfy my lust upon them, I will draw my sword, mine hand shall destroy them. Thou blewest with thy wind/ the see covered them, they sank as lead in the mighty waters. Who is like unto thee (o Lord) among Gods? who is like the so glorious in holiness ☞ fearful in praises, showing wonders? Thou stretchedst out thy right hand, the earth swallowed them. Thou in thy mercy hast carried this people which thou delyuereds●, and haste brought them in thy strength unto thy holy habitation. The nations heard and were afraid/ sorrow came upon the Philistines. Then the dukes of the edomites were amazed, and the mightiest of the Moabites, trembling came upon them: all the inhabiters of Canaan waxed faint hearted. Let fear & dread fall upon them in the greatness of thine arm/ let them be as still as a stone: till thy people pass thorough/ o Lord, while this people pass thorough, which thou hast gotten. Thou shalt bring them in, & plant them in the mountain of thine inheritance, the place Lord which thou hast made for to twel in, the sanctuary, o lord, which thy hands have prepared. The lord shall reign ☞ ever & always. For pharao's horse went in with his charettes, & horsemen into the see, & the Lord brought the waters of the see upon them. But the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the see. And Myr jam a Prophetess the sister of Aaron took a timbrel in her hand/ and all the women came out after her with timbrels and dances. And Myr jam sang before them. * Exod. 〈◊〉▪ ● Sing ye unto the lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse & his rider hath he over thrown in the see. And so Moses brought Israel from the red see, & they went out in to the wilderness of Sur. And they went three days long in the wilderness, and found no waters. And when they came to Mara: they could not drink of the waters, of Mara/ for they were bitter, therefore the name of the place was called Mara ❀ (That is to say, bitterness.) And the people murmu red against Moses, saying: What shall we drink? * judi. v. ● Eccle. 38. ● duty. ●●● And he cried unto the Lord, and ☞ the lord showed him a tree: which when he had cast into the water, the waters were made sweet. There he made them an ordinance, & a law: & there he proved him/ and said: If thou wilt hearken * unto the voice of the Lord thy god, & wilt do that which is right in his sight & wilt give ear unto his commandments, & keep all his ordinances, then will I put noon of these diseases upon the which I brought upon the Egyptians, for I am the Lord that healeth the. ¶ The Israelites come in to the desert of Syn. It ●ayneth qu●yls, and Mauna. They s●●dge. CAPI. ✚ XVI. THe * Nume. 33. ● children of Israel came to Elim where were xii. wells of water and. lxx. palm trees, and they abode there by the waters. And they took their journey from Elim and all the hole company of the children of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai: the. xv. day of the second month after their departing out of the land of Egypte. And the hole multitude of the children of Israel * Nun. xi, a murmuring against Moses & Aaron in the wilderness/ & the children of Israel said unto them: would to god we had died by the hand of the lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, & when we did eat bread our belies full, for ye have brought us out in to this will dernes, to kill this hole multitude with hunger. Then said the Lord unto Moses: behold, I will ●ayne * Sapi. 16. d. Psal. 78, r. Ioh●. vi, d bread from heaven to you, & the people shall go out, and gather day by day that I may prove them, whither they will walk in my law or no: the sixth day they shall prepare for themselves that which they will bring in, & let it be twice as much as they gather in daily. And Moses and Aaron said unto all the children of Israel: at even, ye shall know that it is the Lord, which brought you out of the land of Egypte, & in the morning ye shall see ☞ the glory of the Lord: because he hath heard your grudgings against the Lord. And what are we that ye have murmured against us? And Moses said. At even shall the lord * Nun. xi. d give you flesh to eat, and in the morning bread enough: for the lord hath herd your murmurings which ye murmur against him: for what are we? your murmurings are not against us, but against the lord. And Moses spoke unto Aaron: Say unto all the company of of the children of Israel, come forth before the lord: for he hath heard your grudgings And as Aaron spoke unto the hole multitude of the children of Israel, they looked toward the wilderness: and behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. ⊢ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying. I have heard the murmuring of the children of Israel, tell them therefore & say: at even y● shall eat flesh, & in the morning ye shall be filled with bread, and ye shall know, that I am the lord your god. And at even the * Nun. ●i. ● quay les came & covered the ground where they lay. And in the morning the dew lay round about the host. And when the dew was fallen: behold, it lay upon the ground in the wilderness, small & round and thine as the door frost on the ground. And when the children of Israel saw it, they said every one to his neighbour. It is ❀ ☞ Manna. For they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them: this is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat. This is the word which the lord hath commanded: gather of it every man for himself to eat, a gomer full for a man according to the number of you & take every man for them which are in his tent. And the children of Israel did even so, & gathered some more, some less: & when they did meat it with a Gomer, & unto him that i●. Co●●. ●● had gathered much, remained nothing oue● and unto him that had gathered ly●ell was there no lack: every man gathered sufficient for his eating. And Moses said unto them. See that no man let ought remain of it till the morning. notwithstanding they hearkened not unto Moses: but some of them left of it until the morning/ and it waxed full of worms & stank, and Moses was angry with them. And they gathered it all mornings, every man for his eating. And assoon as the heat of the son came, it moult. And the sixth day they gathered twice so moche bread it. gomers for one man: & all the rulers of the multitude came and told Moses. He said unto them: this is that which the Lord hath said: to morrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath unto the Lord: Bake that which ye will bake, & seethe that ye will seethe, & that which remaineth, lay up till the morning. And they laid it up till the morning as Moses bade, & it stank not, neither bred there any worm therein. And Moses said: that eat this day: for it is the Sabbath unto the Lord: to day ye shall not find it in the field. Syxe days ye shall gather it, & in the seventh day which is the Sabbath, there shallbe none. notwithstanding there went out some of the people in the seventh day for to gather, & they found none. And the Lord said to Moses: how long refuse ye to keep my commandments & my laws? See, the lord hath given you a Sabbath, therefore he giveth you the sixth day bread for. two. days. Bide therefore every man at hom●, & let no man go out of his place the seventh day. And the people rested the seventh day. And the house of Israel called it Manna. * Nun. xi. ● And it was like unto Coriander seed, white, and the taste of it was like unto wafers made with honey. And Moses said: this is that which the Lord commandeth: fill a Gomer of it, which may be kept for your children after you: that they may see the bread wherewith I have fed you in wilderness, when I brought you out of the land of Egypt. And Moses spoke unto Aaron: take a cruse & put * Hebru. ix. b a Gomer full of Manna therein, & lay it up before the Lord to be kept for your children after you, as the Lord commanded Moses. So Aaron laid it up before the testimony to be kept. * Si. Esd. i●. d judicum. v d jesue. v. d. And the children of Israel did eat Manna. xl. year untyt they came unto a land inhabited. And so they did eat Mamna, even until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan A Gomor is the tenth part of an Epha. ¶ The israelites come in to Raphidim. They grudge. Water is given them out of the rock. Moses holdeth up his hands: and they overcome the Amelechites. CAPI. XVII. ANd all the company of the children of Israel throughout their armies went from the wilderness of Sin after the commandment of the Lord, and pitched in * Nun, 33. d Raphidim/ where was no water, for the people to drink. And the people chode with Moses and said. give us water to drink. Moses said unto them/ why chide ye with me? Wherefore do ye tempt the Lord? There the people thirsted for water, and the people murmured against Moses and said. * Nun. xx. a Wherefore hast thou thus brought us out of Egypte, to kill us and our children/ and cattle with thirst? And Moses cried unto the Lord, saying What shall I do unto this people? they be almost ready to stone me. And the Lord said unto Moses. Go before the people, and take with the of the elders of Israel: and thy rod wherewith thou smotest the river, take in thy hand, and go. Behold * Psal. 78 b. i Corin. x. a duty. ix. b I stand before the beside a rock that is in Horeb, & thou shalt smite a rock, and there shall come water out thereof, that the people may drink. * Nun. xx a And Moses did even so before the eyes of the elders of Israel. And he called the name of the place * ●e●tacyon Massa and ‡ Strife. Meriba, because of the chiding of the children of Israel, and because they tempted the Lord, saying. Is the lord among us or not? Then came Amalech and fought with Israel in Raphidim. And Moses said unto josua. Chose us out men, & go fight with Amalech. And to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill, and the rod of God shall be in my hand. josua did as Moses bade him, & fought with Amalech. And Moses & Aaron, & Her went up to the top of the hill. And it happened, that when * judi. iiii. c. Deut. 25. ● Moses held up his hand, Israel had the better. And when he let his hand down, Amalech had the better. But Moses hands were heavy, & therefore they took a stone & put it under him, & he sat down thereon. And Aaron & Her stayed up his hands, the one on the one side & the other, on the other side. And his handis remained steady until the going down of the son. And josua discomfited Amalech and his people, with the edge of the sword, And the Lord said unto Moses. Write this for a remembrance in a book, and commit it unto the ears of josua, for * Nume. 24●●. Regum 15. ● I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalech from under heaven. And Moses made an altar and called the name of it. ❀ ☞ The lord is he that worketh miracles for me. For he said: the hand is on the seat of god the Lord will have war with Amalech from generation to generation. ¶ jethros counsel is received of Moses. CAPI. XVIII. IEthro the priest of Median Moses father in law heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel his people, and that the Lord had brought Israel out of Egypt. * Exodi. iii, and iiii. f Therefore he took Ziphora Moses wife, (after he had sent her back) & her. two. sons, of which the one was called * Exodi. two. ●. Gerson, for he said. I have been an alyent in a strange land. The name of the other was Eliesar: for the God of my father (said he) was my help, & delyucred me from the sword of Pharaoh. And jethro Moses father in law came with his two sons & his wife unto Moses in to the wilderness: where he abode by the mount of God. And he said unto Moses. I thy father in law jethro am come to thee, and thy wife also, and her two sons with her. And Moses went out to meet his father in law and did obeisance, and kissed him, and each asked of other of his health, and they came in to the tent. And Moses told his father in law all that the lord had done unto Pharaoh and to the Egyptians for Israel's sake, and all the travail that had happened them by the way, and how the Lord delivered them. And jethro rejoiced over all the goodness which the Lord had done to Israel, and because he had delivered them out of the hand of the Egyptians. And jethro said: blessed be the Lord which hath deiyvered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharaoh, which hath also delivered his people from the captivity of the Egyptians. Now I know that the Lord is greater than all Gods, for ☞ in the thing whereby they dealt cruelly with them, are they themselves perished. And jethro Moses father in law offered burnt offerings & sacrifices unto God. And Aaron & all the elders of Israel came to eat bread with Moses father in law before God. And it chanced on the morrow, that Moses sat to judge the people, & the people stood about Moses from morning unto even. And when Moses father in law saw all that he did unto the people, he said. What is this that thou dost unto the people? why sittest thou thyself alone, and all the people stand about the from morning unto even? And Moses said unto his father in law: because the people cometh unto me to seek counsel of God. When they have a matter, they come unto me, and I judge between every man & his neighbour, & show them the ordinances of God and his laws. And Moses father in law said unto him: it is not well that thou dost. Thou both wetyest thyself, and this people that is with thee: for this thing is of more weight, than * Denis. i. b thou art able to perform thyself alone Hear now therefore my voice, and I will give the counsel, and God shall be with the. Be thou unto the people to Godward, that thou mayst bring the causes unto God, and thou shalt teach them ordinances & laws, and show them the way wherein they must walk, and the work that they must do. Moreover thou shalt seek out among all the people, men of activity, and such as fear God: true men, hating covetousness/ & make them heads over the people, and captains over thousands, over hundreds, over fifty and over ten. And let them judge the people at all ceasons. And every * duty. i. c great matter that happeneth, let them bring unto thee, but let them judge all small causes themselves, and so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear with the. If thou shalt do this thing, (and God charge the withal) thou shalt be able to endure, and yet the people shall come to their place in peace. And so Moses obeyed the voice of his father in law, and did all that he had said, and chose active men out of all Israel, and made them as heads over the people: namely, captains over thousands, over hundreds, over fifty, and over ten. And they judged the people at all ceasons, but brought the hard causes unto Moses, and judged all small matters themselves. And Moses let his father in law depart/ and he went in to his own land. CAPI. XIX. ¶ The children of Israel come to the mount Smay. The people of god ate holy, and a royal priesthood. He that toucheth the hill dieth. God appeareth unto Moses upon the mount in thondre, and lightening IN the third month/ when the children of Israel were gone out of the land of Egypte, the same day came they in to the wilderness of Smay. * Nume. 38. c For they were departed from Raphidim, and were come to the desert of Smay, and had pitched their tents in the wilderness. And there Israel abode before the mount. * Exod. 24. a But Moses went up unto God. And the Lord called to him out of the mountain/ saying: Thus shalt thou say unto the house of jacob, and tell the children of Israel: ye have seen what I did unto the egyptians, and took you up upon eagles wings, and have brought you unto myself. Now therefore * Deute. 13. d if ye will hear my voice in deed, and keep mine appointment: ye shall be mine own, above all nations, for all the earth is mine. Ye shallbe unto me also a kingdom of * S. Peter. 2. b priests and an holy people: And these are the words which thou shalt say unto the children of Israel. Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the Lord commanded him. And the people answered all together, & said. * Exod. 24. a Deut. v. d. and. xxvi. d. All that the Lord hath said, we will do. And Moses brought the words of the people unto the Lord. And the Lord said unto Moses. To, I come unto the in the thick clowe, that the people may hear me talking with thee, & believe the for ever. Moses showed the words of the people unto the Lord. And the Lord said unto Moses. Go unto the people, and ☞ sanctify them to day and to morrow, & let them wash their clothes: and be ready against the third day. For the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Smay. And thou shalt set marks round about the people and say: beware, that ye go not up in to the mount, or touch the bordre of it. Who so ever toucheth the * Hebre. xii. ● mount shall surely die. There shall not an hand touch it. Else he shallbe stoned or shot thorough: whither it be beast or man, it shall not live: When the trump bloweth long: then may they come up into the mountain. And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and sanctified them, & they washed their clothes. And he said unto the people: Be ready against the third day, and ☞ come not at your wives. And the third day in the morning there was thunder, and lightening, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trump exceeding loud, so that all the people that was in the host was afraid. And Moses brought the people out of the tents to meet with god, & they * Deute. 4. d. stood under the hill. And mount Synay was all together on a smoke: because the Lord descended down upon it in fire. And the smoke thereof ascended up, as the smoke of a chimney, and all the mount was exceeding fearful. And when the voice of the trump blewe, & waxed louder and louder. Moses spoke, and God answered him by a voice. And the Lord came down upon mount Synay, even in the top of the hill, and when the lord called Moses up into the top of the hill, Moses went up. And the lord said unto Moses: go down charge the people, that they press not up to see the Lord, and so many of them perish. And let the priests also which come to the lord sanctify themselves, lest the Lord destroy them. And Moses said unto the lord: the people can not come up in to the mount Synay, for thou chargedst us, saying: Set marks about the hill, and sanctify it. And the lord said unto him: away, and get the down: & thou shalt come up, thou & Aaron with the. But let not the priests and the people presume for to come up unto the lord, least he destroy them. And so Moses went down unto the people, and told them. ¶ The ten commandments are given. The altar of earth. CAPI. XX. AND God spoke all these words, and said: I am the Lord thy God, which have * duty. v. ● brought the out of the land of Egypte/ out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have none other gods in my sight. * levit. 26. a. Deute. 4. c Thou shalt make the no graven image neither any similitude that is in heaven above either in the earth beneath, or in the waters under the earth. Thou shalt not worship Naum. i a. Eradi. 24 b them, neither serve them: For I the Lord thy god, am a ☞ jealous god, & ☞ visit the ☞ ☞ sin of the fathers upon the children unto the third & fourth generation of them that hate me: and show mercy unto thousands in them that love me, and keep my commandments. Thou shalt not * Leutti. xix'b Eccle. 23. b. take the name of the Lord thy God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless, that taketh his name in vain. * Exobi. 23. b xxxiiii. c and xxxv. a Ezech, xx. b Remember the Sabbath day, that thou sanctify it. Syxe days shalt thou labour & do all that thou haste to do: but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy god, in it thou shalt do no manner of work, thou, & thy son, and thy daughter, thy man servant & thy maid servant, thy cattle & the stranger that is within thy gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven & earth, the see and all that in them is, and * Gene. two. ● ☞ rested the seventh day: Wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it. ✚ ☞ * Math. ●5. ● Mat. seven. ● Honour thy father & thy mother, that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth the. * Math. 〈◊〉 Thou shalt not kill. * Luke. 18. ● Thou shalt not break wedlock. * Math. v. ● Thou shalt not steal. * Roma. 〈◊〉 Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. Thou shalt not covet * Roma. 7. ● thy neighbours house: neither shalt thou covet thy neighbours wife, or his man servant, or his maid or his ore, or his ass, or what so ever thy neighbour hath. And all the people saw the thunder & the lightning, & the noise of the trump, and the mountain smoking. And when the people saw it, they removed and stood a far of, & said unto Moses: * Deut. 18 ● Hebre, 〈◊〉 talk thou with us & we will hear: but let not god talk with us, least we die. And Moses said unto the people. Fear not, for God is come to prove you, and that his fear may be ☞ in your face, that ye sin not. And the people stood a far of, & Moses went in to the thick cloud where God was. And the Lord said unto Moses: thus thou shalt say unto the children of Israel: Ye have seen that I have talked with you from out of heaven. Ye shall not make therefore with me gods of silver, neither shall ye make you gods of gold: * Deut. 17 ● joshua. 8. ●●. Math 4● An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and thereon offer thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep and thine oxen. In all places where I shall put the remembrance of my name ⊢ thither I will come unto the & bless the. And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, see thou make it not of hewn stone. Else if thou lift up thy toll upon it, thou hast polluted it. Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy filthiness be not showed thereon. ¶ Temporal and Civil ordinances. CAPI. XXI. These are the laws which thou shalt set before them. If thou buy a servant that is an Hebrew, vi. years he shall serve & in the seventh he shall go out free paying no thing. If he came alone, he shall go out alone And if he came married, his wife shall go out with him. And if his master have given him a wife and she have borne him sons or daughters: then the wife and her children shall be her masters, and he shall go out alone. And if the servant say: I love my master, my wife and my children, I will not go out free. His master shall bring him unto the judges, and set him to the door or the door post, and his master shall bore his ear thorough with a nawle, and he shall be his servant for ever. And if a man sell his daughter to be a servant: she shall not go out as the men servants do. If she also please not her master, and he giveth her to no man to wife, them shall he let her go free: to sell her unto a strange nation shall he have no power, saying he despised her. If he have promised her unto his son to wife, he shall deal with her as men do with their daughters. And if he take him an other wife, yet her food, her raiment and duty of marriage shall he not minish. And if he do not these three unto her, then shall she go out free and pay no money. * Levi. 24. c Nun 35 b Math. v. c. He that smiteth a man that he die, shallbe slain for it. If a man lay not await but God deliver him in to his hand, than I will point the a place whither he shall flee. If a man come presumptuously upon his neighbour to flee him with guile, thou shalt take him fro mine * 3. Regum. i. g altar that he die. He that smiteth his father or his mother let him be slain for it. * Deut. 24. b He that stealeth a man and selleth him (if it be proved upon him) shall be slain for it. * Levi. xx. b ●ione. xx. c Mat. xv. a. Mat. seven. b And he that curseth his father or mother, shall be put to death for it. If men strive together/ and the one smiteth his neighbour with a stone, or with his fist, & he die not, but lieth in bed: if he rise again & walk without upon his staff, then shall he that smote him go quite: save only he shall beat his charges for losing his time, and shall pay for his healing. And if a man smite his servant or his maid with a rod, & they die under his hand it shall be avenged in deed. And if they continue a day or two, it shall not be avenged, for they are his money. If men strive and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit departed from her, & yet no misfortune followeth/ then shall he be mersed according as the woman's husband will lay to his charge, and he shall pay as the days men appoint him. * ●uit. 24. c Deute. 19 b And if any misfortune follow, then shall he pay life for life, * ●ath. v. ● eye for eye, tooth for tooth hand for hand, foot for foot, burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe. And if a man smite his servant or his maid in the eye that it perish, he shall let them go free/ for the eyes sake. Also if he smite out his servants, or his maids tooth he shall let them go out free for the tooth sake. If an Ox goore a man or a woman, that they die, than the * Gene. ix. ● Ox shall be stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten/ but the owner of the Ox shall go quite. If the Ox were wont to push in time past/ and it hath been told his master/ and he hath not kept him, but that he hath killed a man or a woman/ then the Ox shall be stoned, and his owner shall die also. ☞ If there be set to him a sum of money than he shall give for the deliverance of his life, what soever is put unto him. And whither he hath gored a son or hurt a daughter, he shall be served after the same manner. But if it be a servant or a maid that the ox hath gored, than he shall give unto their master. thirty. ☞ sycles of silver, and the ox shall be stoned. If a man open a well or dig a pit & cover it not, & an ox or an ass fall therein, the owner of the pit shall make it good and give money unto their master, & the dead beast shall be his. If one man's ox hurt an other that he die: then they shall sell the live ox & divide the money, and the dead ox also they shall divide. Or if it be known that the ox hath used to push in times past, and his master hath not kept him, he shall pay ox for ox, and the deed shallbe his own. ¶ Such like laws as are in the Chapter above. CAPI. XXII. IF a man * Prou. seven a steal an ox or sheep and kill it or sell it, he shall restore. v. oxen for an axe, and * two. Reg ●ii b four sheep for a sheep. If a these be found breaking up and be smitten that he die, there shall no blood be shed for him: but if the son be up when he is found, then there shall be blood shed for him. A thief shall make restitution: If he have not wherewith, he shall be sold for his theft. If the theft be found in his hand alive (why there it be ox, ass or sheep) he shall restore double. If a man do hurt field or vineyard, & put in his beast to feed in another mans field of the best of his own field, & of the best of his own vineyard, shall he make restitution. If fire break out and catch in the thorns, and the stacks of corn, or in standing corn, or field be consumed therewith: he that kindled the fire shall make restitution. If a man deliver his neighbour money or stuff to keep, and it be stolen out of his house. If the thief be found, let him pay double. And if the thief be not found, than the good man of the house shall be brought unto the judges. ❀ (And shall swear.) Whither he have put his hand unto his neighbours good. And in all manner of trespass, whither it be for ox, ass, sheep, raiment, or any manner of lost thing which an other challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges. And whom the judges condemn: let him pay double to his neighbour If a man deliver unto his neighbour to keep, ass, ox, sheep or what soever beast it be and it die or be hurt or be taken away (and no man see it:) then shall ☞ an oath of the Lord be between them, that he hath not put his hand unto his neighbours good: and the owner of it shall take the oath, & the other shall not make it good. And if it be stolen from him, than he shall make restitution unto the owner thereof. If it be torn with wild beasts, then let him bring record of the tearing: and he shall not make it good. And if a man borrow ought of his neighbour, and it be hurt or else die, and the owner thereof be not by, he shall make it good. But if the owner thereof be by, he shall not make it good: namely, if it be an hired thing and came for his hire. * Gene. 34. ● If a man entice a maid that is not betrothed, and lie with her, he shall endote her, and take her to his wife. And if her father refuse to give her unto him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins. Thou shalt not suffer a * i Reg. 38. a witch to live. Who soever lieth with a beast, shallbe slain for it. He that offereth unto any gods save unto the lord only, let him be utterly rooted out. * Levi. nineteen. ●. Uexe not a stranger, neither oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypte. * zacha. seven. c Ye shall trouble no widow, nor fatherless child. If ye shall trouble them, and they cry unto me, I will surely hear their cry, and then will my wrath wax hot, and I will kill you with the sword, & your wives shall be widows, and your children fatherless. * Ezec. xxii. c Levi. xxv, f Deut. 23. d If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be as a tyrant unto him, neither shalt thou oppress him with usury. * Deut. 24. b If thou take thy neighbours raiment to pledge, thou shalt deliver it unto him again by that the son go down. For that is his covering only: even the raiment for his skin, wherein he sleepeth. And when he crieth unto me, I will hear him, for I am merciful. * two. Reg. 〈…〉 Thou shalt not ☞ rail upon the god * Acts. 〈…〉. neither blaspheme the ruler of thy people. Thy fruits (whither they be dry or moist) see thou keep not back. * Exodi▪ ●. Thy first borne son thou shalt give me: likewise also shalt thou do with thine oxen and with thy sheep. Senen days it shall be with the dam, and the. viii. day thou shalt give it me. Ye shall be holy people unto me, neither shall ye eat any flesh that is torn of beasts in the field. But shall cast it to dogs. ¶ Here is set no some/ because all men should read the Chapter throughout, and the two that are next before also. CAPI. XXIII. THou shalt not accept a vain tale, neither shalt thou put thine hand with the wicked to be an unrighteous witness. Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil: neither answer in a matter of plea that thou wouldest (to follow many) turn a side from the truth, ❀ neither shalt thou paint a poor man's cause. * Deut. two If thou meet thine enemies ox or ass going astray, thou shalt bring them to him again. * Luke. two If thou see thine enemies ass sink under his burden, thou shalt not pass by, and let him alone, but shalt help him to lift him up again. Thou shalt not hinder the right of thy poor, in their suit. Keep the free from a false matter, * Sus●●● and the Innocent and righteous see thou slay not, for I will not justify the wicked. * Eccle.▪ ●● Thou shalt take no gifts, for gifts blind the saying, and pervert the words of the righteous. Thou shalt not oppress a stranger, for ye know the heart of a stranger, saying ye were strangers in the land of Egypte. * Levi. xx 〈…〉 Syxe years thou shalt so we thy land, & gather in the fruits thereof: and the seventh year thou shalt let it rest and lie still, that the poor of thy people may eat: and what they leave, the beasts of the field shall eat. In like manner thou shalt do also with thy vinyeard and thine olive trees. * Exod▪ ● Syxe days thou shalt do thy works, and in the seventh day thou shalt rest, that thine ox and thine ass may rest, and the Son of thy maid and the stranger may be refreshed. In all things that I have said unto you, be circumspect. And make no rehearsal of the names of strange gods * Ephe. ● neither let it be heard out of thy mouth. Three feasts thou shalt hold unto me in a year. * ●edi. xii. ●● xiiii▪ c Thou shalt keep the feast of sweet bread, that thou eat unlevende bread seven days long as I commanded thee, in the time of the month when corn beginneth to ripe, for in that month ye came out of Egypte, * 〈…〉 di. 34 〈…〉▪ 26. d and see that no man appear before me empty. And the feast of harvest, when thou reapest the first fruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field. And the feast of ingathering, which is in the end of the year/ when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field. ☞ * 〈…〉 it. 16 c Three times in a year shall all thy men children appear before the Lord God. ☞ * 〈…〉 d. 34. d Thou shalt not offer the blood of my sacrifice upon leavening bread/ neither shall the fat of my feast remain until the morning. * Exod. 34. d ●●nt. 26. a The first of the first fruits of thy land thou shalt bring in to the house of the Lord thy God, * 〈…〉 t. 14. c Exod. 34. d thou shalt also ☞ not seethe a kid in his mother's milk. Behold, I send an angel before thee, to keep the in the way, and to bring the in to the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and hear his voice, and resist him not for he will not spare your misdeeds, and my name is in him. But and if thou shalt hearken unto his voice, and do all that I speak, I will be an enemy unto thine enemies, & an adversary unto thine adversaries. For mine * Exodi. 13. a angel shall go before thee, and bring the in to the Amorites, and Hethites, & Pherezites, and Canaanites, Hevites, and jebusites, and I shall destroy them. Thou shalt not worship their * 〈…〉. 25. a gods, neither serve them, neither do after the works of them: but overthrow them, and break down the images of them. And ye shall serve the * 〈…〉. 7. b lord your god, and he shall bless thy bread, & thy water, and I will take all sickness away from the mids of the. There shall be no woman childless or unfruitful in thy land/ the number of thy days will I fulfil. I will send my fear before thee, & will trouble all the people whither thou shalt go. And I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee, and I will send hornets before thee, which shall drive out the Hevites, the Cananytes, & the Hethytes before the. Nevertheless I will not cast them out in one year/ lest the land grow to a wilderness, and the beasts of the field multiply against the. By little and little I will drive them out before thee, until thou be increased and inherit the land. And I will make thy costs from the red see unto the sell of the Philistines, and from the desert unto the river. For I will deliver the inhabiters of the land in to thine hand, and thou shalt Exod. 34. b Deute. 7. a drive them out before the. Thou shalt make none appointment with them, nor with their gods. Neither let them dwell in thy land, lest they make the sin against me: for if thou serve their gods, it will be thy decay. ¶ Moses ascendeth up to the mount and writeth the words of the lord: The bloole of the covertaunt: The elders of Israel judge the people. CAPI. XXIIII. ANd he said unto Moses: Come up unto the Lord: Thou and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and the. lxx. elders of Israel and ye shall worshp a far of. And Moses himself alone shall go unto the Lord, but they shall not come nigh, neither shall the people go up with him. And Moses came, and told the people * Exod. nineteen, a all the words of the lord, and all the laws. And all the people answered with one voice, & said: all the words which the Lord hath said, will we do. And Moses wrote all the words of the lord, and rose up early, and set up an * Exodi. xx. ● altar under the hill, and twelve stones according to the. xii. tribes of Israel, and sent young men of the children of Israel, which brought burnt-offerings, and offered peace offerings of oxen unto the lord. And Moses took half of the blood and put it in basins, and the other half he sprencled on the altar. And he tonke the book of the appointment and red it in the audience of the people. And they said. All that the Lord hath said, we will do, and be obedient. And Moses took the * i. Peter. i. ● blood, and sprinkled it on the people, & said. Behold * Hebre, ix. c. this is the blood of the appointment, which the Lord hath made with you upon all these words. Then went Moses and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu and the. lxx. elders of Israel up and ☞ saw the God of Israel, and there was under his feet, as it were a work of a Saphir stone, and as it were the heaven when it is clear, & ☞ upon the nobles of the children of Israel he set not his hand. And they saw God and did eat and drink. ✚ And the lord said unto Moses: Come up to me in to the hill, and be there, and I will give the tables of stone, and a law, and commandments, which I have written that thou mayst teach them, & Moses rose up & his minister jehosua, & Moses went up in to the hill of god, & said unto the elders: ta●y ye here until we come again unto you. Behold, here is Aaron and Her with you If any man have any matters to do, let him come to them. And Moses went up in to the mount, and a cloud covered the hill, and the glory of the Lord abode upon mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it. vi. days. And the seventh day he called unto Moses out of the cloud. And the fashion of the glory of the Lord was like consuming fire on the top of the hill in the sight of the children of Israel. And Moses went in to the cloud, and got him up in to the mountain. And Moses was in the * Exod. 34. d mount. xl. days and xl nights. ¶ The Lord showeth Moses the fashion of the holy place, and the things pertaining thereto. CAPI. XXV. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto the children of Israel that they bring me an heaveoffring of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart, ye shall take it. * Exodi. 35. a This is the heveoffring which ye shall take of them, gold & silver and brass: yellow silk, purple, scarlet, white silk, and goat's here: rams skins that are red, and the skins of taxus, & sethim wood, oil for light, spices for anointing oil, and for sweet sense. Onyx stones & stones to be set in the Ephod and in the breast lap. And let them make me a sanctuary (that I may dwell among them.) And according to all that I show the both after the fashion of the habitation, and after the fashion of all the ornaments thereof, even so shall ye make it. And they shall make an * Exodi. 37 a ark of sethim wood. two. cubits and an half long, a cubit and an half broad, and a cubit and an half high. And thou shalt overlay it which pure gold, within and without shalt thou overlay it, & shalt make an high upon it a crown of gold round about: And thou shalt cast. iiii. rings of gold for it, & put them in the. iiii. corners thereof. two. rings shall be in the one side of it, &. two. in the other. And thou shalt make bars of Sethim wood, and cover them with gold, and put the bars in the rings along by the sides of the ark, to bear it withal. And the bars shall be in the rings of the ark, and shall not be taken away from it. And thou shalt put in the ark, the witness which I shall give the. And thou shalt make a merciseate of pure gold. two. cubits and an half long, and a cubit and an half broad. And thou shalt make. two. Cherubins of gold. Even of a hole work shalt thou make them in the. two. ends of the mercyseat: and the one cherub shalt thou make on the end, and the other Cherub on the other end. Even of the same mercy-seat shall ye make Cherubyns in the. two. ends thereof. And the cherubins shall stretch their wings abroad over an high, covering the mercyseat with their wings, and their faces shall look one to an other: even to the mercyseatewarde, shall the faces of the cherubins be. And thou shalt put the * Ro●● Heb●● mercy-seat above upon the ark, & in the ark thou shalt put the witness which I will give the. And from thence ☞ I will testify unto the and will common with the from upon the mercyseat: from between the. two. cherubins which are upon the ark of witness, of all thing which I will give the in commandment unto the children of Israel. * Exod▪ 〈…〉 Thou shalt also make a table of sethim wood of two cubits long, & one cubit broad and a cubit & an half high. And thou shalt cover it with pure gold, and make thereto a crown of gold round about. And make unto that an hoop of four fingers broad, round about. And make a golden crown also to the hoop round about. And make for it. iiii. rings of gold, and put the rings in the corners that are on the. iiii. feet thereof: even over against the hoop shall the rings be, to put in bars, to bear the table withal. And thou shalt make the bars of Sethim wood and overlay them with gold, that the table may be borne with them. And thou shalt make his dishes, and spoons, flat pieces, and pots to power out withal: even of fine gold shalt thou make them. And thou shalt set upon the table, ☞ shewbreade before me alway. * Exod▪ 〈…〉 And thou shalt make a candelstycke of pure gold: even of a hole work shall the candlestick be made with his shaft, branches, bowls, knoppes and flowers proceeding thereout. Syxe branches also shall proceed out of▪ the sides of it: three branches of the candlestick out of the one side and iii out of the other. Three cups like unto almonds with knoppes and flowers in one branch. And three cups like almonds in the other branch, with knoppes and flowers. And even so throughout the. vi. branches that proceed out of the candlestick: & in the candelstycke self. iiii. cups like unto almonds with their knoppes and flowers, & there shallbe a knop under every two branches. ❀ (in three rooms.) Of the six that proceed out of the candlestick. And the knoppes & the branches shall be of it. And it shall be one work, even of pure gold. And thou shalt make the. seven. lamps of it: and of the. seven. lamps thereof, shalt thou put an high thereon, to give light unto the otherside that is over against it. The tongues & snoffers thereof shall be of pure gold. Of an hundred pound weight of fine gold shalt thou make it with all the apparel. * 〈…〉. 8. ● 〈◊〉. seven. ● Look therefore that thou make them after the fashion that was showed the in the mount. ¶ This Chapter also describeth the things pertaining in the holy place. CAPI. XXVI. THe tabernacle shalt thou make with ten curtains of white twined silk: yellow silk, purple, and scarlet. And in them thou shalt make pictures of broidered work. The length of one curtain shall be eight & thentye cubytes, and the breadth of one curtain four cubytes, and every one of the curtains shall have one measure: five curtains shall be coupled together one to another: & five curtains shallbe coupled together one to an other. And thou shalt make lowpes of yellow silk, a long by the edge of the one curtain which is in the seluege of the coupling curtain. And likewise shalt thou make in the edge of the utmoost curtain that is to be coubled therewith on the other side. fifty lowpes shalt thou make in the one curtain, & fifty lowpes shalt thou make in the edge of the curtain that is to be coubled therewith on the other side: that the lowpes may take hold one of an other. And thou shalt make fifty buttons of gold/ & couple the curtains together with the buttons: and it shall be one habitation. * Exodi. 36 ● And thou shalt make. xi. curtains of goats here, to be a covering upon the tabernacle. And the length of a curtain shallbe thirty. cubits, & the breadth four, & they shall be all. xi. of one measure. And thou shalt couple five curtains by themselves, & the six by themselves, & shalt double the sixth in the fore front of the tabernacle. And thou shalt make fifty lowpes in the edge of the utmoost curtain on the one side, even in the edge of the coupling curtain, and fifty lowpes in the edge of the other curtain that must be joined unto it. And thou shalt make fifty buttons of brass and put them on the lowpes, and couple the covering together, that it may be one. And the remanant that resteth in the curtains of the covering, even the half curtain that resteth, shallbe left on the back sides of the habitation: that a cubit on the one side, & a cubit on the other side, may remain in the length of the curtains of the covering, and that it may remain of either side of the habitation to cover it with all. And upon the tabernacle thou shalt make a covering of rams skins died red: & yet a covering above all of taxus skins. And thou shalt make boards for the habitation of Sethym wood to stand up right: ten cubytes long shall every board be, and a cubit, & an half broad. Two feet shall there be in one board, and they shallbe separate one from another. And thus shalt thou make for all the boards of the tabernacle. * Exodi. 36. ● And thou shalt make. xx. boards for the habitation on the south side, & thou shalt make. xl. sockettis of silver, under the. xx. boards two sockettes under one board, for his two feet, and two sockettes under an other board for his two feet. In like manner in the north side of the habitation there shallbe. xx. boards, &. xl. sockettis of silver: two sockettes under one board and two sockettis under an other board. And in the west end of the habitation, shalt thou make six boards, and two boards shalt thou make in the corners of the habitation in the meeting together of the two sides. And they shall be coupled together beneath, and likewise above to a ring. And thus shall it be/ for the two boards that are in the corners. And they shallbe eight boards, having sockettes of silver, even sixteen sockettes, that there may be two sockettes under one board, and two sockettes under an other board. And thou shalt make bars of Sethym wood, five for the boards of the Tabernacle in one side, and five bars for the boards of the Tabernacle in the other side, and five bars for the boards of the Tabernacle in the west end. And the middle bar shall go along through the mids of the boards from the one end unto the other. And thou shalt cover the boards with gold, & make their rings of gold, to put the bars thorough, & thou shalt cover the bars with gold also. And thou shalt rear up the habitation according to the fashion thereof/ as it was showed the in the mount. And thou shalt make a veil of yellow silk, of purple, scarlet, & white twined silk. Of broidered work, with pictures shalt thou make it. And hang it upon four pillars of Sethym would covered with gold. Whose heads shallbe in gold/ standing upon four sockettes of silver. And thou shalt hang up the veil with rings, that thou mayest bring in (within the veil) the ark of witness. And the veil shall unto you divide the holy from the most holy. And thou shalt put the merciseate upon the ark of witness in the holiest place. And thou shalt put the table without the veil: and the candlestick over against the table on the south side of the habitation. And put the table on the north side. And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tabernacle, of yellow silk, Purple, Scarlet, and white twined silk wrought with needle work. And thou shalt make for the hanging five pillars of Sethym wood, & cover them with gold, and their knoppes shall be of gold, and thou shalt cast five sockettes of brass for them. ¶ The form of the altar of the burntoffering, with his horns, rings, staves, gredyrons, and other ornaments. CAPI. XXVII. ANd thou shalt make an * Exodi. 38. ● Ezeth▪ 43 d altar of Sethym wood: five cubytes long, & five cubytes broad. For it shallbe. iiii. square and three cubytes high. And thou shalt make it horns in the four corners of it, the horns shall be of itself, & thou shalt cover it with brass. And make his ashpannes, shovels/ basyns', fleshhokes, fyrepannes, & all the apparel thereof for the same, of brass. And thou shalt make unto it a gridiron also (like a net) of brass. And upon that net shalt thou make four brazen rings in the four corners thereof: & thou shalt put it under the compass of the altar beneath, that the net may be in the mids of the altar. And thou shalt make (two) bars for the altar of Sethym would, & cover them with brass and let them be put in rings along by the sides of the altar to bear it withal. And make the altar hollow which boards: even as it was showed in the mount, so shall they make it. And thou shalt make the court of the habitation, that there may be in the south side hangings of white twined silk, of an hundred cubytes long, for one side, and. xx. pyllers' thereof: with their, xx. sockettes of brass: but the knoppes of the pillars & their hopes shallbe silver. In likewise on the north side there shall be hangings of an hundred cubytes long, and. xx. pillars with their twenty sockettes of brass, and the knoppes and the hoops of the pillars shallbe silver. And the breadth of the court which is westward/ shall have courtaynes of fifty cubytes, and ten pillars, with their ten sockettes. And the breadth of the court which is Eastward, shall have fifty cubytes. hangings of. xv. cubytes in the one side, and their three pillars with their three sockettes: & likewise on the other side shallbe hangyngꝭ of fifteen cubits with their. iii pillars & their three sockettes. And in the gate of the court shall be a veil of. xx. cubytes: of yellow silk purple, and scarlet, and white twined silk, wrought with needle work, and four pillars with their four sockettes. All the pillars round about the court shall be hoped with silver, and their knoppes shall be of silver/ and their sockettes of brass. The length of the court shall be an hundred cubytes, and the breadth. l. & the height five. And the hangings shall be of white twined silk, and their sockettes of brass. All the vessels of the habitation in all manner service, & all the pins thereof, yea, and all the pins also of the court, shall be of brass. * Leviti 〈◊〉. ● And thou shall command the children of Israel that they give the pure oil olive beaten for the light, to power alway in to the lamps. In the tabernacle of witness without the veil which is before the witness, shall Aaron, & his sons dress it both evening, and morning before the lord, and it shall be a statute for ever unto their generations of the children of Israel. ¶ Aar●ns apparel, and his sons. CAPI. XXVIII. ANd take thou unto the Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that they may minister unto me. Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, Aaron's sons. And thou shalt make holy raiment for Aaron thy brother that they may be unto glory, and beauty. And thou shalt speak unto all that are wise hearted, & whomsoever I have filled with the spirit of wisdom: that they make Aaron's raiment to consecrate him with, that he may minister unto me. These are the garments which they shall make: a brestlap, Ephod, a tunicle, a slrayte coote, a mitre and a girdle. These holy garments shall they make for Aaron thy brother and his sons that they may minister unto me. And let them take gold, yellow silk, purple, scarlet, and white twined silk They shall make the Ephod of gold, yellow silk, purple, scarlet, and white twined silk with broidered work. The two sides shall come together, and be closed up in the two edges thereof. And the girdle of the Ephod shall be of the same workmanship, and of the same stuff, even of gold, yellow silk/ purple, scarlet, and white twined silk. And thou shalt take two onyx stones, and grave in them the names of the children of Israel: six names of them in the one stone, and the other six in the other stone, according to ❀ (the order of) their birth. After the work of a stonegraver/ and of him that graveth signettes shalt thou grave the two stones with the names of the children of Israel, & shalt make them to be set in gold. And thou shalt put the two stones upon the two shoulders of the Ephod, that they may be stones of remembrance unto the children of Israel, And Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord upon his two shoulders for a remembrance. And thou shalt make hooks of gold, & two chains of fine gold: lynke work/ and wreathed, and fasten the wreathed cheyves to the hooks. And thou shalt make the breestlappe of judgement with broidered work, even after the work of the ephod shalt thou make it: namely of gold/ yellow silk, purple, scarlet/ and white twined silk, shalt thou make it. foursquare it shallbe & double, an hand breed long/ and an hand breed broad. And thou shalt fill it with four rows of stones. In the first row shallbe a Sardios, a Topas, and Smaragdus: in the second row, a Ruby, Saphir & diamond. In the third Lygurios, an Achat, and Amethyst. In the fourth: a Turcas, Onyx/ and jaspis. And they shall be set in gold in their inclosers. And the stones shallbe graven as signets be graven with the names of the children of Israel/ even with. xii. names every one with his name according to the. xii. tribes. And thou shalt make upon the breastlap two fastening chains of pure gold, & wreathen work. And thou shalt make likewise upon the brestlap two rings of gold, and put them on the edges of the breastlap, and put the two wreathen chains of gold in the two rings which are in the edges of the breast lap. And the other two ends of the two chains thou shalt fasten in two close hokes, and put them upon the shoulders of the Ephod on the foreside of it. And thou shalt yet make two rings of gold, which thou mayest put in the two edges of the brestlap/ even in the borders thereof toward the inside of the Ephod over against it. And yet two other rings of gold thou shalt make: & put them on the two sides of the Ephod, beneath over against the brestlap, allow where the sides are joined together upon the broidered girdle of the Ephod. And they shall bind the breastlap by his rings unto the rings of the Ephod with a lace of yellow silk, that it may lie close above the broidered girdle of the Ephod/ & that the brestlap be not closed from the Ephod. And Aaron shall bear the names of the Children of Israel in the brestlap of judgement upon his heart, when he goeth in to the holy place/ for a remembrance before the Lord always/ and thou shalt put in the brestlap of judgement * ❀ ☞ urym, and Thummin: and they shall be even upon Aaron's heart when he goeth in before the Lord, and Aaron shall bear the judgement of the children of Israel upon his heart before the lord alway. And thou shalt make the tunicle unto the Ephod all together of yellow silk. And there shallbe an hole for the head in the mids of it having a bond of woven work round about the collar of it (as it were the collar of a partlet) that it rend not. And beneath upon the hem, thou shalt make pomgarnates of yellow silk, and of Purpull and Scarlet, round about the hem, and bells of gold between them round about: and let there be ever a golden bell and a pomgarnate, a golden belt and a pomegarnate round about upon the hem of the tunicle. * Eccle. 45. b And Aaron shall have it upon him when he ministereth, and the sound shall be herd when he goeth in to the holy place before the Lord, and when he cometh out/ and he shall not die. And thou shalt make a plate of pure gold, and grave thereon (as signets are graven,) The holiness of the Lord, and put it on a yellow silk lace to be upon the the mitre: even upon the forefront of it. And it shall be upon Aaron's forehead: that Aaron may bear ☞ the sin of the holy things which the Children of Israel hallow in all their holy gifts. And it shallbe always upon his forehead, for the reconcyling of them before the lord. And thou shalt make a linen cote, and thou shalt make a mitre of linen, and a girdle of needle work. And thou shalt make for Aaron's Sons also coats, girdles, and bonnets, glorious, and beautiful, and thou shalt put them upon Aaron thy brother, & on his sons with him, and shalt anoint them and ☞ fill their hands, and saynctifye them, that they may minister unto me. And thou shalt make them linen breeches to cover their prevityes: from the loins unto the thighs shall they reach. And they shallbe upon Aaron and his Sons, when they come in to the * Exodi. 27 d Tabernacle of witness/ or when they come unto the altar to minister in holiness/ that they bear no sin, and so die. And it shall be a law forever unto Aaron, and his seed after him. ¶ The consecration of Aaron, and his sons. CAPI. XXIX. THis thing also shalt thou do unto them when thou * ●●ai. viii. b hallowest them to be my priests. Thou shalt take a calf, even a young ox, and two rams that are without blemish, and unleavened bread, and cakes of sweet bread tempered with oil, and wafers of sweet bread anointed with oil (of wheten flower shalt thou make them) and put them in a mand/ and bring them in the mand with the calf and the two rams. And bring Aaron, and his sons unto the door of the Tabernacle of witness, & wash them with water, & take the garments, and put upon Aaron: the straight cote, the tunicle of the Ephod, and the Ephod/ & the brestlap, and gird them to him with the broidered girdle which is in the Ephod. And put the mitre upon his head, and put the holy crown upon the mitre. Then shalt thou take the anointing oil, and power it upon his head and anoint him. And bring his Sons, and put albes upon them/ and gird them with girdles: as well Aaron, as his sons. And put the miters on them, and the priests office shall be theirs for a perpetual law. And thou shalt fill the hands of Aaron and of his sons, and bring the calf before the Tabernacle of witness. * Leuiti. i b And Aaron, and his Sons shall put their hands upon the head of the calf, and thou shalt kill him before the lord by the door of the Tabernacle of witness. And take of the blood of the calf, and put it upon the horns of the altar with thy finger, and power all the blood beside the hotome of the altar, and take all the fat that covereth the inwards, and the kal that is on the liver, and the two kidneys and the fat that is upon them: and burn them upon the altar. But the flesh of the calf/ and his skin, and his dung shalt thou burn with fire without the host. It is a sin offering. Thou shalt also take one ram, and Aaron and his Sons shall put their hands upon the head of the ram, & when thou hast slain the ram, thou shalt take his blood, & sprinkle it round about the altar/ and cut the ram in pieces, and wash the inwards of him and his legs, and put them unto the pieces and unto his head, and then burn the hole ram upon the altar, for a burnt offering unto the lord, and for a sweet savour and a sacrifice unto the Lord. * Levi. viii. d And take the other ram/ and Aaron & his sons shall put their hands upon his head. Then shalt thou kill him, & take of his blood and put it upon the typ of the right ear of Aaron and of his sons, and upon the thumb of their right hands/ & upon the great too of their right foot, & sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about. And thou shalt take of the blood that is upon the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it upon Aaron, & his bestymentes, & upon his sons, & upon their garments with him. And he shall be hallowed, & his clothes and his sonnis, and their clothes with him. * Levi. viii. ● And thou shalt take the fat of the ram, and his rump, and the fat that covereth the inwardis, and the kal of the liver, & the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and the right shoulder (for that ram is a fulloffering) and a symnel of bread, and a cake of oiled bread, and a wafer out of the basket of sweet bread that is before the Lord, & put all upon the handis of Aaron, & on the hands of his sons: and wave them for a waveoffring before the lord. And again thou shalt take it from of their hands & burn it upon the altar for a burntoffering, to be a savour of sweetness before the Lord. For it is a sacrifice unto the lord. * Levi. viii▪ ● And thou shalt take the breast of the ram of Aaron's consecration, and wave it for a waveoffering before the Lord, and it shallbe thy part. And thou shalt sanctify the breast of the waveoffering, and the shoulder of the heaveoffering which is waved an heaved up of the ram of the consecration for Aaron, & for his sons. And it shall be Aaron's, & his sons by a statute forever, of the Children of Israel/ for it is an heave-offering: Even an heave-offering of the children of Israel: and of their peace-offerings. Their have offerings is the Lords. And the holy garments of Aaron shallbe his sons after him, to be anointed therein, and to fill their hands therein. And that son that is priest in his stead after him, shall put them on seven days: when he cometh into the tabernacle of witness to minister in the holy place. * Levi. v 18● And thou shalt take the ram of the consecration, and seethe his flesh in an holy place. And Aaron, & his sonnis shall eat the flesh of the ram, & the bread that is in the basket: even by the door of the tabernacle of witness, and they shall eat them, because the atonement was made therewith to fill their hands & to consecrate them: but ☞ a stranger shall not eat thereof, because they are holy. And if ought of the flesh of the consecration or of the bread remain unto the morning, thou shalt burn it with fire/ and it shall not be eaten/ because it is holy. Therefore shalt thou do unto Aaron, & his sons, even so according to allthings which I have commanded thee, seven days shalt thou fill their hands, and offer every day a calf for a sin offering, for to reconcile withal: that thou mayest cleanse the altar when thou reconcilest upon it/ & thou shalt anoint it/ to sanctify it. Seven days thou shalt reconcile upon the altar, & sanctify it, & it shall be as an altar most holy: Every one that toucheth the altar, let him be holy. * Nume. 28 a This is that which thou shalt offer upon the altar, even two lambs of one year old, day by day continually: the one thou shalt offer in the morning, & the other at even And with the one lamb a tenth deal of flower, mingled with the fourth part of an hyn of beaten oil, & the fourth part of an hyn of wine, for a drink offering. And the other lamb thou shalt offer at even, & shalt do thereto according to the meat offering, & drink offering in the morning, to be an odour of a sweet savour, and a sacrifice unto the Lord. And let this be a continual burntoffering among your Children after you, before the door of the tabernacle of witness before the Lord, where * Leviti i a. Num. xii. a. I will meet you, to speak there, unto the. There I will meet with the children of Israel, & willbe sanctified in mine honour. And I will sanctify the taber nacle of witness, & the altar, and I will sanctify also both Aaron, and his sons to be my priests. And I will * levit. 26. b ●Corin. 6 d dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their god. And they shall know/ that I am the Lord their God/ that brought them out of the land of Egypt, for to dwell among them, even I the Lord their God. ¶ The altar of Incense. The brazen laver. The anointing Oil. CAPI. XXX. ANd thou shalt make an altar to burn sense: of Sethym wood shalt thou make it, a cubit long, and a cubit broad/ even four square shall it be, and two cubytes high: the horns thereof shall proceed out of it, and thou shalt overlay it which fine gold, both the roof, & the walls round about, and his horns also, and shalt make unto it a crown of gold round about, & two golden rings on either side, even under the crown, that they may be as places for the bars to bear it withal. And thou shalt make the bars of Sethym wood, and cover them with gold. And thou shalt put it before the veil, that is by the ark of witness, before the mercyseat that is upon the witness, where I will meet the. And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet sense, every morning when he dresseth the lampꝭ/ even then shall he burn it: and likewise at even when he setteth up the lamps he shall burn sense: and this insencing shallbe perpetually before the lord throughout your generations▪ Ye shall put no * Leviti x. ● strange sense there on/ burnt-sacrifice or meat-offering, neither power any drynkoffering thereon. And Aaron shall reconcile upon the horns of it once in a year: with the blood of the sin-offering of reconciling, even once in the year shall he reconcile it thorough your generations. It is most holy unto the Lord. And the lord spoke unto Moses saying: * Nun. i. a. and xxvi. a. If thou takest the some of the Children of Israel after their number/ they shall give every man a reconcyling of his soul unto the Lord when thou tellest them: that there be no plague among them, when thou tellest them. And thus moche shall every man give, and that goeth into the number: half a sycle, after the sycle * Levi. 27. ●. Nun▪ 3 ●. Ezech. 45● of the sanctuary: a sycle is. xx. halfpense. An half sycle shallbe the heave-offering of the Lord. All that are numbered from twenty year old, and above, shall give an heave-offering unto the lord. The rich shall not pass, and the poor shall not go under half a sycle: But ye shall give an heave-offering unto the Lord, that he may have mercy upon your souls. And thou shalt take the reconciling money of the children of Israel, and shalt put it unto the use of the Tabernacle of witness/ that it may be a memorial unto the Children of Israel before the lord, that he may have mercy upon your soulis And the lord spoke unto Moses saying: * Exodi. xi. ● thou shalt make a laver of brass, and his foot also of brass, to wash withal, and shalt put it between the tabernacle of witness, and the altar, and put water therein: For Aaron, and his sons shall wash their hands, and their feet therein: even when they go into the tabernacle of witness, they shall wash them with water lest they die, or when they go unto the altar to minister, and to burn the lords offering, they shall wash their handis, and their feet, and they shall not die. And it shall be an ordinance unto them forever both unto him, & his seed throughout their generations. And the Lord spoke unto Moses saying: Take unto thee, principal spices, of the most pure myrte five hundred sycles: of sweet Cinnamon half so moche, even two hundred/ and fifty sycles: of sweet calamus, two hundred, and. l. Of Cassia: two hundred and. l. after the holy sycle/ and of oil olive an hin. * Levi. viii. b And thou shalt make of the oil an holy ointment/ even an ointment compound after the craft of the apoticarye/ and it shall be the oil of holy unction. And thou shalt anoint the tabernacle of witness therewith, and the ark of witness, and the table, and all his apparel: and the candlestick, and his apparel: and the altar of insens, & the altar of burnt-sacrifice, with all his vessels, and the laver, and his foot. And thou shalt sanctify them that they may be most holy: so that no man touch them, but they that be hallowed. And thou shalt anoint Aaron, and his sons/ and consecrate them, that they may minister unto me. And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying: this shall be an holy oynting oil unto me, throughout your generations. Upon man's flesh shall it not be powered: neither shall ye make any other after the making of it, for it is holy, and shall be holy unto you: whosoever maketh like that, or whosoever putteth any of it upon a stranger/ shall perish from among his people. And the Lord said unto Moses: take unto the sweet spices, balm, Onycha, sweet galbanum, these spices with pure frankencens, of each like moche: and make of them sweet smelling incense (after the craft of the apothecary) mingled together, pure and holy And beat it to powder/ and putof it before the witness in the Tabernacle of witness/ where I will meet the. It shall be unto you most holy. And see that ye make none after the making of that, It shallbe unto you holy for the Lord. Whosoever shall make like unto that, to smell thereto, shall perish from among his people. ¶ The calling of Bezaleel and Ahaliab the workmen. The Sabbath commanded. The tables of stone ginen Moses. CAPI. XXXI. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses saying: behold, * Exodi. 35. d I have called by name, Bezaleel the son of Ury; the son of Her of the tribe of juda. And I have filled him with the spirit of God, in * 3. Reg. 7. b wisdom, and understanding/ in knowledge/ and in all manner work/ to find out subtle feats, and to work in gold, silver, and brass, and in the craft to set stones, & to carve in timber, and to work in all manner workmanship. And behold, I have given him to be his companion Ahaliab the son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan, and in the hearts of all that are wise hearted/ I have put wisdom, to make all that I have commanded thee: the tabernacle of witness, the ark of witness, and the mercyseat that is there upon: and all the ornaments of the Tabernacle, and the table and his ornaments: & the pure candelstycke with all his apparel, and the altar of insens: and the altar of burnt-offerings/ and all his vessels, and the laver with his foot. The vestiments to minister in, and the holy garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments of his sons to minister in, & the anointing oil: and sweet sense for the sanctuary: according to all that I have commanded thee, shall they do. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: Speak unto the children of Israel, and say: In any wise se that ye keep my * Exodi. iii. sabboth's/ for it is a sign between me, & you in your generations for to know, that I the Lord am he that doth sanctify you. * Nun. iii Keep my Sabbath therefore, for it is holy unto you. He that defileth it, shallbe stain. For whosoever worketh therein, the same soul shallbe rooted out from among his people, Six days shall men work. And in the seventh day is the Sabbath of the holy rest of the Lord. Whosoever doth any work in the Sabbath day, shall die: wherefore let the children of Israel keep the Sabbath/ that they observe it throughout their generations, that it be an appointment for ever. For it is a sign between me, & the children of Israel for ever. * Gene. 〈◊〉 For in six days the lord made heaven, and earth, and in the seventh day he rested/ & was refreshed. And when the Lord had made an end of the commoning with Moses upon the mount Sinai, * Exodi. iii. he gave him two tables of witness: even tables of stone, written with the ☞ finger of God. ¶ The golden calf. Moses prayeth, he breaketh the tables for anger. He chideth Aaron. The idolaters slain. CAPI. XXXII. ANd when the people saw/ that it was long or Moses came down out of the mountain/ they gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him: * Acts. seven. Up, make us Gods, to go before us: for of this Moses (the fellow that brought us out of the land of Egypt) we wot not what is become. And Aaron said unto him: * judi. seven. pluck of the golden earingꝭ/ which are in the ears of your wives/ your Sons, and of your daughters: and bring them unto me. And all the people plucked of the golden earrings which they had in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. And he * Psal. 106. c received them of their hands, and fashioned it with a graver, and made of it a calf of molten metal. And they said: * 3. Reg. xii. ● These be thy Gods, o Israel/ which brought the out of the land of Egypt. And when Aaron saw that, he made an altar before it: And Aaron cried, saying: tomorrow is the holy day of the Lord. And they roose up in the morning, and offered burnt-offerings, & brought peace-offerings also. * ●Corin. x. b And the people sat them down to eat and drink, and rose up again to play. And ✚ the Lord said unto Moses: * Devit. ix. b go get the down. Thy people which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypte, have marred all, they are turned atonce out of the way, which I commanded them: * Psal. cvi. c. for they have made them a calf of molten metal, and have worshipped it, and have offered thereto/ saying: These be thy gods, o Israel, which hath brought the out of the land of Egypt. And the Lord said unto Moses: * Exod. 33. a. I have seen this people, & behold: it is a stiff necked people, and now suffer me that my wrath may wax hot against them, and con sum them: and I will make of the a mighty people. And Moses besought the Lord his god, & said: O lord, why doth thy wrath wax hot against thy people which thou hast brought out of the land of Egypt with great power, and with a mighty hand? * Nume. 14 c wherefore should the Egyptians speak, and say: For a mischief did he bring them out: even for to flee them in the mountains, and to con sum them from the face of the earth. Turn from thy fierce wrath, and ❀ turn from this evil (devised) against thy people. Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, thy servants, to whom thou sworest by thine own self/ and saidest to them. * Gene. xv. b and xii. ● I will multiply your seed as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of/ will I give unto your seed, and they shall inherit it for ever. And the lord refrained himself from that evil, ⊢ which he said he would do unto his people. And Moses turned his back/ and went down from the hill/ & the * Exodi. 31. d two tables of witness were in his hand/ and the same tables were written on both the leaves, and those tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of god/ graven in the tables. And when josua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said unto Moses: there is a noise of war in the host, And he answered: it is not the cry of them that have the mastery, nor of them that have the worse, but I do hear the noise of them that sing. And it fortuned, assoon as he came nigh unto the host, he saw the calf and the dancing, and Moses wrath waxed hot, and he cast the tables out of his hand/ and broke them beneath the hill. * duty. ix. d And he took the calf which they had made, and burned it in the fire, and stamped it unto powder, and strawed it in the water/ & made the Children of Israel drink of it. And Moses said unto Aaron: what did this people unto thee/ that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them? And Aaron answered: let not the wrath of my Lord wax fierce, thou knowest the people that they are even set on mischief. For they said unto me: make us Gods to go before us, for we wot not what is become of Moses the fellow that brought us out of the land of Egypte. And I said unto them: ☞ Let them that have gold pluck it of/ & bring it me, and I cast it in to the fire, and thereof came out this calf. Moses therefore saw that the people were naked (and that Aaron had made them naked unto their shame ❀ ☞ among their enemies) and he went, and stood in the gate of the host, and said. If any man pertain unto the Lord, let him come to me. And all the Sons of Levi gathered themselves together, and came unto him. And he said unto them: thus saith the Lord God of Israel: put every man his sword by his side/ and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the host, and slay every man his brother/ and every man his companion, and every man his neighbour. And the children of Levi did as Moses had said. And there fell of the people the same day, about three thousand men. And Moses said: fill your hands unto the Lord this day/ every man upon his Son and upon his brother: and that there may be given you a blessing this day. And on the morrow it fortuned that Moses said unto the people. Ye have sinned a great sin. And now I will go up unto the Lord, if peradventure I may purchase an atonement for your sin Moses therefore went again unto the Lord, & said: Oh this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them Gods of gold. And now (I pray thee) either forgive them their Sin: or if thou wilt not/ ☞ * Psal. 69 f wipe me out of thy book which thou hast written. And the Lord said unto Moses: I will put him out of my book that hath sinned against me. And now go thou, bring the people unto the place which I said unto thee: behold, * Exodi. 1●. ● mine angel shall go before the. neverthelatter in the day when I visit, I will visit their sin upon them. And the Lord plagued the people, because they made the calf which Aaron made. ¶ The Lord sendeth an Angel before his people. The Lord devyeth to go up with the people.▪ The people lament their sin. Moses talketh with the lord. CAPI. XXXIII. ANd the Lord said unto Moses: depart, and go hence: thou & the people, which thou hast brought out of the land of Egypte, unto the land which I swore unto Abraham, Isaac, and jacob, saying * Gene. xxii▪ d unto thy seed will I give it. * Exodi. 23. c (And I will send an angel before thee, and will cast out the Cananytes, the Amorytes, and the Hethites, the Pherezites, the Hevites, and the jebusites) a land that floweth with milk, and honey. For I will not go among you myself, for * Exod. 32. c ye are a stiffnecked people: least I consume the in the way. And when the people heard this evil tidings, they sorrowed: and no man did put on his best raiment. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, say unto the Children of Israel: ye are a stiffnecked people: I must come once suddenly upon you/ and make an end of you. Therefore now put thy goodly raiment from thee, that I may weet what to do unto the. And the Children of Israel laid their goodly raiment from them even by the mount Horeb. And Moses took the Tabernacle, and pitched it without the host a far of from the host, and called it the tabernacle of witness. And so it came to pass, that every one which would pray unto the Lord, went out unto the tabernacle of witness, which was without the host. And it fortuned that when Moses went out unto the Tabernacle, all the people rose up, and stood every man at his tent door, and looked after Moses, until he was gone in to the tabernacle. And as soon as Moses was entered in to the Tabernacle, the cloudy pillar descended, and stood at the door of tabernacle, and he talked with Moses. And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the Tabernacle door, and they rose up/ and worshipped every man in his tent door. And the LORD spoke unto Moses * Nun. xii. c ☞ face to face/ as a man speaketh unto his friend/ and he turned again in to the host. ☞ And the child josua his servant the Son of Nun departed not out of the Tabernacle. And Moses said unto the Lord: see, thou sayest unto me: lead this people forth, and thou hast not showed me, whom thou wilt send with me. And thou haste said moreover: I know the name, and thou hast also found grace in my sight: Now therefore, if I have found favour in thy sight, then show me thy way that I may know thee, and that I may find grace in thy sight. And consider also, that this nation is thy people. And he said: my presence shall go with thee, and I will give the rest. He said unto him: If thy presence go not with me/ carry us not hence: for how shall it be known here that I and thy people have found favour in thy sight, but in that thou goest with us? If thou go with us, shall not I and thy people have a pre-eminence before all the people that are upon the face of the earth? And the Lord said unto Moses: I will do this also that thou hast said, for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know the by name. And he said: I beseech thee/ show me thy glory: And he said, I will make all my good go before thee, and I will be called in this name of the Lord before the * Roma. i●● and will show mercy to whom I will show mercy and will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. And he said furthermore: thou mayst not see my face/ for * duty. 〈…〉 judi. 〈◊〉 and xiii ● joh. i. c ☞ there shall no man see me/ and live. And the Lord said: behold, there is a place by me, & thou shalt stand upon a rock: & while my glory goeth forth, I will put the in a cleft of the rock, and will put mine hand upon thee, while I pass by. And I will take away mine hand, & thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen. ¶ The Tables renewed. The mercy of God. fellowship with the gentiles forbidden, and their idolatry also. Of their feasts. CAPI. XXIIII. ANd the Lord said unto Moses * Deut. ●● hew the two tables of stone like unto the first, and I will write upon them the words that were in the first Tables, which thou brakest. And be ready in the morning, that thou mayst come up early unto the mount of Sinai, and stand there with me in the top of the mount. There shall no man come up with thee, neither let any man be seen thorough out all the mount, neither let sheep nor oxen feed before the hill. And Moses hewed two tables of stone like unto the first, and rose up early in the morning, and went up unto the mount of Sinai/ as the Lord had commanded him: and took in his hand the two tables of stone. And the Lord descended in the cloud, and stood with him there: and he called upon the name of the Lord. And when the Lord walked before him, he cried, Lord * Psal. 86. c. jere. 32. d Lord god, merciful and gracious, long suffering and abundant in mercy and truth, & keeping mercy in store for thousands, forgiving wickedness, ungodliness, and sin (and ❀ ☞ not leaving one innocent, visiting the wickedness of the fathers upon the children, and upon children's children, even unto the third and fourth generation And Moses bowed himself to the earth quickly, and worshipped, and said: If I have found grace in thy sight (o lord) then let my lord go with us (for it is a stubborn people) & thou shalt have mercy upon our wickedness and our sin, and shalt take us for thine inheritance. He said: behold, I make an appointment before all thy people, and I will do ☞ marvels: such as have not been done in all the world, neither in all nations. And all the people among which thou art, shall see the work of the Lord: ☞ for it is a terrible thing that I will do with thee: keep those things that I command the this day. Behold, I cast out before thee, the Amorites, Canaanites, Hethites, Pherezites, Hevites, and jebusites. * Deute. 7. a 3. Reg. xi. a. Take heed to thyself, that thou make no compact with the inhabiters of the land whither thou goest, least it be cause of tuyne among you. But overthrow their altars, and break their images, and cut down their groves. Thou shalt worship no strange God. For the Lord is * Exodi. xx. a called jealous, because he is a jealous God, least if thou make any agreement with the inhabiters of the land, and they go a hooring after their Gods, and do sacrifice unto their Gods, they call thee, and thou eat of their sacrifice/ and thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a hooring after their gods, and make thy sons go a hooring after their gods also. Thou shalt make the no Gods of metal. The * Exodi. xii b and, xxiii. b feast of sweet bread shalt thou keep. Seven days thou shalt eat unleven ded bread, as I commanded the in the time of the month, when corn beginneth to ripe For in the month when corn beginneth to type, thou camest out of Egypte. * Exodi. 13. a and. xxii. b Nume. 18. c All that openeth the matrice is mine: and all that openeth the matrice among the cattle, if it be male, whither it be ox or sheep. But the first of the ass thou shalt buy out with a lamb. And if thou redeem him not, thou shalt break his neck. All the first borne of thy sons shalt thou redeem. * Eccle. 35. a. ●rate. 16 d And see that no man appear before me empty. ‡ Exodi. xi six days thou shalt work, & in the seventh day thou shalt rest: both from earring and reaping. * Exodi. 23. ● Thou shalt observe the feast of weeks with the first fruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the years end. Thrice in a year shall all your men children appear before the lord jehova God of Israel: When I cast out the nations before thee, and enlarge thy coostes, so that no man shall desire thy land: thou shalt go up to appear before the Lord thy God/ thrice in the year. * Erodi. 23. c Deute. 14. c Thou shalt not offer the blood of my Sacrifice upon leaven: neigh there shall ought of the Sacrifice of the feast of Passeover, be left unto the morning. * Exodi. 23. c. The first ripe fruits of thy land, thou shalt bring unto the house of the Lord thy God. And thou shalt not * Exodi. 23. ● seethe a kid in his mother's milk. And the Lord said unto Moses: write these words, for after the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with thee, and with Israel. * Exod. 24. d And he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights, and did neither eat bread nor drink water. * De●te. x. ● And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant: even ten verses. And it fortuned when Moses came down from mount Sinai, the two tables of witness were in Moses hand, when he came down from the mount. And Moses wist not that t●e skin of his face shone in manner of an horn, while he talked with him. And Aaron and all the children of Israel looked upon Moses, and behold, the skin of his face ☞ shone, and they were afraid to come nigh him. And when he had called them, Aaron and all the chief that were in the company, came unto him, and Moses talked with them. And afterward all the children of Israel came nigh, and he commanded them all that the Lord had said unto him in mount Sinai. And when Moses had made an end of commoning with them, * two. Corin. 3 b he put a covering upon his face. And again when Moses went in before the lord to speak with him * two. Corin. 3 c he took the covering of, until he came out. And he came out, and spoke unto the children of Israel, that which was commanded. And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses face shone. And Moses put the covering upon his face again until he went in, to common with him. ¶ The sabbath. The first fruits required. The readiness of the people to offer. Bezalcel and Ahaliab praised of Moses, and set to work. CAPI. XXXV. ANd Moses gathered all the company of the children of Israel together, and said unto them: These are the words which the Lord hath commanded that ye should do them: * Exodi. xx. b Syxe days ye shall work but in the seventh day shall be unto you the holy Sabbath of the lords rest. Who soever doth any work therein, shall die. Ye shall kindle no fire throughout all your habitations upon the Sabbath day. And Moses spoke unto all the multitude of the children of Israel, saying. * Exodi. 25. ● This is the thing which the Lord commanded, saying. Take from among you an heave-offering unto the Lord. Who soever is of the willing heart, let him bring it for the heave-offering of the Lord. Namely gold, silver and brass, and yellow silk, purple, scarlet, white silk, gootis here, and reins skins red, and taxus skins with Sethim wood: oil for light and spices for the anointing oil, & for the sweet sense. And Onyx stones & stones to be set in the Ephod & in the brestlap And let all them that are wise hearted among you, come and make all that the lord hath commanded: the habitation with the tent thereof & his covering, and his rings, & his boards, his bars, his pillars & his sockets the ark & the staves thereof with the mercy-seat and the veil that covereth it: the table and his bars & all his vessels: & the showbread: the candlestick of light and his apparel & his lamps with the oil for the light: the sense altar & his bars, the anointing oil, & the sweet sense, & the hanging of the door at the entering in of the tabernacle/ the altar of burnt-sacrifice with his brazen gridiron, his staves, and all his vessels/ the laver & his foot/ & the hangings of the court with his pillars & their sockettes, & the hanging in the door of the court: the pins of the habitation & the pins of the court with their cords, the ministering garments to minister in the holy place/ & the holy vestiments for Aaron the priest, & the vestiments of his sons that they may minister in. And all the company of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses And every one came (as many as their hertis couraged them & as many as their spirits made them willing) & brought a present for the Lord, to the making of the tabernacle of witness, & for all his uses, and for the holy vestiments. And they came both men and women (even as many as were willing hearted) and brought bracelets, & earrings, & chains, which jewels were all of gold▪ & all the men brought a waveoffering of gold unto the Lord. And every man with whom was found, yellow silk, purple, scarlet, white silk, & goat's here, & red skins of rams, & tarus skins, brought them. All that did heave up an oblation of gold & brass/ & brought an heaveoffering unto the lord. And all men with whom was found Sethim would for any manner work of the ministration brought it. And all the women that were wise hearted, did spyn with their handis, & brought the spon work, both the yellow silk, purple scarlet, and white silk. And all the women whom their own heart moved, span goat's heat wisely. And the Lords brought Onyx stones, & stones to be set in the Ephod, and in the brestlap, and spice, & oil: for light & for the anointing oil, and for the sweet sense. And the children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the lord, both men & women: as many as had willing hearts to bring for all manner works which the Lord had commanded to be made, by the hand of Moses And Moses said unto the children of Israel: behold, * Exodi. 32▪ ● the lord hath called by name Bezaleel the son of Ury the son of Her of the tribe of juda, & hath filled him with the spirit of god, in wisdom & understanding, in knowledge, & in all manner work, to find out curious works which are made in gold silver and brass. In the craft of stones to set them: & in carving of wood, to make any manner of subtle work. And he hath put in his heart ☞ that he may teach, both he and Ahaliab the son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan. Them hath he filled with wisdom of heart, to work all manner of graven, & subtle and needle work: in yellow silk, & purple, in scarlet, and white silk, and in weaving. And to do all manner of work & subtle feats. ¶ The things that Bezaleel and Ahaliab made. CAPI. XXXVI. ANd * Exod i. ●● Bezaleel wrought, and Ahaliab and all wise hearted men, to whom the lord gave wisdom & understanding, to know how to work all manner work for the service of the Sanctuary, and all that the Lord had commanded. And Moses called Bezaleel, Ahaliab and all the wise hearted men, and such as the Lord had given wisdom unto, and as many as their hearts couraged to come unto that work to work it. And they received of Moses all the present which the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the Sanctuary, to make it▪ And beside that, they brought gifts unto it every day in the morning. And all the wise men that wrought all the holy work, came every man from his work which they made, and spoke unto Moses, saying. The people bring to moche, and more then enough for the service and work which the Lord hath commanded to be made. And then Moses gave a commandment, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the host, saying: See that neither man nor woman prepare any more work for the present of the sanctuary: & so the people were forbidden to bring: for the stuff they had, was sufficient for all the work, to make it, and to much. * Exodi. 26. a All the wise hearted men therefore, and they that wrought for the habitation, made x. curtains of white twined silk, yellow silk, purple and scarlet: ❀ with pictures of broidered work made he them. The length of one curtain was. xxviii▪ cubytes, and the breadth. iiii. and the curtains were all of one size. And he coupled five curtains by themselves, and other five by themselves. And he made lowpes of yellow silk along by the edge of one curtain, even in the seluege of the coupling curteyu. And likewise he made on the side of the coupling curtain on the other side. fifty lowpes made he in the one curtain, and fifty in the edge of the coupling curtain on the other side: & the lowpes held one curtain to an other. And he made fifty rings of gold, & coupled the curteynes one to an other with the rings: & so was it made one dwelling place. * Exodi. 31. a And he made eleven curtains of gootes here to be a tent over the tabernacle. The length of a curtain had thirty cubytes, and was four cubytes broad, and they all eleven of one size. And he coupled five curtains by themselves, & six by themselves: & he made l. loupes along by the bordre of the utmost coupling curtain, and fifty in the edge of the other coupling curtain. ❀ (That they might be joined together.) And he made. l. rings of brass to couple the tent together/ that it might be one. And he made a covering upon the tent, of rams skins red/ and yet another of taxus skins above that * 〈…〉. 26. ● And he made standing boards (for the Tabernacle) of Sethym wood. The length of a board was ten cubytes, the breadth one cubit and an half. One board had two feet whereby they were joined one to an other. And thus made he for all the boards of the Tabernacle. And he made twenty boards for the south side of the habitation, and forty sockettes of silver under the. xx. boards▪ two sockettes under one board, for his two feet: and two sockettes under an other board for his two feet: ❀ (where the sockettes of the sides end, in the corner.) And for the other side of the dwelling which is toward the north, he made twenty boards, and their forty sockettes of silver, two sockettis under one board, and two sockettes under the other. And toward the west end of the tabernacle. ❀ (That is to say, at the end of the Tabernacle which inclineth toward the see) He made. vi. boards, and two other boards made he in the corners of the habitation for either side, & they were joined close beneath and above with a clampe, and thus they did to both the corners. And there were. viii. boards and. xvi. sockettes of silver, under every board two sockettes. And he made bars of Sethim wood. v. for the boards of the tabernacle in the one side: and five for the boards of the tabernacle in the other side, and five bars for the boards of the habitation in the west end/ ❀ (Toward the see.) And he made the midst bar to shoot thorough the boards: even from the one end to the other, and overlaid the boards with gold, and made their rings of Gold to thrust the bars thorough, and covered the bar with gold. And he made an hanging of yellow silk, purple/ scarlet/ and white twined silk, even with pictures made he it of broidered work. And made there unto four pillars of Sithem wood, and gainsaid them with gold. Their knoppes were also of gold, and he cast for them four sockettes of silver. And he made an hanging for a tabernacle door, of yellow silk, purple, scarlet & white twined silk of needle work. And the five pillars of it with their knops, and gainsaid the knoppes of them, and the hoops with gold. Their five sockettes also were of brass. ¶ The ark of witness. The mercyseat. The table The candlestick. The lights. The altar, and the Incense▪ CAPI. XXXVII. ANd Bezaleel made the * Exodi. 25. a ark of Sethim wood, two cubytes and an half long, and a cubit & an half broad, & a cubit and an half high: and gainsaid it with fine gold within and without, and made a crown of Gold to it round about, and cast for it four rings of gold for the four corners of it: two rings for the one side/ and two for the other, and made bars of Sethim wood, and covered them with gold and put the bars in the rings along by the side of the ark, to bear it withal. And he made the mercyseat. ❀ (That is to say. God's answering place.) of pure gold: two cubytꝭ and an half was the length thereof, & one cubit and an half the breadth: & he made two Cherubyns of thick Gold upon the two ends of the mercyseat. One Cherub on the one end, and an other Cherub on the other end. Even of the mercyseat made he the cherubins: namely, in the ends thereof. And the cherubins spread out their wings above on high, & covered the mercyseat therewith. And their faces were one to an other: even to the mercyseatewarde, were the faces of the cherubins. * Exodi. 25. c And he made the table of Sethym wood/ two cubytes was the length thereof & a cubit the breadth, and a cubit & an half the height of it. And he gainsaid it with fine gold, and made thereto a crown of gold round about, and made thereto an hoop of an hand breed, round about, and made upon the hoop a crown of gold round about, and cast for it four rings of gold, and put the rings in the four corners that were in the. iiii. fere thereof: Even hard by the hoop were the rings, into the which the bars were put, to bear the table withal. And he made the bars of Sethim wood, and covered them with gold to bear the table withal, & made the vessels (for the table) of pure gold: the dishes, spoons, flat pieces, and pots to power withal. * Exodi. 25. d And he made the candlestick of pure gold: even of one piece made he the candlestick: For his foot, his shaft, his cups, his knops and his flowers were of one piece. Syxe branches proceeding out of the sides thereof, three out of the one side, and three out of the other. And in one branch. three cups made like unto almonds with knoppes/ & flowers: and in an other branch. three cups made like almondꝭ with knoppes & flowers. And so throughout the six branches that proceeded out of the candlestick. And upon the candelstycke self four cups after the fashion of almonds with knoppes and flowers: under every two branches a knop. And the knoppes and the branches proceeded out of it, and it was all one piece of pure thick gold. And he made his seven lamps with the tongues and snoffers thereof, of pure gold: Even an hundred weight of pure gold: made he it with all the vessels thereof. And he made the sense altar of Sethim wood. The length of it was a cubit, and the breadth a cubit, for it was four square, and two cubytes high, with horns proceeding out of it. And he covered it with pure gold, both the top and the sides thereof round about, and the horns of it, & made unto it a crown of gold round about. And he made two rings of gold for it, even under the crown thereof in the two corners of it and in the two sides thereof to put bars in, for to bear it withal: & made the bars of Sethim wood & gainsaid them with gold. And he made the holy anointing oil, and the sweet pure incense after the apotecaryes' craft. ¶ The altar of burnt-offerings. The brazen laver. The some of that the people offered. CAPI. XXXVIII. ANd he made the burnt-offering * Exodi. 〈◊〉 ● altar of Sethim wood. v. cubytes was the length thereof, and. v. cubits the breadth even. iiii. square, and. iii. cubytes high. And he made unto it horns in the. iiii. corners of it proceeding out of it, and he gainsaid it with brass. And he made all the vessels of the altar: the cauldrons, shovels, basyns, flesh hooks and coal pans. All the vessels thereof made he of brass. And he made a brazen gridiron of network unto the altar, round about allow beneath unto the mids of the altar, & cast. iiii. rings of brass for the. iiii. ends of the gridiron to put bars in. And he made the bars of Sethim wood and covered them with brass, and put the bars in to the rings in the four corners of the altar, to bear it withal, and made the altar hollow within the boards. And he made the laver of brass, and the foot of it also of brass ❀ ☞ in the sight of them that did watch at the door of the Tabernacle of witness. And he made the court on the south side, and the hangings of the court were of white twined silk, having an hundred cubytes. Their pillars were twenty, & their brazen sockets twenty. But the knoppes of the pillars, and their hoops were of silver. And on the north side the hangings were an hundred cubytes. Their pillars were twenty, and their sockettes of brass twenty. But the knoppes & the hoops of the pillars were of silver. On the west side, were hangings of fifty cubytes ten pillars and their ten sockettes ❀ (of brass.) But the knoppes & the hoops of the pillars were of silver. And toward the East side, were hangings of fifty cubytes: the hangings of the one side of the gate were fifteen cubytes long, with three pillars & three sockettes. And on the other side of the court gate, were hangings also of. xv. cubytes long, with. three pillars &. three sockettes. All the hangyngꝭ of the court round about were of white twined silk: but the sockettis of the pillars were of brass: and the knoppes and the hoops of the pillars were of silver, & the covering of the heads was of silver, & all the pillars of the court were hooped about with silver. And the hanging of the gate of the court was nedleworke, of yellow silk, purple, scarlet and white twined silk xx. cubytes long, & five in the breadth, over against the hangyngꝭ of the court. And their pillars were. iiii. & their. iiii. sockettis of brass and the knoppes of silver, & the heads over laid with silver, & hooped about with silver, and all the pins of the tabernacle & of the court round about were of brass. This is the some of the habitation of witness, as it was counted according to the commandment of Moses, for the office of the Levytꝭ by the hand of Ithamar son to Aaron the priest. And Bezaleel the son of Uri the son of Her of the tribe of juda, made all that the lord commanded Moses, & with him was Ahaliab son of Ahisamach of the tribe of Dan, a cunning graver, & a worker of nedleworke in yellow silk, purple, scarlet, & white twined silk. All the gold that was occupied for all the work of the holy place, was the gold of the waveoffering, even. xxix. hundred weight, and seven hundred &. thirty. sickles, according to the sickle of the sanctuary. And the some of silver that came of the multitude, was. v. score hundred weight, & a thousand seven hundred &. lxxv. sickles, after the sickle of the sanctuary. For every man an half weight, even half a sickle after the sickle of the sanctuary, for all them that went to be numbered from. xx. year old & above, even for. vi. hundred thousand, and. iii. thousand, and v. hundred, and. l. men. And the five score hundred weight of silver, were cast the sockettes of the sanctuary, and the sockettes of the veil: an hundred sockettes of the five score hundred weight, an hundred weight of every socket. And of the thousand. seven. hundred, &. lxxv. sickles, he made knoppes to the pillars, & gainsaid the heads and hooped them, ❀ (with silver.) And the brass of the wave-offering was lxx. hundred weight/ and two thousand, and four hundred sycles. And therewith he made the sockettes to the door of the tabernacle of witness, and the brazen altar, & the brazen gridiron, for it, with all the vessels of the altar, & the sockets of the court round about, & the sokets for the court gate, & all the pins of the habitation, & all the pins of the court round about. ¶ The apparel of Aaron, and his sons. All that the Lord commanded was offered. CAPI. XXXIX. ANd of the yellow silk, purple & scarlet they made the vestiments of ministration to do service in the holy place, & made the holy garments for Aaron, as the Lord commanded Moses. And he made the Ephod of gold, yellow silk, purple, scarlet & white twined silk. And they did beat the gold in to thine plates, & cut it in to wires, to work it in the yellow silk, purple, scarlet and in the fine white, with broidered work. And they made two sides for it to close them up by the. two. edges. And the brodering of the girdle that was upon it, was of the same stuff, & after the same work, of gold, yellow silk, purple, scarlet, & twyned white silk, as the Lord commanded Moses. And they wrought Onyx stones closed in ouches of gold, and graved as sygnettꝭ are graven, with the names of the children of Israel, and put them on the shoulders of the Ephod, that they should be stones for a remembrance of the children of Israel, as the Lord commanded Moses. And he made the brestlap of cunning work, & like the work of Ephod, even of gold, yellow silk, purple, scarlet, & twyned white silk. It was. iiii. square, and they made the brestlap double, an hand breadth long, and an hand breadth broad. And they filled it with. iiii. rows of stones. The first row, a Sardios, a Topas & * ●r an Emeroude. Smaragdus: the second row, a ‡ ●r a Carbuncle. Ruby, a Saphyr and a Diamond: in the. iii. ●owe, Ligurios, an Achet, and an Amethyst: in the fourth row, a Turcas, an Onir, and a jaspis. And they were closed in ouches of gold in their inclosers. And the. xii. stones were graven as signets with the names of the children of Israel: every stone with his name, according to the. xii. tribes. And they made upon the brestlap, two fastening chains of wreathen work and pure gold. And they made two hooks of gold, and two gold rings, and put the two rings in the two corners of the brestlap And they put the two chains of gold in the two rings, in the corners of the brestlap. And the two ends of the two chains they fastened in the two hooks, and put them on the shoulders of the Ephod upon the fore front of it. And they made two rings of gold, and put them on the two corners of the brestlap upon the edge of it which was on the inside of the Ephod. And they made two gold rings, and put them on the two sides of the Ephod, beneath on the fore side of it: and over against his fellow, above upon the brodring of the Ephod and they strained the brestlap by his rings unto the rings of the Ephod, with a lace of yellow silk: that it might be upon the brodring of the Ephod, & that the brestlap should not be loosed from the Ephod: as the Lord commanded Moses. And he made the tunicle unto the Ephod of woven work, all together of yellow silk and there was an hole in the midst of the tunicle, as the collar of a partlet, with a band round about the collar, that it should not rend. And in the tunicle they made hems with Pomegarnates of yellow silk, purple, scarlet, & white twined silk. And they made little bells of pure gold, & put them among the pomegarnates' round about upon the edge of the tunicle: a bell and a pomegarnate a bell and a pomegarnate round about the hems of the tunicle to minister in, as the Lord commanded Moses. And they made coats of fine white of woven work for Aaron and his sons, & a mitre of fine white, and goodly bonnets of fine white, and linen breeches of twined white, and a girdle of twined white, yellow silk, purple & scarlet: even of needle work, as the Lord commanded Moses. And they made the plate for the holy crown of fine gold, & wrote upon it with graven work, the holiness of the lord: and tied unto it a lace of yellow silk to fasten it on high upon the mitre, as the lord commanded Moses. Thus was all the work of the habitation and of the tabernacle of witness finished. And the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord had commanded Moses. Even so did they. And they brought the habitation unto Moses: the tent and all his apparel, buttons, boards, bars, pillars, & sockettes: the covering of rams skins read, and the covering of taxus skins, and the hanging veil, the ark of witness and the bars thereof, & the mercyseat: the table and all the vessels thereof, & the showbread: the pure candelstycke/ with the lamps thereof: even with the Lamppes' to be prepared/ and all the vessels thereof, and the Oil for light: the golden altar, and the anointing oil, and the sweet sense, and the hanging of the tabernacle door, & the brazen altar with his gridiron of brass: his bars, & all his vessels, the laver & his foot: the hangings of the court with his pillars, and sockettes: the hanging to the court gate, and his pins and cords, and all the vessel of the service of the habitation for the tabernacle of witness: the ministering vestiments to serve in the holy place, and the holy vestiments for Aaron the priest, and his sons raiments to minister in, according to all that the Lord commanded Moses: even so the children of Israel made all the work. And Moses beheld all the work: and see, they had done it even as the Lord commanded: even so had they done, and Moses blessed them. ¶ The Tabernacle teared up. The glory of the lord appeareth in a cloud covering the Tabernacle. CAPI. XL. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses saying. In the first day of the first month, shalt thou set up the habitation, and the tabernacle of witness, & put therein the ark of witness, & cover the ark with the veil, and bring in the table and apparel it, according to the order thereof. And thou shalt bring in the candlestick, and light his lamps, and set the sense altar of gold before the ark of witness, and put the hanging at the door of the habitation. And set the burntoffering altar before the door of the habitation and Tabernacle of witness, and set the laver between the Tabernacle of witness & the altar, & put water therein, and make the court round about, and hang up the hanging at the court gate. * Exodi. ● And thou shalt take the anointing oil and anoint the habitation, and all that is therein, & hallow it with all the vessels thereof, that it may be holy. And thou shalt anoint the altar of burntoffring and all the vessels & sanctify the altar, that it maybe an altar most holy. And thou shalt anoint also the laver and his foot, and sanctify it. And thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons unto the door of the Tabernacle of witness, and wash them with water. And thou shalt put upon Aaron the holy vestiments & anoint him, & sanctify him, that he may minister unto me. And thou shalt bring his sons, & cloth them with garments, and anoint them as thoyu didst anoint their father, that they may ministre unto me. For their anointing shallbe an everlasting priesthood unto them throughout their generations * Num● And Moses did according to all that the Lord commanded him: even so did he. Thus was the Tabernacle reared up the first day in the first month in the second year. And Moses reared up the Tabernacle and fastened his sockettes, and set up the boards thereof, and put in the bars of it & reared up his pillars, and spread abroad the tent over the habitation, & put ☞ the covering of the tent on high above it: as the lord commanded Moses. And he took ☞ the testimony, and put it in the ark, & set the bars to the ark, & put the mercyseat on high upon the ark, & brought the ark into the habitation, & hanged up the veil, and covered the ark of witness, as the Lord commanded Moses. And he put the table in the Tabernacle of witness in the north side of the habitation (but without the veil) & set the bread in order before the Lord, even as the Lord had commanded Moses. And he put the candlestick in the tabernacle of witness, over against the table, toward the south side of the habitation, & set up the lamps before the Lord: as the lord commanded Moses. And he put the golden altar in the tabernacle of witness before the veil, & brent sweet sense thereon, as the lord commanded Moses. And he hanged up the hanging at the door of the habitation, & set the burntoffering altar by the entering in of the habitation of the tabernacle of witness, & offered burnt-offerings and meatoffrynges thereon, as the Lord commanded Moses. * ●o●i 30. ● And he set the laver between the tabernacle of witness & the altar, & powered water therein, to wash withal. And Moses, Aaron & his sons washed their hands, & their feet thereat, when they went into the tabernacle of witness, & when they went to the altar they washed themselves, as the lord commanded Moses. And he reared up the court round about the habitation & the altar, & set up an hanging at the court gate: and so Moses finished the work. * ●●●●. ix. ● And the cloud covered the tabernacle of witness, & the glory of the lord filled the habitation. And Moses could not enter into the Tabernacle of witness, because the cloud abode thereon, & the glory of the lord filled the habitation. (For the cloud had covered all.) And when the cloud was taken up from of the habitation, the children of Israel took their journeys throughout their armies. And when the cloud was not taken up, they journeyed not till it was taken up: for the cloud of the lord was upon the habitation by day, and fire by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel throughout all their armies. ¶ The end of the second book of Moses, called in the Hebrew. Uelle schemoth and in the Latyn. Exodus. ¶ The third book of Moses/ called in the Hebrew vaicrah: and in the Latyn, Leviticus. ¶ The order of burntofferynge●. CAPI. Primo. ANd the Lord called Moses, and spoke unto him out of the tabernacle of witness, saying Exodi. 29. Speak unto the children of Israel, and thou shalt say unto them. If a man of you bring a sacrifice unto the Lord, ye shall bring your sacrifice from among these cattle, even from among the oxen & the sheep. If his sacrifice be a burntoffering, let him offer a male of the oxen without blemish, & bring him (of his own voluntary will) unto the door of the tabernacle of witness before the Lord. And he shall put his hand upon the head of the burnt-sacrifice, and it shall be accepted for him: to be his atonement. And he shall kill the calf of the drove before the Lord. And the priests Aaron's sons, shall bring the blood, and sprinkle it round about upon the altar, that is by the door of the tabernacle of witness. And then shall he flay the burntoffering, & hew him in pieces. And the sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire upon the altar, and put wood upon the fire. And the Preestes Aaron's sons shall lay the parts (even the head & the fat) upon the wood that is upon the fire in the altar. But the inwards and the legs thereof shall he wash in water, and the priest shall burn all in the altar, that they may be ● burnt-sacrifice for a sweet odour unto the Lord. And if his sacrifice be of the flocks (namely of the sheep or gootes) let him bring a male without blemish for a burntoffering And let him kill it on the North side of the altar, before the Lord. And the priests Aaron's sons shall sprinkle the blood of it round about upon the altar. And it shall be cut in pieces, even with his head and his fat, and the Priest shall put them upon the wood that lieth upon the fire in the altar. But he shall wash the inwards and the legs with water, and the priest shall bring all together, and burn it upon the altar for a burntoffering of a sweet savour unto the Lord. If the burntoffering for the sacrifice of the lord be of the fowls, he shall bring his sacrifice of the Curtyll doves or of the young pigeons. And the priest shall bring it unto the altar▪ and wring the neck asunder of it, & burn it on the altar. But the blood thereof shall run out by the side of the altar. And he shall pluck away the crop with his feathers, & fast them beside the altar on the East part, in the place of ashes. And he shall break the wings of it, but pluck them not asunder. And the priest shall burn it upon the altar, even upon the wood that is upon the fire, that it may be a burnt-sacrifice for a sweet favour unto the Lord. ¶ The order of meat offerings. CAPI II. THe soul that will offer a meatoffcing unto the Lord, the same offering shall be of fine flower, & he shall power oil upon it, and put frankincense thereon, & shall bring it unto Aaron's sons the priests. And he shall take thereout his handful of the flower, and of the oil with all the frankincense, and the priest shall burn it for a memorial of him upon the altar: to be an offering for a sweet savour unto the lord. And the remnant of the meat-offering shall be Aaron's and his sons, a thing most holy of the sacrifices of the Lord. If thou bring also a meat-offering that is baken in the oven, let it be a sweet cake of fine flower mingled with oil, or an unleavened wafer anointed with oil. If thy meateoffering be baken in the fryeng pan, it shallbe of sweet flower mingled with oil. And thou shalt mince it small, and power oil thereon, that it may be a meat-offering. And if thy meat-offering be athing broiled upon the gridiron, let it be of flower mingled with oil. And thou shalt bring the meat-offering (that is made of these things) unto the Lord, and shalt deliver it unto the priest, that he may offer if upon the altar, and the Priest shall take of the meat-offering a memorial, & shall burn it upon the altar: that it may be a burntoffering for a sweet savour unto the Lord. And that which is left of the meatoffering shallbe Aaron's and his sons. It is a thing most holy of the offerings of the Lord. All the meat-offerings which ye shall bring unto the Lord, shall be made without leaven. For ye shall neither burn leaven nor honey in any offering of the Lord. notwithstanding ye shall bring the firstlings of them unto the Lord: but they shall not come upon the altar for a sweet savour. * Math. v. b. Mar. ixi. g. Collo. iiii. ● All the meat-offerings shalt thou season with salt, neither shalt thou suffer the salt of the covenant of thy god to be lacking from thy meat-offering, but upon all thine offerings thou shalt bring salt. And if thou offer a meat-offering of thy first ripe fruits unto the Lord, thou shalt offer for the meatoffering of the first fruits, ears of corn dried by the fire; and corn beaten as meal. And thou shalt put oil upon it, and lay frankincense thereon, that it may be a meatoffring. And the priest shall burn part of the beaten corn, & part of that oil with all the frankincense, for a remembrance. And it shall be a sacrifice unto the Lord. ¶ The order of peace-offerings. CAPI. III. ANd if his sacrifice be a peace-offering, and he take it from among the droves (whither it be male or female) he shall bring so moche as is without blemish before the Lord: and put his hand upon the head of his offering, and kill it at the door of the Tabernacle of witness. And Aaron's sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood upon the altar round about. And he shall offer somewhat of the peace-offering to be a sacrifice unto the Lord: even the * 〈…〉 fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is about the inwards: and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them and upon the loins, and the abundance that is on the liver shall he take away with the kidneys. And Aaron's sonnis shall burn them on the altar upon the burnt-sacrifice which is upon the wood that is on the fire to be burnt-sacrifice for a sweet savour unto the Lord. If he bring a peace-offering unto the Lord from of the flock, let him offer male or female: but without blemish. As if he offer a sheep for his sacrifice, he shall bring it before the Lord, and put his haude upon his offerings head, and kill it before the door of the tabernacle of witness, & Aaron's sons shall sprinkle the blood thereof round about the altar. And of the peace-offering, let him bring a sacrifice unto the Lord, the fat thereof, and the cedar all together, which they shall take of, hard by the back bone: and the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards, and the two kidneys, & the fat that is upon them and upon the loins, and the abundance that is upon the liver shall he take away with the kidneys. And the priest shall burn them upon the altar, to be a food of a sacrifice unto the Lord. If his offering be a goote, he shall bring it before the Lord, and put his hand upon the head of it, and kill it before the tabernacle of the covenant, and the sonnis of Aaron shall sprinkle the blood thereof upon the altar round about. And he shall bring thereof, his offering, even a Sacrifice unto the Lord: the fat that covereth the inwards, and all the fat that is upon the inwards, & the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and upon the loins, & the abundance upon the liver shall he take away with the kidneys. And the priest shall burn them upon the altar for the food of the sacrifice: that all the fat may be a sweet savour unto the Lord. Let it be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout your dwellings, that ye eat neither fat nor * ●●nt. ●i. a. ●eni. 17. ● 〈◊〉 nineteen. ●. blood. ¶ Offering made for sins done of Ignorance. CAPI. four ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses saying: speak unto the Children of Israel, and say: If a soul sin thorough ignorance, & hath done any of those things which the Lord hath forbidden in his commandments to be done. As if the priest that is anointed do sin, ❀ (according to the sin of the people) let him bring for his sin, which he hath sinned/ a young ox without blemish unto the Lord for a sin-offering. And he shall bring the young ox unto the door of the Tabernacle of witness before the Lord, & shall put his hand upon the young ox head, and kill the young ox before the Lord. And the priest that is anointed * ●●●iti. ix. ● shall take of the young ox blood, and bring it in to the tabernacle of witness, and the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle thereof. seven. times before the Lord/ even before the hanging of the holy place. And he shall put some of the blood before the lord/ upon the horns of the altar of sweet sense/ which is in the Tabernacle of witness, and shall power all the blood of the young ox/ unto the bottom of the altar of burntoffering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of witness. And he shall take away all the fat of the ox that is for sin, the fat that covereth the inwards, & all the fat that is about the inwards, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is upon them, and upon the loins/ & the abundance of the liver shall he take away with the kidneys: as it was taken away in the ox of the peace-offerings, and let the priest burn them upon the altar of burntoffering. * ●●i. 29. ● But the skin of the young ox, and all his flesh, with his head/ & his legs, with his inwards, and his dung/ shall he bear out and carry the young ox altogether out of the host unto a clean place: even where the ashes are powered out/ and burn him there on wood in the fire: even by the place where the ashes are cast out, shall he be burnt. If the hole congregation of Israel sin thorough ignorance, & the thing be hid from their eyes: so that they have committed any of those things which the Lord hath forbidden to be done in his commandments, and have offended. When the sin which they have sinned in/ is known, the congregation shall bring a young ox for the sin, and bring him before the Tabernacle of witness, and the elders of the multitude shall put their hands upon the head of the young ox before the Lord. And the young ox shall be slain before the Lord. And the priest that is anointed, shall bring of his blood into the tabernacle of witness, and the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle it seven times before the Lord: even before the veil. And shall put of the blood upon the horns of the altar, which is before the Lord in the Tabernacle of witness, & shall power all the blood unto the bottom of the altar of burntoffering which is before the door of the tabernacle of witness, and shall take all his fat from him, and burn it upon the altar, and shall do with this young ox/ as he did with the young ox for sin: even so shall he do with this. And the priest shall make an atonement for them/ and it shall be forgiven them. And he shall bring this young ox without the host, and burn him as he burneth the first. For it is an oblation for the sin of the congregation. When a Lord sinneth, and committeth thorough ignorance any of these things (which the Lord his god hath forbidden to be done in his commandments) and hath offended. And if his sin be showed unto him: which he hath done, he shall bring his offering: even an he goote without blemish/ and lay his hand upon the head of the he goote, and kill it in the place where the burntoffering is used to be killed before the Lord: for it is a sin-offering. And let the priest take of the blood of the offering with his finger, and put it upon the horns of the burntoffering altar, & power his blood unto the bottom of the burntoffering altar, and burn all his fat upon the altar, as the fat of the peace-offerings. And the priest shall make an atonement for him, as concerning his sin/ & it shallbe for given him. If one of the comen people of the land sin thorough ignorance, and commit any of the things which the lord hath forbidden in his commandments to be done, & so hath trespassed: If his sin which he hath sinned, come to his knowledge, he shall bring for his offering, a she goote from among the flocks, without blemish for his sin, which he hath sinned, & lay his hand upon the head of the offering, and slay it in the place of burntofferinges. * Leviti three ● And the priest shall take of the blood thereof with his finger, & put it upon the horns of the burntoffering altar/ & power all the blood unto the bottom of the altar, & shall take away all his fat/ as the fat of the peace-offerings is taken away. And the priest shall burn it upon the altar/ that it may be a sweet savour unto the lord, & the priest shall make an atonement for him/ and it shallbe forgiven him. And if he bring a sheep for a sin offering, he shall bring a female without blemish, and lay his hand upon the head of the offering, and slay it for a sin-offering in the place where they kill the burntoffering. And the priest shall take of the blood of the offering with his finger, and put it upon the horns of the burntoffering altar, & shall power the blood thereof unto the bottom of the altar. * Leviti iii. d And he shall take away all the fat thereof, as the fat of the sheep of the peace offering is wont to be taken away. And the Priest shall burn it upon the altar/ that it may be the lords burnt-sacrifice, & the priest shall make an atonement for his sin/ that he hath committed, & it shall be forgiven him. ¶ Of oaths. ●lmsynge of him that toucheth unclean things. Purga●yon of an oath, and of sin done by Ignorance. CAPI. V IF a soul sin, and hear the voice of swearing, and is a witness: whither he hath seen or known of it, if he have not uttered it, he shall bear his fin. Either if ☞ a soul touch any unclean thing: whither it be the carrion of an unclean beast, or of unclean cattle, or unclean worm, and is not ware of it: behold, he is unclean, and hath offended. Either if he touch any uncleanness of man (whatsoever uncleanness it be that a man is wont to be defiled withal) and is not ware of it, & cometh to the knowledge of it, he hath trespassed. Either if a soul swear, and pronounceth with his lips to do evil or to do good (what soever it be that a man useth to pronounce with an oath) and the thing be hid from him, and cometh to the knowledge of it/ and hath offended in one of these. And it shall come to pass that when he hath syuned in one of these things, he shall confess that he hath sinned in that thing. Therefore shall he bring his trespaceoffering unto the Lord, for his sin which he hath sinned. A female from the flock, a lamb or a she goote, for a sin-offering. And the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sin. * Leutti. 〈◊〉 Lu●e▪ 〈◊〉▪ ● And if he be not able to bring such a sheep/ he shall bring for his trespass which he hath sinned, two turtle doves or two young pigeons unto the Lord, one for a sin-offering, and the other for a burntoffering. And he shall bring them unto the priest, which shall offer the sin-offering first, and wring the neck asunder of it, but pluck it not clean of And he shall sprinkle of the blood of the sin-offering upon the side of the altar/ and the rest of the blood shall he power by the bottom of the altar: for it is a sin-offering. And he shall offer the second for a burntoffering as the manner is: and so shall the Priest make an atonement for him (for the sin which he hath sinned) and it shall be forgiven him. And if he be not able to bring two turtle doves or two young pigeons, than he that hath sinned shall bring for his offering: the tenth part of Epha of fine flower for a sin-offering, but put noon Oil thereto/ neither put any frankincense thereon, for it is a sin-offering. And let the priest offer it, & the priest shall take his handful of it, for a remembrance thereof, & burn it upon the altar/ to be a Sacrifice for the Lord, it is a sin-offering. And the Priest shall make an atonement for him, as touching his sin that he hath sinned in one of these/ & it shallbe forgiven. And the remnant shallbe the priests, as a meat-offering And the Lord spoke unto Moses/ saying: If a soul trespass/ and sin thorough ignorance in things that are consecrated unto the lord, let him bring for his trespass unto the Lord a ram without blemish out of the flocks, valued is money at two sycles after the * 〈…〉 sycle of the sanctuary, that it may be for a trespaceoffering. And he shall make amends for the harm that he hath done in the holy thing/ & let him put the fift part more thereto, and give it unto the Priest. And the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram, that is for the trespass, and it shall be forgiven him. If a soul sin, and commit any of these things which are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the Lord: and wist it not, and hath offended, he shall bear his sin, and shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock, that is esteemed to be worth a trespass offering, unto the priest. And the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his ignorance/ wherein he erred, and was not ware, and it shall be forgiven him. This is a trespaceoffering/ ❀ which he offered unto the Lord for the trespass. ¶ The offerings for sins willingly done. The law of the burnt-offerings. The fy●e must atyde evermore upon the altar. The offerings of Aaron, and his sons. CAPI. VI ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses saying: if a soul sin, and trespass against the Lord, and deny unto his neighbour that which is taken him to keep, or that was put in to his hand/ or doth violent robbery or wrong unto his neighbour, or if he have found that which was lost, and denieth it/ and sweareth falsely, upon whatsoever thing it be that a man doth, and sinneth therein: If he have so sinned, or trespassed, he shall restore again that he took violently away, or the wrong which he did, or that which was delivered him to keep/ or the lost thing which he found/ and all that, about which he hath sworn falsely, he shall restore it again in the hole somme, and shall add the fift part moor thereto, and give it unto him to whom it pertaineth/ the same day that he offereth for his trespass, and let him bring for his trespass unto the Lord, a ram without blemish out of the flock (that is esteemed worth a trespaceoffering) unto the Priest. And the Priest shall make an atonement for him before the Lord, and it shall be forgiven him, what soever thing it be that he hath done and trespassed therein. And the lord spoke unto Moses, saying: Command Aaron/ and his Sons, saying: this is the law of the burntoffering. * Exod. 29. g The burntoffering shall be upon the hearth of the altar all night unto the morning, and the fire shall be kindled on the altar. And the priest shall put on his * Exodi. 28. g linen albe, and his linen breeches upon his flesh, and take away the ashes/ upon the which the fire consumed the burnt-sacrifice in the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar, & put of his tayment, and put on other, and carry the ashes out without the host unto a clean place. The fire upon the altar shall burn still/ and never be put out. But the Priest shall lay wood on 〈◊〉 every day in the morning/ and put the burnt-sacrifice upon it/ and he shall burn thereon the fat of the peace-offerings. The fire shall ever burn upon the altar/ and never go out. * Num xv. a Leuiti. 〈◊〉 a. This is the law of the ‡ Minha. meat-offering, which Aaron's Sons shall bring before the Lord, even before the altar: and one of them shall take his handful of the flower of the meat-offering, and of the oil, & all the frankincense which is upon the meat-offering, and shall burn it unto a remembrance upon the altar, for aswete savour, even a memorial of it unto the Lord. And of the rest thereof, shall Aaron, and his sons eat: unleavened shall it be eaten in the holy place: even in the court of the Tabernacle of witness they shall eat it. It shall not be baken with leaven. I have given it unto them for their portion of my sacrifices. It is most holy, as the sin-offering and trespaceoffering. All the males among the Children of Aaron shall eat of it: It shallbe a statute for ever in your generations concerning the sacrifices of the Lord: ☞ Let every one that toucheth it be holy. And the Lord spoke unto Moses saying: this is the offering of Aaron, and of his sons which they shall offer unto the Lord, in the day when he is anointed: the tenth part of an Epha of flower, for a meat-offering perpetual: half in the morning, and half at night In the frienge pan it shallbe made with oil. And when it is fried/ thou shalt bring it in, and the baken offerings of this oblation mynsed small, shalt thou offer for a sweee savour unto the Lord. And the Priest of his Sons that is anointed in his stead, shall offer it: It is the lords duty for ever: it shallbe burnt all together. For every meatoffering that is made for the Priest, shall be burnt all together, & shall not be eaten. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto Aaron, and unto his Sons, and say: This is the law of the sin-offering. In the place where the burntoffering is killed, shall the sin offering be killed before the Lord, for it is ☞ most holy. The Priest that offereth it, shall eat it: In the holy place shall it be eaten: even in the court of the tabernacle of witness. No man touch the flesh thereof, sane he that is hallowed. And who so sprinkleth of the blood thereof upon any garment, ☞ thou shalt wash it in the holy place, there as it is sprinkled upon. Leuiti. xv. b * Osee. iiii. b. But the earthen pot that it is sudden in/ shall be broken. And if it be sudden in a brazen pot, it shallbe scoured, and rinsed in the water All the males among the priests shall eat thereof, for it is most holy. And no sin offering/ whose blood is brought into the tabernacle of witness to reconcile withal in the holy place/ shallbe eaten: but shallbe burnt in the fire. ¶ Trespaceofferynges: Synofferynges: and Peaceofferynges. The ●at and the blood may not be eaten. CAPI. VII. THIS is the law of the trespaceoffering: it is most holy. In the place where they kill the burntoffering, shall they kill the trespaceoffering also: and his blood shall he sprinkle round about upon the altar. All the fat thereof shall they offer: the rump, and the fat thereof that covereth the inwards, and the two kidneys, and the fat that is on them and upon the loins: and the abundance that is on the liver shalt thou take away with the kidneys, & the priest shall burn them upon the altar/ to be a sacrifice unto the Lord: for it is a trespass offering. All the males among the preesteshal eat thereof in the holy place, for it is most holy. As the sin-offering is, so is the trespaceoffering, one law serveth for both, and it shall be the priests that reconcileth therewith. And the Priest that offereth any man's burntoffering, ☞ shall have the skin of the burntoffering which he hath offered. And all the meat-offering that is baken in the oven, and that is dressed upon the gridiron, & in the frying pan, shall be the priests that offereth it. And every meat-offering that is mingled with oil, and that is dry, shall pertain unto all the sons of Aaron/ and one shall have as much as another. This is the law of peace-offering, when it is offered unto the Lord. If he offer it to give thank, he shall bring unto his thank offering, sweet cakes mingled with oil/ and sweet wafer's anointed with Oil, and cakes mingled with oil of fine flower fried. He shall bring his offering upon cakes of leavening bread for his peaceofferyngis to give thanks: and of all the sacrifice he shall offer one for an heave-offering unto the lord, and it shall be the priests that sprinkled the blood of the peace-offerings. And the flesh of the thankeoffering in his peaceofferyngis shallbe eaten the same day that it is offered. And let him lay up nothing of it until the morrow But if he offer his sacrifice by reason of a vow, or of his own free-will, it shall be eaten the same day that he offereth his sacrifice. And if ought remain until the morrow, it may be eaten but asmuch of the offered flesh as remaineth unto the third day, shall be burnt with fire. And if any of the flesh of his peace-offerings be eaten in the third day, then shall he that offereth it, obtain no favour ☞ neither shall it be reckoned unto him: but shall be an abomination. Therefore the soul that eateth of it/ ☞ shall bear his sin. And the flesh that toucheth any unclean thing shall not be eaten, but burnt with fire: and all that be clean, shall eat the flesh. But if any soul eat of the flesh of the peace offering that pertaineth unto the lord having his uncleanness upon him, the same soul shall perish from among his people. Moreover/ the soul that doth touch any unclean thing, that is of the uncleanness of man, or of any unclean beast, or any abomination that is unclean: and then eat of the flesh of the peaceoffering which pertaineth unto the Lord, that soul shall perish from his people. And the Lord spoke unto Moses/ saying: speak unto the Children of Israel/ and say: * levit. 〈…〉 Ye shall eat no manner fat of oxen, of sheep and of gootes: neverthelatter the fat of the beast that dieth alone, & the fat of that which is torn with wild beasts, shall be occupied in any manner of use, but ye shall in no wise eat of it. For whosoever eateth the fat of the beast of which men use to bring an offering unto the Lord, that soul that eateth it, shall peresh from his people. Moreover, ye * Gent. 〈…〉 levit. 〈…〉 and ●. ●. ●. Deut. 〈…〉 i. Re●. ●● shall eat no manner of blood, whither it be of fowl or of beast. Whatsoever soul it be that eateth▪ any manner of blood, the same soul shall perish from his people. And the Lord talked with Moses, saying, speak unto the children of Israel and say: he that bringeth his peaceoffering unto the Lord/ let him bring his gift unto the lord of his peaceoffering: Let his own hands bring the offerings of the Lord: even the fat with the breast shall he bring: that the breast may be waved for a wave-offering before the lord. And the Priest shall burn the fat upon the altar, and the breast shall be Aaron's, and his Sons. And the right shoulder shall ye give unto the priest, for an heave-offering, of your peace offeryngis. The same that offereth the blood of the peace offerings, and the fat, among the sons of Aaron, shall have the right shoulder for his part, for the * Num 〈…〉 wavebreast, and the haveshoulder have I taken of the children of Israel, even of their peace-offerings and have given it unto Aaron, & unto his sons: by a statute for ever of the children of Israel. This is the anointing of Aaron/ and the anointing of his sons in the Sacrifices of the lord/ in the day when he offered them to be priests unto the lord. And these are the sacrifices which the Lord commanded to be given them (in the day of their anointing) of the children of Israel, by a statute for ever in their generations. This is the law of the burntoffering, and of the meat-offering, and of the Sacrifice for sin, and trespass, for consecration/ and for the peace-offering/ which the Lord commanded Moses in the mount of Sinai, when he commanded the Children of Israel to offer their Sacrifices unto the Lord in the wilderness of Sinai. ¶ The anointing of Aaron and his sons. CAPI. VIII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses saying: take * Exodi. 28. a Aaron and his sonnis with him, and the vestures/ and the anointing Oil, and a young ox for sin, and two rams, and a basket with sweet bread: and gather thou all the congregation together unto the door of the Tabernacle of witness. And Moses did as the Lord commanded him, and the people were gathered together unto the door of the Tabernacle of witness. And Moses said unto the congregation: this is the thing which the Lord commanded to be done. And Moses brought Aaron, and his sons, and washed them with water, and put upon him the albe, and girded him with a girdle and put upon him the tunicle, (❀ of yellow silk,) and put the Ephod thereon/ which he girded with the broidered girdle that was in the Ephod, and bound it unto him therewith. And he put the brestlap thereon and put in the brestlap urim, and thumim. And he put the mitre upon his head, and put upon the mitre (even upon the forefront of his face) the golden plate or the holy crown as the lord commanded Moses. * Exod. thirty. d And Moses took the anointing oil, & anointed the Tabernacle/ & all that was therein, & sanctified them, and sprinkled thereof upon the altar seven times, and anointed the altar, and all his vessels, the laver and his foot, to sanctify them ❀ (with the oil.) And he powered of the anointing oil upon Aaron's head, and anointed him/ to sanctify him. And Moses brought Aaron's Sons, & put albes upon them/ and girded them with girdles, & put bonnets upon their heads: as the Lord commanded Moses. * Exodi. 29. ● And he brought the young ox for sin And Aaron and his sons put their handis upon the head of the young ox that was for sin. And Moses slew him/ and took of the blood/ which he put upon the horns of the altar round about with his finger, and ☞ purified it, and powered the blood unto the bottom of the altar (and sanctified it/ and ☞ reconciled it. And he took all the fat that was upon the inwardis, & the abundance of the liver, and the two kidneys/ and their fat, and Moses burned it upon the altar. But the young ox, and his hide, his flesh & his dung, he burned with fire without the host, as the Lord commanded Moses. And he brought the ram for the burnt offering, and Aaron, and his sons put their hands upon the head of the ram, which Moses killed, and sprinkled the blood upon the altar round about, and Moses cut the ram in pieces, and burned the head, the pieces/ and the fat, and washed the inwards, and the legs in water, and Moses burnt the ram every whit upon the altar/ for a burntsacryfyce, that it might be a sweet savour, and an offering unto the Lord, as the Lord commanded Moses. * Exodi. 29. ● And he brought the other ram, namely the ram of consecration ❀ (of the priests) and Aaron, and his sons put their hands upon the head of the ram: which Moses slew/ & took of the blood of it, and put it upon the tip of Aaron's right ear, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great too of his right foot. And Moses brought Aaron's sons/ and put of the blood ❀ (of the ram) on the tip of the right ear of them, and upon the thumbs of their right hands/ & upon the great tooes of their right feet, and Moses sprinkled the blood upon the altar round about. * Exodi. 29 ● And he took the fat, and the rump, and all the fat that was upon the inwards/ and the abundance of the liver, and the two kidneys with their fat/ and the right shoulder. And out of the basket of sweet bread that was before the Lord, he took one sweet cake of oiled bread, and one wafer, and put them on the fat, and upon the right shoulder: and put all together upon Aaron's hands, and upon his sons hands, & waved it a waveoffering before the Lord. And Moses took them from of their hands, & burned them upon the altar, even upon the burntoffering altar: for it was the Sacrifice of consecration, for a sweet savour/ & a Sacrifice unto the Lord. * Exodi. 29. ● And Moses took the breast/ and waved it for a wave-offering before the Lord, for it was of the ●am of the consecration, and it was Moses part/ as the lord commanded Moses. And Moses took of the anointing Oil, & of the blood which was upon the altar, and sprinkled it upon Aaron, and upon his vestiments, upon his sons, and on his sons vestiments with him, and sanctified Aaron, his vestures, and his sons, and his sons vestures with him. And Moses said unto Aaron, & his sons: boil the flesh in the door of the tabernacle of witness, and there * Exodi. 29. f eat it with the bread, that is in the basket of consecration/ as I commanded, saying: Aaron, and his sons shall eat it: and that which remaineth of the bread, shall ye burn with fire. And ye shall not depart from the door of the tabernacle of witness. seven. days, until the days of your consecration be at an end. For seven days shall he fill your hand as he did this day: even so the lord hath commanded to do, to reconcile you withal. Therefore shall ye abide in the door of the tabernacle of witness day and night, seven days long: and keep the watch of the lord/ and ye shall not die: for so I am commanded. And so Aaron, and his sons did all things which the Lord commanded ☞ by the hand of Moses. ¶ The first offerings of Aaron. Aaron blesseth the people. The glory of the lord is showed. CAPI. IX. ANd it fortuned that in the eight day/ Moses called Aaron, and his sons, and the elders of Israel: and said unto Aaron: Take the calf, a young one out of the drove, ☞ for sin, and a ram for a burntoffering: both without blemish, and bring them before the Lord. And unto the Children of Israel thou shalt speak, saying: take ye an he goote for sin, and a calf and a lamb both two of a year old, without blemish for a burnt-sacrifice, and an ox and a ram for peace-offerings/ to offer before the lord/ and a meat-offering mingled with oil/ for to day the Lord will appear unto you. And they brought that (which Moses commanded) before the tabernacle of witness, and all the congregation came and stood before the Lord. And Moses said: this is the thing, which the Lord commanded that ye should do: and the glory of the Lord shall appear unto you. And * Hebre. v a. and seven. d. Moses said unto Aaron: go unto the altar and offer thy Sacrifice for sin, and thy burntoffering, and make an atonement for thee, and for the people: and thou shalt offer the offering of the people, to reconcile them, as the Lord commanded. Aaron therefore went unto the altar, and slew the calf which he had for sin. And the ☞ sons of Aaron brought the blood unto him, & he dypte his finger in the blood, and put it upon the horns of the altar, and powered the blood unto the bottom of the altar. But the fat and the two kydnyes, & the abundance of the liver of the sin-offering, he burned upon the altar/ as the Lord commanded Moses: The flesh/ & the hide, he burned with fire without the host. And he slew the burntoffering * Levi. 〈…〉 ☞ & Aaron's sonnis brought unto him the blood, which he sprinkled round about upon the altar. And they brought the burntoffering unto him with the pieces thereof, & the head: and he burned it upon the altar/ & did wash the inwards/ & the legs, and burned them upon the burntoffering in the altar. And then he brought the people's offering, taking the goote that the people had for the sacrifice of sin, and slew it, & offered it for sin, as he did the first. And brought the burntoffering, & offered it as the manner was, * Leviti 〈…〉 and brought the meat-offering, & filled his hand thereof, & burned it upon the altar, beside the burnt sacrifice of the morning. He slew also the ox and the ram for the peace-offering/ that the people had for themselves: and Aaron's sons brought unto him the blood, which he sprinkled upon the altar round about/ & took the fat of the ox/ and of the ram, the rump, and the fat that covereth the inwardis/ and the kidneys, & the abundance of the liver, & they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burned the fat upon the altar: but the breasts, & the right shoulders Aaron waved for a waveoffering before the lord, as the lord commanded Moses. And Aaron lift up his hand over the people, & blessed them, & came down from offering of the sin-offering, burtoffering, & peaceofferyngis. And Moses and Aaron went in to the tabernacle of witness, & came out, & blessed the people, and the glory of the lord appeared to all the people. * two. P●. 〈◊〉 two. 〈…〉 And there came a fire out from before the Lord, & consumed upon the altar the burnt offering & the fat. Which when all the people saw, they gave thanks/ & fell on their faces. ¶ Nadab, and Abshu are slain. Israel mourneth for them. The priests are forbidden wine. CAPI. X. ANd * Exodi. 〈…〉 Leviit. 〈…〉 Nadab, and Abihu the sons of Aaron took either of them his sencer, & put fire therein, and put sense there upon, and offered strange fire before the lord * Exodi. 〈…〉 which he commanded them not, and there went a fire out from the Lord, ☞ and consumed them, and they died before the lord. Then Moses said unto Aaron: this is it that the Lord spoke, saying: I will be sanctified in them, that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace. And Moses called misael, and Elsaphan the sons of Oziell the uncle of Aaron, and said unto them: come on, carry your ☞ brethren from the holy place out of the host. And they went to them, and carried them in their albes out of the host, as Moses had said. And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar, and Ithamar his sons * Deute. 14 a jere. 16. b uncover not your heads, neither rent your clothes, least ye die, and least wrath come upon all the people: But let your brethren the hole house of Israel bewep the burning, which the Lord hath kindled. And go not ye out from the door of the Tabernacle of witness/ least ye die: for the anointing oil of god is upon you. And they did as Moses said. And the Lord spoke unto Aaron, saying: Thou shalt not drink wine, and strong drink/ thou and thy sons that are with thee: when ye go into the tabernacle of witness, least ye die. Let it be a law for ever throughout your generations, & that ye may ❀ (have know ledge to) put difference between holy, and unholy, between clean and unclean, and that ye may teach the Children of Israel all the statutes which the Lord hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses. And Moses said unto Aaron, and unto Eleazar, and Ithamar his sons that were left: take the meat-offering that remaineth of the Sacrifices of the Lord/ and eat it without leaven beside the altar, for it is most holy: ye shall eat it in the holy place/ because it is thy duty, and thy sons duty of the Sacrifices of the Lord: for so I am commanded. And the wavebrest, and heveshoulder shall ye eat in a clean place: thou and thy sons, and thy daughters with the. For they be thy duty, and thy sons duty/ given out of the peace-offerings of the Children of Israel. The heveshoulder and the wavebreast shall they bring in with the Sacrifices of the fat, to wave it before the lord, and it shall be thine, and thy Sons with thee: by a law for ever/ as the lord hath commanded. And Moses sought the goote that was offered for sin, and see, it was burnt. And he was angry with Eleazar: and Ithamar the sonnis of Aaron, which were left alive, saying: Wherefore have ye not eaten the sin-offering in the holy place, seeing it is most holy: and God hath given it you, to bear the sin of the congregation, to make a grement for them before the Lord? Behold, the blood of it was not brought in within the holy place. Ye should have eaten it in the holy place, as I commanded. And Aaron said, unto Moses: behold, this day have they offered their synneoffering, & their burntoffering before the Lord, ☞ and it is chanced me after this manner. And if I had eaten the sacrifice to day/ should it have been accepted in the sight of the Lord? And when Moses heard that, he was content. ¶ Of beasts, which be clean, and which unclean. CAPI. XI. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, and Aaron, and said unto them: speak unto the children of Israel, & say * Gene. 7. a. Deute. 14 ● Acts. ●. c these are the beasts which ye shall eat, among all the cattle that are on the earth: whatsoever parteth the hoof, and divideth it in to two claws, & choweth cud among the beasts, that shall ye eat. Nevertheless, these shall ye not eat, of them that chew cud/ and divideth the hooves, as is the Camel, which choweth cud, but he divideth not the hoof/ therefore is he unclean unto you. Even so the cunnye, which choweth the cud but divideth not the hoof: He is unclean to you. And the hare though he chowe the cud, yet because he divideth not the hoof, he is therefore unclean to you. And again, the swine, though he divide the hoof in to two clowes, yet he choweth not the cud. He is unclean to you. Of their flesh shall ye not eat, & their carcases shall ye not touch, but let them be unclean to you. These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters: what soever hath fins, & scales in the waters, sees/ & rivers, that shall ye eat. And all that have not fins/ & scales in the see, and rivers/ of all that move & live in the waters, let them be abomination unto you: Ye shall not eat of their flesh, but abhor their carcases. Let all that have no fins nor scales in the waters, be abominable unto you. These are they which ye shall abhor among the fowls, and that ought not to be eaten, for they are an abomination. The Eagle, the goshawk, & the cormoraunt the Uultur, & the kite after his kind, & all ravens after their kind, the ostrich, the night crow, the coockowe, and the Owl after his kind: the falcon, the stork, the great owl/ the back, the pelican, the pie, the heron, the joy after his kind, the lapwynge/ and the swallow. Let all fowls that creep and go upon all four, be an abomination unto you Yet these may ye eat of every creeping thing that hath wings/ and go upon four feet: even those that have knees above upon their feet/ to leap withal upon the earth/ even these of them ye may eat ☞ * Brachus. the Arbe after his kind: * Scatairus Selaam after his kind: the * Locusta. Hargol after his kind/ and the * At●achus. Hagab after his kind. All other fowls that move and have four feet/ shall be abomination unto you. In such ye be unclean/ and who soever toucheth the carcase of them/ shall be unclean unto the even: and who soever beareth the carcase of them/ shall wash his clothes, and be unclean until even. And every beast that hath hoof/ and divideth it not in to two clowes, nor choweth cud/ such are unclean unto you: every one that toucheth them/ shall be unclean. And what soever goeth upon his hands among all manner beasts that go on all four feet, such are unclean unto you: & who so doth touch their carcase * Leviti v. a, A●●●r. two. c shallbe unclean until the even. And he that beareth the carcase of them, shall wash his clothes, & be unclean until the even, for such are unclean unto you. And let these also be unclean to you, among the things that creep upon the earth, the weysell, and the mouse, and the toode, after their kind, the hedgehog, the stellio/ the lycerte, the snail, and the molle: these are unclean to you among all that creep: who soever doth touch them when they be dead, shallbe unclean until the even. And what soever any of the dead carcases of them doth fall upon, shallbe unclean: whither it be vessel of wood/ or raiment, or skin, or bag, or what soever vessel it be, that any work is wrought in. And it must be piunged in the water, and it shallbe unclean until the even and so shall it be cleansed. All manner of carthen vessel wherein to any of them falleth, shallbe unclean/ with all that therein is: and * Leviti vi. d and. xv. b. it shall be broken. All manner meat also that is used to be eaten ☞ if any such water come upon it, it shallbe unclean. And all manner drink that is used to be drunk in all manner such vessels/ shallbe unclean. and every thing that their carcase falleth upon, shallbe unclean: Whither it be oven or kettle, let it be broken. For they are unclean, and shallbe unclean unto you: Never the latter, yet the fountains and wells, and collection of waters shallbe clean still. And who so toucheth their carcase/ shall be unclean. If the dead carcase of any such fall upon any seed used be sown, it shall yet be clean still: but and if any water be powered upon the seed, and a dead carcase fall thereon/ it shallbe unclean unto you. If any beast of which ye may eat, die & any man touch the dead carcase thereof, he shallbe unclean until the even. He that eateth of the dead carcase of it, shall wash his clothes/ and be unclean until the even. And he also that beareth the carcase of it, shall wash his clothes/ and be unclean until even. Let every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth be an abomination, and not be eaten. What soever goeth upon the breast/ and what soever goeth upon four, or that hath more feet among all creeping things that creep upon the earth, of that see ye eat not for they are abominable. Ye shall not make your souls abominable with a thing that creepeth/ neither make yourselves unclean with them: that ye should be defiled thereby. For I am the Lord your god. Be sanctified therefore, and ye shallbe holy * Leviti 〈◊〉▪ ● i. Peter. ●● for I am holy: and ye shall not defile your souls with any manner of creeping thing/ that creepeth upon the earth. For I am the Lord, that brought you out of the land of Egypt/ to be your god ye shallbe holy therefore, for I am holy This is the law of beasts, and fowls, and of every living creature that moveth in the waters, & of every creature that creepeth upon the earth, that there be a difference between the unclean, and clean, and between the beast that may be eaten, & the beast that ought not to be eaten. ¶ A law how women should be purged after their deliverance. CAPI. XII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto the Children of Israel, and say: if a woman hath conceived/ and borne a man-child, she shall be unclean seven days: even in like manner, as when she is put a part in time of her ☞ ●●ural disease. And in the eight day the flesh of the child's * Gene. 17 ● and ●xi Luke. ●●● foreskin shallbe cut away. And she shall then continue in the blood of her purifying three and thirty days. She shall touch no hallowed thing, nor come in to the sanctuary, until the time of her purifying be out. If she bear a maid child, she shall be unclean two weeks, as when she hath her natural disease. And she shall continue in the blood of her purifying three score and six days. * Luke. 〈…〉 And when the days of her purifying are out: whither it be for a son or for a daughter, she shall bring a lamb of one year old for a burnt-offering, and a young pigeon or a Turtle dove for sin unto the door of the tabernacle of witness, and unto the priest, which shall offer them before the Lord, and make an atonement for her, and she shall be purged of the issue of her blood. * 〈…〉 iff. v. b. And this is the law for her that hath borne a male or female. But and if she be not able to bring a lamb, she shall bring * ●●ke●●. two. d two Turtles or two young pigeons: the one for a burntoffering, and the other for sin. And the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean, ¶ The priests must judge who are Lepers. CAPI. XIII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron, saying. When there appeareth a rising in any man's flesh, either a scab, or a glistering white: and the plague of leprosy be in the skin of his flesh, he shallbe brought unto Aaron the priest, or unto one of his sons the priests: and the priest shall look on the sore in the skin of his flesh. And when the here in the sore is turned unto white, and the sore also seem to be lower than the skin of his flesh, it will be a plague of leprosy, and the priest shall look on him/ and judge him unclean. If there be but a white speck in the skin of his flesh, and seem not to be lower than the skin, nor the here thereof is turned unto white, the priest shall shut him up. seven. days And the priest shall look upon him again the seventh day. And if the plague seem to him to abide still, and the plague grow not in the skin, the Priest shall shut him up yet seven days moo. And the priest shall look on him again the seventh day. Then if the plague be darker and not grown in the skin, the Priest shall judge him clean, for it is but a scurf. And he shall wash his clothes, and be clean. But and if the scab grow in the skin after that he is seen of the priest, and judged clean, he shall be seen of the priest again. If the Priest se that the scab be grown abroad, in the skin ☞ the priest shall make him unclean: for it is a leprosy. When the plague of leprosy is in a man/ he shall be brought unto the Priest/ and the priest shall see him/ & if the rising be white in the skin, and have made the here white/ and there be raw flesh in the sore/ it will be an old leprosy in the skin of his flesh. And the priest shall make him unclean, and shall not shut him up, saying he is unclean. If a leprosy break out abroad in the skin and cover all the skin from his head to his foore, where soever the priest looketh, and the Priest look upon him. And if the leprosy have covered all his flesh, he shall judge the plague to be clean because it is all turned in to whytnesse, and he shall be clean. But and if there be raw flesh on him when he is seen he shall be unclean. And the priest shall see the raw flesh, and declare him to be unclean. For the raw flesh is unclean saying it is a leprosy. Or if the raw flesh departed again and change unto white, he shall come to the priest, and the priest shall see him and behold. If the sore be changed unto white ❀ (and cover the hole man) the priest shall judge the plague clean and he shall be clean. The flesh also in whose skin there is a bile/ and is healed, and in the place of the bile there appear a white rising, either a shining white and somewhat reddish, it shallbe seen of the priest And if when the priest seeth him, it appear lower than the skin, and the here thereof be changed unto white, the priest shall judge him unclean, for it is a place of leprosy broken out of the bile. But if the priest look on it and there be no white hairs therein, and if it be not lower than the skin, but be darker, the priest shall shut him up seven days. And if it spread abroad in the flesh, ☞ the priest shall make him unclean, seeing it is the plague. But and if the spot stand still, and grow not, it is the print of an hoot bile, and therefore the priest shall declare him to be clean. If there be any flesh, in whose skin there is a hoot burning, and the flesh that burneth have a white spot, somewhat reddysshe or white, the priest shall look upon it. And if the here in that bright spot be changed to white, and it appear lower than the skin, it is a leprosy broken out of the burning. And therefore the Priest shall judge him unclean, saying it is the plague of leprosy. But if the Priest look on it/ and there be no white here in the bright spot, and be no lower than the other skin, but be darker, the priest shall shut him up seven days. And the priest shall look on him the seventh day. And if it be grown abroad in the skin the priest shall judge him unclean, seeing it is the plague of leprosy. And if the spot stand still in it, and grow not in the skin, but is dark, it is a rising of the burning, and the priest shall therefore declare him clean, saying it is the print of the burning. If man or woman hath a sore upon the head or the beerde, the priest shall see it. And if it appear lower than the skin, and there be in it a yellow here: and thine (❀ more than it was want to be.) the priest shall judge him unclean, saying that the same freting is a token of leprosy upon the head or beerde. And if the priest look on the sore of the print and it seem not lower than the skin, and that the here is not black, ☞ the Priest shall shut up the freting sore seven days. And in the seventh day the priest shall look on the sore: and if the sore be not grown, and there be in it no yellow here, and the sore seem not lower than the skin, he shallbe shaven: but the place of the sore shall he not shave, and the priest shall shut up the sore seven days moo. And in the seventh day the priest shall look on the sore. And if the sore be not grown in the skin, nor seem lower than the other skin, the priest shall cleanse him, and he shall wash his clothes, & be clean. But if the sore grow in the flesh after his cleansing, the priest shall look on him. And if the sore be grown in the skin, the priest shall not seek for yellow here for he is unclean, But if he see the print stand still, and that there is black here grown up therein, the sore is healed, and he shall be clean, and the priest shall declare him to be clean. If there be white spots in the skin of the flesh of man or woman, the priest shall look upon it. And if the spots in the skin of their flesh be somewhat dark and white withal, ❀ (he may be sure that it is no leprosy. it is a frekell growing in the flesh. Therefore is he clean. And the man (whose head is destitute of here, whereby he is made bald) is clean. And he that hath his here fallen from his forehead, is forehead bald and clean. If there be in the bald head or bald forehead a white reddysshe sore scab, there is leprosy sprung up in his bald head or bald forehead. And the priest shall look upon him, & if the rising of the sore be white reddyshe in his bald head or bald forehead after the manner of a leprosy which is in the skin of the flesh, than he is a leprous man, and unclean. And the Priest shall make him unclean, for the plague thereof is in his heed. The leper in whom the plague is/ shall have his clothes rend/ and his head bare, and shall put a covering upon his lip, and shall be called unclean, and defiled. And as long as the disease lasteth upon him, he shallbe defiled and unclean: he shall dwell alone, even * Nun. v. a 4. ●e. 15. a. without the host shall his habitation be. The cloth that the plague of leprosy is in, whither it be linen, or woollen: whither it be in the warp, or woof of linen, or of woollen: either in a skin or any thing made of skin, if the disease be pale or somewhat reddysshe in the cloth or skin: whither it be in the warp or woof or any thing that is made of skin, than it is a plague of leprosy, & shall be showed unto the priest. The Priest therefore shall see the plague, and shut it up. seven. days, and look on the plague the seventh day Which if it be increased in the cloth (whither it be in the warp or in the woof, or in a skin, or in any thing that is made of skin) it is the leprosy of a freting sore: it is unclean: and that cloth shallbe burnt, either warp or woof whither it be woollen or linen, or any thing that is made of skin. wherein the plague is, for it is a freting leprosy, it shall be burnt in the fire. If the priest se that the plague is not grown in the cloth: either in the warp or woof, or in what soever thing of skin it be, the priest shall command them to wash the thing/ wherein the plague is, and he shall shut it up seven days moo. And the priest shall look on the plague again, after that it is washed. And if the plague have not changed his colour, and is spread no further abroad, it is unclean. Thou shalt burn it in the fire, for it is fret inward: in part or in all together. And if the priest se that the plague is darker after that it is washed, he shall rend it out of the cloth, or out of the skin, or out of the warp, or out of the woof. And if it appear any more in the cloth (either in the warp or in the woof, or in any thing made of skin) it is a waxing plague. Thou shalt burn the plague that is in it. Moreover the cloth, either warp or woof, or what soever thing of skin it be which thou hast washed, if the plague be departed therefro, it shall be washed once again: and then shall it be clean. This is the law of the plague of leprosy in a cloth whither it be woollen or linen: either in the warp or woof, or in any thing of skins, to make it clean or unclean. ¶ The cleansing of the leper, and of the house that he is in. CAPI. XIIII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying. * M 〈…〉 M 〈…〉 Luke▪ ● an● 〈…〉 This is the law of Leper in the day of his cleansing. He shallbe brought unto the priest, & the priest shall go out without the host, and look upon him. And if the plague of leprosy be healed in the leper, then shall the priest command that he which is to be cleansed, bring two living birds and clean, and Cedar wood, and purple cloth, & ysope. And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel and upon running water. And he shall take the living bird, with the cedar wood, the purple and the ysope, and shall dip them & the living bird in the blood of the slain bird, upon the running water, and sprinkle upon him (that must be cleansed of his leprosy) seven times, and cleanse him, and shall let the living bird go free into the field. And he that is cleansed, shall wash his clothes, and shave of all his here, and wash himself in water, that he may be clean. And after that shall he come into the host, & shall tarry without his tent seven days: but in the seventh day he shall shave of all his here, namely, his head, his beerde and his brows: even all his here shall be shaven of. And he shall wash his clothes and his flesh in water, & he shallbe clean. And in the. viii. day he shall take. two. lambs without blemish & an ewe lamb of a year old/ without blemish, and three tenthdeales of fine flower for a * Miuha. meat-offering mingled with oil and ☞ a log of oil. And the priest that maketh him clean, shall bring the man that is to be made clean & those things, before the lord even before the door of the tabernacle of witness. And the priest shall take one lamb, and offer him ☞ for trespass, and the log of oil, and wave them before the lord. And he shall slay the lamb in the place where the sin-offering and the burnt-offering are slain: even in the holy place. For as the sin-offering is, even so is the trespass offering the priests: saying it is most holy. And the priest shall take of the blood of the trespaceoffering, and put it upon the typ of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right-hand and upon the great too of his right foot. The priest shall take of the log of oil, and power it in to the palm of his left hand/ & dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand, and sprinkle of the oil with his finger seven times before the Lord. And the reest of the oil that is in his hand, shall the priest put upon the typ of the right ear of him that is for to be cleansed, & upon the thumb of his right hand, & upon the great too of his right foot: even upon the blood of the trespaceoffering. And the remnant of the oil that is in the priests hand, he shall power upon the head of him that is for to be cleansed: and the priest shall make an atonement for him before the lord. And the priest shall offer the sin-offering, and make an atonement for him that is to be cleansed, for his uncleanness. And then shall he kill the burnt-offering, and the priest shall offer the burnt-offering and the meat-offering upon the altar: and the priest shall make an atonement for him, and he shallbe clean. * Leui●●. v. ●. If he be poor, and can not get so moche, he shall take one lamb for a trespass offering to wave it for his cleansing, and a tenthdeale of fine flower mingled with oil for a meat-offering, and a log of oil, & two Turtle doves or two young pigeons, such as he is able to get, whereof the one shall be for sin, and the other for a burnt-offering. And he shall bring them the. viii. day for his cleansing unto the priest before the door of the tabernacle of witness before the lord. And the priest shall take the lamb that is for the trespass, and the log of oil, and wave them before the Lord. And he shall kill the lamb for the trespass, & the priest shall take of the blood of the trespaceoffring, and put it upon the typ of his right ear that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great too of his right foot. And the priest shall power of the oil in to his left hand, and the priest shall with his finger sprinkle of the oil that is in his left hand, seven times before the lord. And the priest shall put of the oil that is in his hand upon the typ of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the too of his right foot: even in the place where the blood of the trespassing was put. And the rest of the oil that is in the priests hand, he shall put upon the head of him that is to be cleansed: that he may make an atonement for him before the Lord. And he shall offer one of the Turtle doves, or of the young pigeons, such as he can get: the one for a sin-offering and the other for a burntoffering with the meat-offering. And the priest shall make an atonement for him that is to be cleansed before the Lord. This is the law of him in whom is the plague of leprosy, & whose hand is not able to get that which pertaineth to his cleansing. And the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron, saying. When ye be come unto the land of Canaan which I give you in possession. And if I put the plague of leprosy in a house of the land of your possession he that oweth the house shall come, and tell the priest, saying. Me think that there is as it were a leprosy in the house. And the priest shall command them to empty the house, before the priest go in to it, to see the plague: that all that is in the house/ be not made unclean, and then must the priest go in to see the house. If the Priest also see that the plague is in the walls of the house, & that there be hollow streaks pale, or red, which seem to be lower than the wall itself, the priest shall go out at the house doors, & shut up the house seven days. And the priest shall come again the seventh day, and if he see that the plague be increased in the walls of the house the priest shall command them to take away the stones in which the plague is, and let them cast them in to a foul place without the city and he shall command the house to be scraped within round about, and power out the dust (that they scraped of) without the City into a foul place. And they shall take other stones, and put them in the places of those stones, and other mortar, to plaster the house withal. And if the plague come again & break out in the house, after that he hath taken away the stones and scraped the walls of the house, & after that he hath plastered the house anew: the priest shall come and see it. And if he perceive that the plague hath grown further in the house, it is a freating leprosy in the house. It is therefore unclean. And he shall break down the house: and the stones of it, and the timber thereof, and all the mortar of the house, shall he carry out of the city, unto a foul place. Moreover he that goeth into the house all the while that it is shut up, shall be unclean until the even. He that sleepeth in the house, shall wash his clothes: He likewise that eateth in the house, shall wash his clothes. And if the priest come & see, that the plague hath spread no further in the house (after that it is new plastred) the priest shall judge that house clean/ because the plague is healed. And let him take to cleanse the house withal, two birds, Cedar wood, purple cloth, and ysope. And he shall kill one of the birds in an earthen vessel, and upon running water: and take the Cedar wood & the ysope and the purple with the living bird and dip them in the blood of the slain bird/ and in the running water, and sprinkle the house. seven. times, & cleanse the house with the blood of the bird, and with the running water, with the living bird, with the cedar wood, and the ysope, and the purple cloth. But he shall let the living bird flee out of the town in to the broad fields, and so make an atonement for the house, and it shall be clean. This is the law for all manner plague of leprosy and breaking out, and of the leprosy of cloth and house: for a swelling, for a scab and for a white blystre. To teach when it must be made unclean and clean. This is the law of leprosy. ¶ The manner of purging the uncleanness, both of men and women CAPI. XV. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron, saying. Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them. Who soever hath a running issue out of his flesh, is unclean by reason of that issue. And this shallbe the token of his uncleanness in his issue, when he is unclean. If his flesh run, or if his flesh congeal by the reason of his issue, then is it uncleanness. Every couch whereon he lieth that hath the issue, is unclean. And every thing whereon he sitteth, is unclean. Who soever toucheth his couch shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean unto the even. And he that sitteth on any thing whereon he sat that hath the issue, shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water/ and be unclean until the evening. He that toucheth the flesh of him that hath the issue, shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean unto the even. If he also that hath the issue, spit upon him that is clean, he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, & be unclean unto even. And what horse harness soever he rideth upon that hath the issue, shall be unclean. And who soever toucheth any thing that was under him, shall be unclean unto the even. And he that beareth any such things shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean unto the even. And who soever he toucheth that hath the issue (and have not first washed his hands in water) shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean unto the even. * Leviti and▪ ● The vessel of earth that he toucheth, which hath the issue, shall be broken: and all vessels of wood shallbe rynsed in water. When he also that hath an issue, is clen said of his issue, he shall number seven days for his cleansing, and wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in running water, and so shall he be clean. And thee, viii. day he shall take to him two Turtle doves, or two young pigeons, and come before the lord unto the door of the tabernacle of witness, and give them unto the priest. And the priest shall offer them: the one for a synoffring, and the other for a burnt-offering And the priest shall make an atonement for him before the lord, as concerning his issue. If a man's seed depart from him in his sleep, he shall wash his flesh in water, and be unclean until even. And all the clothes & all the furs wherein is such seed of sleep, shallbe washed with water, and be unclean, unto the even. And if he that hath such an issue of seed, do lie with a woman, they shall both wash themselves with water, and be unclean until even. If any woman's natural course of blood do run, she shallbe put apart. seven. days. Who soever toucheth her, shall be unclean unto the even. And all that she lieth upon, in the time of her natural disease, shallbe unclean like as every thing also that she sitteth upon is unclean. Who soever toucheth her bed, shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself with water, and be unclean unto the even. And whosoever toucheth any thing that she sat upon, shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean unto the even: so that whither he touch her couch/ or any vessel whereon she hath sitten, he shall be unclean unto the even. * Leuiti. 1ST. ● And if a man lie with her, and her uncleanness come upon him he shall be unclean. seven. days, and all the couch whereon he lieth shallbe unclean. * ●eth. ix. ●. When a woman's blood runneth long time: out of the time of her natural course: or if it run beyond her natural co●●ese, let all the days of the issue be judged unclean, even as the days of her natural disease, & she shall be unclean. Al her couches whereon she lieth (as long as her issue lasteth) shallbe as her couch when she hath her natural disease. And whatsoever she sitteth upon, shallbe unclean, as is her uncleanness when she is put apart. And who soever toucheth any of these shallbe unclean, and shall wash his clothes & bathe himself in water & be unclean unto even. And after that she is cleansed of her issue, she shall count her. seven. days, and after that she shallbe clean. In the. viii. day she shall take unto her two turtles or two young pigeons, and bring them unto the priest before the door of the Tabernacle of witness. And the priest shall offer the one for a synoffring/ and the other for a burntoffering: and make an atonement for her before the lord, as concerning the issue of her uncleanness. Therefore shall ye separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness, that they die not in their uncleanness: if they defile my habitation that is among them. This is the law of him that hath a running issue, and of him whose seed runneth from him in his sleep, and is defiled therein, and of her, that (for her natural disease) is put a part: and of whosoever hath a running issue, whither it be man, or woman, and of him that lieth with her which is unclean. ¶ What Aaron must do. The cleansing of the sanctuary. Of the feast of cleansing. Aaron confesseth the sins of the children of Israel. CAPI. XVI. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses * Leviti x. ● after the death of the. two. sons of Aaron, when they offered before the Lord, and died. And he said unto Moses. Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the veil before the mercyseat, which is upon the ark, that he die not. For I will appear in the * 3. Reg. 8. ●. cloud upon the mercyseat. But with this thing shall Aaron come in to the holy place: even with a bullock ☞ for sin, and with a ram for a burntoffering. He shall put the holy linen albe upon him, & shall have a linen breach upon his flesh and shallbe girded with a linen girdle, and put the linen mytre upon his head. These are holy garments: therefore shall he wash his flesh with water, when he doth put them on. And he shall take of the multitude of the children of Israel, two he goats for sin, and a ram for a burntoffering. And Aaron shall offer his bullock for sin, * Hebru. ●x. ● ☞ and make an atonement for him and for his house. And he shall take the two gootes, and present them before the Lord at the door of the Tabernacle of witness. And Aaron shall cast lots over the two gootes: one lot shallbe for the Lord, and an other for the scapegoote. And Aaron shall bring the goote upon which the lords Lot fell, and offer him for sin. But the goote on which the lot fell to scape, shall be set alive before the lord, to reconcile with, and to let him go (as a escape goote) free, in to the wilderness. And Aaron shall offer his bullock for sin, and reconcile for himself, an for his house, and shall kill the bullock for sin. And he shall take a censer full of burning coals out of the altar before the Lord, and shall fill his handful of sweet sense, beaten small, & bring them within the veil, & put the sense upon the fire before the Lord: that the cloud of the sense may cover the mercyseat that is upon the witness, & that he die not. * Hebr●. ix. b. and x. ●. And he shall take of the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it with his finger upon the mercyseat eastward, and before the mercyseat shall he sprinkle of the blood with his finger seven times. Then shall he kill the goote that is the people's synneoffering, and bring his blood within the veil, and do with that blood, as he did with the blood of the bullock, sprinkling it upon the mercyseat, & before the mercyseat. And he shall reconcile the holy place from the unclennesses of the children of Israel, and from their trespasses in all their sins. And so shall he do for the tabernacle of witness that is set among them, even among their unclennesses. * Luke. i a. And let there be no body in the tabernacle of witness, when he goeth in to make an atonement in the holy place, until he come out. And let him make an atonement for himself, and for his household, and for all the multitude of Israel. And he shall go out unto the altar that is before the Lord, and reconcile upon it, and shall take of the blood of the bullock, and of the blood of the goote & put it upon the horns of the altar round about, and sprinkle of the blood upon it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it, and hallow it from the unclennesses of the children of Israel And when he hath made an end of reconciling the holy place, and the tabernacle of witness, and the altar, he shall bring the live goote: and Aaron shall put both his hands upon the head of the live goote, and confess over him all the myssededes of the children of Israel, and all their trespasses, in all their synnis: putting them upon the head of the goote, & send him away (by the hand of a convenient man) in to the wilderness. And the goote shall bear upon him all their misdeeds unto the wilderness, and he shall let the goote go free in to the wilderness. And Aaron shall come in to the tabernacle of witness, & put of the linen clothes which he put on (when he went in into the holy place) and leave them there. & let him wash his flesh with water in the holy place, and put on his own raiment, and then come out, & offer his burnt-offering, and the burntoffring of the people, and make an atonement for himself, and for the people, and the fat of the synnoffring shall he burn upon the altar And he that carried forth the goote to ☞ As a zel, shall wash his clothes, & bathe his flesh in water, and then come in to the host. And the bullock which is for his sin, & the goote that is for sin (whose blood was brought in, to cleanse the holy place) shall one carry out without the host to be burnt in the fire, with their skins, their flesh & their dung. And he that burneth them, shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, & then come in to the host. And this shallbe an ordinance for ever unto you: that in the tenth day of the seventh month, ye ☞ humble your souls, and do no work at all: whither it be one of yourselves, or a stranger that sojourneth among you, for that day shall the Priest make an atonement for you to cleanse you, and that ye may be clean from all your sins before the lord. Let it be a Sabbath of rest unto you, & ye shall humble your souls by an ordinance for ever. And the priest that is anointed, & whose hand was consecrated (to minister in his father's stead) shall make an atonement, and shall put on his linen clothes, & holy vestiments, and reconcile the holy sanctuary and the Tabernacle of witness, and shall cleanse the altar, and make an atonement then, for the priests and for the people of the congregation. And this shallbe an * Exod. ● everlasting ordinance unto you, that he make an atonement for the children of Israel, for all their sins once a year: and he did as the Lord commanded Moses. ¶ All sacrifice must be brought to the door of the Tabernacle. To devils may they not offer. CAPI. XVII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying. Speak unto Aaron, and unto his sons and unto all the children of Israel, and say unto them. This is the thing which the lord hath charged, saying. What man soever of the house of Israel killeth an ox, or lamb, or goote in the host, or that killeth it out of the host, and bringeth it not unto the door of the Tabernacle of witness, to offer an offering unto the Lord before the dwelling place of the Lord, blood shall be imputed unto that man, as though he had shed blood, and that man shall be rooted out from among his people. Wherefore when the children of Israel bring their offerings, that they offer in the wide field, they should bring them unto the lord: even unto the door of the tabernacle of witness to the priest, to offer them for peace offerings unto the lord. And the priest must sprinkle the blood upon the altar of the Lord, which is before the door of the tabernacle of witness, & burn the fat for a sweet savour unto the Lord. And let them no more offer their offerings unto devils, after whom they have gone a hooring. This shall be an ordinance for ever unto them in their generations. And thou shalt say unto them: what soever man it be of the house of Israel or of the strangers which sojourn among you/ that offereth a burtoffering or sacrifice, and bringeth it not unto the door of the Tabernacle of witness to offer it unto the Lord, that man shall perish from among his people. And what soever man it be of the house of Israel, or of the strangers that sojourn among you, that eateth any manner of blood, I will set my face against that soul that eateth blood, & will destroy him from among his people: for the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it unto you upon the altar, to make an atonement for your souls, for blood shall make an atonement for the soul. And therefore I said unto the children of Israel: let no Soul of you eat blood. Neither let any stranger that sojourneth among you, eat blood. And what sooner man it be of the children of Israel or of the strangers that soiurne among you, which hunteth and catcheth any beast or foul that may be eaten, let him power out the blood thereof, and cover it with earth, for the life of all flesh is in the blood of it, therefore I said unto the children of Israel * 〈◊〉. i●. ● 〈◊〉. iii. d 〈◊〉 ●viii. ●. ye shall eat the blood of no manner of flesh for the life of all flesh is the blood thereof: whosoever eateth it, shall perish. And every soul that eateth it which died alone, or that which was torn with wild beasts: whither it be one of yourselves or a stranger, he shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean unto the even and then shall he be clean. If he wash them not, nor bathe his flesh, he shall bear his sin. ¶ What degrees of kindred may marry together. CAPI. XVIII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses saying. Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them. I am the lord your God. After the doings of the land of Egypte wherein ye dwelt, shall ye not do: and after the doings of the land of Canaan, whither I will bring you, shall ye not do, neither walk in their ordinances, but do after my judgements, and keep my ceremonies, to walk therein. I am the Lord your god. Ye shall keep therefore mine ordinances, and my judgements * 〈◊〉. ●. ●. 〈◊〉 iii. d 〈◊〉. xx b. which if a man do, he shall live in them. I am the Lord. See that none go to his nighest kindred, for to uncover their secrets. I am the lord. * 〈◊〉. ix. g. 〈◊〉. 22 c The secrets of thy father, and the secrets of thy mother shalt thou not uncover: for she is thy mother, therefore shalt thou not discover her secretis. * Deute. 22. b and. xxvii. c i. Corin. v. a The secrets of thy father's wife shalt thou not discover, for it is thy father's secrets. * Deut. 27. d ●. Reg. 13. ●. Thou shalt not discover the privity of thy sister, the daughter of thy father, or of thy mother: whither she be borne at home or without. Thou shalt not uncover the secrets of thy sons daughter/ or thy daughters daughter, for that is thine own privity. Thou shalt not uncover the secrets of thy father's wives daughter, which was begotten of thy father, and is thy sister: thou shalt not discover her secrets. * Levi. xx. ● Thou shalt not uncover the secrets of thy father's sister for she is thy father's next kinswoman. Thou shalt not discover the secrets of thy mother's sister, for she is thy mother's next kinswoman. Thou shalt not uncover the secrets of thy father's brother: that is, thou shalt not go in to his wife, which is thine awnte. Thou shalt not discover the secrets of thy daughter in law: For she is thy sons wife therefore shalt thou not uncover her secrets. * Levi. x●. ● Math. 14 ● Thou not uncover the secrets of the brother's wife, for that is thy brother's prevytye. Thou shalt not discover the privities of the wife & her daughter, neither shalt thou take her sons daughter, or her daughters daughter, to uncover their secrets: For they are her next kin, & it were wyckdnesse. * ●●●e. 29. ●. Thou shalt not take a wife and her sister also, to vere her, that thou wouldest uncover her secrets, as long as she liveth. * Levi. xv. e Ezech. 22. ●. Thou shalt also not go unto a woman to uncover her privity, as long as she is put a part for her uncleanness. * levit. xx, ● two. Reg. xi. ● Moreover thou shalt not lie with thy neighbours wife, to defile her with seed. Thou shalt not also give of ☞ thy seed, to offer it unto * Levi. xx. ● Meloch, neither shalt thou defile the name of thy God. I am the Lord. * Roma. i. d Levi. xx. ● Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind, for it is abomination. * Duty. 17. ● Thou shalt lie with no manner of beast to defile thyself therewith neither shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down thereto, for it is abomination. Ye shall not defile yourselves in any of these things, wherein all the nations are defiled, which I cast out before you: wherthorowe the land is defiled, and I will visit the wickedness thereof upon it, yea and the land itself hath cast out her inheritors. Ye shall keep therefore mine ordinances, Leuiti. xx. ● and my judgements, and commit noon of these abominations: neither any of you nor any stranger that sojourneth among you for all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were there before you, and the land is defiled.) Shall not the land spew you out also (if ye defile it) as it spewed out the people that were before you? For who soever shall commit any of these abominations, the same souls that commit them, shall perish from among their people. Therefore shall ye keep my watch, that ye commit not one of these abominable customs, which were committed before you: & that ye defile not yourselves therein. I am the lord your God. ¶ A repetition of the laws pertaining to the x. commandments. A consideration for the poor. witchcraft is forbidden. CAPI. XIX. ANd ✚ the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying. Speak unto all the multitude of the children of Israel, and say unto them: * Leviti xi. g i. Peter i ●. Ye shallbe holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. Ye shall fear every man his father and his mother, & keep my sabboth's I am the Lord your God. Ye shall not turn unto idols nor make you Gods of metal: I am the lord your god. If ye offer a peace-offering unto the Lord, ye shall offer it, that ye may be accepted. * Levi. seven. b. It shall be eaten the same day ye offer it, and on the morrow. And if ought remain until the third day, it shall be brent in the fire. And if it be eaten the third day, it is unclean, & not accepted. He that eateth it, shall bear his sin, because he hath defiled the hallowed thing of the Lord, and that soul shall perish from among his people. * Leviti 23. ● Deute. 24 ● When ye reap down the ripe corn of your land, ye shall not reap down the uttermost border of your field, neither shalt thou gather that which is left behind in thy harvest. Thou shalt not pluck in all thy vineyard clean, neither gather in the grapes that are overscaped. But thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger. I am the Lord your God. ⊢ ✚ * Ephe. 4. ●. ●acha viii. ● Ye shall not steal, neither lie: neither deal falsely one with an other. ‡ Math. v f Exodi. xx. b duty. v. a Ye shall not swear by my name in vain, neither shalt thou defile the name of thy God. I am the Lord. Thou shalt not do thy neighbour wrong, neither rob him violently, * Deute. 24 c ●o●i. iiii. ●. neither shall the workman's labour abide with the until the morning. Thou shalt not curse the deaf, * Deute. 27 ● neither put a stumbling block before the blind, but shalt fear thy God. I am the lord▪ Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgement. * duty. i. ● and xvi. d jacob. two. b. Thou shalt not favour the poor nor honour the mighty, but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour. Thou shalt not go up and down as a privy accuser among thy people, neither shalt thou stand against the blood of thy neighbour. I am the Lord. * ●. Io 〈…〉 and. 〈…〉 Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart, but shalt in any wise * Ma●●. 〈…〉 Eccle. 〈…〉 rebuke thy neighbour, that thou bear not sin for his sake. ‡ Math. 〈◊〉 Thou shalt not avenge thyself, nor be mindful of wrong against the children of thy people/ * Math. 〈…〉 Math. 〈…〉 Rom 〈…〉 Gal 〈…〉 jacob. 〈…〉 but shalt love thy neighbour even as thyself. I am the lord. ⊢ Ye shall keep mine ordinances. Thou shalt not let cattle gender with a contrary kind, neither sow thy field with mingled seed, neither shalt thou put on any garment of linen and woollen. Who soever lieth and meddleth with a woman that is a bond maid, nevertheless appointed to a husband, but not redeemed, nor freedom given her, she shallbe scourged with a leathern whip, & they shall not die, because she was not free. And he shall bring for his trespass unto the lord, before the door of the Tabernacle of witness, a ram for a trespass offering. And the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram, which is for the trespass before the Lord, concerning his sin which he hath done: & the sin which he hath done shall be forgiven him. When ye come to the land, and have planted all manner of trees convenient to be eaten of ☞ ye shall put away the foreskin of every one with the fruit thereof: even three year shall they be uncircumcised unto you, & shall not be eaten of. But in the fourth year all the fruit of them shall be holy and commendable to the Lord. In the fifth year shall ye eat of the fruit of them, and ye may gather in the increase of them. I am the Lord your God. ☞ * Le 〈…〉 Ye shall not eat upon blood, neither shall ye use witchcraft, ☞ nor observe times Ye * levit 〈…〉 E●●●. 〈…〉 shall not round the locks of your heads, neither shalt thou mar the tufts of thy beerde. Ye shall not rent your flesh ☞ for any soul's sake, nor print any marks upon you: I am the Lord. Thou shalt not make thy daughter common, that thou wouldest cause her to be an hoore: lest the land also fall to whoredom, and be full of wickedness. Ye shall keep my sabboth's, and fear my sanctuary: I am the Lord. Ye shall not regard them that work with spirits, * ●. 〈…〉 neither seek after sooth sayers to be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God. * ●. 〈…〉 Thou shalt rise up before the hoorehead and reverence the face of the old man, and dread thy god. I am the Lord. If a stranger saiourne with the in your land, ye shall not vex him. * 〈…〉 odi. 22▪ c But the stranger that dwelleth with you, shall be as one of yourselves, and thou shalt love him as thyself, for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt, I am the Lord your God. Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgement, in meteyearde, in weight or in measure. True balances, true weights. ☞ A true Epha, and a true Hin shall ye have. I am the Lord your god which brought you out of the land of Egypt. Therefore shall ye observe all my ordinances, and all my judgements, and do them: I am the Lord. ¶ They that give of their seed to Moloch shall die therefore. Other goodly laws, CAPI. XX. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses saying. This shalt thou say unto the children of Israel: who soever he be of the children of Israel or of the strangers that dwell in Israel, that giveth of his seed unto * 〈…〉 ui. xviii ● Moloch/ let him be slain: the people of the land shall stone him. And I will set my face against that man, & will destroy him from among his people: because he hath given of his seed unto Moloch, for to defile my sanctuary, and to pollute my holy name. And though that the people of the land hide their eyes from the man that giveth of his seed unto Moloch, and kill him not: ☞ I will put my face against that man, and against his kindred, and will destroy him, and all that go a hooring after him to commit hoordom with Moloch, from among their people. If a soul turn himself after such as work with spirits, and after soothsayers/ to go a hooring after them, I will put my face against that Soul, and will destroy him from among his people. Sanctify yourselves therefore * 〈…〉. nineteen. a and be holy, for I am the Lord your God, keep ye mine ordinances, and do them. I am the Lord which doth sanctify you. * 〈…〉 th'. 15. ● 〈…〉. xx▪ c 〈…〉 odi. 21. b Who soever he be, that curseth his Father or is mother/ let him die: for he hath cursed his father, and mother, his blood be upon him. * 〈…〉. 22. a Reg. xi. a And the man that breaketh wedlock with another man's wife: even he that breaketh wedlock with his neighbours wife let him be slain, both the adulterer, and the adulteress. And the man that lieth * 〈…〉 iti. 18. ● 〈…〉. 27 ● with his Father's wife, & uncovereth his Father's secrettes, let them both die, their blood be upon them. * 〈…〉. 18. ● If a man lie with his daughter in law, let them die both of them: they have wrought abomination, their blood be upon them. * Leviti 〈◊〉. ●. Roma. ●. d. If a man also lie which mankind after the manner as with woman kind, they have both committed an abomination: let them die. Their blood be upon them. And if a man take a wife, and her mother also, it is wickedness. They shallbe burnt with fire both he and she, that there be no wickedness among you. And * Leuiti. 1●. ● if a man lie with a beast, let him die, and ye shall slay the beast also. If a woman go unto any beast/ & lie down thereto: thou shalt kill the woman, & the beast also/ let them die, their blood be upon them. If a man take his sister, his father's daughter or his mother's daughter, and see her secrets, & she his secrets, it is a shameful thing. They shall perish in the sight of their people, he hath uncovered his sisters secrets, he shall bear his sin. * Leuiti. 1●. ● If a man lie with a woman having her natural disease, and uncover her secrets, and open her fountain/ & she also open the fountain of her blood they shall both perish from among their people. * Leu●. 18. ● Math. 14 ● Thou shalt not uncover the secrets of thy mother's sister * levit.. 18. ● nor of thy father's sister, for he that doth so, hath uncovered his next kin: they shall bear their wisdom. If a man lie with his uncles wife, & uncover his uncles secrets: they shall bear their sin, and shall die childless. If a man take his brother's wife, it is an unclean thing, he hath uncovered his brother's secrets, they shallbe chyldles. * Leuiti. 18. d Ye shall keep therefore all mine ordinances, and all my judgements, and do them: that the land whither I bring you to dwell therein/ spew you not out. Ye shall not walk in the manners of this nation which I cast out before you: For they committed all these things, * Deut. ix▪ ● & therefore I abhorred them. But I have said unto you: ye shall enjoy their land/ and I will give it unto you to possess it: even a land that floweth with milk, and honey. I am the Lord your God/ which have separated you from other nations/ * Leviti 〈◊〉▪ ● Deut. 14. ● and therefore shall ye put difference between clean beasts, & unclean, between unclean fowls, & clean. Ye shall not defile your souls in beasts/ & fowls, & in all manner creeping thing that the ground bringeth forth, which I have separated from you as unclean. Therefore shall ye be holy unto me, for I the Lord am holy, & have severed you from other nations: that ye should be mine. * duty. 13. ●●. Reg. 28. ● If there be a man or woman that worketh with a spirit, or that is a soothsayer, let them die. Men shall stone them with stones, their blood be upon them. ¶ I law for the priests. CAPI. XXI. ANd the lord spoke unto Moses: speak unto the priests the sons of Aaron, and say unto them. ☞ Let none be defiled upon a soul among his people, but upon his kinsman, that is nigh unto him: upon his father, and his mother, upon son and daughter, and his brother, and on his sister a maid that is nigh unto him, whom no man hath known: upon her shall he be defiled. But he shall not be defiled upon him that hath authority among his people, to pollute himself for him. Let them not make * Reviti. nineteen. f baldness upon their head/ nor shave of the locks of their beerd, nor make any marks in their flesh. They shallbe holy unto their god, and not pollute the name of their god, for the Sacrifices of the Lord which are as the bread of their God they do offer: therefore they shall be holy. * i Tim. two. b Let them not take a ☞ wife that is an adulteress, or polluted, or put from her husband: for such one is holy unto his god. ☞ Thou shalt sanctify him therefore/ for he offereth up the bread of thy God: he shall therefore be holy unto thee, for I the Lord which sanctify you am holy. If a priests daughter fall to play the hoore, she polluteth her Father: therefore must she be burnt with fire. He that is the high Priest among his brethren, upon whose head the anointing oil was powered, ❀ and that consecrated his hand to put on the vestiments, shall not uncover his head, nor rend his clothes * Luke. ix. g neither go to any dead body, nor make himself unclean on his Father or his mother, neither shall go out of the sanctuary, nor pollute the holy place of his god, for the crown of the anointing oil of his God, is upon him. I am the Lord. * Ezec. 44. f. He shall take a maid unto his wife: but a widow, a divorced woman, or an harlot, shall he not marry: But shall take a maid of his own people to wife. Neither shall he defile his seed among his people: for I am the Lord which sanctify him. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto Aaron, and say: Who soever of thy seed in their generations hath any deformity/ let him not press for to offer bread unto his god * two. Reg. v. b for who soever hath any blemish shall not come near: as if he be blind, or lame, or that hath a bruised nose, or that hath any mysshapen member, or is broken footed, or broken handed, or ❀ have no here on his eye brows or have a web/ or other blemish in his eye, or be mange, or scald, or hath his stones broken. No man that hath blemish, and is of the seed of Aaron the priest, shall come nigh to offer the Sacrifices of the Lord. When he hath a deformity, let him not press to offer the bread of his god. Let him eat the bread of his God: even of the most holy/ and of the holy: Only let him not go in unto the veil, nor come nigh the altar, when he is deformed/ that he pollute not my sanctuary, for I am the Lord, that sanctify them. And Moses told it unto Aaron, and to his sons, and unto all the children of Israel. ¶ Who ought to abstain from eating the things that were offered. How, what, & when they should be offered. CAPI. XXII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto Aaron, and his sons, that they be separated from ☞ the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they pollute not my holy name in those things which they hallow unto me: I am the Lord. say unto them: who soever he be of all your seed among your generations after you, that goeth unto the holy things which the Children of Israel hallow unto the Lord, having his uncleanness upon him: that soul shall perish from out of my sight. I am the Lord. * Leviti x●● What man soever of the seed of Aaron is a leper or hath a running issue, he shall not eat of the holy things until he be clean. And who so toucheth any man that is unclean over the soul of the dead, or a man whose seed runneth from him in his sleep, or who soever toucheth any worm, whereby he may be made unclean or a man, of whom he may take uncleanness, (what soever uncleanness he hath) the same soul that hath touched any such, shallbe unclean until even, and shall not eat of the holy things, until he have washed his flesh with water. And when the son is down/ he shallbe clean, and shall afterward eat of the holy things: for asmuch as it is his food. * Exodi. 〈◊〉 Of a beast that dieth alone, or is rend with wild beasts (whereby he may be defiled) he shall not eat: I am the Lord. Let them keep therefore mine ordinance, least they for the same lad sin upon them, and die for it, if they defile it. I the Lord sanctify them. There shall no stranger eat of the holy thing/ neither a gest of the priests/ neither shall an hired servant eat of the holy thing. But if the priest buy any Soul with money, he shall eat of it, like as he that is borne in his house shall they eat of his bread. If the priests daughter also be married unto a stranger, she may not eat of the hallowed heveofferyngꝭ. notwithstanding if the priests daughter be a widow or divorced, and have no child, but is returned unto her Father's house again, she shall eat of her Father's bread, as well as she did in her youth. But there shall no stranger eat thereof. If a man eat of the holy thing unwyttyngly, he shall put the fifth part there unto, and give it unto the Priest ☞ with the hallowed thing. And the priests shall not defile the holy things of the Children of Israel (which they offer unto the lord) to lad themselves with misdoing, & trespass while they eat their holy things/ for I the lord do hallow them. And the lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto Aaron/ and his sonnis, and unto all the children of Israel, & say unto them: what soever he be of the house of Israel, or stranger in Israel/ that will offer his Sacrifice for all his vows, and for all his frewylofferynges/ which they will offer unto the Lord for a burnt offering, ye shall offer (to reconcile yourselves) a male without blemish of the oxen, of the sheep, or of the gootes. But what soever hath a blemish, that shall ye not offer, for ye shall get no favour therewith. And who soever bringeth a peace offering unto the Lord (according as he is appointed) or a vow, or a free-will offering, in ox or sheep, that is without deformity, he shall be accepted. There shall be also no blemish therein: blind, or broken/ or wounded/ or have a wen, or be maungie/ or scabbed. Ye shall not offer such unto the lord/ nor put an offering of any such upon the altar unto the Lord. An ox/ or a sheep, that hath any member out of proportion, mayst thou offer for a frewyloffering: but for a vow it shall not be accepted. Ye shall not offer unto the Lord that which is broused, or broken/ or plucked out/ or cut away, neither shall ye make any such in your land, neither of a strangers hand shall ye offer bread unto your God of any such. Because their corruption is in them/ and they have deformyte in themselves, and therefore shall they not be accepted for you. And the Lord spoke unto Moses/ saying: When an ox/ or a sheep, or a goote is brought forth/ it shallbe seven days under the dam. And from the eight day forth, it shall be accepted for a Sacrifice unto the Lord. And whither it be ox or sheep, ye shall not kill it/ and her young both in one day. When ye will offer a thank offering unto the Lord, offer it that ye may be accepted. And the same day it must be eaten up, so that ye leave none of it until the morrow. I am the lord. Therefore shall ye keep my commandments, and do them/ I am the Lord. Neither shall ye pollute my holy name/ but I will be hallowed among the children of Israel. I am the Lord which hallow you, and that brought you out of the land of Egypte, to be your god: I am the Lord. ¶ Of the holy doyes that they should heap. CAPI. XXIII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them: These are my feasts, even the feasts of the Lord, which ye shall call holy convocations. * Exodi. 23. b Syxe days ye shall work, but the Seventh day is the Sabbath of rest, an holy convocation, so that ye do no work therein, it is the Sabbath of the Lord: in all your dwellings. These are the feasts of the Lord, even holy convocations, which ye shall proclaim in their ceasons. In the xiiii day of the first month at even is the lords * Exodi. xii c Nume. 28. c Passeover. And in the fifteen day of the same month is the feast of sweet bread unto the Lord: seven days ye must eat unleavened bread. * Exodi. xii b In the first day ye shall have an holy convocation: ye shall do no laborious work therein. But ye shall offer sacrifices unto the Lord thorough out those seven days/ & in the seventh day is an holy convocation/ ye shall do no laborious work therein. ✚ And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto the Children of Israel/ & say unto them * Num. xv. a when ye be come in to the land (which I give unto you) and reap down the harvest thereof, ye shall bring a sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest unto the priest, which shall wave the sheaf before the the lord to be accepted for you, and even the morrow after the Sabbath the Priest shall wave it. And ye shall offer that day when ye wave the sheaf, an he lamb without blemish of a year old, for a burntoffering unto the Lord: and the meat offering thereof, shallbe made of two tenthdeales of fine flower mingled with oil, to be a sacrifice unto the lord for a sweet savour: and the drink offering thereof shallbe of wine, even the fourth deal of an Hyn. And ye shall eat neither bread, nor parched corn, nor furmentye, nor new corn, until the self same day that ye have brought an offering unto your god. Let this be a law Wherefore ye shall do after mine ordinances, and keep my laws, and do them, and ye shall dwell in the land in safety. And the land shall give her fruit, and ye shall eat your fill, and dwell therein in safety. And if ye shall say: what shall we eat the seventh year, for we shall not sow, nor gather in our increase? I will send my blessing upon you in the sixth year/ and it shall bring forth fruit for three years: and ye shall sow the eight year, and eat yet of old corn until the ix year: even until her fruits come, ye shall eat of old store. The land shall not be sold to be waist: for * Psal. 24. a. the land is mine, & ye put strangers and sojourners with me. In all the land of your possession, ☞ ye shall grant a redemption for the land. * Ruth. iiii. a jere 32. b If thy brother be waxed poor, and hath sold away of his possession: and if any of his kin come to redeem it, let him buy out that which his ☞ brother sold. And if he have no man to redeem it, let his hand get asmuch as may be sufficient to buy it out again, and let him count how long it hath be sold, and deliver the rest unto the man to whom he sold it, that he may return to his possession again. But and if his hand can not get sufficient to restore to the other again, than that which is sold shall remain in the hand of him that hath bought it, until the year of jubilee: & in the jubilee it shall come out, & he shall return unto his possession again. And if a man sell a house or a dwelling with in the walls of a city, he may buy it out again within a hole year after it is sold: even any day of the year shall he redeem it again. But and if he buy it not out again with in the space of a full year, than the house that is in the walled city, shall be stablished, and be his own that bought it, & his successors after him, & shall not go out in the jubilee. But the houses of villages which have no walls round about them, are counted as the field of the country, & therefore they may be bought out again, and shall return in the jubilee. notwithstanding the cities of the Levites, and the houses of the cities of their possession, may the Levites redeem at all ceasons. And if a man purchase aught of the Levites/ the house that was sold/ & the city of their possession shall go out in the year of jubilee, for the houses of the cities of the Levites, are their possession among the children of Israel. But the field of the suburb that is beside their cities, may not be sold: but is their perpetual possession. If thy brother be waxed poor, and fallen in decay with thee, thou shalt relieve him, both the stranger, & sojourner/ that he may live with the. * Exod. 221 Deute. 23● Ezeche. 2●● And thou shalt take none usury of him, or vantage. But thou shalt fear thy god, that thy brother may live with the. Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, ☞ nor lend him thy corn for increase. I am the Lord your GOD/ which brought you out of the land of Egypte, to give you the land of Canaan, & to be your god. * Exodi. 2●● Deut. ●●● ✚ If thy brother that dwelleth by thee, be waxed poor, and be sold unto thee, thou shalt not compel him to the bondage of servants: but as an hired servant, and as a sojourner he shall be with thee/ and shall serve the unto the year of jubilee, and then shall he depart from thee: both he and his children with him, and shall return unto his own kindred again/ and unto the possession of his Fathers: for they are my servants, which I brought out of the land of Egypte, and shall not therefore be sold as bondmen. Thou shalt not reign over him cruelly, but shalt fear thy God. Thy bondseruaunt, and thy bondemayde which thou shalt have, shallbe of the heathen that are round about you: of them ye shall purchase servants, & maydꝭ, and of the children of the strangers that are sojourners among you, and of their generations that are with you, which they begat in your land. These shall be your possession, and ye shall take them as inheritance for your children after you, to possess them, they shall be your bondmen for ever. But over your brethren the children of Israel, ye shall not reign one over another cruelly. If a sojourner or a stranger wax rich by thee, and thy brother that dwelleth by him wax poor, and sell himself unto the stranger or sojourner by thee, or to any of the strangers kin: after that he is sold, he may be redeemed again: one of his brethren (❀ that will) either his uncle or his uncles son may by him out: or any that is nigh of kin unto him of his kindred, may redeem him: either if his hand can get so moche, he may be loosed. And he shall reckon with him that bought him, from the year that he was sold in, unto the year of jubilee, and the price of his buying shall be valued according unto the number of years. As a hired servant shall he be with him. If there be yet many years behind, according unto them let him give again for his deliverance, of the money that he was bought for. If there remain but few years unto the year of jubilee, let him count with him again/ & according unto his years give him again for his redemption, and he shall be with him year by year as an hired servant, & the other shall not reign cruelly over him in thy sight. If he be not redeemed thus, he shall go out in the year of jubilee, both he and his children with him: for the children of Israel are my servants, which I brought out of the land of Egypte. I am the lord your God. ¶ They are blessed that keep those things that god biddeth. CAPI. XXVI. YE shall * duty. v. a make you no idols/ nor graven image/ neither rear you up any stone, neither shall ye set up any image of stone in your land/ to worship it: for I am the lord your god: ye shall keep my sabbaths, and fear my sanctuary: for I am the lord. ✚ If ye walk in mine ordinances, & keep my commandments, and do them, I will send you rain in the right season/ & the land shall yield her increase, & the trees of the field shall give their fruit. And the threshing shall reach unto wine harvest/ and the wyneharuest shall reach unto sowing time, and ye shall eat your bread in plenteousness, and dwell in your land peaceably. And I will send peace in the land, and ye shall sleep without any man to make you afraid. And I will rid evil beasts out of the land, and there shall no sword go throughout your land. And ye shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you upon the sword. * ●osua. 23. c And five of you shall chase an hundred, and an hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight, and your enemies shall fall before you upon the sword. For I will have respect unto you, and make you increase, and multiply you, and set up my covenant with you. And ye shall eat old store, and carry out old for the new. * ●orsit. ● d And I will make my dwelling place among you, and my soul shall not loath you. I will walk among you, and will be your god, and ye shall be my people. ⊢ I am the Lord your god, which brought you out of the land of Egypt, that ye should not be their bondmen, and I have broken the chains of your yoke, and made you go up right. * Deut. 28. b Mala. two. a But and if ye will not hearken unto me, nor will do all these my commandments. And if ye shall despise mine ordinances, either if your soul abhor my laws, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but break mine appointment, I also will do this unto you. For I will bring upon you fearfulness, swelling of body, and the burning ague, to consume your eyes, & gender sorrow of heart. And ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. And I will set my face against you, and ye shall fall before your enemies, and they that hate you, shall reign over you * Prove 28 a and ye shall flee, when no man followeth you. And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then will I punish you seven times more for your sins, and will break the pride of your stubborness. And I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass. And your labour shallbe spent in vain. For your land shall not give her increase, neither shall the trees of the land give their fruits. And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me, I will bring seven times more plagues upon you, according to your sins. I will also send in wild beasts upon you, which shall deprive you of your children, and destroy your cattle, & make you few in number, & cause your high ways to grow unto a wilderness. And if ye may not be reformed by these things, but shall walk country unto me/ then will I also walk contrary unto you/ and will punish you yet seven times for your sins. And I will send a sword upon you, that shall avenge my Testament. And when ye are gathered together with in your Cities/ I will send the pestilence among you, and ye shall be delivered in to the hand of the enemy. And when I have ☞ broken the staff of your bread: ten wives shall bake your bread in one oven/ and than shall deliver you your bread again by weight: * Osee iiii. ●. 〈◊〉. ●. ● ye shall eat, and not be satisfied. And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, but will walk against me, I will walk contrary unto you also in indignation, and will chastise you seven times for your sins. * Reg. vi. ● And ye shall eat the flesh of your sons, and the flesh of your daughters shall ye devour. I will destroy your ☞ high places, and roar out your ☞ images, and cast your carcases upon the bodies of your idols, and my soul shall abhor you. And I will make your cities desolate, & bring your sanctuary unto nought, and will not smell the sweetness of your odours. I will bring the land unto a wilderness, and your enemies which dwell therein/ shall wonder at it. And I will straw you among the heathen, and will draw out a sword after you, and your land shall be waist, and your cities desolate. Then shall the land enjoy her sabbaths, as long as it lieth void, and ye shall be in your enemies land: even than shall the land rest, and rejoice in her sabbaths. As long as it lieth void it shall rest, because it did not rest in your Sab bothes, when ye dwelt upon it. And upon them that are left alive of you, I will send a faintness in to their hearts in the land of their enemies: and the sound of a shaking leaf, shall chase them, and when they flee the sword, they shall fall: no man following upon them. They shall fall one upon another, as it were before a sword, even no man following upon them, and ye shall have no power to stand before your enemies: And ye shall perish among the heathen, and the land of your enemies shall eat you up. And they that are left of you, shall pine away in their unryghtousnes/ even in their enemies land, and in the misdeeds of their fathers shall they consume. And they shall confess their mysdedꝭ & the misdeeds of their fathers for their trespass, which they have trespassed against me, and for that also that they have walked contrary unto me. Therefore I also will walk contrary unto them, and will bring them in to the land of their enemies. And then at the least way their uncircumcised hearts shall be tamed, and they shall make an atonement for their misdeeds. And * Deut. iiii. e I will remember my covenant/ with jacob, and my bond with Isaac, and mine appointment with Abraham will I remember, and will think on the land. The land shall be left of them, and shall enjoy her sabbaths, while she lieth waste without them. And they shall make an atone meant for their misdeeds, because they despy said my laws, and because their soul refused mine ordinances. And yet for all that when they be in the land of their enemies, * Deut. iiiii. e I will not cast them away, neither will abhor them, to destroy them utterly, and to break mine appointment with them: for I am the Lord their God. I will for their sakes remember the covenant made unto their fathers, whom I brought out of the land of Egypte, in the sight of the heathen, that I might be their God: I am the Lord These are the ordinances, and judgements, and laws, which the Lord made between him, & the children of Israel in mount Sinai, by the hand of Moses. ¶ Of dyuces vows, and of tithes. ●c̄. CAPI. XXVII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto the Children of Israel, and say unto them: If any man will give a singular vow unto the Lord according to the value of the souls, the value of the male from twenty year old unto sixty shall be fifty * Nume. 3. ● sycles of silver, after the weight of the sanctuari. And if it be a woman/ the value shall be thirty sycles. And from five years to twenty, the male shall be set at twenty sycles, and the female at ten sycles. And from a month unto five year, the male shall be set at five sycles of silver, and the female at three. And he that is sixty year old, and above, shall be valued at fifty sycles, and the woman at ten. But if he be to poor so to be set, he shall present himself before the priest: & the priest shall value him, according as the hand of him that vowed is able to get, even so shall the priest value him. If it be a beast of which men bring an offering unto the Lord: all that any man giveth of such unto the lord/ ☞ shallbe counted holy. He shall not alter it nor change it: a good for a bad, or a bad for a good. And if he change beast for beast, than both the same beast, and it also wherewith it was changed shall be holy. If it be any manner of unclean beast, of which men do not offer a sacrifice unto the lord, he shall set the beast before the Priest, and the Priest shall value it, whither it be good or bad. And as the priest setteth it, so shall it be. But if he will buy it again, he shall give the fift part more above that it was set at. If any man dedicate his house, to be holy unto the Lord, the priest shall set it/ whither it be good or bad: and as the Priest hath set it, so shall the value be. And when he ☞ that sanctified it will redeem his house, let him give the fift part of the money that it was judged at thereto, and it shallbe his. If a man ☞ hallow a piece of his enheryted land unto the Lord, it shall be set according to the seed thereof. If it bear ☞ an homer of barley, it shall be set at fifty sycles of silver. If he hallow his field immediately from the year of jubilee, it shallbe worth according as it is esteemed. But and if he hallow his field after the jubely, the priest shall reckon the money according to the number of the years, that remain unto the year of jubilee following/ and thereafter it shall be lower set. If he that consecrated the field, will redeem it again, let him put the fift part of the price that it was set at there unto, and it shall be his. And if he will not redeem the field/ but selleth the field to another man, he ❀ (that vowed) may redeem it no more. But when the field goeth out in the year of jubely, it shall be made holy unto the Lord: even as a field that is utterly put away, and it shall be the priests possession. If a man sanctify unto the lord a field, which he hath bought, and is not of his inheritance, the Priest shall reckon unto him what it is worth unto the year of jubilee, and he shall give the price that it is set at, the same day, as a thing consecrated unto the Lord. And in the year of jubilee, the field shall return unto him of whom he bought it, even to him, whole inheritance of land it is. And all setting shall be according to the sycle of the sanctuary. One sycle containeth twenty halfpences. * Exodi. 30. b But the ☞ first borne of the beasts that was appointed unto the Deute. 15. d Lord, may no man sanctify: whither it be ox or sheep, for it is the Lords already. If it be an unclean beast he shall redeem it, as it is set at, and give the fifth part more thereto: Or, if it be not redeemed, it shall be sold, according to the value. notwithstanding, no ☞ dampened thing that a man putteth from him and dedicateth unto the Lord, of all his good (whither it be man or beast or land of his inheritance) may be sold or redeemed: for every thing so put away, is most holy unto the lord. Let no dampened thing that a man separateth, be redeemed but die the death. Every tithe of the land which is of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the trees is the lords, and is sanctified unto the lord And if a man will redeem aught of his tithes, let him add the fifth part thereto. And every tithe of ox and of sheep and of every beast that goeth under the rod ☞ even every tenth shall be holy unto the lord. He shall not look if it be good or bad, nor change it. Else if he change it, both it, & that it was changed withal, shall be hallowed unto the Lord and may not be redeemed. These are the commandments, which the Lord commanded by Moses unto the children of Israel in mount Sinai. ❧ ❀ ❧ ¶ The end of the third book of Moses: called in the Hebrew Uaicrah: and in the Latyn Leviticus. ¶ The fourth book of Moses called in the Hebrew Uaiedabbar: and in the Latyn Numeri. All that are apt for battle are numbered. The ●●yb● of Leut must ministre in the Tabernacle. CAPI. Primo. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the Tabernacle of witness, the first day of the second month in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypte, saying. * Exodi. 30 v Num. ●6. a 2. Reg 24. a Take ye the some of all the multititude of the children of Israel, after their kindred's & household of their fathers, with the number of their names, all that are males, head by head, from twenty year and above: even all that go forth to the war in Israel, thou & Aaron shall number them throughout their armies, and with you shall be men of every tribe, whereof every one is head man of the house of his fathers. And these are the names of the men that shall stand with you: of ❀ (the tribe of) Reuben, Elizur the son of Sedeur: of Simeon, Selumiel the son of Suri Sadai: of juda, Nahesson the son of Aminadab: of Isachar, Nathanael the son of Zuar: of Zabulon, Eliab the son of Helon. Among the children of joseph: of Ephraim: Elizama the son of Amihud: of Manasse, Gamaliel the son of Peda Zur: of Ben jamin, Abidan the son of Gedeoni: of Dan, Ahiezer the son of Ammi Sadai: of Aser, Pagiel the son of Ocran: of Gad, Elisaph the son of Deguel: of Nephthali, Ahira the son of Ena●. These were of great fame in the congregation, lords of the tribes of their fathers and heads over thousands in Israel. And Moses and Aaron took these men (which are expressed by their names) and gathered all the congregation together, the first day of the second month, and they were reckoned throughout their kynredꝭ and houses of their fathers by name, from twenty year and above, head by head. As the lord commanded Moses, even so he numbered them in the wilderness of Sinai. And the children of Reuben Israel's eldest son throughout their generations, & their kindred's and house's of their Fathers, in the number of names head by head (all males from xx. year and above) as many as did go forth to the war, the number of them that were of the tribe of Reuben, was. xivi. thousand and five hundred. Of the children of simeon throughout their generations and their kindred's & houses of their fathers, the some of them in the number of names, head by head, all the males from. xx. years & above, who soever might go forth to the war: the some of them that were of the tribe of simeon. lix. thousand and three hundred. Of the children of Gad throughout their generations, and their kindred's and households of their fathers, the number of the names from. xx. year and above, all that went forth to the war: The number of them that were of the tribe of Gad, was. xlv. thousand six hundred and fifty. Of the children of juda throughout their generations, and their kindred's, and houses of their fathers, the number of names from xx. year and above: all that were able to go forth to the war. The number of them that were of the tribe of juda, was. lxxiiii. thousand, and two hundred. Of the children of Izachar throughout their generations, and their kindred's, and houses of their fathers, the number of names from twenty year and above, which went all forth to war: The number of them that were of the tribe of Isachar, was. liv. thousand, and four hundred. Of the children of Zabulon, throughout their generations, and their kindreds and houses of their fathers the number of names from. xx. year and above, which were all able to go forth in the host: The number of them that were of the tribe of Zabulon, was. lvii. thousand, and four hundred. Of the children of joseph: namely of the children of Ephraim throughout their generations & their kindred's, and houses of their fathers, the number of names from. xx. year and above, all that went out to the war: the number of them that were of the tribe of Ephraim, was xl▪ thousand, and five hundred. Of the children of Manasse throughout their generations, & their kindred's & houses of their fathers: the number of the names from xx. years old and above, all that went out to the war: The number of them that were of the tribe of Manasse, was xxxii. thousand and two hundred. Of the children of Ben jamin throughout their generations, and their kindreds and houses of their Father's/ the number of names from xx. year and above, all that went forth to the war: The number of them that were of the tribe of Ben jamin, was. xxxv. thousand, and four hundred. Of the children of Dan throughout their generations & their kindred's, and houses of their fathers: the number of names from. xx. year old and above, all that went forth to the war: The number of them that were of the tribe of Dan, was lxii. M. and seven. hundred. Of the children of Aser throughout their generations and their kindred's and house's of their fathers: The number of the names from. xx. years & above, all that went out to war. The number of them that were of the try be of Aser was. lxi. M. and v. hundred. Of the children of Nephthali: throughout their generations & their kindred's & houses of their fathers. The number of names from xx. years and above, all that might go forth to the war. The number of them that were of the tribe of Nephthali was. liii. thousand and. iiii. hundred. These are the sums which Moses & Aaron numbered, and the princes of Israel: those. xii. men, which were over the house of their fathers. And all the numbers of the children of Israel, throughout the houses of their fathers, from. xx. years & above, all that went forth to the war in Israel, drew all unto the some of * Exod●●. Nun. ● six hundred thousand and three thousand, five hundred and fifty. But the Levites after the tribes of their fathers were not numbered among them. And the lord spoke unto Moses, saying. Thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the some of them from among the children of Israel. But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the habitation of witness, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that are in it. Yea they shall bear the tabernacle and all the vessels thereof, and they shall ministre in it, & shall dwell round about the Tabernacle. And when the tabernacle goeth forth, the Levites shall take it down: & when the tabernacle is to be pitched, they shall set it up: & if any stranger come nigh, he shall die. And the children of Israel shall pitch their tents, every man in his own company, and every man under his own standard throughout their hosts. But the Levites shall pytehe round about the Tabernacle of witness, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel, & the Levites shall keep the watch of the tabernacle of witness. And the children of Israel did according to all that the lord commanded Moses, even so did they. The order of the tents. The heads of the kindred's of Israel. CAPI. II. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron, saying. Eevery man of the children of Israel shall pitch under his own standard, & under the arms of their father's houses: on the other side, & round about the tabernacle of witness shall they pitch. On the eastside toward the rising of the son, shall they of the standard of the host of juda pitch throughout their armies. And Nahesson the son of Aminadab was captain of the sons of juda. And his host and the number of them. lxxiiii. M. and two hundred. next unto him ☞ shall they that be of the tribe of Izachar pitch: & Nathaneel the son of Zuer was captain of the chylden of Izachar: his host and the some of the number thereof. liv. thousand and four hundred. And then the tribe of Zabulon: and Eliab the son of Helon, captain over the children of Zebulon, and his host, and the number of them. lvii. thousand and iiii. hundred: so that the hole number of the hole host of juda are an hundred thousand lxxxvi. thousand and. iiii. hundred throughout their armies: and these shall go before. On the south side shall, the standard of the host of Reuben keep thorough their companies: and the captain over the sons of Reuben, was Elizur the son of Sedeur. And his host and the number of them. xlvi. thousand, and. v. hundred. And fast by him shall the tribe of simeon pitch, & the captain over the sons of simeon, was Salumiel the son of Zuri Sadai, and his host, and the number of them. lix. thousand, and three hundred. And the tribe of Gad also and the captain over the sons of Gad was Eliasaph the son of Duguel. And his host & the number of them. xlv. thousand. vi. hundred and. l. All that were numbered with the tribe of Reuben: an hundred thousand. li. M. iiii. hundred and. l. throughout their armies, and they shall go in the second place. And the Tabernacle of witness shall go with the host of the Levites, in the mids of the hosts: And as they lie in their tents, even so shall they proceed in the journey, every man in his degree, & under their own standards. The west side shall the standard of the host of Ephraim keep with their armies, and the captain over the sons of Ephraim, was Elisama the son of Amihud: His host and the nowbre of them. xl. thousand, and five hundred. And fast by him, shall be the thybe of Manasse, and the Captain over the sons of Manasse, was Gamaleel the son of Pedazur: His host and the number of them. xxxii. thousand, and two hundred. And the thybe of Ben jamin also: and the Captain over the sons of Ben jamin, was Abidan, the son of Gedeoni: His host and the number of them. xxxv. thousand, and. iiii. hundred. All that were appoynsed with the host of Ephraim, were an hundred thousand, eight thousand, and an hundred, throughout their armies, & they shall go into the third place. The standard of the host of Dan shall keep the north side with their armies: and the captain over the children of Dan, was Ahiezer the son of Ammi Sadai: His host, and the number of them. lxii. thousand, and. seven. hundred. And fast by him shall the tribe of Aser pitch: and the captain over the sons of Aser was Pagiel the son of ●●ran. His host & the number of them. xli. M. and five hundred. And the tribe of Nephtali also, and the captain over the children of Nephtali: was Ahira the son of Enan: His host & the number of them. liii. thousand & iiii. hundred. All they that were appointed with the host of Dan, was an hundred thousand. lvii. thousand, and. vi. hundred. And they shall go hyndermost with their standards. These are the sums of the children of Israel throughout the houses of their fathers even all the numbers that pitched throughout their host. vi. hundred thousand. iii. thousand. v. hundred and fifty. But the levites were not numbered among the children of Israel, as the Lord commanded Moses. And the children of Israel did according to all that the lord commanded Moses, for so they pitched with their standards, and so they journeyed throughout their kindreds, and throughout the households of their fathers. ¶ The Levites go not out to battle, but minister in the sanituary. They pitch their tent next to the ha●●●●aryo●. CAPI. III. These are the generations of Aaron and Moses, in the day that the Lord spoke with Moses in mount Sinai, & these are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the eldest son, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. * Num. 2●. ● These are the names of the sons of Aaron which were * Levi. viii. ● priests anointed, and whose hand was consecrated to minister. * Leviti x. ●. And Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord when they offered strange fire before the Lord in the wilderness of Sinai, and had no children. And Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the sight of Aaron their father. And the lord spoke unto Moses, saying: bring the tribe of Levy, and set them before Aaron the priest * Name. 17 b and. xviii. a that they may serve him, and wait upon him and upon all the multitude, before the Tabernacle of witness, to do the service of the habitation. They shall keep all the apparel of the tabernacle of witness, and wait upon the children of Israel, to do the service of the habitation. And thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron, and his sons, for they are given and delivered unto him of the children of Israel. And thou shalt appoint Aaron & his sons to wait on their priests office: & the stranger that cometh nigh, shall be slain. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying. Behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel, * Exod. xiii ● Name. 8. ●. for all the first borne that openeth the matrice among the children of Israel, and the Levites shall be mine: because all the first borne are mine: for the same day that I smote all the first borne in the land of Egypt, I hallowed unto me all the first borne in Israel, both man & beast, & mine they shall be: I am the Lord. And the Lord spoke unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying. Number the children of Levi after the houses of their fathers in their kindred's. All that are males, from a month old and above, shalt thou number. And Moses numbered them, according to the commandment of the Lord, & as he had commanded. * Exodi. vi●. And these were the children of Levi, in their names: Gerson, & Cahath & Merari. And these are the names of the children of Gerson in their kindred's: Libni and Semei. The sons of Cahath in their kindred's: Amram, jezehar, Hebron, & Dziel. And these are the sons of Merari in their kindred's Mahelt and Musi. These are the kindred's of the Levites, according to the houses of their fathers. Of Gerson came the kindred of the Libnites/ and the kindred of the Semeites. These are the kindreds of the Gersonytes. And the some of them (after the number of all the males from a month old, and above) was seven thousand, and five hundred. And the kindreds of the Gersonites shall pitch behind the habitation westward. The captain and most ancient of the house of the Gersonites, was Elyasaph the son of Lael. And under the keeping of the children of Gerson in the tabernacle of witness was ☞ the habitation, and the tent, the covering thereof, & the hanging of the door of the tabernacle of witness, & the hangings of the court/ and the curtain of the door of the Court, which is round about the tabernacle, and the altar, and the cords of it, for all the service thereof. And of Cahath came the kindred of the Amramites, & the kindred of the jezeharites: the kindred of the Hebronites, & the kindred of the Ozielites. These are the kindred's of the Cahathites. And the number of all the males from a month old & above, was. viii. M. & vi. C. and these shall keep the things that are to be kept in the holy place. And the kindred of the children of Cahath shall pitch on the south side of the tabernacle. The captain & most ancient of the house of the kindred of the Cahathites, was Elisaphan the son of Oziel, and under their keeping was the ark the table, the candlestick, the altars, and all the vessels of the sanctuary that they ministre in, and the veil, and what soever belonged to the ministration thereof. And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, was captain over all the captains of the Levites: and had the oversight of them that waited upon the sanctuary. And of Merari came the kindred of the Mahelites, and the kindred of the Musites, These are the kindred's of Merari. And the some of them according to the number of all the males, from a month old & above was. vi. M. &. two. hundred. The captain & the most ancient of their house that were of the kindred of Merari, was Zuriel the son of Abihael: & these shall pitch on the north side of the tabernacle. And under the custody of the sons of Merari shall be the boards of the dwelling, & the bars, pillars & sockettis thereof, all the vessel thereof, & all that serveth thereto: and the pillars of the court round about with their sockettis, their pins and their cords, But on the forefront of the habitation before the tabernacle of witness east ward, shall Moses & Aaron and his sons pitch, & wait to keep the sanctuary, and to keep the children of Israel. And the stranger that cometh nigh, shall be slain. And the hole sum of the Levites which Moses & Aaron numbered, at the commandment of the Lord throughout their kindred's (even all the males from a month old & above was * Num. 〈…〉 ☞ xxii. thousand. And the Lord said unto Moses. Number all the first borne that are males among the children of Israel (from a month old and above) and take the number of their names. And thou shalt appoint the Levites to me (for I am the lord,) for all the first borne of the children of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites, for all the first gendered of the cattle of the children of Israel. And Moses numbered as the Lord commanded him, all the first borne of the children of Israel. And all the first borne males rehearsed by their names, (from a month old and above, according to their number) were xxii thousand two hundred and lxxiii And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying. Take the Levites for all the first borne of the children of Israel, and the cattle of the levites for their cattle: and the Levites shall be mine. I am the Lord. And for the redeeming of the two hundred and lxxiii (which are more than the Levites in the first borne of the children of Israel,) take five sycles of every ☞ head, after the weight of the sanctuary * Exodi. 30. b Leuiti. 27. d 〈◊〉. 45. d. the sycle containing twenty halfpences. And give the money wherewith the odd number of them is redeemed, unto Aaron and his sons. And Moses took the redemption money, of the overplus that were moo than the Levites: of the first-born of the children of Israel took he this money: even a M. CCC. and .lxv. Sycles, after the sycle of the sanctuary. And Moses gave the money of them that were redeemed, unto Aaron & his sons, according to the word of the lord, even as the lord commanded Moses. ¶ The offices of the Levites. CAPI. four ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron, saying. Take the some of the children of Cahath from among the sofies of Levi, after their kindred's and house's of their fathers, (from xxx year & above until fifty) all that are able to go forth to the war, for to do the work in the tabernacle of witness. The office of the children of Cahath in the tabernacle of witness, ☞ is most holy. And when the host removeth, Aaron and his sons shall come and take down the veil, that hangeth between, and wrap the ark of witness in it: and shall put thereon a covering of taxus skins, & shall spread upon it a cloth that is all together of yellow silk, and put in the bars thereof. And upon the show table they shall spread abroad a cloth of yellow silk, and put thereon the dishes, spoons, flat pieces, and pots to power with/ and there shall be bread thereon continually: & they shall spread upon them a covering of purple, & cover the same with a covering of taxus skins, and put in the bars thereof. And they shall take a cloth of yellow silk, & cover the candlestick of light with his lamps, tongues, and snoffers, and all the oil vessels which they occupy about it, and they shall put both it, and all the vessel thereof within a covering of taxus skins, and put it upon a bar. And upon the golden altar they shall speed a cloth of yellow silk, & cover it with a covering of taxus skins and put in the bars thereof. And they shall take all the things (which they occupy to minister within the holy place) & put a cloth of yellow silk upon them/ & cover them with a covering of taxus skins/ and put them on a bar. And they shall take away the ashes from the altar/ and spread a purple cloth thereon: and put upon it all the vessels thereof/ that they ministre withal: even the coal pans, the flesh hooks, the shovels, the basins, and the other vessels of the altar, & they shall spread upon it a covering of taxus skins, and put in the bars of it. And when Aaron and his sons have made an end of covering the holy things, and all the vessels of the sanctuary (against that the host remove) than the sons of Cahath shall come in for to bear, but they shall not touch any holy thing, least they die. And this is the charge of the sons of Cahath in the tabernacle of witness. And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertaineth the oil for the light, the sweet sense, the daily meat offering, and the anointing oil, & the oversight of all the Tabernacle, and of all that therein is, both in sanctuary, and in all the vessels thereof. And the Lord spoke unto Moses & Aaron saying: ☞ Ye shall not destroy the tribe of the kindred of the Cahathites, from among the levities. But thus do unto them, that they may live and not die, when they go unto the most holy things. Let Aaron and his sons go in, and take them down, to every one after his service, and after his charge. But let them not go in, to see when the holy things are folden up, lest they die. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: Take also the some of the children of Gerson, throughout the houses of their fathers, and throughout their kindred's: from xxx year and above until fifty shalt thou number them, all that are able to go forth to the war, for to do service in the Tabernacle of witness. And this is the service of the kindred of the Gersonites, to serve and to bear, They shall bear the curtains of the dwelling, and the roof of the Tabernacle of witness, his covering, and the covering of taxus skins, that is on high above upon it, and the hanging of the door which is in the tabernacle of witness: and the hangings of the court, and the hanging that is in the entering in of the gate of the court round about the dwelling and the altar, with the cords, & all the instruments that serve unto them, and all that is made for to serve them. At the mouth of Aaron and his sons, shall all the service of the children of the Gersonites be done, in all their charges & in all their service, and ye ☞ shall number unto them all their burdens to keep. And this is the service of the kindred of the children of Gerson in the tabernacle of witness, & their watch shall be under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest. And thou shalt number the sons of Merari after their kindred's/ and after the houses of their fathers, from xxx years & above unto l shalt thou number them, every one that is able to go forth to the war, to do the service of the tabernacle of witness. And this is the charge that they must wait upon, according to all their service in the tabernacle of witness. The boards of the dwelling, with the bars, pillars, and sockettes thereof, & the pillars that are round about the court, with their sockettes, pins & cords, and with all the instruments of it, for all their service. And by name ye shall reckon the things that they must wait upon to bear. This is the service of the kindred's of the sons of Merari according to all their office in the Tabernacle of witness under the hand of Ithamar the Son of Aaron the Priest. And Moses and Aaron and the princes of the multitude numbered the sons of the Cahathites, after their kindred's/ & houses of their fathers, from xxx year and above unto fifty, all that were able to go forth to the war, to do service in the tabernacle of witness. And the numbers of them throwout their kindreds were two thousand, seven hundred/ and l This is the number of the kindred's of Cahath: namely, all that might do service in the tabernacle of witness, which Moses and Aaron did number, according to the commandment of the Lord by the hand of Moors. These are the numbers of the sons of Gerson throughout their kindred's/ and houses of their fathers, from xxx year up unto thirty, all that were able to go forth to the war for to do service in the tabernacle of witness. And the numbers of them throughout their kindred's/ & houses of their fathers, were two thousand: vi. hundred, and thirty. This is the number of the kindred's of the sons of Gerson of all that did service in the Tabernacle of witness, which Moses & Aaron did number according to the commandment of the lord. And these are the numbers of the kindreds of the sons of Merari throughout their kindred's/ and houses of their fathers, from thirty. year up unto l all that went forth to the war, and served the tabernacle of witness. And the numbers of them after their kindreds were three thousand and two hundred. This is the some of the kindred's of the sons of Merari, which Moses & Aaron numbered according to the word of the lord by the hand of Moses. And so all the numbers of the Levites which Moses, Aaron, & the lords of Israel numbered, after their kindred's/ and households of their fathers, from thirty. year up unto l every one that came to do his office & service, and to bear his burden in the tabernacle of witness: were (when they were numbered) viii. thousand, five hundred and lxxx ❀ According to the word of the lord did (Aaron) number them by the hand of Moses, every one according to their service and charge, & according to their offices as the Lord commanded Moses. ¶ The knowledge of sin. The cleansing of sin. The law of the first fruits, and of jealousy. CAPI. V ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying. Command the children of Israel that they * Levi. 〈…〉 put ☞ out of the host, every leper & every one that hath an issue, & who soever is ☞ defiled upon a soul. Both male and female shall ye put out: even out of the host/ shall ye put them, that they defile not the tents among which I dwell. And the children of Israel did so, and put them out of the host, even as the Lord spoke unto Moses, so did the children of Israel. And the lord spoke unto Moses, saying. speak unto the children of Israel: whither it be * L 〈…〉 〈…〉 man or woman. If they have committed any sin that a man doth, and have trespassed against the lord, that soul hath done amiss. Therefore they shall knowledge their sin which they have done, and let him restore again the hurt that he hath done in the hole, & put the fift part of it more thereto, and give it unto him whom he hath trespassed against. But & if there be not a man to restore the hurt unto, nor a kinsman of his, let the trespass be made good unto the Lord, and it shall be the priests, beside the ram ☞ of the atonement whereby an atonement shall be made for him. And every heave-offering that is made of the holy things of the children of Israel which they bring unto the priest, shall be his: and every mans hallowed things shall be his: & what soever any man giveth the priest, it shall be his. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying. Speak unto the children of Israel and say unto them. If any man's wife go a side, & trespass against him, so that an other man lie with her fleshly, and it be hid from the eyes of her husband, and is not come to light that she is defiled, and there is no witness against her, neither she taken with the manner, & the spirit of jealousy cometh upon him, so that he is jealous over his wife which is defiled: or if the spirit of jealousy come upon him, so that he is jealous over his wife which is yet undefiled: then let the man bring his wife unto the Priest, and bring with her an offering for her: the tenth part of an Epha of barley meal, but let him power none oil upon it, nor put frankincense thereon: for it is an offering of jealousy, an offering for a remembrance, causing the sin to be thought upon. And the priest shall bring her and set her before the Lord, and let him * Num. nineteen. b ☞ take holy water in an earthen vessel, and of the dust that is in the floor of the habitation, and put it in to the water. And let the Priest set the woman before the Lord, and uncover the woman's head, and put the memorial of the offering in her hands which is the jealousy offering, and the priest shall have bitter and cursed water in his hand, and the priest shall charge her, and say unto the woman. If no no man have lain with thee, neither haste gone aside to uncleanness without thy husband, then have thou no harm of this bitter, and cursed waters. But and if thou hast gone aside behind thine husband, and art defiled, and some other man hath lain with the beside thine husband: (and the priest shall charge the woman with an horrible curse, & the priest shall say unto the woman) the Lord make the to be an abomination and a curse among thy people: when the lord doth make thy thigh root, & thy belly swell. These cursed waters go into the bowels of the that they may make thy belly swell, and thy thigh root, and let the woman ☞ say. Amen Amen. And let the priest write these curses. And when they be cleansed/ let him cast them in to bitter waters, and give the woman those bitter & cursed waters to drink, that those cursed and bitter waters may enter in to her. And then the priest shall take the jealousy offering out of the woman's hand/ & wave it before the lord, & bring it unto the altar and the priest shall take an handful of the offering for a memorial, & burn it upon the altar, and then make the woman drink the water: & when he hath made the woman drink the waters (if she be defiled & have trespassed against her husband) then shall the cursed/ and bitter waters go into her, & her belly shall swell, and her thigh shall rot, & that woman shallbe a curse among her people. And if the woman be not defiled, but is clean, she shall have no harm, but shall conceive and bear. This is the law of jealousy, when a wife goth a side behind her husband, & is defiled/ or when the spirit of jealousy cometh upon a man, & he being jealous over his wife/ doth bring her before the lord, & the priest shall do according unto all this law: & the man shall be guiltless, & the woman shall bear her sin. ¶ The law of abstinence. The blessing of the people CAPI. VI ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying. Speak unto the children of Israel/ and say unto them: when either man, or woman doth separate themselves to vow a vow of ☞ an abstainer, & appoint themselves unto the Lord, he shall separate himself from * judi. xiii. ● Amos. 〈◊〉. d. wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine nor of strong drink, nor shall drink what soever is pressed out of grapes: & shall eat no fresh grapes, neither yet dried. As long as his abstinence endureth, shall be eat nothing that is made of the vine tree, or of the kyrnels, or of the husk of the grape. As long as he voweth, & is separated, there shall no rasure come upon his head. But until his days be out, in the which he separateth himself unto the Lord, he shall be holy, and shall let the locks of his here grow. As long as he consecrateth himself unto the lord: he shall come at no dead body: he shall not make himself unclean at the death of his father, mother, brother or sister, because that the vow of the abstinence of his god is upon his head. All the days of his abstinence he is holy unto the Lord. And if it fortune that any man by chance die suddenly before him, the head of his abstinence shall be defiled, and he shall * Acts. 1●. ● shave his head the day of his cleansing: even the seventh day he shall shave it. And the eight day he shall bring two Turtles or two young pigeons to the Priest, before the door of the Tabernacle of witness. And the priest shall offer the one for sin and the other for a burntoffering, and make an atonement for him, as concerning that he sinned upon a soul, and shall hallow his head the same day, and he shall consecrate himself unto the Lord (the time of his abstynencye) and shall bring a lamb of a year old ☞ for trespass: but the days that were before are lost, because his abstynencye was defiled. This is the law of the abstainer, when the time of his abstinence is out, he shall be brought unto the door of the tabernacle of witness, and he shall bring his offering unto the Lord, an he lamb, of a year old without blemish for a burntoffering, & a she lamb of a year old, without blemish for sin, a ram without blemish also for a peace-offering, and a basket of sweet bread even cakes of fine flower mingled with oil, and wafers of sweet bread/ anointed with oil with their meat offerings and drink offerings. And the priest shall bring him before the Lord, and offer his sin-offering and burnt offering, and shall offer the ram for a peace offering unto the Lord, with the basket of sweet bread, & the priest shall offer also his meat-offering & his drynkeoffering, And he shall shave the head of the abstainer in the door of the Tabernacle of witness: even the head of his abstinence, & shall take the here of his sober head, & put it in the fire, which is under the peace-offering. And the priest shall take the sodden shoulder of the ram, and one sweet cake out of the basket, and one sweet wafer also, and put them upon the hands of the abstainer (after he hath shaven his abstinence of) & the priest shall ❀ (take them of him, and) wave them before the Lord. And these holy things shallbe the priests, with the wave breast: and hevesholder: & then the abstainer may drink wine. This is the law of the abstainer/ which hath vowed his offering unto the lord for his consecration. Besides ☞ those things that his hand can get, according to the vow which he vowed, even so he must do after the law of his abstinence. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying. Speak unto Aaron and his sons saying: of this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, and say unto them. The Lord bless the and keep the. The Lord ☞ make his face shine upon thee, and be merciful unto the. The Lord ❀ lift up his countenance upon thee, & give the peace. And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel, & I will bless them. ¶ The offering of the Lords, and heads of Israel. CAPI. VII. ANd it fortuned in the day, when Moses had full set up the habitation and Exodi. ● anointed it and sanctified it, and all the apparel thereof, the altar also & all the vessels thereof: and had anointed them & sanctified them, than the princes of Israel, heads over the houses of their fathers which were the lords of the tribes, standing in their offices offered and brought their sacrifices before the lord. vi. covered charettes, and. xii. oxen, one chariot for two lords, and for one, an ox & they brought them before the habitation. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying. Take it of them, that they may be to do the service of the tabernacle of witness, and thou shalt give them unto the Levites, to every man according to his office. And Moses took the charettes and the oxen, and gave them unto the Levites two charettes & four oxen he gave unto the sons of Gerson according unto their office. And four charettes and eight oxen he gave unto the sons of Merari (according unto their offices) under the hand of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest. * The offering of Nahesson But unto the sons of Cahath Num. ● he gave none, because they had upon them the office of holy things, which they did bear upon shoulders. And the princes offered for the dedicating of the altar (in the day that it was anointed) & brought their sacrifices before the altar. And the Lord said unto Moses. The princes shall bring their offerings, every day one prince, for the dedicating of the altar. And so on the first day did Nahesson the son of Aminadab, of the tribe of juda offer his sacrifice: and his offering was a silver charger, of an hundred &. thirty. sycles: a silver bowl of. lxx. sycles after the weight of the sanctuary: and they were both full of fine wheaten flower, mingled with oil for a meat-offering: a spoon of ten sycles of gold, full of sense: a bullock, a ram, a lamb of a year old for a burntoffering: an he goote for a sin-offering: and (for a peace-offering) two oxen, five rams, five he goats, and five lambs of a year old. This was the gift of Nahesson the son of Aminadab. The second day Nathaneel, the son of * The offering of Nathaneel. Zuar, captain over Izachar did offer. And he offered for his gift, a silver charger of an hundred and thirty sycles: a silver bowl of seventy sycles after the sycle of the sanctuary: both full of fine flower mingled with oil for a meat-offering: a golden spoon of ten sycles, full of sense: a bullock, a Ram, a lamb of a year old for a burntoffering: and an he goote for sin: and for a (peace of fearing) two oxen, five rams, five gootes five lambs of one year old. This was the offering of Nathaneel the son of Zuar. The third day, Eliab the son of Helon * The offering of Eliab. captain of the children of Zabulon did offer. And his gift was: a silver Charger, of an hundred, and thirty sycles: a silver bowl of seventy sycles after the sycle of the sanctuary and both were full of fine flower, mingled with oil for a meat-offering: a golden spoon of ten sycles full of sense: a bullock, a Ram, a lamb of a year old for a burntoffering: an he goote for sin: and for a peaceoffering two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs, of one year old. This was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon. The fourth day, Elizur the son of Sedeur * The offering of Elizur. captain of the children of Reuben, did offce. And his gift was: a silver charger of an hundred and thirty sycles: a silver bowl of seventy sickles, after the Sickle of the sanctuary, and they were both full of fine flower mingled with oil for a meat-offering: a golden spoon of ten sycles, full of sense: a bullock, a Ram, a lamb of a year old for a burntoffering, an he goote for sin: and for a peaceoffering two oxen, five rams/ five he goats, and five lambs, of one year old. This was the offering of Elizur the son of Sedeur. The fift day, Selumiell the son of * The offering of Selumiell. Zuri Sadai, captain of the children of Simeon, offered. His gift was: a silver charger of an hundred, and thirty sickles, a silver bowl of seventy sickles: after the sickle of the sanctuary, and they were both full of fine flower mingled with oil for a meat-offering: a golden spoon of ten sickles full of senee: a bullock, a ram, a lamb of a year old for a burntoffering: an he goote for sin: and for a peaceoffering two oxen, five rams, v. he goats, v. lambs of a year old. This was the offering of Selumiell the son of Zuti Sadai. The sixth day, Eliasaph the son of Deguell * The offering of Eliasaph. captain of the children of Gad, offered: His gift was: a silver charger of an hundred and thirty sickles, a silver bowl of seventy sickles, after the sickle of the sanctuary, both full of fine stour mingled with oil, for meatoffering: a golden spoon of ten sickles full of sense: a bullock, a Ram, a lamb of a year old for a burntoffering, an he goote forsyn. And for a peace offering two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of one year old. This was the offering of Eliasaph the son of Deguell. The seventh day, Elisama the son of * The offering of elisama. Amiud captain of the children of Ephraim, offered. And his sacrifice was: a silver charger of an hundred, and thirty sickles: a silver bowl of seventy sycles: after the sycle of the sanctuary, both full of fine flower mingled with oil, for a meat-offering, a golden spoon of ten sickles, full of sense: a bullock, a Ram, a lamb of a year old for a burntoffering: an he goote for sin: and for a peaceoffering two oxen, v, rams. v. he goats. v. lambs of a year old. This was the offering of Elisama the son of Amiud. * The offering of gamaliel. The eight day, offered Gamaliel the son of Pedazur, the captain of the Children of Manasse. And his offering was: a Silver charger of an hundred, and thirty sickles: a silver bowl of seventy sycles after the sycle of the sanctuary, both full of fine flower mingled with oil for a meat-offering: a golden spoon of ten sickles, full of sense: a bullock/ a ram, a lamb of a year old for a burtoffering: an he goote for sin: and for a peace offering two oxen, v. rams, v. he goats, v. lambs of a year old. This was the offering of gamaliel the son of Pedazur. * The offering of Abidan. The ninth day, Abidan the son of Gedeoni captain of the Children of Ben jamin offered. And his gift was a silver charger of an hundred and. thirty. sycles, a silver bowl of. lxx. sycles after the sycle of the sanctuary, both full of fine flower mingled with oil for a meat-offering: a golden spoon of ten sycles, full of sense: a bullock, a ram, a lamb of one year old for a burntoffering, an he goote for sin: and for a peaceoffering two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of one year old. This was the offering of Abidan the son of Gedeoni. * The offering of Ahiezer. The tenth day. Ahiezer the son of Ammi Sadai, captain of the children of Dan offered. And his offering was: a silver charger of an hundred and thirty sycles: a silver bowl of seventy sycles after the sycle of the sanctuary, both full of fine flower mingled with oil for a meat-offering, a golden spoon of ten sycles full of sense: a bullock, a Ram, a lamb of a year old for a burtoffering: an he goote for sin: and for a peaceoffering two oxen, v. tamines. v. he goats v. lambs of a year old. This was the offering of Ahiezer the son of Ammi Sadai. * The offering of Pagiel, or Phgiel. The eleventh day, Pagiel the son of Ocran captain of the children of Aser, off red. And his offering was: a silver charger of an hundred & thirty sickles: a silver bowl of seventy sickles after the sickle of the sanctuary, both full of fine flower mingled with oil for a meat-offering: a golden spoon of ten sickles, full of sense, a bullock, a Ram, a lamb of one year old for a burntoffering: an he goote for sin: and for a peaceoffering two oxen. v. rams, v. he goats, v. lambs of one year old. This was the offering of Pagiell the son of Ocran. * The offering of Ahira. The twelfth day, Ahira the son of Enan, captain of the Children of Nephthali offered. And his offering was: a silver charger of an hundred, and. thirty. sickles: a silver bowl of ten sickles after the sickle of the sanctuary, both full of fine flower mingled with oil for a meat-offering, a golden spoon of ten sickles, full of sense: a bullock/ a Ram, a lamb of one year old for a burntoffering: an he goote for sin: & for a peace-offering, two oxen, v. rams, v. he goats. v. lambs of one year old. This was the offering of Ahira, the son of Enan. This was the dedication of the altar in the day when it was anointed: unto the which was brought of the Princes of Israel. xii. chargers of silver. xii. silver bowls xii. spoons of Gold: every charger containing an hundred and. thirty. sycles of silver, every bowl. lxx. And all the silver vessel contained two thousand, &. iiii▪ hundred sycles after the sycle of the sanctuary. And the golden spoons were twelve full of sense, containing ten sycles a peace after the sycle of the sanctuary: so that all the gold of the spoons was an hundred and. xx. sycles. All the bullocks for the burntoffering were twelve, the rams twelve, the lambs of a year old twelve, with the meat-offering: and the he goats for sin, twelve. And all the oxen for the peace-offering were. xxiiii. the rams sixty, the he goats. lx. the lambs of a year old sixty. This was the Dedication of the altar, after that it was anointed. And when Moses was gone into the tabernacle of witness, to speak with him, he heard the voice of one speaking unto him from the merciseate, that was upon the ark of witness between the two Cherubyns, and he talked with him. ¶ The order of the lamps. The form of the candlestick. The cleansing and offering of the Levites CAPI. VIII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto Aaron/ and say unto him: * Exodi. 25. d when thou puttest on the lamps, the same seven Lamps shall give light toward the forefront of the candlestick. And Aaron did even so, and lighted the lamps toward the forefront of the candlestick, as the Lord commanded Moses, and the work of the Candelstycke ☞ was of stiff gold, both the shaft and the flowers thereof, according unto the vision which the Lord had showed Moses/ even so he made the candlestick. And the lord spoke unto Moses, saying: take the Levites from among the Children of Israel, and cleanse them. But thus shalt thou do unto them, when thou clensest them: sprinkle water of purifying upon them, and let them make a rasure to run along upon all the flesh of them, and let them wash their clothes/ and so make themselves clean. Then let them take a bullock with his meat-offering: even fine flower/ mingled with oil: and another bullock shalt thou take for sin. And when thou dost bring the Levites before the tabernacle of witness thou shalt gather the hole multitude of the Children of Israel together, and bring the Levites before the lord, and the children of Israel shall put their hands upon the Levites. And Aaron ☞ shall wave the Levites before the Lord, for a wave-offering of the Children of Israel, that they may execute the ministration of the service of the Lord. And the Livytes shall put their hands upon the heads of the bullocks, and thou shalt offer the one for sin, and the other for a burntoffering unto the Lord/ that thou mayst make an atonement for the Levites. And thou shalt set the Levites before Aaron and his sons/ and wave them for a wave-offering before the Lord. And thus thou shalt separate the Levites from among the Children of Israel, and the Levites shall be mine: after that, shall the Levites go in, to do the service of the tabernacle of witness. And thou shalt cleanse them and wave them, for they are given, and delivered unto me from among the Children of Israel, for such as open every womb: even for the first borne of all the Children of Israel have I taken them unto me. * 〈…〉 For all the first borne of the Children of Israel are mine/ both man and beast: since the day that I smote every first borne in the land of Egypt, I sanctified them for myself: and I have taken the levities for all the first borne of the Children of Israel, and have given the levities as a gift unto Aaron, and his sons from among the Children of Israel, to do the service of the children of Israel in the Tabernacle of witness, to make an atonement for the children of Israel, that there be no plague among the children of Israel, if the children of Israel come nigh unto the holy things. And Moses, and Aaron, and all the congregation of the children of Israel did with the Levites, according unto all that the Lord commanded Moses concerning the levities: even so did the children of Israel unto them. And the Levites were purified, and washed their clothes. And Aaron waved them before the lord, and made an atonement for them, and clen said them. After that went the levities in to do their service in the Tabernacle of witness, before Aaron, and his Sons: as the lord had commanded Moses concerning the Levites, even so they did unto them. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: this is it that belongeth unto the levities: * Num. iiii. ● from. xxv. year upward they shall go in to wait upon the service of the tabernacle of witness, and from the age of. l. year, they shall cease waiting upon the service thereof, and shall serve no more: ☞ but shall minister unto their brethren in the Tabernanacle of witness, to wait, but shall do no more service. Thus therefore shalt thou do unto the levities in their watch. ¶ The Passeover. Of the Cloud. CAPI. IX AND the Lord spoke unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they * Exod. 12. a. ●●●iti. 23. a Nume. 28. c Deut. 16, ●. were come out of the land of Egypt, saying: let the children of Israel offce Passeover in his season: even the. xiiii. day of this month at even let them keep it in his season, according to all the ceremonies of it, and according to all the manners thereof. And Moses spoke unto the Children of Israel, that they should offer Passeover, and they offered Passeover the. xiiii. day of the first month at even in the wilderness of Sinai: according to all that the Lord commanded Moses, even so did the children of Israel. And certain men were defiled ☞ upon the soul of a man, that they might not offer Passeover the same day. And they came before Moses and Aaron the same day. And the men said unto him: We are defiled upon the soul of a man: wherefore are we kept back that we may not offer an offering unto the Lord in the due season, among the Children of Israel? And Moses said unto them: Stand still, and I will hear what the lord will command, concerning you. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto the Children of Israel, and say: If any man among you or your children after you be unclean, by the reason of a course, or is in the way far from you, and will offer Passeover unto the Lord: the. xiiii. day of the second month, at even let them offer it, and eat it with sweet bread, and sour herbs: let them leave none of it unto the morning, * Exodi. 12. ● Iohn. nineteen. f nor break any bone of it: But according to all the ordinance of the Passeover let them offer it. But the man that is clean, and is not in a journey, & yet was negligent to offer Passeover: the same soul shall perish from his people because he brought not the offering of the lord in his due season, that man shall bear his sin. And if a stranger dwell among you, and will offer Passeover unto the Lord, according to the ordinance of Passeover and manner thereof, he shall offer it thus: Ye shall have one law both for the stranger, and for him that was borne at home in the land. And the same day that the Tabernacle was reared up, a * Exodi xl. c. 3. Regū●. ● cloud covered the habitation, which was as a tabernacle of the witness: and at even there was upon the habitation, as it were the similitude of fire until the morning. So it was alway, the cloud covered it by day, and the similitude of fire by night. And when the cloud was taken up from of the Tabernacle, than the Children of Israel journeyed: and where the cloud abode, there the Children of Israel pitched their tents. At the ☞ word of the Lord/ the children of Israel journeyed, and at the word of the lord they pitched. And as long as the cloud abode upon the habitation they lay still: and when the cloud tarried still upon the habitation long time, the Children of Israel kept the watch of the lord, & journeyed not. And it chanced that when the cloud abode a few days upon the habitation, they abode in their tents, according to the commandment of the Lord: and they journeyed also at the commandment of the lord And it happened that when the cloud abode upon the habitation from even unto the morning, and was taken up in that morning, than they journeyed. Whither it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up/ they journeyed. Or if the cloud tarried two days or a month, or a long season upon the habitation, and remained thereon, the Children of Israel abode still, & journeyed not. And as soon as the cloud was taken up, they journeyed. At the word of the lord they rested in the tents, & at the commandment of the Lord they journeyed, keeping the watch of the Lord, at the commandment of the Lord, by the hand of Moses. ¶ The Trumpets of silver. The israelites departo from Sinai. The captains of the host are numbered. Nobab refuseth to go with Moses. CAPI. X. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: Make the two trumpets of silver: of an hole piece shalt thou make them, that thou mayst use them to call the congregation together, and when the host shall journey. Therefore shall they blow with them, that all the multitude may resort to thee, before the door of the tabernacle of witness. And if they blow but one trumpet, than the Princes which are heads over the thousands of Israel, shall come unto the. But if ye trump, the hosts that lie on the east parts shall go forward. And if ye trump the second time, the host that lieth on the south side shall take their journey: for they shall trump when they take their journeys. But when the congregation is to be gathered together, they shall blow only, and not trump. And the sons of Aaron the priests shall blow with the trumpets, and ye shall have them as a law for ever in your generations. And if ye go to war in your land against your enemies that vex you, ye shall blow with the Trumpets: and ye shall be remembered before the Lord your god, to be saved from your enemies. Also in the day of your gladness, and in your feast days, and in the beginning of your months, ye shall blow the trumpets over your burnt sacrifices, & peace offeryngis, that they may be a remembrance for you before your god. I am the Lord your God. And it came to pass the. xx. day of the second month in the second year, that the cloud was taken up from of the habitation of witness. And the Children of Israel took their journey out of the desert of Sinai, and the cloud rested in the wilderness of Pharan. And the first took their journey at the word of the Lord, by the hand of Moses: In the first place went the standard of the host of juda according to their armies, whose cap ta'en was Nahasson the Son of Aminadab. And over the host of the Tribe of the children of Isachar, was Nathanael the son of Zuar. And over the host of the Tribe of the children of Zabulon, was Eliab the son of Helon. And the habitation was taken down: and the sons of Gerson, and Me●a●t went forth bearing the habitation. And the host of Reuben went forth with their standard, and armies, whose captain was Elizur the son of Sedeur. And over the host of the tribe of the children of Simeon, was Salamiell the son of Suri Sadai. And over the host of the tribe of the children of Gad was Eliasaph the son of Deguell. The Cahathites also went forward, & bore the sanctuary, ☞ and the other did set up the habitation against they came. And the standard of the host of the Children of Ephraym went forth according to their armies, whose captain was Elisama the son of Amiud. And over the host of the tribe of the sons of Manasse, was Gama liell the son of Pedazur. And over the host of the tribe of the sons of Ben jamin was Abidan the son of Gedeoni. And the standard of the host of the Children of Dan, came forth, (having all the hosts together) throughout their armies: whose captain was Ahiezer the son of Ammi Sadat. And over the host of the Tribe of the children of Asar, was Pagyell the Son of Ocran. And over the host of the tribe of the Children of Nephthali, was Ahira the son of Enan. These are the journeys of the Children of Israel throughout their armies, and thus the hosts removed. And Moses said unto ☞ Nobab the son of Raguel the Madianyte, which was Moses Father in law, we go unto the place, of which the Lord said: I will give it you. Come thou therefore with us, and we will do the good: for the Lord hath promised good unto Israel. And he answered him: I will not go, but will depart to mine own land and to my kindred. He said: oh nay, leave us not, for thou knowest our mansions in the wilderness: & thou hast been to us in stead of ☞ eyes. And if thou go with us, look what goodness the Lord showeth unto us/ the same will we show unto the. And they departed from the mount of the Lord three days journey, and the ark of the testament of the Lord went before them in the three days journey, to search out a resting place for them. And the lord made a shadow for them thorough the cloud by day, when they went out of the tents. And it fortuned, that when the ark went forth, Moses said: Rise up lord, and let thine enemies be scartered: and let them that hate thee, flee before the. And when the ark rested, he said: Return O Lord unto the many thousands of Israel. ¶ The people murmureth. They desire flesh. They loath Manna. The wavering faith of Moses. The Lord divideth the burden of Moses to seventy of the aun●yentes, and they Prophecy. It raineth quayls. The flesh rauen●ts are punished. CAPI. XI. ANd it fortuned, that when * Exodi. 16. a ❀ the people did wickedly, it was a displeasure in the ears of the Lord. And when the Lord heard it ☞ his countenance was provoked to wrath, & the fire of the lord burnt among them, and consumed them that were uttermost of the host. And the people cried unto Moses. And when Moses made intercession unto the lord, the fire quenched. And the name of the place was called ☞ Chabarah, because the fire of the lord burnt among them. And the rascal people that was among them, fell a lusting, and turned themselves and wept, (even as did also the children of Israel) and said: who shall give us flesh to eat? we remember the fish which we did eat in Egypte for nought, and the Cucumbers, and melons, lekes, onions, & garlic. But now our soul is dried away, for we can see nothing else, save Manna. The Manna was as * Exodi. 16. g coriander seed, and (to see to) like Bdellium. And the people went about and gathered it, and ground it in mills, or bet it in mortars, and baked it in pans, and made cakes of it. And the taste of it, was like unto the taste of an oil cake. And when the dew fell down upon the host in the night, the Manna fell upon it. And when Moses heard the people weep throughout their households, every man in the door of his tent, ☞ the face of the Lord was provoked unto wrath exceedingly: and it grieved Moses also. And Moses said unto the lord: wherefore hast thou dealt cruelly with thy servant? And wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, saying that thou puttest the weight of all this people upon me? have I conceived all this people? or have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me? carry them in thy bosom (as a nurse beareth the sucking child) unto the land, which thou sworest unto their fathers? where should I have flesh, to give unto all this people? which weep before me, saying: give us flesh that we may eat? I am not able to bear all this people alone, saying it is to heavy for me. If thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thy sight, that I see not my wretchedness. And the Lord said unto Moses * ●e●●. 8. d. gather unto me. lxx. men of the Elders of Israel, which thou knowest, that they are the elders of the people, and officers over them, & thou shalt bring them unto the Tabernacle of witness, that they may stand there with the. And ☞ I will come down, and talk with the there, & ☞ take of the spirit which is upon thee, and put upon them, & they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, least thou be constrained to bear it alone. And say unto the * Exodi. 16. t people: be hallowed against to morrow, and ye shall eat flesh/ for your weeping is in the ears of the lord, saying ye said: who shall give us flesh to eat? we were happy in Egypte, therefore the Lord will give you flesh, and ye shall eat: Ye shall not eat one day, or two, nor five days, neither ten, nor twenty days: but even a month long, until it come out at the nose thyrls of you, and make you to parbrake, because that ye have cast the lord aside which is among you, and have wept before him/ saying: why came we thus out of Egypt? And Moses said: * Exod. 12. t. six hundred thousand foremen are there of the people, among which I am. And thou haste said: I will give them flesh, that they may eat a month long. Shall the sheep and the oxen be slain for them, to find them? either shall all the fish of the see be gathered together for them to serve them? And the Lord said unto Moses: Shall * isaiah. ●. ● and. lix. ● the lords hand be waxed short? Thou shalt see now whither my word shall come to pass unto thee, or not. And Moses went out/ & told the people the saying of the Lord, and gathered the lxx. Elders of the people, and set them round about the Tabernacle. And the lord came down in a cloud, and spoke unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the. lxx. Elders. And it fortuned that when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease. But there remained two of the men in the host: the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad. And the spirit rested upon them, and they were of them that were written, and went not ou● unto the Tabernacle: but prophesied in the host. And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said: Eldad and Medad do pro phesye in the host. And josua the son of Nun the servant of Moses, ❀ one of his young men answered, and said: master, Moses * Luke. ix ● Ioh●l. two. g forbid them. And Moses said unto him: enuyest thou for my sake? * 1. Cori. 14. ● would god that all the lords people could prophesy, and that the lord would put his spirit upon them. And Moses got him into the host, he, & the elders of Israel. And there went forth a wind from the Lord, & * Exodi. 16 d brought quails from the see, and let them fall about the host, even a days journey round about on every side of the host, and (❀ They did fly in the air) as it were two cubytes high over the earth. And the people stood up, and all that day, and all that night, and on the morrow they gathered quails. And he that gathered a little, gathered ten homers full. And they spread them abroad round about the host. * Psal. 78. d And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, and or it was chewed up, behold, the countenance of the Lord was moved against the people, & the Lord * Psal. 78. d slew the people with an exceeding great plague. And the name of the plague was called: (The graves of lust) because they buried the people that lusted, there. And the people took their * Nume. 33. ● journey from the graves of lust unto Hazeroth, and bode at Hazeroth ¶ Aaron & Mirabel jam grudge against Moses. Miriam is stricken with leprosy, and healed at the prayer of Moses. CAPI. XII ANd * Duty 24 b Mirabel jam, and Aaron spoke against Moses, because of the woman of Jude which he had taken: for he had taken to wife one of jude. And they said: Hath the Lord in deed spoken only thorough Moses? Hath he not spoken also by us? And the Lord heard it. But Moses was a very * Eccle. 45. a meek man, above all the men of the earth. And the Lord spoke atonce unto Moses/ unto Aaron, and to Mir Iam: come out ye three unto * Exodi. 29. g the tabernacle of witness, & they came out all three. And the lord came down in the * Psal. ●●ix b pillar of the cloud, and stood in the ‡ Exodi. 29 ● door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron, and Mirabel jam. And they went out both of them. And he said: hear my words. If there be a Prophet of the Lords among you, I will be known of him in a vision, and will speak unto him in sleep. My servant Moses is not so, which is faithful in all mine house. Unto him will I speak * Exodi. 33. b mouth to mouth in a vision, but in ryddels and similitudes doth not he see the lord. Wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? And the lord was moved unto wrath against them, and he went his way and the cloud departed from of the tabernacle. And behold, Mir jam was become * two. Pa. 26. d leprous, as it were snow. And Aaron looked upon Mirabel jam, & behold, she was leprous, and Aaron said unto Moses: I beseech the my lord, put not the sin upon us, which we have foolishly committed, & sinned. Oh, let her not be as one that cometh out of his mother's womb, and whose half flesh is eaten away. And Moses cried unto the lord, saying: heal her, O God, I beseech the. And the Lord said unto Moses: If her father had ☞ spit in her face, should she not be ashamed, seven. days? Let her be shut out of the host. seven. days, and after that let he● be received in again. And Mir jam was shut out of the host. seven. days, & the people removed not, till she was brought in again * Num●. ● And afterward the people removed from Hazeroth, & pitched in the wilderness of Pharan. ¶ Certain men are sent to search the land of Canaan. CAPI. XIII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: * Deui●. ● Send men out to search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, and let them all be such as are rulers among them. And Moses at the commandment of the Lord sent forth out of the wilderness of Pharan such men as were all heads of the children of Israel. Their names are these. Of the tribe of Reuben, Sammua the son of Zacur. Of the tribe of simeon, Saphat the son of Hori: Of the tribe of juda, Caleb the son of jephune: Of the tribe of Isachar, Igeall the son of joseph: Of the tribe of Ephraim, ☞ Hosea the son of Nun: Of the tribe of Ben jamin/ Palthi the son of Raphu: Of the tribe of Zabulon, Gadiell the son of Sodi: Of the tribe of joseph: Namely, of the tribe of Manasse, Gaddi the son of Susi: Of the tribe of Dan, Amiell the son of Gemali: Of the tribe of Aser, Sethur the son of Michael: Of the tribe of Nephthali, Nahebi the Son of Uaphsi: Of the tribe of Gad, Guell the son of Machi. These are the names of the men/ which Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called the name of Hosea the Son of Nun, josua. And Moses sent them forth to spy out the land of Canaan, and said unto them: Get you up this way southward, that ye may go up into the high country, and see the land what manner thing it is, & the people that dwelleth therein: whither they be strong or weak, either few or many, and what the land is that they dwell in, whither it be good or bad, & what manner of Cities they be that they dwell in: whither they dwell in tents or walled towns, & what manner of land it is: whither it be fat or lean, and whither there be trees therein or not. Be of a good courage, and bring of the fruit of the land. And it was about the time that Grapes are fyrsie ripe. And so they went up, and searched out the land from the wilderness of Zin unto Rehob, as men come to Hemath, & they ascended unto the south, and came unto Hebron, where Ahiman was and Sesai, & Thalmani/ the sons of Enack. Hebron was built seven year before ☞ Zoan in Egypte. And they came unto the river of Escol, and cut down there a branch with one cloister of grapes and twain bore it upon a staff, and they brought also of the pomgarnates, and of the figs. And the place was called: the river Escol, because of the cloister of grapꝭ which the children of Israel cut down thence. And they turned back again from searching of the land after. xl. days. And they went, and came to Moses and Aaron, and unto all the multitude of the children of Israel, in the wilderness of Pharan: which is Cades, and brought them word, and also unto all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. And they told him, and said: we came into the land whither thou sendest us, and surely it floweth with milk, and honey, and here is of the fruit of it. Nevertheless the people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled and exceeding great: and moreover, we saw the children of Enacke there. The Amalechites dwell in the south country, and the Hethites, jebusites▪ and the Amorytes, dwell in the mountains, and the Canaanites dwell by the see, and by the coost of jordan. And Caleb stilled thee (❀ murmur that was raised up,) of the people before Moses, saying: We will go up and conquer it, for we be able to overcome it. But the men that went up with him, said: We be not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we. And they brought up an evil report of the land which they had searched: saying unto the Children of Israel: The land which we have gone thorough to search it out, is a land that ☞ eateth up the inhabiters thereof: and the people that we saw in it, are men of a great stature. And there we saw also giants, the Children of Enacke which come of the giants. And we seemed in our sight as it were grasshoppers, and so we did in their sight. ¶ The people murmur against god, and would have stoned Caleb, and josua. The searchers of the land die. Amalech killeth the israelites. CAPI. XIIII. ANd all the multitude of the people cried out, and wept throughout that night/ and all the children of Israel murmured against Moses, and Aaron. And the hole congregation said unto them: would God that we had died in the land of Egypte/ either that we had died in this wilderness. Wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land to fall upon the sword, & that our wives, and our Children should be a pray? Were it not better that we return unto Egypt again? And they said one to another: We will make a captain, and return unto Egypte again. But Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the congregation, and multitude of the Children of Israel. And josua the son of Nun, and Caleb the Son of jephune (which were of them that searched the land) rend their clothes, and spoke unto all the company of the Children of Israel, saying. The land which we walked thorough to search it, is a very good land. If the lord have lust to us, he will bring us in to that land and give it us, which is such a land as floweth with milk, & honey. But in anywyse rebel not ye against the Lord. * duty. xx. ● Neither need ye to fear the people of the land/ for they are but ☞ bread for us. ☞ Their ❀ shadow is departed from them, and the lord is with us: fear them not therefore. But all they which were in that multitude, bad stone them with stones. And the glory of the Lord appeared in the Tebernacle of witness, before all the children of Israel. And the Lord said unto Moses: How long do this people provoke me, and how long will it be or they believe me, for all the signs which I have showed among them? I will smite them with the Pestilence, and destroy them, and will make of the a greater nation, and a mightier than they. And Moses said unto the Lord: then the Egyptians shall hear it, for thou broughtest this people in thy might from among them. And it will be told to the inhabiters of this land also, for they have herd likewise, that thou lord art among this people, and that thou lord art seen face to face, and that thy cloud standeth over them, and that * Exod. 13. d. thou goest before them by day time in a pillar of a cloud, and in a pillar of fire by night. If thou shalt kill all this people as they were but one man, than the nations which have heard the fame of thee, will say: The Lord is not able to bring in this people into the land which he swore unto them, but hath slain them in the wilderness. And now I beseech thee, let the power of my lord be great, according as thou haste spoken, saying: The lord is long or he be angry, and full of mercy, & suffereth iniquity, and sin, and ❀ ☞ leaveth no man innocent, & visiteth the unrighteousness of the Fathers upon the children, in the third, & fourth generation: be merciful I beseech the unto the sin of this people, according unto thy great mercy, as thou hast forgiven this people from Egypt even until now. And the lord said: I have forgiven ☞ it, according to thy request. But ☞ as truly as I live, all the earth shallbe ☞ filled with the glory of the lord. But all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles which I did in Egypt & in the wilderness, and have tempted me now this. x. times, & will not hearken unto my voice, shall not see the land which I swore unto their fathers, neither shall any of them that provoked me, se it. But my servant * josua. 13. b Caleb: which whom there was another manner of spirit, & because he hath followed me unto the uttermost: him I will bring into the land which he hath walked in, & his seed shall inherit it, & also the Amalechites, & Canaanites which dwell in the plain country. To morrow turn you, and get you in to the wilderness: even by the way of the red see And the Lord spoke unto Moses, & Aaron, saying: how long doth this cuyl multitude murmur against me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel with the which they murmur against me. Tell them therefore: As truly as I live (sayeth the lord) I will do unto you even as ye have spoken in my ears. Your carcases shall lie in that wilderness. And all you that were told thorough out your numbers, from. xx. year, and above, (which have murmured against me) shall not come into the land, over which * ☞ I lifted up mine hand, to make you dwell there in, save Caleb the Son of jephune, & josua the son of Nun. But your children which ye said should be a pray, them I will bring in, & they shall know the land which ye have refused, and your carcases shall lie in this wilderness. And your children shall wander in this wilderness. xl. years, & suffer for your ☞ whoredom, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness, after the number of the days in which ye searched out the land: even. xl. days, * Ezech. 4. b. every day for a year shall ye bear your unrighteousness, even. xl. year ❀ and ye shall know my displeasure: I the Lord have said that I will do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against me: For in this wilderness they shallbe consumed, and here they shall die. And the men which Moses sent to search the land, & which (when they came again) made all the people to murmur ☞ before him, and brought up a slander upon the land, even those men that did bring up that slander upon it, as though it had been evil died in a great * 1. Corin. ●● plague before the lord. But josua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of jephune which were of the men that went to search the land, lived still. And Moses told these sayings unto all the children of Israel, and the people took great sorrow. And they rose up early in the morning and got them up in to the top of the mountain, saying: * Devit. ●● lo, we be here, and will go up unto the place, of which the Lord said unto us, for we have sinned. And Moses said: Wherefore will ye go on this manner beyond the word of the Lord? it will not come well to pass, go not up therefore: (for the Lord is not among you) that ye be not slain before your enemies. For the Amalechites, and the Canaanites are there before you, and ye will fall upon the sword, ❀ because ye are turned away from the Lord, and the Lord will not be with you. But they ❀ presumed obstinately to go up into the hill top: neverthelatter, the ark of the testament of the Lord, & Moses departed not out of the host. Then the Amalechites, and the Canaanites which dwelled in that hill, came down, & smote them and hewed them: even unto Horma. ¶ The drink offerings of them that enter in to the land The punishment of him that sinneth o● arrogancy or pride. CAPI. XV. ANd he Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto the Children of Israel, and say unto them * Leviti ●. when ye be come in to the land of your habitations, which I give unto you, and will offer an offering unto the Lord, Namely, a burntoffering or a special Sacrifice, either of a vow or of a willing mind, and ☞ in your principal feasts, to make a sweet savour unto the Lord, of the oxen or of the flock. Then * Leviti ●. and. ●●● let him that offereth his offering unto the Lord, bring also a meat-offering of a tenth deal of flower, mingled with the fourth part of an Hin of oil/ & the fourth part of an Hin of wine for a drynkoffering and offer with the burntoffering/ or any other offering: when it is a Lamb. Or if it be a ram, thou shalt offer for a meat offering, two tenth deals of flower, mingled with the third part of an Hin of oil, and for a drynkoffring, thou shalt offer the third part of an Hin of wine, for a sweet savour unto the Lord. And when thou offerest a bullock for a burntoffering or for a special vow or peace offering unto the Lord, let him bring with a bullock, a meat-offering of. iii. tenth deals of flower mingled with half an Hin of oil And thou shalt bring for a drynkeoffering: even half an Hin of wine, for an offering of a sweet savour unto the lord. After this manner shall it be done for an ox, or for a ram, or for a lamb or a kid. Look what number thou makest in these, such a number shalt thou make in them also. And according to the number of such offerings, thou shalt increase the meat-offerings and the drynkofferyngꝭ. All that are of yourselves shall do these things after this manner, to offer an offering of sweet savour unto the lord. And if a stranger sojourn with you, or who soever be among you in your generations, and will offer an offering of a sweet savour unto the Lord: even as ye do, so he shall do. One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation, & also for the stranger. It shallbe an ordinance for ever in your generations, both unto you & to the stranger before the Lord. One law, and one manner shall serve, both for you, & for the stranger that sojourneth with you. And the lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them: * Deuit●. 8. c. When ye be come into the land to the which I bring you, than when ye will eat of the bread of the land, ye shall take up an heave-offering unto the Lord. Ye shall take up a cake of the first of your dough for an heave-offering * Leuiti. 25. b as ye do the heave-offering of the barn, even so ye shall have it. Of the first of your dough ye shall give unto the lord an heave-offering, in your generations. And if ye oversee yourselves, and observe not all these commandments which the Lord hath spoken unto Moses, even all that the Lord hath commanded you by the hand of Moses, from the first day that the Lord commanded Moses, & hence forward among your generations. If it happen that aught is committed ygnorantly of the congregation, all the multitude shall offer a bullock for a burntoffering, to be a sweet savour unto the Lord, with the meat-offering and the drynkoffering thereto, according to the manner: and an he goote for sin. And the priest shall make an atonement for all the multitude of the children of Israel, and it shall be forgiven them, for it is ignorance. And they shall bring their offering for a sacrifice unto the lord, & their sin-offering before the lord for their ignorance: and it shallbe forgiven unto all the multitude of the children of Israel, and unto the stranger that dwelleth among you: saying all the people were in ignorance. * levit. iiii. ● If any one soul sin thorough ignorance, he shall bring a she goote of a year old for sin. And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul that sinned ygnorauntly, with the sin-offering before the Lord, to reconsyle him, & that it may be forgiven him. And both thou that art borne one of the children of Israel & the stranger that dwelleth among you, shall have both one law, who so doth sin thorough ignorance. But the soul that doth aught presumptuously, whither he be an Israelite, or a stranger, the same blasphemeth the lord. And that soul shallbe rooted out from among his people, because he hath despised the word of the Lord, and hath broken his commandment, that soul therefore shall perish, & his sin shall be upon him. And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man that ☞ gathered sticks upon the * Exodi. 31. ●. Sabbath day. And they that found him gathering styckꝭ, brought him unto Moses and Aaron, and unto all the congregation: * levit. 24. b & they put him in ward, saying it was not declared what should be done unto him. And the lord said unto Moses: Let the man die: and let all the multitude stone him with stones without the host. And all the multitude brought him which▪ out the host, & stoned him with stones, and he died, as the Lord commanded Moses. And the lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto the children of Israel, and bid them, that they * Deut. 22. ● make them guards in the quarters of their garmentis throughout their generations, and put upon the guard of the quarters a ribbon of yellow silk. And the guard shall be unto you to look upon it, that ye may remember all the commandments of the lord and do them: and ❀ that ye seek not after your own heart or your own eyes, after the which ye use to go a hooring: but ye shall remember rather, and do all my commandments, and be holy unto your god: I am the Lord your God, which brought you out of the land of Egypte, for to be your God. I am the lord your God. ¶ The rebellion of Corah, Dathan, and Abiram. CAPI. XVI. ANd * eccle. 45. c Corah the son of jezehar the son of Cahath the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram the son of Eliab, and Ou the son of Peleth, the son of Reuben, rose up before Moses with other men of the children of Israel, two hundred & fifty, which were captaynꝭ of the multitude, great and famous men in the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and Aaron, and said unto them: ye make moche to do, saying all the multitude are holy every one of them, and the Lord is among them. Why have ye yourselves up above the congregation of the Lord? And when Moses heard it, he fell upon his face and spoke unto Corah and unto all his company, saying: to morrow the Lord will show who are his, who is holy, & who ought to approach nigh unto him, & whom he hath chosen to come to him. This do therefore: take you fire pans, both Corah and all his company, and put fire therein, & put sense in them before the lord to morrow. And the man whom the Lord doth chose, the same shallbe holy. Ye make much to do ye children of Levi. And Moses said unto Corah: * Nume. 3. b. here ye children of Levi. Is it but a small thing unto you, that the God of Israel hath separated you from the multitude of Israel, & brought you to himself, to do the service of the dwelling place of the Lord, and to stand before the multitude, and to minister unto him? he hath taken the to him and all thy brethren the sons of Levy with thee, and seek ye the office of the priest also? For which cause both thou and all thy company are gathered together against the Lord: What is Aaron, that ye murmur against him? And Moses sent and called Dathan, and Abiram the sons of Eliab, which said: we will not come up. Is it a small thing/ that thou hast brought us out of a land that floweth with milk and honey, to kill us in the wilderness, and to reign over us also? Hast thou brought us unto a land that floweth with milk and honey, and given us inheritance of fields and vineyards? wilt thou pull out the eyes of these men? we will not come up. And Moses waxed very angry, and said unto the Lord. Turn not thou unto their offering. I have not taken so moche as an Ass from them, neither have I hurt any of them. And Moses said unto Corah. Be thou and all thy company before the Lord: both thou, they, and Aaron, to morrow. And take every man his sencer and put sense in them, that ye may offer before the lord: every man of the two hundred & fifty take his sencer, thou also Aaron, that every one may have his sencer. And they took every man his sencer, and put fire in them, and laid sense thereon, and stood in the door of the tabernacle of witness with Moses and Aaron. And Corah gathered all the congregation against them unto the door of the Tabernacle of witness. And the glory of the Lord appeared unto all the congregation. And the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron, saying: Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them atonce. And they fell upon their faces, and said. * Num. 〈◊〉. ●. O most mighty God of the spirits of all flesh, if one man hath sinned, wilt thou be wroth with all the multitude? And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto the congre gacyon, and say: Get you away from about the dwelling of Corah, Dathan & Abiram. And Moses rose up, and went unto Dathan, and Abiram, and the elders of Israel followed him. And he spoke unto the congregation, saying: depart from the tents of these wicked men, and touch no thing of theirs: lest ye perish in all their sins. And so they got them from the dwelling of Corah, Dathan and Abiram on every side, And Dathan and Abiram came out and stood in the door of their tents with their wives, their sons, and their little children. And Moses said. Hereby ye shall know that the lord hath sent me to do all these works, and that I have not done them of mine own mind. If these men die the common death of all men, or they be ☞ visited after the visitation of all men, than the Lord hath not sent me. But & if the Lord make a new thing, & the earth open her mouth & swallow them up withal that they have, and they go down quick in to hell: than ye shall understand that these men have provoked the lord. And it fortuned that as soon as he had made an end of speaking all these words * Devit. ● Num. ● Psal. ● the ground clove a sondre that was under them, & the earth opened her mouth, & swallowed them up, & their houses, & all the men that were with Corah and all their goods. And they and all that they had, went down alive unto hell, & the earth closed upon them, & they perished from among the congregation. And all Israel that were about them, fled at the cry of them. And they said: least the earth swallow us up also. And there came out a fire from the Lord, and consumed the two hundred & fifty men that offered sense. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying. Speak unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, that he take up the sencers out of the burning, and scatter the fire here and there, for the ☞ sencers of these sinners are hallowed in their deaths: and let them make of them thine beaten plates for a covering of the altar. For they offered them before the lord, and therefore they are hallowed and they shall be a sign unto the children of Israel. And Eleazar the Priest took the brazen sencers which they that were burnt had offered, and bet them thine for a covering of the altar, to be a remembrance unto the children of Israel, that no stranger which is not of the seed of Aaron, come near to offer sense before the Lord, that it happen not unto him like as unto Corah and his company: as the Lord said of him by the hand of Moses. But on the morrow all the multitude of the children of Israel murmured against Moses & Aaron, saying: Ye have killed the people of the lord. And it fortuned, that when the multitude was gathered against Moses and Aaron, they looked toward the tabernacle of witness. And behold, ❀ (when they were entered in to it,) the cloud covered it, & the glory of the lord appeared. And Moses & Aaron came before the Tabernacle of witness. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying. Get you from among this congregation, that I may consume them quickly. And they fell upon their faces. And Moses said unto Aaron: take a sencer and put fire therein out of the altar, and power on sense, and go quickly unto the congregation, that thou mayst obtain forgiveness for them. For there is wrath gone out from the Lord/ and there is a plague begun. And Aaron took as Moses commanded him and ran in to the mids of the congregation: and behold, the plague was begun among the people, and he put on sense, and made an atonement for the people. And when he stood between the dead, and them that were alive the plague ceased. They that died in the plague were. xiiii. thousand, and seven hundred, beside them that died about the business of Corah. And Aaron went Again unto Moses before the door of the Tabernacle of witness, and the plague ceased. ¶ Aaron's rod buddith, and beareth blossoms. CAPI. XVII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: Speak unto the children of Israel, and take of every prince of them a rod, after the houses of their fathers: Even xii. rods, and write every man's name upon his rod. And write Aaron's name upon the rod of Levi: for every rod is for a house of their fathers: and put them in the tabernacle of witness, even in the place where I meet you. And the man's rod whom I chose, shall blossom. And I will make cease from me the grudgyngꝭ of the children of Israel, whereby they grudge against you. And Moses spoke unto the children of Israel, and all the princes gave him, every prince according to their father's houses, a rod: even. ●ii. rods, & the rod of Aaron was among the roddꝭ. And Moses put the roddꝭ before the lord in the tabernacle of witness. And on the morrow, Moses went in to the tabernacle of witness: and behold * Hebru. ix. ● the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and bare blossoms & almonds. And Moses brought out all the rods from before the Lord, unto all the children of Israel, & they looked upon them, & took every man his rod. And the Lord said unto Moses: bring Aaron's rod again before the witness/ to be kept for a token of the children's rebellion, and that their murmuring may cease fro me, and that they die not. And Moses did as the Lord commanded him, even so did he. And the children of Israel spoke unto Moses, saying: behold, we are wasted away and consumed: we all come to nought: who soever cometh nigh the dwelling of the lord, dieth. Shall we utterly consume away? ¶ The office of the levities. The tithes, and first fruits must be given them. Aaron's heritage. CAPI. XVIII. ANd the Lord said unto Aaron: Thou and thy sons and thy father's house, with the ☞ shall bear the fault of that which is done amiss in the holy place. And thou & thy sons with thee, shall bear the fault of that which is done amiss in your priesthood. * Num. iii. ●● And thy brethren of the tribe of Levi, and of thy father's household/ shalt thou take unto thee, that they may be joined unto thee, and minister unto thee: even unto thee, and thy sons with thee, before the tabernacle of witness. They shall wait upon thee, and upon all the Tabernacle: only let them not come nigh the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar, that they, and ye also die not. And they shallbe by the & wait upon the tabernacle of witness, for all the service of the tabernacle, and let no stranger come nigh unto you. Therefore shall ye keep the holy place and the altar, that there fall no more wrath upon the children of Israel: behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel, which as a gift of yours are given unto the lord, to do the service of the Tabernacle of witness. Therefore shalt thou/ and thy Sons with thee/ take heed unto your priests office, for all things that pertain unto the altar, and for all that are within the veil. And see that ye serve, for I have given your priests office unto you as a gift: & therefore the stranger that cometh nigh, must be slain. And the lord spoke unto Aaron: behold, I have given thee, the keeping ☞ of my have offerings of all the hallowed things of the children of Israel. Even unto the I have given them for anointing, & to thy sons: for a duty for ever. This shall be thine of most holy from the fire of the altar. All their sacrifices for all their meat-offerings, synofferynges, or trespaceofferynges, which they bring unto me, are most holy. It is thine & thy sons. In the most holy place shalt thou eat it: and all that are males shall eat of it: let it be holy unto the. And this also is thine * Levi. seven. d the heave-offerings of their gifts, throughout all the waveofferynges of the children of Israel: I have given them unto thee, and thy sons, and thy daughters with thee, to be a duty for ever, & all that are clean in thy house, shall eat of it: all the fat of the oil, & all the fat of the wine and of the corn, which they shall offer unto the Lord for first fruits, the same have I given unto the. And what soever is first ripe in their land which they bring unto the Lord, shall be thine: & all that are clean in thine house, shall eat of it. All dedicate things in Israel shallbe thine. All that openeth the matrice in all flesh that men bring unto the Lord, whither it be of men, or beasts, shallbe thine. neverthelatter the first borne of man shalt thou redeem, and the first borne of unclean beasts shalt thou redeem likewise. Those that are to be redeemed, shalt thou redeem from the age of a month, for the value of the money, namely for five sycles, after the sycle of the sanctuary. A sycle maketh twenty halfpences. But the first borne of oxen, sheep and gootes, shalt thou not redeem. For they are holy, therefore thou shalt sprinkle their blood upon the altar, and shalt burn their fat upon the sacrifice for a sweet savour unto the lord. And the flesh of them is thine * levit. viii as the wave breast and the right shoulder: these are thine. All the holy heave-offerings which the children of Israel offer unto the Lord, have I given thee, and thy sons, & thy daughters with thee, to be a duty for ever: let it be ☞ a salted covenant for ever, before the Lord, both unto thee, and to thy seed with the. And the Lord spoke unto Aaron * Deut. 18● Eccle. 〈…〉 thou shalt have none inheritance in their land, neither shalt thou have any part among them. I am thy part & thine inheritance among the children of Israel. Behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel to inherit for the service, which they serve in the tabernacle of witness. Neither must the children of Israel hence forthecome nigh the Tabernacle of witness, least they bear sin & die. But the Levites shall do the service in the tabernacle of witness & ☞ bear their sin: It shallbe a law for ever in your generations, that among the children of Israel they possess none inheritance. But the tithes of the children of Israel which they pay at an heave-offering unto the Lord, I have given the Levites to inherit. And therefore I have said unto them: among the children of Israel ye shall possess none inheritance. And the lord spoke unto Moses, saying: speak unto the Levites and say unto them: when ye take of the children of Israel the tithes which I have given you of them for your inheritance, ye shall take an heave-offering of the same for the lord: even the tenth part of that tithe. And this your heveoffering shallbe reckoned unto you, even as though it were of the corn of the barn, or out of the fullness of the wine press. Of this manner ye shall therefore separate an heveoffring unto the lord, of all your tithes which ye receive of the children of Israel, & ye shall give thereof unto the lord an heave-offering, which shall belong to Aaron the priest. Of all your gifts, ye shall take out all the lords heveoffrynges: ☞ even the fat of their hallowed things. Therefore thou shalt say unto them: When ye have taken away the fat of it from it, it shall be counted unto the Levites, as if it were the increase of the corn floor, or the increase of the wine press And ye shall eat it in all places, both ye and your households, for it is your reward for your service in the tabernacle of witness. And ye shall bear no sin by the reason of it, when ye have taken from it the fat of it: neither shall ye unhallow the holy things of the children of Israel, lest ye die. ¶ Of the red how. The law of him that dieth in the Tabernacle: and of him that toucheth any unclean thing. CAPI. XIX. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron, saying: this is the ordinance of the law which the Lord hath commanded, saying. Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring the a red kowe without spot, and wherein is no blemish, & upon which never came yoke. And ye shall give her unto Eleazar the priest, that he may bring * Hebre. 13. c. her without the host, and cause her to be slain before his face. And let Eleazar the priest take of her blood with his finger, and sprinkle it before the tabernacle of witness seven times. And cause the kowe to be burnt in his sight with/ * levit. iiii. c her skin, flesh and blood. And the dung of her shallbe burnt also. And let the priest take Cedar wood, & Isope and purple cloth, and cast it upon the kowe as she burneth. Then let the priest wash his clothes, and he shall bathe his flesh in water, & then come into the host, & the priest shall be unclean unto the even. And he that burneth her, shall wash his clothes in water, & bathe his flesh in water, and be unclean until even. And a man that is clean, shall take up the ashes of the kow/ and put them without the host in a clean place. And it shall be kept for the multitude of the children of Israel * Nume. 3. b. for a sprinkling water, and for an atonement of sin. Therefore he that gathereth the ashes of the kowe shall wash his clothes, & remain unclean until even. And this shall be unto the children of Israel/ and unto the stranger that dwelleth among them, a statute for ever. * Nume. 31. ●●●l●. 34. d 〈◊〉. two. c He that toucheth the dead body of any man, shall be unclean seven days. And he shall purify himself with this water the third day, and the seventh day, and he shall be clean. But if he purify not himself the third day & the seventh day, he shall not be clean. Whosoever toucheth the course of any man that is dead, and sprynkleth not himself/ defileth the dwelling of the lord: and that soul shallbe rooted out of Israel, because the sprinkling water was not sprinkled upon him: He shall be therefore unclean, and his uncleanness shall remain upon him. This is the law of the man that dieth in a tent: all that come in to the tent, and all that is in the tent, shall be unclean seven days. And all the vessels that be open which have no lid, nor covering upon them, shallbe unclean. And who soever toucheth one that is slain with a sword in the fields, or a dead person, or a bone of a dead man, or a grave: shall be unclean seven days. Therefore for an unclean person they shall take of the burnt ashes of the sin-offering, & running water shall be put thereto in a vessel. And let a clean person * Psal. li. b take Isope & dip it in the water, and sprinkle it upon the tent, and upon all the vessels, & on the souls that were therein, and upon him that touched a bone, or a slain person, or a dead body, or a grave. And the clean person shall sprinkle upon the unclean the third day and the seventh day. And the seventh day he shall purify himself, & wash his clothes, & bathe himself in water, & shall be clean at even. But the man that is unclean, and sprynkleth not himself, the same soul shallbe destroyed from among the congregation: because he hath defiled the holy place of the lord, & the sprinkling water hath not been sprinkled upon him, therefore shall he remain unclean. And this shall be a perpetual law unto them. And he that sprynkleth the sprinkling water, shall wash his clothes. And he that toucheth the sprinkling water, shall be unclean until even. And what soever the unclean person toucheth, shallbe unclean. And the soul that toucheth it, shall be unclean until the even. ¶ Mirabel jam dieth. The people murmur. They have water even out of the rock. Edom denieth the Israelites passage thorough his realm. The death of Aaron, in whose room Eleazar succeedeth. CAPI. XX. AND the children of Israel came with the hole multitude in to the desert * Nume. 33 d of Sin in the first month, and the people abode at Cades. And there died MirIam, and was buried there. But there was no water for the multitude: ✚ and they gathered themselves together against Moses and Aaron. And the people chode with Moses, & spoke, saying: Would god that we had perished when our brethren died before the lord. Why have ye brought the congregation of the Lord unto this wilderness, that both we and our cattle should die in it? * Exod. 17. ● Wherefore have ye made us to go out of Egypte, to bring us into this ungracious place, which is no place of seed, nor of figs, nor wines, nor of pomegarnates, neither is there any water to drink. And Moses and Aaron went from the congregation unto the door of the Tabernacle of witness, and fell upon their faces. ❀ (And they cried unto the Lord, and said. O LORD GOD, hear the cry of this people, and open them thy treasure, even a fountain of living water, that they may be satisfied, & that their murmuring may cease. And the glory of the Lord appeared unto them. And the Lord spoke unto Moses saying: take the rod, and gather thou & thy brother Aaron the congregation together/ and speak unto the rock before their eyes, and it shall give for the his water. And thou shalt bring them water out of the rock, to give the company drink, and their beasts also, * Exodi. 17. c And Moses took the rod from before the Lord, as he commanded him. And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and Moses said unto them: Here ye rebellions, must we fetch you water out of this rock? And Moses life up his hand, and with his * Psal. 74. b rod he smote the rock two times, and the water came out abundantly, and the multitude drank and their beasts also. And the Lord spoke unto Moses & Aaron: because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation in to the land which I have given them. This is the water of strife because the children of Israel strove with the lord, & ☞ he was sanctified in them ⊢ And Moses * judges. 〈◊〉. c sent messengers from Cades unto the king of Edom. Thus saith thy brother Israel. Thou knowest all the travail that hath happened us. Our fathers went down in to Egypte, & we have dwelt in Egypte a long time, and the egyptians vexed us & our fathers. And when we cried unto the Lord, he heard our voice, & sent an angel, and hath fet us out of Egypte. And behold we are in Cades, even in the uttermost city of thy bordre. We will go now thorough thy country: but * Nume. 2●. ● we will not go thorough the fields, or vyneyeardes, neither will we drink of the water of the fountaynꝭ, we will go by the kings high way, and neither turn unto the right hand, nor to the left, until we be passed thy country. And Edom answered him. Thou shalt not go by me, lest I come out against the with the sword. The children of Israel said unto him: we will go by the beaten way: and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, I will pay for it. ❀ I will but only (without any harm) go thorough on my feet. He answered: thou shalt not go thorough. And Edom came out against him with moche people, and with a mighty power. And thus Edom denied to give Israel passage thorough his country: wherefore Israel turned away from him. And the children of Israel departed from Cades, and came unto mount Hor with all the congregation. And the Lord spoke unto Moses and Aaron in mount Hor, hard by the coost of the land of Edom, saying: Aaron shall be ☞ gathered unto his people, for he shall not come in to the land which I have given unto the children of Israel: because ye disobeyed my mouth at the water of strife. Take Aaron and Eleazar his son and bring them up in to mount Hor, & thou shalt stryppe Aaron out of his vestiments, and put them upon Eleazar his son, and Aaron shall be gathered unto his people, and shall die there. And Moses did as the lord commanded: & they went up in to mount Hor in the sight of all the multitude. And Moses took of Aarous clothes, and put them upon Eleazar his son * duty. ●. ● and. xxxii. and Aaron died there in the top of the mount. And Moses and Eleazar came down out of the mount. When all the multitude saw that Aaron was dead, they mourned for Aaron thirty days, throughout all the households of Israel. ¶ Israel ●auques●●eth king Arad. The fiery serpents sting them. The kings, Sehon and Og are overcome in battle. CAPI. XXI. ANd when king * Nun. 〈◊〉. ● Arad the Cananite which dwelt toward the south, heard tell that Israel came by the way that the spies had found out, he fought against Israel, and took some of them prisoners. And Israel vowed a vow unto the Lord, & said: If thou wilt deliver this people in to my hand, I will utterly destry their Cities. And the Lord heard the voice of Israel, and delivered them the Cananytes. And they destroyed them and their cities, and called the name of the * 〈…〉 place ‡ Iudg●●. 〈◊〉 Horma. * duty. ●● And they departed from mount Hor by the way of the red see, to compass the land of Edom. And the soul of the people fainted by the way. And the people spoke against God & against Moses * Nun. ●● wherefore hast thou brought us out of Egypte, for to die in the wilderness? for here is neither bread nor water, and our soul loatheth this light bread. * ●. 〈…〉 Sapient Wherefore the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, which stonge them: and much people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses and said: we have sinned, for we have spoken against the lord & against thee, * Exodi. 8 b. 〈…〉. Reg. 13. b 〈…〉. viii d make intercession to the lord, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses made intercession for the people And the lord said unto Moses: ☞ ❀ make the a fiery serpent, & set it up for a sign, that as many as are bitten, may look upon it, & live. * Iohn. i●●. b 4. Reg. 18 a And Moses made a serpent of brass, and set it up for a sign. And when the serpents had bitten any man, he beheld the serpent of brass, and was healed. * Nume. 33. a And the children of Israel departed thence and pitched in Oboth. And they departed from Oboth, and pitched at the heaps of Abarim: even in the wilderness which is by the plain of Moab, on the East side. And they removed thence, and pitched upon the river of Zarad. And they departed thence, & pitched on the other side of Arnon, which is in the wilderness, & cometh out of the coostes of the Amorites: for Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. Wherefore it is spoken in ☞ the book of the war of the Lord, what thing he did in the red See, and in the rivers of Arnon. And the head of the rivers, that goeth down to the dwelling of Ar, & stretcheth unto the border of Moab: From thence it turneth unto Beer. The same is Beer, or well whereof the lord spoke unto Moses. Gather the people together, and I will give them water. Then Israel sang this song: Arise up well, sing ye unto him: The princes digged this well, the captains of the people digged it, with the teacher, & with their staves. And from the wilderness they went to Matana, and from Matana to Nahaliel, & from Nahaliel to Bamoth, & from Bamoth to the valley that is in the field of Moab unto the top of the hill that appeareth before jesimon. And Israel sent messengers unto Sehon, king of the Amorytes, saying. * Nun. xx. c duty. two. t. and. xx. b I will go thorough thy land: we will not turn in to the fields, or vyneyeardꝭ, neither drink of the waters of the well: but we will go along by the kings high way, until we be passed thy country. * Deut. 29. b But Sehon would give Israel no licence to pass thorough his country, but gathered all his people together, & went out against Israel into the wilderness. And he came to jaheza, and fought against Israel. * duty. ●. a, and. xxxi. a. josua. 24 a And Israel smote him in the edge of the sword, and conquered his land, from Arnon, unto jabock, and unto the children of Ammon. For the bordre of the children of Ammon was * duty. two. d strong. And Israel took all these cities and dwelt in all the cities of the Amorites: in Hesbon & in all the towns that long thereto. For Hesbon was the city of Sehon the king of the Amorites, which fought before against the king of the Moabites, & took all his land out of his hand, even unto Arnon. Wherefore they say in the proverb: Come to Hesbon, and let the city of Sehon be built & repaired: for there is a fire gone out of Hesbon, and a flame from the city of Sehon, and hath consumed Are in Moab, & the inheritors of the high places in Arnon. Woe be to the Moab: o people of ☞ Chamoes, ye are undone, he hath put his sons to flight, and his daughters to captivity unto Sehon king of the Amorites. Their empire is lost from Hesbon unto Dibon, & we made a wilderness even unto Nopha, which reacheth to Mediba. And thus Israel dwelled in the land of the Amorites. And Moses sent to search out jaezer, and they took the townis belonging thereto, and rooted out the Amorites that were therein. * duty. iii a and. xxix. ● And they turned and went up toward Basan. And Og the king of Basan came out against them, he and all his people, to fight at Adrei. And the Lord said unto Moses: fear him not, for I have delivered him in thy hand, and all his people, and his land. And thou shalt do to him as thou didst unto Sehon the king of the Amoritꝭ which dwelled at Hesbon. They smote him therefore, and his sons, & all his people, until there was nothing left him. And they conquered his land. ¶ King Ba●ar sendeth for Balaam (whose name in the Hebrew is written B●leam. balaam's Ass speaketh. CAPI. XXII. ANd the children of Israel departed and pitched in the fields of Moab, on the other side of jordane, over against jericho. And * joshua. ●●● Balac the son of Ziphor law all that Israel had done to the Amorites: & the Moabites were sore afraid of the people, because they were many, and ❀ stood in fear of the children of Israel. And Moab said unto the elders of Madian: now shall this company lick up all that are round about us, as an ox licketh up the grass of the field. And Balac the son of Ziphor was king of the Moabites at that tyme. He sent messengers therefore unto * Deute. 18. a 11. Pete. 〈◊〉. ● Balaam the son of Beor in Pethor (which is by the river in the land of the children of his folk) to call him, saying: behold, there is a people come out of Egypte, & behold, they cover the face of the earth, and dwell over against me. Come now therefore & curse this people for my sake. For they are to mighty for me, if so peradventure I might be able to smite them, and to drive them out of the land. For I wot that he whom thou blessest is blessed, and whom thou cursest, is cursed. And the elders of Moab and the elders of Madian departed, having the reward of the sothsaing in their hand. And they came unto Balaam, and told him the words of Balac. He answered them: Tarry here this night, and I will bring you word, even as the Lord shall say unto me. And the lords of Moab abode with Balaam. And god came unto Balaam, & said. What men are these with thee? And Balaam said unto God. Balac the son of Ziphor king of Moab hath sent unto me, saying: behold there is a people come out of Egypte and covereth the face of the earth: come now therefore, and curse them for my sake, if so peradventure I may be able to overcome them in battle, & to drive them out. And god said unto Balaam: Go not thou with them, neither curse the people, for they are blessed. And Balaam rose up in the morning & said unto the Lords of Balac: get you unto your land: for the Lord will not suffer me to go with you. And the lords of Moab rose up, and went unto Balac and said: Balaam would not come with us. And Balac sent again a greater company of Lords & more honourable than they, which came to Balaam & told him. Thus saith Balac the son of Ziphor: oh, let nothing let thee, but come unto me, for I will greatly promote the unto great honour, and will do what soever thou sayest unto me, come I pray thee, curse this people for my sake. And Balaam answered and said unto the servants of Balac: * Num. 24. ● If Balac would give me his house full of silver and gold, I can not go beyond the word of the lord my god, to do less or more. Now therefore tarry ye here this night: that I may weet, what the Lord will say unto me more. And God came unto Balaam by night, & said unto him: If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them: But look what I say unto thee, that shalt thou do. And Balaam rose up early, and saddled his Ass and went with the lords of Moab. And the countenance of god was ☞ angry because he went. And the angel of the lord stood in the way against him, as he road upon his Ass, & his two servants were with him. And when the Ass saw the angel of the lord stand in the way, & having a sword drawn in his hand, the Ass turned a side out of the way, and went out into the field. And Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way. But the angel of the Lord stood in a path between the vineyards, and there was a wall on the one side, and an other on the other. And when the ass saw the angel of the lord, she wrenched unto the wall, and thrust balaam's foot unto the wall, and he smote her again. And the angel of the lord went further & stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn, either to the right hand or to the left. And when the ass saw the angel of the Lord, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam was wroth, and smote the ass with a staff. And the lord opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam. What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me now three times? And Balaam said unto the ass: because thou hast mocked me: I would also there were a sword in my hand, for even now would I kill the. And the Ass said unto Balaam: Am not I thine Ass, which thou hast ridden upon since thou wast borne unto this day? Was I ever wont to do so unto thee? he said: nay. And the Lord opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the way, having a sword drawn in his hand. He bowed himself therefore, and fell flat on his face. And the angel of the Lord said unto him. Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass three times? Behold, I came out as an adversary, because thou makest thy way contrary unto me, and the Ass saw me and went back fro me three times, or else if she had not turned fro me ❀ (giving place to me that stood in the way,) I had surely slain thee, & saved her alive. Balaam said unto the angel of the Lord: I have sinned: for I wist not that thou stoodest in the way against me. Now therefore if it please thee, I will turn home again. The angel said unto Balaam: Go with the men: but, what I say unto thee, that shalt thou speak. And so Balaam went with the lords of Balac. And when Balac heard that Balaam was come, he went out to meet him unto a City of Moab, which is in the border of Arnon, even in the uttermost coost. And Balac said unto Balaam: did I not send for thee, to call thee? And wherefore camest thou not unto me? because I am not able to promote the unto honour? And Balaam made answer unto Balac: Lo, I am come unto the. And can I now say any thing at all. The word that God * Nume. 23. ● putteth in my mouth, that shall I speak. And Balaam went with Balac, and they came ❀ unto a city of streets. And Balac offered oxen, & sheep, & sent (❀ rewards) for Balaam & for the Lords that were with him. And on the morrow Balac took Balaam, and brought him up in to the high place of Baal, that thence he might see the uttermost part of the people. ¶ Balaam blesseth the people. CAPI. XXIII. ANd Balaam said unto Balac: build me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven oxen, and seven Rams. And Balac did as Balaam said. And Balac and Balaam offered on every altar an ox, and a ram. And Balaam said unto Balac: stand by the sacrifice, and I will go, if haply the Lord will meet me, and whatsoever he showeth me, I will tell thee, & he went forth alone. But god met Balaam, and Balaam said unto him: I have prepared seven altars, and have offered upon every altar, an ore, and a ram. And the Lord put a saying in balaam's mouth, & said: go again to Balac and say on this wise. And when he went again unto him: loo, he stood by his sacrifice, he and all the lords of Moab. And he took up his parable, and said: * Num. 22. ● Balac the king of Moab hath fet me from Mesopotamia out of the mountains of the east/ (saying:) come, curse jacob for my sake: come, and defy Israel. How shall I curse him, whom god hath not cursed? or how shall I defile him, whom God hath not defiled? From the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell by themself, and shall not be reckoned among the nations. Who can tell the dust of jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? I pray God that my soul may die the death of the righteous, and that my last end may be like his. And Balac said unto Balaam: what hast thou done unto me? I fet the to curse mine enemies: and behold, thou hast blessed them. He answered, and said: must I not keep that and speak it, which the lord hath put in my mouth? And Balac said unto him: Come I pray the with me unto another place, whence thou mayst see them, and thou shalt see but the uttermost part of them and shalt not see them all: curse them out of that place for my sake. And he brought him in to a field (where men might see farof) even to the top of an hill, and built seven altars, and offered an ox, and a ram on every altar. And he said unto Balac: stand here by thy sacrifice, while I go yonder. And the lord met Balaam, and * Num. 22. ● put a word in his mouth, and said: go again unto Balac, and say thus. And when he came to him: behold, he stood by his sacrifice, and the Lords of Moab with him. And Balac said unto him: what hath the Lord said? And he took up his parable, and answered: rise up Balac & here, and hearken unto me thou son of Ziphor. * i Corin. i. b and, x. c God is not a man that he should lie, neither the son of a man that he should repent: should he say, and not do? or should he speak, & not make it good? behold, I have taken upon me to bless, for he hath blessed, and it is not in my power to alter it. ❀ He beheld no vanity in jacob, nor saw travail▪ in Israel: The Lord his god is with him, and ❀ the presence of the king is among them. * Num. 24. ● God brought them out of Egypte, he hath strength as an unicorn. There is no sorcery in jacob, nor southsayenge in Israel. ❀ It is now told unto jacob and Israel, what god hath wrought. Behold, the people shall rise up as a lioness, and have up himself as a lion: He shall not lie down, until he eat of the pray, and drink the blood of them that are slain. And Balac said unto Balaam: neither curse them nor bless them. But Balaam answered and sa●d unto Balac: told not I the saying: all that the Lord speaketh, that I must do? And Balac said unto Balaam: come I pray thee, and I will bring the yet unto another place: if peradventure it shall please God, that thou mayst thence curse them for my sake. And Balac brought Balaam unto the top of Peor, that boweth toward the wilderness of jesymmon. And Balaam said unto Balac: make me here seven altars, and prepare me here seven oxen, and seven Rams. And Balac did as Balaam had said, and offered an ox & a Ram on every altar. ¶ Balaam prophesyeth of the kingdom of Israel, and of the coming of Chryst. Balac is angry with Balaam. The destruction of the Amelechires, and of the Kenites. CAPI. XXIIII. ANd when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord that he should bless Israel/ he went not as he did twice before to fet sothsayenge, but set his face toward the wilderness. And Balaam lift up his eyes, and looked upon Israel as he lay according to his tribes, and the spirit of God came upon him. * Num. 24. ● And he took up his parable, and said: Balaam the son of Beor hath said: and the man whose eye is open hath said: he hath said, which heareth the wordis of god & seeth the visions of the almighty/ and falleth down which open eyes. How goodly are the tents O jacob, & thine habitations O Israel? Even as the valleys are they laid abroad, & as gardens by the rivers side: as the tents which the lord hath pitched, and as cipers' trees beside the waters. ❀ The water droppeth out of his pooket, and his seed shallbe many waters * 1. Reg. ●5. b and his king shallbe higher than Agag, & his kingdom shall be exalted. * Nume. 23 d God brought him out of Egypt: as the strength of an unicorn is he unto him. He shall eat the nations his enemies, & gnaw their bones, and pierce them thorough with his arrows. * ●●●e. x●●x b He couched himself, & ☞ lay down as a lion, and as a lioness, who shall stir him up? blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth the. And Balac was wroth with Balaam, and smote his hands together/ and Balac said unto Balaam: I sent for the to curse mine enemies, and behold, thou hast blessed them this three times. Therefore now get the quyklye unto thy place. I thought that I would promote the unto honour, but lo, the Lord hath kept the back from worship. Balaam answered unto Balac: told I not thy messengers which thou sendest unto me, saying: * Nume. 22 d If Balac would give me his housefull of silver and gold, I can not pass the word of the Lord, to do either good or bad of mine own mind? But what the Lord sayeth that am I compelled to speak. And now behold, I go unto my people: come therefore, & I will advertise thee, what this people shall do to thy folk in the latter days. And he took up his parable and said: Balaam the Son of Beor hath said, the man whose eye his open, hath said. He hath said that heareth the word of God, & hath the knowledge of the most high, and beholdeth the vision of the almighty, and that falleth with open eyes: I shall see him, but not now, I shall behold him, but not nigh. * Math. two. a. There shall come a star of jacob, & rise a s●epter of Israel, & shall * 11. Reg. ●. a. smite the coostes of Moab and shall destroy all the Children of Seth. * 11. Reg. 8. b. And Edom shallbe possessed, and Seir shall fall to the possession of their enemies, and Israel shall do manfully. Out of jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy the remnant of the city. And when he looked on Amalech, he took up his parable, & said: Amalech is the first of the nations * Exod. ●7. b 1. Reg. xv. a but his latter end shall perish utterly. And he looked on the Kenytes, and took up his parable, and said: strong is thy dwelling place, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock. Nevertheless the kenyte shall be rooted out, until Assur take the prisoner: And he took up his parable and said: Alas, who shall live when God doth this? The ships also shall come out of the coost of Italy, and subdue Assur, & subdue Eber, and he himself shall perish at the last. And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place, and Balac also went his way. ¶ The people cōmy●teth fornicaryon with the daughters of Moab. Phentheo killeth zam●i, and ●ozbi. God commandeth to kill the Madeanites. CAPI. XXV. ANd Israel dwelt in Sittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab, which called the people unto the Sacrifice of their gods. * Exodi. 〈◊〉▪ ●. And the people did eat, and worshipped their Gods, and Israel coupled himself unto ☞ Baal Peor. And the indignation of the LORD was provoked against Israel, and the Lord said unto Moses: take all the princes of the people, & hang them up before the Lord ☞ against the son, that the wrath of the lords countenance may be turned away from Israel. And Moses said unto the judges of Israel * Exodi▪ 〈◊〉. ❀ Every one slay his men that were joined unto Baal Peor. And behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren, a Madia●●tyshe woman even in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the multitude of the children of Israel, that wept before the door of the tabernacle of witness. * 1. M●●▪ 〈◊〉. And when Phinehes the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest saw it, he rose up out of the mids of the company, and took a weapon in his hand, and went after the man of Israel ☞ in to the tent, and thrust them thorough: both the man of Israel, and also the woman, even thorough the belly of her. And the plague ceased from the children of Israel * 1. ●or●●●. And there died in the plague. xxiiii. thousand And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: * 〈…〉 1. Math▪ ●. Phinehes the son of Eleazar the Son of Aaron the priest, hath turned mine anger away from the children of Israel, while he was jealous for my sake among them, that I had not consumed the children of Israel in my jealousy. Wherefore say: behold, * M 〈…〉 I give unto him my covenant of peace, & he shall have it, and his seed after him, even the covenant of the priests office for ever because he was jealous for his god's sake, and made an atonement for the Children of Israel. The name of the Israelite which was slay with the Madianytysshe woman, was Zamri the son of Sal●, a Lord of an house/ and kindred of Simeon. And the name of the Madianityshe woman that was slay, was Cozbi the daughter of Zur, a head over the people of an house and kindred of Madian. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: * Num. 31. a vex the Madianites, and smite them, for they trouble you with their wiles, which have beguiled you by deceit in the cause of Peor, & in the cause of their sister Cozbi the daughter of a Lord of the Madianytes, which was slay in the day of the plague for Peor sake. ¶ The children of Israel are numbered. CAPI. XXVI. ANd it fortuned, that after the plague, the Lord spoke unto Moses and unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest saying: * Nun. i a. take the number of all the multitude of the children of Israel from. xx. year, and above throughout their Father's houses, all that are able to go to war in Israel. And Moses and Eleazar the Priest spoke unto them in the fields of Moab, by jordan, over against Jerico, from. xx. year, & above/ as the Lord commanded Moses, and the children of Israel, when they were come out of Egypt. * ●●●●▪ 46. b ●▪ Para. v. a Reuben the Eldest son of Israel. The children of Reuben: Hanoch, of whom cometh the kindred of the Hanochites: and Palu of whom cometh the kindred of the Paluites. Of Hesron, cometh the kindred of the Hesronites: of Carmi, cometh the kindred of the Carmites'. These are the kindreds of the Rubenites, and they were in number. xliii. thousand, seven hundred▪ and thirty. And the sons of Palu: E●●ab. And the sons of Eliab, Nemuell, Dathan, and Abiram. This is that Dathan and Abiram, which were famous in the congregation, & * Num. 16. a. strove against Moses, and Aaron, in the company of Corah/ when they strove against the Lord. * Nun▪ 16. ●. And the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them up. Corah also was in the death of that multitude, what time the fire consumed two hundred and fifty men, and they became a sign: notwithstanding, the Children of Corah died not. And the Children of Simeon after their kindred's were: Nemuell, of whom cometh the kindred of the Nemuelites: jamin, of whom cometh the kindred of the jaminytes: jachin, of whom cometh the kindred of the jachinites: of Zareh, cometh the kindred of the Zarehites. And of saul, cometh the kindred of the Saul●tes These are the kynredꝭ of Simeon: even. xxii▪ thousand, and two hundred. The Children of Gad after their kindred's were: Zephon, of whom cometh the kindred of the Zephonites: Haggi, of whom cometh the kindred of the Haggites: Suni, of whom cometh the kindred of the Sun●tes: Of Aseni, cometh the kindred of the Asenites: and of Eri, cometh the kindred of the Erites: Of Arod, cometh the kindred of the Arodites. Of A●●ell/ cometh the kindred of the Arielites. These are the kindred's of the Children of Gad a●dynge to their numbers. xl. thousand, and five hundred. The Children of juda: Er, and Dnan: * Gene. 38. ●. and Er and Dnan died in the land of Canaan. But the Children of juda after their kindred's, were: Sela, of whom cometh the kindred of the Selanites: Phares, of whom cometh the kindred of the Pharesites: Zareh, of whom cometh the kindred of the Zarehites. And the Children of Phares were▪ Hesron, of whom cometh the kindred of the Hes●onites: Hamull, of whom cometh the kindred of the Hamulites. These are the kindred's of fuda, after their numbers. lxxvi. thousand, and five hundred. The children of Isachar after their kindred's, were: Thola, of whom cometh the kindred of the Tholaites: Phwa, of whom cometh the kindred of the Phwaites: of jasub, cometh the kindred of the jasubites, of Symron, cometh the kindred of the Simronites. These are the kindred's of Isachar after their numbers. ixiii●▪ thousand, and three hundred. The Children of Zabalon after their kindred's were: Sered of whom cometh the kindred of the Seredites: Elon, of whom cometh the kindred of the Elonites: jaheliel, of whom cometh the kindred of the jahelielites. These are the kindred's of the Zabulonites after their numbers: threescore thousand/ and five hundred. The children of joseph throughout their kindred's were: Manasse, & Ephraim. The children of Manasse: * josua. 17 a Machir▪ of whom cometh the kindred of the Machirites. And Machir bega● Gilead, & of Gilead cometh the kindred of the Gileadites. And these are the children of Gilead: Hieser, of whom cometh the kindred of the Hieserites: Helech, of whom cometh the kindred of the Helechites: and Asriell, of whom cometh the kindred of the Asrielites: & Sich●●● of whom cometh the kindred of the Sichemites: Simida, of whom cometh the kindred of the Simidites: and Hepher, of whom cometh the kindred of the Hepherites. And * josua 17. ● Zelaphead the Son of Hepher, had no sonnis but daughters. And the names of the daughters of Zelaphead were: Mahela, Noa, Hagla, Milcha, and Thirza: These are the kindred's of Manasse, and the number of them. iii. thousand, & seven hundred. These are the Children of Ephraim after their kindred's: Suthelah, of whom cometh the kindred of suthelahites: Becher, of whom cometh the kindred of the Becherites: Thahen, of whom cometh the kindred of the Thahenites. And these are the children of Suthelah: Eran, of whom cometh the kindred of the Eranites. These are the kindred's of the children of Ephraim after their numbers. xxxii. thousand, and five hundred. And these are the children of joseph after their kindred's. These are the children of Ben jamin after their kindreds: Bela, of whom cometh the kindred of the Belaites: Asbell, of whom cometh the kindred of the Asbelites: Ahiram, of whom cometh the kindred of the Ahiramites: Supham, of whom cometh the kindred of the Suphamites: Hupham, of whom cometh the kindred of the Huphamites. And the children of Bela were: Ard, and Naaman, from whence cometh the kindred of the Ardites, and of Naaman the kindred of the Naamites. These are the children of Ben jamin after their kindred's, and after their numbers. xiv. thousand and six hundred. These are the children of Dan, after their kindred's: Suham, of whom cometh the kindred of the Suhamites. These are the households of Dan after their kindred's. All the kindred's of the Suhamites were after their numbers. lxiiii. thousand, and four hundred. The children of Aser after their kindred's were: jemna, of whom cometh the kindred of the jemnites: jesui, of whom cometh the kindred of the Jesuits: Bria, of whom cometh the kindred of the Brites. The children of Bria were: Heber, of whom cometh the kindred of the Heberites: Malchiel, of whom came the kindred of the Malchielites. And the daughter of Aser was called Sarah. These are the kindred's of Aser after their numbers. liii. thousand, and four hundred. The children of Nephthali, after their kindred's were: jaheziell, of whom came the kindred of the jahezielites: Guni, of whom came the kindred of the Gunites: jezer, of whom came the kindred of the jezerites: Selem, of whom came the kindred of the Selemites. These are the kindred's of Nephthali according to their households, whose number is. xiv. thousand, and four hundred. These are the numbers of the Children of Israel: six hundred thousand, and a thousand, seven hundred, and thirty. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: unto these the land shallbe divided to inherit, according to the number of names. * Nun. 〈◊〉 ● jusua. x●● To many thou shalt give the more inheritance, and to few the less: to every tribe shall the inheritance be given according to the number thereof notwithstanding, the land shall be divided by lot, and according to the names of the tribes of their fathers, they shall inherit: according to the lot shall the possession thereof be divided, between many and few. * Nun. ●. ● These are the numbers of the levities after their kindred's: Gerson, of whom came the kindred of the Gersonites: Cahath, of whom came the kindred of the Cahathites: Merari, of whom came the kindred of the Merarites. These are the kindred's of the levities: the kindred of the Libnites, the kindred of the Hebronites, the kindred of the Mahelites, the kindred of the Musytes, the kindred of the Karahites. Kahath begat Amram, and Amrams' wife was called * Exod. 〈◊〉 ● jochebed a daughter of Levi, which was borne unto Levi in Egypt. And she bore unto Amram, Aaron, Moses, and Mir jam their sister. And unto Aaron were borne, Nadab, and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. * N 〈◊〉 And Nadab & Abihu died, when they offered strange fire before the Lord. And after their numbers they were: xxiii. thousand all males from a month old & above. For they were numbered among the Children of Israel, because there was no inheritance given them among the children of Israel. These are the numbers, when Moses and Eleazar the Priest numbered the children of Israel in the plain of Moab, fast by jordane over against jericho. And among these there was not a man of them, whom Moses, and Aaron numbered, when they told the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai. For the Lord said of them: they shall die in the wilderness, and there was not left a man of them: save Caleb the son of jephune, and josua the son of Nun. ¶ The law of the heritage of the daughters of zelap●●a●. The land of promise is showed unto Moses, in whose stead is appointed josua. CAPI. XXVII. ANd the daughters of * Num. 76. d and xxxvi. a josua. 17. a Zelaphead the son of Heber, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasse, of the kindred of Manasse the son of joseph (whose names were Mahela, Noha, Hagla, Melcha and Thirza) came and stood before Moses, and Eleazar the Priest, & before the Lords & all the multitude by the door of the tabernacle of witness, saying: our Father died in the wilderness, and * Nume. 16. c was not in the company of them that gathered themselves together against the Lord in the congregation of Carah: But ☞ died in his own sin, & had no sonnis. Wherefore then is the name of our fathers taken away from among his kindred, because he hath no son? * Nume. 36 a give unto us therefore a possession among the brethren of our father. And Moses brought their cause before the Lord. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: The daughters of Zelaphead speak right: thou shalt give them a possession to enheryt among their father's brethren/ and shalt turn the inheritance of their father unto them. And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying: If a man die and have no Son, ye shall turn his inheritance unto his daughter. If he have no daughter, ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren. If he have also no brethren, ye shall give his inheritance unto his Father's brethren. And if his father have no brethren, ye shall give his inheritance unto him that is next to him of his kindred, & he shall possess it. And this shallbe unto the children of Israel, ☞ a law of judgement, as the lord hath commanded Moses. And the Lord said unto Moses * Deut. iii. d and. 34. a get the up into the mount Abarim, and behold the land, which I have given unto the children of Israel. And when thou hast seen it, ☞ thou shalt be gathered unto thy people also, as Aaron thy brother was gathered. For ye were disobedient unto my mouth in the desert of Sin in the strife of the congregation. Neither did ye sanctify me in the waters before their eyes. * Exodi. 17. c That is the water of strife in Cades in the wilderness of Zin. And Moses spoke unto the Lord, saying: Let the Lord god of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, which may ☞ go out & in before them, and lead them out and in: that the congregation of the lord be not as sheep which have not a shepheerde. And the Lord said unto Moses: take josua the son of Nun, in whom is the spirit, ☞ and put thine hands upon him, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation, and give him a charge in their sight. And put of thy praise upon him, that all the company of the Children of Israel may be obedient. And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, which shall ask counsel for him * Exodi. 28. ● ☞ after the judgement of Urim before the lord: And according unto his word shall they go out and in, both he and all the Children of Israel with him, and all the congregation. And Moses did as the Lord commanded him, and he took josua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation, * Acts. vi. ● and put his handis upon him, and gave him a charge, as the Lord commanded thorough the hand of Moses. ¶ What must be offered on every feast day. CAPI. XXVIII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: Command the children of Israel, and say unto them: My offering and my bread for my sacrifices, which are made for a sweet savour, shall ye observe in their due season. And thou shalt say unto them: * Exodi. 29. ● This is the offering which ye shall offer unto the Lord, two lambs of a year old, without spot day by day, for a continual burntoffering. One lamb shalt thou offer in the morning, and the other at even. * Nume. 15 ● And thereto the tenth part of an Epha of flower for a meatoffering mingled with beaten oil containing the fourth part of an Hin: It is a daily burntoffering, such as was ordained in the mount Sinai for a sweet savour, a sacrifice unto the lord. And let the drink-offering of the same/ be the fourth part of an Hin for one lamb, & in the holy place shalt thou command the wine to be powered unto the Lord. And the other lamb thou shalt offer at even, after the manner of the meat-offering, & the drink-offering of the morning: a sacrifice shalt thou offer for a sweet savour unto the Lord. And on the Sabbath day two lambs of a year old a piece & without spot, and two tenthdeales of flower for a meat-offering mingled with oil, and the drynoffering thereto. The burntoffering of the Sabbath, must be done in the self Sabbath, besides the daily burntoffering, and his drynkeoffering. And in the bygynnyngꝭ of your months, ye shall offer a burntoffering unto the lord: two young bullockꝭ, & a ram, and seven. lambs of a year old without spot, & three tenthdeales of flower for a meat-offering mingled with oil for one bullock, and two tenthdeales of flower, for a meat-offering mingled with oil for one Ram. And a tenthdeale of flower mingled with oil, for a meat-offering unto one lamb, for a burntoffering and a sweet savour, and a sacrifice unto the Lord. And their drynkeofferynges shall be half an Hin of wine, unto one bullock: and the third part of an Hin of wine unto a ram, and the fourth part of an Hin unto a lamb. This is the burntoffering of the month ☞ in his month throughout the months of the year: and one he goote for a sin-offering unto the Lord shallbe offered, after the daily burntoffering and his drynkeoffering. * Exodi. xii. c Leuiti. 23 a Dente. 16. a And the. xiiii. day of the first month is the Passeover of the lord. And in the. xv. day of the same month is the feast, and. seven days long shall unleavened bread be eaten. In the * levit. 23. b first day shall be an ☞ holy convo cation, ye shall do no manner of servile work therein. But ye shall offer a Sacrifice for a burntoffering unto the Lord, two young bullocks, one Ram, and seven lambs of a year old, which are to you without spot, and let their meat-offering be of flower mingled with oil, three tenth deals also shall ye offer for a bullock, & two tenthdeales for a Ram/ one tenthdeale shalt thou offer for every lamb of the. seven. lambs: and an he goote for sin to make atonement for you. Ye shall offer these, beside the burntoffering in the morning, which is a continual burnt-sacrifice. After this manner ye shall offer thorough out the. seven days, the food of the sacrifice for as were savour unto the Lord. And it shall be done beside the daily burntoffering, and his drynkeoffering. And in the seventh day ye shall have an holy convocation, & ye shall do no servile work. Therefore in the day of your first fruits/ when ye bring a new meat-offering unto the Lord (according to your weeks) ye shall have an holy convocation, & ye shall do no servile work in it, but offer a burntoffering for a sweet savour unto the lord, two young bullocks, a ram, * levit. 23. 5. & seven lambs of a year old a piece, with their meatoffryngꝭ of flower mingled with oil, three tenthdeales unto a bullock, two tenthdeales to a Ram, and one tenthdeale unto a lamb throughout the. seven. lambs, and an he goote to make an atonement for you. This ye shall do ☞ besides the continual burntoffering, and his meat-offering, and they shall be unto you without spot, with their drynkeofferynges. ¶ What must be offered the viii. first days of the seventh month. CAPI. XXIX. ANd in the first day of the. seven. month ye shall have an holy convocation: * Levi. xxiii. ● ye shall do then no servile work. For it is a day of ☞ trumpet blowing unto you. But ye shall offer a burntoffering for a sweet savour unto the Lord: one young bullock, one Ram, and. seven. lambs of a year old a piece, that are pure. And their meat-offering shall be made of flower mingled with oil. three tenthdeales unto the bullock, and two unto the ram, and one tenthdeale unto one lamb throughout the. seven. lambs. And an he goote for sin to make an atonement for you, beside the burntoffering of the month & his meatoffering, & beside the daily burntoffering & his meatoffering, and the drink-offerings of the same, which must be done according unto the manner of them for a savour of sweetness of the sacrifice of the Lord. * Leuiti. 23. ● And ye shall have the tenth day of that same seventh month an holy convocation: and ye shall ☞ humble your souls, and shall do no manner work therein. But ye shall offer a burntoffering unto the Lord, for a sweet savour: one bullock, a Ram, and, seven. lambs of a year old a piece, which shall be unto you, without fault. Their meat-offering shall be of flower mingled with oil, three tenthdeales to a bullock, and two to a ram, & a tenthdeale unto a lamb, throughout the seven. lambs. An he good for sin, beside the synoffering of atonement & the bailie burntoffering, and the meat & drink-offerings that long to the same. * Leuiti. 23. ● And in the. xv. day of the. seven. month ☞ ye shall have an holy convocation, & do then no servile work, and ye shall keep a feast unto the lord. seven. days long. And ye shall offer a burntoffering for a sacrifice of a sweet savour unto the Lord: xiii. bullocks two rams &. xiiii. lambꝭ of a year old, which shallbe without blemish. And their meat-offering shall be of flower, mingled with oil three tenthdeales unto every one of the. xiii. bullocks, two tenthdeales to either of the rams, & one tenthdeale unto each of the. xiiii. Lambs. And one he goote for sin, beside the daily burntoffering with his meat and drynkeoffering. And the second day (ye shall offer). xii. young bullocks, two rams. xiiii. yearling lambs without spot: and let their meat-offering and drynkeofferynges unto the bullocks, rams, & lambs be according to the number of them & after the manner. And an he goote for sin, beside the daily burntoffering and his meat & drynkeofferynges. And the third day (ye shall offer). xi. bullocks, two Rams and. xiiii. yearering lambs without spot, and let their meat, & drynkeofferynges unto the bullocks, rams, & lambs be after the number of them, and according to the manner. And there shall be offered an he goote for sin, beside the daily burntoffering & his meat and drink offering. In the fourth day, ye (shall offer) x. bullocks two rams and. xiiii. lambs yerelyngꝭ & pure: let their meat & drink-offerings unto the bullocks, rammis, and lambs, be according to the number of them, and after the manner. And an he goote for sin, beside the daily, burntoffering, & his meat & drynkeoffering. In the fifth day (ye shall offer). ix. bullocks, two rammis, &. xiiii. lambꝭ of one year old a piece without spot. And let their meat & drynkeofferyngis unto the bullocks, Rams, & lambs, be according to the number of them, and after the manner. And an he goote for sin, beside the daily burntoffering & his meat, & drynkoffering, And in the sixth day (ye shall offer). viii. bullocks, two rams &. xiiii. yearling lambs without spot. And let their meat, & drynkofferynges unto the bullocks, rammis, & lambs, be according to the number of them, & ●●ter the manner. And an he goote for sin, beside the daily burntoffering, and his meat and drynkeofferyngis. In the seventh day (ye shall offer (, seven. bullockꝭ two rammis and. xiiii. lambs that are yerelynges & pure. And let their meat, & drynkeofferyngis unto the bullocks, Rams, and lambs, be according to their number, & after the manner. And an he goote for sin, beside the daily burntofffering, and his meat and drink-offering In the eight day ye shall have a ☞ collection of the feast unto you, and ye shall do no servile work therein. But ye shall offer a burntoffering, a sacrifice for a sweet savour unto the Lord: one ballocke, one Ram and seven, yereling lambs without spot. Let their meat & drynkeofferynges unto the bullock Ram, and lambs, be according to their number and according the manner. And an he goote for sin, beside the daily burntoffering, & his meat and drynkeoffering. These things ye shall do unto the lord in your feasts: beside your vows & frewylofferyngꝭ in your burntofferyngis, meat-offerings, drynkeofferyngis, & peace-offerings. And Moses told the Children of Israel, all that the Lord commanded him. ¶ Of vows when they shall be hepte, & when not. CAPI. XXX. AND Moses spoke unto the heads of the tribes of the children of Israel saying: this the thing: which the lord hath commanded. * Deute. 23 d If a man vow a vow unto the lord, or swear an oath to bind his soul, he shall not go back with his word: but shall fulfil all that is proceeded out of his mouth. If a woman also vow a vow unto the Lord, & bind herself being in her Father's house in the time of her youth, and her father hear her vow, & bond which she hath made upon her soul, and hold his peace thereto: then all her vows, and bonds which she hath made upon her soul shall stand in effect. But and if her father forbid her the same day that he heareth it, noon of her vows, nor bonds which she hath made upon her soul shallbe of value, and the Lord shall for give her, because her father forbade her. If she had an husband when she vowed or pronounced aught out of her lips, wherewith she bond her soul, & her husband heard it, and held his peace there at the same day he heard it. Then her vows, & her bondis wherewith she bound her soul, shall stand in effect. And if her husband forbade her the same day that he heard it, & made her vow which she had upon her of none effect, and released the opening of her lips, wherewith she bound her soul, the lord shall forgive her. But every vow of a widow/ and of her that is divorced, (that they have ☞ bound their soul withal) shall stand in effect with them. If she vowed in her husbands house, or bound her soul with an oath, & her husband heard it and held his peace, and forbade her not: then all her vows, and bonds wherewith she bound her soul, shall stand. But if her husband dysanulled them the same day that he heard them, than nothing that proceeded out of her lips in vows, & bonds (wherewith she bound her soul) shall stand in effect: for her husband hath loosed them. And the Lord shall forgive her. All vows and oaths that bind to humble the soul, may her husband stably she or break. But if her husband hold his peace from one day unto another, than he stablesheth all her vows, and bonds which she had upon her, because he held his peace the same day that he heard them. But if he break them, ☞ after that he hath heard them, he shall bear her sin himself These are the ordinances which the lord commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, and between the father and his daughter, being yet a damsel in her father's house. ¶ The Madianites, and Balaam are slay. The pray is equally divided. A present given of Israel. CAPI. XXXI. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: Avenge the children of Israel of the Madianites, and afterward shalt thou be gathered unto thy people. And Moses spoke unto the folk, saying: Harness some of you unto war, and let them go upon the Madianites, and avenge the lord of the Madianites. Let there be chosen a thousand out of every tribe of Israel, that out of all the tribes ye may send some to the war. And there were taken ☞ out of the thousands of Israel. xii. thousand prepared unto war, of every tribe a thousand. And Moses sent them to the war, even a thousand of every tribe, and with them Phineas the son of Eleazar the priest, & ☞ the holy vessels, and the * Nume. 25 d trumpets to blow were in his hand. Nun. ●. ●. And they warred against the Madianites, as the Lord commanded Moses, and slew all the males. And they slew the kings of Madian among other that were slay: Namely, Eui/ and Rekem, Zur, and hur, and Reba: five kings of Madian, with Balaam the son of Beor, whom they slew with the sword. And the Children of Israel took all the women of of Madian prisoners, and their children, and spoiled all their cattle, and all their flocks, and all their goods. And they burned all their cities wherein they dwelled, and all their castles with fire. And they took all the spoil & all that they could catch, both of men & beasts. And they brought the captives and that which they had taken and the spoil, unto Moses, and Eleazar the priest/ and unto the company of the Children of Israel, even unto the host/ that were in the fields of Meab by jordan over against Jerico. And Moses and Eleazar the priest, and all the Lords of the congregation went out of the host against them. And Moses was angry with the officers of the host, with the captains over thousands, and over hundreds, which came from the war, and battle, and Moses said unto them: Have ye saved all the women alive? Behold, * Num. 25. a these caused the children of Israel thorough ☞ the counsel of * two. Pet. two. d Balaam, to commit trespass against the Lord, in the business of Peor/ and there followed a plague among the congregation of the lord. Now therefore * judi. xxi. ● slay all the men children, & the women that have lain with men fleshly. But all the women Children that have not lain with men, keep a live for yourselves. And ye shall remain without the host. seven. days, all that have killed any person * Num. 〈◊〉 ● , and all that have touched any dead body, and purify both yourselves and your prisoners, the third day, & the seventh. And sprinkle all your raiments, and all that is made of skins, and all work of Gootes here, and allthings made of wood. And Eleazar the priest said unto the men of war which came from the Battle: this is the ordinance of the law, which the Lord commanded Moses: Gold, Silver, brass, and iron, tin and lead, & all that ☞ may abide the fire, ye shall make it go thorough the fire, & it shall be clean. Nevertheless, it shall be sprinkled with sprinkling water. And all that suffereth not the fire, ye shall make go thorough the water. And wash your clothes the seventh day, & ye shall be clean. And afterward come in to the host. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying, take the some of the pray that was taken, both of the women, and of cattle, thou and Eleazar the priest, and the ancient fathers of the congregation. And divide it into two parts, between them that took the war upon them, and went out to battle: & all the congregation. And take a portion unto the lord of the men of war, which went out to battle: ☞ one soul of five hundred, both of the women, and of the oxen, and of the asses, and of the sheep: and ye shall take it of their half, and give it unto Eleazar the priest, as an heave-offering of the lord. And of the half of the children of Israel, thou shalt take one portion of fifty, of the women/ of the oxen, of the asses/ and of the sheep, and of all manner of beasts, and give them unto the Levites, which wait upon the habitation of the Lord. And Moses and Eleazar the Priest did as the Lord commanded Moses. And the booty and the pray, which the men of war had caught, was. vi. hundred thousand, and lxxv. thousand sheep: and. lxxii. thousand oxen. lxi thousand Asses: &. xxxii. thousand souls of women, that had lain by no man. And the half which was the part of them that went out to war, was three hundred thousand, and. xxxvii. thousonde, and five hundred sheep: And the lords part of the sheep was six hundred, and. lxxv. And the oxen were. xxxvi. thousand and five hundred, of which the lords part was lxxii. And the asses were. thirty. thousand and five hundred, of which the lords part was three score and one. And the souls of women were. xvi. thousand, of which the lords part was. xxx●i. souls. And Moses gave that some which was the Lords heveoffering, unto Eleazar the Priest: as the Lord commanded Moses. And the other half of the children of Israel which Moses separated from the men of war (that is to weet, the half that pertained ☞ unto the congregation) was. iii. hundred thousand and. xxxvii. thousand & five hundred sheep: and. xxxvi. thousand oxen: and thirty. thousand asses and five hundred &. xvi. thousand souls of women. And Moses took of this half that pertained unto the children of Israel: one portion of fifty, both of the women and of the cattle, and gave them unto the levities which waited upon the habitation of the Lord, as the lord commanded Moses. And the officers of thousands of the host, the captains over the thousands, and the captains over the hundreds came forth, and said unto Moses. Thy servants have taken the some of the men of war, which are under our authority, & there lacketh not one man of us. We have therefore brought a present unto the Lord what soever man found of jewels of gold, chains, bracelets, rings, earrings and spangles, to make an atonement for our souls before the Lord. And Moses & Eleazar the priest took the gold of them: jewels of all manner fashions. And all the gold of the heave-offering that they heaved up to the lord (of the captains over thousands and hundreds) was. xvi. thousand. seven. hundred &. l. sycles, for the men of war had spoiled, every man for himself. And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold of the captaynꝭ over the thousands, and of the captains over the hundreds, and brought it in to the Tabernacle of witness: for a memorial of the children of Israel, before the Lord. ¶ To Reuben and God, and to the half tribe of Manasses, is promised the possession beyond jordan, Eastward. CAPI. XXXII. THe children of Reuben and the children of Gad, had an exceeding great multitude of cattle. And when they saw the land of jazer and the land of Gilead that it was an apt place for cattle, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad came & spoke unto Moses and Eleazar the priest and unto the lords of the congregation, saying. The land of Ataroth and Dibon jazer, & Nem●ah Hesbon and Elealeh Sabam and Nebo and Beon, which country the Lord smote before the congregation of Israel: is a land meet for cattle, and we thy servants have cattle: Wherefore (said they) if we have found grace in thy sight, let this land be given unto thy servants to possess, & bring us not over jordan. And Moses said unto the children of Gad and of Reuben: shall your brethren go to war, and ye shall sit here? Wherefore discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel that they should not go over in to the land, which the Lord hath given them? * Nume. 13 d Thus did your fathers, when I sent them from Cades barn to see the land. For when they went up even unto the river of Escoll, and saw the land, they discouraged the hearts of the children of Israel, that they should not go in to the land which the lord hath given them. And the Lord was wroth the same time and swore, saying: * Nume. 14. ● None of the men that came out of Egypte from twenty year old and above, shall see the land which I swore unto Abraham, Isaac, and jacob, because they have not holly followed me: save Caleb the son of jephune the Kenesite, & josua the son of Nun, for they have followed the lord. And the lord was angry with Israel, and made them wander in the wilderness forty year, until all the generation that had done evil in the sight of the Lord, were consumed. And behold, ye are risen up in your father's stead, as an increase of sinful men, to augment the fierce wrath of the Lord to ward Israel. For if ye turn away from him, he will yet again leave the people in the wilderness, and ye shall destroy all this folk. And they went near him and said: We will build sheep folds here for our sheep, & for our cattle, and ❀ (walled) Cities for our children. But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place. And our children ❀ (and what soever we may have,) shall dwell in the fenced Cities, because of the inhabiters of the Land. We will not return unto our houses, until the children of Israel have enherited every man his inheritance. Neither will we inherit with them on yonder side jordan forward, because our inheritance is fallen to us on this side jordan eastward. And Moses said unto them: If ye will do this thing, and go harnessed before the Lord to war, and will go all of you in harness over jordane before the Lord, until he have cast out his enemies before him, and until the land be subdued before the lord, than ye shall return, and be without sin before the Lord, & before Israel, and this land shall be your possession before the lord. But and if ye will not do so, behold, ye have sinned against the Lord: and be sure your sin will find you out. Now therefore build cities for your children, and folds for your sheep, and do that ye have spoken. The children of Gad, and the children of Reuben spoke unto Moses, saying: Thy servants will do as my Lord commandeth. Our children, our wives, our sheep and all our cattle shall remain hear in the Cities of Gylead. But * josua. 4. ● thy servants will go all harnessed for the war, and unto battle before the Lord, as my lord saith. And for their sakes Moses commanded Eleazar the Priest, and josua the son of Nun, and the ancient fathers of the tribes of the Children of Israel: and Moses said unto them. If the children of Gad, and the children of Reuben will go with you over jordan, all prepared to fight before the lord then when the land is subdued before you, ye shall give them the land of Gylead, to possess: But & if they will not go over with you in harness, they shall have their possessions among you in the land of Canaan. And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying. As the Lord hath said unto thy servants, so will we do. * josua. 22. a We will go harnessed before the Lord in to the land of Canaan, that the possessions of our inheritance may be on this side jordan. And Moses gave unto the Children of Gad and to the children of Reuben, and unto half the tribe of Manasse the Son of joseph, the kingdom of Sehon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Basan, the land with the Cities thereof, in the Coostes and Cities of the country round about. And the children of Gad built Dibon, and Ataroth, and Aroer, and Atroth, Sophan, Ia●ser, and jegabea, Bethnimra and Betharan, fenced cities, and they built folds for the sheep. And the children of Reuben built Hesbon, Eleale, Kiriathaim, Nebo Baal Meon, and ☞ turned their names, & Sibama also: and gave other names unto the Cities which they builded. And the children of Machir the son of Manasse went to Gilead, and took it, and put out the Amorites that dwelt therein. And Moses gave Gilead unto Machir the son of Manasse, and he dwelt therein. And * Deut. 〈◊〉. ● jahir the son of Manasse went and took the small towns thereof, and called them Havoth jair. And Nobah went and took Kenath, and the towns longing thereto, and called it Nobah after his own name. ¶ The ion●neys of Israel are numbered. They are commanded to kill the Canaanites CAPI. XXXIII. THese are the journeys of the children of Isaell, which went out of the land of Egypte with their armies/ under the hand of Moses and Aaron. And Moses wrote their going out by their journeys, ac 'cording to the commandment of the lord: even these are the journeys of their going out: They * Exodi. ●●● departed from Rahemses, the xv. day of the first month, on the morrow after * Exodi. ●●● Passeover, and the children of Israel went out with an high hand in the sight of all the Egyptians. For the Egyptians buried all their first-born which the lord had smitten among them. And upon their gods also the Lord did execution. And the children of Israel removed from Rahemses, and pitched in Socoth. And they departed from * Exodi. ●●● Socoth, & pitched their tents in Ethan, which is in the edge of the wilderness. And they removed from Ethan, and turned again unto * Exodi. 14. ● Pi Hiroth which is before Baal Zephon, and pitched before Mig doll. And they departed from the plain of Hiroth, and * Exodi. 14. ● went thorough the mids of the see in to the wilderness, and went three days journey in the wilderness of Ethan, and pitched in Marah. And they removed from Marah, and came unto * Exodi. 16. ● Elim where were. xii. fountains of water, and. lxx. palm trees, and they pitched there. And they removed from Elim, and lay fast by the red see. And they removed from the red see, and lay in the wilderness of Sin. And they took their journey out of the * Exodi. 〈◊〉. ● wilderness of Sin, and set up they tents in Daphka. And they departed from Daphka, and lay in Alus. And they removed from Alus. and lay at * Exodi. 17. ● Raphedim, where was no water for the people to drink. And they departed from Raphedim, and pitched in the * Exod. 〈◊〉. ● wilderness of Sinai. And they removed from the desert of Sinai, and pitched at the * Num●. ●● graves of lust. And they departed from the sepulchres of lust and lay at * Num●. ●● Hazeroth. And they departed from Hazeroth, & pitched in Rithma. And departed from Rithma and pitched at Rimon Parez. And they departed from Rimon Parez, and pitched in Lybna. And they removed from Lybna, and pitched at Rissa. And they journeyed from Rissa, and pitched in Rehelatha. And they went from Rehelatha, and pitched in mount Sapher. And they removed from mount Sapher, and lay in Harada. And they removed from Harada, and pitched in Makeheloth. And they removed from Makeheloth, and lay at Tahath: and they departed from Tahath▪ and pitched at Tharath. And they removed from Tharath, and pitched in Mithca. And they went from Mithca, and pitched in Hasmona. And they departed from Hasmona, and lay at Moseroth. And they departed from Moseroth, and pitched in Bane jakan. And they removed from Bane jakan, and lay at Horgadgad. And they went from Horgadgad, and pitched in jathbatha. And they removed from jathbatha, and lay at Abrona. And they departed from Abrona, and lay at Ezeon gaber. And they removed from Ezeon gaber, & pitched in the * Num●. xx. a wilderness of Sin, which is Cades. And they removed from Cades, and pitched in mount Hor, which is in the edge of the land of Edom. * Nun. xx. d Devate. 32. g And Aaron the Priest went up in to mount Hor, at the commandment of the lord, & died there, even in the fourtyeth year after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypte, and in the first day of the fift month. And Aaron was an hundred and. xxiii. year old when he died in mount Hor▪ And king Erad the Canaanite which dwelt in the south of the land of Canaan, heard of the coming of the children of Israel. And they departed from * Num. xxi. b mount Hor, & pitched in zalmona. And they departed from Zalmona, and pitched in Phunon. And they departed from Phunon, & pitched in Oboth And they departed from Oboth, and pyched in johabarim, & toward the border of Moab. And they departed from * Nume. 2●. ● jehabarim, and pitched in Dibon Gad▪ And they removed from Dibon Gad, & lay in Almon Diblathaim. And they removed from Almon Diblathaim, and pitched in the mountains of Abarim before Nabo. And they departed from the mountains of Abarim, and pitched in the fields of Moab, fast by jordan over against jericho. And they pitched by jordane, from Beth Haiesmoth, * 〈◊〉. 25 a unto the plain of Sittim in the fields of Moab. And the lord spoke unto Moses in the fields of Moab by jordan over against jericho, saying: speak unto the children of Israel & say unto them * Deute. 7. ● when ye are come over jordan to enter in to the land of Canaan, ye shall drive out all the inhabiters of the land before you, and destroy all ❀ their pictures, & break asondre all their Images of metal, and pluck down all their altars: And possess the land, and dwell therein, for I have given you the land to enjoy it. And ye shall divide the inheritance of the land by lot among your kindreds, * Num. 26. ● and give to the moo the more inheritance, and to the fewer the less inheritance. And your inheritance shallbe in the tribes of your fathers, every man's inheritance in the place where his lot falleth. * judi. i. e. f. But and if ye will not drive out the inhabiters of the land before you, than those which ye let remain of them, shall be ☞ pricks in your eyes, and darts in your sides, & shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell. Moreover it will come to pass, that I shall de unto you, as I thought to do unto them. ¶ The coostes and bordres of the land of promise. Certain men are assigned to divide the land. CAPI. XXXIIII. ANd the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying: command the children of Israel and say unto them: when ye come in to the land of Canaan; this is the land that shall fall unto your inheritance, the land of Canaan with her coostes. And * josua. ●v. a your south quarter shallbe from the wilderness of Sin, along by the coost of Edom, so that your south quarter reach from the side of the salt see eastward, and fet a compass from the south up to Acra him, and reach to Zinna. And go out from the south to Cades barn, and go out also to Hazat Adar, and go along to Azmon: and fet a compass again from Azmon unto the river of Egypte, and shall go out at the see. And let your west quarter be the great see let the same see be your west coost. And this shall be your north quarter: ye shall compass your border from the great see unto mount Hor. And from mount Hor, ye shall describe your border, till it come unto Hemath, and the end of the coost shallbe at Zedada, & the coost shall reach out to Ziphron, & go out at Hazar Enan. This shall be your north quarter. And ye shall compass your east quarter from Hazar enan to Sepham. And the coost shall go down from Sepham to Ribla on the east side of Ain. And the same border shall descend & go out at the side of the see of Cenereth castwarde. And then go down along by jordane, and leave at the salt see. And this shall be your land with the coostes thereof round about. And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying. This is the land which ye shall inherit by lot, & which the Lord commanded to give unto nine tribes and an half: * Nun. 〈◊〉 ● for the tribe of the children of Reuben, arcording to the households of their fathers: and the tribe of the children of Gad/ according to their father's households, and half the tribe of Manasse, have received their inheritance. Two tribes and an half have received their inheritance on the other side of jordan, over against Jericho eastward. And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying. These are the names of the men, which shall divide the land unto you. Eleazar the priest and * Deuse. 3 d. josua. 14 a josua the son of Nun. And ye shall take also a Lord of every tribe, when ye divide the land. The names of the men are these. Of the tribe of juda, Caleb the son of jephune. Of the tribe of the children of Suncon, Semuel the son of Amiud. Of the tribe of Ben jamin, Elidad the son of Cisson. Of the tribe of the children of Dan, the lord Bucki, the son of jagli. From among the children of joseph for the tribe of the children of Manasse, the lord Haniel, the son of Ephod. Of the tribe of the children of Ephraim, the lord Camuel the son of Siph ●an. Of the tribe of the sons of Zabulon, the lord Elizaphan the son of Pharnach. Of the tribe of the children of Isachar, the lord Palthyel the son of Asan. Of the tribe of the sons of Aser, the lord Ahihud the son of Salomi. Of the tribe of the children of Nephthali, the lord Peda El the son of of Ammihud. These are they whom the lord commanded to divide the inheritance unto the children of Israel in the land of Canaan. ¶ Cities and suburbs given to the Levites. Cities of refuge. The law of manquelling. For one man's witness shall no man be condemned. CAPI. XXXV. AND the Lord spoke unto Moses in the fields of Moab, by jordane, over against Jericho, saying: command the Children of israel, that they give unto the levities of the inheritance of their possession, * josua. 21. a cities to dwell in. And ye shall give also unto the cities of the levities, suburbs hard by their cities round about them. The cities shall they have to dwell in, and the suburbs for their cattle, and for their possession and all manner of beasts of theirs. And the suburbs of the cities which ye shall give unto the levities, shall reach from the wall of the city outward, a thousand cubits round oboute. And ye shall measure with out the city, of the East side: two thousand cubits. And of the south side: two thousand cubits. And of the west side: two thousand cubits. And of the north side: two thousand cubits also: & the city shallbe in the mids. And these shallbe the suburbs of their cities And from among the cities which ye shall give unto the levities, * josua. xx▪ ● there shall be six cities for refuge, which ye shall appoint to that intent, that he which killeth, may flee thither. And to them ye shall add. xlii. city's more: so that all the cities which ye shall give the levities, may be. xlviii. with their suburbꝭ. And the cities which ye shall give, shallbe out of the possession of the children of Israel. They that have many, shall give many: but of them that have few, ye shall take few. Every one shall give of his cities unto the Levites, according to the inheritance which he enheryteth. And the Lord spoke unto Moses, saying. Speak unto the children of Israel and say unto them: * Deut. 〈◊〉 josua. 〈◊〉 when ye be come over jordan into the land of Canaan, ye shall appoint you cities to be cities of refuge for you: that he which sleeth ☞ a soul unwares, may flee thither. And the cities shall be to flee from the avenger of blood, that he which killeth die not, until he stand before the congregation in judgement. And of these six free cities which ye shall give, ye shall give three on this side jordan, and three in the land of Canaan. And these six free cities shall be a refuge both for the children of Israel, and for the stranger, and for him that dwelleth among you, that all they which kill any person unwares, may flee thither. * 〈◊〉 ●. And if any man smite an other with an instrument of iron, that he die, then is he a murderer, and shall die for it. If he smite him with a throwing stone that a man may die with, and if he die, he that smote him is a murderer, let the same murderer be ●leyn therefore. Or if he smite him with a hand weapon of wood that a man may die with, then if he die: he is a murderer: let the murderer be slay therefore. The justice of blood shall slay the murderer: when he meeteth him, he may slay him. But if he thrust at him * Deut. ● of hate, or hurl at him with laying of wait, that he die, or smite him with his hand of Envy, that he die, he that smote him shall die, for he is a murderer. The justice of blood shall slay the murderer, as soon as he findeth him. But and if he pushed him by chance, and not of hate, or cast at him with any manner of thing and not of laying of wait: or cast any manner of stone at him (that a man may die with) and saw him not. And he cast it upon him and he die, & was not his enemy, neither sought him any harm. Then the congregation shall judge between the sleer, and the executer of blood in such cases. And the congregation shall deliver the sleer out of the hand of the avenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him again unto the city of his refuge, whither he was fled. And he shall bide there * josua. xx. b unto the death of the high priest, which was anointed with holy oil. But and if the sleer come without the borders of his prevyleged city whither he was fled, if the avenger of blood find him with out the borders of his fretowne, and slay the murderer, he shall be guiltless, because he should have bidden in his free town until the death of the high priest, & after the death of the high priest to return again unto the land of his possession. These commandments shall be a law unto you, for your generations in all your dwellings. Who soever killeth ☞ a soul, the same manslayer must be slay himself * Deuse. 17 ●●ud. nineteen. b. thorough witnesses. Neither shall one witness answer to put a man to death. Moreover ye shall take none amends for the life of the murderer, which is worthy to die. But he shall be put to death. Also ye shall take no money of him that is fled to a free city, that he should come again, & dwell in the land, before the death of the high priest. And see that ye pollute not the land which ye shall dwell in, for blood ☞ defileth the land. And the land can none otherwise be cleansed of the blood that is shed therein, but by the blood of him that shed blood. Defile not therefore the land which ye shall inhabit, for I am the mids thereof: even I the Lord dwell among the children of Israel. ¶ An ordre for the marriage of the daughters of zelaphead. One of the tribes may not marry with another. CAPI. XXXVI. ANd the ancient fathers of the children of Gilead the son of Machir the son of Manasse of the kindred of the children of joseph, came forth and spoke before Moses, and the princes, and ancient fathers of the children of Israel, and said. * 〈◊〉. 26 ● The Lord commanded my Lord, to give the land to inherit by lot to the children of Israel. And my lord commanded in God's behalf, to give the inheritance of * Nume. 27 ● Zelaphead our brother unto his daughters. Whom if any of the sons of the other tribes of Israel took to wives, them shall their inheritance be taken from the inheritance of our fathers, and shall be put unto the inheritance of the tribe which they are received into, and shall be taken from the lot of our inheritance. And when the year of jubilee of the children of Israel cometh, then shall their inheritance be put unto the inheritance of the Tribe where into they are received: and so shall their inheritance be taken away from the inheritance of the tribe of our fathers. And Moses commanded the children of Israel, according to the word of the Lord, saying: The children of the tribe of joseph have said well. This therefore doth the lord command the daughters of Zelaphead, saying: * Tobi. ●. ● and. 〈◊〉. ● let them be wives to whom they themselves think best, only to the kindred and tribe of their father shall they marry, so shall not the inheritance of the Children of Israel remove from tribe to tribe, when the children of Israel abide every man in the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers. And every daughter that possesseth any inheritance in any tribe of the children of Israel, shall be wife unto one which is of the kindred of the tribe of h●r father, that the children of Israel may enjoy every man the inheritance of his fathers. Neither ought the enheryaunce to go from one tribe to an other: but every one of the tribes of the children of Israel, must abide in his own inheritance. And as the Lord commanded Moses, even so did the daughters of Zelaphead. And Mahela, Thirza, Hagla, Milcha and No● were married unto their Father's brothers sons, which were of the kindred of the children of Manasses the son of joseph: and so their inheritance remained in the tribe of the kindred of their father. These are the commandments & laws which the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses, unto the children of Israel in the feldis of Moab by jordan, over against Jericho. ❧ The end of the fourth book of Moses, called in the Hebrew Uaiedabber: and in the Latyn Numeri. ¶ The fifth book of Moses: called in the Hebrew Elle haddebarim: and in the Latyn Deuteronomium. ¶ A brief rehearsal of things done before CAPI. Primo. THese be the words which Moses spoke unto all Israel, on the other side jordan in the wilderness, in the plain over against the red see, between Pharan & Tophil, Laban, Hezeroth, and Disahab: eleven days journey from Horeb unto Cadꝭ barn by mount Seir. And it fortuned the first day of the eleventh month in the fourtyeth year, that Moses spoke unto the children of Israel according unto all that the lord had given him in commandment unto them, after that he had smitten * Num. xxi. c Sehon the king of the Amorites which dwelt in Hesbon: and Og, king of Basan which dwelt at Astaroth in Edrai. On the other side jordane in the land of Moab, began Moses to declare this law, saying: the lord our God spoke unto us in Horeb, saying. Ye have dwelt long enough in this Mount: depart therefore/ and take your journey, and go unto the hill of the Amorites, and unto all the places nyghther unto: both unto the plain, and hills and dales: to the south, to the ●ees side, to the land of Canaan, and unto Libanon: even unto the great river Euphrates. Behold, I have set the land before you: go in and * Gent. xv. d. and, xvii. b. possess the land which the lord swore unto your father's Abraham, Isaac, & jacob, to give unto them & their seed after them. And I spoke unto you the same season saying. I am not able to bear you myself alone. For the Lord your God hath multiplied you: and behold, ye are this day as the stars of heaven in number (the lord God of your fathers make you a thousand times so many more as ye are, and bless you, as he hath promised you,) how can * Exodi. 18. c I myself alone, bear the cumbrance, charge, & strife that is among you? bring (from among you) men of wisdom and of understanding and expert, according to your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you. And ye answered me and said: that which thou hast spoken is good for us to do. And so out of your tribes I took the captains, (men of wisdom and that were expert) and made them rulers over you: captains over thousands, and over hundreds, over fifty, and over ten, and officers among your tribes. And I charged your judges that same time, saying: hear the cause of your brethren and * Iohn. seven. ● judge righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him. See that ye know no ☞ faces in judgement: * Leviti ●i●● Pro●. ●●● but hear the small as well as the great, and be afraid of no man, for the judgement is Gods. And the cause that is to * Exodi. ●●● hard for you, bring unto me, and I will hear it. And I commanded you the same season, all the things which ye should do. And when we departed from Horeb, we went thorough all that great and terrible wilderness, as ye have seen along by the way of the hill of the Amorites, as the lord our god commanded us, and came to Cades Barn. And I said unto you: Ye are come unto the hill of the Amorytes, which the Lord our God will give unto us. Behold the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up, and conquer it, as the lord god of thy fathers hath said unto thee, * duty. x●● fear not, neither be discouraged. But ye came unto me every one and said: * Num. ●●● We will send men before us, to search us out the land, and to bring us word again, what way we must go up by, and unto what cities we shall come. And the saying pleased me well, and I took xii men of you, of every tribe one, which departed, and went up into the high country, & came unto the river Escoll, and searched it out, & took of the fruit of the land ❀ (to declare the plenteusnesse thereof) in their hands, and brought it unto us, and brought us word again & said: it is a good land, which the lord our god doth give us. Notwithstange ye would not consent to go up, but were disobedient unto the mouth of the Lord your God, & murmured in your tents, and said: because the lord hateth us therefore hath he brought us out of the land of Egypte, to deliver us in to the hand of the Amorites, and to destroy us. How shall we go up? Our brethren have discouraged our heart, saying: * Nun. 〈◊〉. the people is greater and taller than we, and have cities great & walled even up to heaven, and more over we have seen the sons of the Enakims' there. And I said unto you: dread not, nor be afraid of them: the lord your god which goeth before you, he shall fight for you, according to all that he did unto you in Egypte before your eyes. In the wilderness also thou hast seen how, that the lord thy god bore thee, even as a man doth bear his son, in all the way which ye have gone by until ye came unto this place. And yet in this thing ye did not believe the Lord your God. He went in the way before you, to search you out a place to pitch your tents in, * Exodi. 13. d in fire by night, that ye might see what way to go, and in a cloud by day. And the Lord heard the voice of your words, and was wroth, and swore, saying. * Num. 14. d ●d. xxvi. g There shall not one of these men and of this froward generation see that good land which I swore to give unto your fathers, save Caleb the son of jephune, he shall see it * josua. 14. ● and to him will I give the land that he hath trodden upon, & to his children, because be hath followed the Lord, ❀ (Wonderful was that indignation against the people, seeing that) * Nun. x●. c and▪ x. xvic the Lord was angry with me likewise for your sakes, saying: thou also shalt not go in thither. But josua the son of Nun which standeth before thee, he shall go in thither. Bolden him therefore, for he shall cause Israel to inherit the land. * Nume. 14. ● Moreover your children, which ye said should be a pray and your sons which in that day had no knowledge between good & evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall enjoy it. But as for you, turn your faces, and take your journey in to the wilderness: even by the way of the red see. Then ye answered and said unto me. * Nume. 1●. g We have sinned against the Lord: we will go up and fight, according to all that the Lord our god commanded us. And when ye had gird on every man his weapons of war: behold, ye were ready to go up in to the hill. And the Lord said unto me: say unto them, that they go not up, and that they fight not, for I am not among you: least ye fall before your enemies. I told you therefore, and ye would not hear, but disobeyed the mouth of the Lord, and wen● presumptuously up in to the hill. And the Amorites which dwelled in that hill came out against you, & chased you (as bees use to do) and smote you in Scir, even unto Horma. And ye came again, & wept before the lord: but the lord would not hear your voice, nor give you audience. * Nun. xx. a And so ye abode ☞ in Cades a long season, according to the time that ye remained in other placis. That which was ● one from the time they departed from Cades b●●ne, unto the battle against the kings Sehon, and Og. CAPI. II. THen we * 〈…〉. xxi. a turned our face, and took our journey in to the wilderness, even by the way of the red see, as the lord spoke unto me. And we compassed mount Seir a long tyme. And the Lord spoke unto me, saying. Ye have compassed this mountain long enough, turn you northward. And warn thou the people, saying: Ye shall go thorough the coost of your brethren the children of Esau, which dwell in Seir, and they shall be afraid of you: take ye good heed unto yourselves therefore. Ye shall not provoke them, for I will not give you of their land, no not so much as a foot breadth, * Gente 36. b Mala. 1. a. because I have given mount Seir unto Esau, to possess. Ye shall buy meat of them for money to eat/ and ye shall procure water of them for money to drink. For the lord thy God hath blessed thee, in all the works of thy hand. He knew thy entering in to this great wilderness this. xl. years, and the Lord thy god hath been with thee, so that thou hast lacked nothing. And when we were departed from our brethren the children of Esau which dwelt in Seir, the plain way from Elath & from Ez●on Gaber, we turned and went by the way of the wilderness of Moab. And the lord said unto me: * judi. iii. d Thou shalt nor fight against the Moabitꝭ, neither provoke them to battle, for I will not give the of their land to possess: because I have given At, unto the children of Loath to possess. The terrible people the * Gene. 14. ●. Emims dwelt therein in times past, a people great, many, and tall, as the Enakims': which also were taken for giants as the Enakims': whom the Moabites call Emyms. The Horims dwelled in Seir before time, whose possession the children of Esau occupied, & destroyed them before them and dwelt in their stead: as Israel did unto the land of his possession, which the lord gave them. Now rise up (said I) and get you over the river Zared: and we went over the river zared. The space in which we came from Cades barn until we were come over the river Zared, was xxxviii years: until all the generation of the men of war were wasted out from among the host, as the Lord swore unto them. * Nume. 14●● and xxvi. g. For in deed the hand of the Lord was against them, to destroy them from among the host, till they were consumed. And so it came to pass, that all the men of war were consumed and dead from among the people. And the lord spoke unto me, saying. Thou shalt go thorough Are the coost of Moab this day: and when thou comest nigh unto the children of Ammon, thou shalt not lay siege unto them, nor move war against them. For I will not give the of the land of the children of Ammon a possession, but I have given it unto the children of Loath to possess. That also is taken for a land of giants, and giants dwelt therein an old time, whom the Ammonites call Zanzumims. * Nume. 23. ● A people that was great, many, and tall, as the Enakims'. But the Lord destroyed them before them, and they succeeded them in the inheritance, & dwelled in their stead: as he did for the Children of * Gene. 36. ●. Esau, which dwell in Seir: when he destroyed the Horyms before them, they conquered their possession, and dwelt in their stead unto this day. And the Auims which dwelt in Hazatim even unto Aza, the Caphthorims which came out of Caphthor destroyed them, and dwelt in thyr stead. Rise ye up therefore, & take your journey over the river Arnon. Behold, * Num. xxi. ● I have given in to thy hand Sehon the Amorite, king of Hesbon, and his land. Go to therefore and conquete, and provoke him to vattayle. This day will I begin to send thee, fear and dread of thee, upon all nations that are under all the heaven: so that they which hear speak of thee, shall tremble and quake before the. And so he sent messengers out of the wilderness of Kedemoth, unto Sehon king of Hesbon with wordis of peace, saying: * Num. xxi. ● duty. xx. c I will go thorough thy land. I will go along by the high way. I will neither turn unto the right hand, nor to the left. Thou shalt sell me meat for money for to eat, & give me water for money for to drink: Only grant me, that I may go thorough on my foot (as the children of Esau which dwell in Seir, and the Moabites which dwell in Are, did unto me) until I be come over jordan, in to the land which the Lord our god giveth us. But Sehon the king of Hesbon/ would not let us pass by him, for the Lord thy god hardened his spirit, & made his heart tough, because he would deliver him into thy hand, as it is come to pass this day. And the lord said unto me, behold, I have begun to set Sehon and his land before thee: go to, and conquer, and possess his land. * Num. xxi. c Deute. 29. b Then both Sehon, and all his people came out against us to fight at jaza. And the lord set him before us, and we smote him and his sons, and all his people. And we took all his cities the same season, and slew the men, women, & children of all the ctiyes, and let nothing remain, save the cattle only we caught to ourselves, and the spoil of the cities which we took from Aroer, which is by the brink of the river of Arnon, and from the city that is in the river, unto Gilead; there was not one city to strong for us The Lord our God delivered all unto us: only unto the land of the children of Ammon thou camest not, nor unto every place of the river jabocke, nor unto the cities in the mountains, nor unto what soever the Lord our god forbade us. ¶ Things that chanced from the victory of the two kings Sehon and Og unto the institution of josua in Moses strade. CAPI. III THen we turned and went up the way to Basan. * Num. 〈…〉. Deut. 〈…〉 And Og the king of Basan came out against us: he and all his people to battle at Edrai. And the Lord said unto me: Fear him not, for I will deliver him, and all his people & his land in to thy hand, and thou shalt do unto him, as thou didst unto Sehon king of the Amorites, which dwelt at Hesbon. And so the Lord our god delivered into our hands. Og also the king of Basan and all his folk. And we smote him, until none was left him alive. And we took all his cities the same season (neither was there a city which we took not from them) even three score cities throughout all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Basan. All these cities also were made strong with high walls, gates and bars, beside unwalled towns a great meinie. And we utterly destroyed them, as we did unto Sehon king of Hesbon, bringing to nought all the cities, with men, women and children. But all the cattle and the spoil of the cities, we caught for ourselves. And thus we took the same season, out of the hand of two kings of the Amorites, the land that was on the other side jordan from the river of Arnon unto mount Hermon, (which Hermon the Sidons call Sirion, & the Amorites call it Senyr) all the cities that lay in the plain, and all Gilead and all Basan unto Salecha and Adrat, Cities of the kingdom of Og in Basan. For only Og king of Basan remained of the remnant of the gyauntꝭ, whose bed was a bed of iron. And is it not yet at Rabah among the children of Ammon? ix. cubits doth the length thereof contain, and four cubits the breadth of it, after the cubit of a man. And so we conquered this land the same time, from Aroer which is by the river of Arnon, unto half mount Gilead, * Nu 〈…〉 Deu●. 〈…〉 Io 〈…〉 and the cities thereof gave I unto the Rubenites and Gaddites. And the rest of Gilead and all Basan of the kingdom of Og, gave I unto the half tribe of Manasse, even all the region of Argob with all Basan: which is called the land of Glauntes. jair the son of Manasse took all the region of Argob unto the coostes of Gesuri and Maachati, and called them after his own name: Basan Navoth jair unto this day. And I gave Gilead unto Machir. And unto the Rubenites and Gaddites I gave half Gilead unto the river of Arnon/ half the valley & beyond, even unto the river jabocke, which is the border of the children of Ammon, the plain also (❀ of the wilderness) and jordan, & the coost thereof, from Ceneroth even unto the see which is in the plain, even the salt see under the springs of the hill, Eastward. * Nume. 32 d And I commanded you the same time, saying: the Lorden your GOD hath given you this land to enjoy it: ye shall go harnessed before your brethren the Children of Israel, all that are meet for the war. Your wives only, your children, and your cattle (for I wot that ye have moche cattle) shall abide in your cities which I have given you, until the Lord have given rest unto your brethren as well as unto you, and until they also have conquered the land, which the lord your god hath given them beyond jordan: and then shall ye return again, every man unto his possession which I have given you. * Num. 〈◊〉 d And I warned josua the same time, saying: thine eyes have seen all that the lord your god hath done unto these two kings/ even so shall he do unto all kingdoms whither thou goest: Ye shall not fear them, for the Lord your god, he shall fight for you. And I besought the Lord the same time/ saying: O Lord God, thou hast begun to show thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand, for else where is there a God in heaven or in earth, that can do after thy works, and after thy power? Let me go over & see the good land that is beyond jordan, that goodly ☞ mountain, & Libanon. * 〈…〉. ●. ● 〈…〉 d. iiii. c But the lord was angry with me for your sakes, & would not hear me. And the lord said unto me: be content, speak no more unto me of this matter. * Nume. 27 〈◊〉 Deute. 34 ● Get the up into the top of the hill, and lift up thine eyes westward, northward, southward, & Eastward, & behold it with thine eyes, for thou shalt not go over this jordan. But charge josua, & courage him, & bolden him. * ●um. 34. ● For he shall go before this people, & he shall divide unto them the land which thou shalt se. And so we abode in the valley over against the house of Peor. ¶ An exhortation to give diligent heed unto the law. images may not be maid to worship. The three Cities of refuge. CAPI. four AND now hearken O Israel unto the ordinances, and laws which I teach you, for to do them, that so ye may live, and go in and conquer the land, which the Lord God of your fathers giveth you. * Deut. xii. d josua. 23. ● Prove 30 a Ye shall put nothing unto the word which I command you, neither do ought therefrom/ that ye may keep the commandments of the lord your God, which I command you. Your eyes have seen what the Lord did unto Baal Peor, * Num. ●5. ●. and. xxxi. c for all the men that followed Baal Peor, the Lord your God hath destroyed from among you. But ye that cleave unto the Lord your God, are alive every one of you this day. Behold I have taught you ordinances, and laws, such as the Lord my god commanded me, that ye should do even so in the land, whither ye go to possess it. Keep them therefore, and do them, for that is your wisdom, and understanding in the sight of the nations: that they may hear all these ordinances, and say: Surely it is a wise and understanding people: it is a great nation. For what other nation is so great, that gods come so nigh unto, as the Lord our God is nigh unto us, in all things * Psal. 145 ● as oft as we call unto him? Yea, and what nation is so great that hath ordinances, and laws so righteous, as all this law which I set before you this day? Take heed to thyself therefore, and keep thy soul diligently, that thou forget not the things, which thine eyes have seen, and that they depart not out of thine heart, all the days of thy life: but * duty. vi. d teach them thy Sons, and thy sons sons: Specially the day that thou stoodest before the Lord thy god in Horeb, when the Lord said unto me: gather me the people together, & I will make them hear my wordis that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth/ * Ephe. vi. a & that they may teach their children: ye came * Exod. nineteen. c & stood also under the hill, and the hill burnt with fire: even unto the mids of heaven, and there was darkness/ clouds, & mist. And the lord spoke unto you out of the midst of the fire, and ye heard the voice of the words * Erodi. xx. ● i. Iohn. ●. b but saw no image/ save ye heard a voice only. And he declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to do, even. x. verses, which he wrote upon two tables of stone. And the Lord commanded me that same season, that I should teach you ordinances, and laws, which ye ought to do in the land whither ye go to possess it. ☞ Take therefore good heed unto yourselves as pertaining unto your souls, for ye saw no manner of image in the day that the lord spoke unto you in Horeb, out of the mids of the fire: least ye mar yourselves, and make you a graven image and picture of any manner of figure: the likeness of man or woman, the likeness of any manner of beast that is on the earth, or the likeness of any manner feathered foul that flieth in the air, or the likeness of any manner worm, that creyeth on the earth, or the likeness of any manner fish that is in the waters beneath the earth * duty. ●7. ● Sapi. 14. a job. xxxi. ● Yea and least thou life up thine eyes unto heaven and when thou sayst the Son, the moon, and the stars, with all the host of heaven, shouldest be deceived, and shouldest worship, and serve the things, which the lord * Gene. i. b thy god hath made to serve all nations under the hole heaven. But the Lord hath taken you, and brought you out of the iron furnace: even out of Egypt, to be unto him a people, and inheritance, as ye are this day. Furthermore, the Lord was angry with me for your words, and swore/ that I should not go over jordan, and that I should not go in unto that good land, which the lord thy god giveth the to inheritance. * Deute. 34 b But I must die in this land, & shall not go over jordan. But ye shall go over, and conquer that good land. Take heed unto yourselves, that ye forget not the appointment of the ●ord your god which he made with you, and that ye make you no graven Image, or any picture, that the Lord thy God hath forbidden the. * Hebru. ●2. ● For the Lord thy God is a consuming fire/ and a jealous God. If thou dost beget children, and children's Children, and when ye have dwelled in the land, ye do wickedly, and make any manner of graven * jere. xvi. ●. image, and work evil in the sight of the Lord ☞ thy god, to provoke him to anger, I call heaven & earth to record against you this day, that ye shall shortly perish from of the land, whither ye go over jordan to possess it: ye shall not prolong your days therein, but shall utterly be destroyed. And the Lord shall scatter you among the nations, and ye shall be left few in number among the people, whither the lord shall bring you: and there ye shall serve Gods, which are the work of man's hand, wood, and stone, which neither see/ nor hear, nor eat, nor smell. * Devit. 30 a jere. xxix. ● And there thou shalt seek the lord thy God, and shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thine heart, and with all thy soul. When thou art in tribulation, and when all these things (that be here spoken of) are come upon thee: even in the latter days, thou shalt return again to the Lord thy God, & be obedient unto his voice. For the Lord thy god is a merciful god: he will not forsake thee, neither destroy the * Levi. 〈◊〉▪ ● nor forget the appointment of thy fathers, which he swore unto them. For ask of the days that are past, which were before thee, since the day that God created man upon the earth, and (ask) from the one side of heaven unto the other, if ever there came to pass such a great thing, or whither any such like thing hath been herd. Did ever a nation hear the voice of God speaking out of the mids of a fire, as thou hast herd, and yet lived? either whither God assayed to go, and take him a people from among nations thorough temptations, Signs, Wonders, war, a mighty hand, a * Psal. ●●● stretched out arm, and thorough great visions, according unto all that the Lord your God did unto you in Egypt before your eyes? Nnto the it was showed, that thou mightest know, how that the Lord he is GOD, and that there is noon other but he. * Erodi. ●●● Out of heaven he made the hear his voice, that he might nurture thee, and upon earth he showed the his great fire, and thou heardest his words out of the mids of the fire. And because he loved thy Fathers, he chose their seed after them, and brought the out ☞ in his sight, and with his mighty power out of * Exodi. ●● Egypte: to thrust out nations great and mightier than thou/ before thee, and to bring the in, & to give the their land to inheritance: as it is come to pass this day. understand therefore this day/ and turn it to thine heart, that the Lord he is God in heaven above, and upon the earth beneath: neither is there any other. Thou shalt keep therefore his ordinances, & his commandments which I command the this day, that it may go well with thee, and with thy Children after thee, and that thou mayst prolong thy days upon the earth, which the Lord thy GOD giveth the thy life long. * Num● 〈◊〉 Deut. ●●● Then Moses severed three cities on the other side jordan toward the Son rising, that he should flee thither, which had killed his neighbour unwares, and hated him not in time past, and therefore should flee unto one of the same cities, and live: Namely, Bezer in the wilderness, even in the plain country of the tribe of Reuben: and Ramoth in Gylead of the Tribe of Gad, and Golan in Basan of the Tribe of Manasse. And so this is the law which Moses set before the Children of Israel: These are the witnesses/ statutes/ and ordinances, which Moses told the Children of Israel, after they came out of Egypte, on the other side jordane, in the valley over against the house of Peor, in the land of Sehon king of the Amorytes which dwelt at Hesbon: whom Moses and the Children of Israel * Nume. 2●. f smote/ after they were come out of Egypt, and conquered his land, and the land of Og king of Basan, two kings of the Amorites, which were on the other side jordan toward the son rising: from Aroer which is by the bank of the river Arnon, unto ☞ Mount Zion which is Hermon, and all the plain on the other side jordane Eastward: even unto the see, which is in the plain under the springs of the hill. ¶ The ten commandments. CAPI. V ANd Moses called all Israel, and said unto them: Hear O Israel the ordinances, and laws which I speak in your ears this day, that ye may learn them, and fulfil them in deed. The Lord our God made an appointment with us in Horeb. The lord made not this bond with our fathers, but with us: even with us/ which are all here alive this day. The Lord talked with you ☞ face to face in the mount/ out of the mids of the fire. And I stood between the Lord and you the same time/ and showed you the word of the Lord. For ye were afraid at the sight of the fire/ and went not up in to the mount, and he said: * Exodi. x●. a I am the Lord thy God, which brought the out of the land of Egypt from the house of bondage. Thou shalt have noon other Gods in my presence. * levit. 26. a Thou shalt make the no graven image of any manner of likeness that is in heaven above, and that is in earth beneath, & that is in the waters beneath the earth. Thou shalt neither bow thyself unto them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God, am a jealous God, visiting the wickedness of the fathers upon the Children, even in the third, and fourth generation, among them that hate me: and show mercy upon thousands, among them that love me, and keep my commandments. * Exodi. 19 ● Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy god in vain: for ❀ the Lord will not hold him guiltless, that taketh his name in vain. Keep the Sabbath day, that thou sanctify it, as the Lord thy God hath commanded the. * Levitt. 23. a Syxe days thou shalt labour, and do all that thou hast to do, but the * Exodi. 13. b seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: thou shalt not do any work, thou and thy Son, thy daughter, thy servant, and thy maid, thine ox, and thine ass, and all thy cattle, and the stranger that is within thy gates, that thy servant, & thy maid may reest as well as thou. Remember, that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypte/ and how that the lord thy God brought the out thence thorough * Psal. 136 ● a mighty hand/ and a stretched out arm. For which cause the Lord thy God commanded thee, to keep the Sabbath day. * Exodi. xx. b Math. xv a Ephe. vi. a. Mark. 7 b Honour thy father, and thy mother, as the Lord thy god hath commanded thee: that thy days may be prolonged, & that it may go well with the in the land, which the lord thy God giveth the. * Thou shalt not slay. * Math. v. c. Luke. 1●. d. Roma. 13. c. Thou shall not break wedlock. * Thou shalt not steal. * Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbour. * Roma. 7. b Thou shalt not lust after thy neighbours wife: thou shalt not covet thy neighbours house, his field/ his servant, or his maid, his Ox, his Ass/ or aught that thy neighbour hath. These words the Lord spoke unto all your multitude in the mount out of the mids of the fire, cloud, & darkness, with a great voice, and added no more Exod. xxxi. thereto, & wrote them in two tables of stone/ and delivered them unto me. And it fortuned/ that when ye heard the voice out of the mids of the darkness/ & saw that the hill did burn which fire, ye came unto me with the captains of your tribes/ and your Elders, and ye said: behold/ the Lord our God hath showed us his glory, and his greatness, and * Exodi. nineteen d we have herd his voice out of the myddis of the fire: We have seen this day, that God doth talk with a man, and he yet liveth. Now therefore why should we die, that this great fire should consume us? If we hear the voice of the Lord our God any more, we shall die. For ☞ what flesh hath it been, that ever heard the voice of the living god speaking out of the mids of the fire (as we have done) and yet did live? Go thou and hear all that the Lord our God sayeth, & tell thou unto us all that the Lord our God sayeth unto the * Exodi. nineteen a and we will hear it, and do it. And the Lord heard the voice of your wordis when ye speak unto me, and the lord said unto me: I have heard the voice of the wordis of this people, which they have spoken unto thee, they have well said all that they have spoken. * jere. 24. b. and. xxxi▪ ● Oh that there were such an heart in them that they would fear me, and keep all my commandments all way, that it might go well with them, and with their Children for ever. Go, and say unto them: get you in to your tents again, but stand thou here by me, and I will tell thee, all the commandments, ordinances, and laws, which thou shalt teach them, that they may do them in the land, which I give them to possess. Take heed therefore, that ye do in deed as the LORD your God hath commanded you, and * Deute. 17 d turn not aside: either to the right hand, or to the left: but walk in all the ways which the Lord your God hath commanded you, that ye may live/ and that it may go well with you, and that ye may prolong your days, in the land which ye shall possess. ¶ The law of God may not be forgotten. CAPI. VI THese are the commandments, ordinances, and laws, which the Lord your God commanded me to teach you, that ye might do them in the land why there ye go to possess it: namely, that thou mightest * D●ut●. x. c. fear the Lord thy God, & keep all his ordinances, and his commandments which I command thee: thou and thy son, and thy sons son all days of thy life, that thy days may be prolonged. Hear therefore, O Israel, and take heed, that thou do thereafter, that it may go well with thee, & that ye may increase mightily, even as the Lord God of thy Fathers hath promised the a land, that floweth with milk, and honey. * Mark. xii. ● Hear O Israel, the Lord our God is Lord only, and ‡ Mat. 22. b Mark. xii. c Luke. x. ●. thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. * duty. xi. c. And these words which I command the this day/ shall be in thine heart, and thou shalt show them unto thy Children, and shalt talk of them when thou art at home in thine house/ and as thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up: and thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand. And they shall be warnings between thine eyes & thou shalt write them upon the poostes of thy house, and upon thy gates. And when the Lord thy God hath brought the into the land/ which he swore unto thy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and jacob, and giveth the great & goodly cities which thou buildest not, houses full of all manner of goods which thou fylledst not, and wells digged which thou dyggest not, vyneyeardꝭ and olive trees which thou plantedst not, & when thou hast eaten & art full: Then beware least thou forget the Lord, which brought the out of the land of Egypt from the house of bondage. * duty. x●. Math. 4● Luke. iiams Thou shalt fear the lord thy god, and serve him, and ☞ swear by his name. See that ye walk not after strange gods: the gods of the nations which are about you. For the Lord thy God, is a jealous God among you, lest the countenance of the lord thy God be moved to wrath against thee, and destroy the from of the earth. * math. iiams Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God as ye did ❀ in the temptation. But keep the commandments of the Lord your God, and his witnesses, and his ordinances which he hath commanded thee, & thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the Lord: that thou mayst prosper, & that thou mayst go in, and conquer that good land, which the Lord swore unto thy fathers to cast out all thine enemies before thee, as the Lord hath said. * duty. ●. ● And when thy son asketh the in time to come, saying: What meaneth these witnesses, ordinances, and laws, which the lord our God hath commanded you? Then thou shalt say unto thy son: We were pharao's bondmen in Egypte, & the lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. And the Lord showed signs, & wonders great and evil upon Egypt▪ upon Pharaoh, & upon all his household, before our eyes, but brought us out from thence: to bring us in, and to give us the land which he swore unto our fathers. And the Lord hath commanded us to do all these ordinances, and to fear the Lord our god, for our wealth all the days of our life, as it is come to pass this day. Moreover this shall be our righteousness before the Lord our god, if we take heed, and keep all these commandments, as he hath commanded us. ¶ The Israelites may make no covenant with the gentiles. They must destroy their Idols. Idolaters must be slay. CAPI. VII. WHen the Lord thy God hath brought the into the land whither thou goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee: namely, the Hethites, the Gergesites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Pheresites, the Hevites & the jebusites. seven. nations greater, and mightier than thou * Exod. xiii c ●. xxxiiii. b. and when the Lord thy god hath set them before thee, thou shalt smite them, & utterly destroy them, & make no covenant with them/ nor have compassion on them. Thou shalt make no marriages with them, neither give thy daughter unto his son, nor take his daughter unto thy son. For they will deceive thy son, that he should not fear me, & they shall serve strange god, & then will the wrath of the lord wax hoot against you, & destroy you shortly. But thus ye shall deal with them: * Exod. 34. b. Nume. 33. f Ye shall overthrow their altars, & break down their pillars, cut down their groves & burn their graven images which fire. * Deut. 14. a and. 36. d Peter. two b For thou art an holy nation unto the Lord thy God: * Exodi. nineteen a the Lord thy God hath chosen thee, to be a several people unto himself, above all nations that are upon the earth. It was not because of the multitude of you above all nations, that the lord had lust unto you & choose you, saying ye were fewest of all nations. But because the lord loved you, and because he would keep the * ●eue. xxii, c oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, therefore hath the Lord brought you out thorough a mighty hand, and delivered you out of the house of bondage: even from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. understand therefore, that the lord thy god he is god, & that a true god * Exodi. xx. a and. 34. a which keepeth pointment and mercy unto them that love him & keep his commandments, even throughout a thousand generations: and rewardeth them that hate ☞ him before his face, so that he bringeth them to nought, & doth not defar the time, but rewardeth him that hateth him, before his face. Keep thou therefore the commandments/ & ordinances & laws, which I command the this day that thou do them. * Exodi. 23. d If ye hearken unto these laws, & observe & do them, the lord thy god also shall keep to thee, the pointment, & the mercy which he swore unto thy fathers. He will love thee/ & bless thee/ and multiply thee: he will also bless the fruit of thy womb, & the fruit of thy land, thy corn, thy wine and thine oil, & the increase of thine oxen, and the flockis of thy sheep in the land, which he swore unto thy fathers to give the. Thou shalt be blessed above all nations: there shall be neither man, nor woman, unfruitful among you, nor any thing unfruitful among your cattle. Moreover the lord will * Exodi. 23. d take away from the all manner infirmities, and will put none of the evil diseases * Exodi. ix. a of Egypte (which thou knowest) upon thee, but will send them upon all them that hate the. Thou shalt consume all the nations which the Lord thy God shall deliver thee: thine eye shall have no pity upon them/ neither shalt thou serve their Gods, for that shallbe thy decay. If thou say in thine heart: these nations are ●o then I, how can I cast them out? * duty. xx. ● josua. ●. a. Thou shalt not fear them but remember, what the lord thy God did unto Pharaoh, & unto all Egypt: the great temptations which thine eyes saw, & the signs, and wonders, & the mighty hand, & stretched out arm, where thorough the Lord thy god brought the out: even so shall the Lord thy god do to all the nations, of whom thovarte afraid. * Exodi. 23. ● josua. 24. ● Moreover, the lord thy god will send hornets among them, until they that are left (& hide themselves from thee) be destroyed. Thou shalt not fear them, for the Lord thy god is among you, a mighty god and a terrible, for the lord thy god will put out these nations before the by a little, & a little * Exodi. 23. ● thou mayst not consume them at once, least the beasts of the field increase upon the. But the Lord thy God shall give them over before thee, and shall destroy them with a mighty tempest, until he have brought them to nought. * josua. x. x●▪ and, xii. And he shall deliver their kings into thine hand, and thou shalt destroy their name from under heaven. There shall no man he able to stand before thee, until thou have destroyed them. The graven images of their Gods shalt thou burn with fire, and * josu. seven. a two. Ma. xii. c covet not the Gold, & silver that is on them, nor take it unto thee, lest thou be snared therein. For it is an abomination before the lord thy god. Bring not therefore abomination in to thine house, lest thou be ☞ a dampened thing, as it is: but utterly defy it, & abhor it, for it is a dampened thing. ¶ Moses putteth the israelites in remembrance what God hath done to them in the wilderness. CAPI. VIII. ALl the commandments which I command the this day, shall ye keep for to do them, that ye may live, and multiply, and go in, & possess the land which the lord swore unto your fathers. And thou shalt think on all the way, which the lord thy God led the this. xl. year in the wilderness, for to humble thee, and to prove thee, and to weet what was in thine heart, whither thou wouldest keep his commandments or no. He * Exodi. i●. ● Nume. xi. ● humbled thee, and suffered the to hunger, and fed the with Manna, which neither thou nor thy Fathers knew of, to make the know, that * Math. 4. a a man doth not live by bread only: but by every ❀ (word) that proceedeth out of the mouth of the lord/ doth a man live. * Diute. ●9. a Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell these. xl. years. This also shalt thou consider in thy heart, that as a man nurtoureth his son, even so the Lord thy god nurtoureth the. Therefore shalt thou keep the commandments of the lord thy god, that thou walk in his ways, and fear him. For the Lord thy God bringeth the in to a good land, a land in the which are rivers of waters, and fountains, and spryngis that spring out of valleys, & hills: a land wherein is wheat and barley, vineyards, fyg trees, and Pomgarnates: a land wherein is oil olive, and honey: a land/ wherein thou shalt eat bread without scarcenesss, neither shalt thou lack any thing: a land * ●ob. 2●. ●. whose stones are iron, and out of whose hills thou shalt dig brass. When thou hast eaten therefore, and filled thyself, thou shalt bless the Lord thy God in that good land, which he hath given the. Beware/ that thou forget not the Lord thy God/ that thou wouldest not keep his commandments, his laws and ordinances which I command the this day: * Nun. 〈…〉. x. ● yea and when thou hast eaten, and filled thyself, and hast build goodly houses, and dwelled therein, and when thy beasts, and thy sheep are waxed many, and thy silver and gold is multiplied and all that thou haste is increased, then beware, least thine heart rise, and thou forget the lord thy god, which brought the out of the land of Egypte, and from the house of bondage, and which was thy guide in the great and terrible wilderness (wherein were) fyryt serpents, scorpions, and drought with out any water. But he brought out water for thee, even out of the rock of flint: he fed the in the wilderness with Manna, which thy Fathers knew not, even for to humble thee, and to prove thee, and that he might so do the good at thy latter end. least thou shouldest say in thine heart * ●. Regum. two. b my power, and the might of mine own hand hath prepared me this abundance: But remember the lord thy god/ how that it is he which giveth the power to get substance, for to make good the promise which he swore unto thy fathers, as this day doth witness. And if thou forget the lord thy god, and walk after strange * 〈…〉 gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify unto you this day, that ye shall surely perish. As the nations which the lord destroyeth before you, even so ye shall perish, because ye would not be obedient to the voice of the lord your god. ¶ They are forbidden to trust in their own strength. CAPI. IX. Hear O Israel, thou passest over jordane this day, to go in, and conquer nations greater and mightier than thyself: cities great and walled up to heaven, a * Num. 〈…〉 people great and tall, even the Children of the Enakyms, which thou knowest of, and of whom thou hast heard say: who will stand before the Children of Enake? understand therefore this day, that the Lord thy god is even he which goeth over before the as a ❀ (devouring) and a consuming fire, he shall destroy them, & he shall bring them down before thy face. He shall cast them out, and bring them to nought quickly, as the lord hath said unto the. Speak not thou in thine heart (after that the Lord thy God hath cast them out before thee) saying: for my righteousness the lord hath brought me in, to possess this land. Nay, but for the wickedness of these nations the Lord hath cast them out before the. It is not for thy righteousness sake, or for thy right heart, that thou goest to possess their land. But for the wickedness levit. 〈…〉 of these nations, the Lord thy god doth cast them out before thee, even to perform the word, which the Lord thy God swore unto thy father's Abraham, Isaac and jacob. understand therefore, that it is not for thy righteousness sake, that the Lord thy god doth give the this good land to possess it, saying thou art a stiff necked people. Remember, and forget not, how thou provokedst the lord thy god in the wilderness, since the day that thou didst depart out of the land of Egypt, until ye came unto this place, ye have rebelled against the Lord. * Exodi. 17 ● and▪ 325 ● Also in Noreb ye angered the Lord, so that the lord was wroth with you, even to have destroyed you, when I was gone up into the mount, to receive the tables of stone, the tables of appointment, which the Lord made with you. And I abode in the hill. xl. days/ and xl. nights, when I neither did eat bread nor drank water. * Exodi. 〈…〉 And the lord delivered me two tables of stone, written with the finger of god, & in them was according to all the wordis which the lord said unto you in the mount out of the mids of the fire, in the day of the gathering together. And when the. xl, days, and▪ xl. nights were ended, the lord gave me the two tables of stone, the tables of the covenant, and the Lord said unto me. * Exodi. 32. b Up and get the down quickly from hence, for thy people which thou hast brought out of Egypt, have marred all. They are turned atonce out of the way/ which I commanded them, and have made them a molten image. Furthermore, the lord spoke unto me, saying: I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiffnecked people/ let me alone, that I may destroy them, and put out the name of them from under heaven, and I will make of the a mighty nation, & greater than they be. And I turned me, and came down from the hill (even from the hill that burned with fire) and the two Cables of the appointment were in my hands. And I looked, and behold, ye had sinned against the lord your god, and had made you a molten calf, and had turned atonce out of the way which the Lord had commanded you. * Exodi. 32. ● And I took the two tables and cast them out of my two hands, and broke them before your eyes. * Exod. 24. ● and. 34. d And I fell down flat before the lord: even as at the first time, and. xl. days and. xl. nights I did neither eat bread nor drink water, because of all your synnis which ye sinned, in doing wickedly in the sight of the Lord, in that ye provoked him unto wrath. For I was afraid that for the wrath and fierceness wherewith the Lord was moved against you, he would have destroyed you But the Lord heard me at that time also. The Lord was very angry with Aaron also, even to have destroyed him: & I made intercession for Aaron also the same tyme. And I took your sin, * Exodi. 32 ● the calf which ye had made, and burnt him with fire, & stamped him/ and ground him a good, even unto small dust. And I cast the dust thereof into the broke, that descended out of the mount. Also at the burning, * Nun. xi. a at the temptation/ and at the Sepulchres of lust ye angered the Lord, likewise when the lord sent you from Cades Barn, saying: go up, and conquer the land which I have given you, * ●●●eg. seven. ● ye disobeyed the mouth of the Lord your god, and neither believed him, nor hearkened unto his voice. Ye have been disobedient unto the lord, since the day that I knew you. And I fell down flat before the Lord. xl. days, and. xl nights which I lay there, for the Lord said, that he would destroy you. I made intercession therefore unto the Lord, and said: * Exod. 34. ● O Lord God destroy not thy people and thine inheritance, which thou hast delivered thorough thy greatuesse/ and which thou hast brought out of Egypt thorough a mighty hand. Remember thy servants Abraham, Isaac/ and jacob, & look not unto the stubborness of this people, nor to their wickedness and sin: least the land whence thou broughtest them, say: The lord is not able to bring them into the land, which he promised them, and because he hated them, therefore hath he carried them out, to slay them in the wilderness. Behold, they are thy people, and thine inheritance which thou broughtest out in thy mighty power, and in thy stretched out arm. ¶ The renewing of the Cables. An exhortaciyn to give heed to the law. CAPI. X. IN the same season the Lord said unto me, * Exod. 34. ● hew the two tables of stone like unto the first, and come up unto me in to the mount, and make the an Ark of wood and I will write in the Cables, the words that were in the first tables which thou brakest/ and thou shalt put them in the Ark. And I made an Ark of Sethym wood, and hewed two tables of stone * Exodi. 32. ● like unto the first, and went up into the mountain, having the two tables in mine hand. And he wrote in the tables, * Exod. 34. ● according to the first writing (the ten verses which the Lord spoke unto you, in the mount out of the mids of the fire/ in the day of the gathering together) and the lord gave them unto me. And I departed, and came down from the hill, and * Deute. 31. ● put the tables in the Ark which I had made: and there they be, as the lord commanded me. * Nume. 33. ● And the Children of Israel took their journey from Beroth of the children of jakan to Mosera, where * Nun. xx. ● Aaron died, & was buried, and Eleazar his son became priest in his stead. From thence they departed unto Gadgad, and from Gadgad to jath bathe a land which hath rivers of waters * Nun. three 〈◊〉 three ●. xviii. ☞ The same season the lord separated the tribe of Levi to bear the Ark of the appointment of the Lord, and to stand before the Lord, and to minister unto him, & to bless in his name unto this day. * Deut. 18. ●. Wherefore the Levites have no part, nor inheritance with their brethren: But the lord is their inheritance/ as the lord thy god hath promised them. * duty. ix. ● And I tarried in the mount, even as at the first tyme. xl. days &. xl. nights, and the lord hearkened unto me at that time also, and the lord would not destroy the. And the lord said unto me: up, & go forth in the journeys before the people, that they may go in, & conquer the land which I swore unto their fathers, to give unto them. And now Israel, what doth the Lord thy God require of the * Deut. vi. a. but to fear the Lord thy God, & to walk in all his ways, to * duty. vi b josua. 22 d Math. ●2. d love him, & to serve the lord thy god with all thine heart, and with all thy soul: Namely, that thou keep the commandments of the lord, & his ordinances which I command the this day, for thy wealth. Behold, heaven & the heaven of heavens is the lord thy god, and the earth with all that therein is: notwithstanding, the lord had a lust unto thy fathers to love them, and chose their seed after them, even you, above all nations, as thou seest this day. * Deut. 30. b Circumcise therefore the foreskin of your heart, & be no more stiffnecked: For the lord your god, is god of god/ and lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, * Ealat. two. d. Roma. two. b. Act●●. ●. c Collo. three d. Epi●e. vi. b. ●. Peter. ●. c. which regardeth no man's person/ nor taketh gift: He doth right unto the fatherless, & widow, and loveth the stranger, to give him food, and raiment. * Exodi. 22. c Love ye therefore the stranger also: for ye were strangers yourselves in the land of Egypte. * duty. vi. e Math. 4 b Luke. iiii. b Thou shalt fear the Lord thy god, & him (only) shalt thou serve, to him shalt thou cleave, and ☞ swear by his name, he is thy praise and thy god, that hath done for the these great & terrible things, which thine eyes have seen. Thy Fathers went down in to Egypte * Gene. 46. ● with. lxx. souls, and now the Lord thy god hath made thee, and multiplied thee, as the * Gene xv. ●. stars of heaven. ¶ An exhortation to regard the Law. CAPI. XI. Therefore thou shalt love the Lord thy god & keep his observances, is ordinances, his laws, & his commandments alway. Call to your mind this day that which your children have neither known nor seen: even the nurture of the Lord your god, his greatness, his mighty hand, and his stretched out arm: his miracles, and his acts which he did in the mids of Egypt, even unto Pharaoh the king of Egypte, and unto all his land: and what he did unto the host of Egypt, unto their horses, and charettes, * Exodi. 14. f how he brought the water of the red see upon them, as they chased you behind, and how the Lord hath brought them to nought unto this day: & what he did unto you in the wilderness, until ye came unto this place: & what he did unto * Num. 16. ●. Dathan, and Abiram the sonnis of Eliab the son of Reuben how the earth opened her mouth, and swallowed them, with their households, & their tents, and all their substance that was in their possession, in the mids of Israel. Doubtless your eyes have seen all the great acts of the lord which he did. Therefore shall ye keep all the commandments, which I command you this day, that ye may be strong and go in, & conquer the land, whither ye go to possess it, & that ye may prolong your days in the land/ which the lord swore unto your fathers, to give unto them & to their seed, a land that floweth with milk & honey. * duty. ●. ●. For the land whither thou goest to possess it, is not as the land of Egypt that ye came out of, where thou sowedst thy seed ☞ and wateredst it with thy feet, as a garden of herbs: but the land whither ye go over to possess it, is a land that hath hills & valleys, and drinketh water of the rain of heaven. This land doth the lord thy god care for, and the eyes of the lord thy God are always upon it, from the beginning of the year, unto the end of the year. If ye shall hearken therefore unto my commandments, which I command you this day, that ye love the lord your God, & serve him with all your heart/ & with all your soul. * duty. 〈◊〉 ●●ohel. 〈◊〉 Amos. 〈◊〉▪ ● I also will give rain unto your land in due season: the first rain and the latter, that thou mayst gather in thy corn, thy wine, & thine oil. And I will send grass in thy fields for thy cattle: that thou mayest eat, and fill thyself. But beware that your heart deceive you not, & ye turn aside, and serve strange Gods, and worship them, and then the lord being wroth against you, * duty. 〈◊〉. ● 3. Re. x●i●. ● and. xviii ● Amos. ii●● shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that your land yield not her fruit, and least ye perish quickly from of the good land, which the lord giveth you Therefore shall ye put up these my words in * duty. 〈◊〉. ● Prove. 〈◊〉 ● your heart, and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as a warning between your eyes, and ye shall * duty. 〈◊〉 ● Prove. ii●● teach them your children that they may talk of them, when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way: when thou liest down, and when thou risest up: yea and thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates, that your days may be multiplied, & the days of your children, in the land which the Lord swore unto your fathers to give them, as long as the days of heaven last upon the earth. For ✚ if ye keep all these commandments, which I command you, so that ye do them: Namely: that ye love the lord your God, and walk in all his ways, and cleave unto him. Then will the lord cast out all these nations before you, & ye shall be the heirs of great nations, & of them that are myghtyet then yourselves. * josua. i. a All the places whereon the soles of your feet shall tread shallbe yours, even from the wilderness, and from Libanon, and from the river Euphrates, even unto the uttermost see, shall your coost be. There shall no man be able to stand before you: for the Lord your God shall cast the fear and dread of you, upon all the land that ye shall tread upon, as he hath said unto you. ⊢ * Deute. 30. c Behold, I set before you this day, a blessing & a curse, * Deut. 28. ●. a blessing: if ye obey the commandments of the lord your god, which I command you this day. And a curse: if ye will not obey the commaundementis of the lord your god, but turn out of the way, which I command you this day, to go after strange gods, which ye have not known. When the Lord thy God therefore hath brought the in to the land, whither thou goest to possess it, thou shalt put the * Deut. 27. b blessing upon mount Garizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal, which (mountains) are on the other side jordane, on the back side of the way toward the going down of the son in the land of the Canaanites, which dwell in the plain over against Gilgal beside the grove of Moreh. For ye shall pass over jordane, to go in, and possess the land, which the lord your god giveth you, & ye shall con quere it, and dwell therein. Take heed therefore that ye do all the commandments & laws, which I set before you this day. ¶ idolatry must the Israelites destroy and flee from. They must only do that thing, which god commandeth. CAPI. XII. THese are the ordinances & laws which ye shall observe & do in the land, which the lord God of thy fathers giveth the to possess it, as long as ye live upon the earth. * Deute. 7. a Ye shall destroy all places wherein the nations which ye shall conquer served their gods, upon high mountains, on hills, & under every thick tree. Overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire, and hew down the graven images of the god that they have, and bring the names of them to nought out of that place. ☞ Ye shall not do so unto the Lord your God, but ye shall seek the place, which the lord your God shall have chosen out of all your tribes, to put his name there, and there to dwell. And * Exod. 14. b and. xvi. b thither thou shalt come, and thither ye shall bring your burnt sacrifices, your offerings, your tithes, and heveofferynges of your hand, your vows, your frewylofferynges, and the first gendered of your oxen/ and of your sheep. And there ye shall eat before the Lord your God/ and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto/ both ye and your households/ wherein the Lord thy God hath blessed the. Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man what seemeth him good in his own eyes. For ye are not yet come to rest/ & to the inheritance/ which the Lord your God giveth you. But when ye go over jordane/ and dwell in the land which the Lord your god hath given you to inherit/ and when he hath given you rest from all your enemies round about/ so that ye dwell in safety/ then unto the place which the Lord your God hath chosen/ to put his name there/ ye shall bring all that I command you: Namely your burnt-sacrifices, your offerings/ your tithes/ the have offering of your hand/ and all your syecyall vows, which ye vow unto the Lord. And ye shall rejoice before the lord your god, yea and your sons/ and your daughters/ your servants/ and your maids/ & the Levite that is within your gates, * duty ●. 〈◊〉 and. xviii. ● for as much as he hath no part nor inheritance with you. Take heed that thou offer not thy burnt offerings in every place that thou seest▪ but in the place which the Lord shall have chosen in one of thy tribes, there thou shalt offer thy burnt-offerings, and there thou shalt do all that I command the. notwithstanding thou mayst kill and eat flesh in all thy cities, whatsoever thy soul lusteth after, according to the blessing of the Lord thy God, which he hath given thee, * Deut. xv. ● both the unclean, & the clean may eat thereof, even as the roo, or the heart: only ye shall not eat the blood, but power it upon the earth as water. Thou mayst not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine, & of thy oil, and the first gendered of thine oxen, & of thy sheep, neither any of thy vows, which thou vowest, nor thy frewylofferyngꝭ, or heave-offering of thine hand: but thou must eat them before the Lord thy God, in the place which the Lord thy God hath chosen: Thou, & thy son, and thy daughter, thy servant, and thy maid, and the levity that is within thy gates: and thou shalt rejoice ❀ (and be refreshed,) before the lord thy God, in all that thou puttest thine hand to. * Ec●le. seven. ● Beware, that thou forsake not the Levite, as long, as thou livest upon the earth. If (when the lord thy god hath enlarged thy border, as he hath promised thee) thou say: I will eat flesh, because thy soul longeth to eat flesh, thou mayst eat flesh whatsoever thy soul lusteth. If the place which the lord thy god hath chosen to put his name there, be to far from thee, than thou shalt kill of thy oxen, and of thy sheep, which the lord hath given thee, as I have commanded thee, and thou shalt eat in thine own city, whatsoever thy soul lusteth. * Deut. xv. d And as the too and the heart is eaten, even so thou shalt eat them: both the clean and the unclean shall eat of them. But be strong * ●i. Reg. 14. t that thou eat not the blood. For the blood is the life, & thou mayst not eat the life with the flesh thou shalt not eat it, but power it upon the earth, as water. See thou eat it not, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after the. But thou shalt do that, which is right in the sight of the Lord. But ☞ thy holy things which thou hast and thy vows * Deute. 14. c and. xvi. b thou shalt take, and come unto the place which the Lord hath chosen and thou shalt offer thy burnt-offerings, both flesh and blood upon the altar of the Lord thy God, and the blood of thine offerings shall be powered out upon the altar of the lord thy God, and thou shalt eat the flesh. Take heed, and hear all these words. which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, & with thy children after the for ever, if thou dost that which is good and right in the sight of the Lord thy god. When the Lord thy god hath destroyed the nations before thee, whither thou goest to conquer them, & thou succedest in their inheritance, and dwellest in their land. Beware, that thou be not taken in a snare after them, after that they be destroyed before thee, & that thou ask not after their Gods, saying: how did these nations serve their Gods? I will do so likewise. * Deute. 18. t Nay, thou shalt not do so unto the Lord thy God: for all abominations, & that which the Lord hateth, the same have they done unto their Gods. For they burn both their sons and their daughters with fire before their Gods. Therefore whatsoever I command you, that take heed ye do ( * ❀ only, unto the lord) & * josua. i. d Deut. iiii. a josua. 23. b Prove. 30 a put thou nought thereto, nor take aught therefrom. ¶ The false prophet must be put to death. God proveth our faith by false miracles. CAPI. XIII. IF there arise among you a * Math. 7. c. Prophet or a dreamer of dreams, and give the a sign, or a wonder: and that sign, or wonder which he hath said, come to pass, and then say: Let us go after strange Gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them: hearken not thou unto the words of that prophet or dreamer of dreams. * Deut. viii ● For the Lord thy God proveth you, to weet whither ye love the Lord your god with all your heart, and with all your soul. Ye shall walk after the Lord your god, and fear him, keep his commandments, and hearken unto his voice, serve him, and cleave unto him. * jere. 28. 8. and. 29. ● zacha. 13. ●. And the prophet or dreamer of dreams shall die, because he hath spoken to turn you away from the Lord your God which brought you out of the land of Egypte, and delivered you out of the house of bondage) to thrust the out of the way, which the Lord thy God commanded the to walk in: and therefore thou shalt put the evil away from the. If thy brother, the son of thy mother, or thine own son, or thy daughter, or the wife that lieth in thy bosom, or thy friend which is as thine own soul unto thee, entice the secretly, saying: let us go and serve strange Gods, which thou hast not known nor yet thy fathers. And they be of the Gods of the people which are round about you, whither they be nigh unto the or far of from thee, from the one end of the earth unto the other. Thou shalt not consent unto him, nor hearken unto him: thine eye shall not pity him, neither shalt thou have compassion on him, nor keep him secret, * Deut. ●. ● but cause him to be slay. Thine hand shallbe first upon him to kill him: and then the hands of all the people. And thou shalt stone him with stones that he die, because he hath gone about to thrust the away from the Lord thy God, which brought the out of the land of Egypte, and from the house of bondage. And all Israel shall hear & fear, and shall do no more any such whyckednes as this is, among you. If thou shalt hear say in one of thy cities which the lord thy god hath given the to dwell in, that certain men being the children of belial, are gone out from omonge you, & have moved the inhabitors of their city, saying: Let us go and serve strange Gods, which ye have not known. Then thou must seek, and make search and inquire diligently. And behold, if it be true, and the thing of a surety, that such abomination is wrought among you: then thou shalt smite the dwellers of that City in the edge of the sword, and destroy it utterly, and all that is therein, and even the very cattle thereof with the edge of the sword. And gather all the spoil of it in to the mids of the street thereof, & burn with fire both the city and all the spoil thereof, every whit for the lord thy god. And it shallbe an heap for ever, & shall not be built again. * Deute. 7. d two. Ma. xii. t And there shall cleave nought of the dampened thing in thy hand, that the lord may turn from the fierceness of his wrath, & show the mercy, & have compassion on thee, & multiply thee, as he hath sworn unto thy fathers. * Exod. nineteen. a Therefore shalt thou hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy god, to keep all his commandments, which I command the this day, that thou do it, which is right in the eyes of the lord thy God. ¶ The manners of the gentiles may not be followed. What beasts are clean to ●●ten, and what not. CAPI. XIIII. YE are the children of the lord your god. * Leviti x. b. Ye shall not cut yourselves, nor make you any baldness between your eyes, for any dead man. * Deut. seven. a For thou art an holy people unto the lord thy god, and the lord hath chosen thee, to be a several people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth. Thou shalt * Leviti xi. a. eat no manner of abomination. These are the beasts which ye shall eat of: oxen, sheep, and gootes, heart, to and bugle: wild goote, unicorn, wild ox, and chameleon. And all beasts that cleave the hoof, and slit it in to two claws, & chew the cud, them ye shall eat. Nevertheless, these ye shall not eat of them that chew cud, and of them that divide and cleave the hoof: the camel, the hare, and the conye: which chew cud, but divide not the hoof: therefore are they unclean unto you: and also the swine: though he divide the hoof, yet he cheweth not cud, therefore is he unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of the flesh of such, nor touch the dead carcase of them. * Leviti xi. b. These ye shall eat of all that are in the waters: All that have fins & scales shall ye eat. And what soever have not fynꝭ & scales ye may not eat, but it is unclean unto you. Of all clean birds ye shall eat: but these are they of which ye shall not eat: the Eel/ the goshawk/ & the cormeraunt/ the Ixion/ the vulture/ the kite after her kind/ and all kind of ravens/ the Estritche/ the nyghtcrowe/ the cuckoo/ the sparrow hawk after her kind, the little owl, the great owl, the back, the bittern, the pie, the stork, the Heron, the jay in his kind, the lapwynge, the swallow. And let the creeping fowls be unclean unto you, and not be eaten of: but of all clean fowls ye may eat. Ye shall eat of nothing that dieth alone. But thou shalt give it unto ☞ the stranger that is in thy city, that he eat it, or thou mayst sell it unto an alliant. For thou art an holy people unto the lord thy god. Thou shalt not * Exodi. 23. ● &. xxxiiii. d seethe a kid in his mother's milk Thou shalt tithe all the increase of thy seed, that the field bringeth forth year by year And thou shalt eat before the lord thy god (in the place * Deut. xii. d which he hath chosen, and where he hath put his name) the tithe of thy corn, of thy wine and of thine oil, and the first gendered of thine oxen, and of thy sheep, that thou mayst learn to fear the Lord thy god alway. * Deut. xii. a If the way be to long for thee, so that thou art not able to carry it, and if the place be far from thee, which the Lord thy God hath chosen to set his name there (and the Lord thy God hath blessed thee) then shalt thou make it in money, and take the money in thy hand, and go unto the place which the lord thy god hath chosen, and bestow that money for what soever thy soul lusteth after: for oxen, and sheep, wine, and strong drink, & for what sooner thy Soul desireth, and eat there before the Lord thy God and be merry: both thou and thine household, and the levity that is ☞ within thy gates, shalt thou not forsake, * duty. ● b. and. xviii. ● for he hath neither part nor inheritance with the. * Deute. 25. ● At the end of three year, thou shalt bring forth all the tithes of thine increase the same year, and lay it up within thine own gates. And the Levite which hath no part nor inheritance with thee, shall come, and the stranger, the fatherless and the widow, which are within thy gates, shall eat and be filled: that the Lord thy God may bless thee, in all the works of thine hand which thou dost. ¶ The forgiveness of detres in the seventh year. CAPI. XV. IN the seventh year thou shalt make a freedom. * Leuiti. 25. ● And this is the manner of the freedom, * Exodi. 22. d who soever dareth aught which his hand unto his neighbour, may not ask again (that which he hath lent) of his neighbour or of his brother: because it is called the Lords free year: yet of a stranger ❀ (and of an alyent) thou mayst call it home again. But * Eccle. iiii. a he that is thy brother, him shall thine hand remit. Nevertheless there shall be no beggar among you. For the Lord shall bless the in the land, which the lord thy god giveth thee, an inheritance to possess it: so that thou hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy god, to observe and do all these commandments, which I commanded the this day. For the Lord thy god hath blessed the as he hath promised thee, and * 〈◊〉. 28. b thou shalt lend unto many nations, but thou thyself shalt not borrow: And thou shalt reign over many nations, and they shall not reign over the. If one of thy * i. Iohn. 3. ●. brethren among you be poor within any of thy gates in thy land, which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut to thine hand from thy poor brother. But open thy hand unto him, & lend him sufficient for his need, which he hath. Beware that there be not a wicked point in thine heart, that y● wouldest say: The seventh year, the year of freedom is at hand, & therefore it grieveth the to look on thy poor brother, and givest him nought, & he than cry unto the lord against thee, & it be sin unto the. But give him, and let it not grieve thine heart to give unto him Because that for this thing, the Lord thy God shall bless the in all thy works, & in all that thou puttest thine hand to. * Math. 26. a ☞ The l●●de shall never be without poor. And therefore I command thee, saying. Thou shalt open thine hand unto thy brother that is needy and poor in thy land. * Leuiti. 26. a If thy brother an Ebrue sell himself to thee, or an Ebruesse, and serve the six year, in the seventh year thou shalt let him go free from the. And when thou sendest him out free from thee, thou shalt not let him go away empty: but shalt give him of thy sheep, of thy corn, and of thy wine, and give him of that, wherewith the Lord thy God hath blessed the. And remember that thou wast a servant in the land of Egypte, and the Lord thy god delivered the thence: and therefore I command the this thing to day. And if he say unto thee, * Exod. xxi. ● I will not go away from the because he loveth the & thine house, and is well at ease with thee: Then shalt thou take a awl, & nail his ear to the door therewith, & let him be thy servant ☞ for ever. And unto thy maid servant thou shalt do like wise. And let it not grieve thine eye, when thou lettest him go out free from thee, for he hath been worth a double hired servant to the in his service two years. And the lord thy god shall bless the in all that thou dost. * levit. 27. d All the first gendered that come of thine oxen, & of thy sheep that are males, thou shalt hallow unto the lord thy God. Thou shalt do no work with the first gendered of thine oxen, nor shear the first gendered of thy sheep. Thou shalt eat it before the Lord thy god year by year, in the place which the lord hath chosen, both thou and thine household. If there be any deformity therein, as if it be lame or blind, or have any evil favouredness, thou shalt not offer it unto the lord thy god. But shalt eat it within thine own ☞ * Deut. x●●. ● gates the unclean and the clean indifferently as the roo and the heart. Only eat not the blood thereof, but power it upon the ground as water. ¶ Of Easter. Wytsontyde, and the feast of Tabernacles. What officers ought to be ordained. CAPI. XVI. Observe the * Exodi. 23. ● month of new corn, that thou mayst offer * Exodi. 〈◊〉 Passeover unto the Lord thy god. For in the month when corn beginneth to ripe, the Lord thy God brought the out of Egypte by night. Thou shalt therefore offer passover unto the lord thy God (and sheep & oxen) in the place which the lord shall choose to put his name there. Thou shalt eat no leavened bread with it: but seven days shalt thou eat unlcuened bread therewith: even the bread of tribulation (for thou camest out of the land of Egypte in haste) that thou mayst remember the day, when thou camest out of the land of Egypte, all days of thy life. And there shallbe no leavened bread seen in all the coostes seven days long, neither shall there remain any thing of the flesh which thou offeredst the first day at even, until the morning. Thou mayst not offer Passeover within any of thy gates, which the Lord thy God giveth thee: but * Deut. 〈◊〉 and. xv●● in the place which the lord thy God shall choose, to set his name in, there thou shalt offer Passeover at even, about the going down of the son, even in the season that thou camest out of Egypt. And thou shalt seethe & eat it, in the place which the lord thy god hath chosen, & depart on the morrow, & get the into the tent. Syxe days thou shalt eat sweet bread, & the seventh day is a gathering together before the lord thy god: thou shalt do no work therein. * Leuit●. ●● Seven weeks shalt thou number unto thee, & begin to number the. seven. weeks, when thou beginnest to put thy sickle to the corn, * Acts. ●● and keep the feast of weeks unto the lord thy god, with a free-will offering of thine hand: which thou shalt give unto the lord thy god, according as the lord thy god hath blessed the. And rejoice before the lord thy god, thou & thy son thy daughter, thy servant & thy maid, & the Levite that is within thy gates, & the stranger, the fatherless & the widow that are among you, in the place which the Lord thy god hath chosen to put his name there. And remember that thou waste a servant in Egypte: & thou shalt observe & do these ordinances. Thou shalt also observe the feast of tabernacles seven days, after that thou haste gathered in thy corn and thy wine. And thou shalt rejoice in that thy feast, thou and thy son, thy daughter, thy servant/ and thy made, the levity, the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow that are within thy gates. * ●. Regum. 8. g Seven days shalt thou keep holy day unto the lord thy god, in the place which the Lord shall choose: for the Lord thy God shall bless the in all thy fruits, and in all the works of thine hands, therefore shalt thou be glad. * Exodi. 23. ● Three times in the year shall all thy males appear before the Lord thy God in the place which he shall choose. In the feast of sweet bread, in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles. And no man shall * Exodi. 23. b appear before the lord emptte but every man according to the gift of his hand, and according to the blessing of the Lord thy god which he hath given the. judges and officers shalt thou make the in all thy Cities, which the Lord thy God giveth the throughout the tribes, & they shall judge the people righteously. * Leviti nineteen. ● Wrist not thou the law, nor know any person, neither take any reward: * Exodi. 23. ●●ide. xx. d. for gifts blind the wise, & pervert the words of the righteous. That which is just & right, shalt thou follow, that thou mayst live, & enjoy the land, which the Lord thy god giveth the. Thou shalt plant the no grove of what soever trees it be, nigh unto the altar of the lord thy god, which thou shalt make the. Thou shalt set the up no * ●▪ Reg. xv. ●. ●▪ Reg. ●8. ●● pillar, which the Lord thy God hateth. ¶ The punishment for idolatry. The punishment of a rebel. The institution of a King. CAPI. XVII. THou shalt offer unto the lord thy god no ox nor sheep * ●euiti. 22. ● Deut. xv. ●● wherein is blemish or any deformity: for that is an abomination to the lord thy god. If there be found among you within any of thy gates, which the Lord thy god giveth thee, man or woman that hath wrought wickedness in the sight of the Lord thy god, so that they have gone beyond his appointment, and gone and served strange gods, and worshipped them * duty. 4. ●. the son or moon, or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded, and it is told thee, & thou hast herd of it: then shalt thou inquire diligently. And if it be true, & the thing of a surety, that such abomination is wrought in Israel, then shalt thou bring forth that man or that woman (which have committed that wicked thing) unto the gates, and shalt stone them with stones, till they die. * Num. 35. d. At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall he that is worthy of death, die: And at the mouth of one witness let no man die. The hands of the witnesses shallbe first upon him, to kill him, & afterward the hands of the people, & thou shalt put the wicked away from the. If there rise a matter to hard for the in judgement between blood & blood, between plea and plea, between plague and glage, and the matters come to strife within thy gates. Then shalt thou arise, and get the up unto the place which the Lord thy god hath chosen, and come unto the priests the levities, & unto the judge that shall be in those days, and ask * Ezech. 44 ● and they shall show thee, the sentence of judgement. And thou must do according to that, which they of that place (which the lord had chosen) show thee, & thou shalt observe to do, according to all that they inform the. According to the sentence of the law which they teach thee, and according to the judgement which they tell thee, shalt thou do, & * duty. v. b josua. ●● bow not from that which they show thee, neither to the right hand nor to the left. And that man that will do presumptuously & will not hearken to the priest (that standeth there before the Lord thy God to ministre) or unto the judge, that man shall die: and thou shalt put away evil from Israel. And all the people shall hear and fear, and shall do no more presumpt tously. When thou art come unto the land which the Lord thy god giveth thee, and enjoyest it, and dwellest therein: and if thou shalt say * ●. Regum. 8. ● I will set a king over me: like as all the nations that are about me: Then thou shalt make him king over thee, whom the Lord thy god shall choose: Even one from among thy brethren shalt thou make king over thee, and thou mayst not set a stranger over thee, which is not of thy brethren. * 3. Regum 4 ● But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor bring the people again to Egypt thorough the multitude of horses, for as much as the lord hath said unto you: ye shall hence forth go no more again that way. Also he * 3. Regsi xi ● ought not to multiply wives to himself, lest his heart turn away, neither shall he gather him gold or silver to moche. And when 3. Regum. 〈◊〉 Esai. 〈◊〉. ●. he is set upon the seat of his kingdom, he shall write him out a copy of this law in a book, before the priests the levities. And it shall be with him, and he ought to read therein, * josua. i. ● all days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, and to keep all the words of this law, & these ordinances, for to do them: & that his heart arise not above his brethren, & that he turn not from the commandment: to the right hand, or to the left, but that he may prolong his days in his kingdom: he, & his children in Israel. ¶ The Levites had no possessions. idolatry must be fled. The Prophet Chryst is promised. The false prophet must be slay, and how he may be known. CAPI. XVIII. THe priests, the Levites, & all the tribe of Levi * Nume. 18 ● duty. t. b. and. xiiii. d. must have no part nor inheritance with Israel: but shall eat the offerings of the Lord, & his inheritance. Therefore shall they have no inheritance among their brethren: But the Lord, he is their inheritance, as he hath said unto them And this is the priests duty of the people, & of them that offer sacrifice, whither it be ox, or sheep: They must give unto the priest: the shoulder, & the two cheeks, and the maw, the first fruits also of thy corn, wine and oil & the first of the will of thy sheep shalt thou give him. * Nun. iii b and ●●iii. ● For the Lord thy god hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand and to minister in the name of the Lord: he and his sons for ever. If a Levite come out of any of thy cities of all Israel, where he is a soiour ner, and come with all the lust of his heart unto the place which the Lord hath chosen: He shall ministre in the name of the lord his god as his other brethren the Levites do, which remain there before the lord. And they shall have like portions to eat, beside that which cometh to him of the patrimony of his elders. * Leuiti. 18. a and. xx. d Deute. 12. d and. xvii. c. 4. Reg. 21. a jere. seven v. When thou art come unto the land which the Lord thy god giveth thee, se that thou learn not to do after the abominations of those nations. Let there not be found among you any one, that maketh his Son or daughter to go thorough the fire, or that useth witchcraft or a chooser out of days * Leuiti. 19 b or that regardeth the fleeing of fowls, or a sorcerer, or a charmer, or that counseleth with spirits, or a sooth sayer, or that asketh ❀ (the truth) at them that be dead. For all that do such things are abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth cast them out before thee: Thou shalt be perfit therefore ❀ (and without ble mysshe) in the sight of the Lord thy god. For these nations which thou shalt conquer hearken unto chosers out of days, and unto sorcerers: but the lord thy god hath not suffered the so to do. The Lord thy God will * Leviti three d. and. seven. ● stir up unto the a prophet among you: even of thy brethren, like unto me, * Math 〈◊〉 ● unto him ye shall hearken, according to all that thou desired'st of the Lord thy god in Horeb, in the day of the gathering together, when thou saidest: * Exodi. ●●● Let me hear the voice of my lord god no more, nor see this great fire any more, that I die not. And the Lord said unto me: they have well spoken, I will raise them up a prophet from among their brethren like unto thee, & will put my words in his mouth, and he shall speak unto them, all that I shall command him. And who soever will not hearken unto the words, which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him. * No● 〈◊〉 ● Devit. 〈…〉 Ez●●● 〈◊〉 ● But the prophet which shall presume to speak a word in my name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or that speaketh in the name of strange Gods, the same prophet shall die. And if thou say in thine heart: how shall we know the word which the Lord hath not spoken? ❀ (This token shalt thou have.) Even when a prophet speaketh in the name of the lord, ☞ if the thing follow not nor come to pass, that is the thing which the lord hath not spoken. But the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously. Thou shalt not therefore be afraid of him. ¶ The fraun●●ese● towns. The punishment of him that beareth false witness. CAPI. XIX. WHen the Lord thy God * Deut. 〈…〉 hath rooted out the nations, whose land the lord thy god giveth thee, and thou succedest in their inheritance, and dwellest in their cities, and in their houses: thou shalt * Ios●●●● appoint. three cities for the in the mids of the land which the lord thy god giveth the to possess it: ☞ thou shalt prepare the way, and divide the coostes of thy land, which the Lord thy God giveth the to inherit: into three parts, that * Exodi. ●● who soever committeth murder, may flee thither. For this cause must the steer f●ee thither that he may live. Who so killeth his neighbour ygnorauntly, and hated him not in time passed. And when a man goeth unto the wood with his neighbour to hew wood, ❀ (thinking no harm) & as his hand fetcheth a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree, the head slippeth from the haft, & smiteth his neighbour that he dieth: the same shall flee unto one of the same Cities & live. least the executer of blood follow after the sleer while his heart is hot, and overtake him, because the way is long, and slay him, & yet there is no cause worthy of death in him, in as much as he hated him not in time past. Wherefore I command thee, saying: thou shalt appoint out. three cities for the. And if the lord thy god enlarge thy coostes (as he hath sworn unto thy fathers) and give the all the land which he said he would give unto thy fathers, thou shalt keep all these commandments to do them, which I command the this day, that thou love the Lord thy god, and walk in his ways ever, and add. three cities more for the unto those. iii. that innocent blood be not shed in thy land, which the lord thy god giveth the to inherit, and so ☞ blood come upon the. * Num. thirty. t But and if any man hate his neighbour, and lay await for him, and rise against him, and smite him that he die, and then fleeth unto any of these cities: the elders of his city shall send, and fetch him thence, & deliver him in to the hands of the justice of blood, that he may die. Thine eye shall not spare him, but thou shalt put away innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with the. * job. 34. ● Thou shalt not remove thy neighbours mark, which they of old time have set in thine inheritance, that thou shalt inherit in the land, which the lord thy god giveth the to enjoy it. * Num. 35. d. One witness shall not rise against a man for any manner trespass: or for any manner syrie, or for any manner fault, that he offend in. * Duty 17● Math. 18. c I●hsi. viii. ● But at the mouth of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall the matter be stablished. ‡ ● Cori. 13 a ●Timo, v. c ●●●u●. x. c ●●osā 1. 8 If an unrighteous witness rise up against a man to accuse him of trespass: then both the men which strive together, shall stand before the Lord, before the priests and the judges, which shall be in those days, and the judges shall make diligent inquisition. And if the witness be found false, and that he hath given false witness against his brother, than shall ye do unto him as he had thought to do unto his brother, & thou shalt put evil away from the. And other shall hear, & fear, and shall henceforth commit no more any such wickedness among you. And thine eye shall have no compassion but * ●●●●i. 22. c 〈…〉. 24. c 〈…〉. 13. g. Math. v. ●. ☞ soul for soul, eye for eye, tooth fortothe, hand for hand, foot for foot. ¶ Who ought to go to battle. The Law of arms. The ●anaanites must they kill. CAPI. XX. When thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, and seest horses & charettes, and people more than thou, be not * duty. i v. afraid of them, for the Lord thy God is with thee, which brought the out of the land of Egypte. And when ye are come nigh unto battle, the priest shall come forth to speak unto the people, and shall say unto them: Hear O Israel, ye encounter this day with your enemies in battle, let not your hearts faint, neither fear, nor be amazed, nor abrede of them. For the * Num. 14. d lord your god goeth Deute. 28. ● with you, to fight for you against your enemies, and to save you. And let the officers speak unto the people, saying: If any man have built a new house, and have not dedicate it, let him go & return to his house, lest he die in the battle and an other man dedicate it. And if any man have planted a vineyard, & have not made it common ❀ (and lawful for every man to eat of,) let him go and return again unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and another make it common. * Deut. 24. ● And if any man be betrothed unto a wife, and have not taken her, let him go and return again unto his house, lest he die in the battle, and an other man take her. And let the officers speak further unto the people, and say: * judi. seven. ● If any man fear and be faint hearted, let him go and return unto his house, least he make his brothers heart faint as well as his. And when the officers have made an end of speaking unto the people, they shall make captains of war over them. When thou comest nigh unto a city to fight against it * duty. two. ●. offer them peace. And if they answer the again peasablye, & open unto thee, then let all the people that is found therein, be tributaries unto thee, & serve the. And if they will make no peace with the but make war against thee, thou shalt besiege it. And when the lord thy god hath delivered it into thine hand●, thou shalt smite all the males thereof with the edge of the sword. But the women and the children, * Iosu seven. ● and the cattle, and all that is in the City, and all the spoil thereof, shalt thou take unto thyself, and eat the spoil of thine enemies, which the Lord thy God hath given the. Thus shalt thou do unto all the Cities which are ☞ a great way of from thee, and not of the cities of these nations. But of the cities of these nations, which the Lord thy god shall give the to inherit: thou shalt save alive nothing that breatheth. * Deut. seven. ● josus. vi. ● viii. t. ●. ●. ● But shalt destroy them without redemption, namely the Hethites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Pherezites, the Hevites, and the jebusites, as the Lord thy God hath commanded thee, that they teach you not to do after all their abominations, which they have done unto their Gods, and so ye should sin against the Lord your god. When thou hast besieged a City long time, and made war against it, to take it, destroy not the trees thereof, that thou wouldest thrust an are unto them. But eat of them and cut them not down. For the trees of the fields are no men, to come against thee, and to besiege the. Only those trees which thou knowest that they are not fruitful, ❀ (but wild, and fit for other uses,) those shalt thou destroy and cut down, and make bulwark against the city that maketh war with thee, until thou subdue it. ¶ Inqu●sityon for murder. punishment for Children that disobey Father and Mother CAPI. XXI. IF one be found slay in the land, which the Lord thy God giveth the to possess it, and lieth in the field: & it is not known who hath slay him. Then thine elders and thy judges shall come forth, and meet unto the cities that are round about the slay. And let the elders of that city which is next unto the slay man, take out of the drove, an beyffer that is not laboured with, nor hath drawn in the yoke, and let the elders of that city bring the heyffer unto an hard valley, which is neither eared norsowen, and strike of the heifers neck there in the valley. And the priests the sons of Levy (whom Deut. 17. b Eccle. 45. d the Lord thy god hath chosen to minister to him, and to bless in the name of the Lord) shall come forth, and at their mouth shall all strife and plague be tried. And all the elders of the city that come forth to the slay man, shall wash their hands over the heyffer that is beheaded in the valley, and shall answer and say: our hands have not shed this blood, neither have our eyes seen it. Be merciful Lord unto thy people Israel, which thou hast delivered * jonas. i. d and lay no mno cent blood unto thy people of Israel's charge and the blood shall be forgiven them. And so shalt thou put innocent blood from thee, when thou shalt have done that which is right in the sight of the Lord. When thou goest to war against thine enemies, and the Lord thy God hath delivered them into thine hands, and thou hast taken them captive, and seest among the captives a beautiful woman, and hast a desire unto her, that thou wouldest have her to thy wife, thou shalt bring her home to thine house, and let her shave her head and let her nails grow, and put her raiment that she was taken in, from her, and let her remain in thine house, and bewep her father & her mother a month long, and after that shalt thou go in unto her, & marry her, & she shall be thy wife. And if thou have no favour unto her, then let her go whither she lusteth: & sell her not for money, nor make chevisance of her, because thou hast ☞ humbled her. * Gene. 〈◊〉 and x●●. If a man have two wives, one loved and an other hated, & they have borne him children, both the loved and also the hated. If the first-born be the son of the hated: then when the time cometh that he dealeth his goods among his children, he may not make the son of the beloved first borne, before the son of the hated, which is in deed the first borne. But he shall know the son of the hated for the first borne, and give him double portion of all that he hath. For he is the first of his strength, and to him belongeth the right of the first borne. * Exodi. xx●. If any man have a son that is stubborn and disobedient, that he will not hearken unto the voice of his father, and voice of his mother, and they have thastened him, and he would not hearken unto them. Then shall his father and his mother take him, and bring him out unto the elders of that City, & unto the gate of the same place, and say unto the elders of the City: This our son is stubborn and disobedient, and will not hearken unto our voice, he is a rioter, & a drunkard. And all the men of that City shall stone him with stones unto death. And thou shalt put evil away from thee, and all Israel shall hear & fear. * josua. ●. If a man have committed a trespass worthy of death, and is put to death for it, & thou hangest him on tree: his body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt bury him the same day. For * Gala. 〈◊〉. the curse of God is on him that is hanged. Defile not thou thy land, which the Lord thy god giveth the to inherit. ¶ What thou oughtest to do when thou syndest thy neyghbourts' beast going astray. A man shall not wear woman's clothing, or a woman a man's clothing To w●are a cote of wool ● of Flax, is also forbidden. The punishment of him that accuseth a man unrighteously: Of an adulterer also, and of him that ●auesheth a maid. CAPI. XXII. THou shalt not see thy brother's ox, or sheep go astray, and withdraw thyself from them: but shalt bring them again unto thy brother. And if thy brother be not nigh unto thee, or if thou know him not, then bring it unto thine own house, & it shall remain with thee, until thy brother ask after them, and then deliver him them again. In like manner shalt thou do with his ass, & so shalt thou do with his raiment & with all lost things of thy brother, which he hath lost, and thou hast found, shalt thou do likewise, for thou mayst not hide it. * Exodi. 23. a Math. 12. a Luke. 14. a. Thou shalt not see thy brother's Ass or ox fall down by the way, & withdraw thyself from them: but shalt help him to have them up again. The woman shall not we are that which pertaineth unto the man, neither shall a man put on woman's raiment. For all that do so, are abomination unto the lord thy god. If thou chance upon a birds nest by the way/ in whatsoever tree it be, or on the ground, whither they be young or eggs, & the dam sitting upon the young or upon the eggs: Thou shalt not take the dam with the young. But shalt in any wise let the dam go, & take the young to thee, that thou mayst prosper and prolong thy days. When thou buildest a new house, thou shalt make a batelment on the roof, that thou lad not blood upon thine house, if any man fall thereof. * levit. nineteen. d Thou shalt not so we thy vineyerde with diverse seeds: least the fruit of the seed which thou hast sown, and the fruit of thy vineyard be defiled. Thou shalt not plough with an ox, and an ass together. Thou shalt not wear a garment made of wool and flax together. * Nun xv d Thou shalt make the guards ❀ (in the hems,) upon the four quarters of thy vesture, where with thou coverest thyself. If a man take a wife, and when he hath lain with her, hate her, and lay shameful things unto her charge, and bring up an evil name upon her, and say: I took this wife, and when I came to her, I found her not a maid: Then shall the father of the damsel/ and the mother bring forth the tokens of the damsels virginyte unto the elders of the city in the ☞ gate. And the damsels Father shall say unto the elders: I gave my daughter unto this man to wife, & he hateth her: and lo, he layeth shameful things unto her charge, saying: I found not thy daughter a maid. And yet these are the tokens of my daughters virginity. And they shall spread the vesture before the elders of the city. And the elders of that city shall take that man, and chastise him, and merce him, in an hundred sycles of silver, & give them unto the father of the damsel, because he hath brought up an evil name upon a maid of Israel. And she shall be his wife, and he may not put her away all his days. But and if the thing be of a surety, that the damsel be not found a virgin, they shall bring the damsel ☞ to the door of her father's house, and the men of that city shall stone her with stones to death, because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the hoore in her father's house. And so thou shalt put evil away from the. * levit. xx. ● If a man be found dying with a woman, having a husband, they shall die both, as well the man that lay with the woman as the woman: and so thou shalt put away evil from evil. If a maid he handefasted unto an husband, & then a man find her in the town, & lie with her, ye shall bring them both out, unto the gates of the same city, and shall stone them with stones to death: The damsel, because she cried not being in the city: And the man, because he hath humbled his neighbours wife, & thou shalt put away evil from the. But if a man find a betrothed damsel in the field, and force her, & lie with her: Then the man that lay with her shall die alone, but unto the damsel thou shalt do no harm: because there is in the damsel no cause of death. For as when a man riseth against his neighbour & slayeth him, even so is this matter. For he found her in the fields, and the betrothed damsel cried: & there was no man to secure her. * Exod. xxi●. ● If a man find a maid that is not betrothed, and take her, and lie with her, and they be found: Then the man that lay with her, shall give unto the damsels father. l. sycles of silver. And she shall be his wife, because he hath humbled her, and he may not put her away all his days. * Leuiti. 18. ● No man shall take his Father's wife, nor unheal his father's covering. ¶ What manner of men may not be admitted in to the church. Pollutions that happen in the night Usurye. CAPI. XXIII. NOne * Leuiti. 21. c. Esai. ivi. a. that is gelded or hath his privy membres cut of, shall come into the congregation of the Lord. And he that is borne of a comen woman, shall not come into the congregation of the lord, no in the tenth generation he shall not enter into the congregation of the lord. * 2. E●●r. 1ST The Ammonites and ☞ the Moabites shall not come into the congregation of the Lord, no not in the tenth generation, no they shall never come into the congregation of the lord, because they met you not with bread and water in the way/ when ye came out of Egypt, and because they hired against the * Nume. 22. ● Balaam the Son of Beor of Pethor, of Mesopotamia, to curse the. Nevertheless the Lord thy God would not hearken unto Balaam but the Lord thy God turned the curse to a blessing unto thee, because the Lord thy God loved the. Thou shalt not seek the prosperity or wealth of them, all thy days for ever. * Gene. xxv. c Thou shalt not abhor an Edomite, for he is thy brother: neither shalt thou abhor an Egyptian, because thou wast a stranger in his land. The Children that are begotten of them shall come in to the congregation of the lord in the third generation. When thou goest out with the host against thine enemies/ keep the from all wickedness. If there be among you any man that is unclean, by the reason of uncleanness that chanceth him by night, let him go out of the host, and not come in again, in to the host/ but at even let him wash himself with water, and then when the son is down, let him come in to the host again. Thou shalt have a place also without the host, whither thou shalt resort to, ❀ (for thy natural necessity) & thou shalt have a sharp point upon thy weapon: and when thou wilt ease thyself, dig therewith, and turn and cover that which is departed from the. For the Lord thy God walketh in the mids of thine host, to rid thee, and to set thine enemies before the. Therefore shall the place of thine host be pure, that he se no unclean thing in thee, and so turn himself from the. ☞ Thou shalt not deliver unto his master the servant which is escaped from his master unto the. He shall dwell with thee, even among you in what place he himself liketh best, in one of thy Cities where it is good for him, and thou shalt not vex him. There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor hoorekeper of the sonnis of Israel. Thou shalt neither bring the hire of an whore nor the price of a dog into the house of the Lord thy God, in any manner of vow, for even both of them are abomination unto the Lord thy god. * Exodi. 22. d levit. 25. f Thou shalt not hurt thy brother by usury of money, nor by usury of corn, nor by ☞ usury of any thing that he may be hurt withal. Unto a ☞ stranger thou mayst lend upon usury, but not unto thy brother, that the Lord thy God may bless the in all that thou settest thine hand to, in the land whither thou goest to conquer it. * Num. ●0. d Ecclesi. v. a Baruch. ●● When thou hast vowed a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it. For the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee, and it shall be sin in the. If thou shalt leave vowing, it shall be no sin in thee: but that which is once gone out of thy lips, thou must keep and do, according as thou hast vowed unto the Lord thy God of a free-will, & as thou hast spoken with thy mouth. When thou comest into thy neighbours vyneyerde, thou mayst eat grapes thy belyfull at thine own pleasure: but thou shalt put noon in thy vessel. Even so when thou comest into thy neighbours corn, * Math. xii ● thou mayst pluck the ears with thine hand, but thou shalt not move a sycle unto thy neighbours corn. ¶ Divorcement is permitted. He that is newly married shall not be compelled to go to war. CAPI. XXIIII. WHen a man hath taken a wife, and married her, if she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath spied some uncleanness in her. * jere. iii a Mala●. two. d Math. nineteen. ● Then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and put it in her hand, and send her out of his house. And when she is departed out of his house, let her go, and be another man's wife. And if the second husband hate her, let him write her also a letter of divorcement, and put it in her hand, and send her out of his house: or if the second man die which took her to wife, her first man which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled For that is abomination in the sight of the Lord. And thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the Lord thy God shall give the to inherit. * duty. ●● When a man taketh a new wife, he shall not go a warfare, neither shall be charged with any business: but shall be free at home one year, and rejoice with his wife which he hath taken. * Exodi. 〈◊〉. ● No man shall take the nether, or the upper mylstoone to pledge, for than he shall hurt a man's life. * Exod. xx. ● If any man be found stealing any of his brethren the children of Israel, & abuseth him, or selleth him, the these shall die, And thou shalt put evil away from the. Take heed to thyself as concerning the plague of leprosy, that thou observe diligently. And ye shall do according to all that the priests the Levites shall teach you: Even as I commanded them, so ye shall observe to do. Remember what the lord thy god did unto * Num. x●● Mirabel jam by the way, after that ye were come out of Egypt. When thou dost lend thy brother any thing, thou shalt not go into his house to fetch a pledge from thence: but shalt stand without, and the man that borrowed it of thee, shall bring the pledge out unto the. Furthermore, if it be a poor body, thou shalt not sleep with his pledge/ but deliver him the pledge again when the son goeth down/ that he may sleep in his own raiment, and bless the. And it shall be righteousness unto thee/ before the Lord thy God. * Leviti nineteen. c Tobi. iiii. c Eccle. seven. c Thou shalt not defraud an hired servant that is needy, and poor, whither he be of thy brethren, or of the strangers that are in thy land with in thy gates. * levit. nineteen. c. But shalt give him his hire the same day, and let not the Son go down thereon. For he is needy, and therewith sustaineth his life, lest he cry against the unto the Lord, and it be sin unto the. * jere. xxxi. c 4. R●. 14. ● Ezech. 18. e. The fathers shall not die for the children, nor the children for the fathers: but every man shall die for his own sin. Thou shalt not hinder the right of the stranger nor of the fatherless, nor take a widows raiment to pledge. But remember that thou wast a servant in Egypt, and how the lord thy god delivered the thence: And therefore, I command the to do this thing. * levit. ●xix. b When thou cuttest down thine harvest in thy field, and hath forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it. But it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless and the widow, that the Lord thy god may bless thee/ in all the works of thine hand. When thou beatest down thine olive tree, thou shalt not turn again to gather up that thou leftest behind thee: but it shall be for the stranger, the Fatherless and the widow. When thou gatherest thy vyneyerd, thou shalt not gather the grapes clean after thee: but leave them for the stranger, the fatherless and the widow. And remember that thou also wast a servant in the land of Egypte: & therefore I command the to do this thing. ¶ The punishment of offenders. The law of raising seed: to thy brother that is deed. Measures and weights. CAPI. XXV. IF there be strife between men, they shall come unto the law, and let the judges give sentence between them, and justify the righteous, & condemn the ungodly. And if any man be ungodly, and worthy of stripes, then let the judge cause to take him down, and to beat him before his face according to his trespass unto a certain number. * ●●. ●orl. xi. ● xl. stripes he shall give him and not pass: least if he should exceed and beat him above that with many stripes, thy brother should appear ungodly before thine eyes. * ●. ●orl. ix. a ●. Timo. v c Thou shalt not mosel the ox that treadeth out the corn (❀ in the barn.) * Math. xii b Ruth. iiii. b If brethren dwell together, and one of them die, and have no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry without unto a stranger: but his brother shall go in unto her, and take her to wife, and occupy the room of his kinsman. And the eldest Son which she beareth, shall succeed in the name of his brother which is dead, that his name be not put out of Israel. And if the man will not take his brother's wife, then let her go up to the gate unto the elders, and say: My husbandis brother refuseth to styrte up unto his brother a name in Israel, neither will he marry me. Then the elders of his city shall call him/ and comen with him. And if he stand, and say: I will not take her, then shall his kinswoman come unto him in the presence of the elders, and lose his show of his foot, and spit in his face, and answer, and say: So shall it be done unto that man, that doth not build up his brother's house. And his name shall be called in Israel, the unshodhouse. If when men strive together, one with another, the wife of the one ran to, for to rid her husband out of the hands of him that smiteth him, and put forth her hand, and take him by the secrets: Thou shalt cut of her hand, & let not thine eye pity her. Thou shalt not have in thy bag * levit. x●●, ● Mich. vi, ● two manner of weights, a great and a small: neither shalt thou have in thine house diverse measures/ a great and a small. But thou shalt have a right, and just weight, and a perfect, and a just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be lengthened in the land, which the lord thy god giveth the. For all that do such things and all that do unright, are abomination unto the Lord thy God. * Exodi. 17 ● Remember what Amalech did unto the by the way/ when ye were come out of Egypte, how he met the by the way, & smote the hyndmoost of you, all that were feeble and came behind/ when thou wast fainted and weary, and he feared not god. Therefore when the lord thy God hath given the rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the lord thy god giveth the to enheryt and possess: see that thou put out the remembrance of Amalech from under heaven, and forget not. ¶ The first fruits and tithes to the levities, fatherless, widows, and strangers. CAPI. XXVI. WHen ✚ thou art come in to the land which the Lord thy God giveth the to inherit, and hast enjoined it/ and dwellest therein: * Exodi. 23. c &. xxxiiii. c Prove. iii ● take of the first of all the fruit of the earth, and bring it out of thy land that the Lord thy GOD giveth thee, and put it in a mand, and go unto the place which the Lord thy God shall choose to set his name in it. And thou shalt come unto the priest, that shall be in those days, and say unto him: I knowledge this day unto the Lord thy God, that I am come unto the country which the Lord swore unto our fathers for to give us. And the Priest shall take the mand out of thine hand, and set it down before the altar of the Lord thy god. And thou shalt answer, and say before the Lord thy God: The Syrians went about to destroy my father, * Gene. xlvi ● and he went down in to Egypte, and so sojourned there with a few folk, & grew there unto a nation great, mighty, and full of people. * Exodi. i b And the Egyptians vexed us, & troubled us, and jaded us with most cruel bondage. And when we cried unto the lord God of our fathers, * Exodi. iii. b the Lord heard our voice, and looked on our adversity, labour, & oppression. And the Lord * Exodi. 14. c brought us out of Egypte in a mighty hand, & a stretched out arm, and in great terribleness, & signs/ and wonders. ⊢ And he hath brought us into this place, and hath given us this land/ that floweth with milk, and honey. * Deut. 14. d And now ✚ loo, I have brought the first fruits of the land which thou (O Lord) hast given me. And thou shalt set it before the lord thy God, and worship before the Lord thy God, & rejoice in all the good things, which the Lord thy God hath given unto thee, and unto thine house, thou and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you. When thou hast made an end of tithing all the tithes of thine increase/ the third year which is the year of tithing: thou shalt give it unto the Levite, the strangers, the fatherless and the widows, that they may eat within thy gates, & fill themselves. And thou shalt say before the Lord thy God. * Leuiti. 18. b I have brought the hallowed things out of mine house, and have given them unto the Levites, the strangers, the fatherless, & the widows according to all thy commandments which thou hast commanded me: I have not overskipped thy commandments/ nor forgotten them. I have not eaten thereof in my mourning nor suffered aught to perish thorough uncleanness, nor given aught thereof for the dead, but have hearkened unto the voice of the Lord my God, and have done * Exodi. nineteen ● after all that thou hast commanded me. ⊢ * Baruch. two c ✚ Look down therefore from thy holy habitation even from heaven, and bless thy people Israel, & the land which thou hast given us (as thou sworest unto our fathers) a land that floweth with milk and honey. This day the Lord thy God hath commanded the to do these ordinances, and laws/ keep thou them, and do them withal thine heart, and all thy soul. * Exod. 〈◊〉. duty. v. ● Thou hast set up the Lord this day to be thy god, and to walk in his ways, & to keep his ordinances, his commaundementis and his laws, and to hearken unto his voice. * Exod. nineteen ● Deut. 〈◊〉. ● and. xiiii. ●. And the Lord hath set the up this day, to be a several people unto him (as he hath promised thee) and that thou keep his commandments, & to make the high above all nations (which he hath made) in praise, in name & honour: * jere. xiii. ● Deut seven ●. & that thou mayst be an holy people unto the Lord thy god, as he hath said. ⊢ ¶ They build an altar The blossynges in the hill Garizim. The cursed in the hill ebal. CAPI. XXVII. ANd Moses with the Elders of Israel commanded the people, saying: keep all the commandments which I command you this day. * Iesu. iiii. ● And when ye be come over jordane/ unto the land which the lord thy god giveth thee, thou shalt set the up great stones, and plaster them with plaster, and write upon them all the words of this law, when thou art come over: because thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee: a land that floweth with milk, & honey, as the Lord god of thy fathers hath promised the. Therefore when ye be come over jordane, ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day in mount ebal, and thou shalt plaster them with plaster. * josua 〈◊〉. And there shalt thou build unto the Lord thy god, * Exodi. ●●● an altar of stones, and life up no iron upon them: Thou shalt make the altar of the Lord thy god of hole stones/ and offer burnt-offerings thereon unto the Lord thy god. And thou shalt offer peace-offerings, & shall eat there, & rejoice before the lord thy God. And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law, manifestly and well. And Moses and the priests the Levites spoke unto all Israel, saying: take heed and hear (O Israel) this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God. Thou shalt hearken therefore unto the voice of the Lord thy God, & do his commandments, and his ordinances which I command the this day. And Moses charged the people the same day, saying. These shall stand upon * duty. x●● mount Garizim to bless the people, when ye are come over jordan: simeon, Levi, juda, Isachar, joseph, & Ben jamin. And these shall stand upon mount ebal to curse: Reuben, Gad, Aser, Zabulon, Dan, and Nephthli. And the Levites shall answer/ & say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice * Exodi. xx● Cursed be the man that maketh any carved or molten image (an abomination unto the lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman) & putteth it in a secret place, and all the people shall answer, and say, Amen. * Exod. xxi. b Cursed be he that curseth his Father/ & his mother, & all the people shall say, Amen. * Deut. nineteen. b Cursed be he that removeth his neighbours mark, & all the people shall say, Amen. * Leviti nineteen. c Cursed be he that maketh the blind go out of his way, & all the people shall say, Amen. * duty ●4. c Cursed be he that hindereth the right of the stranger, Fatherless, and widow, and all the people shall say, Amen. * Leuiti. 18. ● Cursed be he that lieth with his father's wife, and unhealeth his father's covering/ and all the people shall say, Amen. * levit. 18. c. Cursed be he that lieth with any manner of beast, and all the people shall say, Amen. * Leuiti. 18. b. Cursed be he that lieth with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother, & all the people shall say, Amen. * levit. 18. t. Cursed be he, that lieth with his mother in law, and all the people shall say, Amen. * Exod. xxi. b Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly, & all the people shall say, Amen. Cursed be he that lieth with his neighbours wife, and all the people shall say, Amen. * Ezech. 22. c Cursed be he that taketh a reward to slay the soul of innocent blood, and all the people shall say, Amen. * Eala. iii. b. Cursed be he that continueth not in all the words of this law to do them, & all the people shall say, Amen. ¶ The promises of the blessings unto them that regard the commandments, and the curses to the contrary. CAPI. XXVIII. IF * 〈…〉. 26. a thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord thy god, and observe, & do all his commandments, which I command the this day. The Lord will set the on high above all nations of the earth. * duty. xi. d And all these blessings shall come on thee, & overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God. Blessed shalt thou be in the town, and blessed in the fields: blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, & the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy cattle, the fruit of thine oxen, & the flockis of thy sheep: blessed shall be thy basket & thy store. Blessed shalt thou be, when thou goest out, & blessed when thou comest in. * Deut. xx. a. The Lord shall give over thine enemies that rise against thee/ that they may fall before thy face. They shall come out against the one way, and flee before the seven ways. The lord shall put the blessing upon the in thy store houses, and in all that thou settest thine hand to, and will bless the in the land which the Lord thy god giveth the. The lord shall make the an holy people unto himself, as he hath sworn unto thee: if thou shalt keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, and walk in his ways. And all nations of the earth shall see, that the name of the Lord, is called upon over thee, and they shallbe afraid of the. And the lord shall make the plenteous in goods/ in the fruit of thy body, in the fruit of thy cattle, & in the fruit of thy ground, in the land which the lord swore unto thy father's/ to give the. The lord shall open unto the his good treasure, even the heaven * duty. xi. b to give rain unto thy land in due season, and to bless all the labours of thine hand. * Deut. xv. a. And thou shalt lend unto many nations, but shalt not borrow thyself. And the Lord shall set the before, & not behind, and thou shalt be above only, and not beneath: if that thou hearken unto the commandments of the lord thy God, which I command the this day, to keep & to do them. And see that thou * duty. ●. a. and. 〈◊〉. b. bow not aside from any of these words/ which I command the this day, either to the right hand, or to the left, that thou wouldest go after strange gods to serve them. * Leuiti 26. ● But and if thou wilt not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to keep and to do all his commandments, and his ordinances, which I command the this day: * Baruch. i. ● Daniel. ix. ● all these curses shall come upon thee, & overtake thee: Cursed shalt thou be in the town, and cursed in the field: cursed shall thy basket be, and thy store. Cursed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy land, and the fruit of thine Oxen, and the flocks of thy sheep. Cursed shalt thou be when thou goest in, & cursed when thou goest out. The Lord shall send upon thee, cursing, destruction, & rebuke in all that thou settest thine hand to, & that thou dost: until he destroy thee, & bring the to nought quickly, because of the wickedness of thine inventions, and because thou hast forsaken me. The Lord shall make the pestilence cleave unto thee, until he have consumed the from of the land, whither thou goest to enjoy it. * Leuiti. 26. b The Lord shall smite the with swelling, with fevers, heat, burning, and with the sword, with wythering, and with blasting. And they shall follow the until thou perish. * Leviti 26. ● duty. xi. b And the heaven that is over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee, iron. The lord shall turn the rain of the land unto powder & dust: even from heaven shall they come down upon thee, until thou be brought to nought. And the Lord shall plague the before thine enemies: Thou shalt come out one way against them, & flee seven ways before them, and shalt be scattered among all the kingdoms of the earth. And thy carcase shall be meat unto all manner fowls of the air, and unto the beasts of the earth, and no man shall fray them away. * Exodi. ix. b The Lord will smite the with the botch of Egypt, and the Emarodes, scalle, & maungenes, that thou mayst not be healed thereof. And the lord shall smite the with madness, and blindness & abashment of heart. Thou shalt grope at noon days, as the blind gropeth in darkness, and shalt not prosper in thy ways. Thou shalt be oppressed with wrong, & be polled evermore, & no man shall succour the. * ●●. Reg. xii. c Thou shalt be betrowthed unto a wife, and another man shall lie with her. * Deute. 25. b Thou shalt build an house, and not dwell therein, Thou shalt also plant a vineyard, and shalt not gather the grapes. Thine ox shall be slay before thine eyes, and thou shalt not eat thereof. Thine ass shall be violently taken away even before thy face, and shall not be restored to the again. Thy sheep shall be given unto thine enemies, and no man shall rescue them. Thy sons and thy daughters shall be given unto another nation, and thine eyes shall see it, and dase upon them all the day long, and there shall be no might in thy hand. The fruit of thine land/ and all thy labours shall a nation which thou knowest not, eat, and thou shalt continually suffer violence only, and be oppressed always: so that thou shalt be clean beside thyself, for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt se. The Lord shall smite the in the knees, & legs, with a myschevos botch/ that can not be healed: even from the soole of thy foot unto the top of thy head. * Dani. 4. d. 11. Par 33 b 4. ●e. 24. d jere. 24. a The Lord shall bring the and thy king (which thou shalt set over thee) unto a nation, which neither thou nor thy fathers have known, that there thou mayst serve strange Gods: even wood and stone. And thou shalt be wondered at, spoken of, & jested at among all nations, whither the Lord shall carry the. Thou shalt carry moche seed out in to the field/ and shalt gather but little in: for the grasshoppers shall destroy it. Thou shalt plant a vineyard and dress it, but shalt neither drink of the wine, neither gather the grapes, for the worms shall eat it. Thou shalt have olive trees throughout all thy coostes, but shalt not anoint thyself with the Oil, for thine olive trees shallbe rooted out. Thou shalt beget Sons, and daughters, but shalt not have them: for they shall be carried away captive. All thy trees and fruit of thy land shall be marred with blasting. The stranger that is among you, shall climb above the up on high, & thou shalt come down beneath allow. He shall lend thee, and thou shalt not lend him: he shall be before, and thou behind. Moreover, all these curses shall come upon thee, and shall follow thee, and overtake thee, till thou be destroyed: because thou herkenedst not unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to keep his commandments, and his ordinances, which he commanded thee, and they shall be upon the as ☞ miracles, and wonders, and upon thy seed for ever, because thou servedst not the Lord thy GOD with joyfulness/ & with a good heart, when thou hadst abundance of all things, therefore thou shalt serve thine enemy, which the Lord shall send upon thee: in hunger and thirst, in nakedness/ & in need of all thing: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have brought the to nought. And the Lord shall bring a nation upon the from a far, and from the end of the world, as swift as an Eagle flieth: a nation whose tongue thou shalt not understand: a hard favoured nation, which shall not regard the person of the old, nor have compassion on the young. The same shall eat the fruit of thy cattle, and the fruit of thy land, until he have destroyed thee: and shall leave the neither corn, wine, nor oil, neither the increase of thine oxen, nor the flockis of thy sheep: until he have brought the to nought. And he shall keep the in, in all thy cities, until he have cast down thy high wallis and strong holds, wherein thou trustedst, throughout all the land. And he shall besiege the in all thy cities throughout all thy land/ which the Lord thy god hath given the. * 4. Reg. 〈…〉 Ba●●●● 〈◊〉 levit. ●●● And thou shalt eat the fruit of thine own body: the flesh of thy sons, & of thy daughters, which the lord thy god hath given thee, in that straightness, & siege, wherewith thine enemy shall besiege thee: so that it shall grieve the man (that is tender, & exceeding delicate among you,) to look on his brother, and upon his wife that lieth in his bosom, & on the remnant of his Children, which he hath yet left: for fear of giving (unto any of them) of the flesh of his children, whom he shall eat, because he hath nothing left him in that straightness, and siege, wherewith thine enemy shall besiege the in all thy cities. Yea and the woman that is so tender and delicate, that she dare not adventure to set the soole of her foot upon the ground, (for softness and tenderness,) shall be grieved to look on her husband/ that lieth in her bosom, and on her son, and on her daughter: and on her afterbyrth (that is come out from between her legs,) and her children which she shall bear: For when all things lack, she shall eat them secretly, in the siege and straightness, wherewith thine enemy shall besiege the in thy cities. * Exodi. xv. d If thou wilt not keep and do all the words of this law (that are written in this book,) and fear this glorious, and fearful name of the Lord thy God: the Lord will send unto the and thy seed, great plagues & of long continuance, evil sicknesses and of long durance. Moreover he will bring upon the all the diseases of Egypte, and those which thou wast afraid of shall cleave unto the. And all manner sicknesses, and all manner plagues which are not written in the book of this law, will the Lord bring upon thee, until he bring the to nought. And ye shall be left few in number, where before ye were as the * duty. x. d. stars of heaven in multitude: because thou wouldest not hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God. * jere. xxxi. ● And it shall come to pass, that as the lord rejoiced over you, to do you good, & to multiply you: even so he will rejoice over you, to destroy you, and to bring you to nought. And ye shallbe wasted from of the land, whither thou goest to enjoy it. And the lord shall scatter the among all nations, from the one end of the world unto the other, & there thou shalt serve strange Gods, which thou/ nor thy fathers have known: even wood & stone. And among these nations thou shalt find no ease, neither shall the so●le of thy foot have rest. But the Lord shall give the there an unquiet heart, and dazing eyes, and sorrow of mind. And thy life shall hang before thee, & thou shalt fear both day & night & shalt have no trust in thy life. In the morning thou shalt say, would god it were night. And at night thou shalt say: Would God it were morning: for fear of thine heart which thou shalt fear, and for the sight of thine eyes, which thou shalt se. And the lord shall bring the in to Egypte again with shyppis by the way which I bade thee, that thou shouldest * Exod. 14. d see it no more. And there ye shallbe sold unto your enemies for bondmen, and bondwomen: and no man shall buy you. ¶ The people are exhorted to observe the cammaundementes, which if they break/ they are threatened to be plagued. CAPI. XXIX. THese are the words of the * Exod. nineteen. ● appointment, which the lord commanded Moses, to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, beside the appointment which he made with them in Horeb. And Moses called all Israel, and said unto them: Ye have seen all that the Lord did before your eyes in the land of Epypte, unto Pharaoh and unto all his servants, and unto all his land, the great temptations which thine eyes have seen, those great miracles & wonders: and yet the Lord hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear unto this day. And I have led you. xl. year in the wilderness: and your * duty. ●●. clothes are not warred old upon you, & thy shoe is not warred old upon thy foot. Ye have eaten no bread, nor drunk wine, or strong drink, that ye might know how that I am the lord your god. * Nun. xi. ● And ye came unto this place, & Sehon the king of Hesbon, and Og king of Basan came out against us unto battle, and we smote them, and took their land, & gave it for an inheritance unto the Rubenites, and Gadites, and to the half tribe of Manasse. * Deut. iiii. ● Keep therefore the words of this appointment and do them, that ye may understand all that ye ought to do. Ye stand this day every one of you before the Lord your God: your captains, your tribes, your elders, your officers, and all the men of Israel: your children also, your wives, & the stranger that is in thine host, * josua. ix. ● from the hewer of thy wood, unto the drawer of thy water: that thou shouldest go in to the appointment of the LORD thy God, and in to his oath * Gene. 17. a. which the Lord thy god maketh with the this day. For to make the a people unto himself, and that he may be unto the a GOD, as he hath said unto thee, and as he hath sworn unto thy father's Abraham, Isaac and jacob. I make not this bond and this oath with you only: but both with him that standeth here with us this day before the lord our god & also with him that is not here with us this day. For ye know, how we have dwelt in the land of Egypte, and how we came thorough the mids of the nations, which ye passed by. And ye have seen their abominations and their idols: wood and stone, silver and gold) which were among them. Lest there be among you man or woman, kindred or tribe, whose heart turneth away this day from the Lord our God, to go and serve the Gods of these nations: and least there be among you some root that beareth gall and wormwood, so that when he heareth the words of this oath, he bless himself in his heart, saying. * jere. v. ●. I shall have peace. I will walk in the meaning of mine own heart, ❀ (to put the ☞ drunken to the thirsty.) And so the Lord will not consent to be merciful unto him, but then the wrath of the Lord, and his jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall light upon him, and the Lord shall do out his name from under heaven, and the lord shall separate him unto evil out of all the tribes of Israel, according unto all the curses of the appointment, that are written in the book of this law. So that the generation to come of your children, that shall rise up after you, and the stranger that shall come from a far land shall say, when they see the plagꝭ of that land and the diseases wherewith the Lord hath smitten it, how all the land is burnt up with brimstone & salt, & that it is neither sown nor beareth, nor any grass groweth therein, like as in the place of the overthrowing of * Gene. nineteen. ●. Sodom, Gomor, Adama, and Zeboim: which the Lord overthrew in his wrath, and anger. Even than shall all nations say: * jere. xxii. b ● Regum. ix. b Wherefore hath the Lord done of this fashion unto this land? O how fierce is this great wrath? And men shall say: because they left the testament of the Lord God of their fathers which he made with them, when he brought them out of the land of Egypte. For they went, and served strange gods, and worshipped them: Gods which they knew not, & which had given them nought And the wrath of the Lord warred hoot against this land, to bring upon it, all the curses that are written in this book. And the Lord cast them out of their land in anger, wrath, and great indignation, and cast them in to a strange land, as this day beareth witness. The secrets of the Lord our God * ●. ●orī. 4. a. are opened unto us, and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. ¶ The word of God is at hand. CAPI. XXX. WHen all these words are come upon thee, the blessing and the curse which I have set before thee, thou shalt turn unto thine heart, among all the nations whither the Lord thy God hath thrust thee, and come again unto the Lord thy god, and hearken unto his voice in all these things that I command the this day: thou and thy children with all thine heart, and all thy soul. And the Lord thy god will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee, and will turn, and fet the again from all the nations, among which the Lord thy God shall have scattered the. Though thou wast cast unto the extreme parts of heaven: even from thence will the Lord thy God gather thee, & from thence will he fet thee, & the Lord thy God will bring the in to the land which thy fathers possessed, and thou shalt enjoy it. And he will show the kindness, and multiply the above thy fathers. * duty. ●● And the Lord thy god will circumcise thine heart, & the heart of thy seed, that thou mayst love the Lord thy god with all thine heart, and all thy soul, that thou mayst live. And the Lord thy God will put all these curses upon thine enemies, and on them that hate thee, and that persecute the. But thou shalt turn, and hearken unto the voice of the Lord, and do all his commandments, which I command the this day. And the Lord thy God will make the plenteous in all the works of thine hand, in the fruit of thy body, and in the fruit of thy cattle, and in the fruit of thy land, for thy wealth. * jere. ●●● For the Lord will turn again and rejoice over the to do the good, as he rejoiced over thy fathers: If thou hearken only unto the voice of the Lord thy God, to keep his commandments, and his ordinances which are written in the book of this law, and if thou turn unto the Lord thy God with all thine heart and all thy soul. * Rome. ●● For the commandment which I command the this day, is not separated from thee, neither far of. It is not in heaven, that thou needest to ❀ (complain, and) say: who shall go up for us to heaven, and fet it us, that we may hear it, and do it. Neither is it beyond the see: that thou shouldest say: who shall go over the see for us, and fet it us, that we may hear it: and do it? But the word is very nigh unto thee: even in thy mouth and in thine heart, that thou do it. * duty ●● Behold I have set before the this day life and good, death and evil: For where as I command the this day, to love the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments, his ordinances, and his laws (if thou so do) thou shalt live and multiply, and the Lord thy God shall bless the in the land whither thou goest to possess it. But and if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear: but shalt go astray, and worship strange gods, and serve them. I pronounce unto you also this day, that ye shall surely perish, & that ye shall not prolong your days upon the land whither thou passest over jordane, to go & possess it. * Deut. iiii. ● I call heaven & earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life & death, blessing & cursing: Therefore chose life, that both thou & thy seed may live, that thou mayst love the lord thy god, and be obedient to his voice, and cleave unto him. For he is thy life, & the length of thy days, that thou mayst dwell upon the earth which the lord swore unto thy fathers: Abraham, Isaac, and jacob, to give them. ¶ Moses being ready to die ordereth josua to rule the people in his stead. This bo●e Deuteronomy to written and laid in the Tabernacle beside the Ark. The Leuttes are charged to read it to the people. CAPI. XXXI. ANd Moses went and spoke these words unto all Israel, & said unto them: I am an hundred & xx. year old this day, and can no more go out & in. Also the lord hath said unto me, * Nun. xx b thou shalt not go over this jordan. The lord thy God he will go over before thee, & he will destroy these nations before thee, & thou shalt conquer them. * Nume. 27 d And josua he shall go before thee, as the lord hath said. And the lord shall do unto them, as he Nume. 27. ● did to Sehon & Og kings of the Amorites, & unto the land of them, whom he destroyed And the Lord shall give them over before your face, that ye may do unto them, according unto all the commandments which I have commanded you. Pluck up your hearts therefore, & be strong, dread not, nor be afraid of them: for the lord thy god himself doth go with the. He shall not fail thee, nor forsake the. And Moses called unto josua, & said unto him in the sight of all Israel: * josua i. b Regum two. a Be strong & bold, for thou must go with this people unto the land, which the lord hath sworn unto their fathers to give them, & thou shalt give it them to inherit. And the lord he doth go before thee: He shall not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not therefore, nor be discomforted. And Moses wrote this law, & delivered it unto the priests the sons of Levi (which * Nun iii. d bore the ark of the testament of the lord) & unto all the elders of Israel, & Moses commanded them, saying: * 〈◊〉. ●. a. At the point of, seven. years in the solemnity of the freyere, even in the feast of tabernacles, when all Israel is come to appear before the Lord thy god, in the place which he hath chosen: thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their ears. Gather the people together: men, women & children, & the stranger that is within thy gates, that they may hear, and learn & fear the lord your God, & keep, & observe all the words of this law, & that their children which know nothing, may hear, and learn to fear the lord your god, as long as ye live in the land, whither ye go over jordane to possess it. And the lord said unto Moses: Behold thy days are come, that thou must die. Call josua therefore, & stand ye in the tabernacle of witness, that I may give him a charge. And Moses & josua went, and stood in the tabernacle of witness. And the lord appeared in the tabernacle: even in the pillar of the cloud. And the * Exodi. 33. ● pillar of the cloud stood over the door of the tabernacle. And the lord said unto Moses: behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers, & this people will rise up, & go a hooring after strange gods of the land (whither they go) & will forsake me, & break the appointment, which I have made with them. And then my wrath will ware hoot against them, and I will forsake them and will hide my face from them, and they shall be consumed. And moche adversity and tribulations shall come upon them, so that then they will say. Are not these troubles come upon me, because God is not with me? And I also will surely hide away my face in that day, for all the evils sake which they shall have wrought in that they are turned unto strange goods. Now therefore write ye this song for you and teach it the children of Israel, and put it in their mouths, that this song may be my witness against the children of Israel. For I will bring them in to the land, (which I swore unto their Fathers) that floweth with milk and honey, and they shall eat, and fill themselves, and wax fat, and turn unto strange gods, and serve them and ❀ blaspheme me, and break my covenant. And then when much mischief and tribulation is come upon them, this song shall answer them, as a witness. For it shall not be forgotten out of the mouths of their seed: for I know theyrymagination, which they go about even now, before I have brought them in to the land which I swore. ✚ Moses therefore wrote this song the same reason, and taught it the children of Israel. And he gave josua the son of Nun a charge and said: * josua. i. b i Regum. two▪ a be bold, & strong, for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land, ☞ which I swore unto them, and I will be with the. And when Moses had made an end of writing out of the words of this law in a book unto the end of them, Moses commanded the Levites, which bore the ark of the testament of the Lord, saying: take ye the book of this law, * duty. x. a. & put it in the side of the ark of the testament of the lord your God, that it may be there for a witness against the. For I know thy stubbornness * 4 Re. xvii. c Mala. iii. b & thy stiff neck: while I am yet alive with you this day ye have been disobedient unto the lord: and how moche more after my death? Gather unto me all the elders of your tribes, & your officers, that I may speak these wordis in their cares, & call heaven, & earth to record against them. For I am sure that after my death, ye will utterly corrupt, & turn from the way which I have commanded you, & tribulation will come upon you in the latter days, because ye shall have wrought wickedness in the sight of the Lord, to provoke him thorough the works of your hands. And Moses spoke in the ears of all the congregation of Israel the words of this song, until he had ended them. ¶ The song of Moses. CAPI. XXXII. Hear O ye heavens, & * Mith. iii. b. isaiah i. a I shall speak, & let the earth hear the words of my mouth. * Esai. iv. c My doctrine ☞ shall drop as doth the rain, & my speech shall flow as doth the dew, as the shower upon the herbs, & as the drops upon the grass. For I will call on the name of the Lord: Ascribe ye honour unto our god. * Genesi. i d. Eccle. xlii. d perfit is the work of the most mighty god: For all his ways are judgement. He is a god of truth, without wickedness: righteous, & just is he. ❀ Frowardly have they done against him thorough their deformities: not his own children, but a wicked, & froward generation. Do ye so reward the lord, O foolish nation & unwise? * Mala. i. b Is not he thy father & thine owner? ‡ Gene. i▪ d hath he not made thee, & ordained thee? Remember the days of the world that is past: consider the years from time to tyme. * job. viii. b Ask thy father & he will show thee: thy elders, & they will tell the. When the most highest divided the nations, and when he separated the sons of Adam, he put the borders of the nations fast by the multitude of the children of Israel. For the lords part is his folk, & jacob is the portion of his inheritance. ☞ He found him in a desert land, in a void ground, & in a roaring wilderness. He led him about, he gave him understanding, & kept him as the apple of his eye. As an Eagle that styrteth up her nest & flotereth over her young, & stretcheth out her wyngis, so doth he take them up & beareth them on his shoulders. The Lord alone was his guide, & there was no strange god with him. He carried him up to an hyelande, that he might eat the increase of the fields. * Psal. ●●● And he fed him which honey out of the rock, & with oil out of the most hard stone With butter of kine, & milk of the sheep, with fat of the lambs & of fat rams & he goats with the fat of most plenteous wheat: & that thou mightest drink ☞ the most pure blood of the grape. But he that should have been upright, when he waxed fat, spurned with his heel. Thou art well fed, thou art grown thick, thou art even laden with fatness. And he forsook god his maker, & regarded not the God of his salvation. They provoked him to anger with strange gods, even with abominations provoked they him. * Psal. xvi●. They offered unto devils, & not to God, even to gods whom they knew not: to new gods that came newly up, whom their fathers feared not. Of god that begat thee, thou art unmindful, and hast forgotten god that made the. The lord therefore saw it, & was angry, because of the provoking of his sons & of his daughters. And he said, I will hide my face from them, & will see what their end shall be. For they are a very froward generation, children in whom is no faith. They have angered me with that which is no God, & provoked me with their vanitis. * Roma. ●● And I also will provoke them with those ☞ which are no people, I will anger them with a foolish nation. * jere. x●● For fire is kindled in my wrath, & burneth unto the bottom of hell. And hath consumed the earth with her increase, & set a fire the bottoms of the mountains. I will heap mischiefs upon them, & will destroy them with mine arrows. They shallbe burnt with hunger, & consumed with heat, & with bitter destruction. * jere. 〈◊〉 Ioh●●● I will also send the teeth of beasts upon them, with the furiousness of serpents in the dust. Without forth shall the sword rob them of their children, & within in the chambre: fear both young men and young women, and the sucklings with the men of grey heads. I have said: I will scatter them abroad, and make the remembrance of them to cease from among men. Were it not that I feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries should utterly withdraw themselves, and lest they should say: our high hand hath done all this, & not the Lord. For it is a nation without forecast neither is there any understanding in them O that they were wise, and understood this, that they would consider their latter end. How should one chase a. M, & two put. x. M. to flight: except their maker had sold them and except the lord do shut them up. For their God is not as our God * 1. Regum. v b our enemies also themselves are judges. For their vine is of the vineyard of Sodom, & of the fields of Gomorra. Their grapes are grapes of gall, and their clusters be bitter. Their wine is a poison of dragons, & the cruel gall of adders. Is not this laid in store with me, & sealed up among my treasures? * Roma. xii. d Hebrew. x. ● vengeance is mine, & I will reward: their feet shall slide in due tyme. For the day of their destruction is at hand & the things that shall come upon them, make haste. * i Mac. 7. a For the lord shall judge his people, & have compassion on his servants: when he seeth that their power is gone, & that they be in a manner shut up, or brought to nought & forsaken. And he shall say * jere. two. d where are their god? their god, in whom they trusted? The fat of whose sacrifices they did eat & drank the wine of their drink offerings? let them rise up and help you, & be your protection ❀ (in necessity.) See now, how that I, * Davi. 4▪ ●. I am god and there is none but I, * ● Regum. two. I kill, & will make alive: I wound, & I will heal, * job. x. d. neither is there any that can deliver out of my hand. For I will lift up mine hand to heaven, and will say: I live ever. If I whet the edge of my sword, and my hand take hold to do justice, I will recompense vengeance on mine enemies, and will reward them that hate me. I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall eat flesh, & that for the blood of the slay, & for their captivity, since the ☞ beginning of the wrath of the enemy. * Rom. xv. b. Praise ye heathen his people, for he will avenge the blood of his servants, & will avenge him of his adversaries, & will be merciful unto his land, & to his people. And Moses came and spoke all the words of this song in the cares of the people, he & josua the son of Nun. And Moses spoke all these words unto the end to all the people of Israel, and said unto them: * Deut. xi. b. ●●d, xi. e Set your hearts unto all the words which I ☞ testify unto you this day: and ye shall command them unto your children, that they may observe, and do all the words of this law. And let it not be a vain word unto you: for in it is your life, and thorough this word ye shall prolong your days in the land whither ye go over jordane, to conquer it. And the Lord spoke unto Moses the self same day, saying. Get the up into this mountain Abarim. ❀ (That is to say, a passage) unto mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab over against Jerico. And behold the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel to possess: And die in the mount which thou goest up unto, & thou shalt be gathered unto thy people. * Nun. xx. d and. 33. c. As Aaron thy brother died in mount Hor, and was gathered unto his people: because ye trespassed against me among the children of Israel * Nun. xx. a at the waters of strife, at Cades in the wilderness of Zin: For ye sanctified me not among the children of Israel. Thou shalt therefore see the land before thee, and shall not go thither unto the land which I give the children of Israel. ¶ Moses dying, blesseth all the tribes of Israel. CAPI. XXXIII. THis is the blessing wherewith Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death, and sarde: * Exodi. iii. a The Lord came from Smay and showed his beams * Exod. xi●. ● from Seir unto them, and appeared from mount Pharan, & he came with thousands of ☞ saints, and in his right hand a law of fire for them. And he loved the people. * Sapi. iii. a. All his saints also are in thy hands. They ❀ were smitten to go after thy feet, and to receive of thy words. Moses gave us a law, to be an inheritance of the congregation of jacob. And he was in Israel king when the heads of the people, and the tribes of Israel were gathered together. Let Reuben live, & not die: & be few in number. This same also happen to juda. And he said: hear lord the voice of juda▪ & bring him unto his people: his hands shallbe good enough for him, if thou help him against his enemies. And unto Leut he said: ☞ Thumin● and Urim shall be with thee, and with every one that is godly in the. Thou didst prove him also in the temptation, and stryvedst with him at the waters of strife. He that hath said unto his father, and to his mother I have not seen him. ☞ And he that knew not his brethren, nor knew his own children those are they that have observed thy word, and shall keep thy covenant. They shall teach jacob thy judgements, and Israel thy law. They shall put sense before thy nose, and the bur●sacrifice upon thine altar. Bless lord his first fruits and accept the work of his hands: smite the loins of them that rise against him, & of them that hate him, that they rise not again. And of Ben jamin he said. The Lords darling shall dwell in safety upon him, and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, & he shall dwell between his shoulders. And of joseph he said: blessed of the lord is his land for the fruits of heaven, thorough the dew and springs that lie beneath: and for the sweet fruits of the increase of the son, and ripe fruits of the moon: For the first fruit of the principal mountains, and for the fruits/ that the hills bring forth for ever, and for the fruits of the earth, and fullness thereof: and for the good will of him that dwelt in the * Exodi. iii. a bush, shall the blessing come upon the head of joseph, & upon the top of the head of him that was separated from among his brethren ☞ his first borne ox hath beauty, and his horns are as the horns of an unicorn. And with them he shall trouble the nations together, even unto the ends of the world. These are also the many thousands of Ephram, and the thousands of Manasses. And unto Zabulon he said: Rejoice Zabulon in thy going out, & thou Isachar in thy tents. They shall call the people unto the hill, & there they shall offer offerings of righteousness. For they shall suck of the abundance of the see, and of treasure hid in the sand. And unto Gad he said: blessed be the room maker Gad: he dwelleth as a Lion, that catcheth the arm with the heed. He saw therefore his beginning, & that there was a portion there to hide the law giver, and he came with the heads of the people, & executed the righteousness of the lord, & his judgements with Israel. And unto Dan he said. Dan is a lions whelp, he shall flow from Basan. And unto Nepthali he said, Nephthali hath abundance of God's good pleasure, and is filled with the blessing of the lord, & shall have his possessions toward the souhtwest. And to Aser he said: Aser shall be blessed with children: he shall be acceptable unto his brethren, and shall dip his foot in oil: Thy dwelling be Iron and brass, and thine age be as thy youth. There is none like unto the God of Israel, which though he sit upon the heaven as upon an horse, yet is he thy helper, whose glory is in the celestial places. The eternal God is thy refuge, and under the arms of the everlasting god shalt thou live. He shall cast out the enemy before thee, & say: destroy. Israel then shall dwell in safety, and alone. And the eye of jacob shall be upon a land of corn & wine, and his heavens shall drop the dew. Happy art thou O Israel, who is like unto thee? O people, that art saved in the Lord, which is the shield of thy help, & sword of thy glory. Thine enemies have lost their strength to the ward, & thou shalt ☞ tread upon the height of them. ¶ Moses dieth. Israel weepeth. josua succeedeth in Moses room. CAPI. XXXIIII. ANd * Nun. 71 Moses went from the plain of Moab up in to mount Nebo, and unto the top of * Deut. ●●● the hill that is over against jericho. And the Lord showed him all the land of Gilead, even unto Dan, & all Nephthali, and the land of ☞ Ephraim and Manasse, and the land of juda: even unto the uttermost see, and the south, and the region of the plain of jericho/ the City of palm trees, even unto Zoar. And the Lord said unto him. * 〈…〉. and. ●●● This is the land which I swore unto Abraham, Isaac and jacob, saying: I will give it unto thy seed. I have caused the also to see it with thine eyes, * Deute. 4. but thou shalt not go over thither. So Moses the servant of the lord died there in the land of Moab according to the word of the Lord. And he buried him in a valley in the land of Moab over against the house of Peor, but no man knoweth of his sepulchre unto this day. Moses was an hundred and twenty year old when he died: his eye was not dim, nor his natural colour abated. And the children of Israel * Num. ●● wept for Moses in the plain of Moab thirty days. And the days of weeping and mourning for Moses were ended. And josua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom: * Num. ●● for Moses had put his hands upon him. And the children of Israel were obedient unto him, and did as the Lord commanded Moses. And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, according unto all the miracles and wonders which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypte, unto Pharaoh and all his servants, and before all his land: and according to all that mighty hand, and all the great visions, which Moses showed in the sight of all Israel. ¶ The end of the fifth book of Moses, called in the Hebrew Elle Haddebarim: and in the latin Deuteronomium. ❧ The Book of josua, whom the hebrews call jehosua. ¶ The Lord courageth josua to invade the land of promise: and commandeth him continually to read Deuteronomium. CAPI. Primo. AFter the death of Moses the servant of the lord, it happened also that the Lord spoke unto josua the Son of Nun, Moses minister saying: Moses my servant is dead. Now therefore up and go over jordan: thou and all this people, unto the land the which I give unto the children of Israel. * duty. xi. c. All the places that the soles of your feet shall tread upon have I given you, as I said unto Moses: from the wilderness and this Libanon unto the great river Euphrates: all the land of the Hethites, even unto the great see toward the going down of the son, shall be your cooste. There shall not a man be able to withstand thee, all the days of thy life. * jesua. iii. b For as I was with Moses, so will I be with the * Hebru. 13. b and will not fail thee, nor forsake the. * Deut. 31. f. 3. Regum two. a Be strong therefore and bold: for unto this people shalt thou divide the land which I swore unto their Fathers to give them. Only be thou strong and as bold as thou canst, that thou mayest observe and do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded the. * duty. v. d Turn therefrom neither to the right hand, nor to the left: that thou mayest do wisely in all thou takest in hand: * Deut. 17. d. let not the book of this law depart out of thy mouth: But record therein day and night that thou mayst observe/ & do according to all that is written therein. For then shalt thou make thy way prosperous, & then thou shalt do wisely. Have not I commanded the to be strong and bold. and that thou shouldest not fear nor be faint hearted? For I the lord thy god am with thee, whither so ever thou goest. Then josua commanded the officers of the people, saying: Go thorough the mids of the host, and command the people, saying: prepare you victuals: for after three days ye shall pass over this jordane, to go in and enjoy the land, which the Lord your God giveth you, to possess it. And unto the Rubenites, Gadites and half the tribe of Manasses spoke josua, saying: * Num. 32. d. Remember ☞ the word, which Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying: the Lord your God hath given you rest, and hath given you this land. Your wives, your Children, and your cattle shall remain in the land which Moses gave you on this side jordane: But ye shall go before your brethren armed, all that be men of war, & help them until the lord have given your brethren rest, as he hath you, and until they also have obtained the land, which the Lord your God giveth them. And then shall ye return unto the land of your possession and enjoy it, which land Moses the lords servant gave you on this side jordan toward the son rising. And they answered josua, saying: * duty. v. ●. jere. xlii. a. All that thou hast commanded us, we will do, and whither soever thou sendest us/ we will go. According as we obeyed Moses in all things, so will we obey thee: only the Lord thy god be with thee, as he was with Moses. And whosoever he be that doth disobey thy mouth, and will not hearken unto thy words, in all that thou commandest him, let him die: Only be strong/ and of good courage. ¶ josua sendeth spies to Jericho, which were hid of Rahab CAPI. II. ANd josua the son of Nun sent out of Settim two men to spy secretly, saying: go and view the land/ and also Jericho. And they went, and came in to a harlot's house, named Rahab, and lodged there. And it was told the king of Jericho, & said: Behold, there came men in hither to night, of the children of Israel, to spy out the country. And the king of Jericho sent unto Rahab, saying: bring forth the men that are come to thee, and which are entered in to thine house: for they be come to search out all the land. And the woman took the two men, * Hebru. xi. c. jacob. 〈◊〉. d & hid them. And said thus: in deed there came men unto me, but I wist not whence they were. And about the time of the shutting of the gate when it was dark, the men went out, whither the men went I wot not: follow ye after them quickly, for ye shall over take them. But she brought them up to the roof of the house, and * josua. v. ●● hid them with the stalks of flare, which she had dying abroad upon the roof. And the men pursued after them, the way to jordan, even unto the ferry, and as soon as they which pursued after them were gone out, they shut the gate: and or ever they were a flepe, she came up unto them upon the roof, and said unto the men: I know, that the lord hath given you the land * Deut. ●8 a. josua. v. a for the fear of you is fallen upon us, and the inhabitors of the land faint at the presence of you. For we have herd, how the Lord * Exod xiiii c dried up the water of the red see before you when ye came out of Egypt, and what ye did unto the two kings of the Amorites/ that were on the other side jordan * Nu. 21. f. g. Sohon, and Og, which ye utterly destroyed. And as soon as we have heard these things (❀ We were sore afraid, and) our hearts did faint. And there remained no more courage in any man at the presence of you. For the lord your god, he is the God in heaven above, and on the earth beneath. Now therefore (I pray you) swear unto me * duty. x. d. by the Lord that as I have showed you mercy, ye shall also show mercy unto my father's house, and give me a true token. And that ye shall save alive, both my father, and my mother, my brethren, and my sisters, and all that they have. And that ye shall deliver ☞ our souls from death. And the men answered her: our lives for you to die, if ye utter not this our business. And when the Lord hath given us the land, * josna. vi. c we will deal mercifully & truly with the. And then she let them down by a cord, * i. Regum. 19 c Acts. ix. d thorough a window: For her house was by the town wall And she dwelled by the town wall. And she said unto them: get you in to the mountain, least the pursuers meet you, and hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers be returned, and then shall ye go your way. And the men said unto her: we will be bla melesse of this thine oath, which thou hast made us swear. Behold, when we come in to the land, thou shalt bind this purple cord in the window, which thou lettest us down buy. And thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, thy brethren, and all thy Father's household, even into thy house. And than who soever doth go out at the doors of thy house, into the street, ☞ his blood shall be upon his own head, and we will be guiltless. And whosoever shall be with the in the house, his blood shall be on our head, if any man's hand touch him: And if thou utter these our words, we will be quite of thine oath, which thou hast made us swear. And she said: according unto your words, so be it: and she sent them away to depart. And she bound the purple cord in the window. And they departed, and got them into the mountain, and there above three days until the pursuers were returned. And the pursuers sought them throughout all the way, but found them not. And the two men returned, and descended from the mountain, and passed over, and came to josua the son of Nun, and told him all that had chanced them. And they said unto josua: the Lord truly hath delivered into our hands all the land: & all the inhabiters of the country faint at the presence of us. ¶ josua with the people pass over jordane. CAPI. III. ANd josua rose early: and they removed from Settim, and came to jordan/ he and all the Children of Israel, and lodged there, before they went over. And after three days it fortuned, that the officers went throughout the host, & commanded the people saying: when ye see the ark of the testament of the Lord your god, & the priests that are Leuttes bearing it: ye shall depart from your place, and go after it. So yet that there shall be a space between you and it/ about a two thousand cubits by measure. And ye shall not come nigh unto it, that ye may know the way, by which ye must go: forye have not gone this way in times past ❀ (and beware, that ye approach not nigh unto the ark.) And josua said unto the people: * ● xuiii. 〈◊〉 Nun. 〈◊〉 i. Re. 〈◊〉 josua ●●●● ☞ Sanctify yourselves, for to morrow the Lord shall do wonders among you. And josua spoke unto the priests, saying: Take up the Ark of the covenant, and go before the people. And they took up the ark of the testament, and went before the people. And the Lord said unto josua: this day will I begin to ☞ magnify thee, in the sight of all Israel, that they may know how that * josua. ●● as I was with Moses, so will I be with the. And thou shalt command the priests that bear the ark of the covenant/ saying: when ye are come to the edge of the waters of jordan, ye shall stand still in it. And josua said unto the Children of Israel, come hither, and hear the words of the lord your God. And josua said: Hereby ye shall know, that the living God is among you, and that he will without fail cast out before you, the Canaanites, and the Hethites, the Hevites, the Pheresytes/ the Gergesites, the Amorites, and the jebusites. Behold, the ark of the appointment of the Lord of all the world goeth before you, in to jordan. Now therefore take from among you twelve men out of the tribes of Israel, out of every tribe a man. And assoon as the soles of the feet of the priests (that bear the ark of the Lord, the governor of all the world) tread in the waters of jordane/ the waters of jordan (❀ that are beneath, shall run down, and) shall be divided: and the waters that come from above, shall stand still upon an heap. And it fortuned, that when the people were departed from their tents to go over jordan, the priests bearing * Acts. seven. ● the Ark of the appointment, went before the people. And as soon as they that bore the Ark came unto jordane, and the feet of the priests that bore the Ark were dipped in the brim of the water. ( * Eccle. 24. d For jordane useth to fill all his banks all the time of harvest) the waters also that came down from above, did rise up upon an heap (❀ and appeared as great as a mountain,) and departed far from the city of Adam, that was beside Zarthan. And the waters that were beneath toward the see of the wilderness, fell away & departed into the salt see, and the people * Psal. 66. b. went right over against Jerico. And the priests that bore the ark of the appointment of the Lord, stood dry within jordane, ready prepared, & all the israelites went over thorough the dry, until all the people were gone clean over thorough jordane. ¶ josua setteth up. xii. stones in jordane. CAPI. four ANd it fortuned, that when the people/ were all gone * Deut. 27. 8 over jordane, the lord spoke unto josua, saying: Take you twelve men out of the people, out of every tribe a man. And command you them, saying: take you hence out of the mids of jordane, (even out of the place where the priests stood in a readiness) twelve (❀ of the most hardest) stones, which ye shall take away with you, and leave them in the place, where you shall lodge this night. And josua called the twelve men, which he had prepared of the Children of Israel, out of every tried a man, and josua said unto them: get you before the Ark of the Lord your God/ even thorough the mids of jordan, * Deut. 27. a and take up every man of you a stone upon his shoulder, according unto the number of the tribes of the Children of Israel, that this may be a sign among you. That when your Children ask their fathers in time to come, saying: what mean these stones with you? Ye may answer them how that the waters of jordane divided at the presence of the ark of the appointment of the Lord. For when it went over jordan, the waters of jordan divided: And these stones are become a memorial unto the Children of Israel for ever. And the Children of Israel did even so as josua commanded and took up * ●●●●. 18. f. twelve stones out of the mids of jordane, as the Lord said unto josua according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them away with them unto the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. And josua set up twelve stones also in the mids of jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests which bore the Ark of the testament, stood. And there have they continued ☞ unto this day. For the priests which bore the Ark/ stood in the mids of jordane, until all was finished that the Lord commanded josua to say unto the people, according to all that Moses charged josua And the people hasted, and went over. It fortuned also, that when all the people were clean over, the ark of the Lord went over also, and the priests before the people. * Num. 32. c. And the children of Reuben, & the children of Gad, & half the Tribe of Manasses went before the children of Israel armed, as Moses charged them. Even forty thousand prepared for war, went before the lord unto battle, thorough the plain of Jericho. * josua iii. ● That day the lord magnified josua in the sight of all Israel, & ☞ they feared him, as they feared Moses all days of his life. And the Lord spoke unto josua, saying: command the priests that bear the ark of witness/ to come up out of jordane. josua therefore commanded the priests/ saying: Come ye up out of jordane. And when the priests that bore the Ark of the appointment of the lord were come up out of the mids of jordan, and assoon as the soles of the priests feet were set on the dry land, the waters of jordan returned again unto their place, and went over all their banks as they did before. And the people came up out of jordane the tenth day of the first month, and pitched in Gylgall, even in the East border of the city Jericho. And the twelve stones which they took out of jordane, did josua pitch in Gylgal. And he spoke unto the Children of Israel, saying: * Exodi. xii. ● If your Children ask their Fathers in time to come, and say: what mean these stones? ye shall show your Children, and say: Israel came over this jordane an dry land. For the lord your god dried up the water of jordane before you, vutyll ye were gone over, as the Lord your God did the red see * Exodi. 14. ● which he dried up before us, till we were gone over: that all the people of the world may know the hand of the Lord, how mighty it is, and that ye might fear the Lord your God for ever. ¶ The Canaanites are afraid. CAPI. V ANd it fortuned, that when all the kings of the Amorytes, which are beyond jordan westward, and all the kings of the Cananytes, which were by the see/ heard, how the Lord had dried up the waters of jordane before the children of Israel, until they were gone over * josua. two. b. their hearts fainted for fear. And there was no spirit in them any more, for the presence of the children of Israel. That same time the Lord said unto josua: * Exodi iiii. f Make the sharp knives (of stone) and go to again and circumcise the Children of Israel the second tyme. And josua made him sharp knives (of stone) and circumcised the children of Israel in the top of the foreskynnes. And this is the cause why josua circumcised all the people that came out of Egypte: Namely such as were males because that all the men of war, died in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypte. For all the people that came out were circumcised. But all the people that were borne in the wilderness by the way, after they came out of Egypt, were not circumcised. For the Children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people of the men of war that came out of Egypte, were consumed, because they hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord. Wherefore the Lord swore, that he would not show them the land * Num. 14. f. which the lord swore unto their fathers, that he would give us, even a land * Nun. ●3. d that floweth with milk and honey. And their children whom he set up in their stead: them josua circumcised: for they were uncircumcised, because they circumcised them not by the way. And when they had circumcised all the people, they abode still together in the host till they were hole. And the Lord said unto josua: this day I have taken away the shame of Egypte from you: wherefore the name of the same place is called gilgal unto this day. And the children of Israel abode in gilgal * Exodi. xi. a. and held the feast of passover the fourteen day of the month at even in the plain of Jericho. And they did eat of the corn of the land on the morrow after passover sweet cakes, and parched corn, in the self same day. For the * Exod. 17. ●. Manna ceased on the morrow, after they had begun to eat of the corn of the land, neither had the children of Israel Manna any more, but did eat of the corn of the land of Canaan that year. And it fortuned that when josua was nigh to Jericho, he life up his eyes, & looked: and behold, there stood a man against him having a sword drawn in his hand. And josua went unto him, & said unto him: art thou on our side or on our adversaries: And he said: Nay, but as a captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. And josua fell on his face to the earth, & did reucrence, and said unto him, what sayeth my Lord unto his servant? And the captain of the Lords host said unto josua: * Exodi. iii Acts, seven. ● do thy shoe of thy foot, for the place whereon thou standest, is holy. And josua did so. ¶ The walls of jericho fall, and it to destroyed. CAPI. VI ANd Jerico was shut up, and locked because of the children of Israel, neither might any man go out or in. And the Lord said unto josua: behold, I have given into thine hand Jericho & her king, and the strong men of war. And ye shall compass the city, all ye that be men of war, and go round about it once, and so shall ye do sire days. And seven priests shall bear before the ark, seven trumpets of rammis horns ❀ (that be used in the jubilee.) And the seventh day, ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets. And when they make a long blast with the rams horn, & ye hear the sound of the horn, all the people shall shout with a great shout. And then shall the wall ☞ of that city fall down, and the people shall ascend up, every man straight before him. And josua the Son of Nun, called the priests, & said unto them: take up the Ark of the appointment, & let. seven. priests bear seven trumpets of Rams horns before the ark of the Lord. And he said unto the people, and go and compass the city: & let him that is harnessed, go before the Ark of the Lord. And when josua had spoken unto the people, the seven priests bore the seven trumpets of rams horns, & went forth before the ark of the lord, & blewe with the trumpets, and the ark of the covenant of the Lord followed them. And all the men of arms went before the priests, that blue with the trumpets, & the comen people came after the ark: and went, and blewe with Trumpets. And josua commanded the people, saying: Ye shall not shout, nor make any noise with your voice, neither shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I bid you shout, then shall ye shout. And so the ark of the Lord compassed the city, and went about it once: and they returned in to the host, and lodged there. And josua rose early in the morning/ and the priests took up the ark of the lord/ and seven priests bare seven trumpets of rammis horns, & went before the ark of the Lord, & blewe with the trumpets. And all the men of arms went before them, but the comen people came after the ark of the lord, which went before with the blowing of the trumpets. And the second day they compassed the city once, & returned again into the host, and so they did two days. And when the seventh day came, they rose early: even with the dawning of the day, & compassed the city after the same manner seven times: only that day they compassed the city seven times. And at the seven time, when the priests blewe the trumpets, josua said unto the people: shout, for the Lord hath given you the city. And the city shall be ☞ dampened, both it, & all that are therein, unto the Lord: only Rahab the harlot shall live, & all that are with her in the house, because she * josua. two. a. hid the messengers that we sent. And in any wise be ye ware of the excommunicate things least ye make yourselves excommunicate, and take of the excommunicate things, & make the host of Israel excommunicate, and trouble it. But all the Silver, gold, vessels of brass, & iron shall be consecrate unto the lord, & shall come into his treasury. And the people shouted, & blewe with trumpets. And when the people heard the sound of the trump, they shouted with a great shout: & the wall fell down, so Hebrew. xi. f that the people went up in to the city, every man straight before him, and took the city. And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city, both man & woman, young & old/ ox, sheep & ass, with the edge of the sword. Then josua said unto the two men that had spied out the country: * Hebrew. xi. f go in to the harlots house, & bring out thence the woman/ and all that she hath, * josua. i●. r. as ye swore to her. And the young men that were spies, went in, and brought out Rahab, & her father, and mother and her brethren, and all that she had. And they brought out all her kindred, and put them without the host of Israel. And they burned the city with fire, & all that was therein. Only the Silver and the gold/ the vessels of brass and iron, they put unto the treasure of the house of the lord. * Hebrew. ●i. ● And josua saved Rahab the harlot, and her father's household, and all that she had, and she dwelled in Israel, even unto this day, because she hid the messengers, which josua sent to spy out Jericho. And josua swore at that time/ saying: cursed be the man before the Lord, that riseth up, & buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation * 3. Reg 16. ● ☞ in his eldest son, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it. And so the lord was with josua, and his fame was noised throwout all lands. ¶ Hai is spied out. Acan is stoned. CAPI. VII. BUt yet the children of Israel trespassed in the * Deut. seven. d and, xiii. d excommunicate things: And * josua. 22. d i. Para ●i a 〈◊〉. mach. 12 ● Acan the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zareh of the tribe of juda, took of the excommunicate things, And the wrath of the Lord waxed hoot against the children of Israeli. And josua sentmen from Jericho to Hai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east side of Bethel, and spoke unto them, saying: Get you up, and view the country. And the men went up, and spied out Hai. And returned unto josua, and said unto him, let not all the people go up but let as it were a two or three thousand men go up, and smite Hai, and make not all the people to labour thither, for they are but few. And so there went up thither of the people, about a three thousand men, and they fled before the men of Hai. And the men of Hai smote of them upon a thirty and sire men: for they chased them from before the gare even unto Sebarina & smote them in the going down. Wherefore the hearts of the people * Psal. xxii. ● for fear melted away like water. And josua rend his clothes, & fell to the earth upon his fare before the Ark of the lord until the even tide, he and the Elders of Israel, and put earth upon their heads. And josua said: * Dente, ix. ● Alas, O Lord God, wherefore hast thou brought this people over jordane, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, and to destroy us: would to God we had ❀ been content, & dwelt on the other side jordane. Oh Lord what shall I say/ when Israel turneth their backꝭ before their enemies: Surely the Canaanites, and all the inhabitors of the land shall hear of it, and shall conspire against us, and destroy the name of us out of the world. And what wilt thou do unto thy mighty name? And the Lord said unto josua, get the up, wherefore liest thou thus upon thy face? Israel hath sinned, and they have transgressed mine appointment, which I commanded them: for they have taken of the excommunicate things, and have stolen, & dissembled, and put them unto their own stuff: And therefore is it that the children of Israel can not stand before their enemies, but shall turn their backs before their enemies, because they be excommunicate. Neither will I be with you any more, except ye destroy the excommunicate from among you. * Exod. nineteen. a Up therefore, and ☞ sanctify the people, and say: sanctify yourselves against to morrow: for so said the Lord God of Israel. There is a damned thing among you (O Israel) and therefore ye can not stand against your enemies, until ye have put the dampened thing from among you. To morrow morning therefore ye shall be brought according to your tribes. And the tiybe which the Lord taketh, shall come according to the kindred's thereof. And the kindred which the Lord shall find gyliye, shall come by households. And the household, which the Lord shall find faulty, shall come man by man. And he that is found in the excommunication, shall be burnt with fire, he and all that he hath, because he hath transgressed the covenant of the lord/ and wrought folly in Israel. And so josua rose up early in the morning, & brought Israel by their tribes: and the Tribe of juda was caught. And he brought the kindred's of juda, and took the kindred of the Zarehites. And he brought the kindred of the Zarehites man, by man, and Zabdi was caught. And he brought his shousholde man by man, and Acan the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi/ the Son of Zareh in the Tribe of juda was caught. And josua said unto Acan: my son/ ☞ give glory to the Lord God of Israel, and give him praise, and show me what thou hast done, hide it not from me. And Acan answered josua, and said, of a truth I have sinned against the Lord god of Israel, and thus and thus have I done. I saw among the spoil a goodly Babylony she garment, and two hundred sycles of silver, and a tongue of gold of fifty sickles meyght: and I counted them, and took them. And behold, they lie hid in the earth in my tent, and the silver is there under. And so josua sent messengers: which when they ran unto his tent, behold, they were hid in his tent/ and the silver there under. Therefore they took them out of the midst of his tent, and brought them unto josua, and unto all the Children of Israel, and laid them out before the lord. And josua took Acan the son of Zarch, & the silver, and the garment, and the tongue of gold, and his Sons, and his daughters, his oxen, and his asses, his sheep and his tent, & all that he had, and all Israel with him brought them unto the valley of Acor. And josua said: In as much as thou hast troubled us, the lord shall trouble the this day. And all Israel stooned him with stones, and burnt them with fire, and overwhelmed them which stones. And they cast upon him a great heap of stones unto this day. And so the Lord turned from the wrath of his indignation. And the name of the place is called the valley of Acor unto this day. ¶ The ferge, and winning of Hai. The king thereof is hanged. josua setteth up an altar. He blesseth the people. CAPI. VIII. ANd the Lord said unto josua: * Deut. seven ● fear not, neither be thou faint hearted. Take all the men of war with thee, and up, and get the to Hai. Behold, I have given into thy hand, the king of Hai, and his people, his city & his land. And thou shalt do to Hai and her king, as thou didst unto * josua vi ● jericho and her king. Nevertheless the spoil and * duty. ●●● cattle thereof, shall ye take unto yourselves: And lay a watch unto the town, on the backside thereof. And so josua arose, and all the men of war, to go up against Hai. And josua chose out thirty thousand men of war, and sent them away by night. And he commanded them, saying: behold, ye shall lay await unto the town on the backside thereof. Go not very far from the city, but be all ready. And I and all the people that are with me, will approach unto the city. And when they come out against us, as they did at the first time, then will we flay before them, for they will come out after us, and we will bring them out of the city. For they will say, they flay before us, as at the first time: and we will flay before them. In the mean time shall ye arise up from laying await, and destroy the city: For the Lord your God will deliver it into your hand. And when ye have taken the city, ye shall set it on fire. According to the commandment of the lord shall ye do: behold, I have charged you. josua therefore sent them forth, and they went to lay await, and abode between bethel and Hai, on the west side of the city of Hai. But josua lodged that night among the people. And josua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people, & went up, he & the elders of Israel before the people against Hai. And all the men of war that were with him/ went up and drew nigh and came against the city, and pitched on the north side of Hai, and there was a valley between them and Hai. And he took upon a five thousand men, and put them to lay await, between Bethel & Hai, on the westsyde of the city. And they put the people (even all the host that were on the northside) against the city, and the layers await on the west. And josua walked the same night in the mids of the valley. And it fortuned, that when the king of Hai saw it, they hasted & rose up early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at a time appointed, even before the plain, and wist not that there were layers await on the bacsyde of the city. And josua and all Israel feigned themselves to be put to the worse before them, and fled toward the wilderness. And all the people of the town were called together, to follow after them. And they followed after josua, and were drawn away from the city: And there was not a man let in Hai, and in bethel, that went not out after Israel. And they left the city open, and followed after Israel. And the Lord said unto josua: stretch out the spear that is in thine hand, toward Hai/ for I will give it into thy hand. And josua stretched out the spear that he had in his hand, toward the city. And the layers await rose quickly out of their place, and ran as soon as josua had stretched out his hand, and they entered into the city and took it, and hasted, and set the city on fire. And when the men of Hai looked back after them, they saw the smoke of the city ascend up to heaven. And they had no leisure to flay either this way or that, & the people that fled to the wilderness, turned back again upon the followers. And when josua and all Israel saw that the layers await had taken the city, and that the smoke of it ascended, they turned again and laid on the men of Hai. And the other issued out of the city against them. And so were they in the myddis of Israel: for these were on the one side of them, and the reeste on the other side. * josua. vi. c And they laid upon them, so that they let no one of them scape. And the king of Hai they took alive, and brought him to josua. And when Israel had made an end of sleyenge all the inhabitors of Hai, in the field of the wilderness, where they chased them, & when they were all fallen on the edge of the sword, until they were wasted, all the israelites returned unto Hai, and smote it in the edge of the sword. And all that fell that day, both of men, and women, were twelve thousand, even all the men of Hai. For josua plucked not his hand back again, which he stretched out upon the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the enhabitatours of Hai. * Nume. 35. d duty. xx. ● Only the cattle and the spoil of the city, Israel took unto themselves, according unto the word of the Lord, which he commanded josua. And josua set Hai on fire, and made it an heap for ever, & a wilderness, even unto this day. And the king of Hai he hanged on tree/ until even. And as soon as the son was down, josua commanded * Deut. nineteen. d that they should take the carcase down of the tree, and cast it at the entering of the gate of the city, and * josua. 7. d lay thereon a great heap of stones, that remaineth unto this day. Then josua * Deut. 27. a build an aultre unto the Lord God of Israel, in mount ebal, as Moses the servant of the Lord commanded the children of Israel, and as it is written in the * Deut. 27. a bokeof the law of Moses: ‡ Exodi xx ● an altar of ☞ hole stones, over which no man hath lylte any tool of iron. And they sacrificed thereon burntsacrifyces unto the Lord, and offered peace-offerings. And he wrote there upon the stones, a rehearsal of the law of Moses, & wrote it in the presence of the Children of Israel. And all Israel and the elders thereof, and their officers and judges stood, part on this side the ark, and part on that side, before the priests, that were levities, which bore the ark of the appointment of the lord: as well the stranger, as they that were borne among them: half on them on the forefront of the mount Garizim, and half of them on the forefront of mount ebal: as Moses the servant of the lord had commanded before, that they should bless the people Israel. Afterward he read all the words of the law/ the blessings, and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the law: And there was not one word of all that Moses commanded, which josua said not before all the congregation of Israel: The women and children, (and the strangers that were come) standing among them. ¶ The Gibconyies obtain peace of josua. CAPI. IX. ANd it fortuned, that when all the kings that dwell on this side jordane, in the hills and valleys, and along by all the coostes of the great see, over against Libanon (Namely the Hethites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Pheresites, the Hevites, and the jebusites) heard thereof, they gathered themselves together, to fight against josua, and against Israel with one accord. * ●. Reg. 〈◊〉. a And the inhabitors of Gibeon heard what josua had done unto jericho, and to Hai: And they played wylylye, and went, & made them selves ambasadours, & took ❀ (them victuals, and) old sacks upon their Asses, and wine bottles old, and rend and worner and old clouted shoes upon their feet, and their raiment was old, and all their provision of bread was dried up, and hoored. And they came unto josua into the host to gilgal, and said unto him, and unto all the men of Israel: we be come from a far country, and now make ye agreement with us. And the men of Israel said unto the Hevite: peradventure thou dwelldest among us, and then how can I make peace with thee? And they said unto josua: we are thy servants. And josua said unto them again: what are ye? And whence come ye? They answered him: From a very far country thy servants are come, for the name of the Lord thy GOD: for we have heard the fame ❀ (of the power) of him, and all that he did in Egypt, and all that he did to the two * Nume. 21. ● kings of the Amorites that were beyond jordane, Sehon king of Hesbon, and Og king of Basan, which was at Astharoth. Wherefore our Elders and all the inhabitors of our country spoke ● us, saying: take victuals with you to serve by the way, and go meet them, and say unto them: we are your servants. And now make ye a covenant of peace with us. This our food of bread, we took with us out of our houses hoot, the day we departed to come unto you And now behold, it is dried up, & hoored. And these bottles of wine which we filled, were new: and see, they be rend. And these our garmetes and shoes are worn for oldness/ by the reason of the exceeding long journey. And the men took of their victuals, and counseled not with the mouth of the lord. And josua made peace with them, and * 3. Re. xxi. a made a covenant with them, that they should be suffered to live, and the Lord of the congregation swore unto them. And it fortuned that three days after they had made peace with them, they heard that they were their neighbours, & that they dwelled among them. And the children of Israel took their journey & came unto their cities the third day: and their cities were Gibeon, & Caphira, Beeroth and Kariath jarim. And the Children of Israel slew them not, because the Lords of the congregation had sworn unto them by the Lord God of Israel. And all the multitude murmured against the Lords. But all the Lords said unto all the congregation: we have sworn unto them by the Lord God of Israel, and therefore we may not hurt them. But this we will do to them: We will let them live, least wrath be upon us, because of the oath which we swore unto them. And the Lords said unto them again: Let them live * Deut. 29. ●. and hew wood, & draw water unto all the congregation, as the lords said unto them. And josua sent for them, and talked with them, and said: wherefore have ye beguiled us saying: We dwell far from you, when ye dwell among us? & now are you cursed, and there shall not cease to be of you, bond men, and hewers of wood, and drawers of water for the house of my God. And they answered josua, and said: it was told thy servants, how that the lord thy God had commanded his servant Moses to give you all the land, and to destroy all the inhabitors thereof out of your sight, & therefore we were exceeding sore afraid ❀ (and did provide) for our lives at the presence of you and this have we done, and behold we are in thine hand: as it seemeth good & right in thine eyes to do unto us, so do. And even so did he unto them, and rid them out of the hand of the Children of Israel, and they selwe them not. And josua made them that same day hewers of wood, & drawers of water for the congregation, and for the altar of God unto this day, in the place which god should choose. ¶ The Am●rytes are overcome of josua. It raineth stones. The son standeth ●●yll. The five kings are hanged. CAPI. X. ANd it fortuned, that when Adonizede● king of jerusalem had herd, how josua had taken Hai, & had destroyed it, and how that * josua. 〈◊〉 and. vi●● as he had done to Jericho and her king, even so he had done to Hai/ and her king, and how the enhabytoures of Gibeon had made peace with Israel, and were among them, they feared exceedingly, for Gibeon was a great city, as any city of the kingdom, and was greater than Hai/ and all the men thereof were very mighty. Wherefore Adonizedec king of jerusalem sent unto Hoham king of Hebron, and unto Pirea king of Irimoth, & unto japhia king of Lachis, and unto Dabir king of Eglon, saying: Come up unto me, & help me, that we may smite Gibeon: for they have made peace with josua, & with the children of Israel. Therefore the. v. kings of the Amorites, the king of jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of jerimoth, the king of Lachis, the king of Eglon gathered themselves together, they with all their hosts, & besieged Gibeon, & made war against it. And the men of Gibeon sent unto josua & to the host to Gilgal, saying: Withdraw not thy hand from thy servants, come up to us, to save us, and to help us. For all the kings of the Amorites which dwell in the mountains are gathered together against us. And so josua ascended from Eilgal, he and all the peole of war with him, and all the men of might, and the Lord said unto josua: fear them not, for I have delivered them in to thine hand. Neither shall any of them stand against the. josua therefore came unto them suddenly, and went up from gilgal all night. And the Lord troubled them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goeth up to Bethoron, and smote them to Esaka and Makeda. And it fortuned, that as they fled from Israel, and were in the going down to Bethoron, the lord cast down great stones from heaven upon them, until Esaka. And there were more dead with hail stones, than they were, whom the children of israel slew with the sword. Then spoke josua before the Lord, in the day when the Lord delivered the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel. * E●l. xivi. a Son, stand thou still upon Gibeon, and thou Moon, in Aialon. And the son abode, & the moon stood still, until the people avenged themselves upon their enemies. Is not this written in the book ☞ of the righteous? The son (I say) Abode in the mids of heaven, and hasted not to go down by the space of a hole day. And there was no day like that, before it, or after it, that the lord heard the voice of a man. For the lord fought for Israel. And josua returned and all Israel with him, unto the host of gilgal: but the five kings fled, and were hid in a cave at Makeda. And it was told josua of one, saying: the five kings are found hid in a cave, which is at Makeda. And josua said, roll great stones upon the mouth of the cave, and set men by it, for to keep them. And stand ye not still, but follow after your enemies, and smite all the hyndermoost. And suffer them not to enter into their cities, for the Lord your God hath despuered them in to your hand. And it fortuned when josua and the children of Israel had made an end of slaying them with a great slaughter till they were wasted, the rest that remained of them, entered in to walled Cities. And all the people returned to the host, to josua at Makeda in peace, neither did any man move his tongue against the children of Israel. Then said josua: Open the mouth of the cave, and bring out these five kings unto me out of the cave. And they did so, and brought those five kings unto him, out of the cave, even the king of jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of jerimoth, the king of Lachis, and the king of Eglon. And it fortuned, that when they brought out those kings unto josua: josua called for all the men of Israel, and said unto the chief of the men of war, which went with him: come near, and put your feet upon the necks of these kings. And they came near, and put their feet upon the nerkes of them. And josua said unto them: Ye shall not fear, nor be faint hearted. But be strong and pluck up your hearts, for thus shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom ye fight. And then josua smote them, & flew them, & hanged them on five trees till even. And at the going down of the son it fortuned, that josua gave commandment, and they took them down of the * josua. ●. ●. trees, and ●ast them in to the cave, (wherein they had been hid) & laid great stones on the ●a●●s mouth which remain unto this day. And that same day josua roke Makeda, and smote it with the edge of the sword and the king thereof also * D●ut●. xx. d destroyed he utterly, with all the souls that were therein, and let nought remain. And he did to the king of Makeda * josua v●. d as he did to the king of jericho. Then josua went from Makeda, and all Israel with him unto Libna, & fought against Libna. And the Lord delivered it, and the king thereof in to the hand of Israel, and he smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that were therein. He let nought remain in it, but did unto the king thereof as he did unto the king of jericho. And josua departed from Libna, and all Israel with him, unto Lachis, and besieged it, and assaulted it. And the Lord delivered Lachis in to the hand of Israel, which took it the second day, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that were therein, doing according to all, as he had done to the city of Libna. Then Horam king of Geser came up to help Lachis: And josua smote him and his people, until nought remained of him. And from Lachis josua departed unto Eglon, and all Israel with him/ and they besieged it, and assaulted it, and took it the same day, and smote it with the edge of the sword, and all the souls that were therein he utterly destroyed the same day/ according to all that he had done to Lachis. And josua departed up from Eglon/ and all Israel with him, unto Hebron. And they fought against it, and when they had taken it, they smote it with the edge of the sword, and the king thereof, and all the towns that pertain to it, and all the souls that were therein, and he left nought remaining: but did according to all, as he had done to Eglon, and destroyed it utterly, and all the souls that were therein. And josua returned, and all Israel with him to Dabir, and fought against it. And when he had taken it, and the king thereof, and all the towns that pertained thereto, they smote them with the edge of the sword, and utterly destroyed all the souls that were therein, neither let he ought remain. Even as he did to Hebron, so he did to Dabir and the king thereof, as he had done also to Libna and her king. josua therefore smote all the hill countries, and the south countries, and the valleys, and the hill sides, and all their kings, and let nought remain of them, but utterly destroyed all that * duty. xx. d breathed, as the lord god of Israel commanded. And josua smote them from Cades barn unto Asah, and all the country of Gosan, even unto Gibeon. All those kings and their land did josua take at one time: because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel. And josua and all Israel returned, unto the host that was in gilgal. ¶ The battle of josua with divers hinges. CAPI. XI. ANd it fortuned, that when jabin king of Hazor had heard these things: he sent to jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Simron, and to the king of Acsaph and unto the kings that are by north in the mountains, and plains, toward the south side of Ceneroth, and in the low countries, and in the borders of Dor westward, & unto the Canaanites both by East & west: and unto the Amorites, Hethites, Pheresites, and jebusites in the mountains: and unto the Hevites that were under Hermon in the land of Mizpa: And they came out and all their hosts with them, a multitude of folk, even as the sand that is on the see shore in a great number with horses and charettes exceeding many. And all these kings met together, & came, and pitched together at the waters of Merom, for to fight against Israel. And the Lord said unto josua: be not afraid at the presence of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them all slay before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their charettes with fire. And so josua came and all the men of war with him against them by the waters of Merom, & suddenly fell upon them. And the lord delivered them in to the hand of Israel: & they smote them, and chased them unto great Sidon, and unto the hoot waters, & unto the valley of Mizpa which is eastward: and smote them until they had none remaining of them. And josua did unto them, as the Lord bade him: he houghed their horses, & burned their charettes with fire. And josua at that time turned back, & took Hazor, and smote the king thereof with the sword. And Hazor before time was the head of all those kingdoms. And they smote all the souls that were therein with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying all, and nothing that breathed, was let remain. And he burned Hazor with fire, And all those cities of those kings, and all the kings of them, did josua take, & smote them with the edge of the sword, & utterly destroyed them * Exodi. 〈◊〉 and, 34. ● duty. 7● as Moses the servant of the lord commanded. But Israel burned none of the cities ☞ that stood still in their strength, save Hazor only that josua burned: And all the spoil of the said cities & the cattle, the children of Israel caught unto themselves. But the men only they smote with the edge of the sword until they had destroyed them, neither left they ought that had breath. As the lord commanded Moses his servant, so did Moses command josua, and even so did josua: * duty. ●● so that he minished no word, of all that the lord commanded Moses. And so josua took all the land, the hills, & all the south country, and all the land of Gosan, and the low country, and the plain, and the ☞ mountain of Israel, and the low country of the same, even from the mount of parting, that goth up to Seir unto the plain of Gad in the valley of Libanon, under mount Hermon. And all the kings of the same he took, and smote them, and slew them. josua made war long time with those kings: neither was there any city that made peace with the children of Israel, save those Hethites that enhabited Gibeon: & therefore all other they took with battle: for it came of the Lord, which did harden their hearts that they should come against Israel in battle: and that they should destroy them utterly, and show them no mercy, but to bring them to nought: As the Lord commanded Moses. And that same reason came josua, and destroyed the Enakites out of the mountains: namely out of Hebron, Dabir, Anab, and out of all the mountains of juda, and out of all the mountains of Israel. And josua destroyed them utterly with their cities. There was not one Enakite left in the land of the children of Israel: only in Asah * ●i. Reg. 22. a Geth and Asdod, there remained of them. And josua took the hole land, according to all that the lord said unto Moses and josua gave it for a possession unto Israel * Num. ●9. f. according to their parts and tribes: and the land rested from war. ¶ What hinges josua and the children of Israel hylled, which were in number thirty and one. CAPI. XII. THese are the kings of the land which the children of Israeli smote: and conquered their land on the other side jordan eastward, from the river Arnon, unto mount Hermon, & all the plain eastward: * Num. 2●. ●. duty. iii. a Sehon king of the Amorites, that dwelt in Hesbon, and ruled from Aroer, which is beside the river of Arnon, and from the midst of the river, and from half Gilead unto the river jabocke, which is the border of the children of Ammon: And from the plain unto the see of Ceneroth eastward, and unto the see in the plain: even the salt see eastward, the way to Beth jesimoth, and from the south under the springs of the hill. And the coost of Og king of Basan which was of the remnant of the Giants, and dwelt at Astharoth, and Edrai and reigned in mount Hermon, and in Salecah, and in all Basan, unto the border of the Gesurites, and the Macathites, and half Gilead, unto the borders of Sehon king of Hesbon. * Nume. 21. f. Moses the sevaunt of the Lord and the children of Israel smote them, * Nume. 32. f and. 33. c. josua 13. b Deut. ●i●. b. and Moses the servant of the lord, gave their land for a possession, unto the Rubenites, Gaddites, and half the tribe of Manasses. These are the kings of the country, which josua and the children of Israel smote on this side jordan westward, from the plain of Gad, which is in the valley of Libanon, even unto the parting mount that goeth up to Seir. Which land josua gave unto the tribes of Israel to possess, to every man his part: in the upper land, and nether land, in plains, and hill sides, in the wilderness, and south country: the Hethites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Pheresites, the Hevites, and the jebusites. * josua. vi. a The king of jericho: was one. The * josua. 8. a. king of Hai which is beside Bethel: one. The * josua. 8. a. king of jerusalem: one. The king of Hebron: one. The king of jerimoth: one. The king of Lachis: one. The king of Eglon one. The king of Gazer: one. The king of Dabir: one. The king of Gader: one. The king of Horma: one. The king of Ered: one. The king of Libna: one. The king of Odolam: one. The king of Makeda: one. The king of Bethel: one. The king of Thaphuah: one. The king of Hepher: one. The king of Aphek: one. Th' king of Lasaron: one. The king of Madan: one. The king of Hasor: one. The king of Simron-meron: one. The king of Acsaph: one. The king of Thenach: one. The king of Magedo: one. The king of Cades: one. The king of jacanam of carmel: one. The king of the country of Dor: one. The king of the nations of gilgal: one. The king of Therzah: one▪ All the kings together thirty and one. ¶ josua is commanded to divide the land to the Children of Israel. CAPI. XIII. IOsua was old, and strycken in years, & the Lord said unto him: thou art old,.. and strycken in years, and there remaineth yet erceding moche land to be possessed. This is the land that remaineth: all the regions of the Philistines: and all Gesurye: from N●●us which is in Egypte, unto the borders of Akaron northward, which land is counted unto Cananye, even. v. lordship's of the Philistines, the Asathites, Asdadites. Ascalonites, Gethites, Akaronites, and the Eurtes. And from the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and the cave that is beside the Sidomans, even unto Aphek, and to the border of the Amorttes. And the land of the Giblites, and all Libanon toward the Son rising, from the plain of Gad under mount Hermon, until a man come to Hemath: all the inhabitors of the hill country, from Libanon unto the hoot waters, and all the Sidonians, will I cast out from before the children of Israel: only so that thou in anywyse divide it by lot unto the Israelites, to inherit, as I have commanded the. Now therefore divide this land to inherit, unto the nine tribes and the half tribe of Manasses. For with the other half the Rubenites and the Gaddites have received their inheritance * Nume. 32. f Duty. 〈◊〉. b which Moses gave them beyond jordan Eastward: even as Moses the servant of the Lord gave them: from Aroer that lieth on the brim of the river Arnon, and from the city that is in the mids of the river. And all the plain of Midba unto Dibon, and all the Cities of Sehon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Hesbon, even unto the border of the children of Ammon: and Gilead, and the border of Gesuri and Machati, and all mount Hermon, with all Basin unto Salecah: even all the kingdom of Og in Basan, which reigned in Asthoroth and Adrai, which same remained yet of the rest of the Giants. These did Moses smite, and cast them out. Nevertheless the children of Israel expelled not the Gesurites and the Machathttes. But the Gesurites and the Machathites dwelt among the Israelites even unto this day. Only unto the tribe of Leut, he gave none inheritance: * Nun. 〈◊〉. ● But the offering of the Lord God of Israel is their inheritance, as he said unto them. Moses gave unto the tribe of the Children of Reuben according to their kindred's. And their coost was from Aroer that lieth on the bank of the river Arnon, and from the city that is in the mids of the river, & all the plain which is by Madba, Hesbon, with all their towns that lie in the plain: Dibon and Baal, and the house Baalmeon: and jahazah, and Kedemoth & Mephaah K●●iatham, Sabamah and Zarath Zahar in the mount of the valley, the house of Peor, and the springs of the hills: & Beth Pheon and the springs of Phasgah, and Bethiesimoth, and all the cities of the plain. And all the kingdom of Sehon king of the Amorites, which reigned in Hesbon, whom Moses smote * Nume. 31. a with the lords of Madian, Eui Rekem, Zur, and Her, and Reba, the which were dukes of Sehon dwelling in the country. And Balaam the son of Beor the sooth sayer, did the children of Israel slay with the sword, among other of them that were slay. And the border of the children of Reuben was jordan with the country that lieth thereon. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben after their kindred's, cities and villages pertaining thereto. And Moses gave unto the tribe of Gad, even unto the children of Gad, he gave by their kindred's. And their coostes were jazer and all the cities of Gilead, & half the land of the children of Ammon, unto Aroer that lieth before Rabah. And from Hesbon unto Ram●●● Mazphah, and Beton●m: and from Mahanaim unto the borders of Dabir. And in the valley they had Betharam, Bethnimra, Socoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the king doom of Sehon king of Hesbon, unto jordane, and the coostes that lie thereon, even unto the edge of the see of Ceneroth, on the other side jordan eastward. This is the inheritance of the children of Gad after their kindred's, their cities and villages. And Moses gave unto the half tribe of Manasses. And this was the possession of the half tribe of Manasses by their kindreds Their coost was from Mahanaim, even all Basan, and all the kingdom of Og king of Basan, and all the towns of jair which lie in Basan, even three score cities, and half Gilead, Astaroth, & Edrai, cities of the kingdom of Og in Basan, * Nun. 〈◊〉▪ ● which pertain unto the children of Machir the son of Manasses, even the half portion of the children of Machir by their kindred's. These are the things which Moses did distribute in the 〈◊〉 of Moab, on the other side jordan over against jericho eastward. * josua. 〈◊〉▪ ● But unto the tribe of Levi Moses gave none inheritance, for the lord god of Israel he is their inheritance, * 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. ● as he said unto them. ¶ called requireth the inheritance that was promised him, and Hebron was given him. CAPI. XIIII. ANd these are the countries which the children enherited in the land of Canaan, * Num. ●4▪ ● unto which Eleazar the priest and josua the son of Nun, and the ancient heads of the tribes of the children of Israel, gave them their inheritance * Nun. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. xxxiii. ● by lot, as the lord commanded by the hand of Moses, to give unto the nine tribes, & unto the half tribe of Manasses. For Moses had given inheritance unto two tribes & an half on the other side jordan. But unto the Levites he gave none inheritance among them. * Gen●. 〈◊〉. For the children of joseph were two tribes, Manasses and Ephraim. And therefore they gave no part unto the Levites in the land, save cities to dwell in, with the suburbs of the same, for their beasts and cattle. * Nume. 35 a As the Lord commanded Moses: even so the children of Israel did when they divided the land. And the children of juda came unto josua in gilgal. * Nume. 14. d And Caleb the son of jephune the ken●syte said unto him: thou wottest what the Lord said unto Moses the man of god, about my matter and thine in Cades barn. * Nume. 13. a forty year old was I when Moses the servant of the Lor●● sent me from Cades barn to spy out the land. And I brought him word again even as it was in mine heart. Nevertheless my brethren that went up with me, dyscouraged the hearts of the people. And I followed the lord God. And Moses swore the same day, saying: * Num. 14. d duty. ●. ●. The land whereon thy feet have trodden, shall be thine inheritance & thy children's for ever, because thou hast followed the lord God. And behold the Lord hath kept me alive (as he said,) * Eccl. xlvi. b this forty and five years, even since the Lord spoke this word unto Moses, while the children of Israel wandered in the wilderness. And now ●o, I am this day four score and five year old & yet am as strong at this time, as I was when Moses sent me: look how strong I was then, so strong am I now, whither I go to war, or come again. Now therefore give me this mountain whereof the Lord spoke in that day, for thou heardest in that day, how the Enakims' are there and the cities great and walled. Peradventure the Lord will be with me, and I shall be able to drive them out, as the lord said. And josua blessed him, & gave unto Caleb the son of jephune, ☞ Hebron to inherit. And Hebron therefore became the inheritance of Caleb the son jephune the kenesite, unto this day: because he followed the lord god of Israel. And the name of * josua. xv. c Hebron was called in old time, Kariath arbe. For the same was a great man among the Enakims' And the land ceased from war. ¶ The ●o●●e of the children of juda, and the names of the Cities and villages of the same. CAPI. XV. THis was the lot of the tribe of the children of juda by their kindred's: namely, toward the border of Edom in the wilderness of Zin, southward, even from the uttermost part of the south coost. * ●●●. 34. ● And their south coost was from the brink of the salt see, from a rock that leaneth southward. And it went out to the south side, toward the going up to Acrabim, and went along to Zinna, and ascended up on the south side unto Cades Barn, & went along to Hezron, and went up to Adar, and fet a compass to Karea. From thence went it along to Azmon and reached unto the river of Egypte: and the end of that coost was on the west side. And this is their south coost. Their East coost is the salt see, even unto the edge of jordan. And their border in the north quarter was from the rock of the see/ and from the edge of jordan. And the same border went up to Bethhagla, and went a long by the north side of Betharabah, and up from thence to the stone of Bohen the son of Reuben. And again the same border went up to Dabir from the valley of Acor, and so nortwarde, turning toward gilgal, that lieth before the going up to Adonim, which is of the southside of the river. And the same border went up to the waters of the fountain of the Son, and ended at the * ●●●. Reg. ●. ● well of Rogel. And then went up to the valley of the son of Hennon, even unto the south side of Iebus●: the same is jerusalem. And then went up to the top of the hill that lieth before the valley of Hennon westward, and by the edge of the valley of the giants northward. And then it compasseth from the top of the hill unto the fountain of the water of Nepthoah, & goeth out at the cities of mount Ephron: and draweth to Baala, which is Kiriathiarim, ❀ (that is a city of woods.) And then it compasseth from Balah westward, unto mount Seir, and then goth along unto the side of mount jarim, (which is Chesalon) on the north side. And cometh down to Bethsames, and goth to Thamnah, and goeth out again unto the side of Akaron northward. And then draweh to Secron/ and goeth a long to mount Balah, & goeth out at jabnel: and the ends of the coostes leave at the West see. And the West border was the great seel, and the same coost was the coost of the children of juda round about in their kindred's. And unto Caleb the son of jephune did josua give a part among the children of juda, according to the mouth of the lord even * josua. 14 ● Kiriatharbe of the father of Enacke which City is Hebron. And Caleb drove thence the three sons of Enacke, Sesai, and Ahman, and Thalmai, which were the sons of Enacke. And he went up thence to the inhabitors of Dabir. And the name of Dabir in the old time was Kariah Sepher. ❀ (That is a City of letters.) And Caleb said * 〈◊〉. ●. 〈◊〉. ●. Regum. 〈◊〉▪ ●. he that smiteth Kariath Sephar/ and taketh it: to him will I give Acsah my daughter to wife. And Othniel, the son of Kenes, the brother of Ealeb took it. And he gave him Aesah his daughter to wife. And as she went in unto him, she moved him to ask of her father a field. And she alighted of her ass. And Caleb said unto her, what aileth thee? Who an sweted: give me a blessing: for thou hast given me a south ❀ (and dry) land: give me also spryngis of water. And he gave her springs of water, both above and beneath. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of juda, by their kindred's. And the uttermost cities of the tribe of the children of juda, toward the coostis of Edom southward, were: Kabzel, Eder, and jagur: Kinah, Dinmoah, & Adada: Kedes, Hazor & jethnan: Ziph, Telem, and Baloth/ Hazor/ Hadathath/ Karioth/ Hesron (which is Hazor) Eman, Sami, and Moladah: Hazargedah, Hasmon and Bethpheleth: Hazar sual, Bersabe, and Baziothiah: Baalah, Limb, and Azen: Eltholad, Cesill, and Horma: Zikelag, Medemenah and Sensenah: Labaoth, Selhim, Am and Rimon: all these cities are. xxix. with their villages. And in the low country they had Easthaol, Zareah, and Asenah: Zoneah, Enganim, Thaphuah and Enam: jerimoth, Adulam, Socoh, & Azkah: Saaren Adithaim, Gederah, & Gederothaim. fourteen cities with their villages. Zenau, Hada zah, and Magdalgad: Deleam, Mizpa, and jekthel: Lachis Bazcath and Eglon: Cabon Lahamam, and Cethlis Gaderoth, Bethdagon, Maamah and Makedah, Syxtene cities with their villages. Lebnah, Ether, and Asan: jephthah, Asnah and Nezib: Keilah, Kahezip and Maresah: nine cities with their villages. Akron with her towns and villages. For Akron and from the west, all that lieth about Asdod with their villages, Asdod with her towns and villages, Azah with her towns and villages, even unto the river of Egypte: and the great see was their coost. And in the mountains, they had Samir jathir, and Socoh, Danah: and Kariah See nath, which is Dabit: Anab, Esthemoh, and Anim, Gozen, Holon, and Giloh, eleven Cities with their villages. Arab, Dumah, and Esean: janim, Beththaphuah and Apheah Numatah, and Kariath arbe: which is Hebron, & Ziorinyne cities with their villages. Maon, Carmel, Siph, and jutah: jesraell, jukadan, and Sanoeh: Cain, Gabaah, and Thamnah: ten cities with their villages. Halhul, Bethzur, & Gedor: Maarath, Betha noth, and Elthecon: Syxe cities with their villagꝭ. Kariath Baal, which is Kariath Iarim ❀ (the city of woods) & Harabba, two cities with their villages. In the wilderness they had Betharabah Meddin and Sacacah: Nebson, the city of salt, and Engaddi: Syxe cities with their villages. Nevertheless, the jebusites that were the inhabitors of jerusalem, could not the children of juda cast out. But the jebusites dwelt with the children of juda at jerusalem, unto this day. ¶ The ●otte or part of Ephraim. CAPI. XVI. And the lot of the children of joseph fell from jordane by jericho, unto the water of jericho Eastward, and to the wilderness that goeth up from jericho throughout mourn Bethel: and goeth out from Bethel toLus, and runneth along unto the borders of Arcimataroth: and goeth down again westward, even to the coost of japh letht, and unto the cooste of Bethhoron the nether, and to Gasor, and the ends of their coostes leave at the west see. And so the children of joseph Manasses and Ephraim took their inheritance. And the border of the children of Ephraim was by their kindred's. Their border on the cast side, was: Ataroth, Adorni even unto Beh horon the upper, and went out westward to Machmathah on the North side, and returneth eastward unto Thaanath Silo, and past it on the East side, unto janoah, and went down from janoah to Ataroth & Noa rath, and came to jericho, and went out at jordan. And their border went from Thaphuah westward unto the river Kanah/ and the ends were the west See. This is the inheritance of tribe of the Children of Ephraim by their kindred's. And the separate cities for the Children of Ephraim/ were among the inheritance of the children of Manasses: even the cities with their villages. And they drove not out the Canaanites that dwelt in Gasar: but the Cananices dwelt among the Ephraites unto this day/ and served under tribute. ¶ The Lot, or portion of the half tribe of Manasses. The Lananites ●re become try tutaryes to the israelites. Manasses & Ephraim require a greater proeyon of heritage. CAPI. XVII. This was the lot of the tribe of Manasses which was the * 〈…〉 eldest son of joseph. And Machir the eldest son of Manasses which was the father of Gilead (and a man of war) had Gilead and Basan This was the possession of the rest of the children of Manasses by their kindred's: Namely, of the children of Abiezer: the children of Helek●the children of ariel: the children of Sichem, the children of Hepher, the children of Semida: for these were the male children of Manasses, the son of joseph by their kindred's. * Nam. 26. d. iivii. ●. and iiivi. a But Zelaphead the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir the son of Manasses, had no sons but daughters whose names are these: Mahela Noa, Hagla, Melcha & Thirza: which came before Eleazar the Priest, and before josua the son of Nun, and before the lords saying: * Num. 27 d ●. xxxvi. ●. the lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brethren. And therefore according to the commandment of the Lord, he gave them an inheritance among the brethren of their father. And there fell ten poreyons to Manasses, beside the land of Gilead & Basan which is on the other side jordan: because the daughters of Manasses did inherit among his sons. And Manasses other sons, had the land of Gilead. And the coost of Manasses was from Aser to Machmathah that lieth before Sichem and went along on the right hand, even unto the enhabiters of Entaphuah, and the land of Thaphuah belonged to Manasses which Thaphuah is beside the border of Manasses, and beside the border of the children of Ephraim. And the coast descended unto the river Eanah southward, even to the river of the cities of Ephraim, and between the cities of Manasses. The coost of Manasses went also on the north side to the river, and the ends of it go out at the see: so that the South pertained to Ephraim, and the north to manasses, & the see is his border And they met to gether in Aser northward, & in Isacar eastward. And Manasses had in Isaear & in Aser, Bethsean, and her towns: jiblean, and her towns: and the enhabytoures of Dor, with the towns pertaining to the same: and the enhabitors of Endor with the towns of the same: and the enhabitors of Thaanath with her towns: and the enhabitors of Magedo with the towns of the same, even three countries. Yet the children of Manasses could not overcome those eities. But the Canaanites presumed to dwell in the same land. Nevertheless as soon as the children of Israel were warred strong, they put the Canaanites under tribute, but expelled them not. And the children of joseph spoke unto josua, saying: Why hast thou given me but one lot & one portion to enheryt, saying I am a great people, & for as much as the Lord hath blessed me hitherto? and josua answered them: If thou be moche people, then get the up to the wood country, and prepare for thyself there in the land of the Pheresites and of the Giants, if mount Ephraim be to narrow for the. And the children of joseph said. The hill is not enough for us: and all the Canaanites that dwell in the low country have charetꝭ of iron, & so have they that inhabit Bethsean, & the towns of the same and they also that dwell in the valley of jezreel. And josua said unto the house of joseph, Ephraim, and Manasses: ye be moche people, and have great power, and shall not therefore have one lot. Therefore the hill shall be yours, and ye shall cut down the wood that is in it: and the ends of it shallbe yours if ye cast out the Canaanites which have iron charettes, and are very strong. ¶ Lertayne are sent to divide the land to the other 〈◊〉 tribes. The lot of the Lhyldrens of Ben jamin. CAPI. XVIII. ANd the hole congregation of the children of Israel came together at Silo, & set up the taberncle of witness there, and the land was in subjection before them. And there remained among the children of Israel seven tribes, which had not yet received their inheritance. And josua said unto the children of Israel: how long are ye so slack to come, and possess the land which the Lord God of your fathers hath given you? give out from among you for every tribe three men, that I may send them. And that they may rise, and walk thorough the land, and distribute it according to the inheritance thereof, and come again to me. And let them divide it unto them in to seven parts. And juda shall abide in their cooste on the south, and the house of joseph shall stand in their coostis on the north. Describe ye the land therefore in to seven parts, and bring the description hither to me, & I shall cast lots for you here before the Lord our god. But * Io●ua 〈◊〉. D and. xiiii. a. the Levites have no part among you, for the priesthood of the lord is their inheritance. * josua. x. i. ● And Gad, and Reuben, & half the tribe of Manasses have received their inheritance beyond jordan east ward: which Moses the servant of the lord gave them. And the men arose, & went their way. And josua charged them that went to describe the land, saying: depart, & go thorough the land, & describe it, and come again to me, that I may here cast lots for you before the lord in Silo. And the men departed, and walked thorough the land, and described it by cities in to seven parts, in a book, and returned to josua into the host at Silo. And josua cast lots for them in Silo before the lord, and there josua divided the laud unto the children of Israel, to each their portion. And the lot of the tribe of the children of Ben jamin came up according to their kindred's. And the coost of their lot came out between the children of juda and the children of joseph. And their north coost was from jordan, and went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and went up thorough the mountains westward, and they ended at the wilderness of Bethaven: & went from thence toward Lus, even by the south side of Lus (the same is bethel,) and descended again to Atcothadar, unto the hill that lieth on the southside of the nether Bethhoron And the coost turneth thence, and compasseth the corner of the see southward, even from the hill that lieth before Bethhoron southward, and goeth out at Kiriathbaal, which is Kiriath jarim, a City of the children of juda: this is the west quarter: and the south coost goeth from the edge of Kiriathiarim, & goeth out westward, and thence it turneth to the water well of Nepthoah, & cometh dowry again to the edge of the hill, that lieth before the valley of the son of Hennon/ even in the valley of the Giants northward/ and descendeth into the valley of Hennon beside jebusi southward, and goth down to the well of rogel. And compasseth from the north, and goth forth to the well of the son, and departeth from thence to the places of Geliloth, which are toward the going up unto Adomim, & goeth down to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben: and then goeth along toward the side of the plain, northward: and goeth down into the fields, and goth along to the side of Bethhagiah northward, and endeth at the point of the salt see north therefrom, even at the south end of jordane. This is the south coost. And jordane keepeth in this coost on the cast side, and this is the inheritance of the children of Beu iamin by their coostis round about throughout their kynredꝭ. These were the cities of the tribes of the children of Ben jamin throughout their kindred's: jericho, Bethhaglah, and the plain of Kaziz: Betha rabah, Zamarim and Bethel: Auim, Pharah and Ophrah: Cheaper, Ammona, Ophni and Gabai, twelve Cities with their villages. Gibeon, Ramah, and Beroth: Mazphah, Caphairah, and Mozah: Rekem, jarephel, and Tharela, Zela, Eleph, and jebust, which is jerusalem: Gibeath, and Kiriath, fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Ben jamin throughout their kindred's. ¶ The lots or parts of habulon. Isachar. Aser. Nephthali, Dan and josua. CAPI. XIX. AND the second lot came out for the tribe of the children of Simeon by their kindred's. And their inheritance was in the mids of the inheritance of the children of juda. And they had in their inheritance. Bersabe, Sabe, & Moladah, Hazorsual, Balah, & Azem, Eltholad bethul and Hormah, Zikelag, Bethmarcaboth and Hazetsusah, Bet●●●baoth, & Saruhen thirteen cities which their villages. Aim, Remon, Ether, and Asan, four cities with their villages: & thereto all the villages that were round about these ●ities, even unto Balasath, Beor and Rama 〈◊〉, southward. This is the inheritance of ●●e tribe of the children of Simeon thore●●out their kynteds. Out of the lot of the children of juda, came the inheritance of t●● children of Simeon. For the part of the children of juda was to much for them: and therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance in the inheritance of them. And the third lot arose for the children of Zabulon throughout their kindred's. And the coostes of their inheritance came to Sarid, and went up westward, and to Morialah, and reached to Dabaseth, & came thence to the river that lieth before jokneven: and turned from Sarid eastward toward the son rising unto the border of Chisloth Thabor: and then goeth out to Dabereth, & goeth up to japhia: and from thence goeth a long castwarde, to Gethah, jepher, Ithah & jazim, and goeth to Remon, Methoer, & Neoh. And compasseth it on the north side to Nathan, and endeth in the valley of jephthahel. And jatath, Nahalol, Semron, jedaiah, & Bethleem: twelve cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Zabulon throughout their kindred's, & these are the cities with their villages. And the fourth lot came out for the children of Isachar by their kindred's. And their coost was jesraelah, Casuloth, and Sunem, Hapharaim, Zion, and Anaharath: Harabith, Kision, and Abez: Rameth, Enganim, Enhadah, and Bethphazez. And his coost reacheth to Thabor, and Sahazimah & Bethsames, and endeth at jordan. Syxtene cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Isachar by their kindred's. And these are the cities with their villages. And the fift lot came out for the tribe of the children of Aser by their kindred's. And their coost was: Helkath, Hall, beaten and Achsap: Alamelech, Amaad, & Miseall: & came to carmel westward, & to Sihor Labanath/ & turned toward the son rising to Bethdagon, & cometh to Zabulon, and to the valley of jephthah, toward the northside of Bethemek & Negell, and goeth out on the left side of Cabul: and to Hehron, Rohob, Hamon, & Kanah, even unto great Sidon. And then the coost turneth to Ramah and to the strong city of Azor, & turneth to Hozah, & endeth at the see: by the possession of Achzibah: Amah also & Aphek, & Rohob: Twenty & two cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the Children of Aser by their kindred's: These also are the cities with their villages. And the sixth lot came out for the Children of Nephthalt by their kindred's. And their cooste was from Neleph & from Elom to Zaanaim, Adami, Nekeb, & jabneell even to Lakum, & doth go out at jordan. And then the coost turneth westward to Asanoth Thabor, & then goeth out from thence to Hukokah, & reacheth to Zabulon on the south side, & goeth to Aser on the west side, and to juda upon jordane toward the son 'ticing. And their strong cities are Zidin, Ber, Hamath, Racath, and Cenereth, Adamah, Hermah, & Hazor: Kedꝭ, Edrai, & Enhazor, jeron, Magdelel: Horen, Bethanah, & Bethsames: nineteen cities which their villages. This is the inheritance of the Tribe of the Children of Nephthali by their kindred's: these also are the cities and their villages. And the seventh lot came out for the tribe of the Children of Dan by their kindred's. And the cooste of their inheritance was: Zaraah, Esthaoll. * Otherwise called be city of ●he Son. Irsames, Saelabin, Aialon jethlah: Eglon & Thennathah & Akaron▪ Elthekeh, Gibethon, & Baalath: jehud, Benebarak, & Gathermon, Meiericon and Aarcon, with the border that lieth before japho. And the coostes of the Children of Dan went out from them. And the Children of Dan went up to fight against Lesen, and took it, and smote it with the edge of the sword, & conquered it/ and dwelt therein, & called it * ●ud xviii ● Dan after the name of Dan their father. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the Children of Dan in their kindreds: these also are the cities with their villages. When they had made an end of dividing the land by her coostis, the Children of Israel gave an inheritance unto josua the son of Nun among them, according to the word of the Lord, they gave him the city which he asked, even * josua. 24 ● Thamnath serah in mount Ephraim. And he built the city & dwelt therein. * Num, 34. d These are the inheritances which Eleazar the priest & josua the son of Nun, & the ancient Fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel divided by lot in Siloh before the Lord/ in the door of the tabernacle of witness, & so they made an end of dividing the country. ¶ The Cities of refuge, or Sanctuaryes. CAPI. XX. THe Lord also spoke unto josua, saying: Speak to the children of Israel/ and and say: * Nun. ●5 a Deut. 〈◊〉. ● appoint out from among you cities of refuge, whereof I spoke unto you by the hand of Moses, that the sleyer that killeth any person unwares, and unwittingly, may flee thither. And those cities shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood And he that doth flee unto one of those cities, shall stand at the entering of the gate of the city/ and shall show his cause in the ears of the elders of the city. And they shall take him into the city unto them, and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. And if the avenger of blood follow after him, they shall not deliver the sleyer into his hand: because he smote his friend ygnorantly, and hated him not before tyme. And he shall dwell in the said city ☞ until he stand before the congregation in judgement, * Nume. 35 ● and until the death of the high priest that shall be in those days: for than shall the sleyer return, & come unto his own City/ and unto his own house, and unto the city from whence he fled. And they ☞ sanctified Kedes in Galilee/ in mount Nephthali, and Sichem in mount Ephraim, and Kiriatharbe (which is Ebron) in the mountain of juda. And on the other side jordan over against Jericho Eastward, they appointed Bozor in the wilderness upon the plain, out of the tribe of Reuben: & Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad: and Golan in Basan out of the tribe of Manasses. These were the Cities appointed for all the children of Israel, & for the stranger that sosourned among them, that whosoever killed any person ygdorauntly, the same myghteflee thither, & should not die by the hand of the avenger of blood, until he stood before the congregation ❀ (to declare his cause.) the altar of the Lord our God. * josua. 7 a. Did not Acan the son of Zareh trespass in the excommunicate thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel, so that he alone perished not for his wickedness? Then the children of Reuben, & the chylden of Gad, & half the tribe of Manasses answered, & said unto the heads over the thousands of Israel: The God of Gods, the Lord God of gods, even the lord he knoweth, & Israel also shall know. If it be to rebel, or to transgress against the Lord, than thou Lord save us not this day. Or else if we have build us an altar to turn from following the lord, or to offer thereon burntoffering, or meat-offering, or to offer peace offerings thereon: Let the lord require it ❀ (and judge.) And if we have not rather done it of a carefulness, and of a sure occasion, saying: In time to come your children might say unto ours: what have ye to do with the Lord God of Israel? the Lord hath made jordan a border between us & you (ye children of Reuben and of God) ye have no part therefore in the lord: & so shall your children make our children cease from fearing the lord. Therefore we ❀ (took better advisement, and) said: We will make us an altar, not for burntoffering, nor for sacrifice, but for a * Gene. 31. g. josua. 24, f witness between us & you, & our generations after us, that we should serve the lord, with our offerings, sacrifices, & peace offerings before him: and that your children should not say to ours in time to come: Ye have no part in the lord. Therefore said we, that if they should so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we would say again: Behold, the fashion of the altar of the lord, which our Fathers made, neither for burntoffryngꝭ, nor sacrifices, but for a witness between us and you. God forbid, that we should rebel against the Lord, and turn this day from after him, and build any other altar for burnt-offerings, oblations, or sacrifices, save the altar of the lord our God, that is before his tabernacle. And when Phinehes the Priest, and the lords of the congregation and heads over the thousands of Israel which were with him, heard these words that the children of Reuben, & the children of Gad, and the children of Manasses spoke, they were well content. And Phinehes the son of Eleazar the priest said unto the children of Reuben, and to the children of Gad, and to the children of Manasses: this day we perceive, that the lord is among us, because ye have not done this trespass against the Lord: Now ye have rid the Children of Israel out of the hand of the Lord. And Phinehes the Son of Eleazar the priest with the Lords, returned from the Children of Reuben, & from the Children of Gad out of the land of Gilead unto the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, & brought them this word again. And the saying pleased the children of Israel, & they ☞ blessed God, and did not intend to go against them in battle, and to destroy the land which the children of Reuben & Gad dwelt in. And the children of Reuben, & the Children of Gad called the altar: Our witness, that the Lord is God. ¶ jusua. exhorteth the people, that they join not themselves to the gentiles. CAPI. XXIII. ANd it came to pass a long season after that the lord had given rest unto Israel from all their enemies round about, that josua waxed old, & was stricken in age. And josua called for all Israel, and for their elders, their heads, their judges, and officers, and said unto them: I am old and stricken in age. And ye have seen all that the Lord your God hath done unto all these nations before you, how the lord your god hath fought for you. Behold, I have subdued unto you these nations that remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes: even from jordane, and (from the land) of all the nations that I have destroyed, even unto the great See, westward. ❀ (And there remain yet many nations.) And the Lord your God shall expel them before you, & cast them from out of your sight, and ye shall conquer their land, as the Lord your GOD hath said unto you. Go to therefore * duty. 〈◊〉 B as strongly as ye may, that ye take heed and do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, * Deut. 〈◊〉 ● &. 〈◊〉 ● prover. ● that ye bow not a side therefrom, to the right hand or to the left, and lest that when ye come among these nations, (even among these that are left with you) ye make mention or swear by the names of their Gods: and that ye neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them. But that ye stick fast unto the lord your God, as ye have done unto this day. So shall the Lord cast out before you great nations & mighty, as no man hath been able to stand before you hitherto. * Deut. 3●● One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the lord your god he fighteth for you, as he hath promised you. Take good heed therefore unto your souls, that ye love the Lord your god. Else, if ye go back, & cleave unto the rest of these nations that remain with you, & shall make marriages with them, and go in unto them, and they to you, be ye sure, that the lord your god will no more cast out all these nations from before you. * Num. 33. g But they shall be snares and traps unto you, and scourgꝭ in your sides, & pryckꝭ in your eyes, until ye perish from of this good land, which the Lord your God hath given you. And behold, this day, do I enter in to the way of all the world, & ye know in all your hearts & in all your souls, that * josua. 21. d nothing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God promised you: But all are come to pass, and nothing hath failed thereof. Therefore as all good things are come upon you, which the Lord your god promised you, so shall the Lord bring upon you all evil, until he have destroyed you from of this good land, which the Lord your GOD hath given you, when ye have transgressed the appointment of the Lord your God, which he commanded you: and have gone and served strange god's/ and bowed yourselves to them. Then shall the wrath of the Lord ware hoot upon you, & ye shall perish quyclye from of the good land, which he hath given you. ¶ josua exhorteth the people to the keeping of the law, He dieth. The bones of joseph are buried. Eleazar dieth. CAPI. XXIIII. ANd josua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Sichem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, judges and officers, & they presented themselves before God. And josua said unto all the people: thus sayeth the Lord God of Israel: * Gene. xi. d Your Fathers dwelt on the other side of the flood in old time: even Thareh the father of Abraham and of Nachor, and served strange gods. And I took your father Abraham from the other side of the flood, and brought him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, & * Gene. xxi. a Math. i a gave him Isaac. And I gave unto Isaac, jacob and Esau. * Gene. 31. a. And I gave unto Esau mount Seir, to possess it. But jacob and his children went down into Egypt. I sent Moses also and Aaron. And I * Exodi. seven. viii. ix. x. and. xiiii. plagued Egypt: and when I had so done among them, I brought you out, and I brought your Fathers out of Egypte. And as they came unto the see, the Egyptians followed after your father's with charettes and horsemen, unto the red see. * Exodi. 14. ● And when they cried unto the lord, the lord put darkness between you and the Egyptians, and brought the see upon them, & covered them. And your eyes have seen what I have done to the Egyptians. And ye dwelled in the wilderness a long season. And * Num. 21. d I brought you into the land of the Amorytes, which dwelled on the other side jordane. And they fought with you: and I gave them into your hand, that ye might conquer their country. And I destroyed them from out of your sight. * Nume. 22 a Deut. 23. a. Then Balac the Son of Ziphor, king of Moab arose, and warred against Israel, and sent & called Balaam the son of Beor, for to curse you. But I would not hearken unto Balaam, & therefore he rather blessed you: And so I delivered you out of his hand. And ye went over jordan, & came unto Jericho, & the men of Jericho fought against you: the Amorites, Pheresites, Canaanites, Hethites, Girgosites, Hevites, & jebusites, and I delivered them into your hand. And I sent * Deut. seven. ● hornets before you, which cast them out of your sight: even the two kings of the Amorytes, but not with your own sword, or with your own bow. And I have gyudn you a land, in which ye did no labour, & cities, which you build not, & which ye dwell in: vincyeardes also, & olive trees which ye planted not, & whereof ye do eat. * ● Regum. 7. a ●ohn, 14 ●. Now therefore fear the lord, & serve him in perfectness & truth: And put away the gods, which your Fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypte, and serve ye the Lord. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the lord, than chose you this day whom you will serve: whither the gods which your fathers served (that were on the other side of the stood) either the Gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell. As for me/ and my house, we will serve the Lord. The people answered and said: God forbid, that we should forsake the lord, & serve strange gods. For the Lord our God, he it is that brought us and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, & from the house of bondage, & which did those great miracles in our sight, & preserved us in all the way that we went, & among all the nations which we came thorough. And the Lord did cast out before us all the nations: specially, the Amorites, which dwelled in the land. And therefore will we also serve the lord, for he is our god. And josua said unto the people: Ye can not serve the Lord: for he is an holy God, and a jealous god, and can not bear your ininutte and sin. If ye forsake the lord, & serve strange gods, * josua. 23. d he will turn and do you evil, & consume you, after that he hath done you good. And the people said unto josua: nay, but we will serve the lord. And josua said unto the people: ye are witnesses yourselves, that ye have thosen you the Lord, to serve him: and they said: we are witnesses. Then put away (said he) ☞ the strange gods which are among you, & bow your hearts unto the Lord God of Israel. The people said unto josua: the Lord our god will we serve, and his voice will we obey. And so josua * ● Reg. 23. a made a covenant with the people the same day, and ☞ set an ordinance and law before them in Sichem. And josua wrote these words in the book of the law of god, and * ●. Regum. 7. d took a great stone, and pitched it on end in the said place, even under an oak that was in the sanctuary of the Lord. And josua said unto all the people: behold, * ●●●●. 31. ●. josua. 22 ● this stone shall be a witness unto us, for it hath heard all the words of the Lord which he spoke with us. It shall be therefore a witness unto you, least ye deny ❀ (and dissemble with) your God. And so josua let the people depart, every man unto his inheritance. And after these things it came to pass/ that josua the Son of Nun, the servant of the Lord died, being and hundredth, and ten years old. And they buried him in the country of his * josua. 19 b inheritance, even in Th●nath Sareh, which is in mount Ephraim, on the north side of the hill of Gaas. And Israel served the Lord * two. Pa. 34. ● all the days of josua, and all the days of the Elders that over lived josua, and which had known all the works of the Lord that he had done for Israel. And the * Gene. ● d Exod. xiil. d bones of joseph, which the children of Israel brought out of Egypt, buried they in Sichem * Gene. 33. d. in a parcel of ground, which jacob bought of the sons of Hemor the father of Sichem, for an hundred pieces of silver, and it became the inheritance of the Children of joseph. And Eleazar the Son of Aaron died, whom they buried in a hill that pertained to Phinehes his son, which (hill) was given him in mount Ephraim. The end of the book of josua/ whom the hebrews call jehosua. ❧ The Book of judges/ called in the Hebrew Sophtim: and in the Latyn judicum. ¶ After josua was dead. juda was constitute Lord over the Army. CAPI. Primo. AFter the death of josua it came to pass, that the Children of Israel asked the Lord, saying: who shall go up for us against the Canavites, and who shall first fight against them. And the Lord said: ☞ juda shall go up: * josua. 〈◊〉. ● behold I have delivered the land in to his hands. And juda said unto ☞ Simeon his brother: come up with me in my lot, that we may fight against the Canaanites: And I likewise will go with the in to thy lot. And so Simeon went with him. And juda went up, and the Lord delivered the Canaanites, and Pheresytes in to their hands. And they slew of them in Bezeke ten thousand men. And they found ☞ Adonibezeke in Bezeke. And they fought against him, and slew the Canaanites and Pheresites. But Adonibezeke fled, and they followed after him, and caught him, and cut of his thumbs, and his great toes. And Adonibezeke said: three score and ten kings having their thumbs and great toes cut of, gathered their meat under my table: * 〈…〉 Iudi x●. ● as I have done, so God hath done to me again. And they brought him to jerusalem, and there he died. The Children of juda fought against jerusalem, and took it * Dru●●. ●●● and smote it with the edge of the sword, and set the city on fire. Afterward the children of juda went to fight against the Cananytes, that dwelled in the mountain, and toward the south, and in the low country. And juda went against the Canaanites that dwelt in Hebron, which before time was called Kariath Arbe. And slew Sesai, Ahiman and Thalmai. And from thence they went to the inhabiters of Dabir, whose name in old time was called kariathsepher ❀ (that is a city of letters.) And Caleb said * josu 〈…〉 he that smiteth Kariathsepher, & taketh it, to him will I give Aesah my daughter to wife: And othoniel the Son of Kenez Calebs' younger brother took it: to whom he gave Acsah his douhhter to wife, and as they went, she counseled him to Ask of her Father a field. And then she lighted of her Ass, and Caleb said unto her: What aileth thee? She answered unto him: give me a blessing: for thou hast given me a southward (or dry) land, give me also springs of water. And Caleb gave her springs both above and beneath. And the Children of ☞ the Kenite, Moses father in law went up * josua. 4. a Deut. 34. a out of the city of palm trees with the Children of juda in to the wilderness of juda, that lieth in the south of Arad and they went & dwelled among the people. And juda went with Simeon his brother, and they slew the Cananytes that inhabited Zephath/ and utterly destroyed it, * Nume. 2● a and called the name of the city Horma. And at the last juda took Azah with the coostes thereof, and Askalon with the coostes thereof, and Akaron with the coostes thereof. And the Lord was with juda, and he conquered the mountains, but could not drive out the inhabitors of the valleys/ because they had charettes of iron. And they gave * josua. 14 b Hebrou unto Caleb, as Moses said. And he expelled▪ thence the three sons of * Nume. 13. ● Enach * josua. xv g And the Children of Ben jamin did not cast out the jebusites, that inhabited jerusalem, but the jebusytes dwelt with the Children of Ben jamin in jerusalem ☞ unto this day. * josu. xvi a And in like manner they that were of the house of joseph went up to bethel, and the Lord was with them, and the house of joseph scarched out bethel, which before time was called Lus And the spies saw a man come out of the City, and they said unto him: show us the way into the city, * josua. two. ●. and we will show the merry. And when he had showed them the way into the city, they smote it with the edge of the sword/ but let the man and all his household go fr●e. And the man went in to the land of the Hethites, and build a city, & called the name thereof Lus, which is the name thereof unto this days. * josua. 17. c Neither did Manasses expel Bethsean with her towns, Thaanach with her towns/ the inhabitors of Dor/ with her towns/ the inhabitors of jeblaan with her towns, neither the inhabitors of Magedo with her towns, but the Canaanites were bold to dwell in the land. But it came to pass, that as soon as Israel was waxed mighty, they put the Cananytes to tribute, and expelled them not. * josua. 16 d In like manner Ephraim expelled not the Cananytes that dwelt in Gazer, but the Canaanites dwelt still in Gazer among them. Neither did Zabulon expel the inhabitors of Ketron, neither the inhabitors of Nahaloll: But the Cananytes dwelt among them, and became tributaries. Neither did Aser cast out the inhabitors of Acho, neither the inhabitors of Zidon, and of Ahalab, Aczib, and Halbah/ Aphek, nor of Rohob, but the Aserites dwelled among the Cananytes, the inhabitors of the land, for they might not drive them out Neither did Nepthalim drive out the inhabitors of Bethsames, nor the inhabitors of Bethanath, but dwelt amongst the Canaanites the inhabitors of the land. Nevertheless the inhabitors of Bethsames & of Bethanath became tributaries unto them. And the Amorites troubled the Children of Dan in the mountain, and suffered them not to come down to the valley. And the Amorites were content to dwell in mount Heres ❀ (which is by interpretation, a witnesing,) in Hailon and in Salabim. And the hand of joseph prevailed, so that they became tributaries. And the coost of the Amorytes was from the going up to Acrahim, and from the rock upward. ¶ The angel rebuketh the people, because they had ma●● peace with the Lana●ites. I dointrers are pu●●sshed. CAPI. II. ANd ☞ the Angel of the Lord came up from gilgal to ☞ Bochim, & said: I made you to come out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I swore unto your fathers. * 〈◊〉. seven. ● and. 〈◊〉. ● And I said: I will not break mine appointment that I made with you. And ye also shall make no covenant with the inhabitors of this land, but shall break down their altars: Never thesse's ye have not hearkened unto my voice/ why have ye this done? Wherefore I have likewise determined, that I will not cast them out before you: but they shall be thorns unto you, and their Gods shall be a snare unto you. And when the angel of the Lord spoke these words unto all the Children of Israel, the people cried out and wept. And called the name of the said place * A place of such as weep. Bochim, and offered Sacrifices unto the Lord. And when josua had sent the people away, the children of Israel went every man into his inheritance, to possess the land. * josua. 24 ● And the people served the Lord all the days of josua, and all the days of the elders that out lived josua, and had seen all the great works of the lord that he did for Israel. And josua the Son of Nun the servant of the Lord * josua. ●4 ● died, when he was an hundred and ten years old: whom they buried in the coostes of his inheritance: even in ☞ Thamnath Hares in mount Ephraim, on the northside of the hill Gaas. And even so all that generation were put unto their fathers, and there arose another generation after them which neither knew the Lord, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. And then the Children of Israel * judi. iiii. a. did wickedly in the sight of the Lord, and served ☞ Baalim, & forsook the Lord god of their fathers, which brought them out of the land of Egypt, and followed strange gods: even the godis of the nations that were round about them, and bowed themselves unto them, & angered the Lord. They forsook the Lord, and ☞ served Baal and Astharoth. And the wrath of the Lord waxed hoot against Israel, and he delivered them into the hands of raveners, that spoiled them, and sold them into the hands of their enemies round about them, so that they had no power any longer to stand before their enemies. But whither soever they went out, the hand of the Lord was against them with evil luck, even as the Lord promised them, and as he swore unto them. And he punished them sore. Nevertheless the Lord raised up judges, which delivered them out of the hands of their oppressers, & yet for all that they would not hearken unto their judges: But rather went a hooring after strange gods, and bowed themselves unto them, and turned quickly out of the way, which their Fathers walked, in obeying the commandments of the Lord: But they did not so. And when the lord raised them up judges, he was with the judge, and delivered them out of the hands of their enemies all the days of the judge, * Exodi. two. d. for the Lord had compassion over their sorowynges, which they had, by the reason of them that oppressed them and vexed them: yet for all that * judi. iii. b as soon as the judge was dead, they turned and did worse than their Fathers, in following strange Gods, and in serving them, and ceased not from their own inventions, nor from their malicious way. And the wrath of the Lord was moved against Israel, and he said: because this people hath transgressed mine appointment which I commanded their fathers, and have not hearkened unto my voice, I will hence forth not cast out before them one man of the nations, which josua left when he died/ that through them I may * Deute. 13. a prove Israel, whither they will keep the way of the lord, & walk therein, as their fathers did, or not. And so the Lord left those nations, and drove them not out immediately, neither delivered them into the hand of josua. ¶ Othonyell delivereth Israel. Ahud killeth king Eglon. Samgar killeth the Phelystines. CAPI. III. THese are the nations which the Lord left, that he might prove Israel by them: even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan: only for the learning of the generation of the children of Israel: that he also might teach them war, in asmuch as they that were before them, ☞ knew nothing thereof. Of those whom he left, there were five lords of the Philistines, and all the Cananytes, and the Sidonytes, and the Hevites that dwelt in mount Libanon: even fram mount Baal Hermon unto Hemath. Those remained to prove Israel by, and to weet, whither they would hearken unto the commandments of the Lord, which he commanded their Fathers by the hand of Moses. And the Children of Israel dwelt among the Canaanites, Hethites, Amorites/ Pheresytes, Hevites, and jebusites, * Deut. 〈◊〉. ● & took the daughters of them to be their wives, and gave their own daughters to their sons, and served their Gods. And the children of Israel did wickedly in the sight of the Lord, and forgot the Lord their God, and served Baalim & Aseroth. Therefore the Lord was angry with Israel, and delivered them into the handis of Chusan Risathaim king of Mesopotamia, and the children of Israel served Chusan Risathaim. viii. years. And when the Children of Israel cried unto the Lord, the Lord stirred ☞ up a saviour, to the Children of Israel, & saved them: one othoniel the Son of Kenes, Calebs' younger brother. And the spirit of the Lord came upon him. And he judged Israel, and went out to war. And the Lord delivered Chusan Risathaim king of Mesopotamia into his hand, & his hand prevailed against Chusan Risathaim. And the land had * two. Pe. xvi rest forty years. And Othoniel the son of Kenes died. And the Children of Israel went to again, & committed wickedness in the sight of the lord. And the Lord strengthened Eglon the king of the Moabites, against the Children of Israel, because they had committed wickedness before the Lord. And this (Eglon) gathered unto him the children of Ammon, & the Amalekites, & went and smote Israel, and conquered the city of Palm trees. And so the Children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab. xviii. years. But when they cried unto the lord, the lord stirred them up a saviour, Ahud the son of Gera the son of jemini, a man that could do nothing handsomely with his right hand. And by him the children of Israel sent a present unto Eglon the king of Moab: but Ahud made him a dagger with two edges, of a cubit length, and he did gird it under his raiment upon his right thigh, and carried the present to Eglon the king of Moab: And Eglon was a very fat man. And it fortuned that when he had presented the present he sent the people that bore it away, but he himself turned again (from the place of graven images, that was by Gilgal) & said I have a secret errand unto thee, O king. Which said: keep silence. And all that stood before him, went out from him. And Ahud came unto him, and in a summer parler, which he had, sat he himself alone, and Ahud said, * 2. Reg. 3. e. I have a message unto the from God. And he arose out of his seat. And Ahud put forth his left hand, and took the dagger from his right thigh, and thrust it into his belly, and the haft went in after the blade. And the fat, closed the haft, so that he might not draw the dagger out of his belly but the dirt came out. Ahud got him out at a postren door, and shut the doors of the parlour about him, and locked them. When he was gone out, his servants came, and when they saw that the doors of the parlour were locked, they said: peradventure ☞ he covereth his feet in his summer chamber. And they tarried till they were ashamed: And behold, saying he opened not the doors of the parlour: they took a key, & opened them. And behold, their Lord was fallen down dead on the earth▪ And Ahud escaped (while they tarried) and was gone beyond, to the place of the graven images and escaped into Seirath. And when he was come * Num●. x a. he blewe a trumpet in mount Ephraim. And the children of Israel went down with him from the hill and he went before them. And he said unto them, follow me: for the Lord hath delivered your enemies, the Moabites into your hand. And they descended after him, & took the passages of jordan, toward Moab, and suffered not a man to pass over. And they slew of the Moabites the same time upon a ten thousand men, which were all fat & men of war: and there scaped not a man, * duty. two. b. and so Moab was subdued that day, under the hand of Israel: & the land had rest. lxxx. yeris. After him was Samgar the son of Anath which slew of the Philistines. vi. hundred men with an ox goad, and delivered Israel also. ¶ Deborah & Barah deliver Israel. Sisara is killed of Ia●● CAPI. four ANd the children of Israel began again to do wickedly in the sight of the lord when Ahud was dead. And the Lord ☞ sold them into the hand of jabin king of Canaan, that reigned in Hazor, whose captain of war was called Sisara, which dwelt in ☞ Haroseth of the gentiles. And the children of Israel cried unto the Lord: for he had nine hundred charettes of iron, & twenty years he troubled the children of Israel very sore. And Deborah a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth judged Israel the same time, & the same Deborah dwelt under a palm tree, between Ramath and Bethel, in mount Ephraim. And the children of Israel came up to her for judgement. And she sent & called Barak the ●●dis●●● son of Abinoam out of Kedes/ Nephthalim, and said unto him. Hath not the Lord god of Israel commanded thee, to draw to mount Thabor, and take with the ten thousand men, of the children of Nephthalim, and of the children of Zabulon? And I will bring unto thee/ to the * Psal. 〈◊〉. ●. river Kison, Sisara, the captain of war unto jabin, with his charettes, and his people, and will deliver him into thine hand. And Barak said unto her: if thou wilt go with me, I will go: But & if thou wilt not come with me, I will not go. She said: I will surely go which thee, but this journey that thou takest, shall not be for thine honour: for the Lord shall sell Sisara into the hand of a woman. Deborah went with Barak to Kedes. And Barak called Zabulon and Nephthalim to Kedes, and led after him ten thousand men: & Deborah went up with him. But Haber the Kenite (which was of the children of * Nun. ●. ●. Hobab, the father in law of Moses) removed from the other Kenites, & pitched his tent until the plain of Zaania●, which is by Kedes. And they showed Sisara, that Barak the son of Abinoam was gone up to mount Thabor. And Sisara gathered together all his charettes. even. ix. hundred charettes of iron, & all the people that were with him, from Haroseth of the gentiles, unto the river of Kyson. And Deborah said unto Barak: Up, for this is the day in which the Lord hath delivered Sisara into thine hand. Is not the Lord gone out before thee? And so Barak went down from mount Thabor, and ten thousand men after him. But the Lord destroyed Sisara, and all his charettes, and all his host with the edge of the sword, before Barak: so that Sisara lighted down of his chariot, and fled away on his feet. But barak followed after the charettes, and after the host, even unto Haroseth of the gentiles. And all the host of Sisara fell upon the edge of the sword, and there was not a man left. Howbeit Sisara fled away on his feet to the tent of jael the wife of Haber the Kenite: for there was peace between jabin the king of Hazor, & the household of Haber the kenite. And jael went out to meet Sisara, and said unto him: turn in my Lord, turn in to me▪ fear not. And when he had turned in unto her into her tent, she covered him with a ☞ mantel. And he said unto her: give me a little water to drink, for I am thirsty. And she opened * judi. v. d. a bottle of milk, & gave him drink, and covered him. And again he said unto her: stand in the door of the tent and when any man doth come and inquire of thee, whither there be any man here: thou shalt say, nay. Then jael Habers wife took a nail of the tent, and an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into the temples of his head, and fastened it into the ground, for he slumbered sore, & was weary: And so he died. And behold, as Barak followed after Sisara, jael came out to meet him, and said unto him: come, and I will show thee, the man, whom thou seekest. And when he came into her tent: Behold Sisara lay dead, and the nail was in his temples. And so god brought jaben the king of Canaan into subjection that day, before the children of Israel And the hand of the children of Israel prospered, and prevailed against jaben the king of Canaan▪ until they had brought him to nought. ¶ The song and thanks giving of Deborah, and Barak after the vyctory●▪ CAPI. V THen Deborah & Barak the son of Abinoam sang the same day, saying: Praise ye the Lord, ❀ for the avenging of Israel, and for the people that became so willing. Hear O ye kings, hearken O ye princes I, even I, will sing unto the Lord, I will praise the Lord God of Israel. Lord * Deut. iiii. b when thou goest out of Seir, when thou departedst out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled, and the heavens rained: the clouds also dropped water. * Psal. 97. ● The mountains melted before the lord even as did Sinai, before the Lord God of Israel. In the days of * judi. iii d Samgar the son of Anath, in the days of * judi. 〈◊〉. ● jael ☞ the high ways were unoccupied: And the runners of the paths walked thorough by-ways. The enhabiters of the towns were gone they were gone in Israel, until I Deborah came up, which came up a mother in Israel. ☞ They chose new gods, & then had they (the enemy) in the gates: There was not a shield or spear seen among. xl. M. of Israel. My heart loveth the governors of Israel and them that are willing among the people. O praise ye the Lord. Speak ye that ride on fair asses, and that sit uppermost in judgement, and walk by the ways. At the crying of the archers, among the drawers of water, there shall they speak of the ☞ righteousness of the lord: his righteousness in the unfenced places of Israel: them shall the people of the lord go down to the gates. Up Deborah up, got the up, & sing a song: * judi. 〈◊〉 Arise Barak, and ☞ lead the captivity captive, thou son of Abinoam. Then shall they that remain, have dominion of the proudest of the people (of jabin.) The lord shall for my sake have dominion over the mighty. ☞ Out of * Iudi▪ 〈◊〉 Ephraim was there a rote of them against Amalecke, and after thee, Beniamin among thy people▪ Out of Machir came rulers, & out of Zabulon they that govern the pen of the writer. And of Isachar, there were princes with Deborah, Isachar also and Barak were sent on their f●te into the valley, when in departing away of Reuben there were great men, and wise of heart. Why abodest thou among the sheep folds, to hear the bleatynges of the flocks, & to separate thyself away with great men, & wise of heart. Gilead also abode beyond jordane: and why doth Dan remain in ships. Aser continued on the see shore, & tarried in his decayed places. But the people of Zabulon have jeopardy their lives even unto the death, like as did Nephthali in the high places of the field. The kings came & fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Thamah, by the waters of Megiddo, and won no money. They fought from heaven, even the stars in their courses fought against Sisara. The river of Cyson removed them, that ancient river, the river Cyson: My soul shall tread (him) down mightily. Then were the horse hooves smitten asunder, by means of the praunsinges that their mighty men made. Curse ye the city of Meros' (said the angel of the lord) curse the inhabitors thereof, because they came not ☞ to help the Lord: to help the Lord with the mighty. jael the wife of Haber the Kenyte shallbe blessed above other women, blessed shall she be above other women in the tent. * judi. iiii. c. He asked water, & she gave him milk: she brought forth butter in a lordly dish. * judi. iiii. d. She put her hand to the nail, & her right hand to the smiths hammer: with the hammer smote she Sisera, & smote his head, wounded him, and pierced his temples. He bowed him down at her feet, he fell down & lay still: At her feet he bowed him down, & fell. And when he had sunk down he lay still desolate. The mother of Sisera looked out at a window, and cried thorough the lattesse. Why is his chariot so long a coming? Why carry the wheels of the carts? All the wise ladies answered her, yea & her own words answered herself. Surely they have found, they divide the spoils: Every man hath a damsel or two: Sisera hath a prey of diverse coloured garments, even a pray of raiment died with sundry colours, & that are made of needle work, raiment of divers colours and of needle work which is meet for him that is chief in distributing of the spoils. So perish all thy●e enemies, O lord: but they that love him, let them be as the Son when he riseth in his might. And the land had rest forty years. ¶ Israel is oppressed of the Madianites: Gedeon is sent of God to be their delpue●●r. CAPI VI ANd the children of Israel * josua. 4. ● committed wickedness in the sight of the Lord. And the Lord delivered them into the hands of Madian seven years. And the hand of Madian prevailed against Israel, and because of the Madianites, the children of Israel made them dens in the mountains and caves and strong holds. And when Israel had sown, the Madianites, the Amalechites, & they of the East country came up together against them, & pitched their tents against▪ them, & destroyed the increase of the earth, even till thou come unto Azah, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep, ox or Ass: for they went up, they and their cattle & came with their tentis as a multitude of grasshoppers: so that both they & also their camels were without number. And they entered into the land to destroy it. And so was Israel exceedingly impoverished in the sight of the Madianites, & cried unto the Lord. And when the children of Israel cried unto the lord because of the Madiante▪ the lord sent unto them a prophet, which said unto them: Thus saith the lord God of Israel: I fet you from Egypt, and brought you out of the house of bondage, and I rid you out of the hand of the Egyptians, & out of the hand of all that oppressed you, and cast them out before you, and gave you their land. And I said unto you: I am the lord your god, * ●. Re. ●7. ●. jere. ●. ●. fear not the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But you have not obeyed my voice. And the angel of the lord came, and sat under an Oak/ which was in Ephrah, that pertained unto joas the father of the Ezerites. And his son Gedeon pressed out wheat of the ears in a press, to hide it from the Madianites. And the angel of the Lord appeared unto him, and said: the lord is with thee, thou mighty man of war. And Gedeon answered him: Oh my Lord, if the Lord be with us, why is all this come upon us: yea & where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, and said▪ Did not the lord bring us out of Egypte? but now the Lord hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Madianites. And the lord looked upon him, and said: Go hence in this thy might, and thou shalt deliver Israel out of the hands of the Madianites: Have not I sent thee? And he answered him: Oh Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? Behold, my kindred is poor in Manasses, and I am little in my father's house. The lord said unto him. I will be with thee: and thou shalt smite the Madianites, as they were but one man. And he answered him: Oh, if I have found grace in thy sight, then show me a sign, that it is thou that talkest with me. Depart not hence until I come again unto thee, and till I bring mine offering, & have set it before the. And he said: I will carry until thou come again. And Gedeon went in, and made ready a kid, and sweet cakes of an Epha● of flower, and put it with the flesh in a basket, and put the broth in a pot, and brought it out unto him under the Oak, and presented it. And the angel of god said unto him: take the flesh and the sweet cakes, and lay them upon this rock, and power out the broth. And he did so. Then the angel of the Lord put forth the end of the staff/ that he held in his hand, and touched the flesh and the sweet cakes. And * 3. Reg. 18. f there arose fire out of the rock, and consumed the flesh and the sweet cakes. But the angel of the Lord vanished out of his sight. And when Gedeon perceived that it was an angel of the lord, he said Alas, O Lord God, * Exodi. 33 d judi. xiii. d have I therefore seen an angel of the lord face to face, that should die? And the Lord said unto him: peace be unto thee, fear not, thou shalt not die. Then Gedeon made an altar there unto the Lord, and called it: The Lord of peace. And unto this day it is yet in Ephrath, that pertaineth unto the father of the Ezerites. And it fortuned that the same night the lord said unto him: take a young bullock out of thy father's drove, and another of. seven. years old, and destroy the altar of Baal that thy father hath, and cut down the grove that is by it, and make an altar unto the Lord thy God upon the top of this rock in a convenient place. And take the second bullock, and offer burnt-sacrifice upon the wood of the grove which thou shalt cut down. Then Gedeon took ten men of his servants, and did as the Lord bade him. But because he durst not do it by day for fear of his father's household & of the men of the city, he did it by night. And when the men of the city were up early in the morning: Behold, the altar of Baal was broken, and the grove cut down that was by it, and the second bullock offered upon the altar that was made. And they said one to another: Who hath done this thing: and when they inquired and asked, they said: Gedeon the son of joas hath done this thing. Then the men of the city said unto joas: bring out thy son, that he may die, because he hath destroyed the altar of Baal, & cut down the grove that was by it. And joas said unto all that stood by him: will ye entreat for Baal? or will ye be his defenders: ☞ he that hath meddled against him, let him die or the morning. If he be a God, let him be avenged of him, that cast down his altar. And from that day was Gedeon called ☞ jerobaal, because his father had said: Let Baal be avenged of him, that hath broken down his altar. All the Madianites therefore, & the Amalekites and they of the east, were gathered together, and went, and pitched in the valley of Izreel: But the spirit of the lord came upon Gedeon. * Nun. x. a. And he blewe a trumpet, and called * Iudi viii. ● Abiezar to follow him, and sent messengers thorout all Manasses, and called them, which also did follow him. And he sent messengers unto Aser, Zabulon, and Nephthalim, and they came to meet him. And Gedeon said unto god: if thou wilt save Israel in my hand, as thou hast said: Behold, I will put a fleece of wool in the threshing place. And if the dew come on the fleece only, and it be dry upon all the earth beside, then shall I be sure, that thou wilt save Israel by my hand, as thou saidest. And it came so to pass. For he rose up early on the morrow, and thrust the fleece together, and wrong the dew thereout, & filled a bowl of water. And Gedeon said again unto God: be not angry with me, that * Gene. 〈◊〉 ●. I speak once more. For I will prove once again by the fleece. Let it be dry only upon the fleece, and dew upon all the ground. And god did so that same night: For it was dry upon the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground. ¶ Gedeon with iii. hundred men overcometh the Madianites. Oreb and zeb are slay. CAPI. VII. THen * judi. ●. ●. jerobaal (otherwise called Gedeon) and all the people that were with him, arose up early and pitched beside the well of Harad, so that the host of the Madianites were on the North side of the rock that boweth toward the valley. And the Lord said unto Gedeon: the people that are with thee, are to many for me to give the Madianites into their hands, least Israel make their vaunt against me, & say: mine own hand hath saved me. Now therefore make a proclamation in the ears of the people, & say: * Devi. 〈◊〉 i Ma●●. ● If any man dread or be afraid let him return & get him soon from mount Gilead. And there departed & returned of the people. xxii. thousand, & there abode ten. M. And the lord said unto Gedeon: the people are yet to many, bring them down unto the water, and I will try them unto the there. And of whom I say unto thee, this shall go with thee, the same shall go with the. And who soever I say unto thee, this shall not go with thee, the same shall not go. So he brought down the people unto the water, & the lord said unto Gedeon: as many as lap the water with their tongis as a dog doth, put them by themselves, and so do them that kneel down upon their knees to drink. And the number of them that put their handis to their mouths and laped, were three hundred men. But all the remnant of the people kneeled down upon their knees to drink water. And the Lord said unto Gedeon. By these three hundred men that laped water, will I save you, and deliver the Medianytes in to thine hand. And let all the other people go every man unto his place. They therefore of the people took vyrtayles with them, & their trumpets. And he sent at the rest of Israel, every man unto his tent, and comforted those three hundred with him. And the host of Madian was beneath him in a valley. And it fortuned that the same night the lord said unto him: Arise, get the down unto the host, for I have delivered it in to thine hand. But and if thou fear to go down, then go thou, and Pharah thy lad down to the host, and thou shalt hearken what they say, and so shall thine hands be strong, to go down unto the host. Then went he down, and Pharah his lad, even hard unto the men of arms that were in the host. And the Madianytes, the Amalekytes, and all they of the East, lay along in the valley, like a multitude of grasshoppers/ and their camels were without number/ even as the sand by the see side in multitude. And when Gedeon was come: Behold/ there was a man that told a dream unto his neighbour, and said. Behold, I dreamt a dream, and me thought that a loof of barley bread, tumbled into the host of Madian, and came unto a tent and smote it that it fell/ and overturned it that the tent lay along. And his fellow answered and said: this is nothing else save the sword of Gedeon, the son of joas a man of Israel: for in to his hand hath God delivered Madian, and all the host. When Gedeon heard the telling of the dream/ and the ☞ interpretation of the same, he worshipped, and returned unto the host of Israel & said: Up, for the lord hath delivered in to your hand the host of Madian. And he divided the three hundred men in to three companies, and gave every man a Trumpet in his hand, with an empty pitcher, and lamps therein, and said unto them: look on me & do likewise, that when I come to the side of the host, even as I do, so do you: When I blow with a trumpet, and all that are with me, blawe ye with trumpets also on every side of the host, and say: Here is the sword of the Lord/ and of Gedeon. And so Gedeon/ and the three hundren men that were with him, came unto the side of the host in the beginning of the middle watch and raised up the watch men. And they blewe with their trumpets, & broke the pitchers that were in their hands And all the three companies blewe with trom pettes and broke the pitchers, and held the lamps in their left hands, and the trumpets in their right, to blow withal. And they cried: the sword of the Lord, & of Gedeon. And they stood still, every man in his place round about the host. And they within the host, ran, and cried, & fled. And the three hundred blue with trumpets, and the lord set * i. Regum 14 ● 11. Pa. xx. ●. every man's sword upon his neighbour, throughout all the host. And the host stead to Bethsitah, to Zererath, & to the edge of the plain of Maholah unto Tabath. And the men of Israel being gathered together out of the tribe of Nephthalim, of Aser & of all Manasses, followed after the Madianites. And Gedeon sent messengers unto all mount Ephraim, saying: come down against the Madianites, & take before them the waters unto Bethbarath & to jordan. Then all the men of Ephraim gathered together, and took the waters unto Bethbarath, & to jordan. And they took two captains of the Madianites, Oreb and Zeb, and slew Oreb upon the rock Oreb, and Zeb at the press Zeb, & followed after Madian. And brought the heads of Oreb and Zeb, to Gedeon on the other side jordan. ¶ Ephraim maketh insurreciyon against Gedeon, but is soonly acifyed. CAPI. VIII. ANd the men of Ephraim said unto him: why haste thou served us thus, that thou called'st us not, when thou goest to fight with the Madianites? And they chode with him a good. ❀ (and had almost done him violence) And he said unto them: What deed have I done like unto yours: ☞ is not a cluster of Ephraim better, than the wine harvest of Abiezer? God hath delyucred in to your hands the lords of Madian, Oreb & Zeb, And what was I able to do like as you have done? And then their spirits abated from of him, when he had said that. And Gedeon came to jordan to pass over, he and the three hundred men that were with him, very faint, and yet followed the chase. And he said unto the men of Socoth: give I pray you cakes of bread unto the people that follow me: for they be fayntie, that I may follow after Zebath and Zalmona kings of Madian And the lords of Socoth said: are the hands of Zebath and Zalmona now in thine hands, that we should give bread unto thine army? Gedeon said, therefore when the lord hath delivered Zebah, and Zalmona in to mine hand, I will tear the flesh of you with the thorns of the wilderness, and with breers. And he went up thence to Phanuel, & spoke unto them likewise. And the men of Phanuel answereed him, as did the men of Socoth. And he said also unto the men of Phanuel: when I come again in peace, I will break down this tower. Zebah and Zalmona were in Carkar, & their hosts which them, upon a. xv. thousand men, which were all that were left of all the hosts of them of the East: For there were slay an hundred/ and twenty thousand men, that drew swords. And Gedeon went thorough them that dwelt in Tabernacles/ on the east side of Nebah and jebahah, and smote the host: for the host did cast no percyls. And when Zebah, and Zalmona fled, he followed after them, and took the two kings of Madian, Zebah and Zalmona, and discomforted all the host. And Gedeon the son of joas returned from battle, before the son was down, & caught a lad of the men of Socoth, and inquired of him. And he wrote him of the lords and elders of Socoth. lxxvii. men. And he came unto the men of Socoth, and said. Behold, here I have Zebah and Zalmona, with which ye did cast me in the teeth, saying: are the hands of Zebah and Zalmona all ready in thine hand, that we should give bread unto thy faynty men? And he took the elders of the city, & thorns of the wilderness and breers, & made the men of Socoth to feel them: & he broke down the tower of * 3. Reg. 12. f. Phanuel, and slew the men of the city. And then said he unto Zebah & Zalmona what manner of men were they whom ye slew at Thabor? and they answered: the lyenesse of the & them is all one, even after the fashion of the children of a king. And he said: they were my brethren, even my mother's children. As truly as the lord liveth, if ye had saved their lives, I would not slay you. And he said unto Jether his eldest son: up, and slay them: But the lad drew not his sword, ☞ for he feared, because he was yet young. Then Zabah and Zalmona said: Rise thou, & fall upon us: for as the man is, so is his strength. And Gedeon arose and slew Zabah & Zalmona, & took away the ornaments, that were on their camels necks. Then the men of Israel said unto Gedeon: Reign thou over us both thou, thy son, & thy sons son, for thou hast delivered us out of the hand of Madian. And Gedeon said unto them. I will not reign over you, neither shall my Child reign over you, but the Lord shall reign over you. And again Gedeon said unto them: I would desire a certain request of you, even that ye would give me every man the * Exo vi. 3●● earynges of his prey. For they had golden earyngꝭ, because they were Ismaelites. And they answered: we will give them. And they spread a mantle, and did cast therein every man the earyngꝭ of his pray. And the weight of the golden earrings that he required, was a thousand & seven hundred sycles of gold, beside chains, ☞ pomaunders and purple raiment, that was on the kings of Madian & beside the chains, that were about their Camel's necks. And Gedeon made an ☞ Ephod thereof, and put it in his city Ephrah. And all Israel went a * Ezech. 〈◊〉 and. xx. ● hooring after it, which thing became a ruin unto Gedeon, & to his house. Thus was Madian brought low before the children of Israel, so that they lift up their heads no more. And the country was in quietness forty years in the days of Gedeon. And jerobaall the son of joas went and dwelt in his own house. And Gedeon had * 〈…〉 lxx, sons of his body begotten, for he had many wives. And his concubine that was in Sichem, bore him a son also, whose name he called Abimelech. And Gedeon the son of joas died, in a good age, & was buried in the sepulchre of joas his father, even in Ephrah, that pertained unto the father of the Ezrites. But it fortuned, that as soon as Gedeon was dead, the children of Israel turned away, & went a hooring after Baalim, and made a covenant with Baal to be their god, and the children of Israel thought not on the lord their god, which had delivered them out of the hands of all their enemies on every side. Neither showed they mercy on the house of jerobaall, otherwise called Gedeon, according to all the goodness which he had showed unto Israel. ¶ Abimelech is made king. CAPI. IX. ABimelech the son of jerobaall went to Sichem: unto his mother's brethren/ and commoned with them/ and with all his mother's father's kindred/ saying: say I pray you in the ears of all the inhabitors of Sichem: whither is better for you/ that all the sons of jerobaall (which are. lxx. persons) reign over you, either that one reign over you? Remember/ that I am of your bone, and of your flesh. And his mother's brethren spoke of him in the audience of the men of Sichem all these words, and their hearts were moved to follow Abimelech. For they said: he is our brother. And they gave him. lxx. pieces of silver out of the temple of Baal Berith, wherewith Abimelech hired vain and light persons, which went with him. And he went unto his father's house at Ephrah * two. Pa. xxi. a and slew all his brethren, the sons of jerobaal, even. lxx. persons ❀ with one stone. notwithstanding yet joatham the youngest son of jerobaal escaped, for he hid himself. And all the men of Sichem gathered together, & all the house of melo, and came & made Abimelech king in the plain, where the great stone was by Sichem. And when they told it to joatham he went and stood in the top of mount Garizim, and lift up his voice, and cried, & said unto them. hearken unto me, ye men of Sychem, that god may hearken unto you. * ●. Eid. 4. b The trees went forth to anoint a king over them, and said unto the olive tree: reign thou over us. But the olive tree said unto them: should I leave my fatness, which both gods and men praise in me, & go to be promoted over the trees? And the trees said to the Fig tree: come thou, and be king over us. The fig tree answered them: should I forsake my sweetness, and my good fruit, and go to be promoted over the trees? Then said the trees unto the vine: come thou and be king over us. The vine said unto them: should I leave my wine whereby I cheer both gods and men, and go to be promoted over the trees? Then said all the trees unto the Fyr bush: come thou, and reign over us. And the Fyr bush said unto the trees: if it be true that ye will anoint me king over you, them come, & put your trust under my shadow. If no, the fire come out of the Fyr bush, & waste the cedar trees of Libanon. Now therefore, if ye do truly and uncorruptly, to make Abimelech king: and if ye have dealt well with jerobaal and his house and have done unto him according to the deserving of his hands, judge ye. For even he (my father) fought for you, and adventured his life, and rid you out of the hand of Madian. And ye are risen up agayst my father's house this day, and have slay his children, even. lxx. persons with one stone, and have made Abimelech the son of his maid servant, king over the men of Sichem, because he is your brother: If ye then have dealt truly and purely with jerobaal and with his house this day, then rejoice ye with Abimelech, & let him rejoice with you. But if ye have not dealt truly, than I pray God a fire may come out of Abimelech and consume the men of Sichem & the house of melo. And that there may come a fire from among the men of Sichem, and out of the house of melo, and consume Abimelech And joatham ran away, and fled, and went to Beer and dwelled there, for fear of Abimelech his brother. When Abimelech had reigned three year, God sent an hate between Abimelech and the men of Sichem. And the citizens of Sichem railed upon Abimelech, and wished, that the wickedness done to the lxx. sons of jerobaal might come on him and laid the blood of them unto Abimelech their brother which slew them and unto the other men of Sichem, which aided him in the killing of his brethren. And the citizens of Sichem set men to lay await for him in the top of the mountains: which men, ❀ (while they tarried for his co●●●●) rob all that came along the way by them. And it was told Abimelech. And Gaal the son of A-bed came with his brethren, and they got them to Sichem. And the men of Sichem put their confidence in him. And they went out in to the fields, & gathered in their grapes, & trod them, and made merry: and went in to the house of their gods, and did eat & drink, & cursed Abimelech. And Gaal the son of A-bed said: what is Abimelech? & what is Sichem? that we should serve him? Is he not the son of jerobaal? and Zebul was his office? serve such as come of * Gene. 34. ● Hemor the father of Sichem, for what reason is it, that we should serve him? would God this people were under my hand, then would I take Abimelech out of the way. And he spoke against Abimelech: make thine host greater, and go out. And when Zebull the ruler of the city heard the words of Gaal the son of A-bed, he was wroth, and sent messengers unto Abimelech privily, saying. Behold, Gaal the son of A-bed and his brethren be come to Sichem, and behold, they set the city against the. Now therefore up by night, thou and all the people that is with thee, and lay in wait in the field. And arise early in the morning as soon as the Son is up, and fall upon the City. And if he and the people that is with him, come out against thee, do to him what thy hands shall be able. And Abimelech rose up, and all the people that were in him, by night. And they laid await against Sichem in four companies. And Gaal the son of A-bed went out and stood in the entering of of the gate of the city. And Abimelech rose up, and the folk that were with him, from laying await. And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul: behold, there come people down from the top of the mountains. And Zebul said unto him: the shadow of the hills seem men unto the. ❀ (and by that error art thou deceived.) And Gaall answered again, and said: See, there come folk down by the middle of the land, & another company come along by the plain of the charmers. Then said Zebul unto him: where is now thy mouth that said: What fellow is Abimelech, that we should serve him? Is not this the people that thou hast despised? Go out now and fight with them. And Gaal went out before the citizens of Sichem and fought with Abimelech. And Abimelech chased him, that he fled before him, ❀ (and he drove him in to the City,) & many were over thrown and wounded, even unto the entering of the gate. And Abimelech dwelt at Arumah. And Zebul thrust out Gaal and his brethren, that they should not dwell in Sichem, ❀ (and suffered them not to tarry thenin. And on the morrow, it happened, that the people went out in to the field. And they told Abimelech. And he took the people, and divided them in to three company's, and laid await in the fields, and looked, and behold, the people were come out of the City, and he ran upon them, and smote them. And Abimelech, and the companies that were with him reached farther, and stood in the entering of the gate of the city. And the two other companies ran upon all the people that were in the fields and slew them. And when Abimelech had fought against the city all that day he took it, and slew the people that was therein, and destroyed the city & sowed salt thorough it. And when all the men of the tower of of Sichem herd that, they entered in to a strong hold of the house of their god Baal Berith, ❀ (Where they made a bond with him, and thereof did the place take the name, which place was exceeding strong.) And it was told Abimelech, that all the men of the tower of Sichem were gathered together, and Abimelech got him to mount Zelmon, both he & all the people that were with him, and took axes with him and cut down bounds of trees, and took them & bore them on his shoulder, & said unto the folk that were with him, * Iudi, seven. ●. what ye have seen me do, speed yourselves, & do likewise as I have done. And all the men that were among the people, cut down bows, & followed Abimelech, & put them in to the hold, & set the hold a fire by them: so that ❀ (with smoke & fire,) all the men of the tower of sichem were slay, upon a thousand men and women. Then went Abimelech to Thebez, and be seyged it, and took it. But there was a strong tower within the city, and thither ran all the men and women, and all the chief that were in the city, and shut it to them, and got them up ❀ (by the bulwark) to the top of the tower. And Abimelech came unto the tower, and fought against it, and went hard unto the door of the tower, to set it on fire. And a certain woman * ●i. 〈…〉 cast a piece of a millstone upon his head, & all to broke his brain pan. Then Abimelech called hastily unto the young man that bore his harness, and said unto him: * ●. 〈…〉 ●. Pe●●●● Draw thy sword and slay me, that men say not of me: a woman slew him. And his lad thrust him thorough, and he died. And when the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they departed, every man unto his own house. And thus * 〈…〉 the wickedness of Abimelech which he did unto his father, in sleyenge his seventy brethren, and thereto all the wickedness of the men of Sichem did God bring upon their heads. And upon them came the curse of joatham the son of jerobaal. ¶ Thola, and jair are judges of Israel. CAPI. X. AFter Abimelech there arose, to defend Israel, one Thola (the son of Phuah) ☞ his uncles son, a man of Isachar, which dwelt in Samir in mount Ephraim. And he judged Israel. xxiii. year, and died, & was buried in Samir. And after him arose jair a Giliadite, & judged Israel. xxii. year. And he had thirty sons that * 〈…〉 road on thirty Ass colts, and they had thirty cities which are called the towns of jair unto this day, and are in the land of Gilead. And jair died, and was buried in Kamon. * 〈…〉 And the children of Israel wrought wickedness yet again, in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim and Astharoth, & the gods of Syria, the gods of Sidon, and the gods of Moab, the gods of the children of Ammon, and the Gods of the Philistines, and forsook the lord and served not him. And the Lord was wroth with Israel, and sold them in to the hands of the Philistines, and in to the hands of the children of Ammon: which from that year forth, pylde and oppressed the children of Israel. xviii. year, all that were on the other side jordane: in the land of the Amorites which is in Gilead. Moreover, the children of Ammon went over jordane to fight against juda, Benjamin, & the house of Ephraim: so that Israel was sore cumbered. And the Children of Israel cried unto the Lord, saying: we have sinned against thee: for we have forsaken our own god, and have served Baalun. And the Lord said unto the children of Israel: did not the Egyptians, the Amorites, the children of Ammon, the Philistines, the Sidonites, the Amaleckites, & the Maonites, oppress you? And ye cried to me, & I delivered you out of their hands. And for all that, ye have forsaken me, and served strange goods, wherefore I will help you no more. Go and cry unto the Gods which ye have chosen, and * Deut. 32. c. I●●e. 〈◊〉. ●. let them save you in the time of your tribulation And the Children of Israel said unto the Lord: we have sinned: do thou unto unto us whatsoever please thee, deliver us only this day. And they put away the strange gods from them, and served the Lord. And his soul had pity on the misery of Israel. Then the Children of Ammon gathered together, & pitched in Gilead. And the children of Israel gathered them together, & pitched in Mizpa. And the Lords of Gilead said each to other, who soever will begin the battle against the children of Ammon, the same shall be head over all the inhabitors of Gilead. ¶ jephthath delivered Israel from the Ammonites. CAPI XI. ANd there was one jephthah a Gileadite, a strong man, the Son of an harlot: and Gilead begat jephthah. And Gileads wife bore him sons, which when they were come to age, thrust out jephthah, and said unto him: thou shalt not inherit in our father's house, for thou art the son of a strange woman. Then jephthah fled from his brethren, and dweit in the land of Tob. And there gathered idle ❀ (and thevysshe) men to jephthah & went out with him. And it chanced in process of time, that the children of Ammon made war against Israel. And when the Children of Ammon fought thus against Israel, the Elders of Gilead went to fetch jephthah out of the land of Tob ❀ (to help them,) and said unto him: come & be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon. jephthah answered the elders of Gilead: Did not ye hate me & expel me out of my father's house? how happeneth it then, that you come unto me now in time of your tribulation? And the elders of Gilead said unto jephthah: Therefore we turn again to the now, that thou mayst go with us, & fight against the Children of Ammon, & be our head over all the inhabitors of Gilead. And jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead: If ye bring me home again, to fight with the children of Ammon/ then if the lord deliver them before me, shall I be your head? And the Elders of Gilead said to jephthah: the lord be witness between us, if we do not according to thy words. Then jephthah went with the elders of Gilead. And the people made him head, & ruler over them. And jephthah rehearsed all his words before the Lord ☞ in Mizpa. And jephthah sent messengers unto the king of the Children of Ammon, saying▪ what hast thou to do with me, that thou art come against me, to fight in my land? The king of the Children of Ammon answered unto the messengers of jephthah: Because Israel took away my land, when they came out of Egypt, even from Arnon unto Iabo●● unto jordan. Now therefore restore those ●andes again which fair means. And jephthah sent messengers again unto the king of the children of Ammon, & said unto him: thus sayeth jephthah: * D●●●. 〈◊〉. ● Israel took not away the land of Moa●▪ nor the land of the children of Ammon. But when Israel came out of Egypt, & walked thorough the wilderness, even unto the red see, they came to Cades, * Num●. 〈◊〉. ● & sent messengers unto the king of Edom, saying: Let me (I pray thee) go thorough thy land. But the king of Edom would not agree thereto, And in like manner they sent unto the king of Moab, but he would not consent. And so Israel abode still in Cades. And then they went along thorough the wilderness, and compassed the land of Edom, & the land of Moab, & came along by the east side of the land of Moab, & pitched on the other side of Arnon, & would not come within the cooste of Moab. * Nun. 〈◊〉. ● For Arnon was the uttermost border of Moab. And then Israel * duty. two. ●. sent messengers unto Sehon, king of the Amorytes, & king of Hesbon, & said unto him: Let us pass thorough thy land unto our own country. But Sehon consented not to Israel, that he should go thorough his coost: but gathered all his people together, & pytehed in Iaza●, & fought with Israel. And the lord god of Israel delivered Sehon and all his folk in to the hands of Israel. And so Israel smote them/ & conquered all the land of the Amorites, the inhabitors of the said country. And they conquered all the coostes of the Amorites, from Arnon unto jaboke, & from the wilderness unto jordane. So now, seeing the Lord God of Israel hath cast out the Amorites before his people Israel, shouldest thou possess the land? Nay, but what people, Camos thy God driveth out, that land possess thou. Even so whatsoever nation the lord our god expelleth, that land ought we to enjoy. * Nume. 22 a Deut. 23. a. And art thou better than Balack the son of Zephor king of Moab? did he s●tyue with Israel or fight against them/ all the while Israel dwelt in Hesbon, & her towns, in Atoer & her towns, and in all the cities that be a long by the coostes of Arnon three hundred years? why didst y● not recover them in all that place? Wherefore I have not sinned against the. But thou dost me wrong, to war against me. The Lord therefore be judge this day, between the children of Israel, & the children of Ammon. Howbeit the king of the children of Ammon, hearkened not unto the words of jephthah, which he sent him. Then the spirit of the Lord came upon jephthah. And he passed over to Gilead, & to Manasses, and came to Mazphah that lieth in Gilead, & from thence unto the Children of Ammon. And jephthah vowed a vow unto the Lord, & said: * Nun. vi a If thou shalt deliver the Children of Ammon into my hands, than that thing that cometh out of the doors of my house against me, when I come home in peace, from the Children of Ammon, shall be the lords, ☞ and I will offer it up for a burtoffering. And so jephthah went unto the children of Ammon to fight with them. And the lord delivered them in to his hands. And he smote them from Atoer, till thou come to Menith, even xx. cities: & so forth to the plain of the vineyerdes, with an exceeding great slaughter. And thus the Children of Ammon were brought under, before the children of Israel. When jephthah came to Mazphah unto his house, see, his daughter came out against him, with tymberels & dances, which was his only Child: so that beside her, he had neither son nor daughter. And when he saw her, he rend his clothes, and said: Alas my daughter ❀ thou hast brought me low, and art one of them that trouble me. For I have opened my mouth unto the Lord, & can not go back. And she said unto him: my father, if thou have opened thy mouth unto the Lord, then on with me according to it that proceeded out of thy mouth, for as much as the Lord hath avenged the ❀ (and given the victory) of thine enemies the Children of Ammon. And she said unto her father: do thus much for me: let me alone two. months, that I may ☞ go down to the mountains, & bewail my virginity, I & my fellows. And he said: go, & he sent her away two months. And so she went with her companions, & lamented her maiden head upon the mountains. And after the end of the two months, she turned again unto her Father, which ☞ did with her according to his vow which he had vowed, & she had known no man. And it grew to a custom in Israel. The dougters of Israel came year by year to lament the daughter of jephthah the Gileadite, four days in a year. ¶ The battle of jephthah against Ephraim. After the▪ death of jephthah succeedeth Elon. After Elon Abdon. CAPI. XII. ANd the men of Ephraim gathered them selves together, and went northward, & said unto jephthah: * 〈…〉 Wherefore goest thou to fight with the children of Ammon, & didst not call us to go with thee? We will therefore burn thine house upon thee, with fire. And jephthah said unto them: I and my people were at great strife with the children of Ammon. And when I called you, ye delivered me not out of their hands. And when I saw that ye delivered me not, * job. 〈◊〉 Psal. ●●● I ☞ put my life in my hands, & went upon the children of Ammon. And the lord delivered them in to my hands. Wherefore then are ye come upon me now to fight with me? jephthah therefore gathered together all the men of Gilead, & fought which the Ephraites And the men of Gilead smote the Ephraites, because they said: Ye Gileadites are but renegates of Ephraim among the Ephraites & the Manassites. Moreover, the men of Gilead took the passages of jordane before the Ephraites. And when those Ephraitꝭ that were escaped, said: Let us go over, than the men of Gilead said unto them: Art thou all Ephraite? they said: nay. Then said they unto him: then say: ☞ Schibboleth ❀ (which is by interpretation, an ear of corn.) And he said: Sibboleth: for he could not so pronounce. And then they took him, & slew him, at the passages of jordane. And there were overthrown at that time of the Ephraites, xlii. thousand. And jephthah judged Israel six year, & died, & was buried in one of the cities of Gilead. After this man, judged Israel one Abezan of Bethlehem, and he had thirty sons and thirty daughters, whom he sent out, and took thirty other in, for his sons. And when Abezan had judged Israel seven year, he died, & was buried at Bethleem. After him, Elon a Zabulonite judged Israel ten year, & Elon the Zabulonite died, & was buried in Aialon, in the country of Zabulon. After him, Abdon the son of Hellel a Pharathonite judged Israel. And he had forty sons, & thirty neves, that road on seventy ass colts. And when Abdon the son of Hellell the Pharathonite had judged Israel Iu●●. x. d. eight year, he died, and was buried in Pharthon in the land of Ephraim, in the mount of the Amalechites. ¶ Israel being an Idolatret, is oppressed of the Ph●istinell. The birth of Samson. The sacrifice of Samsons Father. CAPI. XIII. ANd the Children of Israel began again to commit wickedness in the sight of the Lord. * judi. x. b And the lord delivered them in to the handis of the Philistines forty year. And there was a man in Zarah of the kindred of Dan, named Manoah, whose wife was barren, and bore not. And the angel of the Lord appeared unto the woman, & said unto her: Behold, thou art batten, and bearest not: But thou shalt conceive, and bear a son. And now beware * Nun. vi a that thou drink no wine, nor strong drink, neither eat any unclean thing: for see, thou shalt conceive & bear a son. And there may no * 1. Regum. i b. razor come on his head: For the lad shall be an * Nun. vi a abstainer unto God, even from his ❀ (infancy and from his) birth. And he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hands of the philistines. Then the wife came, and told her husband, saying: a man of God came unto me, and the fashion of him, was like the fashion of an angel of god, exceeding fearful. But I asked him not whence he was neither told he me his name, but said unto me: * ●●●. 16. ●. ●uke. i. ●. behold, thou shalt be with child and beat a son, and now drink no wine nor strong drink, neither eat any unclean thing: for the lad shall be an abstainer to god, even from his ❀ (infancy, and from his) birth, to the day of his death. Then Manoah made intercession to the lord, & said: I pray the my lord, let the man of god which thou sendest, come once more unto us, and teach us what we shall do unto the lad, when he is borne. And god heard the voice of Manoah, and the angel of god came again unto the wife as she sat in the field: But Manoah her husdand was not with her. And the wife made haste, & ran, and showed her husband, & said unto him, Behold, the man appeared unto me, that came unto me to day. And Manoah arose, & went after his wife, and came to the man, and said unto him: art thou the man that spakest unto my wife? And he said: I am. Manoah said: now when thy saying is come to pass: what shall be the manner of the child, & what shall he do? And the angel of the Lord said unto Manoah: thy wife must abstain from all that I said unto her: she may eat of nothing that cometh of the vine ●tee, nor drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: But must observe all that I bade her. Manoah said unto the Angel of the Lord: we will keep the still, until * Cobi. xii. ● we have made ready a kid, and have set it before the. And the Angel of the Lord said unto Manoah: though thou make me abide. * Gene. 18. ● Cobi. xii. b. I will not eat of thy ☞ bread. And if thou wilt offer a burntoffering, thou must offer it unto the Lord. For Manoah wist not, that it was an angel of the Lord. And Manoah said again unto the angel of the Lord: what is thy name, that when thy saying is come to pass, we may do the some worship? And the Angel of the Lord said unto him: * Gene. 〈◊〉. ● why askest thou after my name, which is ☞ secret. And so Manoah took a kid with a meat offering, and offered it upon a rock unto the Lord. And the angel did wondrously, Manoah, and his wife looking upon. And when the flame came up to ward heaven from the altar the angel of the Lord ascended up in the flame of the altar. And Manoah & his wife looked upon it, & fell flat on their faces unto the ground: But the angel of the Lord did no more appear unto Manoah and his wife. And then Manoah knew that it was an angel of the Lord, & said unto his wife, * Exodi. 3●. d judi. 〈◊〉. ● we shall surely die, because ❀ we have seen god. But his wife said unto him: If the lord would kill us, he would not have received a burnt offering, and a meat offering of our hands, neither would he have showed us all these things, nor would now have told us any such. And the wife bore a son, & called his name Samsom. And the lad grew, and the lord blessed him. And ❀ the spirit of the Lord began to move him in the host of Dan, between Zaraah and Esthaoll. ¶ The marriage of Samsom. He hilleth a Lyon. He propoundeth a riddle. ●e hilleth. 〈◊〉. ●en. His wife forsaketh him, and taketh another. CAPI. XIIII. SAmson went down to Thamnath, and saw a woman in Thamnath of the daughters of the Philistines, and he came by, and told his father, and his mother, and said: I have seen a woman in Thamnath of the daughters of the Philistines. And now give her me to wife. Then his father and mother said unto him, * Deut. seven. a Is there never a woman among the daughters of thy brethren, and among all my people, but that thou must go, & take a wife of the uncircumcised Philistines? And Samson said unto his father: give me this woman, for she pleaseth me well. But his Father and mother wist not that it was the Lords doing, and that he sought an occasion against the Philistines, for at that time the Philistines reigned over Israel. Then went Samson, and his father, & his mother down to Thamnath, and came to the vineyeardes of Thamnath: And behold, a young ❀ (would) Lion roored upon him. And the spirit of the lord came upon him. And he tore him, as he would have rend a kid, and yet had nothing in his hand, neither told his father and mother what he had done. And he went down, and talked with the woman▪ which seemed well favoured in the sight of Samson. And within a short space after, as he went thither again to take her to wife, he turned out of the way, to see the carcase of the Lyon. And behold, there was a swarm of bees, & honey in the carcase of the Lyon. And he took of the honey in his hands, and went eating, and came to his father & mother, and gave them also. And they did eat. But he told not them that he had taken the honey out of the carcase of the Lyon. And so his father came unto the woman, and Samson made there a feast, for so used the young men to do. And ❀ when they ❀ (the cy●esens of that place) saw him, they brought thirty. companions to be with him. And Samson said unto them: I will now put forth a riddle unto you, and if ye can declare it me within seven days of the feast, and find it out, I will give you thirty shirts, and thirty. change of garments: But and if ye can not declare it me, then shall ye give me thirty shirts & thirty change of garments. And they answered him: put forth the riddle, that we may hear it. And he said unto them: Out of the eater came meat, and out of the strong came sweetness. And they could not in three days expound the riddle. And when the seventh day was come, they said unto Samsons wife: flatter thine husband ❀ (and persuade him) that he may declare us the riddle, lest we burn the & thy father's house with fire▪ Have ye called us hither, to make us beggars? And Samsons wife wept before him, ❀ (complained) and said: Surely thou hatest me & lovest me not: for thou hast put forth a riddle unto the Children of my folk, and hast not told it me. And he said unto her: Behold, I have not told it my father, and my mother, and shall I tell it thee? And Samsons wife wept before him seven days, while the feast lasted. And the seventh day he told her, because she lay so sore upon him. And she told it the children of her folk. And the men of the ritye said unto him the seventh day, before the son went down. What is swetter than honey, & what is stronger than a Lion? Then said he unto them: If ye had not ☞ ploughed with my calf, ye had not found out my riddle. And he went down to Askalon, and slew thirty men of them, and spoiled them, and gave change of garments unto them which expounded the riddle. And he was wroth, and went up to his father's house. But Sansons wife was given to one of his companions, that he had taken unto him. ¶ Samson ty●th firebrands to Fore tails. With the ●awe bone of an Ass he hilleth a thousand men. Out of a great to the in the jaw God giveth him water. CAPI XV. BUt it chanced within a while after, even in the time of wheat harvest that Samson visited his wife with a kid, saying: I will go in to my wife in to the chambre: but her father would not suffer him to go in▪ And her Father said: I thought that thou hadst hated her, and therefore gave I her unto one of thy companions. Is not her youger sister fairer than she? Take her in stead of the other. Samson said unto them: Now am I more blameless than the Philistines, and therefore will I do them displeasure. And Samson went out, and caught three hundred foxes, and took firebrands & fastened tail to tail, and put a firebrand in the mids between two tails. And when he had set the brands on fire, he sent them out ❀ (that they might run abroad, which went immediately) in to the standing corn of the Philistines, and burnt up both the reaped corn and also the standing, with the vineyeardes and olives. Then the Philistines said: who hath done this? And it was told them that Samson the son in law of the Thamnite, because he had taken his wife, and given her to his companion. And the Philistines came up and burnt her, and her father with fire. And Samson said unto them: Though ye have done this, yet will I be avenged of you, and then I will crase. ❀ And he smote them leg and thigh with a mighty plague. And then he went & dwelt in the cave of the rock Etam. Then the Philistines came up, & pitched in juda, and lay in ❀ (a place, that was afterward called) Lehi ❀ (that is a jaw bone, where their host was scattered abroad.) And the men of juda said, why are ye come up unto us? They answered to bind Samson are we come up, and to do to him as he hath done to us. Then three thousand men of juda went down to the cave of the rock Etan/ and said to Samson: wottest thou not that the Philistines are rulers over us? wherefore then hast thou done thus unto us? He answered them * ●●●●●●. 24. ● judi. i. b as they did unto me, so I have done unto them. And they said unto him again: we are come down to bind thee, and to deliver the in to the hand of the Philistines. And Samson said unto them: swear unto me ❀ (and promise me,) that ye shall not fall upon me yourselves. They answered him, saying: No, but we will bind the and deliver the unto their hands: But we will dot kill the. And they bound him with two new cords, and brought him from the rock. And when he came to Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him. And the spirit of the Lord came upon him, and the cords that were upon his arms became as flax that was burnt with fire, for the bandis loosed from of his hands. And he found a rotten jaw-bone of an Ass, and put forth his hand, and caught it, and slew a thousand men therewith. And Samson said: with the jaw of an ass, have I made heaps of them: with the jaw of an Ass have I slay a thousand men. And when he had left speaking he he cast away the jaw bone out of his hand and called the place: ☞ Ramath Lehi. ❀ (That is by interpretation the lifting up of the jaw bone.) And he was sore a thirst, and called on the Lord and said: Thou hast given this great victory, in the hand of thy servant. And now I must die for thirst, and fall into the hands of the uncircumsised. But God broke a great to the that was in the jaw, and there came water thereout. And when he had drunk/ his spirit came again, and he was refreshed: wherefore the name thereof was called, unto this day, the well of the caller on, which came of the jaw. And he judged Israel in the days of the Philistines, twenty years. ¶ Samson lifteth up the gates of ●a; ●. He was deceived by Dalila. He pulleth down the house upon the Phylystynes, and dieth with them. CAPI. XVI. THen went Samson to * Otherwise called Ga●a. Azath, & saw there an harlot, and went in unto her. And it was told the Azathites, saying: Samson is come hither. And they went about, & laid await for him there, all night in the gate of the city, and were still all the night, saying: in the morning when it is day, we shall kill him. And Samson took his rest till midnight, and arose at midnight, and took the doors of the gate of the city, and the two side posts, and rend them of with the bar and all, and put them upon his shoulders, & carried them up to the top of an hill, that is before Hebron. And after this it fortuned, that by the river of Sorek, he loved a woman called Dalila unto whom came the Lords of the Philistines, and said unto her: persuade him, and see wherein his great strength lieth, and by what mean we may overcome him, that we may bind him, to bring him under, and every one of us shall give the eleven hundred silverlings. And Dalila said to Samsom: Oh, tell me where thy great strength lieth, and how thou mightest be bound, and brought under. Samson answeeed unto her: If they bind me with seven green withes that were never dried, I shall be weak as other men, And then the Lords of the Philistines brought her seve wythes that were yet green and never dried, & she bound him therewith▪ notwithstanding she had men dying in wait with her in the chambre. And she said unto him, the Philistines be upon the Samson. And immediately he broke the cords as a string of tow, ❀ (that is twyned) breaketh, when it feeleth fire. And so his strength was not known. And Dalila said unto Samson: See, thou hast mocked me & told me lies. Now therefore tell me, wherewith thou mightest be bound. He answered her: if they bind me with new ropes that were never occupied/ I shall be weak, and as another man. Dalila therefore took new ropes, & bound him therewith, and said unto him: the Philistines be upon the Samson. And there were liars of wait in the chambre, and he broke them from of his arms, as they had been but a thread. And Dalila said unto Samsom: ●●therto thou hast beguiled me, and told me lies: yet tell me how y● mightest be bound. He said unto her: If thou plattedst the. seven▪ locks of my head with an here lace. And she fastened them with a nail, & said unto him: the Philistines be upon the Samson. And he awaked out of his sleep, & plucked away the nail, that was in the platting with the here lace. And she said unto him again: How canst thou say that thou lovest me, when thine heart is not with me? behold, thou hast mocked me this three times, & hast not told me, wherein thy great strength lieth. And as she lay upon him with her words continually vexing of him, his soul was encumbered even unto the death. And so he told her all his heart, and said unto her, * Nun. vi a judi. xiii. a there never came razor upon mine head, for I have been an abstainer ❀ (that is to say, consecrate) unto God, even from my mother's womb: therefore when I am shaven, my strength will go from me, and I shall wax weak, and be like all other men. And when Dalila saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent, & called for the Lords of the Philistines, saying: come up yet this once, for he hath showed me all his heart. Then the Lords of the Philistines came up unto her, and brought the money in their hands. And she made him sleep upon her knees ❀ (and to lay his head down in her lap,) and she sent for a man, and he did shave of the seven locks of his head, and began to vex him, and his strength was gone from him. And she said: the Philistines be upon the Samson. And he awoke out of his sleep, and said: I will go out now as at other times before, & shake myself, & he wist not that the lord was departed from him. But the philistines took him, & put out his eyes, & brougth him down to * Or ●aza Azath, and bound him with two fetters of brass. And ☞ he did grind in the prison house, howbeit the here of his head began to grow again after that he was shaven. Then the Lords of the Philistines gathered them together, for to offer a solemn offering unto Dagon their god, and to rejoice: for they said, our God hath delevered Samson our enemy in to our hands. And when the people saw him, they praised their God: for they said: our God hath delivered into our hands, our enemy, and destroyer of our country, which slew many of us. And when their hearts were merry, it fortuned, that they said: send for Sanson, that he may make us laugh. And they fet Samson out of the prysonhouse, and he played before them, and they set him between the pillars. And Samson said unto the lad that led him by the hand: set me that I may touch the pillars, that the house stand upon, & that I may lean to them. And the house was full of men, and women. And there were all the Lords of the Philistines. And there were upon the roof a three thousand men & women, that beheld while Samson played. And Samson called unto the Lord, and said: O Lord God, think upon me, and strengthen me, at this time only▪ O God, that I may be avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes. And Samson caught the two middle pillars on which the house stood & on which it was borne up, the one in his right hand, & the other in his left, & said: my soul shall die with the Philistines, and bowed them with all his might. And the house fell upon the Lords, and upon all the people that were therein. And so the dead, which he slew at his death, were more than they which he slew in his life. And then his brethren & all the house of his father came down and took him up, and brought him, and buried him between Zarah, and Esthaoll, in the burying place of Manoah his Father. And he judged Israel twenty year. ¶ Of Micah/ whose mother made him an idol of silver. CAPI. XVII. THere was a man in mount Ephraim, named Micah, and he said unto his mother: the eleven hundred silverlings/ that were taken from thee, about which thou cursedst, & spakest it in mine ears: Behold, the silver is with me, I took it away. And his mother said: blessed be thou my son, in the Lord. And when he had restored the eleven hundred silverlings to his mother again, his mother said: I vowed the silver unto the lord of mine hand for the my son: that thou shouldest make a graven image, & an image of metal. Now therefore I will give it the again. And when he restored the money again unto his mother, his mother took two hundred syluerlyngꝭ, and gave them to a goldsmith, which made thereof a graven image, and an image of metal, and it was in the house of Micah. And the man Micah had a temple of gods, and made an Ephod and Theraphim, ❀ (that is to say, a garment for the priest and idols) and filled the hand of one of his sons which became his priest. * I●di. 〈◊〉 ● and. 〈◊〉▪ ● In those days there was no King of Israel, but every man did that, which was good in his own eyes. And there was a young man out of Bethleem juda, of the kindred of juda: which young man was a Levite, & sojourned there. And the man departed out of the city of Bethleem juda, to go dwell where he could find a convenient place. And he came to mount Ephraim, to the house of Micah as he journeyed. And Micah said unto him: whence comest thou? The Levite answered him: I am of Bethleem juda, & go to dwell where I may find a place ❀ (and where I may spy it to be for my profit.) And Micah said again unto him: dwell with me, and be unto me a father & a priest. And I will give the ten silverlings by year, two garments, and thy meat and drink. And the Levite was content to dwell with the man, and was unto him as one of his own sons. And Micah consecrated the hand of the levity, and the young man became his priest, and was in the house of Micah. Then said Micah: now I am sure that the Lord will be good unto me, saying I have a levity to my Priest. ¶ The children of Dan take the gods & the priest of Micah away. They destroy Lais, and after build it again. CAPI. XVIII. IN those days * judi. 17. b. there was no king in Israel. And in those days the Tribe of Dan sought them an inheritance to dwell in, * Ios●a 19 b for unto that time ☞ there fell none inheritance unto them among the tribe of Israel. And the Children of Dan sent of their kindred five active men in feats of war out of their coostes, even out of Zarah, and Esthaoll, to view the land and search out the land. Which when they came to mount Ephraim, even to the house of Micah, they lodged there. And when they were in the house of Micah, they knew the voice of the young man the levity: & when they turned in thither, they said unto him: Who brought the hither? what makest thou in this place? and what hast thou here? And he answered them: thus & thus dealeth Micah with me, and hath hired me, & I am become his priest. And they said unto him ☞ again: ask council now of God, that we may know, whither the way which we go, shallbe prosperous or no. And the priest laid unto them: go in peace, for the Lord guideth your way which ye go. Then the five men departed and came to Lais, and saw the people that were therein, how they dwelt careless, after the manner of the Sidons, still, and without casting of perils: and that no man made any trouble in the land or usurped any dominion, but were far from the Sidons/ and had no business with other men. And they came unto their brethren, to Zarah and Esthaoll. And their brethren said unto them: what have ye done? And they answered: Arise, that we may go up against them, * Num. 13. ● for we have seen the land: surely a very good one. And do ye sit still? be not slothful to depart. But come to conquer the land (❀ it shall be no labour.) If ye will go, ye shall come unto a people that casteth no perils, and it is a very large country: which god hath given in to your hands. It is also a place, which doth lack nothing that is in the world. And there departed thence of the kindred of the Dannitꝭ/ even out of Zarah, and Esthaoll, sire hundred men appointed with instruments of war. And they went up, and pitched in Kariath jarim which is in juda. Wherefore they called the place the host of Dan unto this day, and it is on the back side of Kariath jarim. And they went thence unto mount Ephraim, & came to the house of Micah. Then answered the five men that went to spy out the country of Lais, & said unto their brethren: wot ye not that there is in these houses an Ephod, ☞ Theraphim, a graven Image, and an Image of metal? Now therefore consider what ye have to do. And they turned thither ward and came to the house of the young man the levity, even unto the house of Micah, and saluted him peaceably. And the six hundred men g●rden with weapons o● war, which were of the Children of Dan, stood by the entering of the gate. And the five men that went to spy out the land, went in thither and took the carved Image, and the Ephod, Theraphim, and the Image of metal. And the priest stood in the entering of the gate with the six hundred men that were armed unto battle, while the other went into Micahs' house, and fet the carved Image, the Ephod, Theraphim, and the image of metal. Then said the priest unto them: what do ye? They answered him, hold thy peace ☞ lay thine hand upon thy mouth, & come with us, to be our father and priest. It is better for the to be a priest unto the house of one man, then to be a priest unto a tribe or a kindred in Israel? And the priest was glad/ and took the Ephod, and Theraphim, & the graven Image, and went with the people. And they turned and departed, and put the Children, the cattle and their other substance before them. And when they were a good way from the house of Micah, the men that were in the houses and in Micahs' house, made an outcry, and followed after the children of Dan, and called unto them. And they turned their faces, and said unto Micah: what aileth thee, that thou makest an out cry: And he said: ye have taken away my Gods, which I made, and also the Priest, and go your ways with them: And what have I more? how then say ye unto me, what aileth thee? And the Children of Dan said unto him: Let not thy voice be herd among us, least angry fellows run upon thee, and thou lose thy life with the lives of all thine house hold. And so the Children of Dan went their ways. And when Micah saw that they were to strong for him, he turned and went back unto his house again. And they took the things which Micah had made, & the priest which he had, & came unto Lais, even unto a people that were at rest and without mistrust, and smote them with the edge of the sword, and burned the city with fire. And there was no man to help, because Lais was far from Sidon, & they had no meddling with any other man. And the city stood in the valley that lieth high Bethrehob. And they built them there a city, and dwelled therein, * ●●sus 19 ● & called it Dan, after the name of Dan their father/ which was borne unto Israel. Howbeit, in very deed the name of the City was Lays at the beginning. And the children of Dan set them up the graven Image. And jonathan the Son of Gerson, the Son of Manasses and his sons were the priests in the tribe of Dan * I●di. 1●. s. until they were carried away out of the land captive. And they set them up the carved Image which Micah made▪ all the while that the house of God was in Silo. ¶ Of the levity, whose wife was vyllanously● hylled in Gibea. CAPI. XIX. IT chanced in those days, when there was no king in Israel/ that a certain Levite sojourning on the side of mount Ephraim, took to wife a concubine out of Betheleem juda, and his concubine played the whore by him, and went away from him/ unto her father's house to Bethleem juda/ and there continued four months. And her husband arose & went after her, to speak friendly unto her, and to bring her home again, having his lad with him, & a couple of Asses. And she brought him unto her father's house, & when the father of the damsel saw him, he rejoiced of his coming. And his father in law the damsels Father kept him: And the levity abode with him three days and so they did eat & drink, and lodged there. The fourth day when they arose early in the morning, the man stood up to depart. And the damsels father said unto his son in law, comfort thine heart with a morsel * Gene. 〈◊〉▪ ● of bread, and then go your way. And they sat down, & did eat & drink both of them together. And the damsels father said unto the man: Be content I pray thee▪ & tarry all night▪ and let thine heart be merry. And when the man stood up to depart, his father in law compelled him to turn again: and to tarry all night there. And he arose up early the fifth day to depart, & the damsels Father said, comfort thine heart: & they tarried until after midday. And they did eat both of them together. And when the man arose to depart with the concubine & his lad, his father in law the damsels father said unto him: behold, the day goeth fast away and draweth toward even, tarry all night: at the least way tarry this day here, that thine heart may be me●ye. And to morrow get you early upon your way, that thou mayst get the to thy tent. neverthelatter the man would not tarry but arose and departed, and came as far as jebus (which is jerusalem) and his two Asses laden, and his concubine and his lad with him And when they were fast by jebus, the day was sore spent, and the young man said unto his master: come I pray the and let us turn in, into this city of the jebusites and lodge all night there. His master answered him: we will not turn in to a strange city that are not of the Children of Israel: we will go forth to Gibea. And he said unto his lad, go forward, and we shall come to one of these places to lodge all night/ either in Gibea or in Rama. And they went forward upon their way and the son went down upon them, when they were fast by Gibea which belongeth to them of Ben jamin. And they turned thither ward to go in, and lodge all night in Gibea. And when he came, he sat him down in a street of the city, for there was no man that took them to lodging. And behold, there came an old man from his work, out of the field at even, which was also of mount Ephraim, & dwelt as a stranger in Gibea: But the men of the place were the Children of jemini. And when he had lift up his eyes, he saw a wayfaring man in the street of the city. And the old man said: whither goest thou? And whence comest thou? He answered him: we come from Bethleem juda, toward the side of mount Ephraim: from thence am I, and I went to Bethleem juda, and go now to the house of the Lord. And there is no man that receiveth me to house: We have straw & provender for our Asses, and bread and wine for me and thy handmaid, and for the lad that is with thy servant, and we lack nothing. The old man said: peace be with thee, all that thou lackest shalt thou find with me: only abide not in the street all night, and so he brought him in to his house, and gave fodder unto his Asses. And they washed their feet, and did eat and drink. And as they were making their hearts merry: behold, the men of the city which were wicked, beset the house round about, and thrust at the door, & spoke to the man of the house, the old man, saying Bring forth the man that came in to thine house, that we may know him. And * Gene. 19 b. the man of the house, the old man went out, and said unto them: Oh, nay my brethren, do not so wickedly, seeing that this man is come in to mine house: do not so unmeet a thing. Behold, here is my daughter a maiden, and this man's concubine, them I will bring out now unto you▪ and humble them, and do with them what seemeth you good: but unto this man, do not so abominable a thing. But the men would not hearken to him. And the man took his concubine and brought her out unto them, which knew her, and abused her, all the night, even unto the morning. And when the day began to spring, they let her go. And then came the woman in the dawning of the day, and fell down at the door of the man's house, where her Lord was, till it was day. And her lord arose up in the morning, and opened the doors of the house, and went out to go his way. And behold, the woman, even his concubine lay along before the door of the house, and her hands stretched out upon the thressholde. And he ❀ (thinking her to have been a sleep,) said unto her: Up/ and let us be going. But she answered not. Then the man ❀ (perceiving that she was dead,) took her up upon an Ass, and stood up, and got him unto his own home. And when he was come unto his house, he took a knife, and caught his concubine, and divided her with the bones into twelve pieces, and sent her in to all quarters of Israel. And all that saw● it, said: there was no such deed done, or seen, since the children of Israel came out of Egypte unto this day, ❀ consider the matter, take advisement, and say your minds. ¶ The battle of the Israelyties against the tribe of Ben jamin▪ for the Levites wife which was killed. CAPI. XX. THen all the children of Israel went out: and the congregation was gathered together as it had been but one man, even from Dan to Berseba, & unto the land of Gilead, unto the Lord ☞ in Mizpa, and there stood folk out of all quarters, and of all the tribes of Israel, in the congregation of the people of god, four hundred thousand fore men that drew swords. And when the children of Ben jamin heard that the children of Israel were gone up to Mizpa, & had said: Oh ye children of Israel, tell us how this wickedness happened. And the Leu●●, the woman's husband that was sleyn●, answered and said: I came in to Gibea that is in Ben jamin with my concubine to l●● go all night. And the men of Gibea rose against me, and beset the house round about upon me by night, and thought to have slay me: and my concubine have they so forced/ that she is dead. And I took my concubine, and cut her in pieces, and sent her throughout all the lands of the inheritance of Israel. For they have committed abomination and folly in Israel. Behold, ye are all children of Israel Pondre this matter, and give your advise in the case. And all the people arose, as it had been one man, saying: there shall not a man of us go to his tent, neither turn in to his house. But this shall be it that we will ●o to Gibea: We will go up by lot against it. And we will take ten men of the hundred throughout all the tribes of Israel, and an hundred of the thousand, and a thousand out of ten thousand, to fet victual for the people to make that they may go against Gibea Ben jamin, because of all the abomination, that they have wrought in Israel. And so all the men of Israel gathered together against the City, knit together, as it had been but one man. And the tribes of Israel sent men thorough all the tribe of Ben jamin, saying. * josua. 2●● What wickedness is this that is happened among you. Now therefore deliver us the men, those children of belial which are in Gibea, that we may slay them, and put away evil from Israel. neverthelatter the Children of Ben Imin would not h●rken unto the voice of their brethren and children of Israel: but gathered themselves together out of the cities unto Gibea, to come out and fight against the children of Israel. And the children of Ben jamin were numbered at that time, out of the cities. xxvi. thousand men that drew swords, beside the inhabitors of Gibea, which weren numbered seven hundred chosen men. And among all these folk were seven hundred left handed men, which every one could fling stones at an here breadth, & not miss. And the children of Israel beside Ben jamin, were numbered four hundred thousand men that drew swords, and were all men of war. And the children of Israel arose and went up to Bethel, and asked counsel of god, who should begin the battle against the children of Ben jamin? And the Lord said: juda shall begin. And the children of Israel stood up early and befeyged Gibea. And the men of Israel went out to battle against Ben jamin, and the men of Israel put themselves in array to fight against them, beside Gibea. And the children of Ben jamin came out of Gibea, and destroyed of the Israelites that day. xxii. thousand men, and brought them to the earth. And the folk of the Children of Israel plucked up their hearts, and went to again, & made battle in the same place, where they did the first day. And the children of Israel went up, & wept before the Lord unto even, and asked of the Lord, saying: shall we go again to battle against the children of Ben jamin our brethren? And the Lord said: go up against them. And the children of Israel came out against the the children of Ben jamin the second day. And the children of Ben jamin went against them out of Gibea, the second day, and destroyed to the earth of the children of Israel once again. xviii. M. men that drew swords every man of them. Then the children of Israel and all the people went up and came unto bethel, and wept and sat there before the Lord, & fasted the same day unto even, and offered burnt-offerings and peaceofferynges before the Lord. And the children of Israel asked the Lord: for there was the ark of the appointment of God, in those days. And ☞ Phinehes the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, waiting upon it at that time, said: shall I get me up to go out any more to battle against the children of Ben jamin my brethren, or shall I cease? The Lord said: go, for to morrow I will deliver them in to your hands. And Israel set liars await round about Gibea. And the children of Israel went up against the children of Ben jamin the third time, and put themselves in array against Gibea, as twice before. And the children of Ben jamin came out against the people, and were drawn away from the city. And they began to smite of the people dead (as twice before, by two high ways, of which one goeth up to Bethel, and the other to Gibea thorough the field) upon a thirty men of Israel. And the children of Ben jamin said. They are fallen before us, as at the first. But the children of Israel said: let us flee & pluck them away from the city, unto the high ways. And all the men of Israel arose up out of their place and put themselves in array at Baal Thamar. And like wise the liars in wait of Israel came forth out of their places, even of the meadows that were about Gibea, & came against Gibea: ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel, and there was a sore battle. But the other wist not that so great evil was so nigh them. And the lord plagued Ben jamin before Israel, and the children of Israel destroyed of the Beniamites the same day. xxv. thousand and an hundred men, that drew swords every one of them. And when the children of Ben jamin saw that they were put to the worse, the men of Israel gave room to the Beniamites, because they trusted unto the liars in wait, which they had laid beside Gibea. And the liars in wait hasted, and ran upon Gibea, and went & smote all the city with the edge of the sword. And an appointment had the men of Israel from the liars in wait, that they should make a great smoke arise up out of the city. And when the men of Israel stead in the battle, Ben jamin began to smite dead of the children of Israel, about a thirty persons, and said: the other are put to the worse before us, as in the first battle. But when there began to arise out of the city a pillar of smoke, the Beniamites looked back: and behold, the wasting of the hole city began to ascend up to heaven. When the men of Israel also turned again, the men of Ben jamin were abashed: for they saw that evil approached them. And therefore they turned their backs before the men of Israel unto the way that leadeth to the wilderness, but the men of war overtook them. And beside that, they which came out of the City, destroyed them in the midst of them. And thus they compassed the Beniamites about, and chased him to Manuha, and overran them to Gibea on the East side and there were slay of Ben jamin. xviii. thousand, which were all men of war. And they turned and fled toward the wilderness, & unto the rock of Rimmon. And the other slew by the way of the rest of them, five thousand men, and sticked unto them, until they came to Gideom, and slew two thousand men of them. So that all that were slay that same day of Ben jamin were. xxv. thousand men that drew swords, which were all men of war: only. vi. hundred men turned & fled to the wilderness, unto the rock of Rimmon and abode there iiii. months. And the men of Israel turned back again unto the children of Ben jamin, & smote them with the edge of the sword in the cities, both man & beast, & all that came to hand, and set on fire all the cities that they could come by. ¶ The enhabiters of Gilead are utterly destroyed CAPI. XXI. ANd every man of Israel swore in Mizpa saying: there shall none of us give his daughter unto any of Ben jamin to wife. And the people came to bethel/ and abode there till even before God, & lift up their voices, and wept sore, and said: Oh lord god of Israel, why is this chanced in Israel, that there should be this day one tribe lacking in Israel? And on the morrow the people tose up be time, & made there an altar, and offered but tofferynges and peaceofferynges. And the children of Israel asked who are they among all the tribes of Israel, that came not up with the congregation unto the lord? for they had made a great oath concerning him that came not up to the lord to Mizpa, saying: he shall surely die. And the children of Israel had pity on Ben jamin their brethren, and said: there is one tribe cut of from Israel this day: what shall we do unto the remnant of them, that they may have wives? we have sworn by the Lord that we will not give them of our daughters to wines. And they said: Is there any of the tribes of Israel, that came not up to Mizpa to the Lord? And behold, there came none of the inhabitors of Jabes Gilead unto the host and congregation. For the people were viewed: & behold, there were none of the inhabitors of Jabes Gilead there. And they sent thither a multitude, even. xii. thousand men of the strongest of them, and commanded them, saying: go and smite the inhabitors of Jabes Gilead with the edge of the sword both women and children. * ●●ne. 31. c And this is it that ye shall do: utterly destroy all the males and all the women that have lain by men. And they found among the inhabitors of Jabes Gilead four hundred damsels, virgins, that had known no man, by lying with any male. And they brought them unto the host to Silo, which is in the land of Canaan. And the hole congregation sent & spoke with the children of Ben jamin that were in the rock of Rimmon, & called peaceably unto them, & Ben jamin came again at that time, & they gave them wives, which they had saved alive of the women of Jabes Gilead. But they sufficed them not. And the people had compassion on Ben jamin, because that God had made a gap in the tribes of Israel. And then the elders of the congregation, said: what shall we do to the remnant of them, to get them wives, saying all the wives of Ben jamin are destroyed? And they said: there must be an inheritance for them that be escaped of Ben jamyn, that ● tribe be not destroyed out of Israel: Howbeit we may not give them wives of our daughters. For the children of Israel had sworn, saying: cursed be he, that giveth a wife to Ben jamin. Then they said: behold, there is a feast of the lord yearly in Silo, which is on the north side of bethel, and on the east side of the way that goeth from bethel to Sichem, and south from Libanon. Therefore they commanded the children of Ben jamin saying: go & lie in wait in the vineyards▪ And when ye see that the daughters of Silo come out to dance in a row, then come ye out of the vineyards, and catch you every man a wife of the daughters of Ben jamin, And when their fathers, or brethren come unto us to complain, we will say unto them: have pity on us for their sakes because we reserved not to each man his wife in time of war, ☞ Neither have ye given unto them that ye should sin at this tyme. And the children of Ben jamin did even so: and took them wives according to the number of them that danced whom they caught. And they went, and returned unto their inheritance, and repaired the cities, and dwelt in them. And the children of Israel departed thence at that time, and went every man to his tribe, and to his kindred, and went out from thence every man to his inheritance. * ●●●●. ●. ● and, xviii. ● In those days there was no king in Israel: but every man did that which served right in his own eyes. ¶ The end of the book of judges▪ called in the Hebrew, Sophism. The book of Ruth ¶ Elimelec goth with his wife and Children into the land of Moab. CAPI. Primo. IT fortuned that ❀ (in the days of a certain judge) when the judges judged, there fell a dearth in the land, and a certain man of Bethleem juda went for to sotourne in the country of Moab, he & his wife, and his 〈◊〉. sonnis. The name of the man was Elimelec, & the name of his wife, Naomi: & the names of his two sons were, Mahlon and Chilion, & they were Ephraites, out of Bethleem juda. And when they came in to the land of Moab, they continued there. And Elimelec Naomis husband died, and she remained with her two sons, which took them wives of the nations of the Moabites the ones name was Orpha, and the others Ruth. And they dwelled there about a ten year. And Mahlon & Chilion died also even both of them, and the woman was left desolate of her two sons and of her husband. Then stood she up with her daughters in law, & returned from the country of Moab for she had herd say in the country of Moab, how that the Lord had visited his people, and given them bread. Wherefore she departed out of the place where she was, & her two daughters with her. And they went on their way to return unto the land of juda. And Naomi said unto her. two. daughters in law: go and return each of you unto your mother's house: and the Lord deal as kindly with you, as ye have dealt with the dead, and with me. And the lord give you, that ye may find rest, either of you in the house of her husband. And when she kissed them, they lift up their voice, and wept, and said unto her: we will go with the unto thy folk. And Naomi said: turn again my daughters: for what cause will ye go with me? Are there any more children in my womb, to be your husbands? Turn again my daughters, and go for I am to old to have an husband. And if I said. I have hope, if I took a man also this night: yea and though I had all ready borne sons, would ye tarry after them, till they were of age? or would ye for them so long refrain from taking of husbandis? Not so my daughters: for it grieveth me moche for your sakes, that the hand of the lord is gone out against me. And they lift up their voices, & wept again, & Orpha kissed her mother in law, but Ruth abode still by her. And Naomi said See, thy sister in law is gone back again unto her people and unto her god: return thou after her. And Ruth answered: entreat me not to leave thee, and to return from after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go also: and where thou dwellest, there I will dwell: thy people shall be my people, & thy God my God, where thou diest, there will I die, and there will I be buried. The Lord do so and so to me, if ought then death only depart the and me asondre. When she saw that she was steadfastly minded to go with her, she left speaking unto her. And so they went both, until they came to Bethleem. And when they were come to Bethleem, it was noised of them thorough all the city, and the women said: is not this Naomi? And she answered them: call me not Naomi ❀ (that is to say, beautiful,) but call me Mara ❀ (that is to say, bitter.) for the almighty hath made me very bitter. I went out full: & the lord hath brought me home again empty. Why then call ye me Naomi: saying the lord hath humbled me, and the almighty hath brought me unto adversity. And so Naomi with Ruth the Moabitesse her daughter in law returned out of the country of Moab, and came to Bethleem, in the beginning of barley harvest. ¶ Ruth gathereth corn in the ●eldes of Booz. CAPI. II. ANd Naomis husband had a kinsman of strength, and might, (which was of the kindred of Elimelec) named Booz. And Ruth the Moabitesse said unto Naomi: let me go to the field, and gather ears of corn ❀ (such as the reapers leave) after any man in whose sight, I sinned grace. And she said unto her: go my daughter. And she went, and came to the field, and gathered after the reapers, and her chance was, that the same field pertained unto Booz, which was of the kindred of Elimelec. And behold, Booz came from Bethleem, and said unto the reapers: the lord be with you. And they answered him: the Lord bless the. Then said Booz unto his young man that stood by the reapers. Whose damsel is this? And the young man that stood by the reapers, answered and said: It is the Moabity she damsel, that came with Naomi out of the country of Moab, and she said unto us. Oh let me lease and gather after the reapers, the ears that remain: and so she came and hath continued even from the morning unto now, save that she tarried a little in the house. Then said Booz unto Ruth: hearest thou my daughter: go to none other field to gather, neither go from hence: but abide here by my maidens. Let thine eyes be on the field that they reap, and go thou after the maidens. Have I not charged the young men, that they shall do the no hurt? Moreover when thou art a thirst, go unto the vessels, and drink of that which the lads have drawn. Then she fell on her face & * 〈◊〉. 33. a. bowed herself to the ground, and said unto him: how is it that I have found grace in thine eyes: and that thou shouldest know me, seeing I am an alliant? And Booz answered and said unto her● all is told & showed me, that thou hast done unto thy mother in law, synee the death of thine husband, how thou hast left thy father and thy mother: & the land where thou wast borne, & art come unto a nation which thou knewest not in time passed. The Lord quite thy work, and a full reward be given the of the Lord god of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to abide. Then she said: let me find favour in thy sight my Lord, thou that hast comforted me, and spoken heartily unto thy maid, which yet am not like unto one of thy maids. Booz said unto her again: in time of refe●●yon come thou hither, and eat of the bread, and dypthy sop in the vinegar. And she sat down by the reapers, and he reached her * 〈◊〉. v. b. parched corn: of the which she did eat, & was sufficed, and left part. And when she was risen up to gather, Booz commanded his young men saying, let her gather even among the heaps, and forbid her not. And leave her some of the sheves for the nonce, & let it lie, that she may gather it up ❀ (without shame) and rebuke her not. And see she gathered in the field until even, & threshed that she had gathered and it was in measure upon an Epha ❀ (that is three bushels) of barley. And she took it up, and went in to the city: and when her mother in law had seen what she had gathered, she plucked out also, and gave to her that she had reserved, when she had eaten enough. And her mother in law said unto her: where hast thou gathered to day? and where wroughtest thou? blessed be he that knew the. And she showed her mother in law how she had wrought with him, and said: the man's name which whom I wrought to day is Booz. And Naomi said unto her daughter in law: blessed be he of the Lord, for he ceaseth not to do * Tobi. 〈◊〉. ● good to the living and to the dead. And Naomi said again unto her: the man is nigh unto us, & of our next kin. And Ruth the Moabite said: he said unto me also. Thou shalt be with my young men, until they have ended all my harvest. And Noami answered unto Ruth her daughter in law: It is best my daughter that thou go out with his maidens, that they fall not upon the in any other field. And so she kept her by the maidens of Booz, to gather, unto the end of Barley harvest, and of wheat harvest also: and dwelt with her mother in law. ¶ Ruth sleepeth at Booz feet, and is known his kinswoman. CAPI. III. THen Naomi her mother in law said unto her: my daughter, shall I not seek rest for thee, that thou mayst prosper? And is not Booz our kinsman, with whose maidens thou wast? Behold, he wyndo●●● barley to night in the threshing flore: wash thyself therefore, and anoint thee, & put thy raiment upon thee, and get the down to the barn. But let no man know of thee, vutyl ●e have left eating and drinking. And when he goeth to sleep, mark the place where he layeth him down, and then go and lift up the clothes, that are on his feet, and lay the down there, and so shall he tell the what thou shalt do. And she answered her▪ all that thou biddest me, I will do. And so she went down unto the barn, and did according to all that her mother in law bade her. And when Booz had eaten and drunken, and made him merry, & was gone in, to lie down beside the heap of corn, she came softly, and lift up the clothes of his feet, and laid her down. And at midnight the man was afraid and groped. And behold: a woman lay at his feet. And he said: what art thou▪ she answered: I am Ruth thine handmaid, spread thy wing over thine handmaid, for thou art the next of the hynne. He said: blessed be thou in the Lord my daughter, for thou hast showed moor goodness in the latter end, then at the beginning, in as moche as thou followedst not young men, whither they were poor or rich. And now my daughter fear not, I will do to the all that thou requirest, for all the City of my people doth know, that thou art a woman of virtue. And it is true that I am of thy next kin: how be it, there is one nigher than I. Tarry this night, and when morning is come, if he will marry thee, it is good, so let him do But and if he will not have thee, as sure as the lord liveth I will have thee: lie still until the morning. And so she lay at his feet until the morning. And she arose up before one could know another. And he said: let no man know, that there came any woman in to the barn. And he said again: bring thy mantel that thou hast upon thee, and hold it up. And when she held it up, he met in six measures of barley, and laid it on her. And she got her into the city: and when she came in, to her mother in law, she said: how is it with the my daughter? And she told her all that the man had done to her. And said also: these. vi. measures of barley gave he me, and said: thou shalt not come empty unto thy mother in law. Then said she: my daughter, sit still, until thou know how the matter will chance. For the man will not be in rest until he have finished the thing this same day. ¶ Booz taketh Ruth to wife, of whom he begetteth Obed. CAPI. four THen went Booz unto the gate, and sat him down there: & behold, the kinsman of which Booz spoke, came by. Unto whom he said: come and sit down here, and called him by his name. And he turned in & sat down. And he took ten men of the elders of the city, and said. sit down here, and they sat down. And he said unto the kinsman Noami that is come again out of the country of Moab * Leuiti. 25. b jere. 32. b will sell a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimeltes. And I thought to do the to weet, and bid the buy it before the enhabito●ts and elders of my people. If thou be disposed to redeem it, do: but and if thou wilt not purchase it, then tell me that I may know. For there is none to challenge it, save thou, and I next the. And the other answered: I will purchase it. Then said Booz, what day thou buyest the field of the hand of Naomi, thou must take also Ruth the Moabite, the * Deute. 25. b wife of the dead, to stir up the name of the dead upon his inheritance. The kinsman answered: I can not purchase it, for marring of mine own inheritance: take thou my right to thee, for jean not purchase it. Now this was the manner of old time in Israel concerning purches & changing, for to stablish all thing that a man must pluck of his shoe, & give it his neighbour, and this was a sure witness in Israel. Therefore the kinsman said to Booz: Buy it thou: and so drew of his shoe. And Booz said unto the elders & unto all the people: ye are witnesses this day, that I have bought all that was Elimelecs', & all that was Chtlions and Mahlons, of the hand of Naomi. And moreover, Ruth the Moabite the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife to stir up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, and that his name be not put out from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye are witnesses this day. And all the people that were in the gate, & the elders said: we are witnesses: the Lord make the woman, that is come in to thine house, like * ●●●●. 〈…〉 and 〈◊〉. Rahel and Lea, which twain did build the house of Israel: do thou also valiantly in Ephrata, & be famous in Bethleem. Thy house be like the house of Pharez * 〈…〉 whom Thamar bore unto juda, even of the seed which the Lord shall give the of this young woman. And so Booz took Ruth, and she was his wife. And when he went in unto her, the lord gave that she conceived, and bore a son. And the women said unto Naomi: blessed be the Lord, the which hath not left the without a kinsman, to have a name in Israel; ● that shall bring thy life again, & theryshe thine old age. For thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, hath borne unto him: and she is better to thee, than seven sons. And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her lap, and became nutses unto it. And her neighbours gave it a name, saying: There is a Child borne to Naomi, and called it, Obed: The same is the father of Isai, the father of David. These are the generations of * 〈…〉 Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron: Hezon begat Ram: Ram begat Aminadab: Aminadab begat Nahson: Nahson: begat Salmon: Salmon begat Booz. Booz begat Obed, Obed begat Isai: Isai begat David. ❧ The end of the Book of Ruth: ❧ The first book of Samuel called the first book of the kings. ¶ Elkana hath two wives, Hanna, and Phenenna. CAPI. Primo. THere was a man of ☞ one of the two. Ramathes (of the kindred of Zophim, of mount Ephraim) named * 〈◊〉. vi. ●. Elkana, the son of jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Thohu the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite: which had two wives, the one called Hanna, & the other Phenenna. And Phenenna had children, but Henna had none. * 〈◊〉. 23. ● 〈◊〉. 16. ● And the said man went up out of his city every feastful day, to pray and to offer unto the lord of hosts in Silo where were the two sons of Eli (Hophni & Phinehes) the lords priests. And it fell on a solemyne day, that Elkana offered, & gave to Phenenna his wife and to all her sons and daughters portions. But ❀ unto Hamna he gave a portion with an heavy cheer, for he loved Hanna, and the Lord had made her barren. And her enemy (Phenenna) vexed her a good, to move her, because the Lord had made her barren. And so did she year by year as oft as she went up to the house of the lord. And so chafed her, which wept, & did not eat. Then said Elkana her husband to her: Hanna, why weepest thou? & why eatest thou not? and why is thine heart troubled? am not I better to the then ten sons? So Hanna rose up after that they had eaten and drunken in Silo. And Eli the priest sat upon a stole by one of the side posts of the temple of the Lord. And she was troubled in her mind, and prayed unto the lord, and wept sore, and vowed a vow, and said. Oh Lord of hosts, if thou wilt look on the trouble of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but give unto thine handmaid a man child: I will give him unto the lord all the days of his life * 〈◊〉. ●●ii. a 〈◊〉. vi b & there shall no razor come upon his head. And as she continued praying before the lord it fortuned, that Eli marked her mouth. For Hamna spoke in her heart, and her lips did but move only, but her voice was not herd. And therefore Eli thought she had been drunken, and Eli said unto her. How long wilt thou be drunken? put away from thee, the wine that thou hast. Hanna answered, and said: not so my Lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful heart, I have drunk neither wine, nor strong drink, but have * Psal. x●ii. ● ☞ powered out my soul before the lord. Count not thine handmaid to be like a daughter of Belial, for out of the abundance of my heaviness, and grief, have I spoken hitherto. Eli answered her again, and said: go in peace: the God of Israel grant the thy petition, that thou hast asked of him. She said let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. And so the woman went her way, and did eat, and looked no more so sad. And they rose up early, and worshipped before the Lord, and then returned and came to their house to Ramath. And when Elkana knew Hamna his wife, the lord remembered her: for in process of time it came to pass, that she conceived, and bore a son, and called his name Samuel (saying.) Because I have asked him of the lord. And Elkana & all his house went up to offer unto the Lord, the offering due for the feast, and also ☞ his vow. Nevertheless Hamna went not up, but said unto her husband: I will tarry until the lad be weyned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the lord, & there abide for ever. Elkana her husband answered her: do what seemeth the best: tarry at home, until thou hast weyned him, and I beseech the Lord, to make good his saying. And so the woman abode and gave her son suck, until she weyned him. And when she had weyned him, she took him with her, with three bullocks▪ and an Epha of flower, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the Lord in Silo, and the child was yet but tender of age. And they slew a bullock, and brought in the lad to Eli, and she said. Oh my Lord: as truly as thy soul liveth, my Lord, I am the woman that stood before the here, praying unto the Lord. For this lad I prayed, and the Lord hath given me my desire, which I asked of him: and therefore I have given him unto the Lord, as long as he is meet for the Lord. And they worshipped the Lord there. ¶ The song of Hanna. The offence of the sons of CAPI. II. ANd Hanna prayed and said: mine heart rejoiceth in the Lord, & mine ☞ horn is exalted in the Lord. My mouth is wide open over mine enemies, for I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none so holy as the Lord: for without the is nothing. Neither is there any of strength as is our God. Talk not to much proudly: let old things depart out of your mouths, for the Lord is a God of knowledge, & his purposes come to pass. The ☞ bow of the strong is broken: & they that were weak, have girded themselves with strength. They that were full, have hired out them selves for bread: and they that were hungry cease so to be, till the barren hath borne seven: and she that had many children is waxed feeble. * Deute. 32. f The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: ☞ bringeth down to hell, and fetcheth up again. The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: bringeth low, and heaveth up on high. * Psal. ●3. b. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghyl: to set them among princes, and to inherit them with the seat of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the lords, and he hath set the round world upon them. He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall keep silence in darkness, & * duty. ●. d. in his own might shall no man be strong. The lords adversaries shall be destroyed of him: and out of heaven shall he thunder upon them. The Lord shall judge the ends of the world, and shall give might unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed. And Elkana went to Ramath to his house, and the lad did ministre unto the Lord before Eli the priest. But the sonnis of Eli were ☞ children of Belial, & knew not the lord. And the priests made a l●we for the people, that when soever any man offered any offering, the priests lad came, while the flesh was in seething, and a flesh hook with three teeth in his hand, and thrust it in to the pan, ketle, cauldron, or pot. And all that the flesh hook brought up, that the priest took away. And so they did unto all the Israelites, that came thither to Silo. Yea and thereto, before they burned the fat, the priests lad came and said to the man that offered: give flesh that I may dress it for the priest, for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw. And if any man said unto him: let them burn the fat according to the day, and then take as much as thine heart desireth. The lad would answer him, yea, thou shalt give it me now: And if thou wilt not, I will take it with violence. And the sin of the young men was very great before the lord. For men abhorred the offering of the lord. But the child Samuel ☞ ministered before the Lord/ girded about with a linen ☞ Ephod. Moreover his mother made him a little coote, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the offering in the solemn feasts. And Eli blessed Elkana and his wife & said: the lord give the seed of this woman for the petition that she asked of the Lord. And they went unto their own home. And the Lord visited Hanna, so that she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the Lord. Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel, and how they lay with the women that waited at the door of the Tabernacle of witness, and he said unto them: why do ye such things? For of all these people I hear evil reports of you. Oh, nay my sons: for it is no good report that I hear, how that ye make the lords people to trespass. If one man sin against an other, ❀ dayesmen may be judges: but if a man sin against the Lord, who will be his dayman? notwithstanding, they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the Lord would slay them. The child Samuel profited * ●●●●▪ 〈◊〉. and grew, and was in favour both with the Lord & also with men. And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him: thus saith the Lord: did not I appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypte subject unto pharao's house? And I chose thy father out of all the tribes of Israel to be my Priest, for to offer ●●●● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉▪ ●. upon mine altar, & to burn incense, & and to wear an Ephod before me. And I gave unto the house of thy father all the offerings of the children of Israel. Wherefore tread ye down my sacrifice and mine offering, which I commanded to be made in the Tabernacle, and honour'st thy Children above me, to make yourselves fat of the first fruits of all the offerings of Israel my people? Wherefore the Lord god of Israel saith: I said, that thy house, and the house of thy father should walk before me, for ever. But now the lord saith: that be far from me: for them that worship me, I will worship: and they that despise me, shall come to shame. Behold, the days come, that I will cut of thine arm, and the arm of thy father's house, that there shall not be an elder in thine house. And thou shalt see thine enemy in the tabernacle, & in all that shall please Israel, & there shall not be an elder in thine house for ever. Nevertheless, I will not dedestroye all the males that come of thee, from mine altar. But to make thine eyes dase, and to make thine heart melt. And all they that be multiplied in thine house, * ●. Reg. ●2. d. shall die, if they be men. And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, * ●. Reg. two. g. Hophni and Phinehes: even in one day they shall die both. And I will stir me up a faithful priest that shall do according to my heart and mind. And I will build him a sure house. And he shall walk before mine anointed for ever. And they that are left in thine house, shall come and crouch to him for a little piece of silver and a cake of bread, and shall say: put me I pray the in one office or other among the priests, that I may eat a morsel of bread. ¶ The Lord called Samuel three times. CAPI. III. ANd the child Samuel ministered unto to the lord before Eli: and ☞ the word of the Lord was precious in those days, neither was there any open vision. And it chanced at that time, that Eli lay in his place, and his * ●. Regum. 4. c eyes began to aware dyu● that he could not se. And ere the lamp of god went out, Samuel laid him down to sleep in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. And the Lord called Samuel, and he said: here am I, and he ran unto Eli, and said: here am I, for thou called'st me. And he said I called the not: go again and sleep. And he went, and laid him down to sleep. And the Lord called once again, Samuel: and Samuel arose & went to Eli, and said: I am here, for thou didst call me. And he answered: I called the not my Son. Go again and take thy rest: ☞ Samuel knew not yet the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet opened unto him. And the Lord went to, and called Samuel the third tyme. And he arose and went to Eli and said: I am here, for thou hast called me. And Eli perceived that the lord had called the child. Therefore, Eli said to Samuel: go, and lie down: and if he call the again, then say: speak on Lord, for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went, and laid him down in his place. And the Lord came and stood, and called as before, Samuel Samuel. Samuel answered: speak on, for thy servant heareth. And the Lord said to Samuel: behold, I will do a thing in Israel/ that both the ears of as many as heareth it, shall tyngle. In that day I will raise up against Eli, that which I have spoken concerning his house, from the beginning to the ending. I have told him. * ●▪ Regum. two. ● that I will judge his house forever. For the wickedness which he knoweth. ❀ For when the people cursed his sons for the same wickedness/ he hath not correct them. And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the wickedness of Elies' house/ shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering, for ever. Samuel lay till the morning, & opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel feared, to show Eli the vision. Then Eli called Samuel, & said: Samuel my Son. And he answered: here I am. He said: what is that (the Lord) hath said unto thee? See thou hide it not from me. * Ruth. ●▪ ● God do so and so to thee, if thou hide any thing from me, of all that he said unto the. And Samuel told him every whit/ and hid nothing from him. And he said, it is the lord, let him do what seemeth him best. And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and left none of his words unper form. And all Israel from Dan to Bersabe wist that faithful Samuel was made the lords prophet. And the lord appeared again in Silo: for the Lord opened himself to Samuel in Silo, thorough the word of the Lord. ¶ The ark of the Lord is taken. Eli & his ●hridren 〈◊〉. CAPI. four ANd Samuel spoke unto all Israel. ❀ And it fortuned that in those days the philistines came together to sight.) And Israel wen● cut against the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside ☞ the * ●. Reg. 〈◊〉. ●. help stone. And the Philistines pitched in Aphek. And put themselves in array against Israel. And in the end of the batrayl Israel was put to the worse before the Philistines. And the Philistines slew in at aye along by the feldis, about a four thousand men. And when the people were come in to their tents, the elders of Israelll said: wherefore hath the Lord cast us down this day before the Philistines? let us fetch the Ark of the appointment of the lord out of Silo unto us, that when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemy. And so the people sent to Silo, & fet from thence the Ark of the appointment of the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth between the cherubins. And there were the two sons of Eli, Hophni & Phinehes with the Ark of the appointment of God. And it fortuned that when the Ark of the appointment of the Lord came in to the host, all Israel shouted a mighty shout, so that the arthe range again, And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said: what meaneth the soude of this mighty shout in the host of the hebrews? And they understood, how that the Ark of the Lord was come into the host. And the Philistines were afraid, & said: God is come into the host. And they said again: woe unto us, for it was never so before this. woe unto us, who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty Gods? these are the gods that smote the Egyptians with so many plagues in the wilderness. Be strong & quite ourselves like men O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the hebrews, * judi. ●3. ●. as they have been to you. Be men therefore and fight. And the Philistines fought, and Israel was put to the worse, and fled, every man in to his tent. And there was an erceding great slaughter, for there were over thrown of Israel, thirty thousand footmen. And the ark of God was taken, & the two sons of * ●. Reg●. 〈◊〉. g Hophni, and Phinekes were dead. And there ran a man of Ben jamin out of the array, and came to Silo the same day, with his clothes rend & earth upon his head. And when he came, Eli sat upon a stool and looked toward the way: for his heart feared for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city & told it, all the city cried. And when Eli heard the noise of the crying, he said: What meaneth the noise of that rumour? And the man came in hastily, & told Eli. Eli was four score and eighteen year old, & * ●. Reg●. 3. a his sight failed him that he could not se. And the man said unto Eli: I am he that came out of the array, & fled this day out of the host. And he said, what thing is fortuned my son? The messenger answered, and said: Israel is fled before the Philistines▪ & there is a great slaughter chanced among the people, & thy two sons, Hophni and Phines are dead, and the ark of God is taken. And it fortuned that when he made mention of the ark of God. Eli fell from of his stool backward upon the threshold of the gate, and his neck broke, and he died: for he was an old man and heavy, and judged Israel forty years. And his daughter in law Phinehes wife was with child and nigh the birth. And when she heard the tidings that the ark of god was taken, and that her father in-law, & her husband were dead▪ she bowed herself, and travailed, for her pains came upon her. And about the time of her death, the women that stood about her, said unto her: tear not, for thou hast borne a son. But she answered not, nor regarded it. And she named the child * The glory is gone. Ichabod, saying: The glory is departed from Israel. Because the ark of god was taken, and because of her father in-law and her husband. And she said again: The glory is gone from Israel, for the ark of god is taken ¶ Dagon the god of the philistines, to cast ●●a● before the ark. CAPI. V AND the Philistines took the Ark of god, and carried it from the help stone, unto Asdod: again, the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon. And when they of Asdod were up in the morning behold, Dagon lay upon the earth before the ark of the lord. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again. And when they were up carlye in the next morning, behold, Dagon lay upon the ground before the Ark of the Lord, and his heed and his two hands cut of upon the threshold, that ☞ only the shap of a fish was left on him. And therefore is it, that the priests of Dagon, (neither any man that cometh into Dagons' house) tread not on the threshold of Dagon in Asdod, unto this day. But the hand of the Lord was heavy upon them of Asdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emeralds, both Asdod and in all the coostes thereof. ❀ (The villages also and the fields in the midst of the country were full, and there came up mice, and it was a confusion of a great death in the city) And when the men of Asdod saw that it was so, they said: the ark of the God of Israel shall not abide here with us, for his hand is sore upon us and upon Dagon our God. They sent therefore & gathered all the lords of the Philistines unto them, and said: what shall we do with the ark of the god of Israel? They answered: let the ark of the god of Israel be carried about unto Gath. And they carried the ark of the god of Israel about. And it fortuned, that when they had carried it about, there was by the hand of the lord a mighty great noise in the city, and he smote the men of the city both small and great, and they had secret diseases. ❀ (And the Gethites took council, and made themselves privy seats of skins.) Therefore they sent the ark of god to Akaron. And as soon as the ark of God came to Akaron, the Akaronites cried out, saying: they have brought the ark of the God of Israel to us: to slay us and our people. And so they sent, and gathered together all the lord of the Philistines, and said: send away the ark of the god of Israel, to go again unto his own place, that it slay us not, and our people. For there was a deadly noise thorough out all the city, and the hand of God was exceeding sore there. And the men that died not, were smitten with the Emerodꝭ, and the cry of the city went up to heaven. ¶ The kine bring home the Ark with the rewards. CAPI. VI THe ark of the Lord was in the country of the Philistines seven months: & the Philistines called for the priests and the soothsayers, saying: what shall we do with the ark of the Lord? tell us, wherewith we shall send it home again? They said: If you send the Ark of the God of Israel home again, send it not empty: But reward it with a trespasseoffering, and then ye shall be hole, & it shall be known to you, why his hand departeth not from you. Then said they: And what shall be the trespasseoffering, which we shall reward him with? They answered: five golden a●sses, and five golden mice, according to the number of the Lords of the Philistines. For it is one manner of plague on you all, & on your lords. Wherefore ye shall make images like to your arsses, & images like to your mice that corrupt the land, and ye shall give glory unto the god of Israel, that he may take his hand from of you, & from of your gods, & from of your land. Wherefore do ye harden your hearts as the Egyptians & Pharaoh hardened their hearts? which when he took on against them, did they not let the people go, & they departed? Now therefore make a new cart, & take two mylche kine, on whose neck there hath come no yoke. And tie the kine to the cart, & bring the calves home from them. And take the ark of the Lord, & lay it upon the cart, and put the jewels of gold (which ye reward him with for a sin-offering) in a coofer by the side thereof, & send it away, that it may go. And if ye see that he go up by the way of his own coost, to Bethsames, than it is he that did us this great evil. If no, we shall know then, that it is not his hand that smote us, but it was a chance that happened us. And the men did even so: and took two kine that gave milk, and tied them to the cart, and kept the calves at home, and they laid the Ark of the Lord upon the cart, and the coofer with the mice of gold, and with the images of their arsses. And the kine took the straight way to Bethsames, and went one way: & as they went, lowed and turned neither to the right hand nor to the left. And the Lords of the Philistines went after them, until the borders of Bethsames. And they of Bethsames were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley. And they lift up their eyes, and spied the ark. And rejoiced when they saw it. And the cart came in to the field of one josua a Bethsamite, and stood still there. There was also a great stone. And they clave the wood of the cart & offered the kine a burntoffering unto the Lord. And the levities took down the ark of the lord & the coofer that was with it, wherein the jewels of gold were, and put them on the great stone. And the men of Bethsames sacrificed burnt-sacrifice, and offered offerings that same day unto the Lord. And when the five Lords of the Philistines had seen it, they returned to Akaron the same day. And these are the golden arsses which the Philistines gave to amends for a trespasseoffering, to the lord: for Asdod one: for * Or ●z●. Gaza one: for Askalon one: for Gath one: and for Akaron one. And golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines, even according to the five Lords: both of walled towns, & of towns unwalled, even unto the great stone of lamentation, whereon they set down the ark of the lord, which stone remaineth unto this day/ in the field of josua the Bethsamite. And he plagued the men of Bethsames, because they had seen the Ark of the lord. And he slew among the people fifty thousand, & three score and ten men. And the other people lamented, because the lord had slay the people with so great a slaughter. Wherefore the men of Bethsames said: who is able to stand before the Lord so holy a God: & to whom shall he go from us? And they sent messengers to the inhabitors of Kariath jarim, saying: The Philistines have brought again the ark of the Lord: come ye down therefore, and fet it up to you. ¶ The Ark is brought to Kariathiarim. CAPI. VII. ANd so the men of Kariathiarim came/ and fet up the Ark of the Lord, and * two. Reg. vi. ● brought it in to the house of Abinadab in Gibea, and ☞ sanctified Eleazar his son, to keep the ark of the Lord. And while the ark abode in Kariathiarim, the days multiplied, & there passed over twenty years and all the house of Israel lamented after the lord. And Samuel spoke unto all the house of Israel, saying: if ye be come again unto the Lord with all your hearts, then * put of the house, saying: Up, that I may send the away. And saul arose. And they went out at the doors both be & Samuel. And when they were come almost out of the town. Samuel said to saul: bid the lad go before us (& he went before) but stand thou still a while, that I may show the what god sayeth. ¶ saul is anointed king, and prophesyeth. CAPI. X. ANd then Samuel took a vessel of oil/ and powered it upon his head, & * ●●tes xiii. d kissed him, and said: hath not the Lord anointed thee, to be captain over his inheritance ❀ (and thou shalt deliver his people out of the hands of their enemies, which are round about them. And this token shalt thou have, that the LORD hath anointed the to be prince.) When thou art departed from me this day/ thou shalt find two men by * Gene. 35. ● Rahels' sepulchre in the border of Ben jamin, even at Zalezah. And they will say unto thee: the Asses which thou goest to seek/ are found. And lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, & sorroweth for you, saying: what shall I do for my son? Then shalt thou go forth from thence, and shalt come to the plain of Thabor. And there shall meet the three men going up, ☞ to God to bethel: one carrying three kids, & another carrying three loves of bread: and another carrying a bottle of wine. And they will salute thee, and give the two loves of bread, which thou shalt receive of their hands. After that shalt thou come to the hill of God, where the Philistines keep their watch. And when thou art come thither to the city, thou shalt meet ☞ a company of prophets coming down from the hill, with a psaltre, a tymbrel, a pipe/ and a harp before them, & ☞ they shall prophesy. And the spirit of the lord will come upon the also, & thou shalt prophesy, with them, and shalt be turned into another man. Therefore when * i Reg. vi. a i. Par. ●8. ● these signs are chanced thee, do what thou hast to do, for God is with the. And thou shalt go before me to Gylgal. And I also will come down unto thee, to sacrify, burntsacrifyces, and to offer peace-offerings. * i Reg. 13. b Tarry for me seven days, until I come to thee, and show the what thou shalt do. And as soon as he had turned his shoulder to go from Samuel, god gave him another manner of heart, and all those tokens came to pass that same day. And when they came to the hill: behold, the company of prophets met him, and * i Reg. xi. b. the spirit of God came upon him also, he prophesied among them. And all that knew him before/ when they saw that he prophesied among the prophets, they said each to other: what is this that is happened unto the son of Cis? * i Reg. 〈◊〉. ● Is saul also among the Prophets? And one of the same place answered, & said: who is their father? And thereof came the proverb what, is ☞ saul also among the prophets? And when he had made an end of prophesienge, he came to the hill. And Saules father's brother said unto him & to his lad: whither went ye? He said: to seek the Asses: & when we saw that they were no where, we came to Samuel. And saul's uncle said, tell me what Samuel said unto you? saul answered his uncle: he told us plainly, that the asses were found: But of the kingdom whereof Samuel spoke, told he him not. And Samuel called the people together unto the lord to Mizpa, & said unto the children of Israel: thus sayeth the lord god of Israel: I brought Israel out of Egypte, and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians & out of the hands of all kingdoms that troubled you. And ye have this day cast away your God that helped you out of all your adversities and tribulations. And ye have said unto him: * i Reg. 〈◊〉 and x●●. ● make a king over us. Now therefore stand ye before the lord by your tribes & your thousands. And when Samuel had brought all the tribes of Israel, the tribe of Ben jamin was caught. When he had brought the trype of Ben jamin by their kindred's, the kindred of Matri was caught: & at the last saul the son of Cis was caught. And when they sought him, he could not be found. Therefore they asked the lord further, if the man should come thither. And the Lord answered: behold, he hath hid himself among the stuff. And they ran, & set him thence. And when he stood among the people, he was higher than any of the people, from the shoulders upward. And Samuel said to all the people: See ye not him/ whom the lord hath chosen, & how there is none like him among the people? And all the people shouted and said: * i Reg. ●● God lend the king life. Then Samuel told the people * 〈…〉 ☞ the duty of the kingdom, & wrote it in a book, and laid it up before the Lord/ and sent all the people away/ every man to his house. And Saul also went home to Gibea. And there ❀ followed him strong men, whose hearts God had touched. But the children of belial, said: how shall he save us? * judi. ●. ● And they despised him, and brought him no presents. And he held his tongue. ¶ The people reneweth the kingdom of saul. CAPI. XI. NAhas the Ammonite came, and besieged Jabes in Gilead. And all the men of Jabes said unto Nahas: make a covenant with us, & we will be thy servants. And Nahas the Ammonite answered them: In this will I make a covenant with you, if I may thrust out all your right eyes, and bring that shame upon all Israel. To whom the elders of Jabes said: give us. seven. days respite: that we may send messengers unto all the coostes of Israel. And then if there be no man to help us, we will come out to the. Then came the messengers to Gibea unto Saul, and told this tidings in the ears of the people. And all the people lift up their voices & wept. And behold, saul came following the cattle out of the field, & saul said: what aileth this people that they weep? And they told him the tidings of the men of Jabes. And the spirit of god came upon saul, when he heard those tidings, and he was exceeding angry, and took a yoke of oxen, & he wed them in pieces, & sent them throughout all the coostes of Israel by the hands of messengers, saying: whosoever cometh not forth after Saul, & after Samuel, so shall his oxen be served. And ☞ the fear of the Lord fell on the people, & they came out as it had been but one man. And when he * 1 Reg. xv. a numbered them in Bezek, the children of Israel were. CCC. M. men/ & the men of juda. thirty. M. And they said unto the messengers that came: so say unto the men of Jabes in Gilead: to morrow by that time the son be hot, ye shall have help. And the messengers came & showed the men of Jabes, which were glad. Therefore the men of Jabes said: to morrow we will come out unto you, and ye shall do with us all that pleaseth you. And on the morrow it fortuned, that saul put the people in three parts. And they came in upon the host in the morning watch, and slew the Ammonites, until the heat of the day. And they that remained, were scattered: so that two of them were not left together. And the people said unto Samuel: what is he that dare say: shall saul reign over us▪ bring those men, that we may slay them And saul said: there shall no man die this day, for to day the Lord hath saved Israel. Then said Samuel unto the people, come, that we may go to gylgall, ☞ and renew the kingdom there. And all the people went to gilgal, and made saul king there, before the Lord in gilgal. And there they offered peaceofferyngis before the Lord. And there saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced exceedingly. ¶ Samuel declareth himself to be an innocent judge. CAPI. XII. SAmuell said unto all Israel: behold, I have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, & have made you a king. Now therefore your king walketh before you. And I am old & grey headed: & behold, my sonnis are with you, and I have walked before you from my childhod unto this day. Behold, here I am: bear record of me before the lord & before his anointed: * Eccle. 〈◊〉 ● A●tes. 〈◊〉 ● Whose ox have I taken? or whose Ass have I taken: whom have I done wrong to? ❀ Whom have I hurt? Or of whose hand have I received any bribe, to blind mine eyes therewith? & I will restore it you again. They said: thou hast done us no wrong/ nor hurt us, neither haste thou taken aught of any man's hand. He said unto them again: the Lord is witness & 'gainst you & his anointed is witness this day, that ye have found nought in my hands. And they answered: he is witness. And Samuel said unto the people: it is ❀ the Lord, that made Moses and Aaron, & that brought your fathers out of the land of Egypt. Now therefore stand still, that I may reason with you before the Lord, according to all ☞ the righteousness of the Lord, which he showed both you & you● fathers. * Gene. 4●. ● E●odi 〈◊〉. ●. After that jacob was come into Egypte, & your fathers cried unto the Lord, * Exodi. three ● the Lord sent Moses▪ and Aaron, which brought your fathers out of Egypt, and made them dwell in this place. * Iudi iii●. ●. And when they forgot the Lord their god he delivered them in to the hand of Sisara captain of the host of Hazor, * judi. xiii. a and in to the hand of the Philistines, and * Iudi iii. b. in to the hand of the king of Moab, & they fought against them. And they cried unto the lord and said: we have sinned, because we have forsaken the Lord, and have served Baalim and Astharoth. Now therefore deliver us out of the hands of our enemies & we will serve the. And the Lord sent ☞ jerobaall/ * judi. xiil. d Badan ‡ judi. xi a jephthah, & * 1. Reg. seven. b Samuel, and delivered you out of the handis of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelled safe. And for all that, when ye saw that Nahas the king of the children of Ammon came against you, ye said unto me: * i. Regum. ●. ● not so, but a king shall reign over us, when yet the lord your god was your king. Now therefore, behold the king whom ye have chosen, and whom ye have desired: so, the Lord hath set a king over you. If ye will fear the Lord & serve him, and hear his voice, and not disobey the word of the Lord: both ye & the king that reigneth over you, shall follow the lord your God. If ye will not hearken unto the voice of the Lord, but disobey the lords mouth: then shall the hand of the Lord be upon you and on your fathers. Now also stand, and see this great thing, which the Lord will do before your eyes: is it not now wheatheruest? I will call unto the lord, and ☞ he shall send thunder and rain: that ye may perceive and see, how that your wickedness is great, which ye have done in the sight of the Lord, in asking you & King. And so Samuel called unto the Lord, & the lord sent thunder & rain the same day. And all the people feared the Lord, and Samuel exceedingly. And all the people said unto Samuel: pray for thy servants unto the Lord thy God, that we die not: for we have sinned in asking us a king, beside all the sins that ever we did. And Samuel said unto the people: fear not. Ye have in deed done all this wickedness, yet depart not from following of the Lord. But serve him even with all your hearts. Neither turn ye after vain things whi●● are not able to profit you, for they are but vanity. For the * Ero 〈◊〉. 34 b Devit. ●x. ●. ●●sua. 7. b. Lord will not forsake his people, because of his great names sake: because ❀ it hath pleased the Lord, to make you his people. Moreover, God forbid that I should sin against the ☞ Lord, & cease praying for you, but to show you the good, and right way. Therefore fear ye the Lord, and serve him in the truth, & with all your hearts, and consider, how great things he hath done for you. But and if ye do wickedly, then shall ye perish, both ye and your king. ¶ The Philistines are s●●ytten of saul and jonathas. saul being dysn bedyent to gods: ommoundement, is showed of Samuel that he shall not reign. CAPI. XIII. saul had been king one year (when these things came to pass) and he reigned two years over Israel. And saul chose him three thousand men of Israel. Two thousand were with saul in Michmas, & in Mount Betheil, and a thousand with jonathas in Gibea Ben jamin. And the rest of the people he sent, every man to his own house again. And jonathas smote the hold of the Philistines, that was in the hill, and it came to the Philistines ears. And saul blewe the trumpet throughout all the land/ saying: Let the hebrews hear. And all Israel herd say/ how that saul had destroyed an hold of the Philistines, wherefore ☞ Israel stancke before the Philistines. And the people gathered together after Saul to gilgal. The Philistines also gathered them selves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand charettes and two thousand horse men, with other people like the * Esay. ●● sand by the sees side in multitude, and came up and pitched in Michmas Eastward from Bethaven. And when the men of Israel saw it/ they were in a straight, and fere came upon the people, and they hid themselves in caves, & in privy hooles, and in rocks, and in high places, and in pits. And some of the hebrews went over jordan to go unto the land of Gad and Gilcad. And saul was yet in gilgal, and all the people that followed him were astonied. And he tarried seven days/ even unto the time that Samuel * 1. Reg●●● had appointed. But Samuel came not to Gilgal, and the people were therefore scattered from him. And saul said: bring a burnt-sacrifice to me and peace offeryngis. And he offered burnt-sacrifice. And as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt-sacrifice, behold, Samuel came. And saul went against him, to ☞ bless him. And Samuel said: what hast thou done? saul said: because I saw that the people scattered from me, and that thou camest not within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together to Michmas: therefore said I: the Philistines shall come down now upon me to gilgal, and I have not made supplication unto the Lord. And ☞ when I had overcome myself, at the last I offered a burntoffering. And Samuel said to saul, * E 〈…〉 thou art become a fool, thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God, which he commanded the. For at this time would the Lord have stablished thy kingdom upon Israel for ever. But now, thy kingdom shall not continue, * 1. 〈…〉 The Lord hath ☞ sought him a man after his own heart, and the lord hath commanded him to be captain over his people, because thou hast not kept that, which the lord commanded the. And Samuel arose & got him up from Gilgal to Gibea Benjamin. ❀ (And the remanant of the folk went up after saul, to mere the people, which fought against them, as they were coming from gilgal to Gibea, in the hill of Ben lamin.) And saul numbered the people that were found with him, & they were about a. vi. C. men. And Saul and jonathas his son and the people that were found with him, had their abiding in the hill of Ben jamin. But the Philistines pitched in Michmas. And there came out of the host of the Philistines three companies, to destroy, one company turned unto the way that leadeth to Ophra unto the land of Sual. And an other company turned the way to Bethoron. And the third company turned to the way of the coost that is seen above the valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness. There was no smith found throughout all the land of Israel. For the Philistines said: Lest haply the hebrews make them swords or spears. But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines, to mend every man his share, his mattock, his axe, & his necessary tolls: And then the edges of the shares, mattocks, dung forks, & axes were blunt, and also the forks were to be set in. And so in time of battle there was neither sword nor spear found in the hands of any of the people that were with saul & jonathas. But with Saul & jonathas his son was there somewhat found. And the watch of the Philistinis came out, to go over to Michmas. ¶ jonathas and his harness bearer putteth the Philistines to flight. He tasteth the Honey. CAPI. XIIII. ANd it fortuned the same time, that jonathas the son of Saul said unto his young man that bore his harness: come, and let us go over to the Philistines watch that are yonder on the other side, & he told not his father. And Saul tarried in the uttermost part of Gibea under Rimmon, which is in Migron, & the people that were with him were upon a. vi. C. men. And Ahia the son of Ahitob jehabods brother, the son of Phinches, the son of Eli, was the lords priest in Silo, and wore an Ephod. And the people witted not that jonathas was gone. And in the mids of the passage (by which jonathas sought to go over unto the Philistinis watch) were there two sharp cocks, even one on the one side, & the other on the other side: the one called Bozez, and the other Senne. The fore front of the one, leaned northward/ toward Michmas, and the other was southward, toward Gibea. And jonathas said to the young man that bore his harness: come and let us go over unto the watch of these uncircumcised, peradventure the lord will work with us: for it is no hardness with the Lord * ●●a. 14. ●. to save either in many or in few. And his harness berer said unto him: Do all that is in thine heart. Go where it pleaseth thee: Behold, I am with thee, as thine heart lusteth. Then said jonathas: Behold, we go over unto these men, & shall show ourselves unto them: if they say on this wise to us: tarry, until we come to you, than we will stand still in our place, & not go up unto them. But and if they say: come up unto us, than we will go up, for * 1. Math. 4 ● the lord hath delivered them in to our hands. And this shallbe a sign unto us. And they both showed themselves unto the watch of the Philistinis. And the Philistines said: See, the hebrews come out of the holes where they had hid themselves in. And the men of the watch answered jonathas and his harness bearer, and said: come up to us, and we will show you a thing. And jonathas said unto his harness bearer: Come up after me, for the Lord hath delivered them in to the hand of Israel. And jonathas clomb up upon hands & feet, & his harness bearer after him. And ❀ (so when they had seen ●onathas face) they fell before jonathas: & his harness bearer slew them after him. And that first slaughter which jonathas & his harness berer made, was upon a. rr. men, with us the compass as it were about an half acre of land. And there was a fear in the host, in the field, & among all people: in so much that they that were gone out of the watch to rob, were afraid also: & the earth trymbled, for the fear that was sent of God. And the watchmen of Saul in Gibea Benjamin, saw. And behold, the people (of the Philistines) were scattered & were smitten as they went. Then said Saul unto the people that was with him: Search & see, who is gone away from us. And when they had numbered: behold jonathas & his harness bearer were not there. And Saul said unto Ahia: bring hither the ark of god. For the ark of god was at that time with the children of Israel. And it fortuned that while Saul talked unto the priest, the noise that was in the host of the Philistines syred farther abroad, & increased ❀ (by little and little, and gave a more clear found) And Saul said unto the priest: withdraw thine hands. And saul joined himself unto all the people that were with him, and they came to the battle. And behold * Iu●●●● 7. ● 〈◊〉. Pa. xx. ●. every man's sword was against his fellow, and there was a very great tumour. Moreover, the hebrews that were with the Philistines before that time, and were come with them in to all parts of the host, turned, to be with the Israelites that were with Saul & jonathas. And all the men of Israel also, which had hid themselves in mount Ephraim, as soon as they heard how that the Philistines were fled, they followed after them in the battle. And so god helped Israel that day. And the battle continued unto Bethaven. And while the men of Israel were kept down with hunger that day, saul charged the people with an oath, saying. Cursed be the man that eateth any food until night, till I be avenged of mine enemies. And so, noon of the people tasted any sustcnaunce. And all the inhabitors of the land came to a wood where hovy lay upon the ground. And the people came in to the wood: And behold, the honey dropped, and no man moved his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath. But jonathas heard not when his father charged the people with the oath, wherefore he put forth the end of the rod that wasin his hand & dypte it in an honey comb, & put his hand to his mouth, and ☞ his eyes received sight. Then answered one of the people and said: thy father adiuted the people, saying: Cursed be the man that eateth any sustenance this day, and the people were fayntye. Then said jonathas: my father hath troubled the land see how mine eyes have received sight, because I tasted a little of this honey: How moche more than to day: if the people had eaten of the spoil of their enemies, which they found. And had there not been then a moche greater slaughter among the Philistines? And they laid on the Philistines that day, from Michmas to Aiolon. And the people were exceeding fayntye. And the people got them to the spoil, and took sheep, oxen, and calves, and slew them on the ground, and the people did eat them * ●cuit seven c and. nineteen. ● with the blood. Then men told saul, saying: Behold, the people sin against the Lord, in that they eat with the blood. And he said: ye have trespassed. Roll a great stone unto me this day, & Saul said again: Go abroad among the people, and bid them bring me every man his ox, and every man his sheep, and flay them here, and sin not against the Lord in eating with the blood. And the people brought every man his ox in his hand, by night, and slew them there. And saul made an altar unto the Lord. And that was the first altar that he made unto the Lord. And Saul said: let us go down after the Philistines by night and spoil them, until it be day in the morning, & let us not leave one man of them. And they said: do what soever thou thinkest best. Then said the priest: let us come hither unto God. And Saul asked of God: shall I go down after the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them in to the hands of Israel? But be answered him not at that tyme. And Saul said: Let the people come hither out of all quarters, and know and see by whom this sin is chanced this day: for as truly as the lord liveth which saveth Israel, though it be in jonathas my son, he shall die the death. But there was no man among all the people that answered him. Then he said unto all Israel: be ye on one side, and I and jonathas my son will be on the other side. And the people said unto Saul: what thou thinkest best, that do. Therefore Saul said unto the Lord God of Israel: give a perfit lot ❀ (Lord god, give thou the judgement. How happeneth it, that thou givest thy servant no answer to day? If this sin be in me, or in jonathas my son, show it, or if this iniquity be in thy people.) And Saul and jonathas were caught, but the people scaped free. And Saul said: cast lots between me and jonathas my son. And jonathas was caught. Then Saul said to jonathas: tell me what thou hast done. And jonathas told him, and said: I tasted a little honey with the end of the rod that was in mine hand: and lo, I must die. Saul answered: * 〈◊〉 ● God do so and so with me, thou shalt die the death jonathas. And the people said unto Saul: shall jonathas die, which hath so mightily helped Israel? God forbid. As truly as the Lord liveth * 2. 〈…〉 there shall not one here of his head fall to the ground: For he hath wrought with God this day. And so the people delivered jonathas, that he died not. And then Saul departed up from following the Philistines. And the Philistines went to their own place. And so Saul held the kingdom over Israel, and fought against all his enemies on every side: against Moab: against the children of Ammon: against Edom: against the kings of Zoba, and against the Philistines. And whither soever he turned himself, there he won: and he gathered his host together, and sinote the * Diui●● Amaleckites, and Israel out of the hands of them that spoiled them. The sons of Saul were: jonathas, josui, and Melchisua. And his two daughters were thus named: the elder was called Merob, and the younger Michol. And the name of Saules wire, was Ahinoa the daughter of Ahimaaz. And the name of his chief captain was Abner the son of Ne'er, Saules uncle. And * 1. 〈…〉 Cis was Saules father. And Ne'er the father of Abner was the son of Abiell. And there was sore wacre against the Philistines, all the days of Saul. And who soever Saul saw to be a strong man, and meet for the war, he took him unto him. ¶ Saul is rommaunded to kill Aninlecke. He is disobedient to the voice of God Samuel moutneth for Saul. CAPI. XV. Samuel said unto Saul: * ●rgii. ix. c the lord sent me to anoint thee, to be king over his people Israel. Now therefore hearken y● unto the voice of the words of the Lord. Thus sayeth the lord of hosts: I remember that, which Amalec did so Israel * 〈◊〉 17 d how they laid wait for them in the way, as they came out of Egypte. Now therefore go, & smite Amalec and destroy ye all that pertaineth unto them, and see thou have no compassion on them, ❀ * 〈…〉 d (and covet nothing that they have) slay both man and woman, infant, & sukling, o●e and sheep, camel, and ass. And Saul gathered the people together, and * 〈◊〉 xi, c numbered them in Telaim, two hundred thousand foot men, and ten thousand men of juda. And Saul came unto a city of Amalec, & set watch in the valley. And Saul said to the Kenites: go, & depart, & get you down from among the Amaleckites, least I destroy you with them: for ye showed mercy to all the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypte. And so the Kenites departed from among the Amaleckites. And Saul smote the Amaleckites from Hevila, as thou comest to Sur, that lieth before Egypte, and took Agag the king of the Amaleckites alyuc, & utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. * Num. 24. b But saul & the people spared Agag, & the better sheep, & the fatter oxen, & the lambs, & all that was good, & would not destroy them. But all that was foul and nought worth, that they destroyed utterly. Then came the word of the lord unto Samuel, saying. It * ●ina, vi. a repenteth me, that I have made Saul king. For he is turned from me, & hath not performed my commandments. And Samuel was enyl apaid, & cried unto the lord all night. And when Samuel arose early, to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel that Saul was come to carmel, & behold, he ☞ hath made him there a place, & is returned, and departed, & gone down to Gylgal. And Samuel said to Saul, & ❀ (Saul offered burnt-sacrifice unto the lord of the first of the spoils which he had brought from Amalec. And when Samuel was come unto Saul) Saul said unto him: Blessed be thou in the Lord I have fulfilled the commaundament of the lord. Samuel said: what meaneth them the bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the noise of the oxen which I hear? Saul an sweared: they have brought them from the Amaleckites. For the people spared the best of the sheep & of the oxen, to sacrifice them unto the lord thy God. And the remnant have we destroyed utterly. Samuel said to Saul: let me tell the what the lord hath said to me this night. And he said unto him: say on. Samuel said * i. Regum. ix. ● and. x. ●. when thou waist little in thine own sight waste thou not made the head of the tribes of Israel? And the lord anointed the king over Israel. And the lord sent the on a journey & said: Go, & utterly destroy those sinners the Amaleckites, & fight against them, until thou utterly destroy them. And wherefore hast thou not hearkened unto the voice of the lord, but hast turned to the pray, & hast done that which is wicked in the sight of the lord? And Saul said unto Samuel: yea I have hearkened unto the voice of the Lord, & have gone the way which the lord sent me unto, & have brought Agag the king of Amalec, & have utterly destroyed the Amaleckites. But the people took the spoil sheep, oxen, & the chiefest of the things which should have been destroyed, to offer unto the lord thy God in Gylgal. And Samuel said: hath the lord as great pleasure in burnt-sacrifices & offryngꝭ, as when the voice of the lord is obeyed? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, & to hearken is better than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of * Erodi. 2●● Deu. ●8 b. wytcherafte, & stoburnes is as the wickedness of Idolatry. Because thou hast cast away the word of the lord, therefore hath the lord cast away the also, from being king. And Saul said to Samuel: I have sinned, for I have gone further than the saying of the lord & thy wordis, because I feared the people, & obeyed their voice. Now therefore take away my sin & turn again with me, that I may worship the lord. And Samuel said unto Saul: I will not return with thee: for thou hast cast away the word of the lord, & the lord hath cast away thee, that thou shalt not be king over Israel And as Samuel turned himself to go away he caught the lap of his coote, & it rend. And Samuel said unto him: the lord hath rend the kingdom of Israel from the this day, & hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou. ☞ The strength of Israel will not beguile nor repent: for he is not a man that can repent. He said: I have sinned. But now honour me before the elders of my people: & before Israel, and turn again with me, that I may worship the Lord thy god. And so Samuel turned again and followed saul. And saul worshipped the Lord. Then said Samuel: Bring ye hither to me. Agag the king of the Amaleckites. And Agag came unto him ☞ delicately. And Agag said: truly the bitter death cometh on. And Samuel said: As thy sword hath made women childless, so shall thy mother be childless above other women. And Samuel hewed Agag in pieces, before the Lord in Gilgal. And then * 1. Regum. 7. d Samuel departed to Rama. And Saul went home to his house to Gibea Saul. And Samuel came no more to se Saul until the day of his death. Nevertheless Samuel mourned for Saul, and the lord ☞ repent, that he had made Saul king over Israel. David is anointed king. An ●uyl spirit cometh upon Saul. CAPI XVI. THe Lord said unto Samuel: How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, saying I have cast him away, from reigning over Israel? Fill thine horn with ointment and come that I may send the to Isai the Bethleemite, for I have provided me a king among his sons. And Samuel said: how can I go? For if Saul hear it, he will kill me. The Lord answered: Take an Heifer with thee, and say: I am come to offer to the Lord. And call Isai to the offering, & I will show thee, what thou shalt do. And thou shalt anoint him whom I name unto the. And so Samuel did as the Lord● bade him, & came to Bethleem, & the elders of the town were astonied at his coming, and said. * 3. Regum. two, c Comest thou peaceably? He answered: Yea, I am come to offer unto the Lord. ☞ * Nun. 〈◊〉 d josua. ii●. b and. seven c Sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the offering. And he sanctified Isai & his sons, & bade them to the offering. And when they were come, he looked on Eliab, and said: ☞ Surely the lords anointed is before him. But the lord said unto Samuel: look not on his fashion, or on the height of his stature, because I have refused him: for God saith not as man saith. For man looketh on the outward appearance, but god beholdeth the heart. Then Isai called Abinadab, & made him come before Samuel. And he said: neither hath the Lord chosen this. Then Isai made Samma come, and he said, neither yet hath the Lord chosen him. Again, Isai made seven of▪ his sons to come before Samuel. And Samuel said unto Isai, the lord hath chosen none of these. And Samuel said unto Isai: are here all thy children? He said: there is yet a little one behind, that keepeth the sheep. And Samuel said unto Isai: send and fet him, for we will not sit down, till he be come hither. And he sent, & brought him in. And he was brown, 〈…〉 & of an excellent beauty, & and well favoured in sight. And the Lord said: Arise, and anoint him: for this is he. Therefore Samuel took the horn with the ointment, and anointed him in the mids of his brethren. And the spirit of the Lord came upon David, from that day forward. And Samuel arose up, and went to Rama. But the spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit sent of the Lord vexed him. And saul's servants said unto him: behold▪ an evil spirit sent of god vexeth the let our lord therefore command his servants (that are before thee) to seek a man that is a cunning player with an harp: that when the evil spirit sent of god cometh upon thee, he may play with his hand & thou shalt be eased Saul said unto his servants: provide me a man than that can play well, & bring him to me. Then answered one of his servants & said: Behold, I have seen the son of Isai the Bethleemite, that can play upon instruments, and is an active fellow, and a man of war, and prudent in doing of feats, & well made, and the Lord is with him. Wherefore Saul sent messengers unto Isai, & said: send me David thy son, which is with the sheep. And Isai took an ass laden with bread, & a flacket of wine, & a kid, and sent them by David his son unto Saul. And David came to Saul, & stood before him, & he loved him very well, and he was made his harness bearer. And Saul sent to Isai, saying: let David remain with me, for he hath found fovoure in my sight. And so it fortuned, that when the evil spirit sent of God came upon Saul. David took an harp, and played with his hand, and so Saul was refreshed, and did amend, and the evil spirit departed from him. ¶ David overcometh great Gol●ath. CAPI. XVII. THe Philistines gathered their host to battle, and came together to Socoh which is in juda, & pitched between Socoh & Azekah, in the coost of Dammim. And Saul and the men of Israel came together, & pitched in the oak valley, & put themselves in array, to fight against the Philistines. And the Philistines stood on an hill on the one side, & Israel stood on an hill on the other side, & there was a valley between them And there came a man between them both, out of the tentis of the Philistines, named Goliath * 〈◊〉. x●. d of Gath. vi. cubits & an handbredth long, and had an helmet of brass upon his head, and a coote of mail about him. And the weight of his coote of mail was five thousand spcles of brass. And he had boots of brass upon his legs, & a shield of brass upon his shoulders. And the shaft of his spear was like a weavers beam. And his spear head weighed. vi. hundred s●cles of pron. And one bearing a shield went before him. And he stood and cried against the host of Israel, and said unto them: Why are ye come out in array to battle? am not I a Philistine, and you servants to Saul? chose ye a man from among you, and let him come down to me. And if he be able to fight with me, and to beat me, then will we be your servants. But if I can overcome him and beat him, then shall ye be our servants and serve us. And the Philistine said: I defy the host of Israel this day, give me a man, that we may fight together. When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were discouraged, & greatly afraid. David was the son of an Ephrathite ❀ (of whom mention is made before) of Bethleem juda, named Isai which had eight sons. And was an old man in the days of Saul, and came to age among men. And the. iii. elder sons of Isai went, and followed Saul to the battle. And the names of his three sons that went to battle, were: Eliab the eldest, & the next Abinadab, and the third Samma, & David was the least. And the three eldest went after Saul. David also went and departed from Saul, to feed his father's sheep at Bethleem And the Philistine came forth in the morning & evening, & ☞ continued. xl. days, And Isai said unto David his son: take for thy brethren an Epha of this parched corn, & these ten loves, and bring it unto the host to thy brethren. And carry these. x. fresh cheses unto the captain, and look how thy brethrenn fare, & ☞ fet out their pledge. And Saul and they, & all the men of Israel were in the oak valley, fighting with the Philistines. And David rose up early in the morning, & left the sheep with a keeper, & took and went as Isai had commanded him, & came within the compass of the host. And the host went out in array, and shouted in the battle: for Israel & the Philistines had put themselves in array, the one against the other. And David took down the gear from him, & put them under the hands of the keeper of the vessels, & ran into the host, & came, & saluted his brethren. And as he talked with them, behold, there stood a man in the mids (Goliath the Philistine by name) of Gath, out of the array of the Philistines & spoke of the manner above rehearsed, that David heard it. And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, ran away from him, and were sore afraid. And every man of Israel said: Saw ye this man come forth? even to revile Israel is he come. * josua. 1●. ●. And to him that beateth him, will the king give great riches, and will give him his daughter thereto: yea & make his father's house free in Israel. And David spoke to the men that stood by, and said. What shall be done to the man that beateth this Philistine, and taketh away the shame from Israel? And what is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should revile the host of the living god? And the people answered him (after this manner,) saying: so shall it be done to the man, that beateth him. And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke unto the men, and Eliab was angry with David, and said. Why camest thou down hither? & with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the malice of thine heart, that thou art come down to see the battle. And David said. And what have I now done? is there not a word? And he departed from him in to the presence of an other, and snake of the same manner, & the people answered him again, as before. And they that heard the words which David spoke, rehearsed them before Saul, which caused him to be fet. And David said to Saul. Let no man's heart fail him because of him. Thy servant will go, & fight with yonder Philistine. And Saul said to David again: thou art not able to go against yonder philistine, to fight with him. For thou art but a child, but he is a man of war even from his youth. David answered unto Saul. Thy servant kept his father's sheep and there came * Iud●. 14. d. ●eb●ue. xi ● a Lion & likewise a bear & took a sheep out of the flock. And I went out after him, & smote him, & took it out of his mouth. And when he arose against me, I caught him by the beard, and smote him, & slew him. And so thy servant slew the Lion & the bear (also) hath thy servant slain. And truly this uncircumcised Philistine shall▪ be as one of them. ❀ (Now will I go and take away the rebuke of the people, for what is this uncircumcised Philistine?) seeing he hath railed on the host of the living god. And David spoke moreover: the lord that delivered me out of the hand of the Lion, and out of the hand of the bear, he shall deluyer me also out of the hand of the Philistine. And Saul said unto David: go, and the Lord shall be with the. And Saul put his raiment upon David, and put an helmet of brass upon his head, & put a coote of mail upon him, and girded David with his own sword upon his raiment. And he assayed to go. And because he never proved it, David said unto Saul: I can not go with these, for I have not used myself thereto: & David put them of him, & roke his staff in his hand & chose him five smooth stones out of a broke & put them in a shepeheerdes' bag which he had, & in a siing poke: and his sling was in his hand, and he went to the Philistine. And the Philistine came and drew near against David, & the man that bore the shield went before him. And when the Philistine looked about and saw David, he disdained him, for he was but young, and well coloured, and goodly to look upon. And the Philistine said unto David: am I a dog, that thou romest to me with a staff? and the Philistine cursed David in the name of his goods. And the Philistine said to David: come to me, and I will give thy flesh unto the fowls of the air, & to the beasts of the field. Then said David to the Philistine: thou comest to me with a sword, a spear & a shield: But I come to the in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the host of Israel, whom thou haste railed upon. This day shall the lord deliver the in to my hand and I shall smite thee, and take thine head from thee, & I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, & to the beastis of the earth, that all they which be in the world, may know, that there is a god in Israel. And all this congregation shall know, that the lord saveth not with sword & spear. For the battle is the Lords, & he shall give you in to out hands. And when the Philistine arose to come & draw nigh unto David, David hasted, & ran in to the battle even against the Philistine. And David put his hand in his bag, and look out a stone and slange it, & smote the Philystyne in his forehead, that the stone sunk in to his forehead, * Eccle 47. a and he fell grovelling to the earth. And so David overcame the Philystyne with a s●ynge, & a stone/ & smote the philistine, & slew him, even when David had no sword in his hand. But David ran, & stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of his sheathes, and slew him, and cut of his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw/ that their champion was dead, * Iub●. v●●● they fled. And the men of Israel and of juda arose and shouted, & followed after the Philistines, until they came to the valley & unto the gates of Akaron. And the Philistines fell down wounded by the way to Saaraum, even unto Gath, & Akaron. And the Children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines and spoiled their tents. And David took the head of the Philistine, & brought it to jerusalem: but he put his armour in his tent. When saul saw David go forth against the Philistine, he said unto * 1. Reg. 14. ● Abner the captain of the host: Abner, whose son is this young man? Abnen answered: as truly as thy soul liveth (O king) I can not tell. And the king said: inquire thou, whose son the youngling is. And when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him, & brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistiane in his hand And Saul said to him: whose son art thou, thou young man? David answered: I am the son of thy servant Isai the Bethleemite. ¶ The bond between David and Ionatha●. saul goeth about to ●●ee David. CAPI. XVIII. ANd when he had made an end of spra-king unto Saul, the soul of jonathas was knit with the soul of David and jonathas loved him as his own soul. And Saul ●oke him that day, and would let him go no more home to his father's house. And jonathas made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul. And jonathas put of his own co●te that was upon him, and gave it David, & thereto his cloak, his sword, his bow & his girdle. And David went out whither soever Saul sent him, & behaved himself wisely. And Saul set him over his men of war, & he was accepted in the sight of all the people, & in the sight of saul's servants. And it happened as they went, when David was returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that women came out of all cities of Israel singing and dancing, against king Saul, & with timbrels, wt●oy, & with instruments of music. And the women answered one an other in their play, & said. * 1. Reg. 〈◊〉 and. 〈◊〉 Saul hath slain his thousand, and David his. x. M. And Saul was exceeding wroth, & the saying disposed him. & he said: they have ascribed unto Daiud ten thousand, & to me but a thousand, & what can he more have, save the kingdom? Wherefore Saul looked aside on David from that day forward. And it happened on the morrow, that the evil spirit sent of God came upon Saul, and ☞ he prophesied in the mids of the house. And David played with his hand like as at other times, and there was a javelyn in Savis hand. And Saul ●oke the javelyn, and said: I will nail David to the wall with it. And David avoided out of his presence two times. And Saul was afraid of David, because the Lord was with him, & was departed from Saul. Therefore Saul put him from him, and made him a captain over a thousand, and ☞ he went out and in before the people. And David behaved himself wisely in all his ways, and the Lord was with him. Wherefore when Saul saw that he was so exceeding wise, he was afraid of him. But all Israel and juda loved David, because he went out and in before them. And Saul said to David. Behold, my eldest daughter Merob, her I will give the to wife: Only play the man with me, & fight the lords battles. For Saul thought: mine hand shall not be upon him, but the hand of the Philistines. And David answered Saul: what am I? and what is my life of the kindred of my father in Israel, that I should be son in law to the king? Howbeit when the time was come that Moreb saul's daughter should have been given to David she was given unto Adriel a Meholothite, to wife. Howbeit, Michol saul's daughter loved David. And they showed Saul: and the thing disposed him not. And Saul said: I will give him her that she may be a snare to him, and that the hand of the philistines may be against him. Wherefore Saul said to David: thou shalt this day be my son in law in the other daughter. And Saul commanded his servants to comen with▪ David secretly and say. Behold the king hath a favour to thee, and all his servants love thee, be now therefore the kings son in law. And saul's servants spoke those words in the ears of David. And David said: seemeth it to you a light thing to be a kings son in law: I am a poor man and of small reputation. And the servants brought Saul word again, saying: of this manner spoke David. And Saul said: this wise shall ye say to David: the king careth for none other dowry but for an hundred foreskynnnes of the Philistines, to be avenged of the kings enemies. But Saul thought to make David fall into the hands of the Philistines. And when his servants told David these wordis, it pleased David well to be the kings son in law. And ☞ or the days were expired, David arose with his men and went, and slew of the Philistines. CC. men, and David brought their foreskynnes, & satisfied the king thereof to be his son in law. * ●●. Reg. 〈◊〉. ● Wherefore Saul gave him Michol his daughter to wife. And Saul saw and understood, how that the Lord was with David, & that Michol his daughter loved him, & he was the more afraid of David, and Saul became always David's enemy. The lords of the Philistines used ☞ to go forth. And it fortuned that when they went forth, David behaved himself wyselyer than all the servants of Saul: so that his name was much set by. ¶ Saul commandeth to flee David. michol his wife saveth him. CAPI. XIX. SAul spoke to jonathas his son, and to all his servants, that they should kill David. * ●. Regum, 〈◊〉 ● But jonathas saul's son had a great favour to David, and jonathas told David, saying: Saul my father goeth about to flay the. Now therefore take heed to thyself until the morning & abide in some secret place, and hide thyself. And I will go out, & stand by my father in the field, where thou art, & will comen with my father of thee, and what soever I see, I will tell the. And jonathas spoke good of David unto Saul his father, & said unto him: let not the king sin against his servant David, for he hath not sinned against thee, and his works have been toward the very good. For he did ☞ put * ●●di. ●ii. ●. Psal. 〈◊〉 ● his life in his hand, & slew the Philistine, and the Lord brought to pass a great health for all Israel. Thou sawest it, & thou rejoiced, wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, & slay Daiud without a cause? And Saul hearkened unto the voice of jonathas, and swore: as truly as the lord liveth he shall not die. And jonathas called David and showed him all those words, & brought David to Saul. And he was in his presence as in times past. And the war began again, and David went out and fought with the Philistines, & slew them with a great slaughter, and they fled from him. And the evil spirit sent of the Lord was upon Saul, as he sat in his house having a javelyn in his hand, and David played with his hand. And Saul intended to nail David to the wall with the javelyn. But he rid himself out of saul's presence as he smote the spear ❀ (with a vain stroke) in to the wall. And David fled, and was saved that same night. Saul also sent messengers unto david's house, to watch him, and to slay him in the morning. And Michol david's wife told it him, saying: If thou save not thyself this night, to morrow thou wilt be slay. And so michol * josua. two c Acts. ix. d. let David down thorough a window, and he went, and fled, and was saved. And then she took an image and laid it in the bed, & put a pillow stuffed with gootis here under the head of it, & covered it with a cloth. And when Saul sent messengers to fetch David, she said, he is sick. And Saul sent the messengers again to see David, saying: Bring him to me, bed and all, that I may slay him. And when the messengers were came in: Behold, there lay an image in the bed, with a pillow of gootes here under the head of it. And Saul said to michol: why hast thou mocked me so, and sent away mine enemy that he is escaped? Michol answered Saul: For he said unto me, let me go, or else I will kill the. And so David fled, and escaped, and came to Samuel to Rama, & told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went, and dwelt in ☞ Naioth. And one told Saul, saying: Behold, David is at Naioth in Rama, & Saul sent messengers to fet David. And when they saw a company ☞ of prophets prophesyenge, and Samuel standing fast by them, the spirit of god fell upon the messengers of Saul & they prophesied to. And when it was told Saul, he sent other messengers, and they prophesied likewise. And Saul sent messengers yet again the third time, and they prophesied also. Then went he himself to Rama, and came to a great well that is in Sechu, & he asked and said: where are Samuel and David? And one said: Behold, they be at Naioth in Rama, and he went thither, even to Naioth in Rama, and the spirit of God came upon him also, and he went prophesyenge until he came to Naioth in Rama. And he stripte of his clothes, and prophesied before Samuel in like manner, and ☞ fell naked all that day & all that night. * i. Regum. ix. c And thereof it is, that they say: is Saul also among the prophets? ¶ David complaineth unto jonathas. CAPI. XX. ANd David fled from Naioth which is in Rama, and came, and said before jonathas: what have I done? wherein am I faulty? what is the sin that I have committed before thy father, that he seeketh my life? He said unto him: God forbid, thou shalt not die. Behold, my father will do nothing either great or small, but that he will show it me. And how should my father hide this thing from me? He will not do it. And David swore again, and said: thy father knoweth that I have found ☞ grace in thine eyes, and therefore he saith: jonathas shall not know it, lest he be sorry. And in very deed, even as truly as the Lord liveth, and as truly as thy soul liveth, there is but a step between me & death. Then said jonathas unto david: what soever thy soul desireth that I will do unto the. And David said unto jonathas: Behold, to morrow is the beginning ☞ of the month, & I should sit with the king at meat. But let me go, that I may hide myself in the fields unto the third day at even. If thy father speak of me, then say: David asked leave of me, that he might go to Bethleem to his own city, for there is holden a yearly feast for all the kindred. And if he say: it is well done, than thy servant shall have peace. But and if he be angry: then be sure that wickedness is utterly concluded of him. And then thou shalt show mercy unto thy servant, * 〈…〉 for thou hast made with me thy servant a bond in the Lord. notwithstanding, if there be in me any trespass, then slay me thyself, & bring me not to thy father. And jonathas answered: God keep that from the ❀ (neither is it possible to come to pass.) For if I know, that wickedness were concluded of my father, to come upon thee, thinkest thou that I should not tell it thee? Then said David, who shall tell me, if thy father answer cruelly? And jonathas said unto David, come and let us go out i● to the field. And they went out both of them into the field. And jonathas said unto David: The Lord god of Israel look on it, when I have groped my father's mind, one time or other within this three days, that it stand well with David: If I then send not unto the & show it thee, the Lord do so and so unto jonathas. But if my father have any pleasure to do the evil, I will show the also, and send the away that thou mayst go in peace. And the Lord be with thee, as he hath been with my father. And thou shalt perform unto me the mercy of the Lord, not only while I live/ but even when I am dead, and pluck not thy mercy away from ☞ my house for ever: No not when the Lord hath destroyed the enemies of David, every one from the face of the earth. And so jonathas made a bond with the house of David, desiring that the Lord should seek it out by the handis of David's enemies (if it were broken.) And with other wordis did jonathas sweat unto David, because he loved him. For he loved him, as his own soul. Then said jonathas to David: to morrow is the first day of the moon. And thou shalt be missed, because the place where thou wast wont to sit, shall be empty. Therefore this day three days come down in any wise unto the place where thou didst hide thyself, ☞ when the business was in hand: even by the stone Esell. And I will shoot three arrows by the one side thereof, as though I shot them at a mark, & will send a lad, and bid him go seek the arrows. And if I say unto the lad: see, the arrows are on this side thee, bring them: then come thou: for it is peace, & no hurt, as sure as the lord liveth. But and if I say unto the lad, behold the arrows are beyond thee, then go (in peace) forth Lord hath sent the away. And as touching this which thou & I have spoken: behold ☞ the lord be between thee, & me for ever. And so david hid himself in the field. And when the new moon was come/ the king sat him down to eat meat. And the king sat him down after the old manner, in his seat by the wall. And jonathas arose, & Abner sat by saul's side, and David's place was empty. Nevertheless saul said nothing at all that day. For he thought: some thing hath chanced him, that he is not cleyne. But on the morrow which was the second day of the new moon, it appened, that David's place was empty again. And saul said unto jonathas his son: wherefore cometh not the Son of Isai to meat, neither yesterday nor to day? And jonathas answered unto saul: David asked licence of me, to go to Bethleem, for he said, Let me go I pray thee, for our kindred doth hold an offering in the city/ & my brother hath sent for me. And therefore if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me go, and see my brother. This is the cause that he cometh not unto the kings table. Then was saul angry with jonathas, & said unto him: Thou wicked rebel, do not I know, that thou hast chosen the son of Isai unto thine own rebuke, & unto the rebuke and shame of thy mother? For as long as the son of Isai liveth upon the earth, thou shalt not be stablished, nor yet thy kingdom, wherefore now send and fet him unto me/ * i Regum two. Reg. for he is the child of death. And jonathas answered unto saul his father, & said to him: wherefore should he die? What hath he done? And Saul lift up a spear to hit him/ whereby jonathas wist well, that it was utterly determined of his father, to slay David. And so jonathas arose from the table in a great anger, & did eat no meat the second day of the month, for he was sorry for David, bycuse his father had done him shame. On the next morning, jonathas went out in to the field, at the time appointed with David, & a little lad with him. And he said unto his boy: run & seek out mine arrows which I shoot. And as the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. And when the lad was come to the place whither jonathas had shot the a-row, jonathas cried after the lad, and saydens not the arrow beyond thee? And jonathas cried after the lad again/ make speed, & stand not still. And jonathas lad gathered up the arrows, and came to his master. But the lad wist nothing of the matter: Only jonathas and David wist it. And jonathas gave his weapons unto the lad that was with him, & said unto him: go and carry them to the town. And as soon as the lad was gone, David arose out of a place that was toward the south, and fell on his face to the ground, and worshipped three times. And they kissed either other, & wept together so long, till David exceeded in weeping. And jonathas said to David: go in peace. And the things which we have sworn both of us in the name of the lord, saying: the Lord be between the & me, and between thy seed & mine, let them stand for ever. And he rose and departed. And jonathas went into the town. ¶ David fleeth into Nob. to Ahimelech the Priest. & getteth of him the show bread to satisfy his hunger afterward he fleeth to king Achis/ & there feigneth himself to be mad. CAPI. XXI. THen came David to Nob to Ahimelech the priest: And Ahimelech was a stonied at the sudden coming of David, and said unto him: Why art thou alone, & no man with thee? And David said to Ahimelech the priest: the king hath commanded me to do a certain thing, & hath said unto me/ let no man know where about I send thee, and what I have commanded the to do. And I have appointed my servants, to such and such places. Now therefore if thou has ●aught under thine hand? * i. Regum 25 ●udi. vi● give me five loves of bread, or what cometh to hand. And the priest answered David, & said: there is no comen bread under my hand, but here is hallowed bread, if the young men have kept themselves from unclean women. David answered the Priest, & said unto him: of a truth women hath been locked up from us about a three days, when I came out & the ☞ vessels of the young men were holy. How be it ☞ this way is unpure, and how much more shall there be holiness in the vyssell. * levit. 24. b Math. xii a And so the priest gave him hallowed bread, for there was none other bread there save the show breades, that were taken from before the lord, to put fresh bread there, the day that it was taken away. And there was there the same day a certain man of the servants of saul abiding before the lord, named Doeg an Edomite, the chiefest of saul's heerde men. And David said unto Ahimelech: is not here under thine hand either spear or sword? For I have neither brought my sword/ nor my harness with me, because the kings business required haste And the Priest said: the sword of Goliath the Philistine whom thou sluest in the Oak valley, behold, it is here wrapped in a cloth behind the Ephod. If thou wilt take that/ take it, for there is none other save that here. And David said: there is none to that, give it me. And David arose & fled the same day from the presence of saul, & went to Achis the king of Geth. And the servants of Achis said of him: is not this David the king of the land? did they not sing unto him, in dances saying, * 1. Reg. 1●. b. and. xxix. c. Saul hath slay his thou sand, & David his. x. M? And David put those wordis into his heart, & was sore afraid of Achis the king of Geth. And he changed his speech before them, and feigned himself mad in their hands, & scrabled on the doors of the gate, & let his spattells fall down upon his beard. Then said Achis unto his servants: Lo, ye see that this man is beside himself, wherefore then have ye brought him to me? Have I need of mad men that ye have brought this fellow to play the mad man in my presence? Shall he come into my house. ¶ Doeg betrayeth David. Ahimelech is accused of treason, and slay, and lxxxiiii. priests moo with him, because they received David. Nob is destroyed of saul. Abiathar fleeth to David. CAPI. XXII. David therefore departed thence, & escaped, and came unto the cave Odollam. When his brethren also & all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him. And there gathered unto him all men that were in cumbrance, & in det, & troubled in their minds, & he became a captain over them. And there were with him upon a. iiii. ● men. And David went thence to Mizpa in the land of Moab, & said unto the king of Moab: let my father & my mother (I pray thee) ☞ come forth unto you, till I know what god will do for me. And he brought them before the king of Moab, & they dwelt with him all the while that David kept himself in hold. And the prophet Gad said unto David: Abide not in hold, but depart, & go into the land of juda. Then David departed & came in to the forest Hareth. And Saul heard that David was come abroad, & also the men that were with him. And saul sat in Gibea under a tree in Rama, having his spear in his hand, & all his men stood about him. And saul said unto his servants that stood about him. Hear I pray you ☞ ye sons of jemini: will the son of Isai give every one of you fields, and vineyerdes, and make you all captains over thousands, & over hundreds? that ye have also conspired against me, & there is none that telleth it me in mine ear. * 1. Regum 〈◊〉 ● and. xx. d And where as my son hath made a bond with the son of Isai, there is none of you that mourneth for me, or showeth it in mine eat: behold, my son hath stirred up my servant to lay await against me this same day. Then answered Doeg the Edomite, which also stood by the servants of saul, & said: I saw the son of Isai, when he came to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitob, which asked counsel of the Lord for him, & gave him victuals, & the sword of Goliath the Philistine also. Then the king sent & called for Ahimelech the priest the son of Ahitob, & all his father's house: that is to say, the priests that were in Nob. And they came all to the king. And saul said: hear now thou son of Ahitob. He answered: here I am, my Lord. And saul said unto him: why have ye conspired against me, thou and the son of Isai, in that thou hast given him victual, & a sword, & hast asked counsel of god for him, that he should arise against me/ and lay await, for me this day? Ahimelech answered the king, & said: who is so faithful among all thy servants as David, and thereto the kings son in law, & goeth at thy bidding, and is had in honour in thine house? have I this day began first to ask counsel of god for him? That be far from me: let not the king put such a thing unto his servant, in all the house of my father. For thy servant knew nothing of all this, either less or more. The king said, thou shalt surely die Ahimalech, thou & all thy father's house. And the king said unto the fate men that stood about him: turn, and slay the priests of the Lord, both because their hand is with David, and because they knew when David fled, and showed it not to me. But the servants of the king would not move their handis, to fall upon the priests of the Lord: And the king said to Doeg: turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and ran upon the priests, & slew that same day. lxxx. &. v. persons, that did wear a linen Ephod. And Nob the city of the priests smote he with the edge of the sword, both men & women, children, & sucklynges, oxen, and asses, & sheep. And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitob (named Abiathar) escaped, & fled to David. And Abiathar showed David, how that saul had slay the lords priests. And David said unto Abiathar: I wist it the same day, when Doeg the Edomite was there/ that he would tell saul. And I am cause of the death of all the soulis of thy father's house Abide thou with me, & fear not: For if any man seek my soul, he shall seek thine also/ with me thou shalt be in safeguard. ¶ David fleeth into the wylldernes of ziph. CAPI. XXIII. THey told David saying: Behold, the Philistines fight against Keilah, and spoil the barns. Therefore David asked the Lords advise, saying: shall I go and smite these Philistines? And the Lord answered unto David: go & smite the Philistines, and save Keilah. And David's men that were with him, said unto him: see, we be afraid here in juda: how much more than if we come to Keilah against the host of the Philistines? Then David asked the lord again And the lord answered him, & said: Arise, and go down to Keilah, for I will deliver the Philistines into thine hand. And so David & his men went to Keilah, & fought with the Philistines, & drove away their cattle/ and smote them with a great slaughter. And so David saved the inhabitors of Keilah. And it chanced, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to David to Keilah, that he brought an Ephod with him in his hand And it was told Saul, that David was come to Keilah. And saul said: God hath delivered him in to mine hand. For he is shut in now that he is come into the town that hath gates & bars. And saul called all the people together to war, for to go down to keilah and to besiege David & his men. And David having knowledge that saul imagined mischief against him, said to Abiathar the priest: * ●. Regum 30 ● Bring the Ephod. Then said David: O Lord God of Israel, thy servant hath herd, that saul is about to come against Keilah to destroy the City for my sake: will the men of Keilah deliver me into his hand? And will saul come down, as thy servant hath herd say? O Lord God of Israel, tell thy servant. And the Lord said: he will come down. Then said David: will the men of Keilah deliver me, & the men that are with me, into the hand of Saul? and the lord said: they will betray you. Then David and his men which were upon a six hundred, arose & departed out of Keilah, & went whither they could. And it was told saul, that David was fled from Keilah, & he let the journey alone. David abode in the wilderness in strong holds, & remained in a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And saul sought him every day, but god delivered him not into his hand. And David saw that saul was come out, to seek his life. And David was in the wilderness of Ziph in a thicket. And jonathas saul's son arose, & went to David in to the thicket, & comforted his hand in god, & said unto him: fear not, for the hand of saul my father shall not find thee, & thou shalt be king over Israel, & I must be ne●te unto the. And that doth Saul my father know, * 1. Reg. 〈◊〉 ●▪ and. 〈◊〉. b And they made a bond, both of them together before the lord. And David tarried still in the thicket, & jonathas went to his house. Then came the Ziphites to saul, to Gibea, saying: Doth not David hide himself fast by us in strong holds, in a thicket that is by the hill of Hachila, on the right side of the wilderness? Now therefore king, thou mayest come down according to all the lust of thy soul: come down, & our part shall be to deliver him in to the kings hand. And Saul said: blessed are ye in the Lord: for ye have compassion on me. Go I pray you, & order the matter well, know & see his haunt, where his foot hath been, & who hath seen him there: for it is told me, that he is very subtle, & worketh craftily. See therefore, and know all the lurking places, where he hideth himself, & come ye again to me with the certeyntye, & I will go with you. And if he be in the land, I will search him out throughout all the thousands of juda▪ And they arose, & went to Ziph before saul. But David & his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the plain that is/ on the right hand of jesymon. saul also and his men went to seek: & they told David Wherefore he went unto a Rock, and abode in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he followed after David in the wilderness of Maon. And saul and his men went on the one side of the mountain, and David and his men on the other side. And David took thought, how to get from saul. For saul & his men, compassed David and his men, round about, to take them. But there came a messenger to saul, saying: Hast thee, and come, for the Philistines are come in to the land. Wherefore, Saul returned from persecuting David, & went against the Philistines. And therefore is it, that they called the place: The rock of separation. And David went thence, & dwelt in strong holds at Engadi. ¶ David fleeth into Engadi, and there hideth him in ●●au●. saul cometh in thy thee to do his ●a●●mente. CAPI. XXIIII. WHen saul was come again from following after the Philistines, it fortuned, that there were, which told him, saying: behold, David is in the wilderness of Engadi. Then Saul took▪ iii. M. chosen men out of Israel, & went to seek David, and his men in the height of the Rockꝭ, where wild gootes remain. And he came to the flocks of sheep in the way. And saul went in to a cave ☞ to cover his feet. And David & his men remained in the inward parts of the cave. And the men of David said unto him: see, the day is come, of which the Lord said unto thee: Behold, I will deliver thy enemies in to thine hand, & thou shalt do to him as it shall seem good in thy sight. Then David arose and cut of a lap of saul's garment privily. And immediately ☞ David's heart smote him because he had cut of a lap of saul's garment. And he said unto his men, the lord keep me from doing that thing unto my master the lord anointed, to lay mine hand upon him, saying he is the anointed of the Lord. ❀ (For as truly as the lord liveth, except the lord smite him, or except his day come, or if he go not down to war and perish: the lord be merciful unto me, that I lay not my hand upon the lords anointed.) And so David kept of his servants with these words, & suffered them not to rise against saul. But saul rose up out of the cave and went away, David also arose & went out of the cave, & cried after saul, saying: My lord king. And when saul looked behind him. David ●●owped to the earth, and bowed himself, & said to saul: wherefore givest thou an care to men's words, that say, David seeketh evil against thee? Behold, this day thine eyes have seen, how that the lord delivered the this day into mine hand in the cave. And some bade me kill thee, but I had compassion on thee, & said: I will not lay my hands on my master, for he is the lords anointed. And moreover, my father, behold & see yet the lap of thy garment in my hand: in as much as I killed the not, when I cut of the lap of thy garment. understand therefore & see, that there is neither evil nor wickedness in me, & that I have not sinned against the. And yet y● huntest after my soul to take it. The Lord be judge between the & me, & the lord advenge me of the. But mine hand be not upon the. According as the old proverb sayeth: wickedness proceedeth from the wicked: But mine hand be not upon the After whom is the king of Israel come out? After whom dost thou move persecution? After ☞ a dead dog, & after a flee. The lord be judge, & judge between the & me, and see, & pleat my cause, & avenge me of thine hand When David had made an end of speaking these words to saul, saul said: * i Reg. 〈…〉 is this thy voice my son David? and Saul lift up his voice, & wept, & said to David: thou art more righteous than I, for thou hast rewarded me, with good, where as I have rewarded the with evil. And thou hast showed this day, how that thou hast dealt lovingly with me, for as much as when the Lord had locked me in thine handis, thou kylledst me not. For who shall find his enemy, & let him depart into a good way? Wherefore the lord reward the with good, for that thou hast done unto me this day. And now behold, I wot well that thou shalt be king, & that the kingdom of Israel shall be stablished in thine hand. Swear now therefore unto me by the lord, that thou shalt not destroy my seed after me/ & that thou shalt not put my name out of my father's house. And David ☞ swore unto saul, and saul went home. But David and his men got them up unto an hold. Samuel dieth. David fleeth into the wylder●nes of Pharan. CAPI. XXV. AND * i. 〈…〉 Samuel died, and all the Israelites gathered together & lamented him, & buried him in his own house at Rama. And David arose, and got him to the wilderness of Pharan. And there was a man in Maon whose possession was in carmel, & the man was exceeding mighty, and had. three M. sheep, & a thousand gootes. And he was shearing his sheep in carmel. The name of the man was nabal, and the name of his wife was abigail, & she was a woman of a god wit, and beautiful. But the man was churlish, & of shrewd conditions, and was of the kindred of Caleb. And David heard in the wilderness, that nabal did shear his sheep. And David sent out ten young men, & said unto them: get you up to carmel, & go to nabal, and great him in my name. And thus shall ye say: peace be to thee, peace be to thine house, & peace be unto all that thou hast. Behold, I have herd say/ that thou hast shearers. Now, thy shepherds were with us ❀ (in the wilderness,) and we did them no spite, neither was there aught ❀ (of the flock) missing unto them, all the while they were in Carmel: ask thy lads/ and they will show the. Wherefore let these young men find favour in thine eyes (for we come in a good season) & * ● Reg. 〈◊〉. ●. give I pray the whatsoever cometh to thine hand, unto thy servants, & to thy son David. And when David's young men came, they told nabal all those words in the name of David, & then held their peace. And nabal answered David's servants, and said: What is David? and what is the son of Isai? there is plenty of servants now a days, that break away every men from his master. Shall I then take my bread, my water & my flesh, that I have killed for my shearers, & give it unto men whom I wot not whence they be? And so David's servants turned their way, & we●● again, and came & told him all those sayings. And David said unto his men: gird every man his sword about him And they girded every man his sword about him, and David was girded with his sword. And there followed David upon a iiii. C. men, & two hundred abode by the stuff But one of the lads told abigail Nabals' wife, saying: behold, David sent messengers unto our master out of the wilderness to salute him, and he railed on them. And yet the men are very good unto us, and did us no displeasure, neither missed we any thing, as long as we were conversant with them, when we were in the fields. They were a wall of defence unto us both by night and day, all the while we were with them keeping sheep. Now therefore, take heed, and see what thou hast to do, for there is an occasion of evil given against our master and all his household, seeing: he is ungracious to speak to. Then abigail made haste, and took. two. C. loves, and two bottles of wine, & five sheep ready dressed, and five measures of parched corn, and an hundred frails of reasennes, and two hundred topnettes of figs, and jaded them on asses, & said unto her young men: go ye before me. Behold, I come after you But she told her husband nabal nothing thereof. And as she road on her ass she came privily down the side of the hill, and behold, David and his men came down against her, & she met them. And David said: in vain have I kept all that this fellow hath in the wilderness: so that nought was missed of all that pertained unto him. And he hath quite me evil for good. So and so do god unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that pertain to him, by the dawning of the day, any thing ☞ that pisseth against the wall. And when abigail saw David, she hasted and light of her ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground & fell at his feet, and said: Let this unhappy deed be counted mine, my Lord, and let thine handmaid speak in thine audience, & hear the words of thy handmaid. Let not my Lord ❀ (the King) regard this unthrifty man Nabal: for as his name is, so is he: ☞ Nabal is his name/ and folly is with him. But I thine handmaid/ saw not the young men of my lord, whom thou sendedst. Now therefore my lord, as sure as the lord liveth, & as thy soul liveth, the Lord hath withholden the from coming to shed blood, & withdrew thine hand. Now, I pray God, that thine enemies and they that intend to do my Lord evil, may be as nabal. And now this is the ☞ blessing which thine hand maid hath brought unto my Lord: & let it be given unto the young men, that follow my Lord. forgive the trespass of thine handmaid, for the lord will make my lord a suit h●use/ because my lord fighteth the battles of the Lord, & there could none evil be found in the in all thy days. And if any man rise to persecute thee, & to seek thy soul, the soul of my lord shall be bound as ☞ in the bundle of the living with the lord thy god. And the souls of the enemies shall god cast out, even as out of the middle of a sling. And when the lord shall have done to my lord all the good that he hath promised thee, & shall have made the ruler over Israel: then shall it be no decay unto thee, nor discourage of heart unto my lord, that thou hast not shed blood causeless, nor avenged thyself. But when the lord shall have dealt well, with my Lord, then think on thine handmaid. And David said to abigail: blessed be the lord God of Israel, which sent the this day to meet me. blessed is thy saying/ and blessed art thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, & from advenging myself with mine own hand. For in very deed, as sure as the Lord God of Israel liveth, which hath kept me back from hurting thee, except thou hadst hasted and met me, thinkest thou, there had been left unto nabal by the dawning of the day, a pysser against the wall? And so David received of her hand, that which she had brought him, and said to her: go up in peace to thine house. Behold, I have obeyed thy voice, and have accepted thy person. And abigail came to nabal: and behold/ he held a feast in his house, like the feast of a king, and Nabals' heart was merry within him, for he was very drunken. Wherefore she told him nothing, neither less nor more/ until the morrow day. But in the morning when the wine was gone out of nabal, his wife told him these words, and his heart died within him, and he became as a stone: and upon a ten days after, the Lord smote Nabal, that he died. And when David heard that nabal was dead, he said: blessed be the Lord that hath judged the cause of my rebuke of the hand of Nabal, and hath kept his servant from evil, and hath recompensed the wickedness of nabal upon his own head. And David sent to comen with abigail, to the intent to take her to his wife. And when the servants of David were come to abigail to carmel, they spoke unto her, saying: David sent us unto thee, to take the to his wife. And she arose, & bowed herself on her face to the earth, and said: Behold, let thy handmaid be a servant, to wash the feet of the servants of my lord. And abigail hasted, & arose, and got her up upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went at her feet, and she went after the messengers of David/ and became his wife. David also took Ahinoam of jesrahell, & they were both his wives. But saul gave * two. Reg. iii. ● michol his daughter David's wife to Phalti the son of Lais which was of Gallim. ¶ saul sleepeth in his tent, and David taketh away his spear/ and a cruse of water that stood at his head. CAPI. XXVI. THe Ziphites came unto saul to Gibea, saying: Doth not David hide him self in the hill of Hachila which is before jesimon? saul arose, and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having. three M. chosen men of Israel with him, for to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph. And saul pitched in the hill of Hachila which lieth before jesimon, by the way side. But David dwelt in the wilderness. And he saw that saul came after him in to the wilderness. David therefore sent out spies, and understood that saul was come in very deed. And David arose & came to the place, where saul had pitched, and David beheld the place, where saul lay, and Abner the son of Ne'er which was his chief captain▪ Saul lay within, and the people, and the host round about him. Then answered David and spoke to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abisai the son of Zaruia, & brother to joab, saying: Who will go down which me to saul to the host? And Abisai said: I will go down with the. And so David and Abisai came down to the people by night. And behold, saul lay sleeping within the host, & his spear stack in the ground at his head. But Abner and the people lay round about him. Then said Abisai to David: God hath delivered thine enemy in to thine hand this day. Now therefore, let me smite him once with my spear to the earth, and I will not smite him the second tyme. And David said to Abisai: destroy him not. For who can lay his hand on the lords anointed, & be guiltless? And David said furthermore: as sure as the lord liveth, the lord shall smite him or his day shall come to die, or he shall descend in to battle, and there perish. The lord keep me from laying mine hand upon the lords anointed. But take thou now the Spear that is at his head, and the cruse of water, and let us go. And so David took the spear, and the cruse of water from saul's head, and they got them away, and no man saw it, or awaked. For they were all a sleep, because the lord had sent a slumber upon them. Then David went over to the other side, and stood on the top of an hill a far of (a great space being between them) And David cried to the people, and to Abner the son of Ne'er, saying: Hearest thou not Abner? Abner answered, & said: What art thou that ☞ criest to the king? and David said to Abner: art not thou a man: and who is like the in Israel? Wherefore then hast thou not kept thy Lord the king? For there came one of the folk in, to destroy the king thy Lord. It is not good that thou hast done. As truly as the lord liveth, * ●. Reg●. 〈◊〉 ● ye are worthy to die, because ye have not kept your master, the lords anointed. And now see where the kings spear is, and the cruse of water, that was at his head. And saul knew David's voice, & said: * ● Reg●●4 d is this thy voice my son David? and David said: it is my voice, my lord, O king. And he said: wherefore doth my Lord thus persecute his servant? for what have I done? or what evil is in mine hand? Now therefore let my Lord the king hear the wordis of his servant. If the lord have stirred the up against me, let him smell the savour of a sacrifice. But & if they be the Children of men, cursed are they before the lord. For they have cast me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the lord, saying: hence, & go serve other god. Now therefore let not my blood fall to the earth before the face of the lord. For the king of Israel is come out to hunt a flee, as when one doth hunt a partrege in the mountains. Then said Saul: I have sinned, come again my son David/ for I will do the no more harm, because my soul was precious in thine eyes this day. Behold, I have played the fool, and have erred exceedingly. And David answered and said: Behold, the kings spear, let one of the young men come over, & set it. The lord reward every man according to his righteousness ❀ and faith: for the lord delivered the into my hand this day, but I would not lay mine hand upon the lords anointed. And behold, like as thy life was much set by this day in mine eyes: so be my life set by in the eyes of the lord, that he deliver me out of all tribulation. Then saul said to David: Blessed art thou my son David for ❀ thou shalt be a doer and prevail. And so David went his way, and saul turned to his place again. ¶ David ●●●eth to Achis kynge of Gath. CAPI. XXVII. ANd David said in his heart: I shall perish one day or other by the hand of saul. Therefore is there nothing better for me, then to flee and save myself in the land of the Philistines, and saul shall cease & s●ke me no more in all the coostes of Israel, & so shall I escape out of his hand. And David arose, & he and the six hundred men that were with him, went unto Achis, the son of Mao●h, King of Geth. And David dwelled with Achis at Geth, both he & his men/ every man with his household, & David with his two wives: Ahinoam the jezrahelit, and abigail Nabals' wife of carmel. And it was told Saul, that David was fled to Geth, & he sought no more for him. And David said unto Achis: If I have now found grace in thine eyes, let them give me a place in some town in the feldis, that I may dwell there. For why should thy servant dwell in the head city of the kingdom with the. Then Achis gave him Zikleg the same day, for which cause Zikleg pertaineth unto the kings of juda unto this day. And the time that David dwelled in the country of the Philistines, was four months, and certain days. And David & his men went up, and ran upon the Gesurites, the Gerzites & the Amalechites: For those nations were from the beginning the inhabitors of the land, as men go to Sur, unto the land of Egypt. And David smote the land, & left neither man nor woman alive, and drove away the sheep, the oxen, the asses, camels, and clothes & returned, & came to Achis. And Achis said where have ye been a ●ouynge this day? And David answered: Toward the south of juda, & toward the south of the Iezrahelit●s/ & toward the south of the ☞ Kenites. And David saved neither man nor woman alive nor suffered them to come to Geth, for fear (sayeth he) least they should tell on us saying: so did David, and so will be his manner all the while he dwelleth in the country of the Philistines. And Achis believed David, saying: He abhorreth his people of Israel, and therefore he shall be my servant for ever. ¶ The Philistines moan war against saul, which seeketh alter an enchanter. CAPI. XXVIII. ANd it chanced in those days, that the Philistines gathered their host together to war, to fight with Israel. And Achis said to David: Be sure, thou shalt go out with me to the battle, thou & the men that are with the. And David said to Achis: them thou shalt know, what thy servant can do. And Achis said again to David: Then I will make the keeper of my head for ever. * ● Reg● 〈◊〉 ● Samuel was then dead, & all Israel had lamented him, and buried him in Rama his own city. * Exodi. 〈◊〉. ● And saul had put the women that had spirits of prophesy, & the soothsayers out of the land. And the Philistines gathered together, & came, & pitched in Sunem. And Saul gathered all Israel together, & they pitched in Gilboa: And when saul saw the host of the Philistines, he was afraid, & his heart was sore astonied. And when saul asked counsel of the Lord, the lord answered him not, neither by dreams/ nor ☞ by Urim, nor yet by prophets. Then said saul unto his servants, * levit. x●●. ● seek me a woman that hath a spirit of prophesy, that I may go to her and ask of her. And his servants said to him: Behold, there is a woman that hath a spirit of prophesy at Endor. And saul changed himself, and put on other raiment, and then went he and two men with him, and they came to the woman by night. And he said: prophesy unto me by the spirit, and bring me him up whom I shall name unto the. And the woman said unto him: Behold, thou knowest what Saul hath done, how he hath destroyed the women, that had prophesyenge spirits, and the Sorcerers out of the land. Wherefore then seekest thou an occasion against my soul, that he may kill me? And saul swore to her by the lord, saying: As surely as the Lord liveth, there shall no harm chance the for this thing. Then said the woman: whom shall I fetch up unto thee? He answered: Bring me up Samuel. When the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice, & spoke to saul, saying: why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul. And the king said unto her, be not afraid: What seest thou? The woman said unto saul: ❀ I se god ascending up out of the earth. He said unto her again: what fashion is he of? She answered: there cometh up an old man with a mantel upon him. And saul perceived that it was ☞ Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself. And Samuel said to saul, why hast thou unquieted me, to make me be brought up? Saul answered: I am sore encumbered. For the Philistinis make war against me and god is departed from me & answereth me no more, neither by prophets, neither by dreams. And therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest tell me, what I shall do. Then said Samuel: wherefore dost thou ask of me, while the Lord is gone from thee, and is become thine enemy? Truly the lord hath done for himself, even as ☞ he spoke by my hand. * i Reg. xv. f. For the lord hath rend the kingdom out of thine hand, & given it to thy neighbour David. Because thou obeyedst not the voice of the Lord, nor executedst his fierce wrath upon the Amalechites, therefore hath the lord done this unto the this day. And moreover, the Lord will deliver Israel with thee, into the hands of the Philistines. * i Regum. 31. a To morrow shalt thou & thy sons be with me, & the lord shall give the host of Israel into the hands of the Philistines. Then saul fell straight way flat on the earth as long as he was, & was sore a dread, because of the words of Samuel. And there was no strength in him, for he had eaten no bread all the day & the night before. And the woman came unto saul, and saw that he was sore troubled, & said unto him: See, thine handmaid hath obeyed thy voice, & * Iudi xii. ● i. Reg. nineteen. ● Psal. ●xix. ☞ have put my soul in my hand, and have hearkened unto thy words, which thou saidest unto me. Now therefore hearken thou also unto the voice of thine handmaid & let me set a morsel of bread before thee, that thou mayst eat & get the strength, & then go on thy journey. He refused, & said: I will not eat. But his servants & the woman together compelled him, and he hearkened unto their voice. And so he arose from the earth, and sat him on a bed. The woman had a fat calf in the house, & she hasted & killed it, and took flower & kneded it, & did bake sweet cakꝭ thereof, & brought them before saul & before his servants. And when they had eaten, they stood up, and went away the same night. ¶ David goth with king Achi● to fight against saul. CAPI. XXIX. THe Philistines were gathered together with all their armies unto Aphec: And the Israelites pitched in Aim, which is in jesrahell. And the lords of the Philistines went forth with the hundreds & thousands But David, & his men came behind with Achis. Then said the lords of the Philistines, what are yonder hebrews? Achis said unto the Lords of the Philistines: Is not this David the servant of saul the king of Israel, which hath been with me ☞ these days or years? I have found no faure in him, sense he fled unto me unto this day. And the Lords of the Philistines were wroth with him, & said unto him: Make this fellow return, that he may go again to his place which thou hast appointed him: and let him not go down which us to battle, least in the battle he be an adversary to us. For wherewith could he better obtain the favour of his master, then with the heads of these men? Is not this David, to whom they sang in dances: * i Reg. 〈…〉 and. ●●●● saul slew his thousand, & David his. x▪ M? Then Achis called David, & said unto him: As sure as the Lord liveth, thou hast been honest, and good in my sight, when thou goest out & in with me in the host: neither have I found evil with thee, sense thou camest to me unto this day: Nevertheless the Lords of the Philistines favour the not: Wherefore now return, and go in peace, that thou displease not the lord of the Philistines. And David said unto Achis: And what have I done? what hast thou found in thy servant, as long as I have been with the unto this day, that I may not go fight against the enemies of my lord the king? Achis answered & said to David: I know that thou art good, & art in my sight as an angel of God. notwithstanding the lords of the Philistines have said. Let him not go up with us to battle. Wherefore now arise up early in the morning with thy masters servants that are come to thee: & when ye be up early (as soon as ye have light) depart. And so David & his men arose up early to depart in the morning, and to return in to the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to jezrahel. ¶ David returning from king Achis findeth zi●leg burnt. CAPI. XXX. BUt when David & his men were come to Zikleg the third day, the Amalekites had rushed in upon the south, & upon Zikleg, & had smitten Zikleg, & burned it with fire, & had taken the women (that were therein) prisoners, both small and great: but siue not a man, save carried them with them, and went their ways. So David and his men came to the city: & behold, it was burnt with fire, and their wives, their sons and their daughters were carried away. Then David & the people that was with him, life up their hoyces & wept, until they could weep no more. And David's two wives were taken prisoners also: Ahinoam the jezraelite, and abigal the wife of Nabal the Carmelite. And David was in a shrewd cumbrance: for the people intended to stone him, because the hertis of all the people were vexed for their sons & their daughters. But David took a good courage to him in the lord his God, and * Reg●●. ●3. b said to Abiathar the priest Ahimelechs' son: I pray thee, bring me the Ephod. And Abiathar brought the Ephod to David. And David asked counsel at the lord, saying: shall I follow after this company? & shall I overtake them? And he answered him: follow for thou shalt overtake them, & recover the pray. So David & the. vi. C. men that were with him, went and came to the river Besor, where a part of them abode. But David and iiii. C. men followed. For. two. C. abode behind being to weary to go over the river Besor. And they found an Egypcian in the field, & brought him to David * ●rouer. 25 c & gave him bread to eat, and water to drink, and gave him a few figs & two clusters of reasens. And when he had eaten, his spirit came again to him: for he had eaten no bread, nor drunk no water in three days and three nights. And David said unto him: to whom belongest thou? and whence art thou? he said? I am a young man of Egypte and servant to an Amalekite: and my master left me behind, because it is three days agone, that I fell sick: we came a roving upon the south of Chretus, and against juda, and toward the south of Caleb. And we burned Zikleg with fire. And David said unto him: Canst thou bring me to this company? And he said: Swear unto me by god, that thou wilt neither kill me, nor deliver me into the hands of my master, and I will bring the to the company. And when he had brought him thither: Behold, they lay scattered abroad upon the earth, eating & drinking, & dancing, because of the plenteous & great pray that they had carried away out of the land of the Philistines, & out of the land of juda. And David laid upon them from the even until the twilight on the morrow: so that there escaped not a man of them, save four hundred young men which road away upon camels, & fled. And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away, & David rescued his two wives: so that there was no person of them lacking, small or great, son or daughter, or of the spoil of all that they had taken away, David recovered them all again. And David took all the sheep, & the oxen. And they drove them before his ca●●el, and said: this is David's prey. And Daui● came to the. two. C. men, that were to weary for to follow David, whom they had made also to abide at the river Besor. And they came to meet David, and the people that were with him. And when David came to the people, he saluted them. Then answered all the wicked & the unthrifts (of the men that went with David) & said: Because they went not with us, therefore will we give them none of the pray, that we have recovered. But let every man take his wife & his children. These let them carry away, and be walking. Then said David: ye shall not do so (my ●brethren) with that which the Lord hath given us, and hath preserved us, & delivered the company that came against us, into our hands. For who should hecken unto you in this matter? * josua. 〈◊〉 t But as his part is that goth down and fighteth, so shall his part be, that tarrieth by the stuff that it may be parted alike. And so from that day forward, was that made a statute & law in Israel until this day. When David therefore came to Zikleg, he sent ❀ (gifts) of the pray unto the elders of juda & to his friends, saying: see, there is a blessing for you, of the spoil of the enemies of the lord▪ He sent to them of Bethel: to them of south Ramoth: to them of jathir: to them of Aroer to them of Sephamoth: to them of Esthemoa to them of Rachel: to them of the cities of jerhameel: to them of the cities of the Kenites: to them of Horma: to them of Borasan: to them of Athach: to them that are in Hebron, and in all places, where David and his men were wont to haunt. Saul killeth himself, & his chyldr● are slay in the battle. CAPI. XXXI. THe * ● Para. ●. ● Philistines fought against Israel & the men of Israel fled away from the Philistines, & fell down wounded in mount Gilboa. And the Philistines pressed sore upon Saul & his sons, and slew jonathas, & Abinadab & Melchusia saul's sons. And when the battle went sore against Saul, the archers which bows found him: & he was sore afraid of the archers. Then said Saul unto his harness bearer: * judi. ix ●. ●. Para. x. a draw out thy sword, & thrust me thorough therewith, lest these uncircumcised come & thrust me thorough, and make a mocking stock of me. But his harness bearer would not, for he was sore afraid. And Saul took a sword, & fell upon it. And when his harness bearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell likewise upon his sword, & died with him. And so Saul died & his. three sons, & his harness bearer, & all his men that same day together. And when the men of Israel that were on the other side of the valley, & they of the other side jordan, herd, that the men of Israel were put to flight, & that Saul & his sons were dead, they left the cities, & ran away, & the Philistinis came, & dwelled in them. * ●. Para. x. ● On the morrow when the Philistines were come to spoil them that were slay, they found Saul & his. three sons lie in mount Gilboa. And they cut of his head, & striped him out of his harness: & sent in to the land of the Philistines on every side, that they should publish it in the temple of their idols: & among the people. And they laid up his harness in the house of Astharoth, but they hanged up his body on the wall of Bethsan. * two. Regum. two d When the inhabitors of Jabes in Gilead heard thereof what the Philistines had done to Saul, they arose (as many as were strong men) & went all night & took the body of Saul, & the bodies of his sons from the wall of Bethsan & came to Jabes, & * ●●●●. 34. a ☞ burnt them there, & took their bones, & buried them under a tree at Jabes, and fasted, seven. days ¶ The end of the first book of Samuel, otherwise called the first of the kings. ¶ The second book of Samuel, otherwise called the second book of the kings. ¶ The lamentation of David for saul and jonathas. CAPI. Primo. AFter the death of saul when David was returned from the * i Regum. 〈◊〉. ● slaughter of the Amaleckites, & had been two days in Zikleg, Behold, there came a man the third day out of the host from Saul, with his clothes rend, and earth upon his head. And when he came to David, he fell to the earth and did obeisance. David said unto him: whence comest thou? He said unto him: Out of the host of Israel am I escaped. And David said unto him. And what is chanced? tell me. He said: the people is ●●ed from the battle: & many of the people are overthrown, and dead: And saul and jonathas his son are dead also. And David said unto the young man that told him these things. How knowest thou that Saul and jonathas his son be dead? The young man that told him answered: I came by chance to mount Gilboa: And behold, Saul leaned upon his spear. For the charettes and companies of horse men followed hard after him. And when he looked back he saw me, and called me. And I answered: Here am I And he said unto me: What art thou? I answered him: I am an Amelekite. He answered unto me again. Stand upon me, and slay me: For anguish is come upon me, though my life be yet all in me. And so I stood upon him, & slew him: for I was sure that he could not live, ☞ after that he had fallen. And I took the crown that was upon his head, and the Bracclet that was on his arm, & have brought them hither unto my Lord. Then David took hold on his clothes, * two. Reg. 〈◊〉 and x●●●. and rend them, and so did all the men that were with him. And they mourned, and wept, & fasted until even, for Saul and jonathas his son, & for the people of the lord, & for the house of Israel, because they were overthrown with the sword. And David said unto the young man that brought him these tidings: Whence art thou? And he answered. I am the son of an alliant an Amalekite. And David said unto him: How is it that thou wast not afraid to lay thine hand on the lords anointed, to destroy him. And David called one of his young men and said: Go to, & run upon him. And he smote him: that he died: them said David unto him. Thy blood be upon thine own head. * Math. ●i●. c ●he, nineteen. d For thine own mouth hath testified against the saying: I have slay the lords anointed. And David mourned with this lamentation over Saul and over jonathas his son, & bade teach the children of Israel the ☞ use of the bow. And behold, it is written in the book of the righteous. ❀ (And he said. Consider, O Israel, these that be dead and wounded upon thy high hills.) ☞ O noble Israel the wounded are slay upon thy hills: Oh how are the mighty overthrown. * ●●●he. i. e Tell it not in Gath: nor publysshe it in the streets of Askalon: lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, and lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph. Ye mountains of Gilboa, upon you be neither dew nor rain, ☞ not upon these fields of offerings. For there the shield of the mighty is cast down: the shield of saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil. The bow of jonathas and the sword of Saul turned never back again empty, from the blood of the slay, and from the fat of the mighty warryours. Saul and jonathas were lovely & pleasant in their lives, and in their deaths they were not divided. They were swifter then Eagles, and stronger than Lions. Ye daughters of Israel, weep over saul, which clothed you in purple with pleasures and hanged ornaments of gold upon your apparel. How were the mighty slay in battle? jonathas is dead on the high hills. Woe is me for thee (my brother jonathas) very kind hast thou been unto me. Thy love to me was wonderful, passing the love of women. ❀ (As a mother loveth her only child, even so did I love the.) Oh how are the mighty overthrown? and the weapons of war destroyed. ¶ David is anointed in Hebron. The battle of the servants of David and Isboseth. CAPI. II. AFter this, it fortuned, that David * ●. Reg. 23. a Regum. 5. ● asked counsel at the Lord, saying: shall I go up into any of the cities of juda? And the Lord said unto him: go. And David said again: Whither shall I go? He answered: Unto Ebron. And so David went thither with his two wives, Ahinoam the Iesraelit, & abigal Nabals' wife the Carmelite. And the men that were with him, did David carry up also, every man with his household And they dwelt in the towns of Hebron. And the men of juda came, and there they anointed David king, over the house of juda. And they told David, saying: It is * i. Regum. 31. e the men of Jabes in Gilead that buried Saul. And David sent messengers unto the men of Jabes in Gilead, & said unto them: blessed are ye unto the lord, that ye have showed such kindness unto your Lord Saul, and have buried him. And now the Lord show mercy and truth unto you. And I will do you also such kindness as ye have done in this thing. Therefore now let your hands be strong, & play ye the men: For your master Saul is dead. And they that are of the house of juda, have anointed me king over them. But Abner the son of Ne'er that was captain of saul's host, took Isboseth the son of Saul, and brought him to Mahanaim, and made him king over Gilead, and over the Assurites, and over jesrahel: Ephraim, Ben jamin and ☞ over all Israel. And Isboseth saul's son was forty year old, when he began to reign over Israel, and reigned two year. But the house of juda followed David. * ●●. Reg. ●. ● And the time which David reigned in Hebron over the house of juda, was. seven. year and six months. And Abner the son of Ne'er and the servants of Isboseth the son of Saul went out of Mahanaim, to Gibeon. And joab the son of Zaruia and the servants of David went out, and met them by the pool of Gibeon. And they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side. And Abner said to joab: let the young men arise, and ☞ play before us. And joab said: Let them arise. Then there arose and went over twelve of Ben jamin by number, which pertained to Isboseth the son of Saul, & twelve of the servants of David. And every one caught his fellow (that came against him) by the head, & thrust his sword in his side, and so they fell down together. Wherefore the place was called. The field of the mighty. And it is in Gibeon. And there began an exceeding cruel battle that same day. For Abner & the men of Israel fell before the servants of David. And there were three sons of Zaruia there: joab, Abisai & Asahel. And Asahel was as light of foot as a wild roe, and Asahel followed after Abner, and * Gene. 24. ●. turned neither to the right hand nor to the left, from Abner. Then Abner looked behind him, and said: Art thou Asahel? he answered. Yea that I am. Abner said: turn the either to the right hand or to the left, & catch one of the young men, and take the his weapons. But Asahel would not depart from him. And Abner said again to Asahel, depart fro me. Wherefore should I smite the to the ground and not be able to hold up my face to joab thy brother? Howbeit, when he would in no wise depart, Abner with the hinder end of the spear smote him under * ● Regum. xx c the short rib, that the spear came out behind him, that he fell down in the same place, and died there. And as many as came to the place where Asa hell fell down and died, stood still. joab also and Abisai followed Abner. And the son went down, when they were come to the hill Ama that lieth before Giah by the way that goeth thorough the wilderness of Gibeon. And the children of Ben jamin gathered themselves together on an heap, to Abner, and stood on the top of an hill. Then Abner called to joab and said: shall the sword devour still for ever? knowest thou not, that it will be ☞ bitterness in the latter end? how long shall it be, or thou bid the people return from following their brethren? And joab said: as truly as God liveth ☞ if thou hadst not spoken in the morning the people had been departed, every one from persecuting his brother. And so * ●. Reg. xx. ● joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still, & pursued after Israel no more, neither fought they any more. And Abner and his men walked all that night thorough the plain, and went over jordan, & passed thorough all Beth-horon till they came to Mahanaim. And joab returned from persecuting Abner. And when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked of David's servants nynetene men, & Asahel. But the servants of David had slay of Ben jamin & of Abners' men, three bundred & three score men. And they took up Asahel and buried him in the Sepulchre of his father in Bethleem. And joab and his men went all night, until the dawning of the day, and came to Hebron. ¶ Abner cometh to David and bringeth him his wise Michol. joab killeth Abner. CAPI. III. THere was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. But David waxed stronger and stronger, & the house of Saul weyker and weyker. * 1. Par. iii. c And unto David were ❀ (syxc) children borne in Hebron: his eldest son also was Amnon, of Ahinoam the jezrahelite: the second Cheleab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite: the third Absalon, the son of Maachah the daughter of Thalmai the king of Gessur: the fourth Adonai, the son of Hagith the fift, Sephatia the son of Abitall: the sixth, jethream by Egla David's wife. These were borne to David in Hebron. And it fortuned that while there was war between the house of Saul & the house of David, Abner held up the house of Saul. And Saul had a concubine named Rizpa, the daughter of Ahia. And Isboseth said to Abner: wherefore hast thou ☞ gone into my father's concubine? Then was Abner very wroth for the words of Isboseth, and said: Am I not a * 1. Regum. ●●● dogs head, which against juda do show mercy this day unto the house of Saul thy father, and to his brethren and friends, and have not delivered the into the hand of David: and thou findest a fault in me this day for this woman? * Rut●▪ ●● So and so do God to Abner. For as the Lord hath sworn to David, so will I be on his side, to bring the kingdom from the house of Saul, that the throne of David may be stablished over Israel & over juda even from Dan to Bersabe. And he could give Abner never a word to answer, because he feared him. And Abner sent messengers to David ❀ secretly, saying. whose is the land? Make a bond with me, & behold, my hand is with thee, to bring all Israel unto thee: He said, It is good that I make a bond with the. But one thing I require of thee, that thou see not my face, except thou first bring Michol saul's daughter, when thou comest to see me. And David sent messengers to Isboseth saul's son, saying: * 〈…〉 deliver me my wife Michol, which I married with * 〈…〉 an hundred foreskynnes of the Philistinis. And Isboseth sent, and took her from her husband * 〈…〉 Pal●iel the son of Lais. And her husband went with her, and came weeping behind her, till they came to Bahurim. Then said Abner unto him, go and return. And he returned. And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying: Ye sought for David in times past, that he might be your kynge. Now then do it: for the Lord hath said of David: By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel, out of the hands of the Philistines, & out of the hand of all their enemies. And Abner spoke in the ears of Ben jamin, & went to tell in the earꝭ of David in Hebron, all that Israel was content with and the hole house of Ben jamin. And so Abner came to David to Hebron, having twenty men with him, & David made him and the men that were with him a feast. And Abner said unto David: I will up and go gather all Israel unto my Lord the king, that they may make an appointment with thee, & that thou mayst command all as thine herre desireth. And when David had let Abner depart, he went in peace. And behold, the servants of David, & joab came from chasing the robbers, and brought a great pray with them. But Abner was not with David in Hebron: for he had sent him away to departed in peace. When joab & all the host that was with him were come, men told joab saying: Abner the son of Ne'er came to the king, and he hath sent him away, that he is gone in peace. Then joab came to the king, and said: what hast thou done? Behold, Abner came unto thee, & why hast thou sent him away, that he should scape quite? Thou knowest Abner the son of Ne'er, for he came to deceive thee, and to know thy out going & in going, and to know all that thou dost. And when joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner which brought him again from the well of Sirrah, unknowing to David. And when Abner was come again to Hebron, joab took him aside in the gate * 〈…〉. to speak with him secretly, & smote him under the short rib that he died, ☞ for the blood of Asahel his brother. And when afterward it● came to David's ear, he said. I & my kingdom are guiltless before the lord for ever, concerning the blood of Abner the son of Ner. Let the blood remain on the head of joab & on all his father's house: that the house of joab be never without one▪ or other that hath running issues or leper, & that leaneth on a staff & that doth fall on the sword, & lacketh bread. And the cause why joab & Abisai slew Abner was, that Abner had * 〈…〉. slay their brother Asahel at Gibeon in battle. And David said to joab, & to all the people that were with him. * 〈…〉. b Rend your clothes, & put on sack cloth, & mourn before Abner. And king David himself followed the corpse. And when they buried Abner in Hebron, the king life up his voice and wept beside the sepulchre of Abner, & so did all the people. And the king lamented over Abner, and said: ☞ died Abner as a fool dieth? Thy hands were not bound, nor thy feet brought in to chains: but as a man falleth before wicked Children, so fellest thou. And all they that were of the people wept yet more over him. And when all the people came to eat meat with David, while it was yet day, David swore, saying: So and so do god to me▪ if I taste bread or aught else, till the son be down. And the people wist it, and it pleased them. And what soever the king did, it pleased all the people. For all the people and all Israel understood that day, how that it was not the kings deed, that Abner the son of Ne'er was slay. And the king said unto his servants: know ye not, how that there is a Lord and a great man fallen this day in Israel? And I am this day tender, & anointed king. And these men the sons of Zaruia be to hard for me. The Lord reward the doer of evil, according to his wickedness. ¶ Baanath and Rechab slew Isboseth the son of saul's. CAPI. four WHen saul's son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands were feeble, & all the Israelites were afraid. And saul's son had two men that were captains over the soldiers, the one called Baanah & the other Rechab, the sons of Rimmon a Berothite, of the children of Ben jamin: for Beroth was reckoned to Ben jamin. And these Berothites fled to G●● thiam, and sojourned there until the same tyme. * 〈…〉 And jonathas saul's son had a son that was lame on his feet. And he was five year old, when the tidings came of Saul and jonathas out of Israel. And his nurse took him up, and s●ed away. And as she made haste to f●e, the child fell, & began to halt, and his name was Miphiboseth. And the sons of Rimmon the Berothite, Rechab and Baana went, & came in the heat of the day to the house of Isboseth, which slept on a bed at noon. ❀ (And the woman that was the keeper of the door, and cleansed the wheat, was a sleep) And they came into the myddis of the house ❀ as though they would have fetched wheat, and Rechab and Baana his brother smote him under the short rib, and fled. For when they came into the house, he slept on his bed in his resting cham her, and they smote him, and slew him, and beheaded him, and took his head, and got them away thorough the plain all the night. And they brought the head of Isboseth unto David to Hebron, and said to the king: behold, there is the head of Isboseth saul's son, thine enemy, which sought after thy life. And the lord hath avenged my Lord the king this day, of Saul and of his seed. And David answered Rechab and Baana his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Berothite, and said unto them: * 1. Reg. 〈◊〉. b As surely as the Lord liveth, which hath delivered my soul out of all adversities: when one * 11. Regum. ●● told me and said that Saul was dead, thinking to have brought good tidings, I caught him, and slew him in Zikleg: which thought that I would have given him a reward for his tidings bringing. How moche more when wicked men have slay a righteous person, in his own house and upon his bed? Shall I not require his blood of your hand and take you from the earth? And David commanded his young men, and they slew them and cut of their hands and feet, and hanged them up over the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Isboseth, and buried it in the sepulchre of * two. Reg. iii. f Abuer in Hebron. ¶ David is yet again anointed King, and taketh the ark from Zion. CAPI. V THen came all the tribes of Israel * i. Para. x. a to David, unto Hebron and said. Behold we are of thy bone and of thy flesh. And in time past when Saul was out king thou leddest Israel in and out. And the lord hath said to thee: thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be a captain over Israel. And so all the elders of Israel came to the * two. Reg. two. ●. king to Hebron. And king David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the Lord. And they anointed david king over Israel. David was thirty year old, when he began to reign, and he reigned xl. year. In Hebron he reigned over juda seven year and six months: And in jerusalem he reigned thirty and three years over all Israel and juda. The king also and his men went to jerusalem, unto the jebusites, the inhabitors of the land. Which spoke unto David saying: ☞ except thou take away the blind and the lame, thou shalt not come in hither. For they said. Thou art not able to come in hither. Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion. The same is the city of David. And David said the same day. Who soever smiteth the jebusites, and getteth up to the gutters of the houses, and smiteth the lame and the blind that hate ☞ David's soul? * levit. xx●. d Wherefore: they said, the blind & the lame shall not come in to the house. And so David dwelt in the tower and called it the city of David, and built round about it from milo inward. And David prospered & grew, and the Lord God of hosts was with him. And Hiram king of Tire sent messengers to David, and Cedar trees, and carpenters and masons for walls: and they built David an house. And David perceived, that the lord had stablished him king over Israel, & that he had exalted his kingdom for his people Israel's sake. And David took him more concubines and wives out of jerusalem, after he was come from Hebron, & more sons & daughters were yet borne to David. * i Pat. ii●. ● And these be the names of the sons that were borne unto him in jerusalem: Sammua, Sobab, Nathan, & Solomon, jibhar also and Elisua, Nepheg, and japhia, Elisama Eliada, and Eliaphalet. But when the Philistines heard, that they had anointed David king over Israel, they came all up to seek David. And as soon as David heard of it, he got him to an hold▪ And when the Philistines came, they laid them along in the valley of Raphaim. And David 1 Reg 〈…〉 2. Reg 〈…〉 asked counsel of the Lord, saying: shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them in to my hands? And the Lord answered unto David: Go up, for I will deliver the Philistines in to thy hands. And David came to the plain of Perazim & smote them there, and said: the Lord hath divided mine enemies asunder before me, as waters be divided asunder. And therefore, the name of the place was called: the plain of Perazim: And there they left their images, and David & his men took them up. And the Philistines came yet agayne●, & laid themselves in the valley of Rephaim. And when David asked at the Lord: ❀ (Shall I go up against the philistines? and wilt thou deliver them in to my hand?) He answered: Thou shalt not go up: but compass them on the backside, & come upon them over against the Peretrees. And when thou hearest the noise of a thing going in the top of the Peretrees then remove. For than shall the Lord go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines. And David did as the Lord had commanded him, & smote the Philistines from Geba, until thou come to Gazer. ¶ The Ark is brought forth of the house of Abinadab. Uza is stricken and dieth, David danceth before it, & is therefore despised of his wife Mithol. CAPI. VI Again, David gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, even thirty thousand, & arose, and went with all the folk that were with him of the men of juda, to fet ☞ away from thence, the ark of God: whose name is called the name of the Lord of hosts that dwelleth upon it, between the cherubins. And they put the ark of god upon a new cart, and brought it out * 〈…〉 of the house of Abinadab that was at Gibea. And Uza and Ahio the sons of Abinabab drove the new cart. And when they brought it out of the house of Abinadab that was at Gibea, which the Ark of God. Ahio went before the ark. And David, and all the house of Israel played before the Lord in sundry instruments made of cedar wood, with haps, Psalteries, Tymbrelles, fedyls, and Symbals. And when they came to Nachons' thresheing floor, Uza put his hand to the ark of God, and held it, for the oxen stumbled. And the Lord was wroth with Uza, & God smote him in the same place ☞ for his fault, and there he died before the ark of god. And David was disposed, because the Lord had smitten Uza. And the name of the place was called: The renfing of Uza, until this day. And David was then afraid of the Lord, and said: How shall the ark of the Lord come to me? And so David would not bring the Ark of the lord unto him in to the city of David. but David carried it in to the house of Obeth Edom a Gethite. And the Ark of the lord continued in the house of * 〈◊〉. 1●. a Obeth Edom the Gethite, three months, and the Lord blessed Obeth Edom and all his household. And one told king David, how that the Lord had blessed the house of Obeth Edom and all that pertained unto him, because of the ark of God. And David went and brought the ark of God from the house of Obeth Edom, into the city of David with gladness. ❀ (And there were which David seven. sorts of dancers, and calves for Sacrifice. And when they that bore the Ark of the lord, had gone six spaces, he offered an axe, & a fat sheep. And David ❀ (played on harp strings, and) danced before the Lord with all his might, and was girded with a linen Ephod. So David & all the house of Israel brought the Ark ❀ (of the covenant) of the lord, with shouting & trumpet blowing. And it fortuned, that as the ark of the lord came in to the city of David, Michol saul's daughter looked thorough a wyndew, and saw king David spring and dance before the lord, and she despised him in her heart. And when they brought in the ark of the Lord, they set it in his place, even in the mids of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it. And David offered burnt-offerings and peace offerings before the Lord. And as soon as David had made an end of offering burnt-offerings & peaceoffrynges, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hoostis and gave among all the folk, even among the hole multitude of Israel, as well to the women as men, to every one a Cake of bread and a piece of flesh, and a flacket of drink. And so all the people departed every one to his house. Then David returned to ☞ bless his household. And Michol the daughter of Saul came out to meet David, & said: O how glorious was the king of Israel this day, which was uncovered to day, in the eyes of the maidens of his servants, as if it had been a light brained fellow uncovered? And David said unto Michol, I though to dance before the Lord, which chose me rather than thy father, and all his kin, & commanded me to be ruler over all the people of the Lord, even over Israel, And therefore will I play before the Lord. And will be yet more vile than so, and will be meek in mine own sight & of the very same maid servants which thou hast spoken of, shall I be had in honour. Therefore Michol the daughter of Saul had no child, unto the day of her death. ¶ David would build God an house: but is forbidden of God. CAPI. VII. IT fortuned, that as the king sat in his house (after that the lord had given him rest round about from all his enemies) he said unto Nathan the prophet: behold, I dwell now in an house of Cedar trees, but ☞ the ark of God dwelleth within the curtain. And Nathan said unto the king: go and do all that is in thine heart, for the lord is with the. And it fortuned the same night that the word of the Lord came unto Nathan, saying: go and tell my servant David, thus saith the Lord: shalt thou build me an house to dwell in? For I have not dwelt in any house, since the time that I brought the children of Israel out of Egypt, unto this day: but have walked, in a tent & tabernacle. In all the places wherein I have walked with all the children of Israel, spoke I one word with any of the Tribes of Israel (☞ since I commanded the judgis to feed my people Israel) saying: Why build ye not me an house of Cedar trees? Now therefore, so say unto my servant David, thus saith the Lord of hosts. * 1. Reg. xvi. I took the from the sheep coote (as thou waste following sheep) that thou mightest be ruler over my people Israel. And I was with the in all that thou goest to, and have destroyed all thine enemies out of thy sight, and have made the a great name, like unto the name of the great men that are in the world. And therefore, I will appoint a place for my people Israel, and will plant it, that they may dwell in a place of their own, & move no more, neither shall wicked people trouble them any more, as they did at the beginning: since the time that I set judges over my people Israel, & I will give the rest from all thine enemies. And the Lord telleth thee, that he will make the an house. And when thy days be fulfilled, thou shalt ☞ sleep with thy fathers, and I will set up thy seed after thee, which shall pracede out of thy body, and will stablish his kingdom. * 11. Reg. v. a Psal. 132. d He shall build an house for my name, and I will stablish the seat of his kingdom forever. * ●●bru●. i b. I will be his father and he shall be my son: * 111. Reg. 〈◊〉. ● Psal. 89. d. If he sin, I will chasten him ☞ with such a rod as men be chastened with, and with such plagues as the children of men be plagued with. But my mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from saul, whom I put down before the. And thine house and thy kingdom shall endure without end after thee, * jere. 33. ● & thy seat shall be stablished forever. According to all these words, and according to all this vision, bid Nathan speak unto David. Then went David in, and set him down before the lord, and said: what am I, O lord God? & what is my ☞ house? that thou shouldest have brought me thus far forth? And this was yet a small thing in thy sight: O lord god, but thou hast spoken also of thy servants house for a great while to come. For ☞ ❀ this is the use of man, O lord god. And what can David say more unto the For thou Lord God knowest thy servant. Even for thy words sake and ☞ according to thine own heart hast thou done all these great things, to make them known unto thy servant. Wherefore thou art great, O lord God: for there is none like thee, * Deut. seven. ● neither is there any God save thou, according to all that we have herd with our ears. * Deut. iiii. a And what one people in the earth is like thy people Israel, ❀ whose God, went & delivered them, that they might be his people, and that he might make him a name, and to show great and terrible things in the earth, for thy people * Exodi. 14. d which thou redemedst to the out of Egypte, even the people with their ☞ god's. For thou hast ordained thy people Israel, to be thy people forever. And thou Lord art become their God. And now (Lord God) the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant & his house make it good forever, and do as thou haste said. For so shall thy name be magnified forever, of men that shall say: the lord of hoostis is the god of Israel: and the house of thy servant David shall be stablished before the. For thou O Lord of hosts, God of Israel hast told in the ear of thy servant saying. ❀ I will build the an house. And therefore hath thy servant found in his heart, to pray this prayer unto the. * Deui●. ●● Therefore now lord God, thou art God, and thy word must be true, thou that hast told this goodness unto thy servant. And now go to, and bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue forever before the. For thou Lord God hast spoken it, & with thy blessing shall the house of thy servant be blessed forever. ¶ David overcometh the Philistines. CAPI. VIII. AFter this it fortuned that David smote the Philistines, and subdued them, and took the bridle of bondage out of the hand of the Philistines. * Num. ●● And he smote the Moabites and ☞ measured them with a line, and cast them down to the ground. ☞ Even with two lines measured he them whom he slew, and the length of one line saved he a live. And so became the Moabites David's servants, and paid tribute. David smote also, Hadadezar the son of Rehob king of Zoba as he went to recover his brother at the river Pherat. And David took a thousand and seven hundred horsemen of his host, and twenty thousand foot men and destroyed all his charettes, reserving only one hundred of them. And when the Syrians of Damascon came to succour Hadadezer king of Zoba, David slew of the Syrians two and twenty thousand men, and put soldiers in Syria Damascon. And the syrians became servants to David, paying tribute. And thus the Lord saved David, in all that he went unto. And David took the sheldes of gold that belonged to the servants of Hadadezer, & brought them to jerusalem. And out of Beta and Berothai (cities of Hadadezer) did David bring exceeding moche brass. ❀ (whereof Solomon made all the brazen vessel in the temple, and the brazen Lavatory, and the pillars, and the altar.) * i. 〈…〉 When Thoi king of Hamath heard how David had smitten all the host of Hadadezer, he sent joram his son unto king David, to salute him with peace, and ☞ to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and beaten him: For Thoi had great war with Hadadezer, which (joram) brought with him vessels of silver, vessels of gold, and vessels of Brass: which brass King David did dedicated unto the lord, with the silver and gold that he had consecrated of all nations, which he subdued: of Sirya of Moabites, and of the children of Ammon, of the Philistines, & of Amalek, & of the spoil of Hadadezer son of Rehob king of Zoba. And David got him a name after that he returned and had smitten of the syrians in the valley of Salt. xviii. M. men. * 〈◊〉. ●4. b And he put keepers in Edom, even throughout all Edom put he soldiers, & all they of Edom became David's servants. And the Lord kept David whatsoever he took in hand. And David reigned over all Israel, and executed right and justice unto all his people. And * 1 Reg 〈◊〉. b joab the son of Zaruia was over the host, and jehosaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder. And Sadoch the son of Ahitob, and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar were the priests, & Saraia was the Scribe. And ❀ Banaiahu the son of jehoiada was over ☞ the Crethites and the Phelethites: & David's sons were chief rulers. ¶ David restoreth all the fields of saul to Miphiboseth the son of jonathas. CAPI. IX. ANd David said: is there yet any man left of the house of saul? For I will show him mercy for jonathas sake. And there was of the household of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him unto David, the king said unto him: art thou Ziba? He said: thy servant is he. And the king said: remaineth there yet any man of the house of saul, whom I may show the mercy of God upon? Ziba answered the king: * 1 Reg. 4. b jonathas hath yet a son: which is lame on his feet. The king said unto him: where is he? Ziba said unto the king: behold: he is in the house of Machir the son of Amiell of Lodeber. Then king David sent, & fet him out of the house of Machir the son of Amiel, out of Lodeber. Now when Miphiboseth the son of jonathas, the son of saul was come unto David, he fell on his face, & did reverence. And the king said: Miphiboseth? He answered: Behold thy servant. David said unto him: fear not, for I will surely show the kindness for jonathas thy Father's sake, and will restore the all the fields of saul thy father, & thou shalt eat bread on mine own table continually. And he bowed himself, and said: what is thy servant, that thou shouldest vouchsafe to look upon such a dead dog as I am? Then the king called unto Ziba saul's young man, and said unto him: I have given unto thy masters son, all that pertained to saul and to all his house. See therefore that thou, and thy Sons and thy servants till the land, and bring in, that * Micha. thy masters son may have food to eat. But Miphiboseth thy masters son shall eat bread alway upon my table. For Ziba had fifteen sons, and twenty servants. Then said Ziba unto the king: According to all that my Lord the King hath commanded his servant, so shall thy servant do. Well (said the king) Miphiboseth shall eat upon my table, as one of the kings sons. Miphiboseth had a son that was young, named Micha, and all that dwelled in the house of Ziba were servants unto Miphiboseth. And Miphiboseth dwelled in jerusalem, for he did eat ever at the kings table, * 11. Reg. ●. ● and was lame on both his feet. ¶ The messengers of David are vyllaynously ●ntreated of the king of Moab. CAPI. X. IT happened after this, that the king of the children of Ammon died, and Hannon his son reigned in his stead. Then said David: I will show kindness unto Hannon the son of Nahas, as his father showed kindness unto me. And David sent to comfort him by the hand of his servants over ❀ (the death of) his father. And David's servants came into the land of the Children of Ammon, and the Lords of the children of Ammon said unto Hannon their lord▪ thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father, that he hath sent confortours to thee? Hath not David rather sent his servants unto thee, to search the City, and to spy▪ out, and to overthrow it? Wherefore, Hannon took David's servants, and shaved of the one half of every man's beerde, and cut of their garments in the middle, even hard to the buttocks of them, and sent them away. When they told it unto David, he sent to meet them (for they were men exceedingly a shamed) and the king said: ●arye at Jericho until your beerdes be grown, and then t●turne. And when the children of Ammon saw that they stancke in the sight of David, they sent and hired the Siryans of the house of Rehob, and the Syrians of Zoba. x●. M. foot men, and of king Maacha a thousand men and of Istob twelve thousand men. And when David heard of it, he sent joab and all the host of strong men. And the Children of Ammon came out, and set them in array at the entering in of the gate, and the Syrians of Zobah, & Rehob, Istob, and Maacah were by themselves in the field. When joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind, he chose of all the fresh young men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians. And the rest of the people he delivered into the hand of Abisai his brother, that he might put them in array against the children of Ammon. And he said, if the Siryans be stronger than I, thou shalt help me. But if the children of Ammon be to strong for thee, I will come and succour the. Therefore quite the like a man, and let us stand stiff for our people, and for the cities of our God. And the Lord do that which is good in his own eyes. And joab proceeded forth, & the people that was with him, to fight with the Syrians: but they fled before him. And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, then fled they also before Abisat/ & entered into the city. And so joab returned from the Children of Ammon, and came to jerusalem. And when the Siryans saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they gathered them together. And Hadadezer sent, & brought out the Syrians that were beyond the river. And they came with their army, and Sobah the captain of the host of Hadadezer went before them. And when it was showed David, he gathered all Israel together, and passed over jordane, & came to Helam: And the Syrians set themselves in array against David, and fought with him: and the Syrians fled before Israel. And David destroyed seven hundred charettes of the Syrians, and forty thousand horsemen, and smote Sobah the captain of their host, which also died there. And when all the kings (that were servants to Hadadezer) saw, that they were put to the worse before Israel, they made peace with them, & served them. And so the Syrians feared to help the Children of Ammon any more. ¶ The adultery of David with Bethsabe, the wy●e of Urias. Urias is gyl●fully s●●yne. CAPI. XI. ANd it came to pass that (after the year was expired) in the time when kings ☞ use to go forth to battle. David sent joab and his servants with him, and all Israel, which * ● Par. xx. a destroyed the Children of Ammon, and besieged Raba. But David tarried still at jerusalem. And it chanced in an evening that David arose out of his bed, & walked upon the roof of the kings palace, and from the roof he saw a woman * Exodi. i●● washing herself, & the woman was very beautiful to look upon. And he sent to inquire what woman it should be, saying: is it not Bethsabe the daughter of Eliam, & wife to Urias the Hittite? And David sent messengers, & fet her. And she came in unto him * Reu●ti. 〈◊〉 ● & he lay with her. And ❀ (immediately) she was ☞ purified from her uncleanness, & returned unto her house. And the woman conceived, and sent and told David, and said: I am with child. And David sent to joab, (saying:) send me Urias the Hittite. And joab sent Urias to David. And when Urias was come unto him. David demanded of him: how joab did, & how the people fared, & how the men of war prospered. And David said to Urias: go down to thine house, and wash thy feet. And Urias departed out of the kings palace, & there followed him a service from the kings table. But Urias slept at the door of the kings palace withal the servants of his lord, & went not down to his house. Which when they had told David (saying: Urias went not down into his house). David said unto Urias: Camest y● not from the journey? why didst thou not go down then unto thine house? Urias answered David: the ark & Israel & juda dwell in pavilions, & my lord joab & the servants of my lord lie upon the flat earth: & shall I then go into mine house, to eat, and to drink, & lie with my wife? * two. Reg. ●●● ☞ By the life & by the life of thy soul, I will not do this thing. And David said unto Urias: * judi. 〈…〉 tarry here this day also, & to morrow I will let the depart. And so Urias abode in jerusalem that day, & the morrow. And when David had called him, he did eat & drink before him, & he made him drunk. And at even he went out to lie on his couch with the servants of his lord, but went not down to his house On the morrow David wrote a letter to joab & sent it by the hand of Urias. And he wrote thus in the letter, saying: put Urias in the forefront of the sharper battle, and come ye back from him, that he may be smitten and die. So when joab besieged the city/ he assigned Urias unto a place, where he wist that strong men were. And the men of the city came out, & fought with joab. And there were certain overthrown of the people and of the servants of David, and Urias the Hittite died also. Then joab sent, and told David all the things concerning the war, & charged the messenger, saying: when thou hast made an end of telling the matters of the war unto the king, if he begin to fume, and say unto thee: wherefore approached ye so nigh unto the city, when ye did fight? wist ye not that they would hurl and shoot from the wall? Who smote Abimelech son of ☞ jereboseth? * ●●di. ix. ● did not a woman cast a piece of a millstone upon him from of the wall, and he died in Thebes? Why went ye nigh the wall? then say thou? thy servant Urias the Hittite is dead also. So the messenger went, and came, and showed David all that joab had sent him for, and the messenger said unto David: the men prevailed against us, & came out unto us into the field, and we ❀ (with violence) stack unto them, even unto the entering of the gate. And the suitors shot from the walls, upon thy servants, and some of the kings servants be dead. And thy servant Urias the Hittite is dead also. And David said unto the messenger: thus shalt thou say unto joab: let not that thing trouble the. For ❀ (the chance of war is diverse, and) the sword devoureth one as well as another: make thy battle more strong against the City, to overthrow it, & see that thou courage joab. And when the wife of Urias heard that her husband was dead, she mourned for him. And when the mourning was passed, David sent and fet her to his house, and she became his wife, & bore him a son. But this thing that David did, disposed the Lord. ¶ David is reproved for the slaughter of Urias. The ●hy●●s conceived in adultery dieth. After it/ is Solomon borne. CAPI. XII. ANd the Lord sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him and told him: there were two men in one city, the one rich, and the other poor. The rich man had exceeding many sheep, and oxen. But the poor had nothing save one little sheep, which he had bought, and nourished up. And it grew up with him, and with his children also, and did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and slept in his bosom, and was unto him as his daughter. And there came a stranger unto the rich man. And he could not find in his heart to take of his own sheep, & of his own oxen/ to dress for the stranger that was come unto him. But took the poor man's sheep/ & dressed it for the man that was come to him. And David was exceeding wroth with the man, and said to Nathan: as surely as the lord liveth, the man that hath done this thing * ●. Regum xx. f is ☞ the child of death. He shall restore the lamb * ●●●di. 22. ● four fold, because he did this thing, and had no petye. And Nathan said to David: thou art the man. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel/ * i Regum 16 ● I anointed the king over Israel, and rid the out of the hand of saul. I gave the thy masters house, and ☞ thy masters wives into thy bosom, and gave thee, the house of Israel and of juda, and might (if that had been to little) have given the so much more. Wherefore then hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord, to do wickedness in his sight? thou hast killed Urias the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to thy wife, and hast slay him with the sword of the children of Ammon. Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from thine house, because thou hast despised me, and taken the wife of Urias the Hittite, to be thy wife. Wherefore thus sayeth the Lord: behold, I will stir up evil against thee, even out of thine own house, and will * Devit. ●8. ● take thy wives before thine eyes, and give them unto thy nyghboure, & he shall lie with thy wives ☞ in the sight of the son. For thou didst it secretly. But I will do this thing before all Israel, and in the open son light. And David said unto Nathan * E●●●. 〈…〉 I have sinned against the lord. And Nathan said unto David: the Lord also hath put away thy sin, thou shalt not die. Howbeit, because in doing this deed, thou hast given the enemies of the lord a cause to rail, the child that is borne unto thee, shall surely die. And Nathan departed unto his house. And the lord struck the child that Urias wife bare unto David, & it syckened sore. David therefore besought God for the child, and fasted and went in, & lay all night upon the earth. And the elders of his house arose and went to him, to take him up from the earth. But he would not, neither did he eat meat with them. And it happened the seventh day, that the child died. And the servants of David durst not tell him, that the child was dead. For they said: behold, while the child was yet alive, we spoke unto him, and he would not hearken unto our voice. How will he then vex himself, if we tell him: that the child is dead? But David saying his servants whispering, perceived, that the child was dead, and David said unto his servants: is the child dead? They said: yea. And David arose from the earth, & washed, & anointed himself, & changed his apparel, & came into the house of the lord/ and worshipped, & afterward came to his own house and bad that they should ☞ set bread before him, & he did eat. Then said his servants unto him: what thing is this, that thou h●●st done? Thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was a live, and as soon as it was dead, thou didst rise up, and eat meat. He said, while the child was yet alive, I fasted & wept. For this I thought: who can tell whither God will have mercy on me, that the child may jyve. * Eccle. 38. ●. But now, saying it is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him again any more? I shall go to him, rather than he shall come again to me. And David comforted Bethsabe his wife, & went in unto her, & lay with her, & she bore a son, and called his name * p●ateable * mata. 1. a 1. Pat. iii. b Solomon, & the lord loved him. And he sent by the hand of Nathan the prophet, and called his name * Beloved of the lord jedidia, of the lords behalf. joab fought against Raba the city of the children of Ammon, and took the ☞ city of the kingdom: And joab sent messengers to David saying: I have made assault to Ra●●, and have taken ☞ the city with waters. Now therefore gather the rest of the people together, and besiege the city, that thou mayest take it: least I take it, and call it after my name. And David gathered all the people together, & went against Raba, & besieged it, & got it. * 1. Par. 〈◊〉. b And he took their kings crown from of his head, which weighed an hundred weight of gold, and in it were precious stones. And ☞ it was set on David's head. And he brought out the spoil of the city in exceeding great abundance. And he carried out the people that was therein and ☞ put them upon saws and upon iron harrows, & upon ears of iron, & thrust them in to the Tylekele. Thus did he with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And so David & all the people returned to jerusalem. ¶ Amnen David's son desyleth his systet Thamae. Absalon therefore hilleth Amnon. CAPI. XIII. AFter this it chanced that Absalon the son of David had a fair sister, named Thamar, whom Amnon the son of David loved. And he was so fore vere, that he fell sick for the love of his sister Thamar: for she was a virgin, and he thought it heard for him to have his purpose of her. But Amnon had a friend, called jonadab/ the son of Simeah David's brother: and ☞ jonadab was a very wise man. And he said unto him: how cometh it, that thou being the kings son, art thus consumed every day? Wilt thou not tell me? Amnon answered him: I love Thamar my brother Absaloms' sister. jonadab said unto him: lay the down on thy bed, & make thyself sick. And when thy father is come to see thee/ say unto him: Oh let my sister Thamar come, & give me meat, & dress it in my sight, that I may see it and eat it of her hand. And so Amnon lay down, & made him self sick. And when the king was come to see him, Amnon said unto him: Oh let Thamar my sister come, and make me a couple of frytters in my sight, that I may eat of her hand. Then David sent home to Thamar, saying: go now to thy brother Amnons' house, & dress him meat. So Thamar went to her brother Amnons' house, & he was laid down. And she took flower, and made paste, and dressed frytters in his sight, & did bake them, & took a platter, & powered them out before him, but he would not cate. And Amnon said: Have out all men from me. And they went all out from him. And Amnon said unto Thamar: bring the meat into the chambrens, that I may eat of thine hand. And Thamar took the frytters which she had made, & brought them into the chambre to Amnon her brother. And when she had set them before him, to eat, he took her, and said unto her: come lie with me my sister. And she answered him: nay my brother/ do not force me, for there hath no such thing ben done in Israel: do not thou this ab hominacyon. For whither shall I be able to go with my shame? And thou shalt be as one of the fools in Israel. O speak unto the king and he shall not deny me unto the. Now be●t he would not hearken unto her voice but took her, and * 〈…〉 forced her, and lay with her. And then Amnon hated her exceedingly: so that the hate where with he hated her, was greater than the love with which he before loved her. And Amnon said unto her: up, and get the hence. She answered him. Thou hast no cause. This evil that thou puttest me away is greater than the other that thou didst unto me. Nevertheless he would not hear her, but called his boy that served him, & said: put away this woman from me, & bolt the door after her. And she had a kirtle of diverse colours upon her: for with such were the kings daughters (that were virgins) appareled. Then his servant brought her out, and locked the door after her. And Thamar took and put ashes on her head, & rend her gay kirtle that was on her, & la● the her hand on her head, and so went, and as she went, cried. And Absalon her brother said unto her: hath Amnon thy brother been with thee? Now yet be still my sister: he is thy brother. Let not this thing grieve thine heart. And so thamar remained desolate in her brother Absaloms' house. But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth. ❀ (And he would not vex the spirit of Amnon his son for he loved him, because he was his first borne.) And Absalon said unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad. Now be it Absalon hated Amnon because he had forced his sister Thamar. And it happened after two year, that Absalon had * E●●te. 3●. c. 〈◊〉. xx● viii sheep shearers in the plain of Nazor, beside the tribe of Ephraim, and bad all the kings sons, and came to the king, & said: behold, thy servant hath sheep shearers, let the king with his servants come to thy servant. The king answered Absalon: nay my son. We will not go all, nor be chargeable unto the. And Absalon lay sore upon him: howbeit he would not go, but blessed him. Then said Absalon: If thou wilt not come, then let my brother Amnon go with us. And the king answered him: what needeth it, that he go with thee? But Busalom made such instance that he let Amnon, and all the kings children go with him. Now had Absalon commanded his young men saying: mark when Amnons' heart is merry with wine and when I bid you smite Amnon, then kill him: & fear not, have not I bidden you? be hold therefore, & play the men. And the young men of Absalon did unto Amnon even as Absalon had commanded. And all the kings sons arose, & every man got him up, upon his Mule, & fled. And it fortuned, that while they were yet in the way, tidings came to David saying: Absalon hath stain all the kings sons, & there is none left alive. Then David arose, & * ●●. 〈◊〉. l. b and. iii. f. tore his garments/ & lay along on the earth: & all his servants stood by with their clothes rend. And jonadah the son of Simeah David's brother/ answered, and said: let not my lord suppose that they have slay all the young men/ the kings sons, save Amnon only is dead. For that hath been determined in Absaloms' mind, sense he forced his sister Thamar. Now therefore, let not my lord the king take the thing so grievously, to think that all the kings sons are dead, but Amnon only is dead. But Absalon fled. And the young man that kept the watch, lift up his eyes and looked: And behold, there came moche people by a way that was behind his back/ along by an hills side. And jonadab said unto the king: behold, the kings sons come: As thy servant said, so it is. And as soon as he had left speaking: behold, the kings sons came, & lift up their voices and wept. The king also and all his servants wept exceedingly. But Absalon escaped, & went to Thalmai the son of Amihur king of Gesur. And David mourned for his son every day. And so Absalon escaped & went to Gesur, & was there three years. And king David desired to go forth unto Absalon: For where as Amnon was dead/ he was comforted over him. ¶ By the wisdom of the woman of Thekoa, Absalon is called. CAPI. XIIII. IOab the son of Zaruia perceived, that the kings heart was toward Absalon/ he sent to Thekoa, and fet thence a wise woman, and said unto her: fain thyself to be a mourner, and put on mourning apparel. And anoint not thyself with oil. But be as a woman that had long ●yme mourned for some dead body. And come to the king, and speak of this manner unto him. And so joab taught her what she should say And when the woman of Thekoa had fall●●● on her face to the ground, and done obeisance: she said unto the king: help me O king. The king said unto her: what aileth thee? She answered: I am a widow, and mine husband is dead. And thy hand maid had two sons, and they two fought together in the field, (where was no man to go between them) but the one smote the other and slew him. And behold, the hole kindred is risen against thy handmaid, & they said: * Deut. ●i●. ● deliver us him that smote his brother: that we may kill him ☞ for the soul of his brother whom he slew. We will destroy the heir also. And so they shall quench my sparkle which is left, that he shall styrte up (to my husband) neither name nor issue upon the earth. And the king said unto the woman: go home to thine house, I will give a charge for the. And the woman of Thekoa said unto the king: My Lord O king, this trespass be on me, and on my father's house, and the King & his seat be guiltless. And the king said: if any man say aught unto thee, bring him to me, and he shall hurt the no more. Then said she: ☞ let the king remember his lord god, that the avenger of the blood gather not on heaps together to destroy, and that they slay not my son. And he answered: as sure as the Lord liveth, * 1. Reg. 14. ● there shall not one here of thy son fall to the earth. The woman said: let thine handmaid speak one word more unto my Lord the king. And he said: say on. The woman said: Wherefore then hast thou determined such a thing against the people of God? For the king doth speak this thing as one which is faulty, that he should not fet home again his banished. For we must needs die, & perish as water spylt on the ground/ which can not be gathered up ☞ again: Neither doth God spare any soul. Let the king therefore find the means, that his banished be not utterly expelled from him. Now therefore am I come, to speak of this thing unto the king my Lord. For they that be of the people, will fear me. And thy handmaid said: Now will I speak unto the king, peradventure the king will perform the request of his handmaid. And the king shall hear his handmaid/ to deliver her out of the hand of the man, that would have destroyed me, & also my son out of the inheritance of god. And thine handmaid said: the word of my Lord the king shall now be comfortable. For my lord the king is as an angel of god, in hearing of good & bad: therefore the Lord thy god be with the. Then the king answered, & said unto the woman: hide not from me (I pray thee) the thing that I shall ask the. And the woman said: Let my lord the king now say on. And the king said: Is not ☞ the hand of joab with the in all this matter? the woman answered, & said: * ●●. Reg. xi. b As sure as thy soul liveth my lord king, there is else no man (on the right hand nor on the left) but as my lord the king hath spoken, thy servant joab: He bade me, and he put all these words in the mouth of thine handmaid. For to the intent that I should alter my communication, hath thy servant joab done this thing. And my Lord is wise, even as an angel of god, to understand all things that are in the earth. And the king said unto joab: behold, I am content to do this thing. Go, & ●et home the child Absalon again. And joab fell to the ground on his face, & bowed himself, & ☞ blessed the king And joab said: now thy servant knoweth/ that I have found grace in thy sight (my lord O king) in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant. And so joab arose, & went to Gesur, & brought Absalon to jerusalem. And the king said: let him turn to his own house, and not see my face. And so Absalon returned to his own house & saw not the kings face. But in all Israel there was not so goodly a man as Absalon for he was very beautiful: in so much that from the sole of his fool to the top of his head, there was no blemesh in him. And when he shaved his head (for at every years end he shaved it, because the here was heavy on him & must needs shave it) the here of his head weighed. CC. syeles after the kings weight. And this Absalon had three sons borne him & one daughter, named Thamar, which was a fair woman to look upon. So Absalon dwelled two year in jerusalem, & saw not the kings face. Therefore Absalon sent for joab, to have sent him to the king. But he would not come to him. And when he sent again, he would not come. Therefore he said unto his servants: behold, joab hath a parcel of land fast by my place, and he hath barley therein. Go/ & set it on fire. And Absaloms' servants set it on fire. ❀ And joabs servants came with their garments rend, and said. Absaloms' servants have burnt the piece of land with fire. Then joab arose & came to Absalon unto his house, & said unto him: wherefore hath thy servants burned my field with fire. And Absalon answered joab: behold, I sent for thee, desiring the to come, because I would have sent the to the king, for to say: wherefore am I come from Gesur. It had been better for me/ to have been there still. Now therefore would I see the kings face. And if there be any trespass in me, kill thou me. And so joab came to the king, & told him: which when he had sent for Absalon, he came to the king, and fell to the ground on his face before him. And the king kissed Absalon. ¶ Absalon maketh insurrection against his father. David is fain to flee for fear of him. CAPI. XV. AFter this it fortuned, that Absalon got him charettes & horses, & fifty men to run before him. And he rose up early in the morning, & stood in the place of the entering in of the gate. And every man that had any matter & came to the king for judgement, him did Absalon call unto him, & said: of what city art thou? He answered, thy servant is of one of the tribes of Israel. And Absalon said unto him: see, thy matter is good & righteous, but there is no man deputed of the king to hear the. Absalon said moreover: Oh, that I were made judge in the land, that every man which hath any plea and matter in the law, might come to me, & that I might do him justice? And when any man came nigh to him, and did him obeisance, he put forth his hand & took him to him, & kissed him. And on this manner did Absalon to all Israel that came to the king for judgement, and ☞ he stolen the hearts of the men of Israel. And ☞ after forty years it fortuned that Absalon said unto the king: let me go now ☞ to Hebron, & pay my vow which I have vowed unto the lord: for thy servant vowed a vow * ●. Re. xv. ●. (when I was in Gesur in the land of Syria) saying: if the lord shall bring me again to jerusalem/ I will serve the Lord. And the king said unto him: go in peace. And so he arose, and went to Hebron. But Absalon sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel saying: as soon as ye hear the voice of the trumpet blow, ye shall say: Absalon reigneth king in Hebron. And with Absalon went. CC. men out of jerusalem, that were called. And they went with pure hearts, not knowing of any thing. And Absalon sent also for ahithophel the Gilonite David's counsellor, that he should come out of his city Gilo, while he offered sacrifices. And there was wrought strong treason. For the peope went & increased with Absalon in multitude. And there came a messenger to David, and said: the hearts of the men of Israel are turned after Absalon. And David said unto all his servants that were with him at jerusalem: up, that we may be gone, for we shall not else escape from Absalon. Make speed to depart: lest he come suddenly, & catch us, and bring some mischief upon us, & smite the city with the edge of the sword. And the kings servants said unto him: behold, thy servants are ready, to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint. And the king & all his household departed a foot. And he left behind him * ● Re. xvi. d and. ix. a ten ☞ concubines, to keep the house. And so the king & all the people went out a foot, & tarried in a place that was far of. And all his servants went about him. And all the Cerethites & all the Phelethites, and all the Gethites ❀ (mighty men of war) (even vi. C. men which were come a foot from Geth) went before the king. Then said the king to * ● Reg. 18. b Ithai the Gethite, wherefore comest thou with us? Return & abide with the king, for thou art a stranger, & art removed from thine own place. Thou camest but yesterday, and should I unquiet the to day to go with us? I will go whither I can. Therefore return thou, and carry again thy brethren. Mercy and truth ❀ (shall the Lord show unto the.) And Ithai answered the king, & said: as truly as the Lord liveth, in what place my Lord the king shall be, whither in death or life, even there also will thy servant be. And David the king said to Ithai: come then, and go forward. And Ithai the Gethite went forth, and all his men, and all the children that were with him. And all the country wept with a loud voice, and so did all the people that went forth. The king also himself passed over the broken Cydron. And all the people went toward the way that leadeth to the wilderness. And Sadock and all the levities were with him, and bore the ark of the appointment of God. And there they set down the ark of God. And Abiathar ☞ went up, until the people were all come over, out of the city. And the king said unto Sadocke: Carry the ark of god again in to the city. If I shall find favour in the eyes of the Lord, he will bring me again, and show me both it, & the tabernacle thereof. But and if the Lord thus say: I have no lust unto thee, behold, here am I, let him do with me/ what seemeth good in his eyes. The king said also unto Sadocke the priest: Art not thou a * i Regum. 〈◊〉. ● Sear? Return into the city in peace. And take your two sons with you: Ahimaaz thy son, & jonathas the son of Abiathar. Behold, I will tarry in the fields of the wilderness, until there come some word from you to be told me. Sadock therefore and Abiathar carried the ark of god again to jerusalem, and they tarried there. And David went up on mount olyuete, and wept as he went, and had his head covered and went barefoot. And all the people that was with him, had every man his head covered, and as they went up, they wept also. And one told David, saying: ahithophel is one of them that have conspired with Absalon: And David said: O Lord, turn the counsel of ahithophel in to foolishness. When David was come to the top of the mount ☞ he worshipped God: and behold, Husai the Arachite came against him with his coote torn, and having earth upon his head. Unto whom David said: if thou go with me, thou shalt be a burden unto me. But if thou return to the City, and say unto Absalon: I will be thy servant O king: (as I have thus long been thy father's servant, so am I now thy servant) thou mayst for my sake destroy the counsel of * two. Reg. xvii a, b, c. ahithophel. And thou hast there with thee, Sadocke, and Abiathar the Preestes, unto whom thou shalt show all that thou canst hear out of the kings house. And behold, they have there with them their two sons, Ahimaaz Sadockes son, and jonathas Abiathers' son: By them also shall ye send me all that ye can hear. And so * ●●●. xvii. d Husai David's friend got him to the city. And Absalon also entered into jerusalem. ¶ ziba bringing presents to David/ doth falsely accuse Miphiboseth. Semei curseth David, and hurleth stones at him. Absatom (by the counsel of ahithophel) lieth with his father's concubines. CAPI. XVI. ANd when David was a little paste the top of the hill: behold, Ziba the servant of Miphiboseth came to meet him with a couple of Asses saddled, and upon them two hundred loves/ and one hundred bunches of reasyns, and an hundred frails of dried figs, and a bottle of wine. And the king said unto Ziba: what meanest thou with these? And Ziba said: They be Asses ☞ for the kings household to ride on, and bread and fruit for the young men to eat, and wine: that such as be faint in the wilderness, may drink. And the king said: where is thy masters Son? Ziba answered unto the king: behold, he tarrieth still at jerusalem. For he said: this day shall the house of Israel restore me the kingdom of my father. Then said the king to Ziba, behold, thine are all that pertained unto * ●●. Reg. ix. b Miphiboseth. And Ziba said: I beseech the that I may find grace in thy sight, my Lord, O king. And when king David came to Bahurim: behold, thence came out a man of the kynted of the house of saul, named * two. Re. nineteen. ● Semei the son of Gera, & he came out cursing. And he cast stones at David, and at all the servants of king David: All the people also & all the men of war were on his right hand, and on his left. And thus said * Exobi. 22. d Semei when he cursed: come forth, come forth thou bloodsheder, and thou man of belial. The Lord hath brought upon the all the blood of the house of saul, in whose stead thou hast reigned, and the Lord hath delivered the kingdom into the hand of Absalon thy son. And behold thou art come to thy mischeyfe, because thou art a bloodsheder. Then said Abisai, the son of Zaruia unto the king: why doth this dead dog curse my lord the king? let me go now and take of the head of him. And the king said: what have I to do with you ye sonnis of Zaruia: Let him curse: for the Lord hath byden him curse David. Who dare then say: wherefore hast thou done so? And David said to Abisai, and to all his servants, behold, my son which came of mine own body, seeketh my life. How much more than may this Son of jemini do it? Suffer him to curse, * 3. Regum. two ● for the Lord hath bidden him: haply the Lord will look on my wretchedness, and do me good for his cursing this day. And as David and his men went by the way, Semei went along on the hills side over against him, and cursed as he went, & threw stones at him, and cast dust. And the King and all that were with him came weary, and refreshed themselves ☞ * ●● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. there. And Absalon and all the people of the men of Israel came to jerusalem, and ahithophel was with him. And as soon as Husai the Arachite David's friend was come unto Absalon, he said unto him: God save the king, God save the king. And Absalon said again to Husai: is this the kindness thou owest to thy friend? Why goest thou not with him? Husai answered unto Absalon: nay not so, but whom the Lord and this people and all the men of Israel chose, his will I be, and with him will I dwell. Moreover, unto whom shall I do service, but even to his son? And as I was servant before with thy father, even so shall I be with the. Then spoke Absalon to ahithophel: give counsel, what is best for us to do. And ahithophel said unto Absalon: get the in unto thy Father's * ●● Reg. 〈◊〉 ● and. 〈◊〉▪ ● concubines which he hath left to keep the house. And all Israel shall hear, that thou ☞ art cast out of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee, be strong. And so they pitched Absalon a tent upon the ☞ top of the house. And he went in unto his Father's concubines in the sight of all Israel. And the counsel of ahithophel which he counseled in those days, was as a man had asked counsel of God: even so was all the counsel of ahithophel, both with David and with Absalon. ¶ ahithophel, saying his counsel disallowed of ●us●● and forsaken, hangeth himself. CAPI. XVII. AHithophel said unto Absalon: let me choose out now. xii. M. men. And I will up, & follow after David by night. And I will come upon him, while he is weary & weak handed, & will fear him. And all the people that are with him, shall flee. And so will I smite the king only, and will bring again all the people unto thee, ❀ even as easily as if I would bring any other thing. And when I have slain the man whom thou seekest, all the people shall have rest. And the saying pleased Absalon well, and all the elders of Israel. Then said Absalon: call also Husai the Arachite, and let us hear his counsel. When Husai was come to Absalon, Absalon spoke unto him, saying: ahithophel hath given such counsel: Shall we do after his saying, or no? tell thou. Husai answered unto Absalon: the counsel that Ahithophel hath given, is not good at this tyme. For (said Husai) thou knowest thy father, & his men how that they be strong? And if they be chafed in their minds, they are even as a * 〈◊〉. 17 b Bear rob of her whelps in the field. Thy father is a man also practised in war, & maketh no tarrying with the people: behold, he lurketh now in some cave or in some other place. And though some of his me be overthrown at the first brunt, yet they that hear it will say: The people that followeth Absalon, be put to the worse. And the best men thou haste, whose hearts are as the hearts of Lions, shall shrink thereat. For all Israel knoweth, that thy father is a mighty man, and they which be with him are all men of war. Therefore my counsel is, that all Israel be gathered unto thee, from Dan to Beerseba (which are as the sand of the see in number) and that thou go to battle in thine own person. For so shall we come upon him in one place or other, where we shall find him, and we will fall upon him, even as thick as the dew falleth on the ground. And of all the men that are with him, we shall not leave him one. Moreover, if he be gotten into a town, then shall all the men of Israel bring ropes to that city, and we will draw it into the river, until there be not one stone found there. And Absalon and all the men of Israel said: the counsel of Husai the Arachite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel. * Esai. nineteen. ●. For it was even the lords determination to destroy the good counsel of Ahithophel: that the lord might bring evil upon Absalon. Then said * ● Reg. xv. g Husai unto Sadocke & Abia that the priests: of this and that manner did Ahithophel and the elders of Israel counsel Absalon. And thus and thus have I counseled. Now therefore send quickly, and show David, saying: tarry not all night in the fields of the wilderness, but get the over, lest the king be devoured & all the people that are with him. Now jonathas and Ahimaaz abode by the well Rogell: (for they might not be seen to come into the city.) And a wench went & told them. And they went, and showed king David. Nevertheless a lad saw them, and told it to Absalon. But they went both of them away quickly, and came to a man's house in Bahurim, which had a well in his yard, into the which they went down. And a woman took & spread a coverlet over the wells mouth, and strawed furmenty corn thereon. And the thing was not spied. And when Absaloms' servants came to the wife, to the house they said. Where is Ahimaaz & jonathas? The woman answered them: they be gone over the little broke of water. And when they had sought them and could not find them, they returned to jerusalem. And as soon as they were departed, the other came out of the well, & went and told king David, & said unto him: up, & get you quickly over the water, for such counsel hath Ahithophel given, against you. Then David arose, and all the people that were with him, & they were come over jordan by that it was day: so that there lacked not one of them, that was not come over jordan. And when Ahithophel saw, that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his Ass, & arose, and got him home to his own house, & to his own city, and put his house hold in order, & hanged himself, & died, & was buried in the sepulthre of his father. Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalon passed over jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him. And Absalon made Amasa captain of the host in stead of joab which Amasa was a man's son named jethra an Israelite, that went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahas, sister to Zervia joabs mother. So Israel & Absalon pitched in the land of Gilead. And when David was come to Mahanaim, Sobi the son of Nahas out of * ●●. Reg. x●. ● Rabba the city of the children of Ammon, & Machir the son of Ammiel out of Lodeber, & * ●●. Reg. x●●● 3. Reg. 〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉. Berzela● the Geliadite out of Roglim, brought beddis, basyns, earthen vessels, wheat & barley, flower, & parched corn, beenes' rice, ootemele, honey, butter, sheep, & cheese of kine, for David & all the people that were with him, to eat. For they said: the people is hungry, weary, and thrystye in the wilderness. ¶ Absalon is overcome in battle. He haugeth by the head in an Oak. He is killed, and put in a ditch. David is so sorrowful for the death of Absalon that he weepeth. CAPI. XVIII. AND David numbered the people that were with him, and set captains of thousands, & of hundreds over them. And David sent forth one part of the people under the hand of joab, and an other part under the hand of Abisai the son of Zervia joabs brother, and the third part under the hand of Itha●, the Gethite. And the king said unto the people: I will go which you also. And the people answered. Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee, our adversaries will not care for us: neither shall they regard us, though half of us were slay. But thou art worth ten thousand of us. Wherefore it is better, that thou succour us o●te of the city. And the king said unto them: what seemeth you best, that will I do. And the king stood by the gate side, & all the people came out by hundreds/ & by thousands. And the king commanded joab & Abisai, & * ●●. Reg. 16. d Itha●, saying: entreat the young man Absalon gently for my sake. And all the people heard, that the king gave all the captains charge concerning Absalon. And so the people went out into the field against Israel, and the battle was in the wood of Ephraim: where the people of Israel were put to the worse before the servants of David, & there was a great slaughter that day, even of. xx. M, men. For the field was fought there in diverse places, all abroad upon the earth. And ☞ the wood devoured more people that day, than did the sword. And Absalon came before the servants of David riding upon a Mule, which carried him under the thick bows of a great oak. And ☞ his head was caught of the oak, & he was lift up between heaven & earth: & the Mule that was under him, went his way. And one that saw it told joab, saying: behold, I saw Absalon hang man Oak: & joab said unto the man that told him. If thou didst see him, why didst not that there smite him to the ground & I would have given the ten sycles of silver and a girdle? The man said unto joab: though thou wouldest lay a thousand sycles of silver in my hand, yet would I not stretch out mine hand against the kings son. For we heard with our ●ares when the king charged thee, and Abisai and Ithai, saying: Beware, that none touch the young man Absalon. Moreover, if I had done it, I should have done against mine own life: for there is no matter hid from the king: yea & thou thyself wouldest have been against me. Then said joab: I may not stand thus tarrying with the. And he took three spears in his hand, and thrust them thorough Absalon while he was yet alive on the body of the tree. And ten servants that bare joabs wrapons, turned, and smote Absalon and slew him. And when joab blew the trumpet the people returned from following Israel: for joab spared the people. And they took Absalon, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, & laid a mighty great heap of stones upon him. And all Israel fled to their tents. And this Absalon yet in his life time * ●. Reg 〈◊〉▪ ●. took & ●eared up a pillar, which is in kings dale. For he said: I have no son. And therefore to keep my name in remembrance do I it. And he called the pillar after his own name. And it is called unto this day: Absaloms' pillar. Then said Ahimaaz the son of Sadocke let me run now, and bear the king tydyng● how that the Lord hath judged him quite of the hand of his enemies. And joab said unto him: thou art no man to bear tidings to day: y● shalt bear tidings an other time: but to day thou shalt bear none, because the kings son is dead. Then said joab to Chusi: go and tell the king, what thou hast seen: And Chusi bowed himself unto joab, and ran. Then said Ahimaaz the son of Sadocke again to joab: come what come will, let me also run after Chusi. And joab said: Wherefore wilt thou run my son? seeing that for the tidings thou shalt have no reward: well (said he) come what will, let me run. He said unto him: run. Then Ahimaaz ran by the plain way, and came before Chusi. And David sat between the two gates. And the watchman went up to the roof over the gate unto the wall, and lift up his eyes and saw: and behold, there came a man run ning alone. And the watchman cried, and told the king. And the king said: if he be alone, there is good tidings in his mouth. And he came, & drew nigh. And the watchman saw an other man running, and he called unto the porter, and said: behold, there cometh an other man running alone. And the king said: he is also a tidings bringer. And the watchman said: me think the running of the foremost is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Sadocke. The king said: he is a good man & cometh with good tidings. And Ahimaaz called, and said unto the king: good tidings, & he fell down flat to the earth upon his face before the king, & said: blessed be the Lord thy God, which hath ☞ shut up the men that lift up their hands against my lord the king. And the king said: is the young man Absalon safe. Ahimaaz answered: When joab sent (Chusi) the kings servant, and me thy servant, I saw much a do. But I wot not what it was. And the king said unto him: turn and stand here. And he turned, and stood still. And behold, Chusi came also, & said: Good tidings my Lord the king, for the Lord hath quit the this day out of the hand of all them that rose against the. And the king said unto Chusi: is the young man Absalon safe? Chusi answered: the enemies of my lord the king, and all that rise against thee, to do the hurt, be as that young man is. And the king was moved, and went up to a chambre over the gate, & wept. And as he went, thus he said: O my son Absalon, my son, my son Absalon, would God I had died for thee: O Absalon my son, my son. ¶ David is restored to his kingdom, and brought again to jerusalem. CAPI. XIX. AND it was told joab: behold, the king weepeth & mourneth for Absalon. And the victory of that day was turned in to mourning unto all the people. For the people heard say that day, how the king sorrowed for his son. And the people stolen away that day from going in to the city, as people confounded steal away, when they flee in battle. But the king hid his face, & cried with a loud voice. O my son Absalon, O Absalon my son, my son. And joab came in to the house to the king, and said: thou hast shamed this day the faces of all thy servants which this day have saved thy life, & the lives of thy sonꝭ & of thy daughters, & the lives of thy wives, and of thy concubines, in that thou lovest thine enemies, & hatest thy friends. For thou hast declared this day, that thou regardest neither thy ●ordes nor servants. And this day I do perceive, that if Absalon had lived, & all we had died this day, that had pleased the well. Now therefore up, and come out, and speak kindly unto thy servants. For I swear by the lord, except thou come out, there will not tarry one man with the this night. And that will be worse unto thee, than all the evil that fell on the from thy youth unto this hour. Then the king arose, & sat down in the gate. And they told unto all the people, saying. Behold, the king doth sit in the gate. And all the people came before the king▪ But Israel fled, every man to his tent. And it fortuned that all the people were at strife throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying: The king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines, and now he is fled out of the land for Absalon. But Absalon whom we anointed over us: is dead in battle. Therefore, why are ye so still, that ye bring not the king again. And king David sent to Sadocke and Abiathar the priests, saying: Speak unto the elders of juda & say: why are ye behind to bring the king again to his house, seeing that such tidings is come from all Israel unto the king even to his house? ❀ (For the king had said. Thus shall ye say unto the people of ●uda.) Ye are my brethren, my bones & my flesh: wherefore then are ye the last that bring the king home again? And say ye to Amasa: art thou not of my bone & of my flesh? God do so and so to me, if thou be not captain of the host to me for ever in the room of joab And he bowed the hearts of all the men of juda, even as the heart of one man: so that they sent this word to the king: Return thou with all thy servants. So the king returned, and came to jordan. And juda came to Gilgal, for to go down to meet the king & to convey him over jordan. And S●mei * ●●. Re● x●●. ● the son of Gera, the son of Gemini, which was of Bahurim, hasted, and came with the men of juda to meet king David, and there were a thousand men of Benjamin with him & * ●●. R●●. ●6. ● Ziba the servant of the house of Saul & his. xv. sons and twenty servants with him. And they went quickly over jordan before the king. And there went over a boot that carried over the kings household, and they did him pleasure. And S●mei the son of Gera fell before the king (as he was come over jordan) and said unto him: let not my lord impute wickedness unto me, nor remember the things (that thy servant did wickedly when my Lord the king departed out of jerusalem) that the king should take it to heart. For thy servant doth know, how that I have done amiss. And therefore behold, I am the first this day ☞ of all the house of joseph, that am come to go down, to meet my Lord the king. But Abisat the son of Zervia answered, and said: shall not Semei die for this, because he cursed the lords anointed? And David said: What matter is between you & me ye sons of Zervia? For this day ye be adversaries unto me. Shall there any man die this day in Israel? Do not I know that I am this day king over Israel? And therefore the king said unto Semei: thou shalt not die, and the king swore unto him. And Miphiboseth the son of Saul came also to meet the king, & had neither washed his feet, nor shaven his beerde, nor washed his clothꝭ from the time the king departed, until he came again in peace. And it fortuned that when he was come to jerusalem, & met the king, the king said unto him: wherefore goest thou not with me Miphiboseth? He answered: My lord, O king, my servant deceived me. For thy servant said, I would have mine Ass saddled to ride thereon, for to go to the king, because thy servant is lame. And Ziba hath falsely reported of thy servant unto my lord the king. And my Lord the king is as an angel of god: do therefore what seemeth good in thine eyes. For all my father's house were but dead men before my lord the king: and yet didst thou put thy servant among them that did eat at thine own table. What right therefore have I yet, to cry any more unto the king? And the king said unto him: Why speakest thou yet in thine own cause? ❀ (It is determined, that) I have said, thou & Ziba divide the lands between you. And Miphiboseth said unto the king: yea let him take all: for so moche as my lord the king is come again in peace unto his own house. And Berselai the Gileadite came down from Roglim, and went over jordan with the king, to convey him over jordan. Berselai was a very aged man, even. iiii score year old, and provided the king of sustenance. while he lay at Mahanaim: for he was a man of very great substance. And the king said unto Berselai: come thou with me, and I will feed the with me in jerusalem. And & Berselai ●●. ●e. 57 g. said unto the king: I am thus old, & how am I able to go up with the king unto jerusalem? I am this day four score year old: and ☞ can I discern between good & evil? Hath thy servant any taste in that he eateth or drinketh? Can he hear any more the voice of singing men & women? Wherefore then should thy servant be yet a burden unto my Lord the king? Thy servant will go a little way over jordan with the king: and why will the king recompense it me with such a reward? Oh, let thy servant turn back again that I may die in mine own city, & (be buried) in the grave of my father & of my mother. Behold, here is thy servant ☞ Chimean: let him go with my Lord the king, and do to him, what shall please the. And the king answered: Chimean shall go with me. And I will do to him that thou shalt be content with. And what soever thou shalt require of me, that same will I do for the. And all the people went over jordan. And when the king was come over jordan, he kissed Berselai, and ☞ blessed him, & he went back again unto his own place. And then the king went to Gilgal, and Chimean went with him, and so did all the people of juda, and brought over the king, and there were but half the men of Israel. And behold, all the men of Israel came to the king, and said unto him: why have our brethren the men of juda stolen the away and have brought the king & his household and all David's men with him over Iordan● And all the men of juda answered the men of Israel: the king is near of kin to us. wherefore be ye angry for that matter? think ye that we eat of the kings cost, or that we take us any gifts? And the men of Israel answered the men of juda, & said: We have ten parts in the king, & have thereto more right to David then ye. Why then did ye despise us, that our advise should not be first had in restoring our king again? And the wordis of the men of juda were fearcer, than the words of the men of Israel. ¶ Seba the son Bichri cayseth Israel against David. joab killeth Amasa traitorously. The head of Seba is delivered to joab. David's receivers are numbered. CAPI. XX. WHen there came thither a certain man of Belial (named Seba, the son of Bichri, a man of Gemini) he blew a trumpet & said: we have no part in David, neither have we inheritance in the son of Isai, let the men of Israel depart unto their centes. And so every man of Israel went from David, and followed Seba the son of Bichri. But the men of juda clave fast unto their king, from jordan to jerusalem. And David came to his house to jerusalem, * two Reg●● and. ●●●● & took the ten women his concubines, that he had left behind him to keep the house, and put them in ward, and fed them: but lay no more with them. And so they were enclosed unto the day of their death, living in wydowhode. Then said the king ●o Amasa: Call me the men of juda together against the third day, & be thou here also. And so Amasa went to gather the men of juda together: but tarried longer, than the time which he had appointed him. And David said to Abisai: Now shall Seba the son of Bichri do us more harm, than did Absalon. Take thou therefore ☞ thy lords servants, & follow after him: lest he get him walled cities, and escape us. And there went out after him joabs men, and the Crethites and the Phelethites, and all the mightiest men. And they departed out of jerusalem to follow after Seba the son of Bichri. And when they were at the great stone in Gibeon, Amasa went before them. And joabs garment (that he had about him) was gird unto him, and he had girded thereon, a knife, which was joined fast to his loins, in such a shethe, that (as he went) it fell some times out. And joab said to Amasa: art thou in health my brother? And joab took Amasa by the chin with the right hand, to * 〈…〉. 27● kiss him. But Amasa took no heed to the knife that was in joabs hand, for therewith he smote him * ●●gum. two f in the short rib, and shed out his bowels to the ground, and thrust at him no more, and he died. So joab and Abisai his brother followed after Seba the son of Bichri. And one of joabs men ☞ stood by him, and said: He that beareth any favour to joab, or good will to David, let him go after joab? And Amasa lay wallowed of blood, in the mids of the way. And there was a man, which when he saw that * Reg. two. g all the people stood still, he rolled Amasa out of the way in to the field, and cast a cloth upon him, because he saw that every one that came, stood still by him. And as soon as he was tumbled out of the way, all the people went after joab, to follow after Seba the son of Bichri. And he went thorough all the tribes of Israel unto Abel, and to Bethmaacha and all the places of Barim. And they gathered together, & went after him. And they came and besieged him in Abel and in Bethmaacha. And they cast up a bank against the city that stood in the valley. All the people that was with joab, thrust at the wall to overthrow it. Then cried a wise woman out of the city, hear, hear, bid joab come hither, that I may speak with him. When joab was come unto her, the woman said: art thou joab? He answered: I am he. She said unto him: hear the words of thy handmaid? And he answered: I do hear. And she said again. ❀ They speak in the old time, saying: ☞ men must ask of Abel & so have they contynuid hitherto: I am one of them that are peaceable & faithful in Israel. And y● goest about to destroy a city and a mother in Israel. Why wyite the devour the inheritance of the lord? And joab answered, and said: God forbid, God forbid it me, that I should either devour or destroy. The matter is not so, but a man of mount Ephraim (Seba the son of Bichri by name) hath ☞ lift up his hand against the king, even against David. deliver us him only, & I will depart from the city. And the woman said unto joab: Behold, his head shallbe thrown unto thee, over the wall. And then the woman went unto all the people ☞ with her wisdom. And they smote of the head of Seba the son of Bichri, & cast it out to joab. * 11. Reg. two. g. And he blewe a trumpet, and they scattered from the city, every man to his tent. And joab returned to jerusalem, unto the king. ☞ joab was over all the host of Israel. And Banaia the son of jehoiada was over the Crethites & Phelethites. And Aduram was over the tribute. And jehosaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder. Seva was scribe. And Sadocke & Abiathar were the priests. And Ira the jairete ☞ was David's priest. ¶ Three dear years. The vengeance of the sins of Saul lighteth on his seven sons, which are hanged. Four great battayles●, which David had against the Philistines. CAPI. XXI. THen there fell an hunger in the days of David, three years together, And David ●●quired of the lord. And the Lord answered: it is for Saul, and the house of blood, because he slew the * ● Reg. 〈…〉 Gibaonites. And the king called the Gibaonites, and said unto them. (Now the Gibaonites were not of the * ●. 〈…〉 〈…〉 children of Israel, but a remnant of the Amorites, and the children of Israel swore unto them: And saul sought to slay them, for a zelle that he had to the children of Israel and of juda.) wherefore David said unto them what shall I do for you, & wherewith shall I make the atonement, that ye may ☞ bless the inheritance of the Lord▪ The Gibaonites answered him: we will have no silver▪ nor gold, of Saul nor of his house, neither is it our mind, that thou shouldest kill any man in Israel. He said: what say ye th●n that I shall do for you? They answered the king: The man that consumed us, and imagined to bring us to nought, him will we destroy, that nought of him continue in any of the coostes of Israel. Let seven men of his sons be delivered unto us, & we will hang them up unto the Lord, in Gibeah of Saul whom the Lord did chose. And the king said: I will give them you. But the king had compassion on Miphiboseth the son of jonathas, the son of saul because of the lords oath that was between them: even between David and jonathas the son of Saul. But he took the two sons of Rizpa the daughter of Aia, (whom she bore unto Saul) even Armoni & Miphiboseth, and the .v. sons of Michol, (the daughter of Saul) whom she bore to Adriel the son of Barselai the Meholathite. And he delivered them unto the hands of the Gibeonites, which hanged them in the hill before the Lord. And they fell all seven together, and were slay in the days of harvest: even in the first days & in the beginning of barley harvest. And Rizpa the daughter of Aia took sack cloth and ☞ hanged it up for them upon the rock, even from the beginning of harvest until rain dropped upon them out of heaven: and suffered neither the birds of the air to fall on them by day, nor beasts of the field by night. And it was told David what Rizpa the daughter of Aia the concubine of Saul had done: and David went, & took the bones of Saul and of jonathas his son, from the men of Jabes in Gilead (which had stolen them from the street of Bethsan, where the Philistines had hanged them when the Philistines had slay Saul in Gilboa.) And he brought thence the bones of Saul, & the bones of jonathas his son, and they took up the bones of them that were hanged. And the bones of Saul and jonathas his son buried they in the country of Benjamin in Zela, in the sepulchre of Cis his father. And when they had performed all that the king commanded. God was then at one with the land. It fortuned, that the Philistines had yet war again with Israel. And David went down & his servants with him, & fought against the Philistines. And David waxed fayntie, & jesbi of Nob one of the sons of the giants (the iron of whose spear weighed ☞ three hundred sycles, & he being girded with a new sword) thought to have slay David. * 2 Regum. 23 c But Abisaia the son of zaruia succoured him, and smote the Philistine, & killed him. Then the servants of David swore unto him, saying: Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not ☞ the light of Israel. And yet after this, there was a battle with the Philistines at Nob, and then Sibbechat the Husathite slew Sapho, which was one of the sons of the giants. And there was yet an other battle in * i Pa. xxi. a Nob with the Philistines, where Eihanan the son of the jaere Orgim, a Bethleemite slew one Goltath a gethite: the staff of whose spear was as great as a weavers cloth beam And there was yet an other battle in Geth where was a man of a great stature, & had on every hand. vi. fingers, and on every foot vi. toes xxiiii. in al. And was borne also of the kindred of the giants in Geth. And when he defied Israel, jonathas the son of Simea the brother of David, slew him. These four giants were borne in Geth, and fell in to the hand of David and in to the hands of his seruavauntes. ¶ The song of David for his deliverance from his enemies. CAPI. XXII. ANd David spoke the words of this song unto the lord, what time the lord had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies, & out of the hand of Saul. And he said: the lord is ☞ my rock and my castle, & my deliverer. God is my strength, in him will I trust: he is my shield, & the horn of my salvation: my worship & my refuge: my saviour, thou shalt save me from wrong. * Psel. ●●● I will praise and call on the Lord, and so shall I be saved from mine enemies. For the corruptions of death closed me about: the floods of belial put me in fear. The sorrows of hell compassed me about: the snares of death overtook me. In my tribulation will I call upon the lord, & cry to my god. And he shall hear my voice out of his temple, & my cry shall enter into his ears. The earth trembled & quaked: ☞ the foundations of heaven moved & shaken, when he was angry. Smoke went up in his wrath, and consuming fire out of his mouth, coals were kindled thereof. And he bowed heaven, and came down, & there was darkness under his feet. And he sat upon Cherub and did fly, ☞ he was seen carried upon the wyngis of the wind He made darkness a tabernacle round about him, with waters gathered together in thick clouds. Thorough the brightness of his presence were the fire coals kindled. God thundered from heaven, and he that is most high, doth put out his voice. He shot arrows, & scattered them: he hurled lightening, and discomfited them. The flowyngꝭ of the see appeared, & the foundations of the world were seen, by the reason of the rebuking of the lord, & thorough the blasting of the breath of his nose thryls. He shall send from heaven, & fet me, he shall pluck me out of many waters. He shall deliver me from my mighty adversary, & fro mine enemies, for they are to strong for me. When they had overtaken me in the day of my tribulation, the lord stayed me up: for he brought me out into roomth, he delivered me, because he had a love unto me. * Roma 〈…〉 The Lord will reward me according to my righteousness: according to the pureness of my hands will he recompense me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord, & done no wickedness against my god. For all his laws are in my sight, and his statutes will not I put away fro me. In his sight also have I been undefiled, & ☞ have kept me fro mine iniquity. And the Lord did to me again, according to my righteousness, even after my pureness in his eye sight. With the godly thou shalt be godly, and with the man that is uncorrupt, thou shalt be uncorrupt. With the pure, thou shalt be pure: and with the froward, thou shalt be froward. And the people that are in adversity, thou shalt help. And on the proud shalt thou cast thine eyes. Thou art my light O lord the Lord shall light my darkness. For which thy help I will run thorough an host of men, and in ☞ my God will I spring over a wall. ☞ God is uncorrupt in his way: the word of the Lord is tried in the fire, he is the defender of all them that trust in him. For who is a God, save the Lord? & who is mighty, save our god? God strengtheth me with power, and ☞ rideth the way clear before me. He maketh my feet like hearts feet, & setteth me fast upon my high hold. * ●sel. 144 a He teacheth my hands to fight, that even a bow of stcle is to weak for mine arms. Thou hast given me the shield of thy salvation, and with thy loving meekness thou dost multiply me. Thou shalt make me space to walk in, & my legs shall not fail me. I will follow upon mine enemies and destroy them, and turn not again until I have consumed them. I will waste them and smite them, that they shall not be able to arise Yea, they shall fall under my feet. Thou hast girded me about with might to battle, & them that arose against me, hast y● subdued under me. And thou madest mine enemies (& them that hated me) to turn their backs to me, that I might destroy them. They look for help, but there is none to save them: Yea even unto the Lord do they cry, but he heareth them not. I will beat them as small as the dust of the earth: I will stamp them as the dirt of the street, and will spread them abroad. Thou shalt deliver me from the dissension of my people: thou shalt keep me to be an head over nations: the people which I knew not, shall serve me. Strange children dissemble withme: At the hearing of the ear they obey me. Strange children will shrink away/ and they shall be smitten with fear in their privy chambre. God is alive, and blessed be my maker: magnified be God, my most strong salvation. It is god that advengeth me, & bringeth down the people under me. He delivereth me from mine enemies, thou also shalt lift me up on high from them that rise against me, thou shalt deliver me from the wicked men. And therefore I will praise thee (O lord) among the nations, & will sing unto thy name. Which showeth great salvation for his king, & dealeth mercifully with his anointed: even with David and with his seed for evermore. ¶ The last communicatyon of David, and the descryptyo● of the mighty men to him belonging. CAPI. XXIII. THese be ☞ the last sayings of David. David the son of Isai said. And the man (which was made the anointed of the god of jacob, & the noble Psalmist of Israel) said: the spirit of the lord spoke by me, & his word was in my tongue. The God of Israel spoke ☞ of me, even the most mighty of Israel, said: he that beareth rule over men, ought to rule justly in the fear of God. And as the morning light when the son is up, a morning in which are no cloudis to let the brightness, and as the grass of the earth is by the virtue of the rain. ☞ Is not my house so with God? * two. Reg. 7▪ ● For he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, perfit, and suit in all points: and this is truly all my he●che and all my desire that it grow. But the ungodly man of Belial shallbe as a thorn clean plucked up, which can not be taken with hands: But the man that shall touch them, must have iron, or a long helve: * 〈…〉 Or else must they be burnt with fire in the same place. These be the names of the mighty men whom David had: ☞ one that sat in the seat of wisdom, being cheyfest among three▪ pleasant was he and strong: he slew eight hundred at one tyme. After him was Eleazar the son of Dodi the son of Ahohi, one of the three worthies with David, which defied the Philistines that were there gathered together to battle: When the men of Israel were gone up, he arose & laid on the Philistines, until his hand was weary, & clave unto the sword And the Lord gave great victory the same day. And the people ❀ (which had fled) returned, & went after him to run to the spoil. After him was Samma the son of Age the Hararite: & the Philistines gathered together beside a town (where was a parcel of land full of rice) & the people fled from the Philistines. But he stood in the mids of the ground and defended it, & slew the Philistines. And the lord gave great victory. * i. Pat▪ xii. ● These three (which were of the thirty chief captains) went down to David in the harvest time unto the cave Adullan, & the host of the Philistines abode in the valley of Giants. And David was then in an hold. And the soldiers of the Philistines were in Bethleem. And David longed, and said. Oh, that I had of the water that is in the well by the gate of Bethleem, for to drink. And the three mighty brake thorough the host of the Philistines, and fet water out of the well of Bethleem that was by the gate and took & brought it to David: Nevertheless he would not drink thereof, but offered it unto the lord and said: the Lord forbid that I should do so. Is not this the blood of the men that went in jeopardy of their lives? and therefore he would not drink it. And these things did these three mighty men. * two. Reg. xxi d Abisai the brother of joab, the son of Seruiah, was chief among the three, and he lift up his spear against three hundred, and slew them, and had the name among the three. For he was nobler man than the three, and was their captain. Howbeit he attained not unto ❀ (the first) three. And Banaiahu the son of jehoiada (the son of a mighty man) valiant in acts, of Kabzeel, slew two strong lions, even lions of Moab. He went down also, & slew a lion in a pit in time of snow. And he slew an Egyptian, a goodly big man, which had a spear in his hand. But he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptians hand, and slew him with his own spear: These things did Banatahu the son of jehoiada, and had the name among the three worthies. He was honourable among thirty, but he attained not to thee (first) three. And David made him of his counsel. Asahel the brother of joab also was one of the thirty. Then Elhanam the son of Dodo of Bethleem: Samma the Haronite: Elica the Harodite: Helez the Paltite: Ira the sons Aches the Thekoite: Abiezer of Anathoth: Meobnal the Husathite: zelmon an Ahohite: Maharai the Netophathite: Heleb the son of Baanah an Netophathite: Ithai the son of Ribai out of an hill of the children of Benjamin: Banaiahu the Phirathonite: Hedai, of the river of Gaas: Abialbon the Arba●hice: Asmaveth a Barhumite: Elihaba a Saalbonite: & the sons of jasen, jonathas. Samma the Hararite: Ahiam the son of Sarer an Hararite: Eliphelet the son of Aisbai, the son of a Maachathite: Eliam the son of Aithophel the Gilonite: Hezrai the Carmelite: Paarai the arbite: Igall the son of Nathan of Zoba: Banithe Gadite, Zelec an Amonite Naharai a Berothite, which was the harness bere● of joab the son of Zaruia: Ira the Jethrite: Gareb the Jethrite: Uria the Hethit thirty and seven in all. ¶ David causeth the people to be numbered, and therefore is Israel plagued with Pestilence, so that in three days there died. ixi. thousand. CAPI. XXIIII. ANd again, the Lord was wroth against Israel, and ☞ David moved him against them, in that he said: * Exodi. 〈◊〉. go and number Israel and juda. For the king said to joab the captain of his host: go thou abroad now, throughout all the tribes of Israel, even from Dan to Beer seba, and number ye the people, that I may know the number of them. And joab said unto the king. I beseech the Lord thy God, to make the people as many more as they be: yea & an C. times so many more, & that the eyes of my lord the king may see them. And what is the cause that my Lord the king hath a lust to this thing? notwithstanding the kings word prevailed against joab and against the captains of the host. And joab & the captains of the host went out from the presence of the king, to number the people of Israel. And they passed over jordan, & pitched in Aroer on the right side of the City that lieth in the mids of the valley of Gad, over against jazer. And then they came to Gilead, & to the nether land (where was a new habitation,) & from thence they came to Dan jaan about to Sidon, & came to the strong hold of tire, and to all the cities of the Hevites & of the Cavanites, & then went out to the south of juda, even to Beer seba. And so when they had been abroad throughout all the land, they returned to jerusalem again, after the end of. ix. months and. xx. days. And joab delivered up the number & sum of the people unto the king. And there were in Israel. ix. C. thousand men of might that drew swords. And the men of juda were five. C. thousand men. And David's heart smote him, after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the Lord: I have sinned exceedingly in that I have done And now Lord take away the trespass of thy servant, for I have done very foolishly. And when David was up in a morning, the word of the lord came unto the prophet Gad David's sear, saying: Go and say unto David, thus saith the Lord: I offer the three things, chose thee, which of them I shall do unto the. So Gad came to David, and showed him & said unto him: wilt thou have ☞ seven years hunger to come in thy land, or wilt thou flee. three months before thine enemies they following thee, or that there be. three days pestilence in thy land? Now therefore advise thee, and see, what answer I shall give to him that sent me. And David said unto Gad: I am in extreme trouble. * 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. ● We will fall now into the hand of the Lord, for moche is his mercy, and let me not fall in to the hand of man. And the Lord sent a pestilence in Israel, from the morning unto the time appointed. And there died of the people from Dan to Beerseba seventy thousand men. And when the angel stretched out his hand upon jerusalem to destroy it, the lord had compassion to do that evil, and said to the angel that destroyed the people: it is now sufficient: hold thine hand. And the angel of the lord was by the threshing place of Aresna the Jebusite. And David spoke unto the Lord (when he saw the angel that smote the people) and said: loo, it is I that have sinned, and I that have done wickedly But these sheep, what have they done? Let thine hand (I pray thee) be against me, & against my father's house. And Gad came the same day to David, and said unto him: go up and rear an altar unto the Lord in the threshing floor of Aresna the jebusite. And David (according to the saying of Gad) went up, as the lord commanded. And Aresna looked, and saw the king and his servants coming toward him. And Aresna went out, and bowed himself before the king flat on his face upon the ground/ and Aresna said: wherefore is my Lord the king come to his servant? David answered: to buy the threshing floor of thee, and to make an altar unto the lord, that the plague may cease from the people. And Aresna said unto David: let my lord the king take and offer what seemeth him good in his eyes: Behold, here be oxen for burnt-sacrifice, & sleds and the other instruments of the oxen for wood. All these things did Aresna give unto the king, and said moreover unto the king: the lord thy God accept the. And the king said unto Aresna: not so, but I will buy it of the at a price, and will not offer Sacrifice unto the Lord my god of that which doth cost me nothing. And so David bought the threshing floor, and the oxen ☞ for fifty sycles of silver. And David build there an altar unto the Lord, and offered hurt sacrifices and peace-offerings. And so the lord was entreated for the land. And the plague ceased from Israel. ¶ The end of the second book of Samuel: otherwise called the second of the Kings. ¶ The third book of the Kings after the reckoning of the Latenistes: which third Book and the fourth also, is but one with the hebrews. ¶ The young virgin Abisag keepeth David in his extreme age. Adonia occupieth the realm unwytting to his father. Solomon is anointed kynge, and so Adonia getteth him away. CAPI. Primo. ANd King David was old and stricken in years: so that when they covered him with clothes, he caught no heat. Wherefore his servants said unto him: let there be sought for my Lord the king a young maiden, to stand before the king, and to cherish him. And let her lie in thy bosom, that my lord the king may get heat. And so they sought for a fair damfell throughout all the coostes of Israel, & found one Abisag a Sunamite, & brought her to the king And the damfell was exceeding fair, and therysshed the king, and ministered to him▪ But the king knew her not. And Adonia the son of Hagith exalted himself, saying: I will be king. And he got him charettes, and horsemen, and fifty men to run before him. And his father would not displease him at any time, nor said so moche to him as/ why dost thou so? And he was a goodly man, and his mother bore him next after Absalon. And he took counsel at joab the son of Zaruia, and at Abiathar the Priest. And they helped Adonia. But Sadocke the priest, Banaiahu the son of jehoiada, Nathan the prophet, Semei and Rei, and all the men of might which were with David, favoured not Adonia. And Adonia sacrificed sheep and oxen, and fat cattle, by the stone of Zoheleth, which is fast * josua. 〈◊〉 ● by the well of rogel, and called all his brethren the kings sons, and the men of juda the kings servants. But Nathan the prophet and Banaiahu, and the other mighty men, & Solomon his brother, he called not. Wherefore, Nathan spoke unto Bethsabe the mother of Solomon, saying: hast thou not herd how that Adonia the son of Hagith doth reign, and David our lord knoweth it not? Now therefore come, & I will give the counsel/ how to save thine own life, and the life of thy son Solomon. Go & get the in unto king David, & say unto him: didst not thou (my lord O king) swear unto thy handmaid saying. Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my seat? Why is then Adonia king? Behold, while thou yet talkest there with the king, I will come in after thee, and confirm thy words. And Bethsabe went in unto the king in to the chambre. And the king was very old and Abisag the Sunamite ministered unto the king. And Bethsabe stooped, and made obeysawce unto the king. And the king said: what is thy matter? She answered him: My lord, thou sworest by the lord thy God unto thine handmaid: Solomon thy son shall reign after me, & he shall sit upon my seat. And behold, now is Adonia king, and my lord the king woteth not of it. And he hath offered oxen, fat cattle, & many sheep and hath called all the sons of the king, and Abiathar the priest, & joab the captain of the host. But Solomon thy servant hath he not bidden. And now my lord (O king,) the eyes of all Israel wait on thee, that thou shouldest tell them, who ought to sit on the seat of my lord the king after him? For else when my Lord the king is laid to rest with his fathers, I and my son Solomon shall be ☞ ❀ sinners. And while she yet talked with the king, Nathan the Prophet came also. And they told the king saying: behold, here cometh Nathan the pro/ phet. And when he was come in to the king/ he made obeisance before the king upon his face on the ground, and Nathan said: My Lord (O king) hast thou said, Adonia shall reign after me, & he shall sit upon my seat? For he his gone down this day/ & hath slay many oxen, and fat sheep, & hath called all the kings sons, & the captains of the host, and Abiathar the priest. And be hold, they eat and drink before him, and say: God save the king Adonia. But me thy servant, and Sadocke the Priest, and Banatahu the son of jehoiada, and thy servant Solomon hath he not called. Is this thing done of my lord the king, and thou hast not showed it unto thy servant, who should sit on the seat of my lord the king after him? Then king David answered, & said: call me Bethsabe. And she came in to the kings presence, & stood before him. And the king swore, saying. As truly as the lord liveth (that hath rid my soul out of all adversity) even as I swore unto the by the lord god of Israel, saying: Solomon thy son shall reign after me, and he shall sit upon my seat for me, so will I do this day. Then Bethsabe bowed on her face to the earth, and did reverence unto the king, and said: I pray God that my Lord king ☞ David may live ever. And king David said: call me Sadock the priest, & Nathan the prophet & Banaiahu the son of jehoiada. And they came before the king. The king also said unto them: take with you the servants of your Lord, and set Solomon my son upon mine own Mule, & carry him down ☞ to Gihen. And Let Sadocke the priest, and Nathan the prophet anoint him there, king over Israel. And blow ye with trumpets, and say: God save king Solomon. And then come up after him, that he may come and sit upon my seat. For he shall be king in my stead. And I will command him to be captain over Israel & juda. And Banaiahu the son of jehoiada answered the king, and said, Amen. I pray god that the lord god of my Lord the king say so to. And as god hath been with my Lord the king/ even so be he with Solomon also, & make his seat greater, than the seat of my lord king David's hath been. And so Sadock the priest/ and Nathan the prophet, and Banaiahu the son of jehoiada, & the Crethites & Phelethites went down, & set Solomon upon king David's Mule, and brought him to Gihen. And Sadock the priest took an horn of oil out of the tabernacle, & anointed Solomon. And all they of the people blewe trumpets, and said: God save king Solomon. And all the people came up after him, piping with pipes, and rejoicing greatly, so that the earth range with the sound of them. And Adonia and all the gests that he had called unto him, heard it/ even as they had made an end of eating. And when joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said: how happeneth it that there is such a noise in the city? And as he yet spoke: behold, jonathas the son of Abiathar the Priest came. And Adonia said unto him: come in, for thou art a valiant man, and bringest good tidings And jonathas answered & said to Adonia: verily our lord king David hath made Solomon king. And the king hath sent with him, Sadok the Priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Banaiahu the son of jehoiada, and the Crethites, and the Phelethites, and they have set him upon the kings Mule. And Sadocke the priest, & Nathan the prophet have anointed him king in Gihen. And they came up again, and rejoiced, that the city did sound again. And that is the noise, that ye have herd. And Solomon sitteth on the seat of the kingdom. And moreover, the kings servants came to bless our Lord king David, saying: thy God make the name of Solomon more honourable than thy name, & make his seat, greater than thy seat. And the king bowed himself upon the bed. And thus said the king: blessed be the Lord God of Israel, whithe hath made one to sit on my seat this day, mine eyes saying it. And all the gests that were with Adonia were afraid, & rose up, & went every man his way. And Adonia fearing the presence of Solomon, arose, & went ❀ (in to the tabernacle of the lord) & caught hold on the horns of the altar. And one told Solomon, saying: behold, Adonia doth fear king Solomon: for he hath * 〈…〉 di▪ 21. b caught hold on the horns of the altar, saying▪ let king Solomon swear unto me this day that he will not slay his servant with the sword. And Solomon said: if he will he a child of virtue, there shall not an here of him fall to the earth. But and if wickedness be found in him, he shall die. And so king Solomon sent, and they brought him from the altar. And he came, and did obeisance unto king Solomon. And Solomon said unto him: get the to thine house. ¶ David dieth Adonai requireth to have Abisag to his Concubine, & therefore Solomon commaudeth to slay him▪ Abiathar so put from his priesthood. Semei, and joab are slay. CAPI. II. THe days of David drew nigh, that he should die, and he charged Solomon his son, saying: I go the way of all the world, * 〈…〉 ●▪ ● 〈…〉▪ ix●●●. b 〈…〉▪ 〈◊〉. ● be thou strong therefore, and show thyself a man. Keep thou the watch of the lord thy God, that thou walk in his ways, and keep his ☞ statutes, and his precepts, his judgements, & his testymonyes, even as it is written in the law of Moses: that thou mayst prosper in all that thou dost & in every thing that thou meddlest with all. That the Lord also may make good his word which he spoke unto me, saying: if thy Children take heed to their way, that they walk before me in truth▪ with all their hearts, and with all their souls, * Regst. ix ● then shalt thou not be with out a man on the seat of Israel. * Reg. iii. c 〈◊〉. xx. ●. Moreover, thou wottest how joab the son of Zatuia served me, and what he did to that two captains of the hosts of Israel: unto Abner the son of Ne'er, and unto Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew and shed blood in time of peace (even as it had been in war) ☞ and put the blood of war upon his girdle that was about his loins, & in his shoes that were on his feet▪ Deal with him therefore according to thy wisdom, and bring not his hoore head down to the grave in peace. * two. Reg nineteen. ● But show kindness unto the Sons of Berselat the Gileadite, that they may eat at thy table: For they came to me, when I fled from Absalon two. Re. xvi. ● thy brother. And behold, thou hast with thee, Semei the son of Gera, the son of Gemini of Bahurim, which cursed me with an horrible curse, in the day when I went to Mahanahim. But he came to meet me at jordane, and I swore to him by the Lord, saying. I will not slay the with the sword. But thou shalt not count him as unguilty: For thou art a man of wisdom, & knowest what thou oughtest to do to him, his hoore head shalt thou bring to the grave/ with blood. And so * Acts. two. c David slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David. And the days which David reigned upon Israel, were forty years: seven years reigned he in Hebron: and thirty, and three years reigned he in jerusalem. * ●. 〈◊〉. 〈…〉 Then sat Solomon upon the seat of David his father, and his kingdom was stablished mightily. And Adonia the son of Hagith, came to Bethsabe the mother of Solomon. And she said: * i. Reg▪ 〈…〉 Comest thou peaceably? And he said: peaceably. He said moreover: I have somewhat to say unto the. She said: say on. And he said: thou knowest that the kingdom was mine, and that all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign, how be it the kingdom is turned away/ and given to my brother, for it is appointed him of the Lord: and now I ask a petition of thee/ deny me not. And she said unto him: Say on. And he said: speak I pray thee, unto Solomon the king (for he will not say the nay) that he give me Abisag the Sunamite to wife. And Bethsabe said: well, I will speak for the unto the king. Bethsabe therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonia. And the king rose up to meet her, & bowed himself unto her, & sat him down on his seat. And there was a seat set for the kings mother, and she sat on his right side. Then she said: I desire a little petition of thee, I pray the say me not nay. And the king said unto her: Ask on my mother: For I will not say the nay. She said: let Abisag the Sunamite be given to Adonia thy brother, to wife. And king Solomon answered and said unto his mother: why dost thou ask Abisag the Sunamite for Adonia? ask for him the kingdom also: for he is mine elder brother, & hath for him Abiathar the priest/ and joab the son of Zaruia. Then king Solomon swore by the Lord saying: God do so, and so to me, if Adonia have not spoken this word against his own life. Now therefore, as truly as the lord liveth (which hath ordained me, and set me on the seat of David my father, and ☞ made me an house (as he promised) Adonia shall die this day. And king Solomon sent by the hand of Banaiahu, the Son of jehoiada, and he smote him that he died. And unto Abiathar the Priest said the king: get the to Anatoth unto thine own fields, for thou art worthy of death: but I will not at this time kill thee, because thou barest the ark of the Lord God before David my father, and because thou hast suffered with my father in all his afflictions. And so Solomon put away Abiathar from being priest unto the Lord: that he might fulfil the wordis of the lord which he spoke over the house of Eli in Silo. Then tidings came also to joab: for joab had turned after Adonia ❀ though he turned not after Absalon. And joab fled unto the tabernacle of the Lord, and caught hold on the horns of the altar. And it was told king Solomon, how that joab fled unto the tabernacle of the lord, & stood by the altar. Then Solomon sent Banaiahu the son of jehoiada, saying: go and fall upon him. And Banaiahu came in to the tabernacle of the lord, & said unto him: thus saith the king: come out. And he said: nay. But I will die even here. And Banaiahu brought the king word again, saying: thus said joab, & thus he answered me. And the king said: do even as he hath said: smite him, and bury him, that thou mayst take away the blood (which joab shed causeless) from me, and from the house of my father. And the lord shall bring his blood upon his own head, for he smote two men ryghtwyser & better than he, & slew them with the sword (my father David not knowing thereof:) even Abner the son of Ne'er, captain of the host of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether captain of the host of juda. Their blood shall therefore return upon the head of joab, and on the head of his seed for ever. But upon David, & upon his seed, & upon his house, & upon his seat shall there be peace for evermore of the lord. So Banaiahu the son of jehoiada went up, and smote him and slew him, and buried him, in his own house in the wilderness. And the king put Banaiahu the son of jehoiada in his room over the host, and put Sadocke the priest in the room of Abiathar. And the king sent and called Semei & said unto him, build the an house in jerusalem, and dwell there: & see that thou go not forth thence any whither For be thou sure, that the day that thou goest out, & passest over the river of Cedron, thou shalt die that day, & thy blood shall be on thine own head. And Semei said unto the king. This is a good thing: as my Lord the king hath said, so will his servant do. And Semei dwelt in jerusalem many a day. And it chanced after three years, that two of the servants of Semei ran away unto Achis son of Maacha king of Geth. And they told Semei, saying: behold, thy servants be in Geth. And Semei stood up/ and saddled his Ass, and got him to Geth to Achis, to seek his servants, & returned/ and brought his servants again from Geth. And it was told Solomon, how that Semei had gone from jerusalem to Geth, and was come again. And the king sent/ and called Semei, and said unto him: did I not charge the by the lord with an oath, and testified unto thee, saying: be sure, that when soever thou goest out, & walkest abroad any whither, thou shalt die the death? And thou saidest unto me: it is good tidings that I have herd. Why then hast thou not kept the oath of the lord, and the commandment that I charged the withal? The king said moreover to Semei: * 〈◊〉 thou remember'st all the wickedness which thine heart knoweth, and that thou didst to David my father. The lord also shall bring thy wickedness upon thine own head: and king Solomon shall be blessed, and the seat of David stablished before the lord for ever. So the king commanded Banaiahu the son of jehoiada, which went out, & smote him that he died. And the kingdom was stablished in the hand of Solomon. ¶ Solomon taketh pharao's daughter to wife. The Lord appeareth to him, and giveth him wisdom. The pleating of the two harlots who should owe the living child, and salomon's sentence therein. CAPI. III. SAlomon made affinity with Pharaoh king of Egypt, and took pharao's daughter/ and brought her into ☞ the city of David, until he had made an end of building his own house, and the house of the Lord, and the wall of jerusalem round about. Only the people sacrificed in altars made on hills because there was no house build unto the name of the Lord, until those days. And Solomon loved the Lord, and walked in the ordinances of David his father, save only that he sacrificed & offered incense upon altars in hills. * ●. Par. i. a And the king went to Gibeon, to offer there: for ☞ that was a special offering place. A thousand burnt-offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar. And in Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night. And God said: Ask what thou wilt, that I may give it the. And Solomon said: thou hast showed unto thy servant David my father, great mercy, when he walked before the in truth in righteousness, and in plainness of heart with the. And thou hast kept for him this great mercy that thou hast given him a son, to sit on his seat: as it is come to pass this day. * ●. Pata. i. a And now (O Lord my God) it is thou that hast made thy servant king in stead of David my father. * ●●pi. ix. a. And I am but young, and wot not how to ☞ go out and in. And thy servant is in the mids of thy people, which thou hast chosen: And verily, the people are so many, that they can not be told nor numbered for multitude. * ●●pi. ix. b. give therefore unto thy servant an understanding heart, to judge thy people: that I may discern between good, and bad. For who is able to judge this, thy so mighty a people? And this pleased the Lord well, that Solomon had desired this thing. And God said unto him: Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked long life, neither haste asked riches, nor ☞ the soul of thine enemies, but hast asked understanding and discretion in judgement. Behold, I have done according to thy petition: For I have given the a wise and an understanding heart, so that there was none like the before thee, neither after the shall any arise like unto the. And I have also given the that which thou hast not asked, even richesse and honour: so that there shall be no king like the all thy days. And if thou wilt walk in my ways, to keep mine ordinances and my commandments ( * 3. Re. xv. a. as David thy father did walk) I will lengthen thy days. When Solomon awoke, behold, it was a dream. * ●. Pata. i. b And he came to jerusalem, and stood before the ark of the testament of the lord, & offered burnt-offerings, & peace-offerings, and made a feast to all his servants. ✚ Then came there two women (that were harlots) unto the king, and stood before him. And the one woman said: Oh my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house. And I was delivered of a child with her in the house. And the third day after that I was delivered, she was delivered also: and we were together, and no stranger with us in the house, save we two. And this wives child died in the night, for she smothered it. And she arose at midnight and took my son from my side (while thine handmaid slept) & laid it in her bosom, and put her dead child in my bosom. And when I rose up to give my child suck: behold, it was dead. But when I had looked upon it in the morning: Behold/ it was not my son which I did bear. The other woman said: it is not so: But my son liveth, & thy son is dead. And she said again: No, but thy son is dead, & my son is a live. And thus they pleated before the king. Then said the king: the one sayeth, this that is alive is my son, and the dead is thine. And the other sayeth nay: But thy son is dead, & the live child is mine. And the king said: bring me a sword. And they brought a sword before the king. And the king said: Divide the living child in two, and give the one half to the one, and the other to the other. Then spoke the woman (whose the living child was) unto the king (for her bowels yearned upon her son) and said: I beseech the my lord, give her the living child, and in no wise slay it. But the other said: let it be neither mine nor thine, but divide it. Then the king answered and said: * Luke. seven ● give her the living child, & slay it not, for she is the mother thereof. And all they of Israel heard of the judgement (which the king had judged) & feared the king: for they saw that the wisdom of god was in him, to do justice. ⊢ ¶ The princes and rulers under Solomon. The purveyance for his victuals. The number of his horses, and of his parables. CAPI. four AND so king Solomon was king over all Israel. And these were his Lords: Azariahu the son of Sadock the Priest: Elihoreph and Ahia the sonnis of Sisa, scribes. jehosaphath the son of Ahilud, the recorder. Banaiahu the son of jehoiada was over the host. And Sadocke and Abiathar were the priests. And Azariahu the son of Nathan was over ☞ the officers. And Zabud the son of Nathan was a priest, the kings companion. And Ahisar steward of household: And * iii. Reg v. d Adoniram the son of Abda was over the tributes. And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel, which provided victual for the king & his household: each man his month in a year, made provision for necessary things. And these are their names: The son of Her in mount Ephraim: the son of Dekar in Makaz, and in Saalbin and Bethsames Elon and Bethhauā: the son of Hesed in Aruboth, to whom pertained socho and all the land of Hepher: the son of Abinadab in all the region of Dor, which had Tapheth the daughter of Solomon to wife: Baana the son of Ahilud was over Thanach and Magiddo, and over all Bethsan which is by Zarthana beneath jezrael, from Bethsan to the plain of Mehola, even unto the place that is over against jechmean. The son of Gaber had Ramoth Gilead, and his were the towns of jair the son of Manasse, which are in Gilead, and under him was the region of Argob which is in Basan. lx. great cities with walls and bars of Brass. Ahinadab the sonnis of Hiddo had Mahenaim: Ahimaaz was in Nephthalim/ and he ●oke Basmath, the daughter of Solomon to wife: Baana the son of Husai was Aser, and in Aloth: jehosaphat the son of Paruah was in Isachar. Semei the son of Ela was in Benjamin: Gaber the son of Uri/ was in the country of Gilead, the land of Sehon king of the Amorites and of Og king of Basan, and was office alone in the land. And juda & Israel were many, even as the sand of the see in number, eating, drinking, and making merry. * 〈…〉. 72 ●. And Solomon reigned ☞ over all the kingdoms/ from the * 〈…〉 river, unto the land of the Philistines: even unto the border of Egypt, and they brought presents, and served Solomon all the days of his life. And salomon's bread for one day, was thirty. quarters of manchet flower, three score quarters of meal: ten stalled oxen, & twenty out of the pastures, and an hundred sheep, beside hearts bucks & wild goats ❀ and capons. For he ruled in all the region on the other side Euphrates, from Thiphsah, to * 〈…〉 Aza, over all the kings on the other side the river. And he had peace with all his servants on every side. And juda and Israel dwelled without fear, every man under his vine and under his fig tre, from Dan to Beerseba, all the days of Solomon. And Solomon had * 〈◊〉. 27. d. forty thousand stalies of horses for charettes, & twelve thousand horsemen. And the officers provided ●yttayle for king Solomon, and for all that ●ame out of any place to king salomon's table, every man his month, so that there lacked nothing. Barley also and straw for the horses and mules, brought they unto the place where the officers were, every man in his office. * Eccle. 47. b And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding moche/ and a ☞ large heart, even as the sand that is on the see shore, & salomon's wisdom ex celled the wisdom of all the Children of the East country, & all the wisdom of Egypte: For he was wiser than all men, yea then Ethan the Ezrahite, & Heman, Chal●oll, & Darda the sons of Maholl. And his name was spoken of, throughout all nations on every side. And Solomon spoke ☞. three M. proverbs And his songs were a thousand & five. And he spoke of trees, even from the Cedat tre that groweth in Libanon, unto the Isope that springeth out of the wall. He spoke also of beasts, of fowls, of worms, & of fishes. And there came of all nations to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and from all kings of the earth, which had herd of his wisdom. ¶ King Hi●am sendeth Ledar timber to the building of the Temple. The descryptyon of the works. CAPI. V ANd Hiram king of tire sent his servants unto Solomon, for he had herd that they had anointed him king in the room of his father: * 11. Reg. ●. ●. For Hiram was ever a lover of David. * 11. 〈…〉 And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying: thou knowest * 11. 〈…〉 how that David my father could not build an house unto the name of the Lord his God, for the wars which were about him on every side, until the lord put them under the soles of his feet. But now the Lord my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor any evil plague. And behold, * 〈…〉 I am determined to build an house unto the name of the lord my god, as the Lord spoke unto David my father, saying: thy son whom I will set upon thy seat for thee, he shall huylde an house unto my name. Now therefore, command thou that they hew me Cedartrees out of Libanon. And my servants shall be with thine, and unto thee, will I give the hire for thy servants, according to all such things as thou shalt appoint, for thou knowest, that there are not among us, that can skill to hew timber, like unto the Sidons. When Hiram heard the words of Solomon, he rejoiced greatly, & said: Blessed be the lord this day which hath given unto David a wise son over this mighty people. And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying: I have considered the things which thou sentest to me for, and will accomplish all thy desire, concerning timber of Cebar trees, and fire. My servants shall bring them from Libanon to the see. And I will convey them by ship unto the place that thou shalt show me, & will cause them to be discharged there, & thou shalt receive them. And thou shalt do me a pleasure again, if thou minister food for my house. And so Hiram gave Solomon Cedar trees, and fyrre trees, according to all his desire. And Solomon gave Hiram. xx. M. quarters of wheat for food to his household, & twenty butts of pure oil. Thus moche gave Solomon to Hiram year by year. And the lord gave Solomon wisdom, as he promised him. And there was peace between Hiram & Solomon, and they two were confedered together. And king Solomon raised ❀ a sum out of all Israel. And the sum was. thirty. thousand men, whom he sent to Libanon. x. M. a month by course so that when they had been one month in Libanon, they abode two months at home. And * ●●. Reg. 4. ● Adoniram was over the sum. And Solomon had. lx. and x. M. that bare burdens, and four score thousand masons in the mountains, besides the lord, whom Solomon appointed to over see the work/ even. three M. &. CCC. Which ruled the people ❀ (and them) that wrought in the work. And the king commanded them to bring great stones, trestones, and hewed stones for the foundation of the house. And salomon's masons and the masons of Hiram did hew them, with the workmen of the corners. And so they prepared both timber/ and stones for the building of the house. ¶ How, and when the Temple was builded. CAPI. VI ANd it came to pass that in the four hundred, and four score year (after the children of Israel were come out of the land of Egypt) and * 〈…〉. iii. a in the fourth year of the reign of Solomon upon Israel, and in the month ☞ Ziff, which is the second month * 〈…〉. seven. f he began to build the house of the lord. And the house which Solomon built for the lord, was three score cubits long/ and twenty cubytes broad, and thirty cubits high. And he * 〈…〉. x. e 〈…〉. b. and. b. ● made a porch before the body of the temple, which was twenty cubytes long after the breedeth of the house, and ten cubytes broad, even in the forefront of the house. And in the house he made windows, broad without, and narrow within. And in the wall of the house, he made chambers round about, (even in the wallis of the house) round about the temple and the queer, and made sides round about. The neythermost chambre was five cubytes broad, and the middle was two cubytes broad, and the third was seven cubits broad. For without in the wall of the house he laid beams round about/ that the beams of the chambers should not be fastened in the walls of the house. And the house was built of stone, made perfit already before it was brought thither, so that there was neither hammer nor are, either any tool of iron heard in the house, while it was in building. The door of the middle chambre was in the right side of the house: and men went up with winding steers in to the middle chambre, and out of the middle, in to the third. And so he built the house and finished it, and roufte it with beams of Cedar timber▪ And then he built chambres to all the temple, of five cubytes height/ and they were joined to the house, with beams of Cedar. And the word of the Lord came to Solomon, saying: concerning the house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk● in mine ordinances, and execute my laws▪ and keep all my commandments, to walk● in them: then will I make good unto thee, my promise, * 〈…〉 which I promised David thy father. * 〈…〉 And I will dwell among the children of Israel, & will not forsake my people Israel. Solomon therefore built the house. & finished it, and syled the walls of the house within, with boards of Cedar tree: even from the pavement of the house unto the roof, did he syle the wallis of it within, with Cedar tre/ and boarded the floor of the house with planks of fyrxe. And he syled twenty cubytes ☞ in the sydꝭ of the queer of the temple, both floor & walls, with boards of Cedar, & dressed it within in the secret place of the temple even in the most holy. And the first house/ that is to say, the body of the temple without was forty cubits long. And the Cedar of the house within, was carved with knoppes and graven with flowers, and all was Cedar timber, so that no stone was seen. And the queer that was with in the temmple, he prepared, to set there the ark of the appointment of the Lord. And the queer before, was twenty cubytes long, and twenty cubytes in breadth, and twenty cubytes in height. And he syled it with pure gold, and boarded ☞ the altar with Cedar. And Solomon also syled the house within with pure gold. And he made golden bars run along the queer, which he had covered with gold. And the hole house, he over laid with gold, until he had ended it. And the altar that was in the queer he over laid with gold also. And with in the queer he made two * Exodi. 25. b Cherubins of olive tree, ten cubytes high. five cubits long was a wing of the one cherub, & five cubits long was a wing of the other cherub: so that from the uttermost part of one wing unto the uttermost part of the other, were ten cubytes. And the other Cherub was ten cubytes high also, so that both the cherubs were of one measure, & one size: For the height of the one Cherub was ten cubytes, & so was it of the other. And he put the cherubs which in the inner house. * Exodi. 25. b And the cherubꝭ stretched out their wyngis, so that the one wing of the one touched the one wall, & the one wing of the other touched the other wall. And the other two wyngis of them touched one another in the myddis of the house. And he gainsaid the cherubs with gold. And in all the wallis of the house round about he made figures of carved & syled work: as namely pictures of Cherubes, and Palm trees and graven flowers, both within, in the queer, & without in the temple. And the floor of the house he covered with gold, both within in the queer, and also without in the temple. And in the entering of the queer he made two doors of olive tree: And both the upper & two side postꝭ were five square. The two doors also were of olive tre, & he graved them with graving of Cherubes & Palm trees, & graven flowers, & covered them with gold, & laid thine plates of gold upon the Cherubs and palm trees. And in like manner did he in the door of the temple, saving that the postꝭ were of olive tree, four square The two doors were of fir tree, and either door with two folding leaves, he graved thereon Cherubs palm trees, & flowers, and covered them with gold, which was laid thine upon the carved work. And he built the inner court with three rows of hewed stone, and one row of Cedar wood. In the fourth year, was the foundation of the house of the Lord laid: even in the month Ziff: And in the eleventh year, ☞ in the month Bull (which is the eight month) was the house full finished, throughout all the parts thereof, and according to all the fashion of it. And so was he seven year in building it. ¶ The building of the house of Solomon. The house of pharao's daughter. The form of the pillars of brass/ of the brazen Sockets. etc. CAPI. VII. BUt Solomon was building his own house. xiii. years, and finished it all. And he built the house ❀ ☞ in the wood of Libanon, an hundred cubytes long, & fifty cubytes broad, & thirty cubits high. And (it stood) upon four rows of Cedar pillars, and Cedar beams (were laid) upon the pillars. And the roof was Cedar above upon the beams that lay on the pillars, even. xlv beams in fifteen rows. And there were windows in three rows: and the windows were one against another three fold. And the doors with the side posts, & the upper post, were four square, and had windows one against another three fold. And he made a porch by the pillars (that bore up the house) fifty cubits long, & thirty cubits broad and that porch was before those, & the other pillars: For there was ☞ a thick tree set before them. Then he made a porch to sit and judge in, syled with Cedar ☞ throughout all the pavements. And his own house (that he kept residence in: and that was in another court without the porch) was made of the same work. And then Solomon made an house for Pharos daughter, * three ●e. three ● (whom he had taken to wife) like unto the fashion of that porch. And all these were of the best stones, hewed after a measure, & sawed with saws/ within, and without, from the foundation unto the beams (that lay above, after the measure) and even so on the out side toward the great court. And the foundation was laid upon rich stones and that very great stones: whereof some were ten cubits, & some eight cubytes. And above were good stones squared after a certain rule, and covered with Cedar. And the great court round about was which three rows of hewed stone, and one row of Cedar planks, after the manner of the inner court of the house of the Lord, and of the porch of the temple. * ●●. 〈◊〉 And king Solomon sent & fet one Hiram out of Tire, a widows son of the tribe of Nephtalim, his father being a man of tire. Which Hiram was a crafts man in Brass/ * Exod. two ● full of wisdom, understanding, and cunning: to work all manner of work in brass. And he came to king Solomon, & wrought all his work. For he cast * I●●● iii ●●. Pe●. iii. 4. 〈◊〉. ●● two pillars of brass, of xviii. cubytes' height a piece, and a string of xii. cubytes did compass either of them about. And he made two head pieces of molten brass (after the fashion of a Crown) to set on the toppꝭ of the pillars: The height of the one head piece contained five cubytes, & the height of the other head piece contained five cubits also, he made also net work, and ga● lands of chain work, upon the head pieces that were on the top of the pillars, even seven (rows) upon the one headpece, & seven upon the other. And so he made the pillars, & two rows round about, in the one writhen work to cover the headpeces that were upon the Pomgarnates. And thus did he also for the other headpeace. And the headpeces that were on the tops of the pillars, covered he above which a curious work of roses, toward the palace by the space of. iiii. cubits. Likewise, under the headpeces in those. two. pillars beneath, over against the mids, and before the net work. And upon the second headpece were there two hundred Pomegarnates in two rows round about. And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple. And when he had set up the right pillar, he called the name thereof * ●●●ed fast 〈◊〉. jachin: and when he had set up the left Pillar, he called the name thereof * ●it●●gth. Boaz. And in the top of the pillars was a work of roses, and so was the workmanship of the pillars finished. And he made a molten lavatory, ten cubits wide from brim to brim, round in compass, and five cubits high. And a string of thirty cubits did compass it about, and under the brim of it there were knoppes round about ten in one cubit: and they compassed the lavatory round about. And the knoppes were cast with it, in two rows, when it was cast. And it stood on twelve oxen: of which. iii. looked toward the north. iii. toward the west, three toward the South, and three toward the East, and the lavatory stood upon them, and all their hynderpartes were inward. It was an hand bredthe thick, and the brim wrought like the brim of a cup with flowers of lilies. And it contained two thousand ☞ Bats. And he made ten sockets of brass, four cubits long, and four cubits broad apece, and three cubits high. And the work of the sockers was on this manner. They had sides, & the sides were between the ledges. And on the sides that were between the ledges, were lions, oxen and Cherubs. And likewise upon the ledges that were above: & beneath the lions and oxen, were certain additions made of thine work. And under every socket were four brazen wheels and boards of brass. And in the four corners thereof, were undersetters (under the lavatory) cast, each over against his fellow. And the stalk of the lavatory was in the middle of it, ❀ (where it is seen on the oursyde) one cubit high, and a cubit and an half round and in the height of it were graven works, whose sides were made four square, and not round. And under the sides were four wheels, and the axeltrees joined fast to the bottom. And the height of every wheel was a cubit and an half. And the workmanship of the wheels was like the work of a chariot wheel. And the axeltrees, navels, spokes & shafts were all molten. And there were. iiii. undersetters in the. iiii. corners of one socket: and the undersetters were of the very bottom self. And in the height of the bottom was there a round compass of half a cubit high: and in the height of the bottom there proceeded both ledges & sides out of the same: For in the boards of the ledges & on the sides he had graven pictures of Cherubins lions, & palm trees, one by an other round about. Thus made he the ten sockets after this manner. And they had all one fashion of casting, one measure, and one size. Then made he ten laver of brass, one laver containing. xl. Baths: and one laver was four cubits, and upon every one of the ten sockets he put one laver. And he put five of those sockets on the right side of the house, and other five on the left. And he set the lavatory on the right side of the house Eastward and toward the South. And Hiram made pots, shovels, & basins, & so finished all the work that he made to king Solomon for the house of the Lord: that is to say, two pillars & two round head pieces that were to be set on the tops of the two pillars, and four hundred Pomegarnates for the two net works, (even two rows of Pomgarnates in one net work) to cover the two headpeces that were to be set on the tops of the pillars. And the ten sockets, & ten laver on the sockets. The lavatory, & twelve oxen under it: & pots, shovels & basins. And all these vessels which Hiram made to king Solomon for the house of the lord, were of bright brass. In the plain of jordan did the king cast them: even in the thick clay between Socoh and Zarthan. And Solomon left all the vessels unweyed, because they were so exceeding many, neither found they out the weight of the brass. And so Solomon made all the vessels that pertained unto the house of the Lord: the golden altar, & the golden table, whereon the showbread was. And five candlesticks, for the right side, and five for the left, before the queer of pure gold: with flowers, lamps, and snoffers of gold, and bowls, flat pieces, basins, spoons & masoures of pure gold: & hyndges made he of gold both for the doors of the queer (the place most holy) and for the doors of the temple also. And so was ended all the work that king Solomon made for the house of the Lord▪ And * two. Par. 4. a Solomon brought in the things which David his father had dedicated: even the silver gold & vessels, and laid them up among the treasures of the house of the lord. ¶ The A●he is borne in to the temple. A cloud filleth the temple. The temple is blessed. CAPI. VIII. THen * ●●. Par. v. a Solomon gathered together the elders of Israel, all the heads of the tribes, (and them that were captains among the fathers of the Children of Israel) unto him in jerusalem, that they might bring up the ark of the appointment of the Lord * two Reg. vi. d out of the city of David, which is Zion. And all the men of Israel assembled unto king Solomon to the feast that falleth in the month ☞ Ethanim, which is the seventh month. And all the elders of Israel were come/ and the priests took up the ark. They bore the ark of the Lord, in to the tabernacle of witness, and all the holy vessels that were in the tabernacle: those did the priests and the Levites bear. And king Solomon & all the congregation of Israel that were assembled unto him (& went with him before the ark,) did offer sheep and oxen, that could not be told nor numbered for multitude. And so the priests brought the ark of the appointment of the lord unto his place, even into the queer of the temple and place most holy, under the wings of the Cherubs. Forth Cherubs stretched out their wings over the place of the ark, & covered both it & also the staves thereof an high upon it. And they drew out the staves, that the ends of them might appear out of the holy place within the queer, but they were not seen without. And there they have been unto this day/ ☞ and there was nothing in the ark, * duty. ●. a. save the two tables of stone, which Moses put there at Horeb, in the which (tables) the lord made an appointment with the children of Irael, when he brought them out of the land of Egypte. And it fortuned that when the priests were come out of the holy place, the cloud filled the house of the Lord, that the priests could not stand & minister, because of the cloud: for the glory of the Lord had filled the house of the lord. Then spoke Solomon: the Lord * levit. 1●. a said that he would dwell in the dark cloud. I have built the an house to dwell in, ☞ an habitation for the to abide in for ever. And the king turned his face, and blessed all the congregation of Israel, and all the congregation of Israel stood still. And he said: Blessed be the lord God of Israel, which spoke with his mouth unto David my father * two. Reg. seven. i Para. vi. ● and hath ☞ with his hand fulfilled it, saying. Since the day that I brought my people Israel out of Egypte, I chose no city of all the tribes of Israel, to build an house, that my name might 1. Reg. 16. ● be therein: But I have chosen David, to be ruler over my people Israel. And it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the Lord God of Israel. And the Lord said unto David my father. Where as it was thine heart to build an house unto my name thou didst well, that thou wast so minded. Nevertheless thou shalt not build the house but thy son that shall come out of thy loins, he shall build the house unto my name. And the lord hath made good his word that he spoke. And I am risen up in the room of David my father, & sit on the seat of Israel as the Lord promised, and have built an house for the name of the Lord God of Israel. And I have prepared therein a place for the ark, wherein is the covenant of the lord which he made with our fathers, when he brought them out of the land of Egypte. Solomon stood before the altar of the lord in the sight of all the congregation of Israel and stretched out his handis toward heaven, and said: * two P●●. v●● Lord God of Israel, there is no God like the in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, thou that keepest covenant and mercy for thy servants that walk before the with all their heart: thou that hast kept with thy servant David my father, that thou promysedst him. Thou spakest also with thy mouth, and hast fulfilled it with thine hand, as it is come to pass this day. Therefore, now Lord God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my father, that thou promysedst him, saying: * two. Regū●● Thou shalt not be without a man in my sight to sit on the seat of Israel: so that thy children take heed to their way, that they walk before me, as thou hast walked in my sight. And now (o god) of Israel, let thy word be verified, which thou spakest unto thy servant David my father. Will God in deed dwell on the earth? Behold * Esai▪ 〈◊〉▪ ● A●te●▪ ●●● the heavens, and heavens of all heavens are not able to contain thee: And how should then this house, do it, that I have builded? Have thou therefore respect unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplication (O Lord my god) to hear the voice and prayer before the this day, that thine eyes may be open toward this house, night & day, even toward this place of which thou hast said, * 〈…〉 my name shall be there) that thou mayst hearken unto the prayer, which thy servant prayeth in this place. And regard thou the supplication of thy servant and of thy people Israel, when they pray in this place: And hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and when thou hearest, have mercy. * 〈…〉. vi. d If any man trespass against his neighbour, & there go an oath between them, and the one compel the other, and come swearing before thine altar in this house, then hearken thou in heaven, and work and judge thy servants, that thou condemn the ungodly to bring his way upon his head, and justify the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness. * 〈…〉 When thy people Israel be put to the worse before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee, and afterward turn again to thee, and knowledge unto thy name and pray and make supplication unto the in this house: then hear thou in heaven, to be merciful unto the sin of thy people Israel, and bring them again unto the land, which thou gavest unto their fathers. * 〈…〉. 17. ● If heaven be shut up, and there be no rain, because they have sinned against the yet if they pray in this place, and knowledge unto thy name, and turn from their sin, thorough thy scourging of them: then hear thou in heaven, and be merciful ❀ (unto the sins) of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou show them a good way to walk in, & give rain upon thy land that thou hast given unto thy people to inherit. If there be in the land dearth, or pestilence, brought, blasting, grasshopper or caterpyller, or if their enemy besiege them in the land of their cities, or what soever plague or sickness chance: * 〈…〉. then what prayers and supplication soever be made of any man of all thy people Israel, which shall knowledge every man the plague of his own heart, and stretch forth his handis toward this house. Hear thou then in heaven, even in thy dwelling place, and be merciful, and work, and give every man according to all his ways (even as thou that only knowest his heart, for thou only knowest the hearts of all the children of men:) that they may fear the as long as they live in the land, which thou gavest unto our fathers. And likewise, if a stranger that is not of thy people Israel * 〈…〉 vi●i. ● come out of a far country forty names sake (for they shall hear of thy great name, and of thy mighty hand and of thy stretched out arm) and shall come and pray in this house. Therefore hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place, and do all that the stranger calleth to the for: that all nations of the earth may know thy name and fear thee, as do thy people Israel: and that they may know that thy name is called upon in this house which I have built. If thy people go out to battle against their enemy, whither soever thou shalt send them, and shall pray unto thee (O Lord * Dani. vi. ●. toward the way of the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house that I have built forty name:) hear thou in heaven their prayer and supplication, & judge their cause. If they sin against the * 1. 〈…〉. (for there is no man that sinneth not) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them in to the hand of their enemies, so that they carry them away prisoners unto the land of their enemies, whither far or near, yet if they turn again unto their hearts in the land (to the which they be carried away captive,) and return and pray unto the in the land of their enemies saying: we have sinned, we have done wickedly, and have committed ungodliness, and so turn again unto the with all their heart, and all their soul in the land of their enemies (which led them away captive) and pray unto thee, toward the way of their land, which thou gavest unto their fathers, and toward the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house which I have built for thy name: Then hear thou their * 〈…〉. prayer & supplication in heaven thy dwelling place, and judge their cause: & be merciful unto thy people, that have sinned against thee, & unto all their iniquities (whereby they have done wickedly against thee) and get thou them the favour of those which led them away captive, that they may have compassion on them. For they be thy people, and thine inheritance, which thou broughtest out of Egypte, even from the mids of the furnace of iron. And let thine eyes be open unto the prayer of thy servant, and unto the prayer of thy people Israel * 1. Esdr●. ●. d to hearken unto them, in all that they call for unto the. For thou didst separate them, from among all the nations of the earth, (to be thine own inheritance) as thou saidest by the hand of Moses thy servant, when thou broughtest our fathers * Exod. ●i●. a out of Egypte, O lord God. * 11. Par. 7. ● And when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the Lord, he arose from before the altar of the Lord, and from kneeling on his knees, and from stretching of his handis up to heaven, and stood and blessed all the congre gation of Israel with a loud voice saying: Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: * ● Reg. ili. d. there hath not failed one word of all the good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our fathers, & forsake us not, neither leave us: but that he may bow our hearts unto him, that we may walk in all his ways, & kape his commandments, his statutes and his laws, which he commanded our fathers. And these my words which I have prayed before the Lord, be nigh unto the Lord our god day and night, that he defend the cause of his servant, and the cause of his people Israel (what thing socuer chance at any time) that all nations of the earth may know that the Lord is God, and none but he. Let your heart therefore be perfit with the lord our God, that ye walk his statutes, and keep his commandments, as this day. And the king and all Israel with him, offered offerings before the lord. * 〈◊〉 7. a And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the Lord, and he offered unto the lord xxii. thousante oxen, and an hundred and. xx. thousand sheep: And so the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the lord. The same day did the king hallow the middle of the court, that was before the house of the lord: for there he offered burnt offerings meat offeryngis and the fat of the peaccofferynges, because the brazen altar that was before the Lord, was to little to receive the burnofferynges, meateofferynges, & the fat of the peaccofferynges. And Solomon held that same time an high feast and all Israel with him, a very great congregation, even from the entering in of Hemath unto the river of Egypte, before the lord our God, * Den●t. 16. c seven days & seven days, even. xiiii. days. And the. vill. day he sent the people away. And they blessed the king and went unto their tents joyous and with glad heart, because of all the goodness that the Lord had done for David his servant, and for Israel his people. ¶ The Lord appeareth the second time to Solomon. Solomon giveth towns to Hirem. The Lananytes become tret 〈◊〉. He sendeth ships for gold. He unytoeth many Litres. CAPI. IX. ANd when Solomon had * ●●. Para. 7 ● finished the building of the house of the lord, and the kings palace, and all that he had in his mind, and was appointed to make: the lord appeared unto him again, as he appeared to him at Gibeon. And the Lord said unto him: I have herd thy prayer and thy intercession, that thou hast made before me. For I have hallowed this house (which thou hast built,) to put my name there for ever, and mine eyes, & mine heart shall be there perpetually. And if thou wilt walk before me (as David thy father walked, in pureness of heart & in righteousness) to do all that I have commanded thee, & wilt keep my statutes, & my laws, then will I stablish the seat of thy kingdom upon Israel for ever, as I promised to David thy father, saying. * three Reg. ●● Thou shalt not be without a man upon the seat of Israel. But and if ye and your children turn away from me, and will not keep my commandments and my statutes (which I have set before you) but go & serve other Gods, and worship them: then will I weed Israel out of the land, which I have given them. And this house which I have hallowed * 4 Reg. ● jere. ●● for my name, will I cast out of my sight. And Israel shall be a proverb and a fable among all nations. And this house shall be taken away: so that every one that passeth by it, shall be astonied, and shall hiss, & they shall say: * ●●●●● 〈◊〉 jere. 〈◊〉. ● why hath the lord done this unto this land & to this house? And they shall answer: because they forsook the lord their god, which brought their fathers out of the land of Egypte, and have taken hold upon other Gods, and have worshipped them, & served them: therefore hath the Lord brought upon them all this evil. * ●● P●●● And it fortuned, that ☞ at the end of twenty years, Solomon finished the building of the two houses, that is to weet, the house of the Lord, & the kings palace. And Hiram the king of tire brought Solomon timber of Cedar, and Fyrre trees, gold, and what soever he desired. And Solomon again gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee. And * ● 〈◊〉 ● Hiram came out from tire to see the cities which Solomon had given him, and they pleased him not. And he said: What cities are these, which thou hast given me, my brother? And he called them the land of ☞ Cabull unto this day. And Hiram sent the King six score hundred weight of gold. And this is the sum, which king Solomon raised for a tribute when he builded the house of the Lord and his own house, and ☞ milo and the wall of jerusalem, and Hazoer, and Meg●ddo, and Gazer. For Pharaoh king of Egypte went up, and took Gazer, and burned it with fire, and slew the Canaanites that dwelled in the city, & gave it for a present unto his daughter, salomon's wife. And Solomon built Gazer and Beth Horon the nether: and Baalath and ☞ Thamar in the wilderness and in the land: and all the treasure Cities that Solomon had, ❀ (and were unwalled, those he made strong.) and cities for his charettes, and cities for his horsemen, and all that Solomon desired, and would build in jerusalem, in Libanon, and in all the land of his dominion. And all the people that were left of the Amorites, Hethites, Pheresites, Hevites, and jesubites, (which were not of the children of Israel) their children that were left after them in the land, whom the children of Israel also were not able to destroy. Those did Solomon compel to bring tribute unto this day. But of the children of Israel did Solomon * 〈◊〉. ●5. ●. make no bond men. But they were men of war, his ministers, his lords, his captains, and rulers of his charettes, and of his horsemen. And these were the lords that were set over salomon's work: even five. C. were they, & fifty, & they ruled the people that wrought the work. And pharao's daughter came up out of the city of David unto the house which Solomon had built for her. And then did he also build milo. And thrice a year did Solomon offer burnt offerings and peace offerings upon the altar, which he built unto the Lord: And he burned incense upon the altar that was before the lord, and so he finished the house. And king Solomon made a navy of ships in Azion Gaber, which is beside Elath, on the brink of the red see, in the land of Edom. And Hiram sent by ship also of his servants, that were shipmen, and had knowledge of the see, with the servants of Solomon. And they came to Ophir and fet from thence one and twenty score hundred weight of gold, and brought it to king Solomon. ¶ The name of Saba cometh to hear the wisdom of Solomon, whose royalty is here discry●ed. CAPI. X. ANd the queen * 〈◊〉 ●ii d 〈◊〉 i●. ● of Saba hearing the fame of Solomon (concerning the name of the Lord) came to prove him with hard questions. And she came to jerusalem with a very great train: with camels that bore sweet odours, & gold exceeding moche, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon, & communed with him of all that was in her heart. And Solomon declared unto her all her questions, so that there was not one thing hid from the king, which he expounded not unto her. And the queen of Saba considered all salomon's wisdom, and the house that he had builded, and the meat of his table, and ☞ the sitting of his servants, the order of his ministers, and their apparel, his drink and his burnt-sacrifices that he offered in the house of the Lord, and she was astonied. And she said unto the king, It was a true word that I heard in mine own land of thy sayings, and of thy wisdom. Howbeit I believed it not, till I came, and saw it with mine eyes. And behold, the one half was not told me: for thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the same which I heard of the. Happy are thy men: and happy are these thy servants, which stand ever before thee, & hear thy wisdom. Blessed be the Lord thy God, which loved thee, to set the on the seat of Israel, because the lord loved Israel for ever, and made the king, to do equity and rygteousnesse. And she gave the king six score hundred weight of gold, and of sweet odours exceeding moche, and precious stones. There came no more such abundance of sweet odours, as the queen of Saba gave to king Solomon. The navy also of the * 3. Reg. 〈◊〉. ● ships of Hiram (that carried gold from Ophir) brought likewise great plenty of ☞ Almuge tre and precious stones. And the king made of the Almuge trees, pillars for the house of the Lord, and for the kings palace, and made haps and psaltryes for syngers. There came no more such Almuge trees, nor were any more seen unto this day. And king Solomon gave unto the queen of Saba according to all her desire what soever she asked: Besides that he gave her of a free will with his own hand. And so she returned unto her own country: both she, and her servants. The weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year, was two hundred three score & six talents of gold, besides that he had of chapmen and of merchants and of Apothecaries, and of all the kings of Arabia, and of the lords of the country. And king Solomon made two hundred bucklers of beaten gold, six hundred sycles of gold went to a buckler. And he made iii hundred sheldes of beaten gold, three pound of gold went to one shield, and the king put them in the * three Reg. 7. ● house of the wood of Libanon. And the king made a great seat of ivory, and covered it with the best gold. And the seat had two steps. And the top of the seat was round behind, and there were pomels on either side on the place of the seat and two lions stood beside the pomels. And there stood. xii. Lions on the steps. vi. on a side. There was none like (work) seen in any kingdom. * Deut. 17. b And all king salomon's drinking vessels were of gold, & likewise all the vessels of the house of the wood of Libanon were of pure gold. And as for silver, it was nothing worth in the days of Solomon. For the kings navy of ships went on the see ☞ unto Tharsis with the navy of hiram's ships: even once in three year went the navy to Tharsis, and brought Gold & silver ☞ Elephants tethe, apes & peacocks. * ●●. Pat. ix. f And so king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth both in richesse & wisdom. And all the world resorted to Solomon to here his wisdom, which God had put in his heart. And brought him every man his present, vessels of silver and vessels of gold raiment, harness, and sweet odours, & horses and Mules, year by year. And Solomon gathered together charettes and horsemen: & he had a thousand &. iiii. hundred charettes, and twelve thousand horse men, whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, & with the king at jerusalem. * 11. Pat. ●. d. And the king made silver in jerusalem as plenteous as stones, & Cedar as plenteous as the wild fyg trees that grow abundantly in the fields. ☞ The bringing of horses also out of Egypte: and the collectyon of the wares, did the kings merchants take again, and sold the stuff for a price. A chariot came up out of Egypt for. vi. hundred sycles of silver: that is ☞ one horse for an hundred & fifty. And even so for all the kings of the Hethites, and for the kings of Syria, did they bring them out, thorough their hands. ¶ Solomon hath seven hundred queens, and three hundred concubines, which bring him to idolatry. His adversaries re●●ll against him. He dieth. CAPI. XI. BUt king * 111. Re. ●i●. a Solomon loved many outlandyshe women: and the daughter of Pharaoh: and women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonites & Hethites. Where as yet (concerning these nations) the Lord said unto the children of Israel: * Exod. ●4. b ☞ Come not ye at them, nor let them come at you: Else will they turn your hearts after their gods. Nevertheless, Solomon clave unto them in love. And he had seven hundred Queens, and. CCC. concubines, & his wives Deut. ●7. d. turned away his heart. For it came to pass, when Solomon was old his wives turned his heart after other Gods: & his heart was not perfit with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father: For Solomon followed Astaroth the God of the Zidons, & Milcon, the obhomination of the Ammonitꝭ. And Solomon wrought wickedness in the sight of the lord, & followed not the lord perfitly, as did David his father. For than did Solomon build ☞ an high place for Chamos the abomination of Moab, in the hill that is before jerusalem, and unto Moloch the abomination of the children of Ammon. And likewise did he for all his outlandyshe wives, which burned sense & offered unto their Gods. And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord god of Israel * 111 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉. which had appeared unto him twice, and gave him a charge (concerning this thing) that he should not follow other Gods. But he kept not that, which the Lord commanded him: wherefore the Lord said unto Solomon: for as much as this is done of thee, & thou hast not kept mine appointment, and my statutes (which I commanded thee) I will rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. notwithstanding in thy days I will not do it, because of David thy father: but will take it from the hand of thy son. Howbeit, I will not take away all the kingdom: but will give ☞ one tribe to thy son, because of David my servant, and because of jerusalem which I have chosen. And the Lord stirred up an adversary unto Solomon: even one Hadad an Edomite, of the kings seed, which was in Edom. For when David was in Edom, & joab the captain of the host was gone up to bury them that were slay, he smote all the men children in Edom. For. vi. months did joab remain there and all Israel, till he had destroyed all the men children in Edom. And this Hadad fled and certain other edomites of his father's servants with him, to come into Egypte: Hadad being yet a little child. And they arose out of Madian, and came to Paran, and took men with them out of Paran, and came to Egypte unto Pharaoh king of Egypte, which gave him an house, and appointed him victuals, & gave him land. And Hadad got great favour in the sight of Phara●●o that he gave him to wife the sister of his own wife, even the sister of Thahpenes the Queen. And the sister of Thahpenes bore him Genubath his son, whom Thahpenes nourished in pharao's house And Genubath was of pharao's household among the sons of Pharaoh. And when Hadad heard in Egypte, that David was laid to sleep with his fathers, and that joab the captain of the host was dead also, he said to Pharaoh: let me depart, that I may go to mine own country. Pharaoh said unto him: What haste thou lacked here with me, that thou wouldest thus go to thine own country? He answered: nothing: howbeit, let me go. And God stirred him up an other adversary one Rezom the son of Eliada, which fled from his lord Hodadezer king of Zoba. And he gathered men unto him, and became captain over the company, when David slew them. And they went to Damascus, & dwelt there, & reigned in Damascus. Therefore was he an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon. And this was the mischief, in that Hadad did abhor Israel, and reigned over Syria. And Jeroboam the son of Hebat an Ephrathite of Zareda (whose mother was called Zetuah, which was a widow, and he salomon's servant) ☞ lift up his hand against the king. But this was the cause, that he lift up his hand against the king. Solomon built melo, & mended the broken places of the city of David his father. And this fellow Jeroboam was a man of war. And Solomon saw the young man, that he was able to do the work, he made him ruler over all the charges of the house of joseph. And it chanced at that season, that jeroboam went out of jerusalem, & the prophet Ahia the Silonite met him by the way, having a new mantel on him, & they two were alone in the field. And Ahia caught the new mantle that was on him, & rend it in twelve pieces and said to Jeroboam: take the ten pieces. For this saith the Lord God of Israel: Behold, I will sent the kingdom out of the hands of Solomon, and will give ten tribes to thee, * 〈◊〉. seven. ● and he shall have one, for my servant David's sake, and for jerusalem the city which I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel: because they have forsaken me and have worshipped Astharoth the God of the Zedons, & Chamos the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in my ways (to fulfil my pleasure, my statutes and my laws,) as did David his father. I will not take the hole kingdom out of his hand: but will make him chief all his life long, for David my servants sake, whom I chose: because he kept my commandments and my statutes. * 〈◊〉. xii. ● 〈◊〉. 132, b But I will take the kingdom out of his sons hand, and will give unto thee, even ten tribes of it: and to his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light always before me in jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me, to put my name there. And I will take thee, and thou shalt reign according to all that thy soul desireth, & shalt be king over Israel. And if thou hearken unto all that I command thee, and wilt walk in my ways, & do that is right in my sight, that thou keep my statutes and my commundementes (as David my servant did) then will I be with the & build the a sure house that shall continue, as I built for my servant David, and will give Israel unto the. And therewith will I vex the seed of David, but not for ever. Solomon sought therefore to kill Jeroboam, and Jeroboam arose, and fled in to Egypte unto Sisak king of Egypte, & continued there in Egypte until the death of Solomon. The rest of the words that concern Solomon, and all that he did, & his wisdom: are they not written in the book of the words of Solomon? The time that Solomon reigned in jerusalem upon all Israel, was forty year. And Solomon slept & he laid him with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David his father, and Rehoboam his son reygued in his stead. ¶ The kingdom is divided. Rehoboam reigneth over 〈◊〉 tribes, and Jeroboam over ten. Adu●am is stoned. Jeroboam maketh golden Calves. CAPI. XII. ANd * 11. 〈◊〉. x. ● Rehoboam went to Sichem: for all Israel were come to Sichem, to make him king. And Jeroboam the son of Nabat (which was yet in Egypte) heard of it * 111 Re. xii. ●● for he fled to Egypte from the presence of king Solomon, & dwelt in Egypte. So they sent & called him: and Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came, & spoke unto Rehoboam, saying: Thy father made our ☞ yoke grievous, now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father & his sore yoke which he put upon us, lighter, & we will serve the. And he said unto them: depart yet for the space of. three days, & then come again to me. And the people departed. And king Rehoboam took counsel with the old men that stood before Solomon his father, while he yet lived, & said: what counsel give ye, that I may have matter to answer this people? And they said unto him: If thou be a servant unto this people this day, & follow their minds & answer them, & speak kind words to them: they will be thy servants for ever. But he forsook the counsayie that the old men had given him, & called unto his counsel young men, that were grown up with him, and waited on him. And he said unto them: what counsel give ye, that we may answer this people? for they have communed with me, saying: make the yoke which thy father did put upon us, lighter? And the young men that were grown up with him, spoke unto him, saying: Thus shalt thou speak unto this people (that have said unto thee: thy father made our yoke heavy, but make thou it us lighter.) Even thus shalt thou say unto them: ❀ My little finger shall be weyghtyer, them my father was in the loins. And now where as my father did lad you & put a grievous yoke upon you, I will make it heavier: my father also corrected you with scourges, but I will chastise you with ☞ scorpions. And so Jeroboam and all the people came to Behoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying: Come to me again the third day. And the king answered the people churlysshly, and left the old men's counsel (that they gave him) and spoke to them after the counsel of the young men, saying. My father made your yoke grievous, and I will make it grievouser: My father also chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. And the king hearkened not unto the people: for it was the ordinance of god, that he might * ●● Reg. 〈◊〉. ● perform his saying, which the lord spoke by Ahia the Silonite unto Jeroboam, the son of Nebat. And so when Israel saw, that the king regarded them not, the people answered the king with these words, saying: * ●● R●●●x. a. What protion have we in David? we have no inheritance in the son of Isai. * ●●. Pat. x. d. To your tents, O Israel, now see to thine own house David. And so Israel departed unto their tents. Howbeit, over the children of Israel which dwelt in the city of juda, did Rehoboam reign still. Then king Rehoboam sent Aduran the receiver of the tribute. And all they of Israel stoned him to death. But king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his chariot, and to flee to jerusalem. And they of Israel rebelled against the house of David, unto this day. And when all Israel heard that Jeroboam was come again they sent and called him unto the multitude, and made him king over all Israel: & there was no tribe that followed the house of David, but juda only. * ●●. Pat. xi. a And when Rehoboam was come to jerusalem, he gathered all the house of juda, with the tribe of Benjamin an hundred and four score thousand of chosen men (which were good warryours) to fight against the house of Israel And to bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam the son of Solomon. And the word of God came unto Sema●a the man of God: saying: Speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon king of juda and unto all the house of juda and Benjamin, and to the remnant of the people, saying: Thus saith the Lord. Ye shall not go up, nor yet fight against your brethren the children of Israel, return every man to his house, for this thing is my doing. They hearkened therefore to the word of the Lord, and returned to depart, according to the word of the Lord. Then jeroboam built Sichem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein. And went from thence, * judi. 〈◊〉 and built Penuel. And Jeroboam thought in his heart: now shall the kingdom return to the house of David. For if this people go up, and do sacrifice in the house of the lord at jerusalem, them shall the heart of this people turn again unto their lord Rehoboam king of juda: And so shall they kill me, and go again to Rehoboam king of juda. * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Erod●. 47 Exodi. ●● Whereupon the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said unto them. It is moche for you to go up to jerusalem. Erodi. 〈◊〉 * 〈…〉 Behold, O Israel: these are thy god which brought you out of the land of Egipte And he set the one in Bethel, & the other set he in Dan. And this thing turned to sin: for the people went (because of the one) as far as Dan. And he made an house of hill altars, * 〈…〉 and made priests of the lowest of the people, which were not of the sons of Levi. jeroboam made a feast the. xv. day of the. viii. month, like unto the feast that is in juda, & offered on the altar. And so did he in Bethel, to offer unto the calves that he had made And he put in Bethel the priests of the hill altars, which he had made. And he offered burnt offerings upon the altar, which he had made in Bethel the. xv. day of the. viii. month: even in the month which he had ymagened of his own heart: and made a solemn feast unto the children of Israel, and offered upon the altar, and burnt incense. ¶ Jeroboam doing sacrifice unto the calves, is reprehended of the Prophet. His hand is dried up, while he putteth it out against the Prophet. The Prophet is killed and buried. CAPI. XIII. AND behold, there came ☞ a man of God out of juda (by the word of the Lord (unto Bethel, and Jeroboam stood by the altar to put incense, & he cried against the altar in the word of the lord, and said: O altar, altar, thus sayeth the Lord: Behold, a child shall be borne unto the house of David, (josia by name) & upon the shall he offer the priests of the hill altars that burn incense upon thee, and men's bones shall be brent upon the. And he gave a token the same time, saying: this is the token, that the Lord hath spoken it: Behold, the altar shall rent, and the ashes that are upon it, shall fall out. And when the king heard the saying of the man of God, (which had cried against the altar in bethel,) he stretched out his hand from the altar, saying: hold him. And his hand which he put forth against him, dried up, and he could not pull it in again to him: the altar also clave asunder/ and the ashes fell out from the altar, according to the token which the man of God had given by the word of the Lord. And the king answered, and said unto the man of god: * ●●od●. ●. b. 〈◊〉. 23. b. 〈◊〉 ●iii. c Oh pray unto the lord thy god, & make intercession for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God he sought the Lord, and the Kings hand was restored again, and became as it was afore. And the king said unto the man of God: come home with me, that thou mayest dine, and I will give the a reward. And the man of god said unto the king: if thou wouldest give me half thine house, I will not go in with thee, neither will I eat bread or drink water in this place. For so was it charged me thorough the word of the lord, saying: eat no bread nor drink water, nor turn again by the same way that y● camest. And so he went another way, and returned not by the way that he came to bethel. And there dwelled ☞ an old prophet in bethel, and his son came, and told him all the works, that the man of god had done that day in bethel, and the words which he had spoken unto the king ☞ told they their father also. And their father said unto them: what way went he? And his sons showed him what way the man of god went which came from juda. And he said unto his sons: saddle me the ass. Which when they had saddled, he got him up thereon, and went after the man of God, and found him sitting under a tre. And he said unto him: art thou the man of God that camest from juda? And he said: I am. He said unto him: come home with me, and eat bread. He answered: I may not return with thee, to go in with thee, neither will I eat bread or drink water with the in this place. For it was said to me in the word of the Lord: Thou shalt eat no bread, nor drink water there, nor turn again to go by the way that thou camest. He said unto him: I am a prophet also as well as thou, & an angel spoke unto me in the word of the Lord, saying: bring him again with the into thine house, that he may eat bread, & drink water. And he lied unto him. And so he went again with him, & did eat bread in his house and drank water. And it fortuned, that as they sat at the table, the word of the lord came unto the prophet, that brought him again. And he cried unto the man of God that came from juda, saying: thus sayeth the lord: because thou hast disobeyed the mouth of the lord, and haste not kept the commandment which the lord thy god commanded thee, but camest back again, and hast eaten bread, and drunk water, in the place (concerning the which the lord did say unto the. Thou shalt eat no bread nor drink water) thy carcase shall not come unto the sepulchre of thy fathers. And so it came to pass, that when he had eaten bread & drunk, the prophet which brought him again, saddled him an ass. And when he was gone, * 〈◊〉 a Lion met him by the way, and siue him, & his carcase was cast in the way, & the ass stood thereby, and the Lion stood by the course also. And men that passed by, saw the carcase cast in the way, and the Lion standing thereby: & they came & told it in the town where the old prophet dwelled. And when the prophet that brought him back again from the way heard thereof, he said: it is the man of God: He was disobedient unto the word of the Lord, and therefore the Lord hath delivered him unto the Lion, which hath rend him and slay him, according to the word of the lord, which he spoke unto him. And he spoke to his sons, saying: Saddle me an Ass: and so they did. And he went, & found his body cast in the way. And the ass and the Lion stood by the course. And the Lion had not eaten the carcase, nor hurt the Ass. And the prophet took up the body of the man of God, and laid it upon the Ass, and brought it again, and the old prophet came to the city to lament, and to bury him. And he laid his body in his own grave, & they lamented over him. (Alas my brother.) And when he had buried him, he spoke to his sons, saying: when I am dead, see that ye bury me in the sepulchre wherein the man of god is buried: lay my bones beside his bones: * ●. Reg. 23 d For the saying which is cried at the word of the Lord against the altar in bethel (and against all the houses of hill altars, which are in the cities of Samarie) shall come to pass. Howbeit, for all that, Jeroboam converted not from his wicked way: but turned back, and made of the lowest of the people Preestes of the hylaulters. And who so pleased him, he filled his hand, and he became Priest of the hylaulters. And this thing turned to sin unto the house of Jeroboam, even to destroy him, and to bring him to nought from of the face of the earth. ¶ ●ctoboams wife asueth council of Ai●a the Prophet. Jeroboam dieth. Sysack king of Egypte robbeth the house of the lord. Rehoboam dieth, and Abram succeedeth him. CAPI. XIIII. AT that time Abia the son of Jeroboam fell sick. And Jeroboam said unto his wife: up (I pray thee) and disguise thyself, that thou be not known to be the wife of Jeroboam, and get the to Silo. For there is Ahia the prophet which told me * ● Regum. xi. ● that I should be king over this people And take with the ten loves, and cracknels/ and a cruse of honey, and go to him: that he may tell the what shall be come of the child. And jeroboams wife did so: and arose, and went to Silo, and came to the house of Ahia. But Ahia could not see, for his eyes were waren dim for age. And the Lord said unto Ahia: behold, the wife of Jeroboam cometh, to ask a thing of the for her son, for he is sick. But thus shalt thou say unto her. And when she came in, she feigned herself to be another woman. But when Ahia heard the sound of her feet as she came in at the door, he said: come in thou wife of Jeroboam, why feynest thou thyself so, to be another? I am sent to the to show the heavy things. Go, tell Jeroboam, thus sayeth the Lord God of Israel: for as much as * 3 Regum▪ 12 ● I eralied the from among the people, and made the prince over my people Israel, I did rend the kingdom away from the house of David, and gave it thee: Nevertheless, thou hast not been as my servant David, which kept my commandments, and followed me which all his heart, to do that which is right in mine eyes: but hast done evil, above all that were before thee: for thou hast gone, and made the other Gods, and molten images, to provoke me, and hast cast me behind thy back: therefore behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam/ and will rote out from Jeroboam, even him that * 1. Reg. xv. ● pisseth against the wall, and him that is in prison and forsaken in Israel, and will take away the remanant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung/ till he hath carried out all. * iii Re. 〈◊〉. ● Whosoever (of jeroboams house) dieth in the town, him shall the dogs eat: and he that dieth in the field, shall the fowls of the air eat, for the Lord hath said it. Uy therefore, and get the to thine house: Behold/ when thy foot entereth into the City, the child shall die. And all they of Israel shall mourn for him, and bury him, for he only of Jeroboam, shall come to the scpulchre, because in him there is found goodness toward the Lord God of Israel in the house of jeroboam. Moreover, the lord shall stir him up a king over Israel, which shall destroy the house of Jeroboam in that day. ☞ But what is it now? For the Lord shall smite Israel, as when a reed is shaken in the water, and he shall weed Israel out of this good land (which he gave to their fathers,) and ☞ shall scatter them beyond the river, because they have made them groves/ and angered the Lord. And he shall give Israel up, because of the sins of Jeroboam, which did sin, and made Israel to sin. And jeroboams wife arose, and departed/ and came to Thirzah, and when she came to the threshold of the door, the child was dead And all Israel buried him, and lamented him, according to the word of the Lord, which he spoke by the hand of his servant Ahia the prophet. And the rest of the words that concern jeroboam, how he warred, & how he reigned. Behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. And the days which Jeroboam reigned, were. xxii, year. And when he was laid a sleep with his fathers, Nadab his son reigned in his stead. Rehoboam the son of Solomon reigned in juda, and Rehoboam was. rli. year old when he began to reign▪ and he reigned. xvii. year in jerusalem (the city which the Lord did chose out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there.) His mother's name was Naama an Ammonite. And juda wrought wickedness in the sight of the lord, and angered him in mothynges then their fathers did in their sins, which they sinned. For they also made them ☞ hylaulters, images▪ and groves on every high hill, and under every thick tree. And there was a stews of male children in the land, & they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the Lord cast out before the Children of Israel. And it fortuned, that in the fift year of king Rehoboham: Sisack king of Egypte came up against jerusalem, and took away the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of the kings house, and spoiled all that was to be had. And he took away the shields of gold, * 〈…〉. d which Solomon had made. In whose stead king Rehoboam made brazen shyldꝭ/ and committed them unto the hands of the keeping of the captains of the guard, which waited at the door of the kings house. And when the king went in to the house of the lord, they of the guard bore them, & brought them again into the guard chambre. The rest of the words that concern Rehoboam/ and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of juda? And there was war between Rohoboam, and Jeroboam all their lives. And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried beside his fathers, in the city of david. His mother's name was Naama an Ammonite. And Abiam his Son reigned in his stead. ¶ Wicked Abiam reigneth over juda, and righteous As● succeedeth in his rou●ne. The battle between Asa & Baasa. jehosaphat succeedeth Asa. Nadab succeedeth Jeroboam▪ Baasa hilleth Nadab. CAPI. XV. IN the. xviii. year of king * 〈…〉 jeroboam the son of Nabat, reigned Abiam over juda. Three year reigned he in jerusalem, and his mother's name was Maacha the daughter of Abisalom. And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him, and his heart was not perfit with the Lord his God, * 〈…〉 as the heart of David his father. Nevertheless for David's sake did the Lord is God gyne him a light in jerusalem, that he set up ☞ his son after him, and to stablish jerusalem: Because David did that, which was right in the sight of the Lord, and turned from nothing that he commanded him all the days of his life, * 1 Reg. xii. a save only in the matter of Urias the Hittite. And there was war between Rohoboam/ and Jeroboam as long as he l●ued. The rest of the words that concern Abiam, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of juda? And there was war between Abiam, and Jeroboam. And Abiam slept with his Fathers, & they buried him in the city of David▪ And Asa his son teygued in his stead. * ●i. Par. 14. ● In the. xx. year of Jeroboam king of Israel, reigned Asa over juda. xli. year reigned he in jerusalem, and his mother's name was Maacha, the daughter of Abisalom. And Asa did that seemed right in the eyes of the Lord, as did David his father. * 3. Reg. 22. ● And he took away the hoore keepers out of the land, and put away all the abominable Idols that his fathers had made. And he put down * ●●. Par. 15 ● Maacha ☞ his mother from bearing rule, because she had made images in groves. And Asa destroyed her images, & burned them by the broke Cedron. ☞ But the hylaulters were not put down. Nevertheless Asas heart was perfit with the Lord all his days. He brought in the holy vessels of his Father, (and that he had dedicate) unto the house of the Lord: gold and silver, and jewels. And there was war between Asa, and Baasa king of Israel all their days. * 〈…〉 And Baasa king of Israel, went up against juda, and built Rama, so that he would let none go out or in, to Asa king of juda. Then Asa took all the silver and gold, that was left in the treasures of the house of the lord, & the treasures of the kings house/ and delivered them unto the hands of his servants, and Asa sent them to * 5 〈…〉 Ben●●dad the son of Tabrimon, the son of Hezion king of Syria, (that dwelled at Damascus,) saying: there is a bond between me & thee, between my father & thy father. And behold, I have sent unto the a present of silver and gold that thou come and break the bond that thou hast with Baasa king of Israel, that he may depart from me▪ So Benhadad hearkened unto king Asa, & sent the captains of the hosts (which he had) against the cities of Israel, and smote Hion, and Dan, and Abel, Beth Maacah, and all the region of Ceneroth withal the land of Nephthali. And when Baasa heard thereof, he left building of Rama and dwelled in Thi●●a. Then king Asa made a proclamation throughout all juda, that noon should be excused. And so they took the stones of Rama, and the timber (wherewith Baasa had builded,) and king Asa built with them the hill of Ben jamin, and Mizpa. The remnant of all the words that concern Asa, and all his might and all that he did, & the cities which he builded, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of juda▪ Nevertheless in is old age he was diseased in his feet. And Asa slept with his fathers, and was buried beside his fathers in the city of David his father. And * ●●. Pa. 17 a Math. ●. b jehosaphat his son reigned in his stead. And Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign upon Israel the second year of Asa king of juda, and reigned upon Israel two year. And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, walking in the way of his father and in his sin wherewith he made Israel ●ynne. And Baasa the son of Ahia (which was of the house of Isachar) conspired against him, & Baasa smote him at Gibbethon which is a city of the Philistines: For Nadab and all Israel laid siege to Gibbethon. Even in the third year of Asa king of juda, did Baasa slay him, and reigned in his stead. * ●il. Re. 14. a And it fortuned that when he was king, he smote all the house of Jeroboam, and left him nought that breathed, until he had put him clean out, according unto the saying of the Lord, which he spoke by his servant Ahia the Selonete: because of the sins of Jeroboam wherewith he sinned & made Israel sin, when he with his provocation angered the Lord God of Israel. The rest of the words that concern Nadab, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel? And there was war between Asa, & Baasa king of Israel all their days. So in the third year of Asa king of juda, began Baasa the son of Ahia to reign over all Israel in Thirza. xxiiii. year. And he did that which is evil in the sight of the Lord, walking in the way of Jeroboam/ and in his sin, which made Isaell to sin. ¶ jehu prophesyeth against Baasa, whom Ela succeedeth. ●●m●● hilleth his master Ela. and destroyeth the house of Baasa. Ahab succeedeth Amri, and taketh to wife wythed jezabel. CAPI. XVI. THen the word of the lord came to jehu the son of Hanani against Baasa saying: for asmuch as I exalted the out of the dust, and made the captain over my people Israel, and thou hast walked in the way of Jeroboam, and hast made my people Israel to sin, to anger me with their sins: Behold, I will root out the posterity of Baasa, and the posterity of his house, and will make his house/ like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nabat. * 3. Reg. 14. ● and ●●x●. ● That man of Baasa which dieth in the city, him shall the dogs eat: and that man of him which dieth in the fields, shall the fowls of the air eat. The rest of the words that concern Baasa, and what he did, and his power, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel? And so Baasa slept with his fathers, and was buried in Thirza. And Ela his Son reigned in his stead. And by the hand of the prophet jehu the Son of Hanani, came the word of the Lord against Baasa, and against his house, and against all the wickedness that he did in the sight of the lord (in angering him with the work of his own handis) that he should be like the house of Jeroboam, and ❀ ☞ because he killed him. ❀ (That is to say I●hu the son of Hanani the prophet.) The. xxvi. year of Asa king of juda began Ela the son of Baasa to reign over Israel in Thirza, two year. And his servant Zimri (which was captain of half his charettes) conspired against him, as he was in Thirza drinking: and was drunken in the house of Arza steward of his house in Thirza And Zimri came, and smote him, and killed him in the. xxvii. year of Asa king of juda, and reigned in his stead. And it fortuned that when he was king * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉▪ ●. Re●●▪ ●▪ ● and sat on his seat, he siue all the house of Baasa, not leaning thereof: one to piss against a wall: Yea, he slew his kynsfolkes, and friends also. And thus did Zimri destroy all the house of Baasa, according to the word of the lord, which he spoke against Baasa by the hand of jehu the prophet, for all the sins of Baasa and sins of Ela his son/ which they sinned, and made Israel to sin, and anger the lord god of Israel with their vanities. The rest of the words that concern Ela, and all he did, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel? In the. xxvii. year of Asa king of juda, did Zimri reign. seven. days in Thirza, & the people was then in the host beseyging Gibbethon a city of the Philistines. And the people in the host heard one say: Zimri hath conspired, and slay the king: Wherefore, all they of Israel made Amri (the captain of the host) king over Israel that same day, even in the host. And Amri departed up from Gibbethon, & all Israel with him and they besieged Thirza. And when Zimri saw that the city must needs be taken, he went in to the palace of the kings house, and burned himself and the kings house with fire, and so died, for his sins which he sinned, in doing that which is evil in the sight of the Lord, and in walking in the way of Jeroboam and in his sins which he did, and in that he made Israel to sin. The rest of the words that concern Zimri and the treason that he wrought, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel? Then were the people of Israel divided into two parts, for half the people followed Thibni the son of Ginath making him king: and the other half followed Amri. But the people that followed Amri, prevailed against the people that followed Thibni the son of Ginath. And so Thibni died, and Amri reigned. In the. xxxi year of Asa king of juda, began Amri to reign over Israel. xii. year. Six year reigned he in Thirza. He bought the hill, ❀ Sohomron of one Schemar for two talentes of silver, and built in the hill, and called the name of the city which he built, after the name of Schemar which had been owner of the hill Schomron. But Amri wrought that which is evil in the eyes of the Lord, and did worse than all that were before him. For he walked in all the way of Jeroboam the Son of Nabat, and in his sins/ that made Israel sin, to anger the Lord God of Israel with their vanities. The rest of the words that concern Amri, & all that he did, and his strength that he showed, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel? And so Amry slept with his fathers, and was buried in Schemaron, and Ahab his Son reigned in his stead. In the. xxxviii. year of Asa king of juda, began Ahab the son of Amri to reign over Israel, and the same Ahab the son of Amri reigned over Israel in Samaria. xxii. year. And Ahad the son of Amri did evil in the sight of the Lord, above all that were before him. For it seemed unto him but a light thing to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nabat. He took jezebel also the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonytes to wife, and * ●. Reg. x. d. went & served Baal, and worshipped him. And he reared up an altar for Baal in the temple of Baal, which he had builded in Schomron. And Ahab made groves, and proceeded further in angering the Lord God of Israel then all the kings of Israel that were before him. ❀ In his days did Hiell of Bethel build Jericho. And it * josua. vi. d cost him Abiram his eldest son when he laid the foundation, and his youngest son Segub, when he set up the gates, according unto the word of the lord, which * josua. vi. d he spoke by josua the son of Nun. ¶ Elsa 〈◊〉 nourished and fed of Ravens, and after is sent to zarphat (otherwise called Sareptha) to a woman, whose child he raised to life. CAPI. XVII. ANd Elia the Thesbite (which was of the inhabitors of Gilead) said unto Ahab: * 3. Reg●. 8 ● as truly as the Lord God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand * duty. ●i. ● 3 Reg●i. 8. d jacob. v. d there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, but according to my word. And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, get the hence, and turn the Eastward, and hide thyself in the broke Cherith, that is it that lieth before jordan: Thou shalt drink of the river, and I have commanded the ravens to feed the there. And so he went, and did according unto the word of the Lord: For he went, and dwelt by the brook Cherith, that is before jordane. And the ravens brought him bread and flesh in the morning, and like wise bread and flesh in the evening, and he drank of the brook. And it chanced after a while/ that the brook dried up, because there fell no rain upon the earth. ✚ And the word of the Lord came unto him, saying: * Luke. ii●●. ●. up, and get the to ☞ Zarphath, which is in Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to sustain the. So he arose, and went to Zarphath. And when he came to the gate of the city, the widow was there/ gathering sticks. And he called to her, and said: * jude. 〈◊〉. ● fet me I pray thee, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink. And as she was going to fet it, he cried after her, and said: bring me I pray thee, a morsel of bread also in thine hand. She said: As truly as the Lord thy god liveth, I have no bread ready, but even an handful of meal in a barrel, & a little oil in a cruse. And behold▪ I am gathering two sticks for to go in/ and dress it form and my son, that we may eat it, and die. And Elia said unto her: fear not, come and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first of all, and bring it unto me: and afterwards make for the and thy son. For thus sayeth the Lord god of Israel: the meal in the barrel shall not be wasted, neither shall the Oil in the cruse be minysshed, until the Lord have sent rain upon the earth. And she went, & did as Elia said. And she and he, & her house did ●ate a good space, and the meal wasted not out of the barrel, neither was the Oil spent out of the cruse according to the word of the Lord/ which he spoke ☞ by the hand of Elia. ⊢ ✚ And after these things, it happened, that the son of the wife of the house fell sick. And his sickness was so sore, that there was no breath left in him. And she said unto Elia: what have I to do with thee, O thou man of God? Art thou come unto me, to call my sin again to remembrance, and to slay my Son? He said unto her: give me thy Son. And he took him out of her lap, and carried him up into a loft where he abode, and laid him upon his own bed, and called unto the Lord, and said: O Lord my God, hast thou punished also this widow (with whom I dwell as a stranger) and hast slay her son? * 4. Reg. 4. f Acts. xx. c And he stretched himself upon the child three times, and called unto the Lord, and said: O Lord my God, let this child's soul come in to him again. And the Lord heard the voice of Elia, and the soul of the child came in to him again and he revived. And Elia took the boy, and brought him down out of the chambre in to the house, and delivered him unto his mother, and Elia said: behold, thy Son liveth. And the woman said unto Elia: now I know, that thou art a man of God, and that the word of the Lord in thy mouth, is true. ⊢ ¶ Elia is sent to Ahab. Obadia (otherwise called Abdia) hideth an hundredth Prophets. Elia killeth all Baal's Prophets, and afterward obtaineth rain. CAPI. XVIII. AFter process of many days the word of the Lord came to Elia in the third year, saying: go show thyself unto Ahab, and * duty. xi. b 〈◊〉. v. c I will send rain upon the earth. And Elia went to show himself unto Ahab, and there was a great famyshment in Scom●on. And Ahab called Obadia, which was the governor of his house: and Obadia feared God greatly: For when jezabel destroyed the Prophets of the Lord/ he took an hundred prophets and hid them, fifty men in one cave, and fifty in another, and provided bread and water for them. And Ahab said unto Obadia: Go in to the land, unto all fountains of water, and unto all brooks, if haply we may find grass, to save the horses and the mules, and that we destroy not some of the beasts. And so they divided the land between them, to walk thorough it. Ahab went one way by himself/ and Obadia went another way by himself. And it chanced that as Obadia was in the way, Elia met him. And Obadia knew him, and fell on his face, and said: art not thou my Lord Elia? And he answered him, I am he. Go and tell thy lord: behold, Elia is here. He said: what, have I sinned, that thou wouldest deliver me in to the hand of Ahab, to slay me? As truly as the Lord thy God liveth, there is no nation or kingdom, whither my Lord hath not sent, to seek the. And when they said: he is not there, he took an oath of the kingdom and nation, when he found the not. And now thou sayest: go and tell thy Lord, that Elia is here. And as soon as I am gone from thee, the spirit of the lord shall carry the into some place that I do not know: and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he can not find thee, he shall slay me. But I thy servant fear the lord from my youth up. Was it not told my Lord, what I did, when jezabel slew the prophets of the lord, how I hid an hundred men of the lords prophets, fifty men in one cave, and fifty in another, and provided them of bread, and water? And now thou sayest, go thou now and show thy Lord. Behold, Elia is here/ that he may slay me? And Elia said: as truly as the lord of hosts liveth, before whom I stand, I will show myself unto him this day. So Obadia went to meet Ahab/ and told him. And Ahab went to meet Elia And it fortuned that when Ahab saw Elia/ he said unto him: art thou he that troubleth Israel? He answered: it is not I that have troubled Israel, but thou, and thy father's house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of the Lord, and thou hast followed Baal. Now therefore, send and gather to me all Israel unto mount Carmel, and the prophets of Baal * 〈◊〉 four hundred and fifty, and the prophets of the groves four hundred, which eat of jezabels' table. So Ahab sent unto all the children of Israel, and gathered the Prophets together unto mount carmel. And Elia came unto the people, and said: how long halt ye between two opinions? If the Lord be God/ follow him: but if Baal be he, then go after him. And the people answered him not one word. Then said Elia unto the people again, I only remain a Prophet of the Lord: But Baal's Prophets are four hundred and fifty. Let them therefore give us two oxen, and let them choose the one, and cut him in pieces, and lay him on wood/ and put no fire under. And I will dress the one ox, and lay him on wood, and will put no fire under. And call ye on the name of your God's/ and I will call on the name of the Lord. And then the GOD that answereth by fire, let him be God. * ●. 〈◊〉 And all the people answered, and said: it is well spoken. And Elia said unto the Prophets of Baal: chose you an ox, and dress him first (foxye are many) and call on the name of your Gods, but put no fire under. And they took the one ox that he did give them, and they dressed it, and called on the name of ●●th. vi. a Baal from morning to noon, saying: O Baal hear us. But there was no voice nor one to answer. And they leapt upon the altar that they had made. And at noon it fortuned, that Elia mocked them, and said: cry loud, for ☞ he is a god: peradventure he is talking, or occupied (in following upon his enemies) or is in his journey, or happily he sleepeth, and must be awaked. And they cried loud, and cut themselves, as their manner was, with knives and lancers, till the blood followed on them. And it chanced/ that when myddaye was passed ❀ ☞ they prophesied until the time of the evening Sacrifice. But there was neither voice nor one to answer, nor any that regarded them. And Elia said unto all the folk: come to me. And all the people came to him. * ●. Reg. ●4. c. And he repaired the altar of the lord, that was broken. * 〈◊〉. 4. b. And Elia took. xii. stones according to the number of the. xii. tribes of the sons of jacob (unto whom the word of the lord came) saying. * 〈◊〉. 32. f. Israel shall be thy name. And with the stones he made an altar in the name of the lord. And he made a pit round about the altar, ☞ after the compass of two pecks of seed. And he put the wood in order, and hewed the ox in pieces, and laid him on the wood, and said: fill four barels with water, and power it on the burnt-sacrifice and on the wood. And he said: do so again. And they did so the second tyme. And he said again: do it the third tyme. And they did it the third tyme. And the water ran round about the altar, and he filled the pit with water also. And it fortuned when the time came (wherein the burnt-sacrifice of the evening used to be offered) Elia the prophet came, and said: lord god of Abraham, Isaac and of Israel, it shallbe known this day, that thou art the God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy commandment. Hear me (O lord) hear me, that this people may know/ that thou art the Lord God, and thou hast turned their heart again now at the last. * 〈◊〉. vi. d 〈◊〉. 4●. a Math. i. c And the fire of the Lord fell, and consumed the burnt-sacrifice and the wood, the stones and the dust, & licked up the water that was in the pit. And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces, and said: the lord, he is god, the lord, he is god. And Elia said unto them: Take the prophettis of Baal, and let not one of them escape. And they took them, and Elia brought them unto the brook Kison, & slew them there. And Elia said unto Ahab: get the up, eat and drink, for there is a sound of moche rain. And so Ahab went up to eat and to drink, and Elia went up to the top of carmel. And he laid ☞ himself flat upon the earth, and put his face between his knees, and said to his servant: go up (I pray thee) and look toward the way of the see. And he went up and looked, and said: there is nothing. And he said: go again seven times. And it fortuned, that at the seventh time he said: behold, there ariseth a little cloud of the see, like a man's hand He said: go, and say unto Ahab. Make fast thy chariot, and get the down, that the rain stop the not. And it came to pass, that in the mean while, that heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab got up and came to jezreel. And the hand of the lord was on Elia and he girded up his loins, and can before Ahab, till he came to jezreell. ¶ Elia fleeing from jezabel is nourished of the Angel of God, and is commanded to anoint Azahel, jaha, and Heliseus, whom the hebrews call, Elisa. CAPI. XIX. ANd Ahab told jezabel, all that Elia had done, and how he had slay all the prophets with the sword. Then jezabel sent a messenger unto Elia, saying: * ●. Reg●. ●. ● So & so let the gods do to me, if I make not thy soul like one of theirs, by to morrow this tyme. When he saw that, ✚ he arose and went for his life, & came to Beerseba in juda, and left his servant tw●re. But he himself went a days journey in to the wilderness, and came and sat down under a Ginaper tree, and desired for his soul, that he might die, and said: * jona. iiii. ● it is now enough (O Lord) take my soul, for I am not better than my fathers. And as he lay and slept under the Ginaper tree: behold, an angel touched him, and said unto him: up, and eat. And when he looked about him: behold there was a loof of bread baked on coals, and a vessel of water at his head. And he did eat/ and drink: and laid him down again to sleep. And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, & said: up, & eat, for thou hast yet a great journey. And he arose, and did eat and drink, and walked in the strength of that meat * Exodi. 34 ● Math. 4. a. forty days & forty nights, even unto Horeb the mount of god: ⊢ When he came thither in to a cave, he lodged therein, all night. And behold, the word of the lord came to him and said unto him: what dost thou here Elia? And he answered: I have been jealous for the lord god of hoostis sake. For the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, * Roma. xi. a broken down thine altars/ and slay thy prophets with the sword, & I only am left, & they seek my life to take it away. And he said come out, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And behold/ * Eccle. 48. a the lord went by/ and a mighty strong wind that rend the mountains and broke the rockꝭ before the lord. But the lord was not in the wind. And after the wind came an earthquake. But the lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake, came fire: but the lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, came a small still voice. And when Elia heard it, he covered his face with his mantle, and went out and stood in the entering in of the cave. And behold, there came a voice unto him, and said: what dost thou here Elia? And he answered: I have been jealous for the lord god of hoostis sake: because the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, cast down thine altars, & slay thy prophets with the sword, and I only am left, and they seek my life to take it away And the lord said unto him: go and turn thy way to the wilderness unto Damascus, that thou mayest anoint * ●. Reg. ●. d hazael, king over Syria. And * 4. Reg. ix. b jehu the son of Nimsi, shalt thou anoint king over Israel. And Elisa the son of Saphat of Abel Meholoh, shalt thou anoint to be prophet in thy room And it shall come to pass that who so escapeth the sword of hazael, him shall jehu slay: & if any man scape the sword of jehu, him shall Elisa put to death. And thereto * R●ma. xi. ● I have left me seven thousand in Israel, of which never man bowed his knees unto Baal, nor kissed him with his mouth. So he departed thence, and found Elisa the son of Saphat ploughing, and having twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he with the xii. And Elia went by him, and cast his mantel upon him. And he left the oxen, and ran after Elia and said: * ●●●●. ix. ● let me I pray thee, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow the. He said unto him: go back again, for what is it, that I have done to the And when he went back again from him, he took a couple of oxen, and slew them, and dressed the flesh with the instrumentis of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. And then he arose and went after Elia, and ministered unto him. ¶ The first, and second time that Samaria was besieged of Benhadad king of Syria. CAPI. XX. ANd Benhadad the king of Syria gathered all his host together, having xxxii. kings with him, and horses and charettes: and went up and besieged Samaria, and warred against it. And he sent messengers to Ahab king of Israel into the city, and said unto him: Thus sayeth Benhadad: Thy silver & thy gold is mine, and the fairest of thy wives, and of thy children be mine. And the king of Israel answered and said: my lord king according to thy saying, I am thine, and all that I have. And when the messengers came again, they said: Thus sayeth Benhadad: I have sent unto the saying: Thou shalt deliver me thy silver and thy gold, and thy wives, and thy children. I will therefore send my servants unto the to morrow this time: and they shall search thine house/ and the houses of thy servants. And what soever is pleasant in thine eyes, they shall take it in their hands, and bring it away. Then the king of Israel sent for all the elders of the land, & said: take heed I pray you: and see, how this fellow goth about mischief. For he sent unto me, for my wives, for my children, for my silver, and for my gold, and I denied him not. And all the elders and all the people said: hearken not unto him, nor consent. Wherefore he said unto the messengers of Benhadad: tell my lord the king, all that thou didst send for, to thy servant at the first time, that I will do: but this thing I may not do. And the messengers departed, & brought answer again. And Benhadad sent unto him again, and said, & thus do the Gods unto me, if the dust of Samaria be enough for all the people that follow me, to take every man an handful. And the king of Israel answered, & said: tell him: Let not him that putteth on his harness boast himself, as he that putteth it of. And it fortuned, that when Benhadad heard that tidings, as he was with the kings drinking with in the pavillyons, he said unto his servants: put on your harness And they set themselves in array against the city. And behold there came a prophet unto Ahab king of Israel, saying: thus saith the lord: hast thou seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will deliver it in to thine hand this day, & thou shalt know, that I am the lord. And Ahab said: By whom? he said: thus saith the lord: even by the servants of the governors of the shires. He said again: Who shall ordre the battle? And he answered: thou. Then he numbered the servants of the governors of the shires: and they were two hundred and. xxxii. And after them also, he numbered all the people, all the children of Israel, even. seven. thousand. And they went out at noon: but Benhadad did drink till he was drunken in the pavilions both he and the kings: even. xxxii. kings, that holp him. And the servants of the governors of the shires went out first. And Benhadad sent out, and they showed him, saying there are men come out of Samaria. He said, Whither they be come out for peace, take them a live, or whither they be come out to fight take them yet alive. And so those young men of the governors of the shires came out of the city, & the host after them, & they slew every one his enemy that came in his way. And the Syrians fled, and they of Israel followed after them. And Benhadad the king of Syria scaped on a horse, with his horsemen. And the king of Israel went out, & smote the horses & charettes & with a great slaughter slew he the Syrians. And there came a prophet to the king of Israel, and said unto him: go forth & play the man, be wise & take heed what thou dost for when the year is gone about, the king of Syria will come up against the. And the servants of the king of Syria said unto him: the Gods of the hills are their Gods, and therefore they had the better of us. But let us fight against them in the plain, & for what ye will, we shall have the better of them. And this do: take the kings away every man out of his place, & put dukes in their rowmꝭ. And do thou number the an host, like the host that thou hast lost, such horses & such charetꝭ & we will fight against them in the plain, & thou shalt see us get the better of them. And he hearkened unto their voice, & did even so. And it fortuned, that after the year was gone about, Benhadad numbered the Syrians, & went up to Aphek to fight against Israel. And the children of Israel were numbered & with their hole number went they against them, & the children of Israel pitched before them, like two little flocks of kids: but the Syrians filled the country. And there came a man of God, and said unto the king of Israel: thus saith the Lord: Because the Syrians have said: the Lord is but God of the hills, and not God of the valleys: therefore will I deliver all this great multitude in to thine hand, & ye shall know, that I am the lord. And they pitched one over against the other seven days, & it came to pass, that in the seventh day the battle was joined. And the children of Israel slew of the Syrians an hundred thousand foot men in one day. But the rest fled to Aphek into the city. And there fell a wall upon. xxvii. M. of the men that were left. And Benhadad fled, and came into the city, from chambre to chambre. And his servants said unto him: Behold, we have herd say, that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful kings. We will therefore put sack cloth oboute our loins, & ropes about our necks, & go out to the king of Israel: if haply he will save thy life. And so they girded sack cloth about their loins, & put ropes about their heads & came to the king of Israel, and said: Thy servant Benhadad saith, I pray the let me live. He said: is he yet alive? he is my brother. And they took that word for good luck and hastily caught it out of his mouth and said: Yea thy brother Benhadad. He said: go bring him hither. And Benhadad came out unto him, and he caused him to come up in to the chariot. And he said unto him: the cities which my father took from thy father, I will restore again. And thou shalt make streets for the in Damascus, as my father did in Samaria. ☞ And I will make an appointment with thee, & send the away. And so he made an appointment with him, and sent him away. And there was a certain man of the children of the prophets, which said unto his neighbour in the word of the Lord: smite me I pray the. And the man would not smite him. Then said he unto him. Because thou hast not hearkened unto the voice of the Lord: behold, as soon as thou art departed from me, a lion shall slay the. And 〈◊〉 came to pass, that as soon as he was departed from him, * 3. Regum. 13 ● a lion found him, and slew him. Then he found an other man & said: smite me I pray the. And the man smote him, so that in smiting he wounded him. So the prophet went forth, & waited for the king by the way, & put himself out of knowledge with ashes which he laid upon his face. And when the king came by, he cried unto the king, and said: thy servant went out in the mids of the battle. And behold, there went away a man, whom an other man brought unto me, and said: keep this man. And if he be missed or lost, thy life shall go for his: or else, thou shalt pay a talon of silver. And as thy servant had here and there to do, he was gone. And the king of Israel said unto him: even so shall thy judgement he, as y● hast defined it thyself. And he hasted & took the ashes away from his face: & the king of Israel knew him, that he was of the prophets. And he said unto him: thus saith the Lord: because thou haste let go a man, that ☞ is in my curse, thy life shall go for his life, & thy people for his people. And the king of Israel went to his house, way ward, and in displeasure, and came to Samaria. ¶ jezabel commandeth to kill Nabath for the vineyard that he refused to sell to Ahab. Elia reproveth Ahab, and he repenteth. CAPI. XXI. AFter these things, it chanced, that Naboth the jezrahelite had a vineyard in jezrahel, hard by the palace of Ahab king of Samaria. And Ahab spoke unto Naboth, saying. * ●. Regsi. ●. ● give me thy vineyard, that I may make me a garden of herbs thereof▪ because it lieth so nigh my house: & I will give the for it a better vineyard than it is: or rather if it please thee, I will give thee, the worth of it in money. And Naboth said to Ahab: the lord forbid that from me, that I should give the inheritance of my fathers unto the. And Ahab came into his house heavy, and evil a paid, because of the word which Naboth the jezrahelite had spoken to him, for he had said: I will not give thee, the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face ❀ (to the wall) and would eat no bread. But jezabel his wife came to him, and said unto him: Why is thy spirit so way ward, that thou eatest no bread? And he said unto her: For I spoke unto Naboth the jezraelite, and said unto him: give me thy vineyard for money, or else if it please thee, I will give the an other vineyard for it. And he answered: I will not give the my vineyard, And jezabel his wife said unto him: Dost thou thus govern the kingdom of Israel? up, and eat bread, and set thine heart at rest, I will give the the vineyard of Naboth the jezraelite. And so she wrote a letter in Ahab's name, and sealed it with his seal, and sent the letter unto the elders and to the nobles that were in his city dwelling with Naboth. And she wrote in the letter, saying: proclaim a fast, and set Naboth on high among the people, and set two unthrifts before him, to bear ❀ (false) witness against him, saying: ☞ thou didst blaspheme God and the king. And then carry him out, and stone him to death. And the men of his city: that is to say, which dwelt in his city, did as jezabel had sent unto them, and as it was written in the letter which she had sent unto them. They proclaimed fasting, and set Naboth among the chief of the people, & there came in two men (the children of Belial) & sat before him. And the two unthrifty persons witnessed against Naboth, in the presence of the people saying: Naboth did blaspheme god and the king. * Acts. 7. ● And they carried him out of the city and stoned him with stones that he died. And then they sent to jezabel, saying: Naboth is stoned to death. And it fortuned when jezabel heard that Naboth was stoned to death: she said to Ahab: up, & take possession of the vineyard of Naboth, the jezraelite, which he denied to give the for money/ for Naboth is not alive, but dead. And when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, he stood up to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the jezraelyte, and to take passessyon of it. And the word of the Lord came unto Elia the Thesbite, saying: up, & go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, which is in Samaria. For to, he is gone down to the vineyard of Naboth to take possession of it. And therefore shalt thou say unto him: thus saith the lord: hast thou kissed, & gotten possession? And y● shalt speak unto him, saying. Thus saith the lord * 3. Reg. 〈◊〉 ●. in the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth, shall dogs lick even thy blood also. And Ahab said to Elia: hast thou found me, O y● mine enemy? He answered: I have found thee: for y● art even ☞ sold to work wickedness in the sight of the lord. Behold I will bring evil upon thee, and will make clean ryddaunce of thy posterity, & will * 4. Reg. 〈◊〉. ● destroy from Ahab, even him that maketh water against the wall, & him that is shut up & left behind in Israel: and will make thine house, like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, & like the house of Baasa the son of Ahia, for the provocation, wherewith thou hast provoked, and made Israel to sin. And of jezabel spoke the lord, saying: * O●●●. 〈◊〉. 4. 〈◊〉. dogs shall eat jezabel, in the passession of jezrael. * 〈◊〉. ● 3. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. ● 〈◊〉. ●. ●●●● And he that dieth of Ahab in the town, him shall dogs eat: & he that dieth in the fields, him shall the fowls of the air eat. But there was none like Ahab, which did even sell himself, to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord, and that because jezabel his wife pricked him forward. He did exceeding abominably, in following foul idols, according to all things, as did the Ammorites * ●●●. xxi. ●. whom the lord cast out before the children of Israel. And it fortuned that when Ahab heard those words, * ●●●. 37. g he rend his clothes, and put sack cloth about his flesh, and fasted, & lay in sack cloth & went ❀ bare foot. And the word of the Lord came to Elia, the Thesbyte, saying: Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he so submitteth himself before me, I will not bring that evil in his days: But in his sons days, will I bring evil upon his house. And they continued 〈◊〉. year without war between Syria & Israel. ¶ Four hundred false Prophets do counsel Ahab, and jehosaphat to war against Ramoth, only Michea prophesyeth the truth, for which he i● smitten, and put in prison. Of Ahazia, otherwise called Ochosias'. CAPI. XXII. ANd in * ●●●●. 18 a the third year did jehosaphat the king of juda, come down to the king of Israel. And the king of Israel said unto his servants, know ye not that Ramoth in Gilead is ours? and we sit still, and take it not out of the hand of the king of Syria. And he said unto jehosaphat: wilt y● come with me to battle, against Ramoth in Gilead? And jehosaphat said unto the king of Israel: * ●. Reg. 〈◊〉. ● I will be as thou art, and my people shall be as thine, and my horses as thine. And jehosaphat said unto the king of Israel: * Regum. two. a Ask counsel I pray the at the word of the Lord to day. And then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, upon * Regum. ●8 ● a four hundred men, and said unto them: shall I go against Ramoth in Gilead to battle, or shall I let it alone? And they said, go up: for the Lord shall deliver it in to the hands of the king. And jehosaphat said: is there here never a prophet of the Lord more, that we might inquire of him? And the king of Israel said unto jehosaphat: there is yet one man (Michea the son of jimla,) by whom we may ask counsel of the lord. But I hate him: for he doth not prophesy good unto me, but evil. And jehosaphat said: let not the king say so. Then the king of Israel called a chamberlain and said: fetch Michea the son of jimla hither atonce. And the king of Israel and jehosaphat the king of juda sat either in his seat, and their apparel on them, in the void place beside the entering in at the gate of Samaria, and all the prophets prophesied before them. And Zedekia the son of Canaana made horns of iron, and said: thus saith the Lord▪ with these horns shalt thou push the Syrians, until thou have made an end of them. And all the Prophets prophesied even so, saying: Go up to Ramoth in Gilead, and prosper, for the Lord shall deliver it in to the kings hands. And the messenger that was gone to call Michea, spoke unto him, saying: Behold, the words of the prophets speak good unto the king with one mouth: let thy word therefore (I pray thee) be like the word of every one of them, to speak that which is good And Michea said: as truly as the Lord liveth, what soever the Lord saith unto me, that will I speak. And so he came to the king, and the king said unto him: Michea, ought we to go against Ramoth in Gilead to battle, or to be still? He answered unto him: * ●● P●●●. 〈◊〉. ●, ●, ●, ●. go and prosper, the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king. And the king said unto him: So and so many times do I charge thee, that y● tel me nothing, but that which is true, in the name of the lord. He said: I saw all them of Israel scattered upon the hills, as shape that have not a shepheerde. And the lord said: these have no master, let every man return to his house in peace. And the king of Israel said unto jehosaphat: did I not tell thee, that he wolds prophesy no good unto me, but evil? And he said again: hear thou therefore the word of the lord. I saw the lord sit on his seat, and all the host of heaven stood about him, on his right hand, & on his left And the Lord said. * ●●. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 ● who shall persuade Ahab, that he may go and fall at Ramoth in Gilead? And one said on this manner, and an other on that. And there came forth a certain spirit, and stood before the Lord, and said: I will persuade him. And the Lord said unto him: wherewith? And he said: I will go out, and be a false spirit in the mouth of all the prophets. He said: thou shalt persuade him, and prevail, go forth then, & do even so. Now therefore behold, * jere. 14, ● the Lord hath put a dying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets: and the lord hath sp●spoken evil toward the. But Zedekia the son of Canaana went to, and smote Michea on the cheek, and said: When went the spirit of the lord from me, to speak unto thee? And Michea said: Behold, thou shalt see in that day, when thou shalt go from chambre to chambre to hide the. And the king of Israel said: take Michea, and carry him unto Amon the governor of the city, and unto joab the kings son, and say: thus saith the king. Put this fellow in the prison house, and feed him with bread of affliction, and with water of trouble until I return in peace. And Michea said: If thou return in peace, the Lord hath not spoken by me. And he said: hearken ye people every one of you. And so the king of Israel and jehosaphat the king of juda went up to Ramoth in Gilead. And the king of Israel said to jehosaphat: ☞ change thee, when thou goest to war: and put on thine apparel. And the king of Israel changed himself, & went to battle. But the king of Syria commanded the. xxxii. captains (that had rule over his charettes) saying: fight neither with small nor great, save only against the king of Israel. And when the captains of the charettes saw jehosaphat, they said. Surely it is the king of Israel, and they turned to fight against him. And jehosaphat cried. And so it came to pass, that when the captains of the charettes saw that he was not the king of Israel, they turned back from him. And a certain man drew a bow ygnorauntly, and ❀ (by chance) smote the king of Israel between the rib, and his harness. Wherefore he said unto the driver of his charettes: turn thy hand, and carry me out of the host, for I am ❀ (sore) hurt. And the battle increased that day, and the king stood still in his chariot against the Syrians, and died at even. And the blood ran out of the wound into the mids of the chariot. And there went a proclamation throughout the host about the going down of the son saying: Every man to his city, and to his own country. And so the king of Israel died, and they came to Samaria, and buried him there. And one washed the chariot in the pole of Samaria * 3. Reg. 21, f. and the dogs licked up his blood (and harlots washed by the pole side) according to the word of the Lord, which he spoke. The rest of the words that concern Ahab & all that he did, and the jury house which he made, and all the cities that he builded, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel? And so Ahab slept with his fathers, and Ahazia his son reigned in his stead. * two, 〈…〉 jehosaphat the son of Asa began to reign upon juda in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel, and jehosaphat was xxxv. year old when he began to reign, and reigned. xxv. year in Jerusalem. His mother's name was Azuba the daughter of Silhi. And he walked in all the ways of Asa his father and bowed not therefrom: but did that which was right in the eyes of the Lord. Nevertheless, the hill altars were not taken out of the way: for the people offered and burnt incense yet, in the hill altars. And jehosaphat made peace with the king of Israel. * three 〈…〉. The rest of the words that concern jehosaphat, & the might that he used, & how he warred, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of juda? And the remnant of the stews of the males, which remained in the days of his father, he put clean out of the land. There was then no king made in Edom. And jehosaphat made. x. ships in the see, to come ☞ thorough Tharsis to Ophir for Gold, but they went not: For the ships broke at Ozion Gaber. Then said Ahazia the son of Ahab unto jehosaphat: let my servants go with thy servants in the ships. But jehosaphat would not. And josaphat did sleep with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father. And jehoram his son reigned in his stead. Ahazia the son of Ahab begun to reign over Israel in Samaria, the seventeenth year of jehosaphat king of juda, and reigned two years over Israel. But he did evil in the sight of the lord, and walked in the way of his father, & in the way of his mother, and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nabat, which made Israel to sin. For he served Baal, & worshipped him, and provoked the Lord God of Israel unto wrath, according unto all that his father 〈◊〉. ❧ The end of the third book of the Kings after the reckoning of the Latinystes: which the hebrews call the first book of the Kings. ¶ The fourth book of the Kings/ after the Latunstes which book/ & the third together/ is but one ☞ with the hebrews. ¶ The captains over fifty with their sold yours are burnt with fire from heaven, by the prayer of Elia. Ahazia is reproved of Elia, and dieth. and jehoram his brother succeedeth him. CAPI. Primo. ANd Moab ❀ did wickedly against Israel after the death of Ahab. And Ahazia fell thorough a lattesse window of his upper chambre that he had in Samaria: and while he was in his sickness, he sent messengers, and said unto them: go and inquire of Beelzebub the God of Ekrom, whither I shall recover of this my disease. But the angel of the Lord spoke to Elia the Thesbite: Arise, & go up against the messengers of the king of Samaria and say unto them. Is there not a God in Israel, that ye go to ask counsel at Beelzabub the God of Ekrom? Wherefore thus saith the Lord: thou shalt not come down from the bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt die the death, & Elia departed. And when the messengers turned back again unto him, he said unto them: why are ye now come again? They answered him: there came a man up against us, & said unto us? Go & turn again unto the king that sent you, and say unto him. Thus saith the Lord. Is there not a God in Israel, that thou sendest to inquire of Beelzebub the god of Ekrom? Therefore thou shalt not come down from the bed on which thou art gone up, but shalt die the death. And he said unto them. What manera man was that, which came up in your way, & told you these words? And they answered him: it was an heerye man * ●ath. three ● and gird with a girdle of leather about his loins. And he said: it is Elia the Thesbite. Then the king sent unto him a captain over fifty (which his fifty men) which came to him: and behold, he sat on the top of an hill. And he spoke unto him. Thou man of god, the king hath said: come down. Elia answered & said to the captain over the fifty: If I be a man of God, fire come down from heaven, and consume the and thy fifty. * 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. ● And there came fire of god, and consumed him and his fifty. And the king went again, & sent to him an other captain over fifty with his fifty. And he answered and said unto him: O man of God, thus hath the king said: make haste, and come down. Elia answered & said unto them: If I be a man of God, fire come down from heaven, & consume the & thy fifty. And there came fire of God down from heaven, & consumed him & his fifty. And the king went again and sent the third captain over fifty with his fifty men. And the third captain over fifty went up, and came & fell on his knees before Elia, and besought him, and said unto him: O man of god, let my life, and the life of these fyfiye thy servants be precious in thy sight. Behold, there came fire down from heaven, & burned up the two fore captains over fifty with their fyfties: therefore let my life now be precious in thy sight. And the angel of the Lord said unto Elia: Go down which him, & be not afraid of him. And he arose and went down with him unto the king. And he said unto him, thus saith the lord: for as much as thou hast sent messengers to ask counsel at Beelzebub the god of Ekrom, as though there had been no god in Israel/ whose word thou mightest like after: Therefore thou shalt not come down of the bed, on which thou art gone up, but shalt die the death. And so he died according to the word of the lord which Elia had spoken. And jehoram ❀ (his brother) began to reign in his stead, in the second year of jehoram the son of jehosaphat king of juda, because he had no son. The rest of the words that concern Ahazia, what things he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. ¶ Elia divideth the waters with his maritell. He ●s taken up in to heaven. The bitter and venomous waters are healed. The children that mock Hes●●●us (otherwise c●ll●d Elisa,) are rend in pieces. CAPI. II. ANd it chanced, that when the * Gene. ●. ● Lord would take up Elia in to heaven ☞ by a whirlwind, Elia went with Elisa from Gilgal. And Elia said unto Elisa, tarry here I pray thee, for the Lord hath sent me to Bethel. Elisa said unto him: * i Reg. 〈◊〉 as surely as the lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave the. And they came down to Bethel. And the children of the Prophets that were at bethel, came out to Elisa, and said unto him: knowest thou not, how that the Lord will take away thy master ☞ from thy head this day? He said: I know it also, hold ye your peace. And Elia said unto him: Elisa, tarry here I pray thee, for the lord hath sent me to jericho. He said: as surely as the lord liveth and as surely as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee, and so they came to jericho. And the children of the Prophets that were at jericho came to Elisa and said unto him: Knowest thou not, that the Lord will take away thy master from thy head this day? He answered: I know it also, hold ye your peace. And Elia said unto him: tarry I pray the here, for the lord hath sent me to jordan. He said: as surely as the Lord liveth, & as thy soul liveth, I will not leave the. And so they two went together. And fifty men of the sons of the prophets came & stood on the other side a far of, & they two stood by jordan. And Elia took his mantel and wrappeth it together, & smote the waters, and they were divided, part the one way and part the other, so that they two went over thorough the dry land. And it fortuned, that as soon as they were over, Elia said unto Elisa: ask what I shall do for thee, or I be taken away from the. And Elisa said: I pray the ☞ let thy spirit be double upon me. And he said: thou hast asked an hard thing. Nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken away from thee, thou shalt have it so: if thou do not, it shall not be. And it fortuned, that as they went walking and talking: Behold there appeared a chariot of fire and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder. * Eccle. 4●. a And Elia went up thorough the whirl wind in to heaven. And Elisa, saw, & cried. O my father, O my father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof, & he saw him no more: and he took his own clothes, and rent them in two pieces. He took up also the mantel of Elia that fell from him, and went back again, and stood by Iordans side, & took the mantel of Elia (that fell from him) and smote the waters ❀ (and they parted not asunder,) and he said: where is the lord god of Elia, and he himself? And when he had smitten the waters, they parted this way & that way, and Elisa went over. And when the children of the prophets which were at jericho saw him from a far, they said: the spirit of Elia doth rest on Elisa, & they came to meet him, and fell to the ground before him, and said unto him: See, there be with thy servants fifty strong men, ☞ let them go and seek thy master: haply the spirit of the lord hath taken him up, & cast him upon some mountain or in to some valley. And he said: Ye shall send none. And when they say upon him till he was ashamed, he said: send. They sent therefore fifty men, which sought him three days, but found him not. And when they came again to him, which tarried at jericho, he said unto them, did I not say unto you, that ye should not go? And the men of the city said unto Elisa Behold. Sir, the dwelling of this city is pleasant as thou my lord seest: but the waters is nought and the ground barren. He said: bring me a new cruse, and put salt therein. And they brought it to him. And he went unto the spring of the waters, and cast the salt in thither, and said: thus saith the Lord: I have healed this water, there shall not come henceforth either death or bareynnesse. So the waters were healed unto this day, according to the saying of Heliseus, which he spoke. And he went up from thence unto Bethel. And as he was going up the way, there came little children out of the city, and mocked him, and said unto him: go up thou bald head, go up thou bald head And he turned back and looked on them, and cursed them in the name of the Lord. And there came two she Bears out of that wood, and tore. xlii. children of them. And he went from thence to mount Carmel, & from thence he turned again to Samaria. ¶ The kings of Israel, juda, and Edom lack water, which they obtain through the prayer of Heliseus. The king of Moab fygh: eth against Israel. CAPI. III. I Ehoram the son of Ahab began to reign upon Israel in Samaria the. xviii. year of jehosaphat king of juda, and reigned twelve years. And he wrought evil in the sight of the Lord: but not like his father, and like his mother, for he put away the images of Baal, that his father had made. Nevertheless, he ☞ cleaved unto the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nabat, (which made Israel to sin) and departed not therefrom. And Mesa king of Moab was a lord of sheep, and rendered unto the king of Israel an hundred thousand lambs and an hundred thousand rams with the wool. But when Ahab was dead, it fortuned, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel. And king jehoram went out of Samaria the same season, and numbered all Israel, and went, and sent to jehosaphat the king of juda, saying: The king of Moab hath offended against me, wilt thou come with me against Moab to battle? He answered: I will come up, for as I am, so art thou, ☞ and as my people be, so are thy people, and thy horses as mine. And he said: What way shall we go up? And he answered: the way thorough the wilderness of Edom. And so the king of Israel took his journey, and the king of juda, and the king of Edom. And when they had compassed the way seven days, they had no water for the host and for the cattle that followed them. And the king of Israel said: Alas, the Lord hath called these three kings together, to deliver them over in to the hand of Moab. But jehosaphat said: * ●● 22. ●. Is there not hear a prophet of the Lord, that we may inquire of the Lord by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said: here is Elisa the son of Saphat, which ☞ powered water on the hands of Elia. And jehosaphat said: Is not the word of the Lord with him? And so the king of Israel, & jehosaphat and the king of Edom went down to him. And Elisa said unto the king of Israel: what have I to do with thee? get the to the prophets of thy father, and to the prophets of thy mother. And the king of Israel said unto him: ☞ Oh nay, for the lord hath called these three kings together to deliver them in to the hand of Moab. And Elisa said: As sure as the Lord of hosts liveth (in whose sight I stand) & it were not that I regard the presence of jehosaphat, the king of juda, I would not look toward the nor yet se the. But now bring me a minstrel. And when the minstrel played, the hand of the lord came upon him. And he said, thus saith the Lord: make this plain ground full of ditches. For thus saith the Lord: Ye shall see neither wind nor rain, and yet the broke shall be filled with water, that ye may drink, both ye and your beasts, and your cattle. And this is yet but a small thing in the sight of the lord, for as much as he will give over the Moabites also into your hands. And ye shall smite every strong town, & every goodly city, and shall fell every pleasant tree, and stop every well of water, and mar every good plat of ground with stones. And in the morning, when the meat-offering was offered, it fortuned, that there came water by the way from Edom, and the country was filled with water. And when all the Moabites heard that the kings were come up to fight against them, they gathered all together, from the youngest that was able to put on harness and so upward, and stood in the border. And they were up early in the morning and the son shone upon the water, that the Moabites saw the water a far of as red as blood, and they said. This is the blood of slaughter: the kings are slay and one hath smitten an other. Now therefore Moab get the to the spoil. And when they came to the host of Israel the Israelites stood up and smote the Moabites, so that they fled before them. But they followed upon them, and smote Moab. And they overthrew the cities, & on every good parcel of land, cast every man his stone, & filled it, and they stopped all the wells of waters, & felled all the good trees. Only ☞ in the city, of brick left they the stones thereof: Howbeit they went about it with slings and smote it. And when the king of Moab saw, that the battle was sore against him he took with him seven. hundred men that drew the sword, to have gone thorough, even unto the king of Edom. But they could not. And then he took his eldest son (that should have reigned in his stead) and offered him for a burntoffering upon the wall. And there was great indignation against Israel, and they departed from him, and returned unto their own land. ¶ God giveth a certain po●● woman Oil by Heliseus▪ Heliseus (whom the text calleth Elisa) obtaineth of g●● & Child for his hoostesse, which dieth, and is after raised to life. He maketh sweet the pottage, and mult: plyeth the loves. CAPI. four ✚ ANd there cried a certain woman ☞ of the wives of the prophets unto Elisa saying. Thy servant my husband is dead, and thou knowest, that thy servant did fear the Lord. And the creditoure is come to fet my two sons, to be his bond men. Elisa said unto her. Tell me what shall I do for thee? What hast thou in thine house? She said: thine handmaid hath nothing at all in the house, save a pitcher with oil. He said unto her: Go and borrow vessels for thee, of them that are without, even of all thy neighbours, empty vessels and that not a few. And when thou art come in, thou shalt shut the door after the and after thy sons, & power out into all those vessels, and set aside that which is full. And so the woman went from him, & shu● the door after her and after her sons. And they brought to her, & she powered out. And it came to pass, that when the vessels were ●ul, she said unto her son: bring me yet a vessel: And he said unto her: I have no more. And the oil ceased. Then she came, and told the man of God. And he said: Go and sell the oil, & pay them that thou art in det unto, but live thou and thy children of the rest. ⊢ And it fell on a day, that Elisa came to Sunem, where was ☞ a great woman that took him in, for to eat bread. And so it came to pass, that from that time forth (as oft as he came that way) he turned in thither to eat bread. And she said unto her husband: Behold, I perceive, that this is a holy man of God, that cometh so oft by our place. Let us make him a chambre (I pray thee) with walls, and let us set him there a bed, and a table, a stole and a candlestick: that he may turn in thither when he cometh to us. And it fortuned on a day, that he came thither and turned into the chambre, and lay therein, and said to Gehezi his servant: call this Sunamite. And when he called her, she presented her selves before him. And again he said unto him: Tell her: Behold, thou hast been careful for us, and hast made all this provision: what shall we now do for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king or to the captain of the host? She answered ☞ I dwell among mine own people. And he said again, what is to be done for her? Gehezi answered: verily she hath no child, and her husband is old. And he said: call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door. And he said * Ge●e. i●. b. 〈◊〉. 1●. b by such a time, and as soon as the fruit can live, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said: Oh nay my Lord, thou man of god, do not lie unto thine handmaid. And the wife conceived, and bore a son that same season that Eliseus had said unto her, as soon as the fruit could have life. And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father, and to the reapers. And he said unto his father, my head, my head. And he said to a lad: carry him to his mother. And when he had taken him and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died. And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door about him, and went out, and called unto her husband, and said: Send with me (I pray thee) one of the young men and one of the Asses, for I will run to the man of God, and come again. And he said: wherefore wilt thou go to him, saying that today is neither new moon nor Sabbath day. She answered: For health. Then she saddled an Ass and said to her servant: lead away the Ass, and make her not to go slowly (because I ride upon her) but when I bid the. ✚ And so she went and came unto the man of God, to mount carmel. And it fortuned, that when the man of God saw her a far of, he said to Gehezi his servant. Behold yonder is the Sunamite. Run therefore to meet her, and say unto her: Is all well with the and with thy husband, and with the lad? And she answered: all is well. And when she came to the man of God up to the hill, she caught him by the feet. But Gihezi went to her to thrust her away. And the man of God said: let her alone, for her soul is vexed within her, and the Lord hath hid it from me, and hath not told it me. Then she said: did I desire a son of my lord? did I not require thee, that thou shouldest not deceive me? Then he said to Gehezi: * 4. Reg. ● Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, & go thy way. * Luke. ●. ● If thou meet any man ☞ salute him not. And if any salute thee, answer him not again. And lay my staff upon the face of the child. And the mother of the child said: * 1, Reg. 〈◊〉. ● As sure as the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave the. And he arose and followed her. Gehezi went before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child, But there was neither voice nor any feeling. Wherefore he went again to meet him, and told him, saying: the child is not awaked. And when Elisa was come in to the house: Behold, the child was dead & laid upon his bed. He went in therefore, and shut the door to the lad and him, and prayed unto the Lord. * 111. Re●●▪ 〈◊〉. And went up and lay upon the lad, and put his mouth upon his mouth, & his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands, and when he so lay upon the child, the flesh of the child waxed warm. And ☞ he went again, and walked once up and down in the house, and then went up, and laid himself upon him again. And then the chyldenesed seven times and opened his eyes. And he called Gehezi, and said: Call for this Sunamite. So he called her: which when she was come in unto him, he said unto her: * 〈…〉 take thy son. Therefore she went in and fell at his feet, & bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out. ⊢ Elisa came again to gilgal, and there was a dearth in the land, and the children of the prophets dwelt with him. And he said unto his servant: Set a great pot on the fire, and make pottage for the children of the prophets. And one went out into the field, to gather herbs, and found ❀ (as it were) a wild vine, and gathered thereof wild Coloquintidas his lapful, and came, and shred them into the pot of pottage: for they knew it not. So they powered out for the men to eat And it fortuned, that when they tasted of the pottage, they cried out, and said: Oh thou man of God, ☞ there is death in the pot: and they could not eat thereof. But he said: bring meal. And he cast it into the pot, and said: fill for the people, that they may eat, and there was no more harm in the pot. There came a man from Baal Salisa, & brought the man of God bread of the first fruits, even. xx. loves of barley, & new corn which was yet in his bags. And he said: give unto the people that they may eat. And his minister answered: why, shall I set this before an hundred men? He said again: give it unto the people that they may eat. For thus sayeth the lord, * 〈…〉. they shall eat, & there shallbe left over. And so he set it before them, and they did eat, and left over, according to the word of the Lord. ¶ Naaman the Sirian is heale● of his leprosy. Gehezi is stricken with a leprosy, because he took money and raiment of Naaman. CAPI. V ✚ NAaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man, and honourable in the sight of his master because that by him the Lord had given ❀ health unto Syria. He was also a mighty man, and expert in war, but he was a leper. And the Siryans had gone out by companies, and had brought out of the country of Israel a little maid, & she was with Naamans' wife. And she said unto her, lady: I would to god my lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria: for he would deliver him of his leprosy. And ☞ he went in, and told his Lord, saying: thus and thus said the maid, that is of the land of Israel. And the king of Syria, said: Come & enter in, and I will send a letter unto the king of Israel. And he came, and took with him ten talents of silver, and two. M. pieces of gold, and ten change of raymentꝭ, & brought the letter to the king of Israel containing this tenor: Now when this letter is come unto thee: Behold, I have therewith sent Naaman my servant to thee, that thou mayst rid him of his leprosy. And it fortuned, that when the king of Israel had read the letter, he rend his clothes, and said: * 〈◊〉. 32. f am I God, that I should slay, and make alive? for he doth send to me that I should deliver a man from his leprosy. Wherefore consider (I pray you) and see how he seeketh a quarrel against me● which when Elisa the man of god had herd, how that the king of Israel had rend his clothes, he sent to the king, saying: Wherefore hast thou rend thy clothes? let him come now to me, and he shall know, that there is a Prophet in Israel. And so Naaman came with his horses, & with his charettes, and stood at the door of the house of Elisa. And Elisa sent a messenger unto him, saying, go and was●he the in jorbane seven times, ● thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be cleansed: But Naaman was wroth, and went away, and said: Behold, I thought with myself: he would surely come out, and stand and call on the name of the lord his god, & put his hand on the place that he may heal the leprosy. Are not Abana and Pharphar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? If I wash me also in them, shall I not be cleansed? And so he turned him, and departed with displeasure. And his servants came, and communed with him, and said: Father/ if the Prophet had bid the do some great thing, oughtest thou not to have done it. How moche rather then, when he sayeth to thee: wash, and be clean? Then went he down, & washed himself seven times in jordan, according to the saying of the man of god, and his flesh changed, like unto the flesh of a little child, * 〈…〉. and he was cleansed. And he turned again to the man of god, he and all his company, & stood before him, and sáyde. Behold, I know now that there is no god in all the world, but in Israel. ⊢ Now therefore take ☞ a blessing of thy servant. But he said: * 〈…〉. as surely as the lord liveth (before whom I stand) I will receive none. And when the other would have constrained him to receive it, he would not. And Naaman said: ❀ (Even as thou wyl●, but I beseech the.) ☞ Shall there not be given to thy servant as much of this earth as two Mules may bear? For thy servant will hence forth offer neither burnt-sacrifice nor offering unto any other god, save unto the lord. But herein the lord be merciful to thy servant, that when my master goeth in to the house of Rimmon & doth worship there, and leaneth on my hand, and I also worship in the house of Rimmon, (when I do worship I say) in the house of Rimmon, the Lord be merciful unto thy servant because of this thing. Unto whom he said: go in peace. And when he was departed from him as it were a furlong of ground, Gehezi the servant of Elisa the man of god, said: behold/ my master hath spared Naaman this Siryan, that he would not receive of his hand those things that he offered. As surely as the Lord liveth, I will run after him, and take some what of him. And so Gehezi followed Naaman. And when Naaman saw him run ning after him, he light down from the chariot, to meet him▪ and said: * 4. Reg. 4. d is all well? He answered: All is well, Behold, my master hath sent me, saying: see, there be come to me even now from mount Ephraim two young men of the children of the prophets: give them I pray thee, one talon of silver, & two change of garments. And Naaman said: With a good will. Take two talents: and he compelled him to bind two talents of silver in two baggꝭ/ with two change of garments, and laid them upon two of his servants, to bear them before him. And when he came into a secret place, he took them from their hand/ & bestowed it in the house, and the men were let go, & they departed. But he went in, and stood before his master. And Elisa said unto him: whence comest thou Gehezi? He said: thy servant went no whither. But he said unto him: went not mine heart with thee, when the man turned again from his chariot to meet thee? ❀ Is it now a time to receive money, to receive garments, olive trees, vineyards, sheep & oxen, men servants and maid servants? The leprosy therefore of Naaman shall cleave unto thee, and unto thy seed for ever. * 4. Re. xv a. 〈◊〉. Pa. 16. a And he went out from his presence a leper, as white as snow. ¶ Elisa maketh iron to swim above the water. The Serians besiege Israel, so that two women agree together to eat their own Children. CAPI. VI THe children of the prophets said unto Elisa: Behold, the place where we dwell with thee, is to little for us. We will therefore go unto jordane, and take thence every man a beam, and build us a place, to dwell in. And he answered: go. And one said: be content I pray thee, and come with thy servants. And he answered: I will come, and so he went with them. And when they came to jordane, they cut down wood. But it fortuned, that as one was felling down of a tree, th● axe head fell into the water. And he cried, & said: Alas master, it was lent me. And the man of god said, where fell it? And he showed him the place. And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither, and immediately the iron did swim. Therefore said he: take it up. And he stretched out his hand, & took it up But the king of Syria warred against Israel, & took counsel with his servants. and said: In yonder secret place shall be my remaining. And the man of God sent unto the king of Israel, saying: Beware, that thou go not over to such a place, for there the Syrians are lurking. Therefore the king of Israel sent to the place which the man of god told him, & warned him of, and saved himself from it, not once nor twice. And the heart of the king of Syria was troubled for this thing, & he called for his servants, and said unto them: will ye not show me, which of our men ❀ (betrayeth me) to the king of Israel? And one of his servants said: none my lord O king. But Elisa the Prophet, that is in Israel, telleth the king of Israel, yea ever, the words that thou speakest in thy privy chambre. He said: go, & spy where he is, that I may send and fet him. And one told him, saying: behold, he is in Dothan. Therefore sent he thither horses & charettes, and a mighty host. And they came by night, & compassed the city about. And when the servant of the man of god rose up early to go out: Behold, there was an host round about the town with horses and charettes. And his servant said unto him: Alas master, what shall we do? He answered * ●● Pat. 〈◊〉 ● fear not, for they that be with us, are more than they that be with them. And Elisa prayed & said: lord (I beseech thee) open his eyes, that he may se. And the lord opened the eyes of the young man. And behold, the mountain was full of horses/ and charettes of fire round about Elisa. And when they came down to him, Elisa prayed unto the lord, & said: Smite this people (I pray thee) with * ●●●●. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 ●● blindness. And he smote them with blindness, according to the desire of Elisa. And Elisa said unto them, this is not the way, neither is this the town follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom ye seek. But he led them to Samaria. And it fortuned that when they were come to Samaria, Elisa said: Lord, open their eyes/ that they may se. And the lord opened their eyes, & they saw. And behold, they were in the myddis of Samaria. And the king of Israel said unto Elisa, when he saw them: My father, shall I smite them: And he answered: Thou shalt not smite them. But smite those that thou hast taken with thine own sword and with thine own bow. But rather set bread and water before them, that they may eat & drink, & go to their master. And he prepared a great refection for them. And when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. And so the soldiers of Syria ☞ came no more into the land of Israel. After this it chanced, that Benhadad king of Syria gathered all his host, and went up, and besieged Samaria. But there was a great dearth in Samaria: & behold, they besieged it, until an Asses head (was ●olde) for. lxxx. silver pens, & the fourth part of ☞ a Cab of doves dung for five sycles. And as the King of Israel was going upon the wall, there cried a woman unto him saying: help, my lord O king. He said: if the lord do not secure thee: wherewith can I help thee: ☞ with the barn, or with the wine press? And the king said unto her: what wilt thou? She answered: yonder woman said unto me: bring thy son, that we may eat him to day, & we will eat mine to morrow. * ●●●●. 26. d 〈◊〉. 28. ● 〈◊〉. 4 ● And so we dressed my son & did eat him. And I said to her the other day: bring thy Son that we may eat him, and she hath hid her son. And it came to pass, that when the king heard the words of the woman/ he rend his clothes, & went up on the wall. And the people looked: & behold, he had a sack cloth under, upon his flesh. Then he said: * ●●●●. 19 ● God do so & so to me, if the head of Elisa the son of Saphat shall stand on him this day. But Elisa sat in his house, & the elders sat by him and the king sent a man before him. But or the messenger came to him, he said to the elders: have ye not seen, how that ☞ the son of this murderer hath sent, to take away mine head? Be circumspect when the messenger cometh, & shut the door, & hold him at the door: is not the sound of his masters feet behind him? While he yet talked with them: Behold, the messenger came down unto him, & said behold, ☞ this evil is of the lord, & what more shall I look for of the lord? ¶ Elisa prophesyeth plenteousness of victuals, and oth●● things to Samaria. The Syrians run away, and have no man following them The lord that would not believe the word of Elisa is trodden to death. CAPI. VII. THen Elisa said: hear ye the word of the lord: thus sayeth the lord: * Rig. 7. ● to morrow this time shall a bushel of fine flower be sold for a Sickle, & two bushels of Barley for a Sycle in the gate of Samaria. Then a certain Lord (on whose hand the king leaned) answered the man of god, and said: behold, if the lord would make windows in heaven, might this saying come to pass? He said: behold, thou shalt see it with thine eyes, but shalt not eat thereof. And there were four leprous men at the enteting in of the gate. And they said one to another, why sit we here, until we die? If we say: we will enter into the city, behold, the dearth is in the city, and we shall die therein. And if we sit still here, we die also, Now therefore come, & let us fall upon the host of the Syrians: If they save our lives we shall live: If they kill us, then are we dead And so they arose in the night, to go to the host of the Syrians. And when they were come to the uttermost part of the host of Syria: behold, there was no man there. For the lord had made the host of the Syrians * Math. b. a Esar. 13. ●. to hear a noise of charettis & a noise or horses, and the noise of a great host. In so much that they said one to another, lo, the king of Israel hath hired against us the kings of the Hethites, & the kings of the egyptians, to come upon us. Wherefore they arose & fled in the night, & left their tents, their horses, and their Asses, & the field which they had pitched even as it was, and fled for their lives. And when these lepers came to the edge of the host, they went in to a tent, and did eat, & drink, & carried thence silver and gold & raiment, & went and hid it: & came again & entered in to another tent/ and carried thence also, and went and hid it. Then said one to another: we do not well this day, for as much as it is a day to bring good tidings/ & we hold our peace. If we tarry till the day light, some mischief will come upon us. Now therefore come, that we may go, and tell the kings household. And so they came, & called unto the porter of the city, & told them saying: we came to the pavilions of the Syrians: & se, there was no man there, neither voice of man, but horses & asses tied, and the tents were, even as they were wont to be. And so the man called unto the porters, and they told the kings house within. And the king arose in the night, & said unto his servants: I will show you now, what the Syrians have done unto us▪ They know that we be hungry, and therefore are they gone out of the pavilions, to hide themselves in the field, saying: When they come out of the city, we shall earth them alive, and get into the city. And one of his servants answered, & said: Let men ta●● (I pray you) five of the horses that remain & are left in the multitude. Behold ☞ they are even as all the multitude of Israel that are left in the city: behold (I say) they are even as all the multitude of the Israelites that are consumed, & we will send, & se. They took therefore the horses of two chareties and the king sent after the host of the Syrians/ saying: go, & se. And they went after them/ even unto jordan: & lo, all the way was full of clothes and vessels which the Syrians had cast from them in their haste. And the messengers returned, and told the king. And the people went out, & spoiled the tents of the Syrians. And so it came to pass, that a bushel of fine flower was sold for a sycle, and two bushels of barley for a sycle, * 4. Re. seven. ● according to the word of the lord. And the king appointed that Lord (on whose hand he leaned) to be at the gate. And the people trod upon him in the gate, and he died, according to the word of the man of god which he said, when the king came down to him. And so came the thing to pass that the man of God had spoken to the king, saying: two bushels of barley for a sycle, & a bushel of fine flower for an other/ shall be * 4. Reg. 7. a to morrow this time in the gate of Samaria. Where unto that lord answered the man of God, & said. Yea/ & if the Lord made windows in heaven might it come to pass? And he said: Behold, thou shall see it with thine eyes/ & shalt not eat thereof. And even so chanced it unto him: for the people trod upon him in the gate/ and he died. ¶ Clisa prophesyeth unto the Sunamyte the dearth of seven years. After the death of Benhadad reigneth hazael in Syria. jehoram the son of jehosephat reigneth in juda. Edom falleth from juda ●hozia succeedeth jehoram. CAPI. VIII. THAN spoke * 4. Reg. 4. a Elisa unto the woman (whose son he had restored to life again) saying: up & go/ thou & thine house, & sojourn where soever thou canst, for the lord hath called for a dearth, & the same shall come upon the land seven years. And the woman arose/ & did after the saying of the man of god, & went both she & her house hold, & sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven year. And at the seven years end, it fortuned, that the woman came again out of the land of the philistinis, & went out to call upon the king for her house & for her land And the king talked with Gehezi the servant of the man of god, saying: tell me I pray the all the great deeds that Elisa hath done. He told the king, how he had restored a dead body to life again: but in the mean time the woman (whose son he had raised up again) cried to the king for her house, & for her land. And Gehezi said: My lord o king, this is the woman, and this is her son whom Elisa raised up again. And when the king asked the woman, she told him. And so the king delivered her a chamberlain, saying: restore thou unto her all that are hers, & all the fruits of the field, sense the day that she left the land, unto this tyme. And * ●. Reg. nineteen. ● Elisa came to Damascis, & Benhadad the king of Syria was spcke. And one told him saying: The man of God is come hither. And the king said unto hazael: * ●i●. Re. 14. ● take a present in thine hand, and go meet the man of God, that thou mayest ask the lord by him, whither I shall recover of this disease. And so hazael went to meet him and took the present with him, and of every good thing of Damascus, even as much as. xl. Camel's could bear, and came & presented himself before him, & said: thy son Benhadad king of Syria hath sent me to the saying, shall I recover of this disease? And Elisa said unto him: go and say unto him: thou shalt recover, howbeit the lord hath showed me, that he shall surely die. And ❀ he looked aside, and was ashamed/ and the man of god wept. And Hazael said: why weepeth my Lord? He answered: for I know the evil things that thou shalt do unto the children of Israel: for their strong cities shalt thou set on fire, and their youngmen shalt thou slay with the sword & shalt dash out the brains of their sucking children, & all to tear their women with child. But hazael said: what is thy servant/ a dog, that I should do this great thing? And Elisa answered: the Lord hath showed me, that thou shalt be king of Syria. And so he departed from Elisa, and came to his master/ which said to him. What said Elisa to thee? He answered: he told me, that thou shouldest recover. And on the morrow it fortuned, that he took a thick cloth, & dypte it in water, and ☞ spread it on his face, and he died, and hazael reigned in his stead. The fift year of jehoram the son of Ahab king of Israel (jehosaphat being also king of juda) jehoram the son of jehosaphat, king of juda, began to reign. * 〈◊〉 xxxii. year old was he, when he began to reign, & he reigned. viii. year in jerusalem. And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as they that were of the house of Ahab: for the daughter of Ahab was his wife, & he did evil in the sight of the lord. And the lord would not destroy juda, & that by cause of David his servant * 〈◊〉 as he promised him to give him all way a light among his children. * 〈…〉 In those days Edom did wickedly when he was under the hand of juda: for they made them a king of their own. So jehoram went to Zair, he and all his charettes with him. And he arose by night/ and smote the Edomites, which compassed him in, with the captains of his charettes, and the people fled into their tents. But Edom rebelled, so that he would not be under the hand of juda unto this day. And then Lobnah began to be disobedient, even that same tyme. The rest of the words that concern joram and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of juda? And joram rested with his father's/ and was buried beside his fathers in the city of David. And ☞ * 〈◊〉 Ahaziahu his son reigned in his stead. In the. xii. year of joram the son of Ahab, king of Israel, did Ahaziahu the son of jehoram king of juda begin to reign. Two and twenty year old was Ahaziahu when he began to reign, & he reigned one year in jerusalem, & his mother's name was Athaliahu, the daughter of Omri king of Israel. But he walked in the way of the house of Ahab: & did evil in the sight of the lord, even as did the house of Ahab: For he was the son in law of the house of Ahab. And he went with joram the son of Ahab to war against hazael king of Syria/ in Ramoth Gilead, and the Syrians wounded joram. And * 〈◊〉 king joram went back again, to be healed in jezrahel of the woundis which the Syrians had given him at Ramoth, when he fought against hazael king of Syria. And Ahaziahu the son of jehoram king of juda went down to see joram the son of Ahab in jezrahell, because he was sick there. ¶ jehu is made king of Israel, and killeth jehoram the king thereof: and Ahaziahu king of juda also, and causeth jezabel to be cast down out of a window, and the dogs eat hi●. CAPI. IX. ANd Elisa the prophet called one of the children of the Prophets, and said unto him: * 〈◊〉 gird up thy loins, and take this box of oil in thine hand, and get the to Ramoth in Gilead. And when thou comest thither, look were is jehu the son of jehosaphat the Son of Nimsi, and go to him, and make him arise up from among his brethren, and carry him to a secret chambre. Then take the bore of oil, and power to on his head, and say: thus sayeth the lord: I have anointed the to be king over Israel. And then open the door, and flee without any tarrying. And so the servant of the prophet got him to Ramoth Gilead: & when he came in/ behold, the captains of the host were sitting together. And he said: I have an errand to the O captain. And jehu said: unto which of all us? He said: to the O captain. And he arose, and went into the house. And he powered the oil on his head, and said unto him: thus sayeth the Lord God of Israel, * 3. Reg. 19 ● I have anointed the to be king over the people of the lord, even over Israel. Thou shalt smite the house of Ahab thy master, that I may avenge the blood of my servants the prophets, & the blood of all the servants of the Lord, of the hand of jezabel (for the hole house of Ahab shall be destroyed) & I will destroy from Ahab/ even him that maketh water against the wall, & him that is prisoned & forsaken in Israel: & I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nabat, and like the house of Baasa the son of Ahia. And as for jezabel * 3. Reg. xxi. ● the dogs shall eat 4. Reg. 29. f her in the field of jezrahell, & there shall be none to bury her. And he opened the door and fled. jehu came out to the servants of his lord, and one said unto him, is all well? Wherefore came this mad fellow to thee? And he said unto them: ye know what manner of man he is, and what his communication is: They said unto him again: it is not so, tell us. He said: thus & thus spoke he to me, saying: Thus saith the lord: I have anointed the to be king over Israel. Then they hasted, and took every man his garment, and put it under him in manner of a judges seat/ and blue with trumpets, saying: jehu is king. And so jehu the son of jehosaphat the son of Nimsi conspired against joram. joram kept Ramoth Gilead, he and all Israel because of hazael king of Syria, and * 4. Regum. ●● king joram returned to be healed in jezrael, of the wounds which the Syrians had given him, when he fought with hazael king of Syria. And jehu said: If it be your minds/ then let no man depart and escape out of the city/ to go and tell in jezrahell. So jehu got up in to a chariot, and went to jezrael where joram lay, and Ahaziahu king of juda was come down thither to see joram. And the watchman that stood on the tower in jezrael, spied the company of jehu as he came, and said: I see company. And jehoram said: take an horseman, and send to meet them, that he may ask whither it be peace. And so there went one on horseback to meet him, & said: thus sayeth the king: is it peace? And jehu said: what hast thou to do with peace? turn the behind me. And the watchman told, saying: the messenger came to them, but he cometh not again. Then he sent out an other on horseback, which came to them, and said: thus sayeth the king: is it peace? jehu answered: what hast thou to do with peace & turn the behind me. And the watchman told, saying: he came to them also, & cometh not again, and the driving is like the driving of jehu the son of Nimsi, for he driveth the chariot as he were mad. And jehoram said: make ready. And the chariot was made ready. And jehoram king of Israel, and Ahaziahu king of juda went out either of them in his chariot against jehu, and met him in the furlong of Naboth the jezrahelite. And it fortuned/ that when jehoram saw jehu, he said: is it peace jehu? He answered: What peace should there be, so long as the hooredomes of thy mother jezabel & her witchcrafts, are so great? And jehoram turned his hands, and fled, and said to Ahaztahu: there is falsehood O Ahaziahu. And jehu took a bow in his hand, & smote jehoram between the arms, & the arrow went thorough his heart. And he fell down flat in his chariot. Then said (jehu) to Bidkara captain: take him, and cast him in the plat of ground of Naboth the jezraelite. For I remember, that when I and thou road together in a chariot after Ahab his father/ the lord laid this heavy burther upon him: I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth, and the blood of his sons, said the lord & I will quite it the in this ground, sayeth the Lord. Now therefore take him, and cast him in the plat of ground, according to the word of the lord. But when Ahaziahu the king of juda saw this, he fled by the way of the garden house. And jehu followed after him, & said: smite him also in the chariot. ❀ (And they smote him) in his chariot at the going up to Gur by jibleam, and he fled to Magiddo, & there died. And his servants carried him in a chariot to jerusalem, & buried him there in his sepulchre with his fathers in the city of David. And in the. xi. year of joram the son of Ahab, began Ahaziahu to reign over juda. And when jehu was come to jezrael/ jezabel heard of it, and ☞ starched her face/ and tired her head, & looked out at a window And as jehu entered at the gate, she said: had Zimri peace which slew his master? And he lift up his eyes to the window, and said; who is of my side, who? And there looked out to him two or three chamberlains. And he said: Throw her down: So they threw her down, and her blood dashed toward the wall, and toward the horses, and he trod her under feet. And when he was come in, he did eat and drink, and said: go and visit I pray you, yonder cursed creature and bury her * 3. Re. xvi. g for she is a kings daughter. And so when they came to bury her, they found no more of her then the skull, and the feet, and the palms of her hands. Wherefore they came again, & told him. And he said: This is the word of the lord, which he spoke by the hand of his servant Elia the Thesbite, saying: * 1. Reg. 〈◊〉. in the field of jezrahell shall dogs eat the flesh of jezabel. And so the carcase of jezabel was even as dung upon the earth, in the field of jezrahell: so that no man might say: This was jezabel. ¶ jehn causeth the. lrx. sons of Ahab to be slay, and after that. rl●●. of his brethren. He findeth a mean also to kill all the preested of Baal. After his death his son reigneth in his st●ade. CAPI. X. A Hab had * joshua. ●● . lxx. Sons in Samaria. And jehu wrote letters & sent to Samaria unto the rulers of jezrahell/ to the elders, & to them that brought up Ahab's children, saying: now when this letter cometh to you, ye that have with you your masters sons, (ye have with you both charettes & horses: a strong city have ye also, and harness) look which of your masters sons is best & most meet, and set him on his father's seat ☞ and fight for your lords house. But they were excedynly afraid, and said: se, two kings were not able to stand before him, how shall we then be able to stand? And he that was governor of Ahab's house, & he that ruled. the city, the elders also, and the tutors sent to jehu, saying: we are thy servants, & will do all that thou shalt bid us: we will make no man king: therefore do thou what seemeth good in thine eyes Then he wrote an other letter to them, say enge: If ye be mine, and will hearken unto my voice, then take the heads of the men that are your masters sons, and come to me to jezrahell by to morrow this tyme. And the kings sons were. lxx. personnes, and they were with the great men of the city, which brought them up. And when the letter came to them, they took the kings children, and slew them, even. lxx. persons, & laid their heads in baskets, and sent them to him to jezrahell▪ And there came a messenger, & told him saying: they have brought the heads of the kings sons. And he said: let them lay them on two heaps in the entering in of the gate, until the morning. And when it was day, he went out, & stood & said to all the folk: ye be righteous. Behold, I conspired against my master, & slew him: But who slew all these? Learn here, that there shall fall unto the earth nothing of the word of the lord, which he spoke concerning the house of Ahab: for the lord hath brought to pass the things that he spoke ☞ by the hand of his servant * 〈…〉. 21. ●. Elia. And so jehu slew all that remained of the house of Ahab/ in jezrahell & all that were great with him/ and his kynsfolkes, and his priests, so that he let nothing of him remain. And he arose, and departed, & came to Samaria. And when jehu was in the way to the house where the shepherds did shear their sheep, he met with the brethren of Ahaziahu king of juda, and said: what are ye? They answerered the brethren of Ahaziahu are we, & go down to salute the children of the king, and of the queen. And he said: take them alive. Whom when they had taken them alive, they slew them at the well which was beside the house where the sheep are shorn, even. xlii. men neither left he any of them. And when he was departed thence, he met with jehonadab the son of * 〈…〉. 35. a Rechab coming against him: And ☞ he blessed him, & said to him: is thine heart right, as mine heart is true with thine? And jehonadab answered: yea that it is. ❀ (if it, be sayeth he) then give me thine hand. And when he had given him his hand, he took him up to him in to the chariot, and said: come with me, and see the zeal that I have for the Lord, & so they made him ride in his chariot. And when he came to Samaria, he slew all that remained unto Ahab in Samaria/ till he had wiped him out, according to the saying of the Lord which he spoke to Elia. And jehu gathered all the people together, & said unto them: * ● Reg. 16 g Ahab served Baal a little: But jehu shall serve him more. Now therefore call unto me all the prophets of Baal, all such as serve him, & all his priests and let none be lacking. For I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal: & therefore, whosoever is missed, he shall not live. But jehu did it for a subtlety, to the in tent that he might destroy the servants of Baal. And jehu said: Proclaim an holy convocaeyon for Baal, and jehu sent unto all Israel. And all the servants of Baal came, that there was not a man left behind that came not. And they came into the house of Baal, & the house of Baal was full from one end to an other. And he said unto him that was the keeper of the vestrey, bring forth garments for all the servants of Baal. And he brought them out garmentis. And when jehu went with jehonadab the son of Rechab into the house of Baal, he said unto the servants of Baal: search and look, that there be here with you none of the servants of the Lord, but the servants of Baal only. And when they went in to offer sacrifice & burntofferyngis, jehu appointed lxxx. men without, & said: If any of the men whom I have brought under your hands, escape, he that letteth him go, shall die for him. And it fortuned, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt-sacrifice, jehu said to the men of war, & to the captains: go in: & slay them, let none come out. And they smote them with the edge of the sword. And the men of war & the captains cast them out & went unto the ●●●e of the temple of Baal, & fet the images out of the temple of Baal, & burned them. And they broke the image of Baal, & broke the house of Baal, & made a draft house of it unto this ●aye. And so jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel. But from the synnis of Jeroboam the son of Nebat (which made Israel to sin: jehu departed not, neither from following of them ❀ (neither forsook he) ❀ the golden calves that were in bethel & in Dan. And the lord said unto jehu: because y● hast done right well, in bringing to pass, the thing that is right in mine eyes, and hast done unto the house of Ahab according to all things, that are in mine heart, therefore shall * 〈…〉 thy Children unto the fourth generation, sit on the seat of Israel. But jehu cared not for this, to walk in the law of the lord god of Israel with all his heart: for he departed not from the synnis of jeroboam, which made Israel to sin. ❀ In those days the lord began to cu● Israel short, & * 4. Regum. ●. Hazael smote them in all the coostes of Israel, from jordan Eastward: even all the land of Gilead, the Gad●tes, the Rubenites, & them that were of Manasses/ from Aroer unto the river of Arnon: even Gilead & Basan. The rest of the words that concern jehu, & all that he did/ and all his power, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel? And jehu slept with his fathers, and they buried him in Samaria, & jehoahaz his son reigned in his stead. And the time that jehu reigned upon Israel in Samaria, is. xxviii. years. ¶ ●thalia putteth to death all the kings Sonne●▪ except jehokaz the son of O●oziah, which is hid, & after her death is made king. CAPI. XI. ANd Athalia the mother of Ahaziahu/ when she saw that her son was dead/ she arose, & destroyed all the kings seed. But jehosaba the daughter of king joram & sister of Ahaziahu, took joas the son of Ahaziahu, & stole him from among the kings sons that were slay, & his nurse with him, out of a sleeping chambre, & hid him from Athalia, that he was not slay. And he was with her, hid in the house of the lord. vi. year. And Athalia did reign over the land. And the seventh year jehoiads sent & fet the rulers over the hundreds, with the captains, & them of the guard, and took them to him into the house of the lord, and made a bond with them, & took an oath of them in the house of the Lord, & showed them the kings son. And he commanded them, saying: This is it that ye must do: one third part of you (whose duty is to come on the Sabbath day) shall keep the watch of the kings house: And an other third part shall keep the gate of Sur: & an other third part shall keep the gate which is, behind them of the guard, and so ❀ shall ye keep the watch of the house of Messah, and two portions of you: that is, all that go out on the Sabbath day, shall keep the watch of the house of the lord about the king, & ye shall compass the king round about, and every man shall have his weapon in his hand. And whosoever cometh with in the ranges, let him be slay. And see that ye be with the king as he goeth out & in. And the captains over the hundreds did according to all things that * 〈…〉. 24. ● jehoiada the pretst commanded: and they took every man his men (that were to come in on the Sabbath day, with them that should go out on the Sabbath) and came to jehoiada the priest. And to the captains over hundreds, did the priest give king David's spears & shields that were in the temple. And they of the guard stood/ and every man had his weapon in his hand round about the king, from the right corner of the temple to the left, along by the altar, and the temple. And he brought out the kings son, and put the crown upon him, and delivered him * Deut. 17. d ☞ the witness, & made him king, & anointed him. And they clapped their hands, and said: God save the king. * two Par. 23. d And when Athalia heard the noise of the running of the people, she came to the people into the temple of the lord. And when she looked, behold, the king stood by a pillar (as the manner was) & the syngers and the trumpets by the king, & all the people of the land rejoiced/ & blewe with trumpets. And Athalia rent her clothes and cried: treason/ treason. But jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds that had the rule of the host, & said unto them: have her out without the temple, that she may be with in the rangꝭ, and if any follow her, kill him with the sword: for the Priest had said: she may not be slay in the house of the Lord. And they laid hands on her till she came into the way, by the which the horses went in to the kings palace: and there was she slay. * two. Pat. 〈◊〉▪ ● And jehoiada made a bond between the lord & the kynke, & the people (that they should be the lords people) & also between the king & the people. And all the people of the land went into the house of Baal, & destroyed it: his altars also & his images broke they down ●ustely & slew Mathan the Priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest set a watch over the house of the lord▪ & took the rulers over hundreds, the captains & them of the guard, & all the people of the land. And they brought the king from the house of the lord, & came by the way of the gate of them of the guard to the kings palace. And he sat him down on the seat of the kings. And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in quietness. And they slew Athalia with the sword, beside the kings palace. Seven year old was jehoas, when he began to reign. ¶ jehoas malteth provision for the repairing of the temple. He to killed by two of his servants, and Amaziahn reigneth in his stead. CAPI. XII. ANd he began to reign in the seventhyere of jehu, forty year reigned he in jerusalem, & his mother's name was Zebiah of Beerseba. And he did that which was good in the sight of the lord, as long as jehoiada the priest informed him. But the hylaulters were not taken away, for the people offered & burnt incense yet upon the hylaulters. And jehoas said to the Preestis: all the silver of dedicate things, that be brought to the house of the Lord in currant money, that is to say, the money that every man ☞ is set at, and all the money that every man with a willing heart giveth and bringeth into the house of the lord, let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance, to repair the broken places of the house, where soever any decay is found. And so it came to pass that unto the. xxiii year of king jehoas, the priests had mended nothing, that was decayed in the temple. Then king jehoas called for jehoiada the bishop, & the priests, and said unto them: why repair ye not the broken places of the temple? Now therefore, see that ye receive no more money of your acquaintance, except ye deliver it to repair the temple withal. And the priests consented to receive no more money of the people: except to repair the decayed places of the temple. But jehoiada the priest took a chest & ●oted an hole in the lid of it, & set it beside the altar on the right side, as every man cometh into the temple of the Lord. And the priests that kept the doors, put all the money that was brought in to the house of the Lord. And it fortuned, that when they saw much money in the chest, * Re. xxii▪ a the kings scribe and the high priest came up, & told the money that was found in the house of the lord and put it in to a bag. And they gave the money sealed in to the hands of them that executed the work, and that had the oversight of the house of the lord: & they brought it out to the earpenters & builders (that wrought upon the house of the Lord) and to masons and hewers of stone: And they bought timber and free stone, to repair the decay in the house of the lord, and to all that went out to amend the temple: howvelt ☞ there was not made for the house of the Lord, bowls of silver, instruments of music, basins, trumpets or any vessel of gold, or vessel of silver, of the money that was brought in to the house of the Lord: But they gave that to the workmen, and repaired therewith the house of the Lord. Moreover, they reckoned not with the men, in to whose hands they delivered that money to be bestowed on workmen: for they did their business faithfully. Howbeit ☞ trespass money, and sin money was not brought in to the house of the Lord, for it was the priests. Then came Hazael king of Syria up, and fought against Geth, & took it, & Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem. And jehoas king of juda took all the hallowed things that jehosaphat, jehoram, and Haziahu his father's kings of juda, had dedicate, & that he himself had dedicated▪ and all the gold that was found in the treasures of the house of the Lord, & in the kings house, and sent it to Hazael king of Syria: and so he departed from jerusalem. The remnant of the words that concern jehoas & all that he did, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of juda? And his own servants arose, and wrought treason, and slew jehoas in the house of milo, when he came down to Silla. josabar the son of Semeath & jehozabad the son of Summer his servants smote him, & he died. And they buried him with his fathers in the city of David. And Amaziahu his son reigned in his stead. ¶ jehoahaz the son of jehu is delivered in to the heads of the Siriane and dieth. Ioa● his son reigneth in his stead. Elisa dieth. CAPI. XIII. IN the. xxiii. year of joas the son of Ahaziahu king of juda, johoahaz the son of jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria seventeen year. And he wrought that which was evil in the sight of the lord, and followed the sins of jeroboam the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin, and departed not therefrom. And the Lord was angry with Israel, and delivered them in to the band of Hazael king of Syria, and in to the hand of Benhadad the son of hazael all their days. And jehoahaz besought the lord and the Lord heard him. For he considered the trouble of Israel, wherewith the king of Syria troubled them. And the lord gave Israel a deliverer, so that they went out from under the subjection of the Syrians. And the children of Israel owelte in their tents as before tyme. Nevertheless they departed not from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, which made Israel sin, but walked in them. And there remained a grove still also in Samaria. Neither did he leave of the people to jehoahaz, but fifty horsemen, ten charettis and ten M. footmen * 4. 〈…〉 for the king of Siri● destroyed them, and made them like threshed dust. The rest of the words that concern jehoahaz, and all that he did, & his power, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel? And jehoahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in samaria, & joas his son reigned in his stead▪ In the. xxxvii. year of joas king of juda, began joas the son of jehoahaz to reign over Israel in Samaria sixteen year, & did that which is evil in the sight of the Lord & departed not from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, (that made Israel sin) for he walked therein. The remnant of the words that concern joas & all that he did, and his power wherewith he fought against Amaziahu king of juda, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel? And joas slept with his fathers, and jeroboam sat upon his seat. And joas was buried in Samaria among the kings of Israel. When Elia was fallen sick of his sickness (whereof he died) joas the king of Israel came down unto him, & wept before him, & said. * 4. Reg. two. ● O my father, my father, ❀ the chariot of Israel, & the horsemen of the same. Elisa said unto him: take bow and arrows And he took unto him bow & arrows. And he said unto the king of Israel: put thine hand upon the bow, & he put his hand upon it▪ And Elisa put his hands upon the kings hands, & said: open a window castwarde: and when he had opened it, Elisa said: shoot, and he shot. And he said: the arrow of help of the Lord, and the arrow of help against Syria, for thou shalt smite Syria in Aphek till thou have made an end of them. And he said: take the arrows:: & he took them. And he said unto the king of Israel: smite the ground: & he smote thrice & ceased. And the man of god was angry with him, & said: thou shouldest have smitten. v. or. vi. times ❀ (or seven times) & then thou haddest smitten Siriatyl thou haddest made an end of them: where now thou shalt smite Syria but thrice. And so Elisa died & they buried him, & the souldyoures of the Moabites came in to the land, ❀ the same year. And it chanced as some of them were burying a man, & spied the soldiers, they cast the man into the sepulcce of Elisa. And when the man was rolled down, & touched the bones of Elisa * Eccle. 48. a hereviued, and stood upon his feet. But Hazael vexed Israel, all the days of jehoahaz. And the lord had mercy on them, & pttyed them, & had respect unto them, because of his appointment made with Abraham, Isaac, & jacob, & would not destroy them, neither cast he them from him as yet. So Hazael the king of Sitia died/ & Benhadad his son reigned in his stead. And jehoas the son of Ichoahaz went again & took out of the hand of Benhadad the son of Hazael, the cities which he had taken away out of the hand of jehoa has his father, in war: for three times did joas beat him, and restored the cities unto Israel again. ¶ Amaziahu the kynge of zuda putteth to death the manquellers of his father, and after smiteth Edom. Zoas dieth, and Ierot●am his son succeedeth in his room, and after him reigneth zacharia. Amazia is killed in ●achio, and Azaria teygneth in his stead. CAPI. XIIII. The second year of joas son of Ichoahaz king of Israel reigned Amaziahu the son of joas king of juda: * two. Pa. 25. a. he was. xxv. year old when he began to reign & reigned. xxix. year in jerusalem, & his mother's name was jeohadan, of jerusalem. And he did that which is good in the sight of the Lord, yet not like David his father: but did according to all things as joas his father did. Neither were the hill altars taken away. For as yet the people did sacrifice and burnt incense on the hill altars. And as soon as the kingdom was settled in his hand * 4 Reg▪ xii. v it came to pass, that he slew his servants which had killed the king his father. But the children of those murderers he slew not, according to it that is written in the book of the law of Moses: wherein the Lord commanded, saying: * Deut. 24. ● 11. Par. 〈◊〉. xx●. ● Ezech. 〈◊〉. ●. Let not the father's die for the children, nor let the children be slay for the fathers. But let every man be put to death for his own sin. He slew of Edom in the salt valley * two. Par. 〈◊〉. ●. ten. M. and took the castle on the rock in the same battle, and called the name of it joktheel unto this day. Then Amaziahu sent messengers to jehoas the son of jehoahaz son of jehu king of Israel saying: Come, ☞ let us see each other. And jehoas the king of Israel sent to Amaziahu king of juda, saying: * judi. 〈◊〉. ●. 4 Esdr. 4 ● did not a thistle that is in Libanon, send to a cedar tree that is in Libanon, saying: give thy daughter to my son to wife. And the wild beast that was in Libanon, went & trod down the thistle. Thou hast smitten Edom, thine heart hath made the proud: Enjoy this glory, and tarry at home. Why dost thou provoke to mischief, that thou shouldst be overthrown/ and juda with thee? But Amaziahu would not hear. And jehoas king of Israel went up, and he and Amaziahu king of juda saw either other at Bethsames which is in juda. And juda was put to the worse before Israel, and they fled every man to their tents. And jehoas king of Israel took Amaziahu king of juda, the son of jehoas the son of Ahaziahu, at Bethsames, & came to jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim to the corner gate, four hundred cubits. And he took all the gold and silver & all the vessels that were found in the house of the Lord, and in the treasures of the kings house, & the children took he to be his wards/ & returned to Samaria again. The rest of the acts of joas which he did, and his power, & how he fought with Amaziahu king of juda, are they not written in the Chronicle book of the kings of Israel? And jehoas slept with his fathers, and was buried at Samatia, among the kings of Israel: and Jeroboam his son reigned in his stead. Amaziahu the son of joas king of juda, lived after the death of jehoas son of jehoahaz king of Israel fifteen year. And the remnant of the words that concern Amaziahu, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of juda? But they conspired treason against him in jerusalem: and when he sled to Lachis, they sent after him to Lachis/ and slew him there. And they brought him on horses, & he was buried at jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David. * 〈◊〉. Pa. 26. ● And all the people of juda took Azaria, which was. xvi. year old, and made him king for his father Amaziahu. He built * 〈…〉 Reg. 16. ● Elath, & brought it again to juda, after that the king was laid to rest with his fathers. In the. xv. year of Amaziahu the son of joas king of juda, was jeroboam the son of joas made king over Israel in Samaria, and reigned. xli. year, & wrought that which was evil in the sight of the lord Neither turned he away from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nabat which made Israel to sin. He restored the coost of Israel from the entering of Hemath unto the see of the wilderness, according to the word of the Lord God of Israel, which he spoke ☞ by the hand of his servant * 〈…〉 i. a. jonas the son of Amithai the prophet, which was of Geth hepher. For the Lord saw how that the affliction of Israel was exceeding bitter, in so much that the prisoned, and the forsaken were at an end. And there was none to help Israel. And the Lord said not, that * 〈◊〉. Reg. 13. d 〈◊〉. ●. ●. he would put out the name of Israel from under heaven, but helped them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of joas. The rest of the words that concern Jeroboam, and all that he did, and his strength, which he executed in the wars, & how he restored Damascus & Hemath to juda in Israel, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel? And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, even with the kings of Israel, and Zacharia his son reigned in his stead. ¶ Azaria the king of juda b●●●m●th a leper. Of jotham, Dallum, Menahem, Peli●hin, Uziah, jotham, and chaz. CAPI. XV. IN the. xxvii. year of Jeroboam king of Israel, began Azaria son of Amazia king of juda to reign. Syxtene year old was he when he was made king, & he reigned. lii. year in jerusalem, & his mother's name was jecholeiahu of jerusalem. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all things as did his father Amaziahu: save that the hill altars were not put away: for the people offered and burned incense still on the hill altars. And the lord smote the king, & he was a leper unto 〈◊〉. ●iii●. 〈…〉. the day of his death, * 〈◊〉. Pa. 〈◊〉. ●. and dwelt in a several house at liberty, & jotham the kings son governed the palace, & judged the people of the land. The rest of the words that concern Azaria & all that he did, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of juda? And so Azaria slept with his fathers, & they buried him with his fathers in the city of David, and jotham his son reigned in his stead. In the. xxxviii. year of Azaria king of juda, did Zacharia the son of Jeroboam reign upon Israel in Samaria, six months, and wrought that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, as did his fathers, and turned not away from the sins of jeroboam the son of Nabat, which made Israel to sin. And Sallum the son of Jabes conspired against him, and smote him in the sight of the people, & killed him, and reigned in his stead. The rest of the words that concern Zacharia: behold, they are written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel. This is also the words of the Lord which he spoke unto jehu, saying: * 4. Reg. ●. ●. Thy sons shall sit on the seat of Israel in the fourth generation after the. And it came so to pass. Sallum the son of Jabes began to reign the. xxxix. year of Azaria king of juda, & he reigned a month in Samaria. For Menahem the son of Gadi went up from Thirza & came to Samaria, & smote Sallum the son of Jabes in Samaria, & slew him, & reigned in his stead. The rest of the words that concern Sallum, & the treason which he conspired: behold, they are written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel. The same time Menahem destroyed Thiphsah, and all that were therein, & the coostes thereof, from Therzahi. And (because they opened not to him) he smote it, & rypte up all their women with child. The. xxxix. year of Azaria king of juda began Menahen the son of Gadi to reign upon Israel. x. year in Samaria. And he did evil in the sight of the lord, & turned not away (all his days) from the sin of jeroboam the son of Nabat, which made Israel to sin. And Phul the king of Assiria came upon the land. And Menahem gave Phul a. M. talents of silver, that his hand might be with him & stablish the kingdom in his hand. And Menahen made a proclamation for the money in Israel, that all men of substance should give the king of Assiria. l. sycles of silver a piece. And so the king of Assiria turned back again, & carried not there in the land. The rest of the words that concern Menahen & all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? And Menahem slept with his fathers, & Pikahia his son did (in his stead) succeed him in the kingdom. In the. l. year of Azaria king of juda began Pekahia the son of Menahem to reign over Israel in Samaria two year, and did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, and left not of from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nabat, which made Israel sin. But Pekah the son of Remaliahu (which was a captain of his) conspired against him, and smote him in Samaria, even in the palace of the kings house with Argob & Aria: and with him were fifty men of the Gileadites: and he killed him, & reigned in his room. The rest of the words that concern Pekahia & all that he did: behold, they are written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel. In the. lii. year of Azaria king of juda began Pekah the son of Remaliahu to reign over Israel in Samaria. xx. year, and did evil in the sight of the Lord, and turned not away from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nabat, that made Israel sin. In the days of Pekah king of Israel, came Thiglath Pilesar king of Assyria, and took I●on, Ab●l, Bethnaacha janoah, Kedes, Hazor, Gilead, Galilee, and all the land of Nephthali, and carried them away to Assyria. And Hosea the son of Ela conspired treason against Pekah the son of Remaliahu, & smote him and slew him, and reigned in his stead in the. xx. year of jotham the son of ☞ Uziahu. The rest of the words that concern Pekah and all that he did: behold they are written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of Israel. The second year of Pekah the son of Remaliahu king of Israel, began jothan the son of Uziahu king of juda to reign. five and twenty year old was he when he began to reign, & he reigned. xvi. year in jerusalem. His mother's name was jerusa the daughter of zadok. And he did that which is right in the sight of the Lord: even according to all, as did his father Uziahu, so did he. But the hill altars were not put away: for the people offered and burnt incense still in the hill altars: he built the higher door of the house of the Lord. The rest of the words that concern jotham, and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of juda. In those days the Lord began to send in to juda, Rezin the king of Syria, and Pekah the son of Remaliahu. And jotham slept with his fathers, and was buried with his father's/ in the city of David his father, and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead. ¶ Ahaz king of Iud● consecrate●● his son in fire, and ●ath many battles against the king of Israel. In the stead of Ahaz reigneth 〈◊〉 his son. CAPI. XVI. THe. xvii. year of Pekah the son of Remaliahu Ahaz the son of jotham king of juda, began to reign. Twenty year old was he, when he was made king: and reigned. xvi. year in jerusalem, and did not that which was right in the eyes of the Lord his god, like David his father. But walked in the way of the kings of Israel: yea & made * two. Pa. ●9. ● his son to go thorough the fire after the abominations of the heathen, whom the lord cast out before the children of Israel, And he offered & burnt incense in the hill altars and on the hills, & under every thick tree. * 〈…〉. 4. 〈…〉. Then Rezin king of Syria and Pekah Esa●. 〈…〉 son of Remaliahu king of Israel came up to jerusalem to fight. And they fought against Ahaz, but could not overcome him. At the same time Rezin king of Syria brought Elath again to Syria, and rid the jews thence. And the Syrians * 4 Re. x●● came to Elath, & dwell therein unto this day. So Ahaz sent messengers to Thiglath Peleser king of Assyria, saying: I am thy servant & thy son, come up, & deliver me out of the hand of the king of Syria, & out of the hand of the king of Israel, which rise up against me. And Ahaz took the silver & gold that was found in the house of the lord, & in the treasures of the kings house, & sent a reward to the king of Assyria. * Esa●. ●. ● And the king of Assyria consented unto him. For the king of Assyria went up against Damascus: And when he had taken it, he carried the people away to Kir, & slew Rezin. And king Ahaz went to Damascus, to meet Thiglath Peleser king of Assyria. And when king Ahaz saw an altar that was at Damascus, he sent to Uria the priest the patron of the altar, and the fashion of it, and all the workmanship thereof. And Uria the priest made an altar in all points like to the patron which king Ahaz had sent from Damascus: Even so did Uria the priest make it, against king Ahaz came from Damascus. And so, when the king was come from Damascus, he saw the altar, and the king went to it, and offered thereon. Ad he burnt his burnt offering, & his meat offering, and powered his drink offering, and sprinkled the blood of his peaceofferinges beside the altar, that was by the brazen altar which was before the lord, and set it without the temple, between the altar and the temple of the Lord, & put it on the north side of the altar. And king Ahaz commanded Uria the Priest and said: upon the great altar set on fire in the morning the burnt-offering, and in the even, the meateoffering, and the kings burnt-sacrifice & his meateoffering, with the burntoffering of all the people of the land, & their meat-offering, and their drink offerings: & power thereby, all the blood of the sacrifice offeryngis. But the brazen altar will I come and se. And Uria the priest did according to all things as king Ahaz commanded him. * ●. ●e●. 7. d And king Ahaz broke the sides of the bottoms, and took the laver from of them, and took down the lavatory from of the brazen oxen that were under it, & put it upon a pavement of stones. And the pulpit for the Sabbath (that they had made in the house) & the kings entry without turned he to the house of the lord, for (fear of) the king of Assyria. The rest of the words that concern Ahaz, what he did, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of juda? And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and was buried with his fathers in the city of David: And Hezekia his son reigned in his stead. ¶ Hosea king of Israel is taken. And he and all his realm is brought to the Asserians. CAPI. XVII. IN the. xii. year of Ahaz king of juda, began Hosea the son of Elia to reign in Samaria upon Israel. ix. year, and did that which was evil in the sight of the lord, but not as the kings of Israel that were before him. And Salmanasar king of Assyria came up against him, & Hosea became his servant, and gave him presents. And the king of Assyria found treason in Hosea: for he had sent messengers to So, king of Egypte, and brought no present unto the king of Assyria, from year to year: And therefore the king of Assyria took him, and put him in prison. * ●. Reg. ●8. ●. And then the king of Assyra came up throughout all the land, & got up against Samaria, and besieged it three year. In the ninth year of Hosea/ the * 〈…〉. ●3. ● king of Assyria took Samaria, & carried Israel away unto Assyria, and put them in Hala, in Habor by the river of Goza, and in the cities of the Medes. For it came to pass, that the children of Israel sinned against the lord their god? which had brought them out of the land of Egypte, from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypte/ and feared other Gods. And they walked in the ceremonies of the heathen, whom the Lord east out before the children of Israel, and in the ceremonies which the kings of Israel had made. And the children of Israel went about to hide those things that were not well, from the Lord their God. And they built them hill altars in all their cities, both in the towers where they kept watch, and also in the strong towns. And they made them images and groves in every high hill, and under every thick tr●e. And there they burned incense in all the hill altars, as did the heathen (whom the Lord carried away before them) and wrought wicked things to anger the Lord withal. For they served most vile Idols, whereof the lord had said unto them. * Deut. 〈…〉. ●. Ye shall do no such thing. And the lord testified in Israel and in juda by all the prophets and by all the sears, saying. * jere. xxv. ● Turn from your wicked ways and keep my commandments & my statutes, according to all the law which I commanded your fathers, and which I 〈◊〉 to you by my servants the prophets. notwithstanding they would not hear * duty. 〈◊〉 ● Ma●. 〈…〉 but rather hardened their necks, like to the stubborness of their fathers that did not believe in the Lord their god. For they refused his statutes, & his appointment that he made with their fathers, & the witnesses (whe● with he witnessed unto them) & they followed vanity, and became vain, and went after the heathen that were round about them: concerning whom, the Lord had charged them that they should not do like them. But they left the commandments of the Lord their God, & made them Images of metal * ●. Reg. 〈◊〉. ● even two calves: and made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served Baal. * duty. 〈◊〉. ●. And they sacrificed their sons and their daughters in fire, and used witchcraft and enchantments ❀ even selling themselves to work wickedness in the sight of the lord and to anger him. And the Lord was exceeding wroth with Israel and put them out of his sight * 3. Reg. 〈◊〉. ● that there was left but the tribe of juda only. Nevertheless, juda also kept not the commandments of the Lord their God, but walked in the ceremonies of Israel, which they made. And the Lord cast up all the seed of Israel, and vexed them, and delivered them in to the hands of spoilers, until he had cast them out of his sight. For Israel divided themselves from the house of David, and made them a king, even Jeroboam the son of Nabat. And Jeroboam ❀ drew Israel away (that they should not follow the Lord) and made them sin a great sin: For the children of Israel walked in all the sins of Jeroboam which he did, & departed not therefrom until the Lord put Israel away out of his sight, as he had said by all his servants the prophets. And so was Israel carried away out of their own land to Assyria, even unto this day. And the king of Assyria brought men from Babylon, from Cutha, from Ava, from Hanath, and from Sepharuaim, & put them in the cities of Samaria, in stead of the children of Israel. And they possessed Samaria, and dwelt in the cities thereof. And it fortuned, that at the beginning of their dwelling there, they feared not the lord And the lord sent lions among them, which slew them. Wherefore, men said to the king of Assyria: The nations which thou hast translated, & put in the cities of Samaria, know not the law of the God of the land, therefore he hath sent lions upon them: and behold, they slay them, because they know not the manner of the god of the land. Then the king of Assyria commanded, saying: carry thither one of the priests, whom ye brought thence and let him go, and dwell there, and teach them the fassy on how to serve the god of the country. And then one of the priests which they had carried thence came, & dwelt in bethel, and taught them how they should fear the Lord. Howbeit every nation made them Gods of their own, and put them in the houses of the hill altars which the Samarians had made, every nation in their cities wherein they dwelt. The men of Babylon made ☞ Socoth Benoth, and the men of Euth made Nergal: and the men of Hamath made Asima. The Auites made Nebbaz, and Tharthak. And the Sepharuites burned their children in fire for Adramelech and Anamelech, the Gods of Sepharuaim. And so they feated the Lord, and made them priests of the Hill altars, which sacrificed for them in the houses of the hill altars. And so they feared the Lord, & served their own Gods after the manner of the people, whom they carried thence. And unto this day they do after the old manner, and neither fear God, neither do after ☞ their own ordinances and customs, and after the law and commandment which the lord commanded the children of jacob, * Gens. 32. e. whom he called Israel. And the lord made an appointment with them, & charged them, saying: * judi. vi. b I●●e. x. ●. fear none other gods, nor bow yourselves to them, nor serve them, nor saerifice to them: but fear the lord which brought you out of the land of Epypt with great power & a stretched out arm: him fere, & to him bow, & to him do sacrifice, The statutis, ordinances law and commandment which he wrote for you, se that ye be diligent to do for evermore, & fear not any other Godis. And the appointment that I have made with you, se ye forget not, and fear none other gods: but the lord your God ye shall fear, and he shall deliver you out of the hands of all your enemies. Howbeit, they did not hearken, but did after their old custom. And so these nations feared the lord, & served their image also: like as did their children & their children's children. Even as did their fathers, so do they unto this day. ¶ Hezehia king of juda putteth down the brazen serpent. ● destroyeth the Idol. Selmanasar bringeth Israel to the Assyrians. The blasphemic of Sennacherib or Sanherib. CAPI. XVIII. IN the third year of Hosca son of Ela king of Israel it came to pass, that Hezckia the son of Ahaz king of juda did reign. * two. De. 19 ● Twenty & five year old was he when be began to reign, and reigned. xxix. year in jerusalem. His mother's name also was Abi the daughter of Zacharia, & he did that which is right in the sight of the lord according to all, as did David his father. * Devit. 7. ● 4. Reg. ●3. ● He put away the hill altars, & broke the images, and cut down the groves, and all to broke the * 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. ● brazen serpent that Moses had made. For unto those days the children of Israel did burn sacrifice to it, and he called it ☞ Nehustan. He trusted in the lord God of Israel, so that after him was none like him among all the kings of juda, neither were there any such before him For he clave to the lord, and departed not from him, but kept his commandments, which the Lord commanded Moses. And the Lord was with him: so that he prospered in all things which he took in hand. And he rebelled against the king of Assyra, and served him not. He smote the Philistines even unto Aza and the coostis thereof, ☞ both castles (where they kept watches) and strong cities. * 4. 〈◊〉. ● And in the fourth year of king Hezekia, (which was in the seventh year of Hosea son of Ela king of Israel) it fortuned, that Salmanezar king of Assyria came up against Samaria, & besieged it. And after three years they took it even in the sixth year of Hezckia: that is to say, the ninth year of Hosea king of Israel. And Samaria was won. And the king of Assyria, did carry away Israel unto Assyria, and put them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, & in the ritres of the Medes: because they would not hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God. But transgressed his appoyntinent: and all that Moses the servant of the lord commanded, & would neither hear them, nor do them * 〈◊〉 Par. 22 a 〈◊〉. ●6. a. En●r. 48. a Therefore in the. xiiii. year of king Hezekia did Sennacherib king of Assiria come up against all the strong cities of juda, & took them. And Hezekia king of juda sent to the king of Assyria to Lachis, saying: * ● Reg. xii d I have offended: depart from me, and all that thou puttest on me, that will I bear. And the king of Assyria appointed unto Hezekia king of juda three hundred talentes of silver, & thirty talents of gold. * 〈◊〉. ●. ● And Hezekia gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the Lord, and in the treasures of the kings house. At the same season did ☞ Hezekia rend of the doors of the temple of the Lord & the pillars (which they said Hezekia king of juda had covered over) and gave them to the king of Assyria. And the king of Assiria scent Tharthan/ and Rabsaris/ and Rabsabe from Lachis to king Hezekia with a great host against jerusalem. And they went up and came to jerusalem, and got them up, and stood by the conduit of the upper pool which is in the way of the fullers field. And when they had called to the king, there came out to them, Eliakim the son of Elkia which was steward of household, & Sobna the scribe & joah the son of Asaph, the recorder. And Rabsake said unto them. Tell ye Hezekia I pray you: thus saith the great king, even the king of Assyria: What confidence is this that thou hast? Dost thou speak such a light word in deed. By counsel & power I will be ready to make war. On whom then dost thou trust, that thou rebellest against me? * 〈◊〉. 36. a. 〈◊〉▪ ●9. ● dost thou trust to the staff of this broken reed Egypte, on which if a man lean, it will go into his hand, and pierce it. Even so is Pharaoh king of Egypt unto all that trust in him. * 〈◊〉. 32. ● If ye say unto me, we trust in the lord out god: Is not that he whose hill altars, and his other altars Hezekia hath put down, and hath said to juda. 〈…〉 jerusalem, ye shall worship before this 〈…〉 here in jerusalem. Now therefore dely●● the words to my lord the king of Assyria, And I will deliver the two thousand horses, if thou be able to set riders upon them. Why thinkest thou scorn at the presence of one of the least Dukes of my masters servants, and trustest to Egypte for charettes and horesmen? Moreover, am I come now without the bidding of the Lord to this place, to destroy it●the Lord said to me: Go up to this land, and destroy it. And Eliakim the son of Helkia & Sob nam and joah said unto Rabsake: speak (I pray thee) to thy servants in the Syrians language, for we understand it: and ☞ talk not with us in the Jews tongue, in the ears of this people that are on the wall. And Rabsake said unto them: hath my master sent me to thy master and to thee, to speak these words: Hath he not sent me because of the men which sit on the wall, that they may eat their own dung & drink their own piss with you? And so Rabsake stood, and cried with a loud voice in the Jews language, & spoke, saying: hear the saying of the great king of Assyria. Thus saith the king: let not Hezekia beguile you, for he shall not be able to deliver you out of mine hand: neither let Hezekia make you to trust in the Lord, saying: the lord shall surely deliver us, and this city shall not be given over into the haud of the king of Assyria. hearken not unto Hezekia, for thus saith the king of Assyria. ☞ Deal kindly with me, & come out to me. And then eat every man of his own vine, and of his own fyg tree, & drink every man of the water of his own well, till I come, & fetch you to as good a land as yours is: & land of corn and wine, a land of bread & vineyards, a land of oil, of olive trees, & of honey: that ye may live, and not die. And hearken not unto Hezekia, for he beguileth you saying: the Lord shall deliver us. * ●●●● 〈◊〉 ● Hath every one of the Gods of the nations believe red his land, out of the hand of the king of Assyria? where is the god of Hamath, & of At phad? & where is the God of Sephatuaim, Hena & jua? did they deliver Samaria out of mine hand, & what God is it among all the Gods of the nations, that hath delivered his land out of mine hand, shall the Lord deliver jerusalem out of mine hand? But they that were of the people held their peace, and answered not him a word: for the king had commanded, saying: answer him not. Then Eliakim which was the steward of household, and Sobna the scribe, and joah the son of Asaph the recorder, came to Hezekia ☞ with their clothes rend: & told him the words of Rabsake. CAPI. XIX. ¶ The Angel of the Lord killeth an hundred four● score and five thousand men of the Asserians. Sennacherib is killed of his own sons. SO it came to pass, that when king Heze kia heard it, he rend his clothes, and put on sack, & came into the * Esai. 37. ●. house of the lord and sent Eliakim which was the steward of household, and Sobna the scribe▪ & the elders▪ of the priests clothed in sack, to Isay the prophet the son of Amoz. And they said unto him, thus saith Hezekia: ☞ this day is a day of tribulation and of rebuke and blasphemy. For the children are come to the birth, and there is no strength to be delivered. Per adventure the Lord thy God will hear all the words of Rabsake, whom the king of Assyria his master hath sent, to rail on the living god, and to rebuke him with words which the lord thy God hath herd. And lift thou up thy prayer for the remnant that are left. So the servants of king Hezekia came to Isay: And Isay said unto them: So shall ye say to your master: Thus saith the Lord: be not afraid of the words which thou hast herd, with which the young men of the king of Assyria have railed on me. Behold, I will put him in an other mind, and he shall hear tidings, & so return to his own land: * Esal. 37. ● And I will bring to pass, that he shall fall upon the sword * Pa. 32. d. even in his own land. And Rabsake went back again and found the king of Assyria fighting against Lybna: for he had herd, how that he was departed from Lachis. And he heard men say of Thirhaka king of the black Moors. Behold, he is come out to fight against thee, he departed, & sent messengers unto Hezekia, saying. Thus speak to Hezekia king of juda, saying: let not thy god deceive thee, in whom thou trustest, saying. jerusalem shall not be delivered in to the hand of the king of Assyria. Behold, thou hast herd, what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands, how they have utterly destroyed them. And shalt thou ❀ (alone) escape? Have the gods of the heathen delivered them which mine aunseters have destroyed? as Gozan, and Haran, Rezeph, and the children of Eden which were in Bithiasat? where is the king of Hamath, & the king of Arphad the king of the city of Sepharuaim, and of Hena and jua? So Hezekia received the letter of the hand of the messengers, and red it: And Hezekia went up into the house of the Lord, and laid it abroad before the Lord. And Hezekia prayed before the lord, & said: O lord God of Israel, which dwellest between the Cherubs, thou art god alone over sl the kyngdomꝭ of the earth, thou hast made heaven & earth. Lord, bow down thine ear, and hear. Open thou thine eyes (I beseech thee) and see, and hear the words of Sennacherib which hath sent this man to rail on the living God. Of a truth lord, the kings of Assyria have destroyed nations and their lands, and have set fire on their Gods. for they were no Gods, but the work of the hands of man: even of wood and stone, and they destroyed them. Now therefore, O lord our God, I beseech thee, save thou us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know, that thou only art the lord God: And Isay the son of Amoz sent to Hezekia: saying. Thus saith the Lord God of Israel: that which thou hast prayed me, concerning Sen nacherib king of Assyria, I have heard it. This is therefore the word that the Lord hath said of him: ☞ The virgin, even the daughter of Zion hath despised thee, and laughed the to scorn (O thou king of Assyria) the daughter of jerusalem hath shaken her head at the. * 〈…〉 Math. 〈◊〉 〈…〉 Whom hast thou railed on, & whom hast thou blasphemed? Against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes so high? Even against the holy of Israel. ☞ By the hand of the messengers thou hast railed on the lord and said: with the multitude of my charettes I am come up to the ☞ tops of the mountains, even along by the sides of Libanon, & I will cut down the high Cedar trees, & the lusty fir trees thereof: and I will go in to the lodging of his nest, & in to the wood of his plain. I have digged & drunk strange waters and with the step of my going will I dry all the water poles that are besieged. Hast thou not herd, how I have ordained such a thing a great while a go, & have prepared it from the beginning? And shall I not now bring it forth, that it may destroy, & to bring strong cities in to waste heaps of stones? And the inhabitors of them shall be of little power, and faint hearted, & confounded, and * Psal. 〈◊〉. ● shall be like the grass of the field, or green herb, or as the hay on the tops of the houses: or as the corn that is unripe, and smitten with blasting. I know thy dwelling, thy coming out, and thy going in, ❀ (and thy way) and thy fury against me. And because thou ragest against me, & think'st thyself so blessed I will put my hook in thy nose thyrlles, and my bit in thy lips, & will bring the back again the same way thou camest. And this shall be a sign unto thee (O Hezekia) Ye shall eat this year of such things as grow of themselves, and the next year such as come up of those that did grow of their own accord. And the third year sow ye and reap, plant vineyards & eat the fruits thereof. And it that is escaped & left, of the daughter of juda, shall yet again take routing down ward and bear fruit upward. For out of jerusalem shall go a remnant and a number that shall escape out of mount Zion: the zeal of the Lord of hosts shall bring this thing to pass. Wherefore, thus sayeth the Lord, concerning the king of Assirya: he shall not come to this City/ nor shoot an arrow in to it, nor come before it with shield, nor cast back against it: but shall go back again the way he came, and shall not come in to this city sayeth the lord. For I will defend this city, to save it, for mine own sake, and for David my servants sake. And so it came to pass that the self same night the angel of the Lord went out and smote in the host of the Assiryans an hundred four score, and five thousand. And when the remnant were up early in the morning: they saw, they were all dead corpses. * ●●●●. ●d And so Sennacherib king of Assirya avoided and departed: and went again, and dwelt at Ninive. And it fortuned, that as he was in a temple worshipping Nisroch his god, Adramelech & Saresat his own sons smote him with the sword. And they escaped in to the land of Armenia, and Asathaddon his son reigned in his stead. ¶ Hezekia is sick, and recayveth the sign of his health. He receiveth rewards of Be●oda●h, and is reprehended of Isai, because he showed him the treasure. He dieth, and Manasseh his son reigneth in his stead. CAPI. XX. About that time was Hezekia sick unto the death. And the Prophet Isai the ●●●. 32. f. 〈…〉 son of Amoz came to him, and said unto him: Thus sayeth the Lord: ❀ put thine household in an order, for thou shalt die/ and not live. And Hezekia turned his face to the wall, and prayed unto the Lord/ saying: I beseech the now, o lord remember how I have walked before the in truth, and with a perfit heart, & have done that which is good in thy sight, and Hezekia wept sore. And it fortuned that ❀ before Isai was gone out in to the middle of the court, the word of the Lord came to him, saying: turn again, and tell Hezekia the captain of my people: Thus sayeth the Lord God of David thy father: I have herd thy prayer/ and seen thy tears. And behold, I will heal thee, so that on the third day thou shalt go up in to the house of the lord. And I will add unto thy days yet fifteen year, and will deliver the and this city out of the hand of the king of Assirya, & will defend this city for mine own sake, & for David my servants sake. And Isai said. Take a lump of figs. And they took and laid it on the sore, and he recovered. And Hezekia said unto Isai: what shall be the sign, that the Lord will heal me/ & that I shall go up in to the house of the lord the third day? Isai answered: this sign shalt thou have of the Lord, that the Lord will do that he hath spoken * Eccle. 48. ● shall the shadow go forward ten degrees, or go back again ten degrees? Hezekia answered: it is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees, ❀ (neither is that my desire) but if the shadow go backward ten degrees, it is no light thing. And Isai the prophet called unto the lord, * Eccle. 48. ● & he brought the shadow ten degrees backward by which it had gone down, in the dial of Ahaz. * Esal. 39 ● The same season Berodach Baladan the son of Baladan king of Babylon sent letters and a present unto Hezekia, for he had herd, how that Hezekia was sick. And Hezekia was glad of them, and showed them all his treasure house: silver, gold, odours, precious ointment, all the house of his armoury, and all that was found in his treasures: there was nothing in his house, and in all his realm, that Hezekia showed them not. And Isai the Prophet came unto king Hezekia, and said unto him: what said these men, and from whence came they to thee? And Hezekia said: they be come from a far country, even from Babylon. And he said agaynei what have they seen in thy house? Hezekia answered: all the things that are in my house have they seen: there is nothing among my treasures, that I have not showed them. And Isai said unto Hezekia: hear the word of the Lord: Behold, the days come, that all that is in thine house, & whatsoever thy fathers have laid up in store unto this day, * 4. Re. 〈◊〉 ● and. xxv. b. jere. xx. ● shall be carried to Babylon, and nothing shall be left sayeth the lord. And of thy sons (that shall proceed out of thee, and which thou shalt beget) shall they take away, and they shall be chamberlains in the palace of the king of Babylon. And Hezekia said unto Isai: welcome be the word of the Lord which thou hast spoken: And he said: shall there not be peace and truth in my days? The remnant of the words that concern Hezekia, and all his power, and how he made a pool and a conduit, and brought water in to the city, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of juda? * ●. Pat. 32. ● And Hezekia slept with his fathers, * Math. ●. ●. and Manasse his Son reigned in his stead. ¶ Wythed Manasse restoreth again the Idols, and after dieth, in whose stead Amon his son sucredeth/ which is killed of his own saruauntes. After him reigneth faithful josia, whorne we use to call Iosia●, or Iosiah●. CAPI. XXI. MAnasse * ●● 〈◊〉. 32. ● was twelve year old, when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five year in jerusalem: his mother's name also was Hephziba. And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, even after the abominations of the heathen whom the * Deute. 18. a Lord cast out before the children of Israel. For he went and built up the hylaultees, * 4. Reg. 18. a which Hezekia his Father had destroyed: And he reared up altars for Baal, and made groves (as did Ahab king of Israel,) and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them. And he built altars in the house of the Lord, of which the Lord said: * 11. R●. uli. b 3. Reg. 〈◊〉. b. in jerusalem will I put my name. And he built altars for all the host of heaven, even in two courts of the house of the lord. * levit. xx. d. Drute. 18. b. ●. Reg. 16 a And he offered his son in fire/ and gave heed unto witchcraft and forcery, and maintained workers with spirits, and tellers of fortunes: & wrought much wickedness in the sight of the Lord to anger him. And he put an image of a grove (that he had made) even in the temple, of which the Lord had said to David and to Solomon his son, * 3. Reg. ix. a in this house and in jerusalem (which I have chosen out of the Crybes of Israel) will I put my name for ever. Neither will I make the feet of Israel move any more out of the land, which I gave their fathers: so that they will observe and do all that I have commanded them, and according to all the law that my servant Moses commanded them. But they hearkened not: and Manasse led them out of the way, to do more wickedly than did the He than people, whom the lord destroyed before the children of Israel. And the Lord spoke by his servants the Prophets, saying: because Manasse king of juda hath▪ done such abominations, and hath wrought more wickedly than all that the Amorytes (which were before him) did: & hath made juda sin also with his Idols: Therefore thus sayeth the Lord God of Israel. * ●●e. nineteen. ●. Behold, I will bring such evil upon jerusalem and juda, that who so heareth of it both his ears shall tyngle. And I will stretch over jerusalem ☞ the squaring line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab. And I will wipe out jerusalem, as a man wipeth a dish, and when he hath wiped it, turneth it up side down. And I will leave the remnant of mine inheritance, & delyved them into the hand of their eneemyes, & they shall be rob and spoiled of all their adversaries, even because they have done evil in my sight, and have angered me, sense the time their fathers came out of Egypt unto this day. And Manasse shed innocent blood exceeding moche, till he repienysshed▪ jerusalem from corner to corner, beside his sin wherewith he made juda to sin, and to do evil in the sight of the Lord. The rest of the words that concern Manasse, and all that he did, and his sin that he sinned, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of juda? And Manasse slept with his fathers, and was buried in his own house, even in the garden of Uza: and Amon his son reigned in his stead. * ●●. P 〈…〉 Amon was. xxii. year old when he began to reign, & he reigned two year in jerusalem. His mother's name also was Mesulemeth the daughter of Haruz of jocba. And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, (as his Father Manasse did,) and walked in all the way that his father walked in: and served the idols that his father served, and worshipped them. And he forsook the Lord God of his fathers, and walked not in the way of the lord. And the servants of Amon conspired against him, and slew the king in his own house. And the people of the land slew all them that had conspired against king Amon, and the people made josia his son king/ in his stead. The rest of the words that concern Amon, what things he did, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of juda? And they buried him in his sepulchre, in the garden of Uza: and josia his son reigned in his stead. ¶ After josia heard of the book of the law that was sound in the Temple, he sendeth to Old●h the Prophetess for council. CAPI. XXII. josia was * 〈…〉 . viii. year old when he began to reign, and he reigned. xxxi. year in jerusalem. His mother's name also was jedida the daughter of Adaia of Bozcath. He did that which is right in the sight of the Lord/ and walked in all the ways of David his father, and bowed neither to the right hand or to the left. * 〈…〉 And it came to pass, that in the. xviii. year of the reign of king josia, the king sent Saphan the son of Azalia the Son of Mesulan the scribe/ to the house of the Lord, saying: * 4▪ 〈…〉 go up to Helkia the high Priest/ that he may sum the silver which is brought in to the house of the Lord, which the keepers of the porch have gathered of the people, and let them deliver it in to the hand of them that do the work, and that have the oversight of the house of the lord: and let them give it to them that work in the house of the Lord/ (to repair the decayed places of the temple) even unto carpenters and masons, and for to buy timber, and free stone to repair the temple. Howbeit, let no reckoning be made with them of the money that is delivered in to their hand, for their use is to deal faithfully. * ●●●. 34. c and Helkia the high Priest said unto. Saphan the scribe: ☞ I have found the book of the law in the house of the lord/ and Helkia gave the book to Saphan, and he red in it. And Saphan the scribe came to the king, & brought him word again/ and said: Thy servants have bestowed the money (that was found in the temple) and have delivered it unto them that do the work, and that have the oversight of the house of the lord. And Saphan the scribe showed the king saying: Helkia the priest hath delivered me a book. And Saphan red in it before the king. And it fortuned, that when the king had herd the words of the book of the law, he rend his clothes. And the king commanded Helkia the Priest, and Ahikam the son of Saphan, and Achbor the son of Machaia, and Saphan the scribe, and Asahia a servant of the kings, saying: * 〈◊〉. xxl. ●. Go ye, and inquire of the Lord for me, and for the people, and for all juda, concerning the words of this book that is found. For great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our father's have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that, which is written therein for us. So Helkia the high priest and Ahikam, Achbor, and Saphan, and Asahia went unto Hulda the Prophettesse the wife of Sullam the son of Chikua the son of Harham keeper of the wardrobe, which Prophettesse dwelled in jerusalem in the ☞ house of the doctrine, and they communed with her. And she answered them: thus sayeth the Lord god of Israel. Tell the man that sent you to me: thus sayeth the Lord: behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and on the inhabitors thereof: (even all the words of the book which the king of juda hath red) because they have forsaken me, and have burnt incense unto other Gods, to anger me with all the works of their handis: My wrath also shall be kindled against this place, and shall not be quenched. But to the king of juda (which sent you to ask counsel of the Lord,) so shall ye say: thus sayeth the lord God of Israel, as touching the wordis which ye have herd: Because thine heart did melt, and because thou hast humbled thyself before me the Lord, when thou heardest what I spoke against this place, and against the inhabitors of the same (how that they should be destroyed and a cursed:) and hast rend thy clothes and wept before me: of that also have I heard, saith the lord. Behold therefore, I will receive the unto thy fathers, and thou shalt be put in to thy grave in peace, and thine eyes shall not see all the evil, which I will bring upon this place. And they brought the king word again. ¶ jossa readeth Deuteronomie before the people. He putteth down the Idols after he had killed the p●●r●tes thereof. He keepeth Passeover. He was killed in Magedo, and his son jehoa az reigneth in his stead. After he was taken, his son Iehoa●im was made king. CAPI. XXIII. ANd then * two. Par. 14● the king sent, and there gathered unto him all the elders of juda and of jerusalem. And the king went up in to the house of the Lord, with all the men of juda and all the inhabitors of jerusalem, with the priests, and Prophets and all the people both small and great. And he red in the ears of them * 〈…〉. all the words of the book of the covenant, which was found in the house of the Lord. And the king stood by a pillar * 〈…〉 and made a covenant before the lord, that they should walk after the Lord, and keep his commandments, his witnesses, and his statutes with all their heart, and all their soul, and make good the words of the said appointment that were written in the foresaid book. And all the people consented to the appointment. And the king commanded Helkia the high Priest, and the inferyoure priests and the keepers of the ornaments, to bring out of the temple of the Lord, all the vessels that were made for Baal, for the groves, & for all the host of heaven. And he burte them without jerusalem in the fields of Cedron, and carried the ashes of them in to bethel. And he put ☞ down the ministers of Baal, whom the kings of juda had founded to burn incense in the * 4. Re. 18. ●. hylaulters and cities of juda, that were round about jerusalem, and also them that burned incense unto Baal to the son/ to the moon, to the planets, and to all the host of heaven. And he brought but the grove from the temple of the Lord without jerusalem unto the broken Cedron, and burned it there at the broke Cedron, and stamped it to powder, and ☞ cast the dust thereof upon the graves of the children of the people. And he broke down the cells of the male stews, that were by the house of the Lord, where the women wove hangings for the grove. And he brought all the priests out of the cities of juda, and defiled the hylaulters, where the priests had burnt incense, even from Geba to Beerseba, & destroyed the altars of the gates, that were in the entering of the gate of josua the governor of the city, which were (as a man goeth in) on the left hand of the gate of the city. Neverthe less the priests of the hylaulters came not up to the altar of the Lord in jerusalem/ save only they did eat of the sweet bread among their brethren. And he defiled ☞ * jere. seven. a. Topheth, which is in the valley of the children of Hinnom, because no man should offer his Son, or his daughter in fire to Molech: he put down ☞ the horses that the kings of juda had given to the son at the entering in of the house of the Lord, by the chambre of Nathanmelech the chamberlain which was ruler of the suburbs, and burned the charettes of the Son with fire. And the altars that were on the top of the parlour of Ahaz (which the kings of juda had made) and the * 4. Reg. 21. a altars which Manasse had made in the two courts of the house of the Lord/ did the king break down, and ran thence and cast the dust of them in to the broke Cedron. And the hylaulters that were before jerusalem on the right hand of the mount Oliuete * 3. Reg. xi. b (which Solomon the king of Israel had builded for Astaroth the Idol of the Zidons, and for Chamos the Idol of the Moabites, and for Milchom the abominable Idol of the Children of Ammon) those the king ☞ defiled: and broke the images, and cut down the groves, and filled their places with the bones of men. Moreover * 3. Re. xiii. a. the altar that was at bethel, the hylaulter made by Jeroboam the Son of Nabat) which made Israel sin) both the altar and also the hill, he broke down and burnt the hill altar and stamped it to powder, and burned the grove. And as josia turned himself, he spied the graves that were in the mount, and sent and set the bones out of the graves, and burt them upon the altar, to pollute it, according to the word of the Lord that the men of god proclaimed * ●. Re. x●●i. ● which told the same words. Then he said: what grave stone is yonder that I se? And the men of the city told him, it is the sepulchre of the man of God, which came from juda, and told the self same things that thou hast done to the altar of bethel. And he said let him be: see that no man move his bones. And so his bones were saved with the bones of a Prophet that came out of Samaria▪ And in all the houses of the hylaulters in the cities of Samaria which the kings of Israel had made, to anger ❀ (the Lord) withal: those josia put out of the way, and did to them according to all the acts that he had done in Bethel. And he sacrificed all the priests of the hylaulters that were there even upon the altars/ and burnt men's bones upon them, and returned to jerusalem. And the king commanded all the people, saying: * two Pat. 35. ● 3. E●d●●. ●. ● keep the feast of Passeover unto the Lord your God * Deute. 16 ● as it is written in the book of this covenant. * 3. E●d●●. i▪ ● There was no Pass, ●●er holden like that, from the days of the judges that judged Israel, and in all the days of the kings of Israel and of the kings of juda. In the. xviii. year of king josia was this Passeover held to the lord in jerusalem. And thereto workers with spirits and soothsayers, images, idols, and all the abominations that were spied in the land of juda and in jerusalem, those did josia put out of the way, to perform the words of the law, which were written in the book, that Helkia the Priest found in the house of the Lord: like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the Lord with all his heart, with all his soul/ and all his might, according to all the law of Moses, neither after him arose there any such as he. notwithstanding the Lord turned not from the fierceness of his great wrath/ (wherewith he was angry against juda) because of all the provocaations that Manasse had provoked him withal. And the Lord said: * 4. Reg. 〈◊〉. I will put juda also, out of my sight, as I have done away Israel, and will cast of this city jerusalem which I have chosen, and the house of which I said: my name shall be there. The rest of the words that concern josia and all that he did/ be they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of juda. * two. P●. 〈…〉 In his days Pharaoh ☞ Necho king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river of Euphrates. And king josia went against him, and was slay of him at Magyddo/ when he had seen him. And his servants carried him ●●●ad from Magiddo, & brought him to jerusalem, and buried him in his own sepulchre. And the people of the land took ☞ jehoahaz the Son of josia, and anointed him, and made him▪ king in his father's stead. jehoahaz was. xxiii. years' old when he began to reign, and reigned three months in jerusalem. His mother's name also was Hamiel the daughter of jeremia of Libna. And he did evil in the sight of the lord/ according to all things as his Fathers had done. And Pharaoh Necho put him in bonds at Rebla, in the land of Hamath, that he should not reign in jerusalem, and put the land to a tribute of an hundred talents of silver, and a talon of gold. And Pharaoh Necho made Eliakim the son of josia king in the room of josia his father, and turned his name to jehoakim, and took jehoahaz away, which when he came to Egypte, died there. And jehoakim gave the silver and the gold to Pharaoh: and taxed the land, to give the money according to the request of Pharaoh: requiring of every man (according to their ability) silver and gold: even of the people of the land/ to give unto Pharaoh Necho. jehoakim was xxv. year old when he began to reign, and he reigned a. xi. year in jerusalem. His mother's name also was Zebuda the daughter of Pedaia of Ruma. And he did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to all things as his fathers had done. ¶ jehoakim dieth. jerusalem is besieged of the babylonians. jehoachin yieldeth himself to the king of Babylon And in his room came Mathaniah. which was called zedekia. CAPI. XXIIII. IN his days came Nabuchodonezer king of Babylon up, and jehoakim became his servant three year, and then turned/ and rebelled against him. And the Lord sent upon him ☞ men of war from among the Caldeys, from among the Syrians, out of the Moabites, and from the children of Ammon: and sent them against juda, to destroy it, according to the saying of the Lord/ which he spoke by his servants the Prophets. Only, at the bidding of the lord happened it so to juda, to put them out of his sight, for the sins of Manasse, according to all that he did: and for the innocent blood that he shed, and filled jerusalem with innocent blood: and the Lord would not be reconciled. The rest of the words that concern jehoakim and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the Chronicles of the kings of juda? And so jehoakim slept with his fathers, and * Math. i b. jere. xxxii. f jehoachin his son reigned in his stead. And the king of Egypt came no more out of his land: for the king of Babylon had taken (from the river of Egypt unto the river of Euphrates) all that pertained to the king of Egypt. jehoachin was xviii. year old when he began to reign, and reigned in jerusalem three months. His mother's name also was Nebustha the daughter of Elnathan of jerusalem. And he did that which was evil in the sight of the lord according to all, as his father had done. * Daniel. i. ● In that time came the servants of Nabuchadnezar king of Babylon, up against jerusalem, and the city was besieged. And Nabuchadnezar the king of Babylon came against the city, and his servants did besiege it. * Hestir. two. ●. And jehoachin the king of juda came out to the king of Babylon, he and his mother, his servants, his Lords, and his chamberlains. And the king of Babylon took him, in the eight year of his reign. * 4. Reg▪ 〈◊〉. ●●sai. 〈◊〉. ●. And he carried out thence all the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasure of the kings house, and broke all the vessels of gold (which Solomon king of Israel had made, in the temple of the Lord,) as the Lord said. And he carried away all jerusalem, and all the lords, and all the strong men of war, even ten thousand in to captivytye: and all crafts men, and keepers, none remaining save the poor comen people of the land. * Deut▪ 〈◊〉. d jere. 14. ● And he carried away jehoachin to Babylon, and the kings mother, and the kings wives, his chamberlains/ and them that were mighty in the land, those carried he away in to captivity from jerusalem to Babylon. And all the active men of war, even seven thousand, and crafts men, and porters a thousand, all that were strong and apt for war, did the king of Babylon bring to Babylon captive. * two. Pa. 2●▪ b jere. 37. a And the king of Babylon made Mathania (his father's brother) king in his stead, and changed his name to Zedekia. Zedekia was * jere. lii. a xxi. year old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven year in jerusalem. His mother's name also was Hamitall the daughter of jeremia of Libna. And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, according to all as jehoachin had done. For the wrath of the Lord was moved against jerusalem and juda, until he cast them out of his sight. And zedekia rebelled against the king of Babylon. ¶ jerusalem is beserged of Nabuchodonezer (otherwise call led Nebuchudnezer,) and the ●●mple and 〈◊〉 are both burnie. The sofies of zedekis are sleyve before his eyes, and after are his own eyes put out. juda is brought to Babylon, and after is jehoachin exalted. CAPI. XXV. ANd it fortuned, * jere. 39 a. and, 〈◊〉. a. that in the ninth year of his reign, the tenth day of the tenth month: Nebuchadnezar king of Babylon came/ he and all his host against jerusalem: and pitched against it, and made engines against it on every side. And the city was besieged unto the. xi. year of king Zedekia. * E●t. 〈◊〉. 4. a And the ninth day ☞ of the month, there was so great hunger in the city, that there was ☞ no bread for the people of the land. And the city was broken up: and all the men of Arms fled by night, by a way thorough a gate/ which is between two walls by the kings garden: the Caldeyes' dying about the city. And the king went the way toward the plain. And the soldiers (of the Caldeyes followed after the king, and took him in the plain of jericho, and all his Army were scattered away from him, ❀ (and left him) So they took the king, and brought him to Nebuchadnezar the king of Babylon, to Ribla, where ☞ they reasoned with him. And they slew the Sons of Zedekia before his eyes, and he put out the eyes of Zedekia, and fettered him, and carried him to Babylon. And the seventh day of the fifth month which is the nynteneth year of king Nebuchadnezer king of Babylon, came Ne busaradan a servant of the king of Babylon's (and the chief captain of the men of war) unto jerusalem: and burned the house of the Lord, and the kings house, and all the houses of jerusalem, and all great houses burnt he with fire. And all the soldiers of the Caldeyes that were with the chief cap ta'en of the men of war: broke down the walls of jerusalem round about. But the rest of the people that were left in the city/ and them that were fled to the king of Babylon, with the remnant of the comen people, did Nabusaradam the chief captain of the men of war carry a way, but the captain of the soldiers, left of the poor of the land, to dress the wines, and to till the ground. * 3. Re. v●●. b. jere. lii c 1. Par. 〈◊〉. b And the pillars of brass that were in the house of the Lord, and the sockettes, and the brazen Lavatory that was in the house of the Lord did the Caldeyes break, and carried all the brass of them to Babylon. And the pots, shovels, dressing knives, spoons, and all the vessels of brass that they ministered in, took they away. And the fire pans, and basins, and such things as were of gold and of silver, them took the chief captain away: even two pillars, one Lava torye, and the sockettes which Solomon had made for the house of the Lord. The brass of all these vessels was without weight. The height of the one pillar was. xviii. cubytes, and the head thereon was brass, and three cubytes high and upon the head was there a wreathen work, and pomgarnettes round about, all of brass. And of the same fashion was the second pillar, with a wreathen work. And the chief captain of the men of war took Saraia the chief Priest, and Zephoniah the highest priest save one, and the three keepers of the holy things. And out of the city he took a chamberlain, (that had the oversight of the men of war) and five men of them that were ever in the kings presence, which were found in the city: and him that was Scribe to the captain of the host (which brought out the people of the land to war) and three score men of the people of the land that were found in the city. And Nabusaradan the chief captain of the men of war took these, and brought them to the king of Babylon to Ribla. And the king of Babylon smote them, and slew them at Ribla in the land of Hanath. And so juda was carried away out of their land How be it, there remained people in the land of juda, whom Nebuchadnezar king of Babylon left, and made Gedalia the son of Ahikam the son of Saphan ruler over them. And all the captains of the soldiers (and other men) heard, that the king of Babylon had made Gedalia governor: and there came to Gedalia to Mazphah: Ishmael the Son of Nethania, johanan the son of Karea, Saraia the Son of Thanhumeth the Netophathite, and jaazania the son of Maachati, and their men. And Gedalia swore to them & to the men whom they had with them, and said unto them: fear not ye because ye are the servants of the Caldeyes: dwell in the land, and serve the king of Babylon, and ye shall be well. But it chanced in the seventh month/ that Ishmael the son of Nethania, the son of Elisama, of the kings blood, came, and ten men with him, and smote Gedalia, that he died: and so did he the jews and the Caldeyes that were with him at Mizpa. And all the people (both small and great) and the captaynis of war, arose and came to Egypte: for they were afraid of the Caldeyes. notwithstanding yet in the xxxvii year after jeoachin king of juda was carried away, the xxvii day of the twelfth month, Euylmerodach king of Babylon (the same year that he began to reign) did ☞ lift up the head of jehoachin king of juda out of the prison, and spoke kindly to him, and set his seat above the seat of the kings that were with him in Babylon, and changed his prison garments. And he did ever eat bread before him all the days of his life. His portion was a continual portion that was assigned him of the king (every day a certain) as long as he lived. ❧ The end of the fourth Book of the Kings. ¶ The first book of the chronicles/ called in the latin Uerba dierum/ or (after the Greeks) Paralipomenon: which the hebrews call Dibre Haiamim/ and reckon both the books but for one. ¶ A brief rehearsal of all the genealogy of Adam, and so forth unto the sons of Esau, and jacob. CAPI. Primo. ADam/ * Gene. v. a Seth, Enos: Renan, Mahalehel, Jared: Henoch Methusalah, Lamech, Noah/ Sem, Ham, and japheth. * Gene. ●. a. The sons of japheth: Gomer/ Magog/ Madai, javan, and Thuball, Mesech, and Thiras. The Sons of Gomer: Aschena●, Diphath, and Thogarma. And the sons of javan: Elisa & Tharsisa, Citim and Dodanim. The Sons of Ham: Chus, and Mizraim, Phut and Canaan. The Sons of Chus: Siba, and Havila, Sabbetha, and Rahma and Sabtheca. And the Sons of Rahma: Seba and Dedan. And Chus bega● Nimrod: and he began to be mighty upon▪ the earth. Mizraim begat Ludim, and Anamin, Lahabim, and Naphth●im, Phatrusim, and Castuim: of which came the Phelistines and the Chaphthorites. Canaan, begat Zidon his eldest son, and Heth, jebusi also and Amori, and Girgasi, Hevi, Araki, and Sini, and Aruadi, Zamari and Hemathi▪ The sons of Sem: Elam, and Issut, Arphacsad, Lud, & Aram, and Uz, Hul, and Gether and Masech. Arphacsad begat Selah, and Selah begat Eber. And unto Ebes were borne two sons: the name of the one was Pelegge, because that in his days the land was divided. And his brother's name was joktan. joktan begat Almodad, and Saleph, Hazermaneth and jerah: Hadoran also and Usall, and Dikla: Ebal & Abimael, and Seba, and Ophir, Havila, and jobab. All these were the sons of joktan. * Gene. xi. ● Se●● Arphacsad, Selah: Eber, Peleg, Rehu: Serug, Nahor, Therah: Abram, otherwise called Abraham. The sonnis of Abraham, Isaac and Ishmael. And these are their generations: * Gene. 25. ●● The eldest son of Ishmael was Nabaioth, than Kedar, Adbeell, and Mibsam▪ Misma, and Dumah, Maska, Hadad and Thema: Ie●ur, Naphis and Kedma. These are the Sons of Ishmael. The children of Ketura Abraham's concubute▪ she bore Zimran, joksan, Medan, Median/ jisbok and Suah. The children of joksan Seba, and Dedan. ❀ (The Children of Dedan, Assurim, and Latussim, and Laomini.) The children of Midian: Epha, and Epher, Henoch, Abida and Eldaa. * Gene. 25. a. All these are the children of Ketura. And so Abraham begat Isaac. The sons of Isaac: Esau & Israel. The sons of Esau: * Gene. 36. b. Eliphaz, Rehuell jehus, jaelam, and Korah. The children of Eliphaz: Theman, Omer, Zephi, and Gahtham, Kenas, Thimna, and Amalek. The children of Rehuell: Nahath, Zerah, Samma, and Miza. * Gene. 36. d. The Sons of Seir: Lotan, sobal, Zibeon, And Ana, Dison, Ezer and Disan. The children of Lotan: Hori & Homam, and Thimna was Lotans' sister. The children of sobal: Alien, Manahath, Ebal, Sephi, and Onan. The sons of Zibeon: Aia and Ana. And the sons of Ana: Dison. The sennꝭ of Dison: Hamran, Esban jithran, and Cheran. The sons of Ezer: Bilham, Zaevan, and jakan. The sons of Disan: Uz and Aran. * Gene. 36. e. These are the kings that reigned in the land of Edom, before any king reigned over the children of Israel: Bela the son of Beor, and the name of his city was Dinhaba. And Bela died, and jobab the son of Zerah of Bozra reigned in his stead. And when jobab also was dead. Husam of the land of the Themanytes reigned in his stead. And when Husam was dead. Hadad, the son of Bedad which smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead, and the name of his city was Auith. So Hadad died, and Samla of Masreka reigned in his stead. And Samla died, and saul of Rehoboth by the river side, reigned in his stead. And when saul was dead. Baal Hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his stead. And Baal hanan died, and Hadad reigned in his stead, and the name of his city was Pahi, and his wives name Mehetabecl● the daughter of Ma●red, the daughter of Mesahab. Hadad died also, & there were Dukes in Edom. Duke Thimna, Duke Al●ah, and Duke jetheth, Duke Apholibama/ Duk Ela, Duke Pinon, Duke Kenaz, duke Themam, Duke Mibzar, Duke Magdiell and Duke Iram. These are the Dukes of Edom. ¶ The Genealogy of juda, unto Isai the father of David. CAPI. II. THese be the Sons of Israel: Reuben/ simeon, Levi, juda, Isachar and Zabulon: Dan, joseph, Ben jamin, Nephthali Gad and Asser * Gen. 3●. ● the sons of juda: Er, Onan, and Sela, These three were borne unto him of Bath Sua the Cananytesse. And Earth eldest Son of juda was evil in thee, sight of the Lord, & he slew him. And * Math. ●. ●. Thamar his daughter in-law bore him Pharez, and Zara: and so all the sonnis of juda were▪ five. * Ruth. iiii. ● The sons of Pharez, Hezron, and Hamull. The sons of Zarah, Zimri, Ethan, Zeman, Chalcholl and Dara: which were five in all. And the sons of Charmi * Ios●●. ●. ●. Achar that troubled Israel, transgressing in the thing, that was dampened. The Sons of Ethan: Azaria. The sons also of Hezron that were borne unto him: jerhamehel, Ram and Chelubat. * Math. ●. ● And Ram begat Aminadab: and Aminadab begat Nahson a lord of the children of juda. And Nahson begat Salma: and Salma begat Boaz: Boaz begat Obed: and Obed begat Isai. * ●. Reg. 16. ●. And Isai begat his eldest Son Eliab, and Aminadab the second, and Simaa the third, nathanael the fourth/ and Radai the fift, Ozem the sixth and David the seventh. Whose sisters were Zervia and abigail. The Sons of Zaruia: Abisai, joab and Azahell, three. And Abigaill bare Amaza, * 〈…〉 the father of which Amaza was Jether an Ismaelite. And Caleb the son of Hezron begat Asuba (of his wife Asuba) and jerthoth, whose sons are these: jeser/ Sobab and Ardon. And when Asuba was dead/ Caleb took Ephrata, which bore him Hur. * 〈…〉 And Her begat Uri, and Uri begat Bezaleel. afterward came Hezron to the daughter of Machir the father of Gilead, and took her when he was three score year old. And she bore him Segub, and Segub begat jair, which had three and twenty cities in the land of Gilead. And he overcame Gessur, and Aram, the towns of jair from them, and Kenath and the towns thereof: even. lx. towns. All these were the sons of Machir, the father of Gilead. And after that Hezron was dead at Caleb in Ephrata/ Abia Hezrons' wife, bore him, * 〈…〉 Ashur the father of Thekoa. And the sons of jerhameell the eldest son of Hezon were: Ram, the eldest, Buna/ Oren/ Ozem and Ahia. And jerhameell had yet an other wife named Atara, which was the mother of Onan. And the sons of Ram, the eldest son of jerhameell were: Maaz, jamin and Ekar. The sons of Onan were, Sammai, and jada. The sons of Sammai: Nadab and Abisur. And the wife of Abisur was called Abihail, and she bore him Ahban and Molid. The sons of Nadab: sealed and Appa●m. And Seled died without children. The son of Appa●m: jesei, and the sons of jesei: Sesan. And the sons of Sesan: Ahlai. And the sons of jada the brother of Samai: Jether and jonatham. And Jether died without children. The sons of jonatham: Peleth and Zaza. These were the sons of jerhameel. Sesan had no sons, but daughters And Sesan had a servant that was an Egyptyan, named jarha, to whom he gave his daughter to wife, and she bore him Athai. And Athai begat Nathan. And Nathan begat Zabad. And Zabad begat Aphlal: and Aphlal begat Obed, Obed begat jehu. And jehu begat Azaria, Azaria begat Halez, And Halez begat Elasa, Elasa begat Sisamai. And Sisamai begat Sallum, Sallum begat jecamia, jecamia begat Elisamah, The sons of Caleb the brother of jerhameel: Mesa his eldest son, which was the father of * 〈◊〉. 23. b Ziph: and the sons of Maresa the father of Hebron. The sons of Hebron: Corah, & Tap●ah, Rekem & Sama. Sama begat Raham the father of jerkoan. And Rekem begat Sammai. The son of Sammai was Maon. And Maon was the father of Bethzur. And Epha a concubine of Calebs' bare Hara, and Mosa and Gazez: Haran begat Gazez. The sons of jahdai were Regem jothan, Gesan, Pellet, Epha & Saaph. And Maacha was Calebs' concubine, of whom he begat Seber and Thirhana. And she bore also Saaph the father of Madman na, and Seva the father of Machbena, and the father of Gibea. * 〈…〉 And Achsa was Calebs' daughter. These were the sons of Caleb the son of Her the eldest son of Ephrata: sobal the father of Kiriath jearim: Salma the father of Bethleem: and Hareph the father of Beth Gader: And Sobal the father of Kiriath jearim had sons, and he saw the half of the country of the mansions. The kindreds of Kiriath jearim are these: the jethrites, the Happuthites, the Hassumathites, & the Hamis●aites. And of them came the Zarathites and the Esthaulites. The sons of Salma: the Bethleemites, and Netophathitꝭ the glory of the house of joab and half the country of the mansions got the Zaraites. The kindreds of the writers dwelt at Jabes, the Tirathites, the Simeathites, the Suchathites * 〈…〉 which are the Kenites, that came of Hemath the father of the house of Rechab. ¶ The Genealogy of David in Hebron, and in jerusalem. CAPI. III. THese were the sons of David which were borne unto him in Hebron * ●●. Reg. iii ● the eldest, Amnon of Ahinoam the jesraelitesse. The second Daniel of abigail the Carmelitesse. The third Absalon the son of Maacha, daughter of Thalmai king of Gesur. The fourth Adonia the son of Haggith. The fift Sephatia of Abitall. The sixth jethream by Egla his wife. These. vi. were borne unto him in Hebron and there he reigned seven year & six months. And in jerusalem he reigned. xxxiii. year. * ●●. Reg. 〈◊〉. ●. And these were borne unto him in jerusalem: Simeia, Sobab, Nathan & Solomon. iiii. of Bath Sua the daughter of Ammiel. Abhar also and Elisama, Elipalet, Noga, Nepheg, and japhia, Elisama, Eliada, & Eliphelet: nine in number. These are all the sons of David, beside the sons of the concubines, and Thamar was their sister. salomon's son was Rehoboam, whose son was Abia: and Asa was his son, and jehosaphat his son: whose son was joran: and his son was Ahazia, & joas was his son. Amazia his son/ Azariah his son/ and jotham his son. Ahaz was his son, Hezekia his son, and Manasse his son. And Amon was his son, and josia was his son. And the sons of josiah were, the eldest son johanan, the second jehoakim the third Zedekia/ and the fourth Sallu●. The sons of jehoakim were, jeconiah his son, and Zedekiah his son. The sons of jeconia: Asser and Schealthiel his son. Malchiram also and Phedaia, Senazer, jecamia, Hosama and Nedabia. The sons of Pedaia were: Zuroba bell and Simehi. The sons of Zurobabel. Mesulan, Hanania, and Selumith their sister, and Hasubah, Ohei, Berechia, Hasadi● and jusabhesed, five in number. The sons of Hanania: Pelatia and jesaia, whose son was Rephaah, and his son Arnan, and his son was Obadia, and his son Sechaniah. The son of Secaniah was Semaiah. And the sons of Semaiah were Hatus, Igeall, Bariah, Naariah and Saphat and Sesa, six. And the sons of Naaria were Elioenai, Hezezia and Az●icam, three. And the sons of Elioenai were Hodaiah, Eliasib, Phelea, Akub, joanam, Dealaia and Anani, Seven. ❀ ¶ The Genealogy of the sons of juda and simeon. CAPI. four THe sons of juda: Pharez/ Hezron/ Carim/ Her and sobal. And Reaia Gene. 38. g. and. xlvi. b. the son of sobal begat jahath. And jahath begai Ahumai and Lahad: and these are the kindreds of the Zoreathetes. And of these came the father of Etam/ jezrael/ jisma & jidbas: and the name of their sister was Hazlelpeni. Penuel was the father of Gedor: And Eser the father of Husa: and these are the sons of Her the eldest son of Ephrata the father of Bethleem. And Ashur the Father of Thekoa had two wives: Heleah and Naara. And Naara bore him Ahusam, Hepher, Themni, and Hahastari: These were the sons of Naarah. And the sons of Heleah were Zareth, jezoar, and Ethnan. And Coz begat Anub and Zobeba, and the kindred of Ahathel the son of Harum. And Jabes was more honourable, than his brethren. And his mother called his name Jabes, saying: because I bore him with sorrow. And Jabes called on the gods of Israel, saying: If thou wilt bless me in deed, and enlarge my coostes, and shalt let thine hand be with me, and wilt keep me from evil that it hurt me not? And god granted him his desire. Chelub the brother of Suah begat Mehir, which was the father of Esthon. And Esthon begat Bethrapha and Paseha, and Thehenna the father of the city of Nahas: These are the men of Recha. The sons of Kenas: Othniel & Saraia. And the sonnis of Othniel, were Hathath. And Meonoth▪ begat Ophran. And Seraia begat joab the father of the valley of craftsmen, (so called) because they were craftsmen▪ And the sons of Caleb, the son of jephune, were: Iru, Ela, and Naan. And the son of Ela, was Kenas. And the sons of jehalelel were Ziph and Ziphah, Thiria and Asarel. And the sons of Ezra: were Jether, and Mered, Epher, jalon, Thahar, & Miriam, and Sammai, and jisbah the father of Esthe moa. And his wife jehudia bore jered the father of Gedor, and Heber the father of Socho, and jeruthiel the father of Zanoah. And these are the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, which Mered took. The sons of the wife of Hodia the sister of Naan, the father of Keilah were: Barmi, and Esthemoa the Maachathite. The sons of Simon were: Amnon, and Rimna, Benhanan, and Thilon. And the sons of jissi were: Zoheth and Benzoheth. * Gene. 38. ●. The sons of Selah the son of juda were: Ere the father of Lecha, and Laada the Father of Maresa, and the kindreds of the households of them that wrought linen in the house of Asbea. And jokim and the men of Chosebah, and joas & Saraph, which had the dominion in Moah, and jasubi Lehem: These also are words of old. These were potters, & dwelt there among trees & hedges, nigh unto the king, because of his work. The sons of simeon: were Nemuel jamin, jarib, Zerah and saul, whose son was Sallum, and the son of him was Mibsam, and his son was Misma. And the son of Misma was Hamuel, and his son was Zachur, and the son of him was Simei. Simei had sixteen sons & six daughters But his brethren had not many children, neither was all the kindred of them like to the children of juda in multitude. And they dwelled at Beerseba, Molada & at Hazar, sual, at Bilha, at Ezem and at Tholad: at Bethuel, at Horma & at Zikiag: at Bethmarcaboth, Hazar Susim, at Bethbirei & at Saaraun. These were their cities unto the reign of David. And their villages were Etan, and Ain, Rimmon, Tochen and Asan, five towns, And all their villages that were round about the same cities unto Baal. This is the habitation of them & their genealogy. Mosobab and jamlech, and josa the son of Amasia: and joel and jehu the son of josibia, the son of Saraia, the son of Asiel: and Elioenai, & jaakoba, Isoaia & Asaiah, Adiel, Isimiel and Benata, and Ziza the son of Schibhi, the son of Allo●, the son of jeoaia the son of Zemri, the son of Semaia. These are famous captains in their kindred's, setting up greatly the house of their fathers. And they went to the entering in of Gedor even unto the East side of the valley, to seek pasture for their sheep. And they found fat pasture and good, and a wide land, quiet & fruitful: for they of Ham had dwelt there before. And these now afore written by name came in the days of Hezekia king of juda, and smote the tents of them, & the habitations that were found there, & destroyed them utterly unto this day, and dwelt in their rooms, because there was pasture there for their sheep. And some of the children of simeon went to mount Seyr, even five hundred men, having for their captains, Phelathia, Nearia, Rephaia & Uziel the sons of Isi: and smote the rest of the Amalekites that were escaped, and they dwelt there unto this day. ¶ The Genealdgie of Reuben and God, and o● the half tribe of Manasse. CAPI. V THe sons of Reuben the eldest son of Israel: for as much as he was the eldest, * 〈◊〉▪ xlix. ● 〈◊〉▪ vi. b 〈◊〉▪ 25. ● and had defiled his father's bed his birthright was given unto the sons of joseph the son of Israel. Howbeit the genealogy is not reckoned after this byrthryght. For juda, he prevailed above his brethren, and of this tribe came the chief, & the byrthryght was given to joseph. The sons then of Reuben the eldest son of Israel, were: Henoch, Phalu, Hezron and Charmi. The sons of joel: Samaiah his son, Gog his son, and Semhi his son. Micah his son, Reaia his son, and Baal his son Beera his son: whom Thiglath Philneser king of Assiria carried away: for he was a great lord among the Rubenites. And when his brethren in their kindreds, reckoned the genealogy of their generations: jeiel and Zachariah were the chief. And Bala the son of Azan, the son of Sema, the son of joel, dwelt in Aroer, and so forth unto Nebo and Baalmeon. And east ward he enhabited unto the entering in of the wilderness, from the river Euphzates, for they had moche cattle in the land of Gilead. And in the days of Saul they warred with the Hagarites, which were overthrown in to their hand. And they dwelled in their tents throughout all the Eastlande of Gilgal. And the children of Gad dwelt over against them in the land of Basan, even unto Salcha. And in Basan, joel was the chiefest and Sapham the next, than jonai and Saphat. And their brethren of the household of their fathers, were Michael, Meosuesam/ Seba, jorah, jahean, Zia, Eber, seven. These ●te the children of Abihail the son of Huri the son of jeroah, the son of Gilead, the son of Michael, the son of jesisai, the son of jahdo, the son of Buz. Ahi (the son of Abdiel, the son of Guni) was a captain of the household of their fathers. And they dwelled in Gilead, in Basan, & in her towns, and in all the suburbs of Saron, & in their borders. All these were reckoned by kindreds in the days of jotham b'ing of juda, and in the days of Jeroboam king of Israel. The sons of Reuben, and of Gad, and of half the tryhe of Manasse, were fighting men, and able to bear shield and sword, and to shoot with bow, exercised in war, even four and forty thousand, seven hundred and three score, that went out to the war. And they fought with the Hagarites, with jetur, Nephis & Nodab. And they were helped against them, and the Hagarites were delivered unto their hand, and so were all that were with them. For they cried to God in the battle, & he heard them, because they put their trust in him. And they took of their cattle and of their camels, fifty thousand, and two hundred and fifty thousand sheep, & two thousand asses, and of the souls of men, an hundred thousand: and there fell many wounded because the war was of God. And they dwelled in their steads, until the time, that they were raryed away. And the children of the half tribe of Manasse dwelt in the land, from Basan unto Baal Hermon, and Semir, and unto mount Hermon, for they were grown to a great multitude. And these were the headis of the house holds of their fathers: Epher, & jesi, Eliell & Azriel, jeremia and Hodavia, & jaohdiel, strong men and valiant, famous men, and heads of the households of their fathers. And they transgressed against the God of their fathers, and went a horing after the Gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them: & God stirred up the spirit of Phul king of Assyria, and the spirit of Thiglath Pilneser king of Assiria, & carried them away: even the Rubenites, the Gaddites, and the half tribe of Manasse, & brought them unto Halah, Habor, H●ra, and to the river Gonzan, unto this day. ¶ The Genealogy of the sons of Levi. CAPI. VI THe sons of Levi: Gerson, Cahath, and Merari. * Gen. 〈◊〉▪ ●. The sons of Cahath, Amram, Izahar, Hebron, and Uziell. The Children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. The sons also of Aaron Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. Eleazar begat Phinehes▪ Phinehes begat Abisua. Abisua begat Boki. Boki begat Uzi Uzi begat Zarahia. And Zarahia begat Meraioth. Meraioth begat Amaria, & Amaria begat Ahitob. Ahitob begat Zadoc, & Zadoc begat Ahimaaz. Ahimaaz begat Azaria, & Azaria begat johanam. johanam begat Azaria, which ministered in the temple that Solomon built in jerusalem. * two. P●. 2●. c. Azaria begat Amaria. Amaria begat Ahitob. Ahitob begat Zadoc, and Zadoc begat Sallum. Sallum begat * 4. Reg. 22 b Helkia, and Helkia begat Azaria. Azatia begat Saraia, and * 4. Reg. 25. ● Saraia begat jehozedech. And jehozedech departed/ when the Lord carried away juda and jerusalem by the hand of Nabuchodonezer. * Erodi. vi. c. The sons of Levi: Gersom, Cahath and Merari. And these be the names of the sons of Gersom: Libni and Simhi. And the sons of Cahath were: Amram/ Izahar Hebron and Uziel. The sons of Merari: Mazli and Musi, and these are the kindred's of Levi, concerning their fathers. The son of Gersom was Lobni, whose son was jahath, and his son Zemma/ and his son joah, and his son Iddo, and his son Zetah, and his son jeathrai. The sons of Cahath: Aminadab and his son Korah, and his son Assyr, and his son Elcana, and his son Ebiasaph, and his son Assir, & Chahath was his son, and Uriell his son, and Uzia his son, and Saul was his son. The sons of Elcana: Amazai, and Ahimoth & Elcana. The sons of Elcana, Zophai, whose son was Nahath, & his son Eliab & jeroham his son, and Elcana his son, and Samuel the son of him. And the sons of Samuel: the eldest Uasni, and Abia. The sons of Merari: Mahlt, and his son Libni, and his son Sunhi, & his son Uza, and his son Simha, and his son Hagaia, and his son Asaia. And these be they, whom David set for to sing in the house of the Lord, after that the ark had test. And they ministered before the dwelling place, and the Tabernacle of witness with syngyrige, until Solomon had built the house of the Lord in jerusalem. And then they waited on their offices, according to the order of them. These are they that waited with their children, of the sons of Cahath: Heman a singer, which was the son of joel, the son of Semuell, the son of * ●. Regum. i a. Eirana, the son of jeroham, the son of Elielithe son of Thoah, the son of Zuph, the son of Elcana, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai the son of Elcana, the son of joel, the son of Asaria, the son of zephania, the son of Thahath, the son of Assyr, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah the son of Izahar, the son of Cahath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel. And his brother Asaph stood on his right hand, and Asaph was the son of Barachia, the son of Simha, the son of Michael, the son of Basaaia, the son of Melchia, the son of Atham, the son of Zarah, the son of Adaia, the son of Ethan, the son of Zima, the son of Sunhi, the son of jahath, the son of Gersom, the son of Levi. And their brethren the sons of Merari stood on the left hand: even Ethan the son of kysi, the son of Abdi, the son of Maluch, the son of Hasabia, the son of Amazia, the son of Helkia, the son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Samer, the son of Mahli, the son of Musi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi. Their brethren also the Levites were appointed unto all manner of service of the tabernacle of the house of god. But Aaron & his sons burnt incense upon the altar of burnt offering, & ou the altar of incense (& were appointed) for all that was to do in the place most holy, and to make an atonement for them of Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded. These are the sons of Aaron: Eleazar, whose son was Phinehes, and his son Abisua: and his son Boki, whose son was Uzi, and his son Zerahia: and the son of him Merahioth, and his son Amaria, and the son of him, Ahitob: and Zadoc his son and Ahimaaz his son. And these are the dwelling places of them (throughout their towns & coostes) even of the sons of Aaron throughout the kindred of the Caathites, for so the lot fell for them. And they gave unto them * josua. 14. ● and. xxi. v. Hebron in the land of juda and the Suburbs thereof round about it. But the field of the city, and the villages pertaining thereto, they gave to Caleb, the son of jephune. And to the sons of Aaron they gave the cities of refuge: even Hebron and Libna, with their suburbs: jathir and Esthemoa with their suburbs: and Hilen with her suburbs, and Debir with her suburbs: Asan and her Suburbs, Bethsemes and her suburbs. And out of the tribe of Benjamin, Geba and her suburbs, Alemeth and her suburbs, Anathoth & her suburbs, all their cities throughout their kindreds were. xiii. And unto the sons of Cahath the remnant of the kin of the tribe, were cities given out of the half tribe of Manasse by lot: even ten cities. And the sons of Gersom throughout their kindreds, had out of the tribe of Isarar, out of the tribe of Asser, and out of the tribe of Nephthall: & out of the tribe of Manasse in Basan, thirteen cities. And unto the sons of Merari were given by lot throughout their kindreds out of the tribe of Reuben, and out of the tribe of Gad, and out of the tribe of Zabulon, twelve cities. And the children of Israel gave the Levites cities with their suburbs, & that by lot, out of the tribe of the children of juda, & out of the tribe of the children of simeon, and out of the tribe of the children of Benjamin the cities which they called by their names. And they that were of the kindreds of the sons of Cahath, had cities and their coostis out of the tribe of Ephraim. * josua. xx●. ● And they gave unto them cities of refuge: Sichem in mount Ephraim and her suburbs, Gazer and her suburbs/ jocmeam & her suburbs/ Beth-horon and her suburbs, Aialon & her suburbs, Geth Rimmon and her suburbs. And out of the half tribe of Manasse. Aner & her suburbs. Bileam and her suburbs for the kindred of the remnant of the sons of Cahath. And unto the sons of Gerson were given out of the kindred of the half tribe of Manasse: Golon in Basan and her suburbs and Astharoth and her suburbs. Out of the tribe of Isacar, Kedes and he suburbs. Dabrath and her suburbs. Ramoth also and her suburbs. Anem & her suburbs. And out of Asser/ Masal & her suburbs. Abdon and her suburbs. Hukok & her suburbs. Rehob and her suburbs. Out of the tribe of Nephthali, Kedes in Galilea & her suburbs. Hammon and her suburbs. Kiriathaiim and her Suburbs. And unto the rest of the children of Merari were given out of the tribe of zabulon. Rimmon and her suburbs. Thabor and her suburbs. And on the other side jordan by jericho, even on the east side of jordan, were given them out of the tribe of Reuben: Bezer in the wilderness with her suburbs: jahzah with her suburbs: Kedemoth with her suburbs. Mephath with her suburbs. Out of the tribe of Gad Ramoth in Gilead with her suburbs. Mahanaim with her suburbs. Hesebon with her suburbs. And jezer with her suburbs. ¶ The genealogy of Isacar, Benjamin, Nephthali, Manasse, Ephraim, and Asser. CAPI. VII. THE sons of Isacar: Thola, Phua, jasub, Simron, four. And the sons of Thola: Uzi, Rephaia/ jeriel/ jamai jebsam and Sehmuel, which were heads in the households of their fathers of Thola men of might in their kindreds: * ● Reg 24 ● whose number was in the days of David, two and twenty thousand & two hundred. The sons of Uzi: Izrahia. The sons of Izrahia Michael, Obadia, joel, and jesiah, five men all captains. And with them, in their generations after the household of their fathers, were six and thirty thousand soldiers and valcaunt men of war: For they had many wives and sons. And their brethren among all the kindreds of Isacar were valiant men of war reckoned in all: four score and seven thousand. The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher and jediel: three. The sons of Bela: Ezbon/ Uzi/ Uziel/ jerimoth & Iri, five heads of the household of their fathers, men of might/ and were reckoned by the genealogies. xxii. thousand, and. xxxiiii. The sons of Becher: Zemira/ joas/ Eliezer/ Elioenai/ Omri/ jeremoth/ Abia/ Anathoth and Alamath. All these are the children of Becher, and the number of them after their genealogy and generations, and captains of the households of their father's men of might, twenty thousand and two hundred. The sons of jediel: Bilhan. The sons of Bilhan: jews/ Benjamin/ Ehud and Canaana/ Zethan/ Tharsis and Ahilahar. All these are the sons of jediell, ancient heads & men of war. xvii. thousand and two hundred that went out harnessed to battle. And Suppim & Hupim were the children of Ir. And the Husites were the children of Aher. The sons of Nephthali: Iahzie●/ Guns jezer and Salum, the children of * Gene. 〈◊〉. ● Bilha. The sons of Manasse: Aziel whom (his wife) bore unto him: But Aramiah his concubine bare Machir the father of Gilead. And Machir took wives for Hupim & Suppim (his sons.) And the name of his sister was Maaca. And the name of an other son was Zelophahad. * Num. ●8. ● 〈…〉 And Zelophahad had daughters. And Maaca the wife of Machir bore a son, and called his name Pherez/ & the name of his brother was Zeres/ and his sons were Ulam & Rekem. The sons of Ulam/ Bedan: & these are the sonnis of Gilead the son of Machir the son of Manasse. And his sister Molecath bare jeshud, Abieser & Mahelah. And the sons of Semida were: Ahiam, Sechem, Likchi and Antham. The sons of Ephraim: Suthalah, whose son was Bered, and Thahath his son, and his son Eladah, and Thahath his son and Sabad his son, and Suthelah his son, and Eser & Elead. And the men of Gath that were borne in that land, slew them, because they were come down to take away their cattle. And Ephraim their father mourned many a day, & his brethren came to comfort him. And when he went in to his wife, she conceived and bore him a son, and he called the name of it Beria, because it went evil with his household. And his daughter was Seera which built Bethhoron the nether, and also the upper, and Uzan Seera. And Raphah was his son: whose son was Reseph and Thelah, whose son was Thahan, and his son Ladan, and his son Amihud, and his son Elisama, & his son Nun, & his son jehosua. Their possessions & abomination was in Bethel, and the towns that longed thereto, and unto the east of Naeran, & on the west side of Gazer with the towns thereof. Sechem and the towns thereof, Adaia & the towns thereof, & a long by the borders of the children of Manasse, Bethsean & her towns, Thaanach & her towns, Magiddo and her towns, & Dor & her towns. In those dwelled the children of joseph the son of Israel. The sons of Aser: jimna, jesua, Isuia, & Beria, and Serah their sister. The sons of Beria: jeber and Melchiel, which is the father of Birsaith. And Hepher begat japhlet, Summer, Hotham, & Sua was their sister The sons of jaohler: Pasah, Bimhal and Asuah. These are the children of japhlet. The sons of Semer, Ahi, Rohga, jehubba & Aram. And the sons of his brother Helem Zophah, jimna, Seles and Amal. The sons of Zophah, Suah, Harnephar Sual, Beri, and jimrah, Bezer, Hod, Samma Silsa, jethran & Beera. The sons of Jether/ jephune/ Pispa/ & Ara. The sons of Ola Arch, Haniel & Rezia. All these were the children of Asser, & heads of their father's houses, noble men, and mighty head captains. The number throughout the genealogy of them that were apt to the war, and battle was. xxvi. thousand men. ¶ Of the sons of Benjamin. CAPI. VIII. BEniamin begat Bela his eldest son, Asbel the second, and Aharah the third Nohah the fourth, & Raphah the fift. And the sons of Bela were: Adar, Gera, Abthud, Abisna, Naaman, and Ahoha, Gera Sephuphan and Huran. And these are the sons of Ehud, and these are the ancient heads among the inhabitors of Geba: and they carried them to Manahath: Naaman, Ahia and Gera, which Gera carried them away and begat Uza and Ahihud. And he begat Saharaim in the field of Moab, after he had sent them away, Husim also and Baarah were his wives. And he begat of Hodes his wife. jobab and Zibia, Meza, and Malchan jeuz, and Sachia & Mirma. These were his sons and ancient fathers. And of Husim he begat Ahithob and Elpaal. The sons of Elpaal were: Eber, Misaham, and Samed, which built Ono, Lod and the towns thereof. Beria & Sema were ancient fathers among the inhabitors of Aialon, & they drove away the enhabitors of Geth. And Ato, Sasac, & jerimoth, Seba dia, Ared, and Adar, Michael, and jispa, and joha, the sons of Beria, Zibadia, Mesullan Hezeki, and Heber, Ismerai also and jessiah and jobab the sons of Elpaal. jakim, & Zieri, and Sabdi, Elienai, Zilthai, and Eliel Adata, and Beraia, and zimreth the sons of Simhi, Gispan, Eber, and Eliel, Abdon & zicri, and Hanan, Hanania, Elam and Antho thia, jephdeia & Phenuel the sons of Sasao, And Samserai, Seharia and Athaliah, jaresia, Elia and zichri the sons of jeroham. These were ancient fathers and captains in their kindreds, and these dwelt in jerusalem. And at Gibeon dwelt Abi Gibeon whose wife was called Maacah. And his eldest son was Abdon, then zur, Cis, Baal and Nadab, Gedor, Ahio and zacher. And Mikloth begat Simea. And these also dwelled with their brethren in jerusalem over against them. Ne'er begat Cis, and * ●. Regum. 〈◊〉 Cis begat Saul, & Saul begat jehonathas, Malchisua, Abinadab and Esbaal. And the son of jehonathas was Meribbaal, & Meribbaal begat Micah. And the sons of Micah were Puhon, Melech, Tharea, & Ahaz. And Ahaz begat jehoiada. And jehoiada begat Alemeth, Asmaveth & zihiri. Zimri begat Moza. Moza begat Binea, whose son was Rapha and his son was Elasa, and his son Azel. And Azel had sire sons, whose names are these: Esricam, Bochri, Ishmael, Seatia, Obadia/ and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel. And the sons of Esek his brother were Ulam his eldest/ jehus the second/ and Elfphelet the third. And the sons of Ulam were mighty men and strong archers/ and bow men: and had many sons and sons sons/ an hundred and fifty. All these are of the sons of Benjamin. ¶ Of the priests. Levites, and of their offices. CAPI. IX. ANd so all Israel numbered by kindreds: Behold/ they are written in the book of the kings of Israel & of juda and were carried away to Babylon for their transgression: Even the old enhabitors/ than dwelt in their own possessions & cities, the Israelites, the priests, Levites & Nethenei. And in jerusalem dwelt of the children of juda, of the children of Benjamin, and of the children of Ephraim & Manasse. Uthai the son of Amthud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bent, * ● 〈◊〉 of the children of Pharez/ the son of juda. And of Siloni Asaia the eldest and his sons. And of the sons of zerah, jebuel & their brethren, six hundred and ninety. And of the sons of Benjamin: Salu the son of Mesullam the son of Hodavia, the son of Senua: & jibneia the son of jeroham. And Ela the son of Uzi the son of Michri. And Mesullam the son of Sepharia the son of Rehuel, the son of jibnia and their brethren according to their kindreds nine hundred fifty and six. All these were principal men, and ancient in the households of their fathers. And of the priests: jedaia, jehoiarib & jachin: Azaria the son of Helkia, the son of Mesullam, the son of Zadoc, the son of Maraioth, the son of Ahitob the chiefest in the house of God. And Adaiah the son of jeroham, the son of Phashur, the son of Melchia. And Maasi the son of Adiel, the son of jehezrah, the son of Mesullam, the son of Mesillomith, the son of Immer. And their brethren which were heads of the ancient households of their fathers, a thousand, seven hundred and three score active men, for the work of the service of the house of God. And of the Levites: Semeia the son of Hasub, the son of African, the son of Hasabia of the sons of Merari. And Bacbakar & Heres and Galal. And Mathania the son of Mirah, the son of Zicri, the son of Asaph. And Obadia the son Semeia, the son of Galal, the son of jouthum. And Berechia the son of Aza: the son of Elcana that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites. * Es●●. 3i. 8 The porters were Sallum, Acub, Talmon, & Ahiman and their brother, Sallum was the chief. For they watched hitherto, even unto the kings gate eastward, throughout the tents of the children of Levi. And Sallum the son of Corah the son of Abiasaph the son of Corah, and his brethren the Corahites (of the house of their father) had their business and office to keep the porches of the tabernacle: and their fathers the host of the Lord kept the entering. And Phinehes the son of Eleazar was their foregyde, & the Lord was with him. And Zacharia the son of Meselemia kept the watch before the door of the tabernacle of witness. All these were chosen men to keep the thresholdꝭ, even. CC. and xii. & throughout the genealogi were they numbered in their villages. And them did David & Samuel the Sear institute, because of their fidelity. So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the house of the lord, even of the tabernacle, to keep them. * 〈◊〉. three b. In. iiii. quarters did they keep the watch: toward the east, west, north, and south. And their brethren remained in the country and came after. seven. days from time to time with them. For the Levites (which had the oversight of the vestries & treasures of the house of God) were under the custody of four notable porters: & they round about the house of God: because the keeping thereof pertained to them, & they had the keys to open every morning. And certain of them had the rule of the ministering vessels, & brought them in & out by tale. Some of them were appointed to oversee the vessels, & all the ornaments of the sanctuary, & the flower, wine, oil, franki● sense & sweet odours. And certain of the sons of the priests made ointments of the sweet odours. And Mathathia one of the Levites which was, the eldest son of Sallum: the Corathite, had the oversight of the things that were made in the frying pan. And other of their brethren the sons of Cahath had the oversight of the showbread which they prepared every Sabbath. These are the syngers: even ancient fathers of the levite, which dwelled in separate chambres: & were free, for they had to do both day & night. These were ancient fathers of the Levites in their generations, and dwelt at jerusalem. And in Gibeon dwelled Abi Gibeon & jehiel whose wife was called Maacha, his eldest son was Abdon, than Zur, Cis, Baal, Ne● & Nadab: Gedor, Ahio, Zacharia & Mikloth. And Mikloth begat Simean. And they also dwelt which their brethren at jerusalem, even hard by them. And Ne'er begat Cis, & * ● Regum. 〈◊〉. ● 〈◊〉. 1●. ● Cis begat Saul. And Saul begat jehonathas, Malchisua, Abinadab and Esbaal. And the son of jonathas, was Meribbaal. And Meribbaal begat Micah, & the sons of Mirah were, Python, Melech & Chahrea. And Ahaz begat jahra. jahra begat Alameth, Asmaneth, Zimri. Zimri begat moza. Moza begat Binea, whose son was Rephaia, & his son was Elasa, & his son Azell. And Azell had two sons, whose names are these: Azricam Bochru, Ishmael, Searia, Obadia & Hanan. These are the sons of Azel. ¶ The battle of saul against the Philistines: in which he dieth, and his sons also. CAPI. X. ANd the Philistines fought against Israel. * 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And the men of Israel fled before the Philistines, and were overthrown and wounded in mount Gilboa. And the Philistines followed, & were fierce after Saul and his sons, and the Philistines smote jehonathas, and Abinadab and Malchisua the sons of Saul, And the battle went sore against Saul, and the archers found him, & he was wounded of suitors. Then said saul to his weapon bearer * Iud●. 〈◊〉. g. 1. Reg. 3●. b. draw thy sword, and thrust me thorough therewith, that these uncircumcised come not and do me shame. But his weapon bearer would not, for he feared exceedingly. So Saul caught a sword, and fell upon it. And when his ha●nes bearer saw that Saul was dead, he fell on a sword also and died. And thus Saul and his three sons. and all they of his house died together. And when all the men of Israel that were in the valley▪ saw how they fled, and that saul and his sons were dead, they forsook their cities and ran away, and the Philistines came, and dwelt in them. * ●▪ Regum. 3●. ● And it fortuned that on the morrow (when the Philistines came to stripe the dead bodies) they found saul & his sons overthrown in mount Gilboe. And when they had strypte him, they took his head, and his harness, and sent them in to the land of the Philistines round about/ to show them unto their idols, and to the people. And they put his harness in the house of their God, and set up his head in the temple of Dagon. And when all they of Jabes in Gilead heard all that the Philistines had done to saul: they arose (all the strongest of them) and fet away the body of saul, and the bodies of his sons, and brought them to Jabes, and buried the bodies of them under an ooke in Jabes, & fasted seven days. So Saul died for his trespass that he trespassed against the lord, in that he kept not the word of the lord, and in that he sought and asked counsel of a woman that wrought with a spirit, and asked not of the Lord. And therefore he slew him, and turned the kingdom unto David the son of Isai. ¶ After the death of saul is David anointed in Hebron. The Jebusites rebel against David/ from which he taketh the ●oure of Zion. His men are numbered. CAPI. XI. THen all Israel gathered themselves to David unto Hebron * ●●. Reg. v. ● saying: Behold we be thy bones & thy flesh. And more over in time past, even when Saul was king, thou leddest Israel out and in. And the lord thy God said unto thee: thou shalt feed my people Israel, and thou shalt be captain over my people Israel. Therefore came all the elders of Israel to the king, to Hebron, and David made a covenant with them in Hebron, before the Lord. And they anointed David king over Israel, * ●. Reg. 1●. ● according to the word of the Lord ☞ by the hand of Samuel. And David and all Israel went to jerusalem, which is jebus: where as were the jebusites, the inhabitors of the land. And the inhabitors of jebus said to David: thou comest not here. Nevertheless David won the castle of Zion, which is called the city of David. And David * ●●. Reg▪ 〈…〉 said, who so ever smiteth the jebusites first, shall be the principal captain and a Lord. So joab the son of Z●ruia went first up, and was made the chief captain. And David dwelled in the castle, & therefore they called it the city of David. And he built the City on every side, even from milo round about, & joab repaired the rest of the City. And David prospered, and waxed great, and the Lord of hosts was with him. * two. Reg. 〈…〉 These are the principal men of power, whom David had, and that clave to him in his kingdom with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the lord unto Israel. And this is the number of the mighty men whom David had: jasobeam the son of Hachmoni the chief among thirty: he lift up his spear against three hundred, and wounded them at one tyme. After him was Eleazar his uncles son an Ahothyte, which was one of three mightiest. He was with David at Pasdammin, and there the Philistines were gathered together to battle. And there was there a parcel of ground full of barley and the people fled before the Philistines. And ☞ they stepped forth in to the mids of the field, and saved it, and slew the Philistines. And the lord gave a great victory. And the three of the thirty chief captains went to a rock to David in to the cave Adullam. And the host of the Philistines abode in the valley of Rephaim. And when David was in the hold, the Philistines watch was at Bethleem that same tyme. And David longed, and said: * 〈…〉 Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well that is at the gate at Bethleem. And the three brake thorough the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well, that was by the ga●e at Bethleem: and took it, & brought it to David Nevertheless, David would not drink of it but rather offered it to the Lord, and said: My God forbid it me, that I should do this thing. Shall I drink the blood of these men, that have put their lives in jeopardy? (for with the jeopardy of their lives they brought it) therefore he would not drink it. And this did these three mightiest. And Ab●sai the brother of joab: he also was captain among three: for he lifts up his spear against three hundred, and wounded them, and had a name among the three: Yea among three, he was more honourable than the two, for he was their captain. Howbeit, he attainted not unto the ❀ (first) three. Banaia the son of jehoiaba (the son of a very strong man) did greater acts than Cabzeell, for he slew two strong lions of Moab, and went down/ and slew a Lion in a pit in time of snow. And he slew an Egyptian, whose stature was even five cubytes long, and in the Egyptians hand was a spear like a weavers beam. And the other went down to him with a waster, & plucked the spear out of the Egyptians hand, and slew him with his own spear. Soch things did Banaia the son of jehoiada, and had the name among the three mightest, and was honourable among thirty: but attained not unto thee (first) three. And David made him of his counsel. The other men of arms were these: asahel the brother of joab, Elhanan his uncles son of Bethleem. Sammoth the Harodite Helez the Pelonite: Ira the son of I●kes the Thekoite, Abieser the Anatothite: Siba●ai the Husathite, Ilai the Ahohite: Maharai the Nethophathite, healed the son of Ba●na the Nethophatite: Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibea that pertaineth to the children of Benjamin: Benaia the Phirathonite: Hu●ai of the rivers of Gaas, Abiell the Arbathite: Azmaneth the Baharumite, Elihaba the Saalbonite. The sons of Assem the Gezonite, jona than the son of Sage, an Haraite: Ahiam the son of Sacar the Ha●aite/ Eliphal the son of Ur. Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahia the Pelonite: Hezro the Carmelite, Naari the son of Ezbai: joel the brother of Nathan: Mi●har the son of Hari: Zelegam the Ammonite, Naharai a Berothite, the bearet of the harness of joab the son of Zervia: Ira the jithrite, and Gareb a Jethrite. Uria the Hittite, and Zahad the son of Ahlai: Adina the son of Siza a Rubenite, a captain of the Rubenites, and thirty with him: Hanan the Son of Maacah, and josaphat a Mithanite: Uria an Astherath●te: Sama and jehiel the sonnis of Hothan an Aroerite: jediell the son of Zimri, and joha his brother an Hathizite, Eliell a Mahanyte. jeribai and josaia the sons of Elnaam/ and I●hma a Moabite. Eliel and Obed, and jasiell a Mesobaite. ¶ What they were that went with David, when he ●led from saul. CAPI. XII. THese are they that came to David to Ziklag, while he yet kept himself close because of saul the son of Cis: and they were very strong helpers in battle. They were weaponed with bows, and could hurl stones with the right hand, and with the left, and shoot arrows out of a bow, and were of saul's brethren, even of Benjamin. The chiefest were Ahiezer, and joas the sons of Simaa a Gibeonite, and jeziell and Pelet the sons of Asmaneth. Beracah and jehu of Anathoth. And Ismaia a gilbeonite a mighty man among thirty/ and more than the thirty. jeremiah, jehaziell, johanan, and josabad of Gedor. Ele●sai/ jerimoth Bealia Semaria, and Seaphatia, the Haraphites. Elcana, jesia, Aza●aell, joezet, josebean, Hakorim. joela and Zebadiah the sons of jeroam of Gedud. And of the Gadites there separated them selves, some unto David in to the hold of the wilderness, men of might, and men apt for war, and could handle shield & spear, whose faces were like the faces of Lions, and they were as swift as the R●●s in the mountains: Ezer the first, Obdia the second, and Eliab the third, Masmana the fourth, jeremia the fift/ Atthai the sixth/ Eliell the seventh, johanan the eight, Elsabath the ninth, jeremia the tenth, & Machbaonai the eleventh. These were of the sonnis of Gad, and were captains over the men of war, the small pursued an hundred, and the great a thousand. These are they that went over jordane in the first month wh●● he had filled over all his banks. And they put to flight all them of the valley, both toward the East and West. And there came of the Children of Ben●a min and juda to the hold unto David. And David went out to meet them and answered, and said unto them. If ye be come peaceable lie unto me, to help me, mine heart shall be knit unto you. But and if ye come to betray me to mine adversaries (saying there is no wickedness in mine handis) the God of our fathers look thereon and rebuke it. And the spirit came upon Amasai, which was the chief among thirty/ and he said: thy●e are we David, and on thy side thou son of Isai: * ●ode. xii. ●. Peace/ peace be unto thee/ and peace be to thy helpers, for thy God is thy●e help. Then David received them, and made them heads of companies of the men of war. And there fell some of Manasse to David/ when he came with the Philistines against saul to battle, * ●. Reg. 2●. ● but they helped them not. For the lords of the Philistines took advisement, & sent him away again saying: he will fall to his master saul to the jeopardy of our heads. As he went to Zikleg there fell to him of Manasse: Adna, jozadad jediell, Michael, jozabad, Elihu & Zilthai/ heads of the thousands that were of Manasse. And they helped David against the rovers. For they were all mighty men of war/ and captains in the host. For at that time there came one or other to David day by day to help him: until it was a great host, like the host of god. And this is the number of the chief Captains that were prepared to battle, and came to David to Hebron, to turn the kingdom of saul to him, according to the word of the Lord. The children of juda that bare shield, and spear, were. vi. M. and eight hundred ready prepared to the war: Of the children of simeon/ men of might to war. seven. M. and one hundred. Of the children of Levi, four thousand & two hundred. And Ieo●ada was the chief of them of Aaron, and with him iii. M. and seven hundred. And Zadocke a young man strong & valiant: and of his father's household. xxii. captains. And of the children of Benjamin the brethren of saul, iii. M. And a great part of them did (unto that time) follow the house of saul. And the children of Ephraim. xx. M. and eight hundred mighty men of war and famous men in the household of their fathers. And of the half tribe of Manasse. xviii thousand, which were appointed by name to come and make David king. And of the children of Isacar, which were men that had understanding in the right time, to know ❀ (how to command) what Israel ought to do: The heads of them were two hundred, and all their brethren were at their will. And of Zabulon that went out to the battle and proceeded forth to the war, with all manner of instruments of war fifty M. that were prepared to the war, without any doubleness of heart. And of Nephthali a thousand captains, & with them (with shield and spear) xxxvii. M. And of Dan prepared to battle xxviii. M. and two hundred. And of Asse● that went out to the war, and kept the forefront of the battle, forty thousand. And of the other side jordane of the Rubenites/ and Gaddites and of the half tribe of Manasse, with all manner of instruments of war/ a hundred and twenty thousand. All these were men of war, keeping the forefront of the battle with perfit heart/ and came to Hebron to make David king over all Israel. And all the rest of Israel was of one accord, to make David king. And there they were with David three days, eating and drinking: for their brethren had prepared for them. Moreover they that were nigh them, until Isacar, Zabulon and Nephthali, brought bread on Asses, Camels Mules, and oxen, and meat: flower, figs, raisins, wine and oil, oxen, & sheep abundantly. For there was joy in Israel. ¶ The Ark is brought again from Kiriath Ia●i● to jerusalem ●z● (otherwise called Osa) dieth. CAPI. XIII. ANd David counseled with the captains of thousands & hundreds, and with all the Lords, and said unto all the congregation of Israel: If it seem you good, and to be of the Lord our god, we will take and send unto our brethren that are left in all the land of Israel, & with them also, to the priests and Levites which are in their cities and suburbs, together them together unto us. And we will bring again the Ark of the Lord to us: for we regarded it not in the days of saul. And all the congregation was content that he should do so, for the thing seemed good in the eyes of all the people. So David gathered all Israel together from ☞ Sihor in Egypt, unto the entering of Hemath, to bring the Ark of the Lord from Kiriath jarim. And David went up and all Israel to an high place toward Kiriath jarim, that was in juda, to fet thence the Ark of the lord God, that dwelleth between the Cherubs: where his name is called on. And they carried the Ark of god in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab. And Uza and his brother guided the cart. And David and all Israel played before the Ark of god with all their might, with singing, and haps, psalte●es, & timbrels and trumpets. And when they came unto the threshing floor of Chidon, Uza put forth his hand to hold the Ark, for the Oxen ❀ (being a little wild) stumbled. And the Lord was wroth with Uza, and smote him because he put his hand to the Ark. And there he died before God. And David was out of quiet, because the Lord had rend a rent in Uza, and he called the name of that place, the ●eynge of Uza unto this day. And David was afraid of God that day, saying: how shall I bring the Ark of god home to me? And so David brought not the Ark home to him to the city of David: But carried it in to the house of Obed Edom a Gethite. And the Ark of god remained with Obed Edom, even in his house, three months. And the Lord blessed the house of Obed Edom, and all that he had. ¶ Hiram sendeth wood and workmen to David, which hath two victoryiss of the Philistines. CAPI. XIIII. SO Hiram the king of Tire sent messengers to David & timber of Cedar trees/ with masons and carpenters, to build him an house. And David perceived, that the Lord had confirmed him king upon Israel, and that his kingdom was lift upon high, because of his people Israel. And David took yet more wives at jerusalem, and begat more sons and daughters. These are the names of his children, which were borne unto him at jerusalem: Samua, Sobab/ Nathan, and Solomon: jibhar, Elisua, and Elipalet, Noga, Nepheg and japhia. Elisama, Beeliada, and Eliphalet. And when the Philistines heard that David was anointed king upon all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. And David heard of it, & went out against them. And the Philistines came in, and praunsed thorough the valley of Rephaim. And David asked counsel at god, saying: shall I go against the Philistines, and wilt thou deliver them in to mine hand? And the Lord said unto him: go up, for I will deliver them into thine hand. And so they came up to Baal Perazim, and David smote them there. And David said: God hath divided mine enemies with mine hand, as a man would divide water. And therefore they called the name of that place ☞ Baal Perazim. And when they had left their Gods there/ David gave a commandment, & they were burnt with fire. And the Philistines came together again & rushed into the valley. And David asked again at God: And god said to him: go not up after them, but turn away from them, that thou mayest come upon them over against the peertrees. And when thou hearest a sound go in the toppꝭ of the peertrees, then go out to battle: for god is gone forth before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines. David therefore did as god commanded him. And they smote the host of the Philistines, from Gibeon to Gazer. And the fame of David went out into all the landis and the lord made all nations fear him. ¶ The benites bring the Ark again. David dancing before it, is despised of his wife Michou. CAPI. XV. ANd David made him houses in the city of David, & prepared a place for the Ark of God, and pitched for it a tent. Then David said: the Ark of God ought not to be carried but of the Levites. For them hath the lord chosen to bear the Ark of the lord, & to minister unto him for ever. And David gathered all Israel together to jerusalem, to fetch the Ark of the Lord unto his place which he had ordained for it. And David brought together the children of Aaron & the Levites. Of the sons of Cahath was Uriell the chief, & of his brethren there were an hundred &. xx. Of the children of Merari: Asaia the chief, & of his brethren two hundred &. xx. Of the sonnis of Gersom: joel the chief, & of his brethren an hundred, and thirty. Of the children of Elizapan: Semaia the chief, & of his brethren two hundred. Of the sonnis of Hebron: Eliel the chief, & of his brethren. lxxx. Of the sonnis of Uziel: Aminadab the chief, and of his brethren an hundred, &. xii. And David called Zadock/ & Abiathar the priests, & the Levites, Uziell/ Asaia, joel, Semaia, Eliell & Aminadab▪ & said unto them: ye that are the principal fathers of the Levites, see that ye be holy with your brethren, that ye may bring in the ark of the lord god of Israel, unto the place that I have prepared for it. For ☞ because ye were not there at the first, the lord our God made a rent among us, for that we sought him not as the fashion ought to be. So the priests & the Levites sanctified themselves/ to fet the Ark of the Lord God of Israel. And the children of the Levites bore the ark of god, upon their shoulders with staves thereon, as Moses commanded, according to the word of the Lord. And David spoke to the chief heads of the Levites, that they should appoint certain of their brethren to sing with instrumentis of music, psaltries, haps, and symbals: that they might make a sound, & to sing on high with joyfulness. And the Levites appointed H●man the son of joel: & (of his brethren) Asaph the son of Berechia. And of the sons of Merari and of their brethren: Ethan the son of C●saiah● And with them their brethren of the second degree: Zucharia, Ben/ jaaziell, Se●●ramoth, jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Benaiahu, Maasiah, Mathathiahu, Eliphalehu, Mikniah●/ Obed Edom, & jaiell, porters. So Hema●/ Asaph, & Ethan the syngers made a sound with symbals of brass. And Zacharia, Aziel, Semeramoth, jehiel, Unni, Eliab, Maasaiahu and Banaiahu played with psaltryes on ☞ an Alamoth. Mathachtahu, Eliphalehu, Mikniahu, Obed Edom, jeiell, and Azaziah played upon haps an eight above, with courage. And Chenamahu the chief of the Levites, was master of the song, for he taught other to sing, because he was a man of understanding. Berechia & El●ana kept the door of the Ark. And S●caniahu, jehosaphat▪ Nethanaell, Amasai, Zacha●iahu/Bana●ahu, & Eliezer the priests did blow with trumpets before the Ark of god. And Obed Edom, & jehia, were keepers of the door of the Ark. * ●●. Reg. vi. c And the elders of Israel & the captains over thousands, went to fet the Ark of the appointment of the lord out of the house of Obed Edom with gladness. And when god helped the Levites, that bore the ark of the appointment of the lord, they offered seven oxen, & seven rammis. And David had on him a linen garment, like as had also all the Levites that bore the Ark, & so had the syngers: & Chenania the ruler of the song, with the syngers. And David had upon him an Ephod of linen. And all they of Israel brought the ark of the Lords covenant with shouting, and blowing of the shaume and trompettꝭ: making a noise with symbals, psaltryes, and haps. And as the Ark of the appointment of the Lord came in to the city of David, michol the daughter of saul, looking out at a window, saw king David dancing & playing, and she despised him in her heart. ¶ David ordaineth Asaph and his brethren to minister before the Lord. He himself praiseth the Lord god of Israel. CAPI. XVI. SO they brought in the Ark of god, and set it in the mids of the tent that David pitched for it. And they offered burnt sacrifices, and peaceofferynges before God. And when David had made an end of offering the burnt-offerings, and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord. And he dealt to all Israel (both man and woman) a cracknel of bread, and a good piece of flesh, and a flacket of wine. And he appointed certain of the Levites to minister before the lord, & to repeat, and to thank, and praise the Lord God of Israel. And Asaph was the chief, & next to him Zacharia, jeiell, Semeramoth, jehiel, Mathathia, Eliab, Benaia, * ●●. Reg. vi. b Obed Ehom, and jehiel with psalteres & haps. But Asaph made a sound with symbals. Banaiahu and jahaziell priests blue with trumpets continually before the Ark of the covenant of god. And that same time David did appoint cheyfelye to thank the lord, by Asaph and his brethren. * Psal. 〈◊〉 ● Esai. xi●. ● O give thank unto the lord, call upon his name, make his Acts known among the people. Sing unto him, and play unto him: talk of all his wonderful deeds. Rejoice in his holy name: let the hearts of them that seek the lord, be glad. Seek the Lord and his strength: Seek his presence alway. Remember his marvels which he did, and his wonders, & the iudgementis of his mouth The seed of Israel are his servants: the children of jacob are his chosen. He is the Lord our God: in all lands are his iudgementis. Think on his appointment for ever/ (& on the word which he commanded to a. M generations.) Which he made with Abraham, & of his oath to Isaac: which he set before jacob for a decree, and to Israel for an everlasting covenant, saying: to the will I give the land of Canaan, to be the portion of your inheritance▪ When ye were few and small in number, and sojourners therein. And they walked from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to an other people. He suffered no man to do them wrong: but rebuked, even kings for their sakes. touch not mine anointed, and do my Prophets no harm. * Psal. 〈…〉 Sing unto the lord all the earth: and show from day to day his Salvation. Tell of his glory among the Heathen: his wonderful deeds among all nations. For great is the Lord, and worthy to be praised exceedingly: he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the people are of no value: But the lord made heaven. Praise and honour are in his presence▪ strength & gladness are in his place. Ascribe unto the lord ye kindred's of people, ascribe to the lord, glory and dominion. Ascribe unto the Lord, the glory due unto his name: bring sacrifices, & come before him, & worship the lord with holy honour. ☞ Let all the earth fear him, although the compass of the earth be so stablished that it can not be moved: let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad, & let men tell among the nations/ that the lord is king. Let the see thunder, and the fullness thereof: let the fields rejoice, and all that is therein. Then shall the trees of the wood rejoice at the presence of the lord, because he cometh to judge the earth. O give thanks unto the lord, for he is good, for his mercy endureth ever: and say ye: save us (o God) of our salvation, gather us together, and deliver us from among the Heathen, that we may give thanks to thy holy name, and triumph in the praise of the. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel for ever & ever, and let all the people say, Amen: and praise the lord. And so, he left there befor●●he ark of the lords covenant, Asaph and his brethren, to minister before the ark continually, in such things as were to be done day by day/ ❀ (and that by their courses.) And Obed Edom, and his brethren. lxviii. and Obed Edom, the son of jeduthun/ and Hosa were appointed to be porters. And Zadocke the priest and his brethren the priests, were before the tabernacle of the Lord, in the high place that was at Gibeon to offer burnt-offerings unto the lord, upon the burntoffering altar perpetually, in the morning & evening, according to all that, which is written in the law of the Lord, which he commanded Israel. And with them were Heman & jeduthun, and other that were chosen (whose names were expressed) to give thanks to the lord, that his mercy lasteth ever. And with them did Heman & jeduthun sing with the trumpets and symbals, making a sweet melody with instruments of music, & goodly songs. And the sons of jeduthun were porters. And all the people departed, every man to his house, & David returned to ☞ bless his house. ¶ David is forbidden to build an house unto the Lord. Chryst so promised under the figure of Solomon. CAPI. XVII. ANd it fortuned that when David dwelled in his house, he said to Nathan the prophet: loo, I dwell in * 〈…〉. an house of Cedar tree: but the Ark of the lords covenant remaineth under curtains. And Nathan said to David: do all that is in thine heart, for god is with the. And the same night it for tuned that the word of god came to Nathan saying: go and tell David my servant, thus saith the lord, thou shalt not build me an house to dwell in. For I have dwelt in no house sense the day that I brought out the children of Israel unto this day: But have gone from tent to tent, and from one habitation to an other. And wheresoever I have walked with all Israel, spoke I ever one word to any of the judges of Israel (whom I commanded to feed my people, (saying: why have ye not build me an house of Cedar tree? Now therefore, thus shalt thou say unto my servant David: thus sayeth the Lord of hosts: I took the out of the pastures when thou goest after sheep, that thou shouldest be captain over my people Israel: And I have been with the whither soever thou hast walked, and have wedded out all thine enemies out of thy sight and have made the a name, like the name ❀ (of one) of the greatest men that are in the earth. And I have ordained a place for my people Israel, and made it fast, so that now they may dwell in their place, and move no more: Neither shall the children of wickedness vex them any more as at the beginning. And sense the time that I commanded judges to be over my people Israel, I have subdued all thine enemies/ & I told thee, that the lord would build the an house. This also shall come to pass: when thy days be expired, that thou must go unto thy fathers, I will raise up thy seed after thee/ which shall be of thy sons, and I will prepare for him the kingdom. He shall build me an house, and I will stably she his seat for ever. I will be his father, and he shall be my son, and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it away from him that was before the. But I will set him in my● house, and in my kingdom for ever, and his seat shall be sure for evermore. According to all these words, and according to all this vision did Nathan tell king David. And David the king came and sat before the lord, and said: What am I (O lord god?) and what is mine house, that thou hast promoted me thus far? And yet this seemed little in thine eyes, O God: But thou haste also spoken of thy servants house for a great while to come: and haste looked upon me/ as upon a man of high degree (O Lord God.) What shall David desire more of thee, for the honour of thy servant? For thou haste known thy servant: O Lord for thy servants sake, even according to thine own heart, hast thou done all this magnificence/ to show all great things. Lord there is none like thee, neither is there any God save thou, according to all that we have herd with our ears. Moreover, what nation on the earth is like thy people Israel, to whom god hath vouchsafed to come and redeem them to be his own people, and to make the a name of excellency and terribleness, with casting out nations from before thy people, whom thou hast delivered out of Egypt. The people of Israel didst thou make thine own people for ever, and thou Lord becamest their god. Therefore now lord/ let the thing that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant and his house, be true for ever/ that thou do as thou hast said: let it come to pass, that thy name may be magnified for ever, that it may be said: the lord of hosts is the god of Israel (even the god of Israel) and the house of David thy servant endureth stable before the. For thou (O my God) hast told thy servant, that thou wilt build him an house. And therefore thy servant hath found in his heart to pray before the. And now lord, thou art god, and hast promised this goodness unto thy servant. Now therefore, let it be thy pleasure to bless the house of thy servant, that it may continue before the for ever. For whom thou blessest (o lord) the same is blessed for ever. ¶ The battles of David against the Philistines. CAPI. XVIII. ANd after this it fortuned, that David smote the Philistine, and subdued them and took Geth & the towns that * ●● R●, v●●●, ● longed thereto, out of the hand of the Philistinis. And he smote Moab, and the Moabites became David's servants, and paid him tribute. And David smote Hadadezer king of Zoba unto Hanath, as he went to stablish his dominion by the river Euphrates. And David took from him a. M. charettes, and vu. M. horse men, and. xx. M. foremen, & lamed all the chariot horses, & reserved of them an hundred charettis. And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer king of Zoba, David slew of the Syrians xxii. M. and David subdued Syria Damascus: And the Syrians became David's servants, & brought him tribute. And the Lord preserved David in all that he went to. And David took the Scheldes of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer, and brought them to jerusalem. And from Tebhath and from Chun (cities of Hadadezer) brought David exceeding moche brass. Where with Solomon made the brazen lavatory, * 3. Regsi. 7 b jere. iii. ● the pillars/ and the vessels of brass. And when Tou king of Hemath, heard how David had beaten all the strength of Hadadezer king of Zoba, he sent Haduram his son to king David, to make peace with him & to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer, and beaten him: (for Tou had war with Hadarezer) and (joram brought) all manner of jewels of gold, silver and brass with him. And king David dedy cated them unto the Lord, with the silver & gold that he brought from all nations from Edom, from Moab, from the children of Ammon, from the Philistinis, and from Amalec. And Abisai the son of Zervia siue of the Edomites in the salt valley. xviii. M, and put soldiers in Edom, and all the Edomites became David's servants. Thus the lord kept David in all that he took in hand And David reigned over all Israel, & executed judgement & righteousness among all his people. And joab the son of Zaruia was over the host, & johosaphat the son of Ahilud recorder, and sadocke the son of Ahitob, and Abimelech the Son of Abiathar were the priests, and Savesa was scribe, and Banaiahu the son of jehoiada was over the Crethites, and the Phelethites, and the eldest sons of David were next unto the king. ¶ Hannon king of the sons of Ammon, do the great injury to the servants of David. CAPI. XIX. AFter this, it chanced that * ●●. 〈◊〉. ● Nahas the king of the children of Ammon died, and his son reigned in his stead. And David said: I will show kindness unto Hannon the son of Nahas, because his father dealt kindly with me: And David sent messengers to comfort him over the death of his father. And the servants of David came into the land of the Children of Ammon to Hannon, to comfort him. But the lord of the Children of Ammon said to Hannon: thinkest thou that David doth honour thy father in thy sight, that he hath sent comforters unto thee? Are not his servants come to search, to look, and to spy out the land. Wherefore Hannon took David's servants: ❀ (and polled them,) and shaved them, and cut of their coats heard by their buttocks, and sent them away. And there went certain and told David, how the men were served. And the king sent to meet them, (for the men were exceedingly a shamed) and the king said: Tarry at jericho, until your beerdes be grown, and then return. And when the children of Ammon saw that they stank in the sight of David. Hannon and the children of of Ammon sent a. M. talents of silver to hire them charettes & horsemen, out of Mesopotamia, and out of Syria Maacha and out of Zoba. And they hired. xxxii. M. charettes, and the king of Maacha and his people, which came & pitched before Meoba. And the Children of Ammon gathered themselves together from their cities, and came to battle. And when David heard of it/ he sent joab and all the host of strong men. And the children of Ammon came out, and put themselves in array to battle before the gate of the city. And the kings that were come, kept them by themselves back in the field. When joab also saw that the front of the battle was against him before, and behind: he chose out of all the chosen men of Israel, and put them in array against the Syrians. And the rest of the people he delivered unto the hand of Abisai his brother, and they put themselves in array against the children of Ammon. And he said If the Syrians be to strong for me, thou shalt succour me, and if the children of Ammon prevail against thee, I will help the. Pluck up thine heart, and let us play the men, for our people's sake, and for the cities of our god, and the lord shall do that which is good in his own sight. So joab and the people that were with him, drew nigh before the Syrians unto the battle and they fled before him. And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians were fled, they ran away likewise before Abisai his brother, and got them into the city. And joab came to jerusalem. And when the Syrians saw that they were put to the worse before Israel, they sent messengers & fet out the Syrians that were beyond the river, and Sophach the captain of the host of Hadadezer went before them. And it was told David and he gathered all Israel, and went together over jordane, and came, and set upon them. And when David had put himself in array against the Syrians they fought with him. But the Syrians fled before Israel. And David destroyed of the Syrians. seven. M. charettes, and. xl. M. foot men, & killed Sophach the captain of the host. And when the servants of Hadadezer, saw, that they were put to the worse before them of Israel, they made peace with David, and became his servants. Neither would the Syrians help the children of Ammon any more. ¶ The three most victorious battles of David. CAPI. XX. ANd it came to pass, that after the year was expired ( * ● Reg. xi. a. about the time that kings go out a war fare. (joab carried out the army of the host, * 〈…〉 & destroyed the country of the children of Ammon, and came, and besieged Rabha, and destroyed it: But David tarried at jerusalem while joab smote Rabha and destroyed it: * ● Reg. xii. g And David took the crown of their king, from of his head: and found that it had the weight of a talon of gold, and there were precious stones in it, and it was ordained for David's head. And he brought also exceeding moche spoil out of the city. And he brought out the people that were in it, & tormented them with saws & harrows of iron, & with other sharp instruments, and so dealt David with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And & ●●uid & all the people came again to jerusalem. * ●●. Reg. 〈◊〉. ● After this, it fortuned, that there arose war at Gazer with the philystines. At which time Sobocai the Husathite siue Sippa●, that was of the children of * Gene. 14. ● Rephaim, & they were subdued. And there was battle again which the Philistines, & Elhanan the son of jair/ slew Lahemis the brother of Goliath the Gethite, whose spear was like a weavers beam And there chanced yet again war at Geth/ where as was a man of a great stature, with xxiiii. fingers and toes, six on every hand and six on every foot, and was the son of Raphath. But when he defied Israel, jehonathan the son of Simea David's brother slew him. These were borne unto Raphah at Geth, and were overthrown in the hand of David, and in the hand of his servants. David causeth the people to be nombred● and the●● dieth. lxx. thousand men of the Pestilence. CAPI. XXI. ANd Satan stood up against Israel, & provoked David to number Israel. And David said to joab & to the rulers of the people. Go ye and number Israel from Beer Seba to Dan, and bring it to me that I may know the number of them. And joab answered: the lord make his people an hundred times so many more as they be. But my lord O king, are they not all my lords servants? why then doth my Lord require this thing? why will my lord be a cause of trespass to Israel? Nevertheless, the kings word prevailed against joab. And joab departed & walked throughout all them of Israel, & came to jerusalem again & gave the number of the count of the people unto David. And all they of Israel were a thousand thousand, & an hundred thousand men that drew sword: and juda was. CCCC. lxx. M men that drew sword. But the Levites and Benjamin counted he not among them. For the kings word was abominable to joab And the lord was disposed with this thing/ and smote Israel. And David said unto god: I have sinned exceedingly in doing this thing. And now (I beseech thee) do a 〈…〉 the wickedness of thy servant for I 〈…〉 done very foolyshlye. And the Lord spoke unto Gad David's seat, saying: go and tell David, saying: Thus sayeth the lord: I give thee, the those of three things: chose the one of them, that I may do unto the. And Gad came to David, and said unto him: Thus sayeth the lord. Chose thee, either three years famyshment, or three months to be destroyed before thine adversaries, & that the sword of thine enemies may overtake thee: or else the sword of the lord & pestilence in the land three days, and the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all the coostes of Israel. And now advise thyself, what word I shall bring again to him that sent me. And David said unto Gad: I am in an exceeding straight: let me fall now into the hand of the lord, for passing great are his mercies, but let me not fall into the hand of men. So the Lord sent pestilence upon Israel, and there were overthrown of Israel lxx. M. men. And god sent the angel into jerusalem to destroy it. And as he was about to destroy, the lord beheld, & had compassion on the wretchedness and said to the Angel that destroyed: it is enough, let now thine hand cease. And the angel of the Lord stood by the threshing flower of Ornan the Jebusite. And David lift up his eyes, and saw the Angel of the lord stand between the earth and heaven/ having a drawn sword in his hand, stretched out toward jerusalem. Then David and the Elders of Israel which were clothed in sack, fell upon their faces. And David said unto God: Is it not I that commanded the people to be numbered? It is I that have sinned and done evil indeed, and what have these sheep done? let thine hand (O lord my god) be on me & on my father's house, but not on thy people that they should be punished. And the angel of the lord commanded Gad to say to David, that David should go up, and set up an altar unto the Lord, in the threshing flower of Ornan the Jebusite. And David went up according to the saying of Gad, which he spoke in the name of the lord. And Ornan turned about/ and saw the Angel, and his four sons were with him: & hid themselves: But Ornan was threshing wheat, and as David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw David, and went out of the threshing flower/ and bowed himself to David with his face to the ground. And David said to Ornan: give me the place of the threshing flower, that I may build an altar therein unto 〈◊〉 Lord. Thou shalt give it me for as much money as it is worth, that the plague may cease from the people. And Ornan said unto David: take it to thee, and let my lord the king do that which seemeth good in his eyes: loo, I give the oxen also for burntsacrifyces, & the threshing sleddes for wood, and wheat for meat-offering: I give it all. And king David said to Ornan: not so, but I will buy it for as much money as it is worth. For I will not take that which is thine for the Lord, nor offer burnt-offerings without cost. And so David gave to Ornan for that place, sycles of gold. ut. hundred by weight. And David built there an altar unto the Lord, and offered burnt-offerings, and peaceofferyngis and called upon the lord, and he heard him from heaven in fire upon the altar of burntoffering. And when the lord had spoken to the angel, he put his sword again into the shethe of it. At that time when David saw/ that the Lord had heard him in the threshing flower of Ornan the jebusite: he used to offer there. For the tabernacle of the lord which Moses made in the wilderness/ and the altar of burntoffering were at that reason in the hill at Gibeon. And David could not go before it to ask counsel at god, for he was afeard of the sword of the angel of the Lord. ¶ David willeth his son Solomon to build the temple of the lord, which thing he himself was forbidden to do. CAPI. XXII. ANd David said, this is the house of the lord god, and this is the altar for the burntoffering of Israel. And David commanded to gather together the strangers that were in the land of Israel, and he set masons to hew free stone, for the building of the house of god. And David prepared plenty of iron for nails and doors of the gates, and to join with all, and abundance of brass without weight, and Cedar trees without number. For the Zidons and they of tire brought moche Cedar wood to David. And David said: Solomon my son is young & tender, and the house that is to be built for the lord, must exceed in greatness that it may be spoken of & praised in all landis I will therefore make ordinance for it. And so David prepared many things before his death. And he called Solomon his son, and charged him to build an house for the lord god of Israel: And David said to Solomon: * two. Re. 〈◊〉 3. Regum. ●● My son, I thought (as it was in mine heart) to build an house unto the name of the lord my god. But the word of the lord came to me, saying: thou hast shed much blood, and hast ma●● great battles: Thou shalt therefore not build an house unto my name, for thou hast shed moche blood upon the earth in my sight. Behold, a son is borne thee, and he shall be a man of rest, for I will give him rest from all his enemies round about: For his name is ☞ Solomon: and I will send rest and peace upon Israel in his days. He shall build an house for my name, & he shallbe my son, and I will be his father, and will prepare the seat of his kingdom upon Israel for ever. Now therefore my son, the lord be with thee, and prosper thou, and build the house to the name of the lord thy God, as he hath said of the. And the Lord shall give the wisdom and understanding and shall give the commandments for Israel, that ye may keep the law of the Lord thy God. For then thou shalt prosper: even when thou takest heed and fulfillest the statutes and laws, which the Lord charged Moses with, for Israel. Pluck up thine heart therefore, and be strong, dread not, nor be discouraged. Behold, in mine adversity have I also prepared for the house of the lord an hundred thousand talents of gold, & a thousand thousand talents of silver, and as for brass and iron it can not be numbered, for it is very moche. And I have prepared timber and stone, and thou mayst provide more thereto. Moreover, thou hast workmen with the enough, and masons and carpenters to work in stone and timber, and many men that be active for every work. And of gold, silver, brass and iron, there is no number. Up therefore, and be doing, and the Lord shall be with the. And David commanded all the lords of Israel, to help Solomon his son, saying. Is not the Lord your God with you? and hath he not given you rest on every side? For he hath given the enheritoures of the land in to mine hand, & the land is subdued before the Lord/ and before his people. Now therefore set your hearts, and your souls, to seek the lord your God: Up, and build ye the temple of the Lord god, to bring the ark of the covenant of the lord and the holy vessels of god in to the house so built for the name of the Lord. ¶ David being old ordaineth Solomon king. He causeth the Leuyit● to be numbered, & assigneth them to their offices. CAPI. XXIII. SO when David was old & full of days * ● Regum. i c. he made Solomon his son king over Israel. And then he gathered together all the lords of Israel with the priests and the Levites. And the Levites were numbered from the age of. thirty. year and above, and the number & sum of them was. xxxviii. thousand men. Of which. xxiiit. thousand were set to further the work of the house of the Lord. And six thousand were officers and judges. Four thousand were porters, & four thousand praised the lord with such instruments as was ☞ made to praise withal. And so David put an ordre among the children of Levi: Gerson, Cahath & Merari: Of the Gersonites was Laadan & Semei. The sons of Laadan: the chief was jehiel, Zethan and joel, three. The sons of Semei: Selomith, Haziel, & Haran, three. These were the ancient fathers of Laadan. And the sons of Semei were/ jahath, Zina, jeus and Beria: These four were the sons of Semei. And jahath was the chief Zina he second. But jeus and Beria had not many sons, therefore they were in one reckoning, according to their father's household reckoned for one ancient household. The sons of Cahath: Amram, Izahar, Hebron and Uziel. four. * Exodi 〈◊〉. ● Ma●. 〈◊〉 ● The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. And Aaron was separated, to have the rule of the holy things in the place most holy, he and his sons for ever: and to burn incense before the Lord, and to minister unto him, and to bless in his name for ever. Moses also the man of God, and his children, were named with the tribe of Levi. The sons of Moses: Gerson and Eliezer. Of the sons of Gerson: S●buell was the chief. The sons of Eliezer: Rehabia the chief. And Eliezer had none other sons: But the sons of Rehabia were very many. The sons of Izahar, Salomith, the theyfe. The sons of Hebron: jeriahu the first. Amaria the second, jahaziel the third and jecameam the fourth. The sonnis of Uziel: Micha the first, & jesia the second. The sons of Merari: Mahli and Musi. The sons of Mahli: Eleazar & Cis. And Eleazar died, & had no sons, but daughters, and their brethren the sons of Cis took them. The sons of Musi: Mahlt, Eder, & jeremoth, iii. These are the children of Levi after the household of their fathers, even the ancient of the father's/ according to their offices, & after the number & sum of the names of them that did the work in the service of the house of the lord from the age of xx. years & above. And David said: the Lord god of Israel hath given rest unto his people that they may dwell in Jerusalem for ever, that the Levites also should now no more bear the tabernacle & all the vessels for the service thereof: for according to the last wordis of David, the Levites were numbered from twenty year and above, and their office was under the hand of the sons of Aaron, for the service of the house of the Lord, in the courts and cells, and in the purifying of all holythyngꝭ, and in the work of the service of the house of God. In the shewebread in the fine flower, in the meateoffering, in the wafers of swetebread, in the fryeng pan: in the gyrdyron and in all manner of measures, and cyse, and to stand every day in the morning, to thank and praise the lord, and so likewise at even, and to offer all burnt sacrifices unto the lord in the sabbaths, in the new moons, and on the feastful days by number and custom continually (as they were commanded) before the Lord. And that they should wait on the tabernacle of witness, and on the holy place and on the sons of Aaron their brethren, in the service of the house of the Lord. ¶ David assigneth offices to the sons of Aaron. CAPI XXIIII. THese are the divisions of the sons of Aaron: The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. * 〈◊〉. xvi. a Nadab also and Abihu died before their father, and had no Children: But Eleazar, and Ithamar executed the priests office. And David ordered them on this manner: Sadocke of the sons of Eleazar, & Ahimelek of the sons of Ithamar according to their offices in their ministration. And there were more ancient men found among thosonnes of Eleazar then the sons of Ithamar. And thus were they ordered together: Among the sons of Eliazar there were sixteen rulers, according to the household of their fathers: and right among the sons of Ithamar according to the household of their fathers. And thus were they put in order by lot, the one sort from the other, & so were there rulers in the Sanctuary and lords before God, as well of the sons of Ithamar as of the sons of Eleazar. And Semeia the son of Nathaneel the scri●●●● the kindred of the Levites wrote them bef●●● king and the Lords, and before Sadok the priest and Ahimelek the son of Abiathar, and before the ancient fathers, before the priests and the Levites: one principal household being reserved for Eleazar and one for Ithamar. And the first lot fell to jehoiarib, and the second to jedaia. The third to Harim, and the fourth to Sehorim. The fift to Melchia, and the sixth to Miamin, The seventh to Hakos, and the eight to * 〈◊〉. i. a Abia. The ninth to jesua: and the tenth to Secan●ahu: the eleventh to Eliasib: And the twelfth to jakim: The thirteenth to Hupa: The fourteenth to jesebeab. The fifteenth to Bisga, and the syxtenth to Immer. The seventeenth to Hezir, and the eighteenth to Hapzez. The nyntenth to Pathahia, and the twentieth to jeheskell. The. xxi. to jachim. & the xxii. to Gamul. The. xxiii. to Delaiahu, and the. xxiiii. to Maasiahu. These are the ordinances of them in their offices when they came in to the house of the Lord, according to their manner under Aaron their Father, as the lord God of Israel had commanded him. The rest of the sons of Levi, are these: of the sons of Amram, Subael. Of the sons of Suhael, jehediahu. Of the sons of Rehabia, the first jesia. Of the jezeharites Selomoth. Of the sons also of Selomoth, jahath. The sons of jariahu: Amariahu the second, jahaziel the third, & jekamean the fourth. Of the sons of Usiel, Micha. Of the sons of Micha, Samir. The brother of Micha was jisia. Of the sons also of jisia Zechariahu. The sons of Merari were Mahil & Musi. The sons of jaaziahu, Beno. The sons of Merati by jahaziahu. Beno, Sohem, Zacur and Ibri. Of Maheli came Eleazar & he had no sons. Of his the sons of Kiss: jera hemeel. The sons of Mus●: Mahli, Eder and jerimoth. These are the children of the Levites after the household of their fathers. And these cast lots next to their brethren the sons of Aaron, in the presence of David the king, and Sadok and Ahimelek and the ancient fathers, priests, and Levites: even the principal fathers before their younger brethren: ❀ (the lot made equal distributyon among them all.) ¶ The syngers are appointed, with their place● and lo●●●. CAPI. XXV. ANd so David and the captains of the host appointed out to do service, the sons of Asaph, Heman & jeduthun, when they did prophesy with haps, phaltres and Symballes. And there was a multitude of the men that were appointed to the service and ministration. Of the sons of Asaph: Zaccur: joseph, Nathania and Aserela that waited on Asaph, which prophesied by the king. Of jeduthun: the sons of jeduthun: Gedeliahu, Zeri, jesaiahu, Hasabiahu, and Mathithiahu. vi. under the hands of their father jeduthun, which prophesied with an harp, for to give thank & praises unto the lord, Of Heman the sons of Heman. Bukia hu, Mathaniahu, Uziel, Zebuel, jerimoth, Hanania, Hanani, Eliatha, Gedalthi, Romanthi Ezer, josbekasa, Malothy, Hothir, and Mahazioth. All these were the sons of Heman which was the kings Sear in the words of god ☞ to lift up the horn. And god gave to Heman. xliii. sons &. three daughters. All these also were at the hand of their father singing in the house of the lord with symbals, Psaltres & haps, when Asaph, jeduthum and Heman executed the service in the house of God, at the kings hand. And the multitude of them with their brethren that were instruct in the songs of the lord, even all that were cunning, were two hundred. ●●ii. score & eight. And they * Pro. xvi. d. cast lots among themselves (how they should wait) as well for the small as for the great, for the scholar as well as for the school master. And the first lot in ☞ Asaph fell to joseph. The second to Gedeliahu (with his brethren & sons) which men were twelve. The third fell to Zaccur with his sons & brethren, being twelve persons. The fourth to Izri with his sons and brethren, twelve persons. The fift to Nathantahu with his sons & brethren, twelve persons. The sixth to Bukiahu with his sons and brethren, twelve persons. The seventh to jesarela with his sons and brethren, twelve persons. The eight to jesaiahu with his sons and brethren, twelve persons. The ninth to Mathaniahu with his sons & brethren, twelve persons. The tenth to Simei with his sons and brethren, twelve persons. The eleventh to Azarael with his sons & brethren, twelve persons. The twelfth to Hasabia with his sons and brethren, twelve persons. The thirteenth to Subael with his sons & brethren twelve persons. The fourteenth to Mathathiahu with his sons and brethren, twelve persons. The fifteenth to jeremoth with his sons & brethren, twelve persons. The sixteenth to Hananiahu with his sons and brethren twelve persons. The seventeenth to josbekasa with his sons and brethren, twelve persons. The eighteenth to Hanani with his sons and brethren, twelve persons. The nynetenth to Malothi with his sons and brethren, twelve persons. The twentieth to Eliathath with his sons & brethren, twelve persons. The xxi. to Hothir with his sons & brethren, twelve persons. The. xxii. to Gidalthi with his sons and brethren, twelve persons. The. xxiii. to Mahazioth with his sons & brethren, twelve persons. The. xxiiii to Romanthi Azer with his sons and brethren, twelve persons. ¶ The porters of the Temple are ordained, every man to the gate which he should ●●ep●. CAPI. XXVI. THese are the divisions of the porters, Among the Corehites: Meselemiahu the son of Kore of the children of Asaph And the sons of Meselemiahu were these: Zachariahu the eldest, Ied●hell the second, Zebadiahu the third, & Iath●●el the fourth Elam the fifth, jehohanan the sixth, & Elioenai the seventh. The sons of Obed Edom Semeia the eldest, jehosabad the second, joah the third, Sacar the fourth, & Nethanael the fifth, Am●el the sixth, Isachar the seventh Peulthia the. viii. for God blessed him. And unto Semeia his son were sons borne, that ruled in the house of their father, for they were men of might. The sons of Semeia Othni, Rephael, Obed and Elzabad and his brethren were strong men: Elihu and Samahiahu. All these were of the children of Obed Edom, they and their children, & their brethren, active men and of strength to do service, even. lxii. of Obed Edom. And Meleniah had sons & brethren, active men, xviii. The sons of Hosa of the children of Merari: Simri the chief, & though he was not the eldest, yet his father se● him in the chiefest place. Helkiahu the second, T●baliahu the third, and Zechariahu the fourth: at the sons and brethren of Hosa were. xiii. Among these was divided the office of the portership that they should be ancient men, to wait with his brethren, when they ministered in the house of the Lord. And they cast lots between the great and small after the household of their fathers, for every gate. And the lot on the east side fell upon Selemeiahu. And for Zachariahu his son (which was a wise consellor) they cast lots, & his lot came out toward the North. And Obed Edom's lot fell to the South. And for his sons fell to the houses of Asuppim. For Suphim and Hosa toward the west, which the gate that standeth toward the higher way: one ●a●●●e being over against an other. Towa●●●●here the way assendeth upward, the one way being fast by the other. In the East were six Levites: & toward the North. iiii. a day: toward the South. iiii. a day, & toward Asuppim, two and two. In Pharbai toward the west: two at the going up, and two in Pharbar. These are the divisions of the porters among the sons of Kore, & among the sonnis of Merari. And of the Levites, Ahiah had the oversight of the treasure of the house of god and of the treasure of the dedicate things. As concerning the sons of Laadan which were the children of the Gersonites. Of Laadan came ancient fathers, Even of Laadan there came Gersuni and jehieli. The sons of jehieli: Zethan & joel his brother, which were over the treasures of the house of the Lord. Of the Amramites also and Izaharites, Hebronites and Ozielites, was Subuel the son of Gerson, the son of Moses, a ruler over the treasures. And of his brethren the sons of Eliezer, was Rahabiahu, whose son was Isaiahu, whose son was joram, whose son was Zichri, whose son was Selomith, which Selomith & his brethren were over all the treasures of the ☞ dedicate things, which David the king, and the ancient fathers, the captains over thousands and hundreds, & the captains of the host had dedicated out of the spoils won in battles: they did dedicate them to maintain the house of the Lord: and all that Samuel the Sear, & Saul the son of Cis, and Abner the son of Ne'er, and joab the son of Zervia had dedicated (and who soever had dedicated any thing) it was under the hand of Selomith and his brethren. Of the Izaharites was Chenaniahu and his sons, appointed to the business without forth over Israel: for they were officers and judges. And of the Hebronites Hasabiahu and his brethren, men of activity a thousand & seven hundred, were officers among them of Israel beyond jordan westward, in all business belonging to God, and service of the king. Among the Hebronites was jedia the cheyfest, even a prince among the Hebronites and fathers of his kindred. And in the forty year of the kingdom of David, they were sought for. And there were found among them men of activity at jazer in Gilead. And his brethren were men of activity, even two thousand and seven hundred ancient fathers, whom king David made rulers over the Rubenites, Gaddites, and over the half tribe of Manasse, for every matter pertaining to God, and for the kings business. ¶ Of the princes & rulers that ministered unto the king. CAPI. XXVII. THe children of Israel: after the number of them, the ancient heads and captains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers that served the king by diverse courses which came in, and went out, moaneth by moveth, throughout all the months of the year. And in every course were xxiiii. thousand. Over the first course for the first month, was jasoboam the son of Zabdtel. And in his course were. xxiiii. thousand. And the chiefest of all the captains of the host for the first month, was of the children of Pharez. Over the course of the second month was Dodai an Ahohite, and in his course was Mikloth a ruler: And in that course were. xxiiii. thousand. The chief captain of the third host for the third month, was * two. Reg. ●3. ● i Para. xi. ● Banaiahu the son of jehoiada the high priest. And in his course were. xxiiii thousand. This is that Banaiahu, which was most mighty among. thirty. & above. thirty. And in his part was Amizadad his son. The fourth captain for the fourth month, was Asael the brother of joab, and Zabadia his son after him. And in his course were. xxiiii. thousand. The fift captain for the fift month was Samhut the jezrahite & in his course were. xxiiii. thousand. The sixth captain for the sixth month was Ira the son of Ickes a Theckuite: and in his course were. xxiiii. thousand. The seventh captain for the seventh month, was Helez the Pelonite, of the children of Ephraim: & in his course were. xxiiii. thousand. The. viii. captain for the eight month, was Sibechei an Husathite of the kindred of Zarhi: & in his course were. xxiiii. thousand. The ninth captain for the ninth month, was Abiezer an Anathothite of the sons of jemini: and in his course were. xxiiii. thousand. The tenth captain for the tenth month, was Mahari the Netophathite of the zarahites: and in his course were, xxiiii. thousand. The eleventh for the eleventh month, was Banaia the Pirathonite of the children of Ephraim: and in his course were. xxiiii. thousand. The twelfth captain for the twelfth month, was Heldia the Netophathite with Othoniel, and in his course were. xxiiii. thousand. And the rulers over the tribes of Israel were these: Among the Rubinites, was Eliezer the son of Zichri. Among the Simonites also was Saphatiahu the son of Maacha. Among the Levites: Hazabia the son of Kemuel. Among the Haromites zadocke. Among them of juda: Elihu of the brethren of David Among them of Isachar, Omri the son of Michael. Among them of Zabulon jesmaiahu the son of Obadiahu. Among them of Nephthali: jerimoth the son of Azriel. Among the children of ephraim: Hosea the son of Azariahu In the half tribe also of Manasse. joel the son of Phedaiahu. Of the half tribe of Manasse in Gilead: jido the son of Zachariahu. Among them of Benjamin: jaasiel the son of Abner. Among them of Dan: Azarel the son of jeroham. These are the lords of the tribes of Israel. But David took not the number of them under. xx. year: because the Lord said he would increase Israel like unto the stars of the sky. And * ● Par. xxi. a jaob the son of Zervia began to number: but he finished it not, because that there fell wrath for it against Israel: neither was the number put in to the Chronicles of king David. Over the kings treasures was Azmaueth the son of Adiel. And over the treasures of the fields, in the cities and villages & castles was jehonathan, the son of Uziahu. And over the workmen in the fields that tilled the ground, was Ezri the son of Chelub. And the oversight of the vineyards had Semei the Ramathite. Over the increase also of the vineyards, and over the wynesellers was Sabdi the Hasiphunite. And over the olive trees, and mulberry trees that were in the valleys, was Baal Hanan the Gederite. And over the treasure of oil, was joas Over the oxen that fed in Saron, was Setari the Saronite. And over the Oxen that were in the valleys was Saphat the son of Adlai. Over the camels, Obel the Ismaelyte. And over the asses was johadiahu the Meronothite. Over the sheep, was jazis the Hagerite. All these were the rulers of the substance of king David. And jehonathan David's uncle, a man of counsel, and of understanding was a scribe, and jehiel the son of Hachmoni ☞ was with the kings sons. And Ahitophel was of the kings counsel. And Husai the Arachite was the kings companion. And next to Ahitophel was jehoiada the son of Banaiahu, and Abiathar. And the captain of the kings war, was joab. ¶ Because David was forbidden to build the temple, he exhorteth Solomon, and the people to perform it. CAPI. XXVIII. ANd David gathered together all the lords of Israel: the lords of the tribes the lords of the companies that ministered to the king by course, the captains over the thousands and over the hundreds, and the lords that had the oversight of all the substance and possession of David, his sonnis, with the chamberlains: all the mighty, and valiant, and all active men, unto jerusalem. And king David stood up upon his feet and said. Hear me my brethren and my people. * ● Reg. 7. a. I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and for the ☞ foot stole of our god, & had made ready, for the building. But god said unto me: * 3. Regum. v. ● 1. Pa. xxii. ● thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, & hast shed blood. Moreover the lord God of Israel * 1. Reg. 16. ● chose me before all the house of my father, to be king over Israel for ever, for in juda would he chose a captain: & of the household of juda is the house of my father, & among the sons of my father he had a lust to me, to make me king over all Israel. And of all my sons (for the lord hath given me many sons) he hath chosen Solomon my son, to sit upon the seat of the kingdom of the lord in Israel. And he said unto me: * i Par. 17. ● two. Par. ●●●● Solomon thy son, he shall build me an house & courts, I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. I will stablish his kingdom for ever, if he will be strong to do my commandments, and my laws, as it goeth this day. Now therefore, in the sight of all Israel the congregation of the Lord, & in the audience of our God: keep and seek for all the commandments of the Lord your God, that ye may enjoy a good land, and leave enheritaunnce for your children after you for ever. And thou Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a pure heart, and with a sweet courage. * P●●. seven. ●. For the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of thoughts. And if thou seek him, he will be found of thee: But if thou forsake him, he will cast the of for ever. Take heed now, for the Lord hath chosen thee, to build him an house of a Sanctuary. Be strong therefore, and play the man. And David gave Solomon his son the patron of the porch ❀ (of the temple also) & of the houses that longed thereto, of the store houses, upper chambres, inner parlours, & of the house of the mercyseat: & the example of all that he had in his mind, for the courtis of the house of the lord, & for all the celles round about, for the treasures of the house of god, and for the treasures of the dedicate things, & of the companies of the priests and Levites that waited by course, and of all the workmanship, that should serve for the house of the lord, & for all the vessels that should serve in the house of the Lord. For gold & for the weight of gold, for all vessels of sundry ministrations: for all manner of vessels of silver in weight, and for all vessels, what for ever purpose they served unto. The weight of gold for the candlesticks, and the gold for the lamps, with the weight for every candelstycke, and for the lamps thereof. And for the candlesticks of silver by weight, both for the candelstycke and also for her lamps according to the diversity of the use of every candlestick. And by weight ❀ (he gave) gold for the tables of show bread, even for every table: & likewise silver for the tables of silver. And gold for flesh hooks, cups, & drinking pots: And pure gold in weight for basins, even for every basin. And likewise silver by weight, for every basin of silver. And for the altar of incense pure gold by weight. And gold for the patron of the chariot of the Cherubes that stretched out their wings, and covered the ark of the covenant of the lord. All was given me by writing of the hand of the Lord, which made me understand all the workmanship of the patron. And David said to Solomon his son: Be strong, and do manfully, fear not, nor be faint hearted. For the Lord God, even my God, is with thee, and he shall not fail thee, nor forsake thee, until thou hast finished all the work that must serve for the house of the Lord. Behold, the priests and Levites are divided in companies, for all manner of service that pertaineth to the house of god: they are with the for all manner of workmanship, and so are all that excel in wisdom for any manner of service. Thou hast also the Lords and all the people for every thing that thou hast need of. ¶ The offering of David, and of the princes for the building of the Temple. David dieth, and Solomon his son reigneth in his stead. CAPI. XXIX. ANd David the king said unto all the congregation: * 1. Regum. v ● God hath specially chosen Solomon my son which is yet young and tender, and the work is great for the house shall not be for man, but for the lord God. Moreover I have prepared with all my might for the house of God: gold for vessels of gold, silver for them of silver, brass for things of brass, iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood: and onyke stones/ and stones to be set, glistering stones of diverse colours, and all manner of precious stones, and marble stones in great abundance. And because I have lust to the house of my God: I have of mine own proper good, of gold and silver, which I have severally given to the house of my god beside all that I have prepared for the holy house: even three thousand talents of gold of Ophir, and seven thousand talents of tried silver, to overlay the walls of the houses withal: the gold for things of gold: silver for them of silver, and for all manner of work by the hands of artificers. And who soever is willing, may this day consecrate his hand unto the lord. And so the ancient fathers, and the lords of the tribes of Israel, the captains of thousands and hundreds, with the lords that were rulers over the kings work, were willing & gave for the service of the house of God, five thousand talents of gold, & ten thousand pieces of gold: and ten thousand talents of silver, and. xviii, thousand talents of brass, and an hundred thousand talents of iron. And they with whom precious stones were found gave them to the treasure of the house of the Lord, by the hand of jehiel the Gersonite. And the people rejoiced, when the were so willing to give their goods, and with a perfit heart they offered unto the Lord. And David the king rejoiced with great gladness. And David blessed the Lord before all the congregation, and said. Blessed be thou lord God of Israel our father, from ever, and forever. Thine (O lord) is greatness, and power, glory, victory and praise: for all that is in heaven and in earth is thine, and thine is the kingdom (O lord) & thou excellest above all, even as the head of all. And tychesse and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all, and in thine hand is power and strength, and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto al. And now our god, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. But who am I● & what is my people? that we should enfor●● our selves to give these things so willingly? But all things come of thee: and of that which we receive of thine hand, we have given the. * 〈◊〉. 47. ● Psal. 39 〈…〉 For we be but strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers. Our days on the earth also are but as a * Sapi. 〈…〉 shadow, and there is none abiding. O lord our God, all this stuff that we have prepared to build the an house for thy holy name, cometh of thine hand, & is all thine. (I wot also my god) that thou triest the hearts, and hast pleasure in unfeignedness. And in the unfeignedness of mine heart, I have willingly offered all these things. And now have I seen thy people which are found here, to offer unto the willingly, and with gladness. O lord God of Abraham. Isaac, & of Israel our fathers, keep this for ever, as the beginning of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, & prepare their hearts unto the. And give unto Solomon my son▪ a perfit heart, to keep thy commandments, thy testymonyes and thy statutes, and to do all, and to build the house for the which I have made provision. And David said to all the congregation: ☞ Now bless the lord your god. And all the congregation blessed the lord god of their fathers, and bowed down their heads & worshipped the lord, & the king. And they offered offerings unto the Lord. And on the morrow after the said day, they offered burnt-offerings unto the Lord: even a thousand young oxen, a thousand rams & a thousand sheep, with their drink offerings. Many sacrifices offered they for all Israel, and did eat and drink before the Lord the same day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him prince before the lord, and Zadocke to be the high priest. * 〈…〉. ● And Solomon sat on the seat of the Lord, and was king in stead of David his father, and prospered, and all they of Israel obeyed him. And all the lords and men of power, and all the sons of king David submitted themselves, and were under king Solomon. * 〈…〉. And the lord magnified Solomon in dignity, in the sight of all them of Israel, and gave him so glorious a kingdom as no king had before him in Israel. And so David the son of Isai reigned over all Israel. And the space that he reygued over Israel, was. xl. year: seven year reigned he in Hebron, &. xxxiii. year reigned he in jerusalem. And he died in a good age: full of days, riches and honour. And Solomon his son reigned in his stead. The acts of David the king first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Samuel the sear, and in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the book of Gad the sear, with all his kingdom and power and times, that went over him and over all Israel, & over all the kingdoms of the earth. ❧ The end of the first book of the chronicles: otherwise called the first book of Paralipomenon. ❧ ❀ ❧ ¶ The second book of the Chronicles: which in the Hebrew is one with the first. ¶ The offering of Solomon in the hill altar at Gib●●●●, where he receiveth an answer of God, what wisdom should be given him, with the number of his Chariots, and horsemen. CAPI. Primo. ANd Solomon the son of David waxed strong in his kingdom, and the lord his god was with him, and magnified him in the dignity. And Solomon spoke unto all Israel, to the captains over thousands, to the captains over hundreds, to the judges and to every officer in all Israel, & to the ancient fathers. And so Solomon and all the congregation with him * 3. Reg. iii. ● went to the high place that was at Gibeon: for * 3 Reg. three ● there was the Tabernacle of the witness of God, * i, Par. ixi. ● which Moses the servant of the lord made in the wilderness. But the ark of God, * Grods'. 3●. 37. and. 3●. 〈◊〉. Reg. vi ● had David brought from Kiriath jarim, in to the place which David had prepared therefore. For he had pitched a tent for it at jerusalem. Moreover, the brazen altar * Exods. 3●▪ ● that Bezaleel the son of Uri, the son of Her had made, was there, before the tabernacle of the Lord. And Solomon and the congregation went to visit it. And Solomon got up there before the lord to the brazen altar that was before the tabernacle of witness, and * 3. Reg. ii●● offered a thousand burnt sacrifices upon it. And the same night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him: Ask what I shall give the. And Solomon said unto God: thou haste showed great mercy unto David my father, and * Sapi. ix. ●. haste made me to reign in his stead. * 3. Reg. i. ●●. Now therefore O Lord God, let thy promise which thou madest unto David my father, be true. For * 3. Reg. iii. ● thou haste made me king over a people, which is like the dust of the earth in multitude. Wherefore, give me now wisdom, and knowledge, that I may be able to ☞ go out and in before this people: for who elles ❀ (worthily) can judge this people that is so great? * 3. Reg. i●i. ● And god said to Solomon, because this was in thine heart, and because thou haste not asked treasure, and richesse, and honour, and the lives of thine enemies, neither yet long life. But hast asked wisdom & knowledge for thyself, to judge my people, over which I have made the king: wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee, and I will give the treasure, and richesses, and glory, so that among the kings that have been before the or after thee, none was or shall be like the. And so Solomon came from the hill altar (that was at Gibeon) to jerusalem, from the tabernacle of witness, and reigned over Israel. And * 3. Regum. x. ● Solomon gathered charettes and horsemen: and he had a thousand and four hundred charettes, and. xii. thousand horse men, whom he bestowed in the chariot cities and with the king at jerusalem. And * 3. Regum. x. ● the king made silver and gold at jerusalem, as plenteous as stones: & Cedar trees made he as plenty as the mulberry trees that grow in the valleys. And the horses which Solomon had, were brought him out of Egypte by the kings merchants that were together: Which being of one company, took them out at a price. They came also and brought out of Egypte ☞ a chariot for two hundred petes of silver, even an horse for an hundred and fifty. And so brought they horses for all the kings of the Hethites, and for the kings of Sitia by their own hand. Solomon sendeth to Hiram the king of tire, for wood, and workmen. CAPI. II. ANd Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the lord, and an house for his kingdom: and Solomon told out three score and ten thousand men to bear burdens, & four score thousand men to hue stones in the mountain, & three thousand and two hundred to oversee them. * 3 Regum. v. a And Solomon sent to Hiram the king of tire, saying: As thou didst deal with David my father, and * two. Reg. v. ●. didst send him Cedar wood, to build him an house to dwell in, even so deal with me: For I am about to build an house for the name of the Lord my god, to offer unto him holy things, and to burn sweet sense, and to set showbread before him continually, to offer burnt-sacrifices of the morning and evening, on the sab both days, in the first day of every new moon, & in the solempnefeastes of the lord our God. For it is an ordinance to be continually kept of Israel. And the house which I built shall be great: for great is our god above all gods. But who is able to build him an house: when that heaven, and heaven above all heavens is not able to receive him? What am I then that I should build him an house ●ay, but even to burn sacrifice before him, shall this building be: send me now therefore a cunning man, that can work in gold and silver, in brass and iron, in purple, cremosyn & yellow silk, & that can skill to grave, with the cunning men that are with me in Iud● and jerusalem, whom David my father did prepare. Send me also Cedar trees, Pine trees, and ☞ Algume trees out of Libanon. For I wot that thy servants can skill to hew timber in Libanon. And behold, my men shall be with thine, that they may prepare me timber enough. For the house which I am determined to build, shallbe wonderful great, And behold for the use of thy servants the cutters and hewers of timber: I have given. xx. thousand quarters of beaten wheat, and. xx. thousand quarters of barley, and. xx. thousand bates of wine, and. xx. thousand bates of oil. And Hiram king of tire answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon. Because the lord hath loved his people, therefore hath he made the king over them. And Hiram said moreover: blessed be the Lord God of Israel which made heaven and earth, & that hath given David the king a wise son, & one that hath discretion, prudence, and understanding, to build a● house for the lord, and a palace for himself. And now I have sent a wise man, and a man of understanding (whom my father ●u ram did use) * ●. ●n 〈…〉 the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of tire, and he can skill to work in gold and silver, in brass & iron, in stone & timber in purple and yellow silk, in fine white and cremosyn: and can grave sundry manner of gravings, and to find out diverse manner of subtle work that shall be set before him, with thy cunning men, & with the cunning men of my Lord David thy father. Now therefore, the wheat & barley, oil and wine, which my lord hath spoken of, let him send unto his servants. And we will cut wood in Libanon, as much as thou shalt need, and will bring it to the in ships by see to japho, from whence thou mayst carry them to jerusalem. And Solomon numbered all the strangers that were in the land of Israel, after the number of them, whom his father David had numbered. And they were found an hundred &. liii. M. and two hundred. And he set. lxx. thousand of them to bear burdens, and lxxx. M. to hue stones in the mountain, and three thousand and two hundred officers, to set the people a work. ¶ The temple of the lord and the porch are builded. with other things thereto belonging. CAPI. III. ANd Solomon began to build the house of the lord at jerusalem in mount Moria * 〈…〉. xxi. ●. where (the Lord appeared unto David his father: even in the place that David prepared in the threshing flower of Ornan the jebusite. And * 〈…〉. seven. ● he began to build in the second day of the second month * 〈…〉 vi. ● the fourth year of his reign. And these are the patrons whereby Solomon was instruct to build the house of God. The length was three score cubytes after the old measure, and the breadth. xx. cubytes. The porch, that was in breadth as large as the temple, had. xx. cubytes: and the height was an hundred and xx. cubytes. And he gainsaid it on the inner side with pure gold. And the greater house he syled with fir trees, which he gainsaid with the best gold/ and graved thereto palm-trees, & chains. And he gainsaid the house with precious stone beutyfully. And the gold was gold of Paruaim: The house (I say) the beams/ posts, walls and doors thereof, gainsaid he with gold, and made graven work upon the walls. And he made the house most holy, whose length was. xx. cubytes like to the breadth of the house, & the breadth thereof was also. xx. cubytes. And he gainsaid it with good gold, even with. vi. hundred talentes. And the weight of the nails of gold was fifty sycles. And he gainsaid the upper chambers with gold * 〈…〉. 〈◊〉. ● And in the house most holy, he made two Cherubins of image work, like children, and gainsaid them with gold. And the wings of the Cherubs were. xx. cubytes long. The one wing was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house, and the other wing was likewise five cubytes, reaching to the wing of the other Cherub. And even so the one wing of the other Cherub was five cubytes, reaching to the wall of the house, and the other wing was five cubits also, and reached to the wing of the other Cherub. So that the wyngis of the said the●ubs were stretched out. xx. cubytꝭ. And they stood on their feet, and looked inwards. And he made a fore hanging of yellow silk purple, cremosin, and fine white, & caused the pictures of Cherubs to be broidered thereon. And he made before the house, two pillars of. xxxv. cubytes high. And the head that was above on the top of one of them was five cubytes. And he made theynes of wreathen work for the quere, and put them on the heads of the pillars, and made an hundred pomgarnettes, & put them on the chains. And he reared up the pillars before the temple: one on the right hand, and the other on the left, and called the right ☞ jathin, and the left ☞ Boaz. ¶ The altar of brass, the lavatory, the vessels to was she with, the candlesticks. etc. CAPI. four ANd he made an altar of brass. xx. cubits long, and. xx. cubits broad, and ten cubytes high. * 3. Re. seven ●. And he cast a brazen lavatory of ten cubytes from brim to brim, round in compass, and five cubytes high: and a line of thirty cubytes did compass it round about. And under it was the fashion of oxen which did compass it round about: with ten cubytes did they compass the Lavatory round about, and there were two rows of oxen, which were cast of like molten work. And it stood also upon twelve oxen: three looked toward the North, three toward the west, three toward the South, and three toward the East: and the Lavatory was set upon them, and all their backs were toward the Lavatory. And the thickest of it was an hand breadth, and the brim like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies. And ●o received and held three thousand bates. * ●. Re●. 7. ●. And he made ten laver: and put five on the right hand, and five on the left, to wash and cleanse in them, such thyng● as they offered for a burt offering. But the great Lavatory was for the priests to was she in. And he made ten candlesticks of gold (according to the patron that was given of them) & put them in the temple: five on the right hand, & five on the left. And he made also ten tables: and put them in the temples five on the right side, and five on the left. And he made an hundred basins of gold. And he made the court of the priests, and the great court and doors to it: & gainsaid the doors of them with brass. And he set the great Lavatory on the right side of the east end, over against the South. And Hiram made pots, shovels and basins, and finished the work that he was appointed to make for king Solomon in the house of god: The two pillars, the coveryngꝭ or two heads on the tops of the pillars, and the two wreaths to cover the two scalps or heads that were on the tops on the pillars: and four hundred pomgarnettꝭ on the two wreaths, two rows of Pomgarnettes on one wreath, to cover the two tops or heads that were on the pillars. And he made two bottoms, and laver made he upon the bottoms: the great lavatory, and twelve oxen under it. Pottis also and shovels, fleshehokes and all these vessels did Hyram (his father) make to king salomon for the house of the Lord, of bright brass. In the plain of jordane did the king cast them, even in the clay ground that is/ between Socoth and Zatedatha. And Solomon made all these vessels in great abundance/ for the weight of brass could not be reckoned. And Solomon made all the vessels that were for the house of God: The golden altar also/ & the tables to set the showbread upon. Moreover, the candelstyckes with their lamps (to burn after the manner before the queer) and that of precious gold: and the flowers, & the lamps, and the snoffers made he of gold, and that perfit gold: and the dressing knives/ basins/ spoons/ and sencers of pure gold. And ❀ (he made) the door of the temple/ and the inner doors within the place most holy: and the inner doors of the temple, were guilded. And so was all the work that Solomon made for the house of the lord finished. ¶ The Ark is brhought into the temple, which is filled with the glory of the Lord. CAPI. V ANd so all the work that Solomon made in the house of the Lord was finished: & * 3. Regum. 7 ● Solomon brought in all the things that David his father had dedicated, with the silver and gold/ and all the jewels, and put them among the treasures of the house of God. Then Solomon * 3. Regum. 8 a gathered the elders of Israel together/ and all the heads of the tribes, & ancient fathers of the children of Israel, unto jerusalem: to bring the ark of the covenant of the lord out of the city of David which is Zion: Wherefore all the men of Israel resorted unto the king in the feast, even in the seventh month. And all the elders of Israel came, and the levities took up the ark. And the priests and the Levites brought away the Ark, and the tabernacle of witness, (and all the holy vessels that were in the tabernacle,) and they bore them. And king Solomon and all the congregation of Israel/ that were assembled unto him before the Ark, offered sheep, and oxen, so many/ that they could not be told, nor numbered for multitude. And the Preestes brought the Ark of the appointment of the Lord unto his place, even in to the queer of the temple within the place most holy, and set it under the wyngis of the Cherubs, that the Cherubs stretched out their wings over the place of the Ark, and the Cherubs covered both the Ark and her bars above on high. And the bars of the Ark, were so long that the heads of the bars were seen without the Ark within the queer, but not without. And there the Ark remained unto this day. But there was nothing in the Ark/ * 3. Regum. ●● save the two tables which Moses put thee in at Horeb, when the lord made a covenant with the children of Israel, after they were come out of Egypte. And it fortuned, that when the priests were come out of the holy place (for all the priests that were present, were sanctified and did not then wait by course) that both the Levites and the syngers (under Asaph, Heman and jeduthun) were appointed to sundry offices with their Children and brethren, and were arrayed in fine white, having Symbals, Psalteries and haps, and stood at the East end of the altar: and by them an hundred and twenty priests blowing with trumpets. And the trumpet blowers and the syngers so agreed, that it seemed but one voice in prey sing and thanking the Lord. And when they lift up their voice with the Trumpets, Symbals and other instruments of music, and when they praised the Lord, ❀ (and said) how that he is good, and that his mercy lasteth ever, the house of god was filled with a cloud: so that the priests could not endure to minister, by the reason of the cloud. For the majesty of the Lord had filled the house of God. ¶ The words of Solomon to the people, and the prayer that he made unto god. CAPI. VI THen Solomon said: * 3. Reg 〈…〉 the Lord hath spoken, how that he will dwell in the cloud. And I have built an habitation for thee, and a place for thy dwelling for ever. And the king turned his face, and blessed the hole congregation of Israel/ and all the congregation of Israel stood. And he said: blessed be the Lord god of Israel which hath with his hands, fulfilled it, that he spoke with his mouth to my father David, saying: * two. Re 〈…〉 Sense the day that I brought my people out of the land of Egypte, I chose no city among all the tribes of Israel to build an house in, that my name might be there, neither chose I any man to be a ruler over my people Israel: saving that * two. Reg 〈◊〉 and. 〈…〉 have chosen jerusalem, (that my name might be there) and have chosen David to be over my people Israel. * ● Reg. 7. a. 〈…〉. viii b Pa●. 22. b And when it was in the heart of David my father to build an house for the name of the Lord God of Israel: the Lord said to David my father: for asmuch as it was in thine heart to build an house for my name, thou didst well that thou so thoughtest in thine heart. notwithstanding, thou shalt not build the house, but thy Son which is proceeded out of thy loins, he shall build an house for my name. The Lord therefore/ hath made good his saying that he hath spoken, and I am risen up in the room of David my father, and am set on the seat of Israel, as the Lord promised, and have built an house for the name of the Lord God of Israel. And in it have I put the Ark, wherein is the covenant of the lord that he made with the children of Israel. And the king stood before the altar of the lord in the presence of all the congregation of Israel, and stretched out his hands. For now Solomon had made a brazen pulpit of five cubytes long, and five cubytes broad, and three of height, and had set it in the mids of the great court, and upon it, he stood and kneeled down upon his knees before all the congregation of Israel, and stretched out his hands toward heaven, and said: * 〈…〉. viii. c O lord God of Israel, there is no god like the in heaven and in earth, which keepest covenant, and showest mercy unto thy servants that walk before the with all their hearts. Thou which haste kept with thy seruavaunte David my father, the things that thou promysedest him: Thou saidest it with thy mouth, & hast fulfilled it with thine hands, as it is to see this day. And now Lord God of Israel, keep with thy servant David my Father, the things that thou promysedst him, saying: * 〈◊〉 two. a 〈◊〉 ix. b Pa. seven. d thou shalt in my sight not be without a man, that shall sit upon the seat of Israel: so that thy children take hide to their ways/ to walk in my law, as thou hast walked be fore me. And now Lord God of Israel, let thy saying be true which thou spakest unto thy servant David. And will God in very deed, dwell with men on earth? Behold/ * Regum. 〈…〉 66. a. 〈…〉. seven. f heaven and heaven above all heavens do not tonteyne thee: how much less the house which I have builded? Let it be thy pleasure therefore to turn to the prayer of thy servant & to his supplication (O Lord my God) to hearken unto the voice and prayer which thy servant prayeth before thee: & let thine eyes be open toward this house day & night, over this place, wherein thou hast said, that thou wouldest put thy name: to hearken unto the prayer which thy servant prayeth in this place: hearken unto the Prayers of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they pray in this place: hear thou (I say●) out of thy dwelling place, even out of heaven: hear and be merciful. * 3. Regum 8 ● If a man sin against his neighbour, and take an oath against him, & make him to swear, and they both come before thine altar in this house: then hear thou from heaven, and work, and judge thy servants/ that thou reward the ungodly, and recompense him his way upon his head, ☞ and justify the righteous, and give him according to his rightwiseness. And if thy people Israel be put to the worse before the enemy, because they have sinned against thee: Yet if they turn and give thanks unto thy name, & make intercession/ and pray before the in this house: then heat thou from heaven, and be merciful unto the sin of thy people Israel, & bring them again unto the land, which thou gavest to them, and to their fathers. * duty. ●●. 3. Re. xvii. ● When heaven is shut up, and there be no rain, because they have sinned against thee: yet if they pray in this place, and confess thy name, and repent from their sin for the which thou chastenest them: then hear thou in heaven, and be merciful unto the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, and guide thou them in to the good way, to walk in, & send rain upon thy land, which thou hast given unto thy people, for an inheritance. And if there be dearth in the land, or pestilence, corruption/ or blasting of corn, grasshoppers, or caterpillars, or that their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land, ❀ (and destroy the countries) or whatsoever plague or sickness it be: Then what supplications and prayers soever shall be made of any man, and of thy people Israel, which shall know every man his own sore, and his own grief, and shall stretch out their hands toward this house, thou shalt hear from heaven, even from thy dwelling place, and shalt be merciful, & give every man according unto all his ways/ even as thou dost know every man▪ heart: for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men: that they may fear the & walk in thy ways, as long as they live in the land, which thou gavest unto our fathers. * 3. Regum 8. ● john in. c Acts. viii. ● Moreover, the stranger which is not of thy people Israel, if he come from a far land for thy great names sake, & thy mighty hand, & the stretched out arm. If they come (I say) and pray in this house: thou shalt hear from heaven, even from thy dwellynge place, and shalt do according to all that the stranger calleth to the for. That all the people of the earth may know thy name/ and fear thee, as doth thy people Israel/ and that they may know, how that in this house which I have built, thy name is called upon. If thy people go out to war against their enemies, by the way that thou shalt send them, and they pray to thee, in the way * duty. vi. e toward this city which thou hast chosen, even toward the house which I have built for thy name: then hear thou from heaven their supplication and prayer, and help them in their right. If they sin against thee (as * 3. Regum. 8. ●●, johun. ●. d. there is no man but he doth sin) and thou be angry with them, & deliver them over before their enemies, and they take them, and lead them away unto a land far or near, yet if they repent in their heart in the land where they be in captivity, and turn, and pray unto the in the land of their captivity, saying: We have sinned (we have done evil & wickedly) & turn again to thee, with all their heart, and all their soul, in the land of their captivity, where they keep them in bondage, & so pray toward their land which thou gavest unto their fathers, even toward the city which thou hast chosen, and toward the house which I have built for thy name: Then hear thou from heaven, even from thy dwelling place, their supplication & their prayer, and judged their cause, & be merciful unto thy people, which have sinned against the. Now my God, let thine eyes be open, and thine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. Now up * Psal. 132. a O Lord God in to thy resting place: thou and the Ark of thy strength: O Lord God, let thy priests be clothed with health, & let thy saints rejoice in goodness. O lord god, turn not away the face of thine anointed: Remember the mercies, which thou hast promised to David thy servant. ¶ The fire consumeth the Sacrifice. The lord appeareth to Solomon the second tyme. CAPI. VII. ANd * ●. Regum 8. f when Solomon had made an end of praying, ‡ levit. ix. d there came down fire from heaven, and consumed the * ●. Regum. 8. g burnt offering and the sacrifices. And the house was filled with the glory of the Lord, and the priests could not go in to the house of the Lord, because the glory of the lord had filled the lords house. And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire, and the glory of the lord came down upon the house, they fell down flat upon their faces to the earth upon the pavement, & worshipped and confessed unto the Lord, that he is gracious, and that his mercy lasteth ever. And the king, and all the people offered sacrifices before the Lord. And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of. xxii. thousand oxen, and an hundred and xx. thousand sheep. And so the king and all the people ☞ dedicated the house of God. And the priests waited on their offices, and the Levites had the instrumentis of music of the Lord (which king David had made to confess unto the lord, that his mercy lasteth ever) playing a psalm of David with their hand. And the priests blew with trumpets before them: & all they of Israel stood. Moreover, Solomon hallowed the middle of the court, that was before the house of the Lord: for their he offered burnt-offerings and the fat of the peace-offerings, because the brazen altar which Solomon had made/ was not able to receive the burnt-offerings and the meatosferynges and the fat. So at the same time Solomon kept a * M●●●. three ● feast of seven days, and all they of Israel with him an exceeding great congregation, even from the entering in of Hamath, unto the river of Egypte. And in the eight day they made a gathering. For they kept the dedication of the altar seven days, ☞ and the feast seven days. And the. xxiii. day of the seventh month, he let the people depart in to their tents glad and merry in heart, for the goodness that the Lord had showed to David, and to Solomon, and to Israel his people. * three Re. ●. ●. And so Solomon finished the house of the Lord, and the kings house: and all that came in his heart to make in the house of the Lord, and in his own house, went prosperously forward. And the lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said to him: I have herd thy petition, and * two. Pat. 〈◊〉. have chosen this place for myself, to be an house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven, that there be no rain: or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people: and if they that are of my people (among whom my name is called upon) do humble themselves, and make intercession, and seek my presence, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and be merciful to their sin, and will heal their land. And from hence forth mine eyes shall be open, & mine ears attended to the prayer that is made in this place. And therefore now * ●P●. vi. a I have chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually. And if thou wilt walk before me (as David thy father walked) to do all that I have commanded thee, and shalt observe my statutes & my laws: then will I stablish the seat of thy kingdom, according as I made the covenant with David thy father, saying: * ●. Reg. two. a. 〈…〉. vi, ● thou shalt not be without a man, to be ruler in Israel. But and if ye turn away, and forsake my statutes, and my commandments (which I have set before you) and shall go and serve other gods, and worship them: then will I pluck them up by the routs out of my land which I have given them, and this house (which I have sanctified for my name) will I cast out of my sight, and will make it to be a proverb/ and a jest among all nations. And every one that passeth by, shall be astonied at this house (which belonged to the most high God) and shall say: * ●●●●. 29. d ●. Reg. ix. b. 〈◊〉. xxii. ●. why hath the lord dealt on this fashion with this land, and with this house? And they shall answer: because they forsook the Lord God of their fathers, (which brought them out of the land of Egypt) & caught hold on other gods, and worshipped them, and served them: even there fore hath he brought all this evil upon them. ¶ The cities that Solomon builded, after that the house of God was finished. CAPI. VIII. ANd * ●. Reg. ix. b it fortuned, that after. xx. year when Solomon had built the house of the Lord, & his own house: he built the cities that Hiram gave him, and put of the children of Israel in them. And Solomon went to Hamath Zoba, and strengthened it. And he built Thadmor in the wilderness, and repaired all the store cities which were in Hamath. And he built Bethhoron the upper/ and Bethhoron the neither, strong cities, having walls, gates and bars. And Baalath and all the store cities that Solomon had, and all the chariot cities, and the cities of the horsemen, & every pleasant place, that Solomon had lust to build in jerusalem and Libanon, and throughout all the land of his dominion. And all the people that were left of the Hethites, Amorytes, Pheresytes, Hevites, and jebusites, which were not of the children of Israel: but were the children of them, which were left after them in the land, and were not consumed of the children of Israel, them did Solomon make to pay tribute unto this day. But of the children of Israel did Solomon make no bond men for his work: but they were men of war and rulers and great Lords with him, and captains over his charettes and horsemen. And king salomon's officers that oversaw and ruled the people, were two hundred and fifty. And Solomon brought the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David, in to the house that he had builded for her. For he said: my wife shall not dwell in the house of David king of Israel, for it is holy, because that the Ark of the Lord is come unto it. Then Solomon offered burntofferyngis unto the lord, on the altar of the Lord which he had built before the porch, doing every thing in his due time and offering, according to the commandment of Moses, in the sabbaths, newmoones, and solemn feasts, * Exodi. 23. ● Deute. 16. ● three times in the year: that is to say, in the feast of sweet bread, in the feast of weeks, and in the feast of tabernacles. And Solomon set the sorts of priests to their offices, (as David his father had ordered them,) and the Levites in their watches, for to praise and minister before the priests day by day, & the porters by course at every gate. * ● Pat. 〈◊〉 ● For so had David the man of god commanded. And they omitted not the commandment of the king unto the priests, and the levities, concerning any manner of thing, and concerning the treasures. For Solomon made provision for the charges/ from the first day that the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid, till it was finished/ that the house of the lord was perfit. Then went king Solomon to Ezion Gaber, and to Eloth at the ❀ (red) sees side in the land of Edom. And Hiram sent him by the hand of his servants, ships and servants that had knowledge of the see: & they came with the servants of Solomon to Ophir, and carried thence four hundred, and fifty talents of gold, and brought it to king Solomon. ¶ The communication of Solomon with the queen of Saba and the gifts that the one gave to the other. The death of Solomon, after whom succeedeth Rehoboham. CAPI. IX. ANd * 3. Regum. ●. ● Math. xi●. ● Luks. xi. d. when the queen of Saba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to prove him in hard questions at jerusalem, with a very great company, with camels that bore spices, and plenty of gold, and precious stones. And when she was come to Solomon, she communed with him of all that she had in her heart. And Solomon assoiled her, all her questions, and there was not one word hid from Solomon, which he told her not. And when the queen of Saba had seen the wisdom of Solomon and the house that he had built, and the meat of his table, the sitting of his servants, and the standing of his waiters, their apparel, his butler's, their apparel, his going up (by the which he went in to the house of the Lord,) there was no more spirit in her. And she said to the king: the saying which I heard in mine own land, of thine acts, and of thy wisdom, is true. I believed not the words of them, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it. And behold, the one half of thy wisdom was not told me: for thou excedest the fame that I heard. Happy are thy men, & happy are these thy servants which stand before the alway, & hear thy wisdom. Blessed be the lord thy God/ which had lust to thee, to set the king on his ●●●te, that thou mightest be king, ordained by the Lord thy God. Because thy God loveth Israel, and hath delight to make them continue ever, therefore made he the king over them, to do right and equity. And she gave the king an hundred, & xx. talents of gold, and of spices exceeding great abundance, and precious stones, neither was there any more such spice, as the queen of Saba gave king Solomon. And the servants of Hiram & the servants of Solomon which brought gold from Ophir, brought also ☞ Algume wood, and precious stones. And the king made of the Algumwood, stairs in the house of the lord and in the Kings palace, and haps and Psaltryes for Syngers. And there was no such wood seen before in the land of juda. And king Solomon gave to the queen of Saba every pleasant thing that she asked, but not so much as she brought unto the king. And so she turned and went away to her own land with her servants. The weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year, was two hundred. lxvi. talents of gold, besides that which chapmen and merchants brought: and all the kings of Arabia, & rules of that country, brought gold and silver to Solomon. And king Solomon made. CC. bucklers of beaten gold, and six hundred sycles of beaten gold were spent upon one buckler: and three hundred scheldes made he of beaten gold/ and one schelde cost three hundred pieces of gold/ & the king put them in the house that was in the forest of Libanon. And the king made a great seat of ivory, and gainsaid it with pure gold. And there were two steps to the seat with a foot stole of gold, fastened to the seat: and pomels an each side of the sitting place, and two lions standing by the pomels. And. xii. lions stood on the one side and on the other: upon the six steps/ so that there was no such work made in any kingdom. And all the drinking vessels of king Solomon were of gold, and all the vessels of the house that was in the forest of Libanon, were of precious gold: for silver was counted nothing worth in the days of Solomon. For the kings ships went to Tharsis with the servants of Hiram: every three year once came the ships to Tharsis, and brought gold, syiver, puorye, and apes and Pacockes. * 3. Reg●. x. ● And king Solomon passed all the kings of the earth in richesse and wisdom. And all the kings of the earth, sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom, that god had put in his heart. And they brought every man his present: vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, raiment/ harness, spices, horses & Mules (and whatsoever might be gotten) year by year. * 3. Reg. 4. ●. And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and charettes/ and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he bestowed in the chariot cities, and some were with the king at jerusalem. And he reigned over all the kings that were from Euphrates unto the land of the Philistines, and to the border of Egypt. * 3. Regum. ●. ● two. Pa●●. ●● And the king made silver in jerusalem as plenteous as stones, & Cedar trees as plenteous, as the mulberry trees that grow in the valleys. And they brought unto Solomon horses out of Egypte, and out of all lands. * 3. Reg. 〈◊〉 ● The rest of the acts of king Solomon/ first and last/ be they not written in the sayings of Nathan the Prophet, and in the prophesy of Ahiah the Selonite, and in the visions of jedo the Sear of visions, against Jeroboam the son of Nabat? And Solomon reigned in jerusalem upon all Israel forty years. And Solomon slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the City of David his father, and Rehoboam his son reigned in his stead. ¶ The foolishness of Rehoboam, and the division of his realm. CAPI. X. ANd * ● Reg. xii. a Rehoboham went to Sichem: for to Sichem were all Israel come together, to make him king. And when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, (which * 〈◊〉. Re. xi. g. was fled into Egypte from the presence of Solomon the king) heard it, he returned out of Egypte, And they sent and called him. And so Jeroboam and all they of Israel came/ & communed with Rehoboam, saying: Thy father laid a grievous yoke upon us: now therefore remit thou somewhat of the grievous service of thy father/ and of his heavy yoke that he put upon us, and we will serve the. And he said to them: come again unto me after three days. And the people departed. And king Rehoboam counseled with the elders that had stand before Solomon his father, while he yet lived, and he said: what counsel give ye me, to answer this people again? And they told him, saying: If thou be kind to this people, and please them, and speak loving words to them/ they will be thy servants for ever. But he left the counsel which the elders gave him, and took counsel with the young men/ that were grown up with him, & that stood in his presence. And he said unto them: what advise give ye, that we may answer this people, which have communed with me, saying: Abate somewhat of the yoke, which thy father did put upon us. And the young men that were grown up with him, spoke unto him, saying: Thus shalt thou answer the people that spoke to thee, saying: Thy father made our yoke heavy: But make thou it somewhat lighter for us. Thus shalt thou say unto them: my little finger shall be mightier than my father's loins. * ● Reg. xii. ● For where my father put a heavy yoke upon you, I will put more to your yoke: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. And so Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day as the king bad, saying: Come again to me the third day. And the king answered them cruelly, and king Rehoboam left the counsel of the aged men, and answered them after the advise of the young men, saying. My father made your yoke grievous, and I will add thereto: my father chastised you with whips, but I will chastise you with scorpions. And so the king hearkened not unto the people: but the occasion came of god, that the Lord might make good his saying, * ● Reg. xi. ●. which he spoke (by the hand of Ahia the Selonite) to Jeroboam the son of Nebat. And when all they of Israel saw that the king would not agree unto them, the people answered the king saying: what part have we with David, or inheritance with the son of Isai? Let every man of Israel go to his tent. * 3. Reg xii. ● And now David, see to thine own house. And so all Israel got them to their tents/ so that Rehoboam reigned over no mo● of the children of Israel, then dwelt in the cities of juda. Then king Rehoboam also sent Haduram that was ruler over the tribute, and the children of Israel stoned him with stones that he died. But king Rehoboam made speed to get him up to his charette to flay to jerusalem. And they of Israel rebelled against the house of David unto this day. ¶ Rehoboam is forbidden to sight against Jeroboam. He hath. xviii. wives, and. 〈◊〉. concubines, and by them xxviii. sons, and lx. daughters. CAPI. XI. ANd when Rehoboam was come to jerusalem, * 3. Reg. 〈◊〉▪ ● he gathered of the house of juda and Ben jamin, nine score. M. chosen men of war to fight against Israel, and to bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam. And the word of the Lord came to Semeiahu the man of God, saying: speak unto Rehoboam the son of Solomon king of juda, and to all them of Israel that are in juda and Ben jamin, & say: thus saith the lord: Ye shall not go up nor fight against your brethren: return every man to his house, for this thing is done of me. And they obeyed the words of the Lord, and returned from going against Jeroboam. And Rehoboam dwelled in jerusalem, and built strong cities in juda: He builded up Bethleem, and Etam and Theko: Bethzur/ Socho and Adullam: Gath, & Maresa, and Ziph: Adurahim, Lachis and Aseca: Zorea/ Aialon, and Hebron (which is in juda and Ben jamin) strong cities. And he repaired the strong holds & put captains in them/ and store of victual, & wine and oil. And in all cities he put scheldes and spears, and made them exceeding strong, having juda and Ben jamin on his side. And the priests and the levities that were in all Israel, resorted to him, out of all their coostes. For the Levites left their suburbs and their possession, and came to juda and jerusalem: * two. Par. 1●. ● For jerobdam and his Sons had ●ast them out from ministering unto the Lord. * 3. Reg. xii. ● And he ordained him priests for the bill austers, for the devils and for the calves which he had made. And after the Levites there went of all the tribes of Israel/ (such as submitted their hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel) and came to jerusalem, to offer unto the Lord god of their fathers. And so they strengthened the kingdom of juda, and made Rehoboam the Son of Solomon mighty three year long, for three year they walked in the way of David and Solomon. And Rehoboam took him Mahalath the daughter of jerimoth the Son of David to wife, and Abihaill the daughter of Eliab the son of Isai, which bore him children: jeus, Samaria and Zaha. And after her he took * 3. Reg. ●v. a Maaca the daughter of Absalon which bore him Abia, Atthai, Ziza & Selomith. And Rehoboam loved Maaca the daughter of Absalon above all his wives and concubynꝭ, for he took. xviii. wives and three score concubines, and begat. xviii. sonnis and three score daughters. And Rehoboam made Abia the son of Maacha the chief ruler among his brethren, and to have the over sight of the kingdom. And he played wisely, and scattered all his children thorough out all the countries of juda, and Ben jamin unto every strong city. And he gave them abundance of victual, and obtained many wives. ¶ Seba king of Egypte robbeth the temple of the Lord. Rehoboam dieth, and Ahia his son succeedeth him. CAPI. XII. ANd it came to pass, that when Rehoboam had stablished the kingdom, and became mighty, he forsook the law of the Lord, and all Israel with him. * 3. Re. xiiii. ● And it fortuned, that in the fifth year of king Rehoboam, Sesac the king of Egypte came up against jerusalem, (because they had transgressed against the Lord, with twelve hundred charettes, and. lx. thousand horsemen. And the people were without number, that came with him out of Egypte. Lubim, Suckim & the blackmores. And they took the strong cities in juda, & came to jerusalem, Then came Semeia the Prophet to Rehoboam and to the lords of juda (that were gathered together within jerusalem for Sesac) and said unto them: thus sayeth the lord: ye have left me, and therefore have I also left you in the hands of Sesac. Where upon the lords of Israel & the king humbled themselves, and said: the lord is righteous. And when the Lord saw that they submitted themselves, the word of the lord came to Semeia, saying. They submit themselves, therefore I will not destroy them. But I will deliver them somewhat, and my wrath shall not burn upon jerusalem by the hand of Sesac. Neverthesse's, they shall be his servants, to know what difference is between my service, and the service of the kingdoms of the world. And so Sesac king of Egypt came to jerusalem, and took away the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of the kings house: he took even al. And he carried away the scheldes of gold, * 1. Regum. x. ● which Solomon made. In stead of which, king Rehoboam made scheldes of brass, and committed them to the hands of the captains which had the oversight of the foot men, and that kept the entrance of the kings house. And it came to pass, that when the king entered into the house of the lord, the guard came, & fet them, and brought them again unto the guard chambre. And when he humbled himself, the wrath of the lord turned from him that he would not destroy all together. And in juda all was well. And so king Rehoboam waxed mighty and reigned in jerusalem. And Rehoboam was. xli. year old, when he began to reign/ and he reigned. xvii. years in jerusalem, the city which the Lord had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put his name there. And his mother's name was Naama an Ammonitesse. * 3. Re. 〈◊〉 And he did evil: because he prepared not his heart to seek the Lord. The acts also of Rehoboam, first and last, are they not written in the sayings of Semeia the prophet and of Iddo the sear, which noted the genealogy? and there was warr● always between Rehoboam, and Jeroboam. And Rehoboam slept with his fathers, and was buried in the city of David, and Abia his son reigned in his stead. ¶ The victory of Abia against Jeroboam. CAPI. XIII. THe eighteen year of king Jeroboam, * 3. Reg. 〈…〉 began Abia to reign over juda, and he reigned three year in jerusalem. His mother's name also was Michaiahu the daughter of Uriell of Gibea. And there was war between Abia and Jeroboam. And Abia made provision for the war, having valiant and expert men of war, even four hundred thousand chosen men. And Jeroboam set himself in array to fight against him, with eight hundred thousand pycte men, which were strong and men of arms. And Abia stood by upon Zemaraim an hill which is in mount Ephraim, & said: hear me thou Jeroboam and all Israel. Do not ye know how that the Lord God of Israel gave the kingdom (over them of Israel) to David for ever: even to him & to his sons ☞ with a salted covenant? And Jeroboam the son of Nebat the servant of Solomon the son of David is risen up, & hath rebel led against his lord. And there gathered to him lewd men, the children of Belial, & prevailed against Rehoboam the son of Solomon: when Rehoboam was young and tender hearted, and could not stand before them. And now ye say, that ye be able to prevail against the kingdom of the Lord, which is in the hand of the sonnis of David, and ye be a great multitude, & have the golden calves, * ●. Reg. xii. ● which Jeroboam made you for Gods. And * ● Para. xi. ● have ye not cast out the priests of the lord the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, & have made you priests after the manner of the nations of other landis? so that who soever cometh, & consecrateth his hand with a young ox, & seven rams, the same may be a priest of them that are no Gods. But we belong unto the Lord our God, whom we have not forsaken, & the priests are the sons of Aaron, which ministre unto the Lord, & the Levites wait upon their office. They burn unto the lord every morning and evening, burnt sacrifices, & sweet sense: the show bread set they in ordre upon a pure table: and prepare the candlestick of gold with the lamps of the same, to burn ever at even. And truly we keep the watch of the Lord our God: but ye have forsaken him. And behold, God himself is our captain, and his priests blow with the * ●●●●. x. b. trumpets, and cry alarm against you. (O ye children of Israel) fight not against the lord God of your fathers: for it will not prospete with you. But for all that, Jeroboam conveyed men privily about, to come behind them: and so they were before juda, and the layers in wait were behind them. And when they of juda looked about, behold, the battle was before and behind, and they cried unto the Lord, & the priests blewe with the trompettꝭ, and the men of juda gave a shout. And as the men of juda shouted, it came to pass, that God smote Jeroboam and all Israel before Abia and juda. And the children of Israel fled before juda, and God delivered them in to their hand. And Abia and his people slew a great slaughter of them. There fell down wounded of Israel, five hundred thousand chosen men. And so the children of Israel were brought under at that time, and the children of juda prevailed, because they leaned unto the Lord God of their fathers. And Abia followed after Jeroboam, and took cities from him: bethel with the towns belonging thereto, jesana with the towns that longed thereto, & Ephron with her townis. And Jeroboam recovered no strength again in the days of Abia. And▪ the lord plagued him, and he died. But Abia waxed mighty, & married. xiiii. wives, & begat. xxii. sons, &. xvi. doughtes. The rest of the acts of Abia, his customs & his sayings are written in the story of the prophet Iddo. ¶ Of Asa king of juda. CAPI. XIIII. SO Abia slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the City of David, and * Math. ●. ●. Asa his son reigned in his stead. In whose days the land was in quietness ten year. And * 3. Reg xv▪ b Asa did that was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God: for he took away strange altars & the hill altars, & broke down the images, and cut down the groves, and commanded juda to seek the lord god of their fathers, & to do according to the law & commandments. And he put away out of all the cities of juda, the hill altars and the images: and the kingdom was quiet before him. And he built strong cities in juda: because the land was in rest, and he had no war in those years. For the lord had gived him rest. Therefore, he said to juda: let us build these cities, and make about them walls, towers, gates and bars, for the land is yet in rest before us, because we have sought the Lord our God: We have sought him/ and he hath given us rest on every side. And so they built, and it prospered with them. And Asa had an army of men that bore scheldes & spears, (out of juda) three hundred thousand, and out of Ben jamin that bare scheldes and drew bows, two hundred and. lxxx. thousand: all these were valiant men. And there came out against them Zarah the black Morian * 11. P●. 〈◊〉. ● with an host of. x. hundred thousand, and three hundred charettes, and came as far as Maresa. And Asa went out before him, and they joined the battle in the valley of Zephata beside Maresa. And Asa cried unto the Lord his God, and said: Lord, * 1. Re. xliii. b it is no hard thing with the to help either many, or them that have no power: help us therefore O Lord God, for we trust to thee, & in thy name we go against this multitude. Thou art the lord our god and no man shall prevail against the. So the Lord smote the black Moors before Asa & juda, and the black Moors fled. And Asa and the people that was with him, followed after them unto Gerar. And the black moors host was overthrown, that there was none of them left, but were destroyed before the lord, & before his host. And they carried away a mighty great prey. And they smote all the cities round about Gerar. For the fear of the Lord came upon them. And they spoiled all the Cities, and there was exceeding moche spoil in them. They smote also the tents of cattle, and carried away plenty of sheep/ and camels/ and returned to jerusalem. ¶ King Asa by the monition of the prophet Azaria sacrifyeth unto the Lord. He depriveth his mother of her dominion. CAPI. XV. ANd the spirit of God came on Azaria the son of Oded. And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him: hear me Asa, and all juda and Benjamin. The lord is with you, while ye be with him, and when ye seek him, he will be found of you: and again, when ye forsake him, he also will forsake you. And truly, for a long season in Israel no man sought the true god, no man regarded the priest that taught them, no man cared for the law. And when any man in his trouble did turn unto the Lord god of Israel and sought him, he was found of them And in that time there was no peace to him that did go out and in. But great sedition was there among all the enhabitors of the earth. And nation was destroyed of nation, and city of city: for god did move all advet site among them. Play ye therefore the men, and let not your handis slack, for your work shall be rewarded. And when Asa heard those words, and the prophesy of Azaria/ the son of Oded the prophet, he took courage, and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of juda/ and Benjamin/ and out of the cities which he wan in mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the Lord, that was before the porch of the Lord, And he gathered all juda and Benjamin, & the strangers with them out of Ephraim, Manasse and Simeon For there fell many to him out of Israel, when they saw that the Lord his god was with him. So they assembled at jerusalem the third month, the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa. And they offered unto the lord the same time of the spoil which they had brought. seven. C. oxen, and. seven. M. sheep. And they made a covenant to seek the lord God of their fathers, with all their heart and all their soul: And who soever would not seek the lord God of Israel, should die for it whither he were small or great, man or woman. And ☞ they swore unto the Lord with a loud voice, shouting and blowing with trumpets and shaulmes. And all they in juda rejoiced at the oath, for they had sworn unto the Lord, with all their heart, & sought him with all their lust, and he was found of them. And the Lord gave them rest round about on every side. And king Asa put Maacha his mother out of authority (because she had made an abominable idol ❀ (of Priapus) in a grove, and Asa broke down her idol, and stamped it, & burned it at the broke Cedron. But all the hill altars were not taken away out of Israel: though the heart of Asa was perfit all his days. And he brought in to the house of god the things that his father had dedicate, and that he himself had dedicate: even silver, & gold, & jewels. And there was no more war unto the * judi. iii. ● xxxv. year of the reign of Asa. ¶ Asa (for fear of Baasa king of Israel) maketh a covenant with Benhadad king of Syria. CAPI. XVI. IN the. xxxvi. year of the reign of Asa, came * 3. Reg. x●. ● Baasa king of Israel up against juda, & built Rama, to the intent that he would let none pass out or in ❀ (safely) to Asa king of juda. And Asa fet out gold & silver, out of the treasures of the house of the Lord, & of the kings house, & sent to Benhadad king of Syria that dwelt at ☞ Darmese●, & said. There is a consideration between me & thee, between my father & thine. Behold, I have sent the silver & gold, that thou wilt come & break thine appointment with Baasa king of Israel, that he may depart from me. And Benhadad granted unto king Asa, & sent the captains of his army to the cities of Israel. And they smote jion, Dan, & Abelmain, & the strong cities of Nephthali. And when Baasa heard this, he left building of Rama, and let his work cease. And then Asa the king took all juda and carried away the stones & timber of Rama (wherewith Baasa was a building:) and he bulte therewith Geba and Mizpa. At that same time Hanani the seat came to Asa king of juda, and said unto him: because thou hast trusted in the king of Syria and not rather put thy trust in the Lord thy God, therefore is the host of the king of Syria escaped out of thine hand. * 〈◊〉 Pa. 14. c. Had not the black moors and ☞ Lubim an exceeding great host with many charets and horsemen? And yet because thou trustedst in the Lord, he delivered them in to thine hand. For the eyes of the Lord behold all the earth, to strength them that are of perfect heart toward him. * 〈…〉 Reg▪ xiii. c Herein thou hast done foolishly, and therefore from henceforth thou shalt have war. And Asa was wroth with the sear, and put him in to the prison house, for he was disposed with wym because of this thing. And Asa destroyed certain of the people the same season. And behold, these deeds of Asa, first and last, are written in the book of the kings of juda and Israel. And Asa in the. xxxix. year of his reign fell sick in his feet, and that his disease continued very long. And * ●ul●. 38. ● in his sickness he sought not the Lord, but Physicians. And Asa slept with his Fathers, and died in the. xli. year of his reign. And they buried him in his own sepulchre (which he had made for himself in the city of David) and laid him in the bed which he had filled with divers kinds of spices and sweet odours, made by the craft of the pothecaries. And they burned very moche spice about him. ¶ jehosaphat causeth the fear of the Lord to be renewed among the people. CAPI. XVII. ANd * Math. ●. b. jehosaphat his son reigned in his stead, & prevailed against Israel. And he put soldiers in all the strong cities of juda, and set rulers in the land of juda, and in the cities of Ephraim, which Asa his father had won. And the Lord was with jehosaphat, because he walked in the old ways of his father David, and sought not Baalim. But sought the Lord God of his father, and walked in his commandments: and not after the doings of Israel. And the Lord stablished the kingdom in his hand, and all they that were in juda, brought him presents, so that he had abundance of richesse and honour. And he lift up his heart unto the ways of the Lord, and he put down yet more of the hill altars and groves out of juda. In the third year of his reign he sent to his Lords: even to Benhail, Obadia, Zacharia, Nethanel and to Michaahu, that they should teach in the cities of juda: and with them he sent Levites: even Semeiahu, Nethadiahu, Zabadiahu, Asahel, Semiramoth jehonathan, Adoniahu, Thubiahu, Tubadonia, and with them Elisamah and jehoram priests. And they taught in juda, and had the book of the law of God with them, and went about throughout all the cities of juda and taught the people. And the fear of the Lord fell upon all the kingdoms of the land that were round about juda, and they fought not against jehosaphat. And some of the philistines brought jehosaphat gifts, and tribute silver. And thereto the Arabians brought him sheep: even seven thousand, and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats. And so jehosaphat prospered and grew up on high. And he built in juda, castles and strong cities, and he had great substance in the cities of juda, but the men of arms, and strongest soldiers were in jerusalem. And these are the offices of them in the houses of their Fathers, the captains over thousands in juda. Adna the captain, and with him of fighting men three hundred thousand. And next to his hand was jehohanan a captain, and with him two hundred and. lxxx. thousand. And next him was Amazia the son of Zichr: (which of his own good will offered himself unto the Lord) and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of war. And of the children of Benjamin, Eliada a man of might, and had with him armed men with bow and schelde two hundred thousand. And next him was jehosabad, & with him an hundred &. lxxx M. that were prepared for the war. These waited on the king, beside those which the king put in strong cities throughout all juda. ¶ After Ahab had asked counsel of the. LLLL▪ proph●●●, he put Michea in prison. He dieth with the s●ot of an arrow. CAPI XVIII. ANd jehosaphat had abundance of richesse and honour, and joined affinity with Ahab. And * 3. Reg. 11. ● after certain years he went down to Samaria. And Ahab slew many sheep and oxen for him, & for the people that he had with him, and entreated him to go up with him to Ramoth in Gilead. And Ahab king of Israel said to jehosaphat king of juda: wilt thou go with me to Ramoth in Gilead? And he answered him: I will be as thou, & my people shall be as thine, and we will go with the to the war. And jehosaphat said unto the king of Israel: ask counsel I pray thee, at the word of the Lord, this same day. Therefore the king of Israel gathered together of prophets four hundred men, and said unto them: shall we go to Ramoth in Gilead to fight, or should I cease? And they said, go up and god shall deliver it into the kings hand. But jehosephat said: is there yet here never a prophet more of the Lords, that we might ask at him? And the king of Israel said unto jehosaphat: there is yet one man, by whom we may ask the Lord: But I hate him, for he never prophesyeth me good, but alway evil, & the same is Mithea the son of jimla. And jehosaphat said: let not the king say so. And the king of Israel called one of his chamberlains, and said: fetch hither quickly Michea the son of jimla. And the king of Israel and jehosaphat king of juda sat either of them on his seat in their apparel, in a threshing flower beside the gate of Samaria, and all the prophets prophesied before them. And one Zedekia the son of Chanana had made him horns of iron, & said: thus saith the Lord: with these shalt thou overthrow Syria, until they be brought to nought And all the Prophets prophesied even so, saying: Go up to Ramoth in Gilead, and it shall prosper with thee, for the lord shall deliver it in to the hand of the king. And the messenger that went to call Michea, spoke to him, saying. Behold, the words of the prophettis speak good to the king with one assent let thy words therefore be like one of theirs, that thou speak that which is pleasant. And Miceha said: as truly as the Lord liveth, even what my God saith, that will I speak. And when he was come to the king, the king said unto him: Michea, should we go to Ramoth in Gilead to fight/ or leave of? And he said: go up, and all shall be well, and they shall be delivered in to your hand. And the king said to him. So & so many times do I charge thee, that y● say nothing but the truth to me, in the name of the lord. Then he said: I did see all them of Israel scattered in the mountains, as sheep that have no shepheerde. And the lord said: these have no master, let them return every man therefore to his house in peace. And the king of Israel said to jehosaphat: did I not tell thee, that he would not prophesy good unto me, but evil? But he said again: therefore hear ye the word of the Lord: * ●. Re. xxii. ● Esai. vi. a I saw the Lord sit upon his seat, and all the company of heaven stood on his right hand, & on his left. And the Lord said: who shall deceive Ahab king of Israel, that he may go up & be overthrown at Ramoth in Gilead? And he said: one saith this, an other that. And there came out a spirit and stood before the Lord, & said: I will deceive him. And the Lord said unto him, Wherein? And he said: I will go out, and be a dying spirit in the mouth of all the prophettis. And the Lord said, thou shalt deceive him and shalt prevail, go out, and do even so. And now therefore behold, * two. 〈◊〉. Re. ● job. xii. d Ezech. 14. ● the Lord hath put a dying spirit in the mouths of all these thy prophets, and the Lord hath spoken evil against the. And Zedekia the son of Chanana, went to, and smote Michea upon the cheek, & said: by what way went the spirit of the Lord from me, to speak with thee? And Michea said: thou shalt see the day when thou shalt go in from chambre to chambre, for to hide thyself. And the king of Israel said: Take ye Michea, & bring him to Ammon the governor of the city, and to joas the kings son, and ye shall say, thus saith the king. Put this fellow in the prison house, & feed him with bread of affliction, & water of trouble, until I come again in peace. And Michea said, if thou come again in peace, then hath not the Lord spoken to me. And he said: hearken to●ye people every one of you. And so the king of Israel & jehosaphat the king of juda went up to Ramoth in Gilead. And the king of Israel said unto jehosaphat: I must change me when I go to the battle, but see that thou have thine own apparel upon the. And the king of Israel changed himself, & they came to battle. But the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the charettes that were with him, saying: see that ye fight not against small, or great, save against the king of Israel only. And when the captains of the charettis saw jehosaphat, they said: it is the king of Israel, & therefore they compassed about him to fight. But jehosaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him: and God chased them away from him. For it came to pass, that when the captains of the charettis perceived that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back again from him. And a certain man drew a bow with all his might, and smote the king of Israel between the joints of his habergeon. And he said to his chariot manturne thine hand, that thou mayst carry me out of the host, for I am wounded. And the battle ceased that day. Howbeit the king of Israel caused the chariot to stand still against the Syrians until even. And about the time of the son going down he died. ¶ After jehosaphat was rebuked by the prophet jehu, he called again the people to the honour▪ ●●g● of the lord god. CAPI. XIX. AND jehosaphat the king of juda came home again in peace to jerusalem. And jehu the son of Hanam the seat, went out to meet him, and said to king jehosaphat: wouldest thou help the ungodly, and love them that hate the Lord? Therefore is wrath come down upon the from before the Lord. Nevertheless there are some good acts found in thee, in that thou haste ☞ hewn down the groves out of the land and hast prepared thine heart to seek God. And so jehosaphat dwelled at jerusalem, and turned and went out to the people from Beer seba to mount Ephraim, and brought them again unto the Lord God of their fathers. And he set judges in the land, throughout all the strong cities of juda, city by city, and said to the judges: take heed what ye do, for ye execute not the judgements of man, but of God, which is with you in the judgement. Wherefore now let the fear of the lord be upon you, and take heed, and be doing. For there is no unrighteousness with the lord our God * ●●m●. two. b ●●tt●. ●. ● Eph●. vi. b. 〈…〉. iii. d that he should have any respect of persons, or take rewards. Moreover, in jerusalem did jehosaphat set of the Levites, and of the priests and of the ancient fathers of Israel, in the judgement and cause of the Lord. And they returned again to jerusalem. And he charged them, saying. Thus shall ye do in the fear of the Lord, with the truth and a pure heart: What cause soever come to you of your brethren that dwell in their cities, between blood & blood, between law and commandment, between statutes and ordinances, ye shall warn them, that they trespass not against the Lord, and so wrath come upon you and on your brethren. Thus do, and ye shall not offend. And behold, Amaria the high priest is among you in all matters of the Lord, and Zebadia the son of Ishmael, a ruler of the house of juda, he is over such businesses as concern the king: there be officers of the Levites also before you. Take courage to you therefore, and he doing manfully: and the lord shall be with such as be good. ¶ The merueylou●●●ittorye that the lord gave Iehosapha● king of juda against the Moabites, and the Children of Ammon, and them of Seir. CAPI XX. AFter this also it fortuned, that the children of Moab & the children of Ammon and with them other of the Ammonites came against jehosaphat to battle. And there came some that told jehosaphat, saying: there cometh a great multitude against the from the other side the see, and out of Syria. And behold, they be in Hasason Thamar, which is Engadi. And jehosaphat feared, and set himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed fasting throughout all juda. And they that were in juda, gathered themselves together, to ask counsel of the Lord. And they came out of all the cities of juda to make intercession to the Lord. And jehosaphat stood between the congregation of juda and jerusalem in the house of the lord before the new court, and said: O Lord God of our fathers, art not thou god in heaven, & reignest not thou on all the kingdoms of the heathen? And in thine hand is power & might, and there is no man that is able to withstand the. Art not thou our God: which didst cast out the inhabitors of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy lover for ever? And they dwelt therein, and have built the a temple therein for thy name, saying: * two. Pa●. v●. If evil come upon us, as the sword of judgement, pestilence or hunger: then, if we stand before this house in thy presence, (for thy name is in this house) and cry unto the in our tribulation/ heat thou, and help. And now behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and mount Seir (by whom thou wouldest not let them of Israel go, when they came out of the land of Egypte: but they departed from them, and destroyed them not,) See, how they reward us, to come for to cast us out of thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit. O our god, wilt thou not judge them/ for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us. Neither wot we what to do: but our eyes be unto the. And all juda stood before the lord with their young ones, their wives and their children: & there was jehasiel the son of Zacharia, the son of Benaia, the son of Ie●el, the son of Mathania, a Levite of the sonnis of Asaph, & upon him came the spirit of the lord, even in the mids of the congregation. And he said: hearken all juda, & ye inhabitors of jerusalem, & thou king jehosaphat: Thus saith the lord unto you: be not afraid, nor faint hearted by reason of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but gods. To morrow go ye down against them: for they come up at Ziz, and ye shall find them at the end of the broke before the wilderness of jeruel. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle: but step forth and stand, & behold the help of the Lord which is with you: fear not, nor let your hearts fail you, Oye of juda and of jerusalem. tomorrow go out against them: for the lord will be with you. And jehosaphat bowed his face to the earth, and all juda and the enhabitors of jerusalem fell before the lord, worshipping the lord. And the Levites of the children of the Cahathites and of the children of the Corahites stood up, to praise the Lord God of Israel with a loud voice on high. And when they arose early in the morning, they got them out unto the wilderness of Thekoa. And as they went out, jehosaphat stood, & said: hear me O juda, & ye enhabitors of jerusalem. Put your trust in the Lord your God, that ye may be found faithful. give credence to his prophets, and so shall ye prosper. And he gave the people counsel, and set some to sing unto the Lord, and to praise him in the beauty and holiness, and to go out before the army (as they went) and to say: praise the Lord, for his mercy lasteth ever. And what time as they began to laud and praise, than the lord stirred up certain of the children of Ammon and Moab, which laid wait for them that were of mount Seir: which were come against juda. And they were overthrown with strokes among themselves. For the children of Ammon and Moab rose against the enhabiters of mount Seir. And they siue and destroyed them. And when they had made an end of the inhabitors of Sire, every one helped to destroy an other among themselves. And when juda came to the edge of the wilderness, they looked unto the multitude. And behold they were dead carcases fallen to the earth, & none escaped. And when jeosaphat and his people came to take away the spoil of them, they found among them abundance of goods, raiment & pleasant jewels, which they took for themselves; more than they could carry away: so that they were three days in gathering of the spoil, it was so moche. And the fourth day they assembled in the valley of blessing, for there they blessed the Lord. And therefore they called the name of the same place: the valley of blessing unto this day. And so all the men of juda & jeru salem returned with jehosaphat their head for to go again to jerusalem with gladness: for the Lord had made them to rejoice over their enemies. And they came to jerusalem with psaltryes and haps, & shaulmes: even unto the house of the Lord. And the fear of god fell in the kingdoms of all lands, when they had herd that the lord fought against the enemies of Israel. And so the realm of jehosaphat was in tranquillity: and his god gave him test on every side. And * 3. Re. 〈…〉 jehosaphat reigned upon juda & was xxxv year old when he began to reign and reigned xxv year in jerusalem. And his mother's name was Asuba the daughter of Silhi. And he walked in the way of Asa his father and bowed not therefrom, doing that which was right in the sight of the Lord. Howbeit the hill altars were not taken away, for the people had not yet prepared their hearts unto the God of their fathers. The rest of the acts of jeosaphat first and last, behold they are written among the sayings of jehu the son of Hanani, which noted them in the book of the kings of Israel. After this did jeosaphat king of juda join himself with Ahaziahu king of Israel, whose mind was to do wickedly. He coupled himself with him, to make shyppis to go to Tharsis. And they made the shyppis in Ezion Gaber. And Eliezer the son of Dodanah of Maresa prophesied against jehosaphat, saying: because thou hast joined thyself with Ahaziahu, the Lord hath broken thy works. And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tharsis. ¶ jeosaphat dieth, and jehoram succeedeth him, which putteth his brethren to death, & is oppressed of the Philistines, and dieth of the Fly●●. CAPI. XXI. I Ehosaphat also * 3. Reg. 〈…〉 slept with his fathers, & was buried with his fathers in the city of David, and jehoram his son reigned in his stead: and he had brethren which were the sons of jehosaphat: Asaria, jehicl, Zacharia, Asaria, Michael, and Sephattahu. All these were the sons of jehosaphat king of juda. And their father gave them many great gifts of gold, and silver, and other special substance, with strong cities in juda: But the kingdom gave he to jehoram, for he was the eldest. And jehoram arose up against the kingdom of his father and prevailed, and * judi. 〈…〉 slew all his brethren with the sword, and divers of the Lords of Israel. * 4. Reg. 〈…〉 jehoram was two and thirty year old when he began to reign, & he reigned eight year in jerusalem. And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like as did the house of Ahab (for he had the daughter of Ahab to wife) and he wrought evil in the eyes of the Lord. Howbeit the Lord would not destroy the house of David, because of the * 3. Reg. 〈…〉 and. 〈…〉. 〈…〉 covenant that he had made with David, as he promised to give a light to him, and to his sons for ever. * Re. v●i●. ● Reg. 〈◊〉. g Regum. 8 ● In his days the Edomites rebelled, when they were under the dominion of juda, and made themselves a king. And jehoram went forth with his lords, and all his charettes were with him: and arose up by night, and smote the Edomites, which compassed him in, and the captains of the charettes. But Edom rebelled still, so that they would not be under the hand of juda unto this day. That same time also did Libna depart from being under his hand, Because jehoram had forsaken the Lord God of his fathers. Moreover, he made hill altars in the cities of juda, & caused the inhabitors of jerusalem to commit fornication, and provoked juda to Idolatry. And there came a writing to him from Elia the prophet, saying. Thus saith the Lord God of David thy father: because thou hast not walked in the ways of jehosaphat thy father, and in the ways of Asa king of juda, but walkedst in the ways of the kings of Israel, & hast made juda & the dwelleiss of jerusalem to go a hooring, like to the whoredom of the house of Ahab, & hast slay thy brethren (even thy father's house) which were better than thou: Behold, with a great plague will the Lord smite thy folk, thy children, thy wives and thy goods. And thou shalt suffer great pain: euch a disease of thy bowels, until thy guttis falout by reason of thy sickness, day by day. And so the Lord stirred up against jehoram the spirit of the Philistines, the Arabians that were beside the black Moors. And they came up into juda, & wasted it, & carried away all the substance that was found in the kings house, and his sons, and his wives: so that there was never a son left him, save jehoahaz which was the youngest among his sons. And after all these things, the lord smote him in his bowels with an uncurable disease. And it came to pass, that in process of time (even after the end of ii year) his guts fell out in his sickness: & so he died of very evil diseases. And they made no ☞ burning for him like the burning of his fathers. When he began to reign, he was xxxii year old, and reigned in jerusalem viii year, and lived wretchedly: Howbeit they buried him in the city of David: but not among the Sepulchres of the kings. ¶ Ahaziahu reigneth in the room of jehorain. Ieh●● king of Israel killeth Ahaziahu. Athalia putteth to death all the the ●ynges lyu●ge, only joas ●●capcth. CAPI. XXII. ANd * 4. Reg. ●. ●. the enhabitors of jerusalem made Ahaziahu his young son king in his stead. For the men of war * two. Pa. xxi. d that came with the host of the Arabians, had slay all his eldest sons. And so Ahaziahu the son of jehoram king of juda, was made king. ☞ Xlii year old was he, when he began to reign, & he reigned one year in jerusalem. His mother's name was Athalia the daughter of Amri. And he walked also in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother (by her counsel) enticed him to do wickedly. wherefore he did that which was evil in the sight of the lord, as did they that were of the house of Ahab: for they were his counsellors after the death of his father, to his destruction. And he walked after their counsel, and went with jehoram son of Ahab king of Israel, to fight against Hazael king of Syria at Ramoth in Gilead: & the Syrians smote Ioram. And he returned to be healed in jezreel of the wounds which were given him at Rama, when he fought with Hazael king of Syria. And Ahaziahu the son of jehoram king of juda went down to see jehoram the son of Ahab at jezreel, because he was diseased. And it came of God, that Ahaziahu should be despised for his coming to jehoram: for when be was come, he went out with jehoram against jehu the son of Nimsi, * 〈…〉 whom the Lord had anointed to destroy the house of Ahab. And so it came to pass that when jehu was executing justice upon the house of Ahab, & had found the lords of juda & the sons of the brethren of Ahaziahu that waytch on Ahaziahu, he slew them, * 4. Reg. 〈…〉 And he sought Ahaziahu, & they caught him where he was hid in Samaria, and brought him to jehu. And when they had slay him, the buried him: Because (said they) he is, the son of jehosaphat, which sought the lord with all his heart. And the house of Ahaziahu had no power to keep still the kingdom. * 4. Reg. 〈…〉 But when Athalia the mother of Ahaziahu, saw that her son was dead, she arose & destroy all the kings ●eed in the kindred of the house of juda. And jehosabeath the daughter of the king, took joas the son of Ahaziahu, & stole him from among the kings sons that were ●ley●●, & put him and his nurse in a privy ●hambre. And so jehosabeath the daughter of king jehoram, the wife of jehoida the priest & the sister of Ahaziahu hid him fro Athalia that he was nor slay. And so he was with them hid in the house of God six year. And Athalia reigned over the land. ¶ joas the son of Ahaziahu is made king. Athalia is put to death. CAPI. XXIII. ANd * ●. Reg. xi. a in the seventh year jehoiada being bold, took the captains of hundreds, Azariahu the son of jeroham, & Ishmael the son of jehohanam, Azariahu the son of Obed Maasiahu the son of Ada iahu, and Elisaphat the son of Zichri, and made a bond with them. And they went about in juda, and gathered the Levites out of all the cities of juda, and the ancient fathers of Israel: and they came to jerusalem. And all the congregation made a bond with the king in the house of God. And he said unto them: behold, the kings son must reign, * 3 Re. two. a. 9 b 〈◊〉. Par. vi. c 7. d. ●. 2●. b. as the lord hath said of the children of David. This is it therefore that ye shall do: The third part of you shall (on the Sabbath) come to the priests, Levites, and keepers of the porches: And an other third part shall be by the kings house, and an other third part shall be at the gate of the foundation, & all the people shall be in the * Exodi. 27 ● courts of the house of the Lord. But there shall none come into the house of the lord, save the priests, & they that ministre unto the Levites: They shall go in, for they are holy: but all the people shall keep the watch of the Lord. And the Levites shall compass the king round about, and every man shall have his weapon in his hand: and what other man soever doth come into the house of the Lord, he shall be slay: & let them be with the king, when he cometh in, and when he goeth out. And the Levites & all juda did according to all things that jehoiada the priest had commanded, & took every man his men, that came in on the Sabbath, with them that went out on the Sabbath day: neither did jehoiada the priest let the companies depart. And jeohoiada the Priest delyverrd to the captains of hundreds, spears, scheldes and bucklers, that had pertained to king David, and were in the house of god. And he set all the people, every man having his weapon in his hand, from the right side of the temple to the left side of the temple, along by the altar, & the temple, round about the king. And they brought out the kings son and put upon him the crown, and ☞ * Deute. 17. d the testimony, ❀ (and they gave him in his hand, the la that was to be kept,) and made him king. And jehoiada & his sons anointed him and said: God save the king. When Athalia heard the noise of the people, running ● praising the king, she came to the people in to the house of the Lord. And she looked, and behold, the king stood in his place at the entering in, and the Lords, and the trumpets were by the king, and all the people of the land rejoiced, blowing with trumpets, and did play with instruments of music, and taught to sing and praise. But Athalia rent her clothes, and said: treason, treason. And jehoiada the Priest went out to the captains of hundreds that were governors of the host, and said unto them: have her out without the door of the temple: and who so followeth her, let him be slay with the sweth. For the priest said that they should not slay her in the house of the lord And they laid hands on her, till she was come to the entering of the horse gate beside the kings house, and there they slew her. * 4. Reg ●● And jehoiada made a bond between him and all the people & the king, that they should be the lords people. And all the people went to the house of Baal, and destroyed it, and broke his altars and his images, & slew Mathan the Priest of Baal before the altars And jehoiada put the offices for the house of the lord under the hand of the priests and Levites, * 1. 〈…〉 as David had distributed them in the house of the Lord, to offer burnt offerings unto the Lord/ * Num. ●● as it is written in the law of Moses, with rejoicing and singing, as it was ordained by David. And he set porters by the gates of the house of the Lord, that none which was unclean in any thing should enter in. And he took the captains of hundreds, and all the nobles, and the governors of the people, and all the folk of the land, & caused the king to come down out of the house of the lord, and they came thorough the high gate in to the kings house, and set the king upon the scate of the kingdom. And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was in tranquillity, after that they had slay Athalia with the sword, ¶ joas during the life of jehoiada, keepeth the law, but after his death he regardeth it not. He killeth za●●a●●a the prophet. joas is killed of his own servants: and after him reigneth Amaziahu. CAPI. XXIIII. IOas was seven year old when he began to reign, * 4. Reg. ●● and he reigned forty year in Jerusalem. His mother's name also was Zibia of Beer seba. And joas did that which was right in the sight of the Lord all the days of jehoiada the priest▪ And jehoiada took him two wives, and he begat sons & daughters. And it chanced after this, that joas was minded, to renew the house of the Lord and he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them: go out unto the cities of juda, and gather of all Israel money, to repair the house of your god from year to year: & see that ye hast the thing: howbeit the Levites were slack. And the king called jehoiada that was the chiefest and said unto him: Why requirest thou not of the Levites to bring in, out of juda and jerusalem, * 〈…〉. 30. b the collectyon of money, according to the commandment of Moses the servant of the lord, and the congregation of Israel should offer it for the tabernacle of witness. For wicked Athalia and her children broke up the house of god/ and all the things that were dedicated for the house of the Lord, did they bestow for Bealim. And at the kings commandment, * 〈…〉 xii. b. they made a chest, and set it without at the gate of the house of the Lord: and made proclamation thorough juda & jerusalem, to bring into the Lord * 〈…〉. 30. b the taxation of money, that Moses the servant of god set upon Israel in the wilderness. And the lords and all the people rejoiced, and brought in, and cast in to the chest, until it was full. And it fortuned, that at the same time they brought the chest (unto them which were in the kings business) by the hand of the Levites: And when they saw that there was moche money, the kings Scribe (and one appointed by the high priest) came & emptied the chest, and took it, & carried it to his place again: thus they did day by day, & gathered moche money. And the king and jehoiada gave it to such as did the labour and work in the house of the lord, and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of the Lord, and so did they artificers in iron and brass, to mend the house of the Lord. And so the workmen wrought, and the work mended thorough their hands, & they made the house of god as it ought to be, and strengthened it. And when they had finished it/ they brought the rest of the money before the king & jehoiada, and therewith were made vessels for the house of the Lord: even vessels to minister withal, & to serve for burnt offerings: chargers and spoons, vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burntoffe tynges in the house of the lord continually all the days of jehoiada. But jeoiada waxed old, and died full of days. For an hundred and thirty. year old was he when he died. And they buried him in the city of David among the kings, because he dealt well with Israel, and with God & with his house. And after the death of jehoiada, came the lords of juda, and made obeisance to the king. And the king hearkened unto them. And so they left the house of the Lord God of their fathers, and served groves & idols. And then came the wrath of God upon juda and jerusalem, for this their trespasses sake. And he sent Prophettis to them to bring them again unto the Lord. And they testyfyed unto them: But they would not hear. And the spirit of god came upon Zacharia the son of jehoiada the Priest, which stood by the people, and said unto them: Thus saith god: why transgress ye the commandments of the lord, that ye can not prosper? For because ye have forsaken the Lord, he also hath forsaken you. * Math▪ 〈…〉 And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones, at the commandment of the king: even in the court of the house of the lord. And so joas the king remembered not the kindness which jehoiada his father had done to him, but slew his son. And when he died/ he said: the Lord look upon it, and require it. And when the year was out, it fortuned/ that the host of Syria came up against him: and they came against juda & jerusalem/ and destroyed all the Lords of the people from among the people, & sent all the spoil of them unto the king to Damascus. For the Syrians came with a small company of men, and the Lord delivered a very great host into their hand, because they had forsaken the Lord god of their fathers. And moreover they served joas according. And when they were departed from him, they left him in great diseases: & * 4 Reg. xii ● his aw●e servants conspired against him for the blood of the children of jehoiada the Priest, & slew him on his bed, and he died, and they buried him in the city of David: but not in the sepulchres of the kings. And these are they that conspired against him: Zebad the son of Simeath an Ammonite, and Iehosaba● the Son of Simrith a Moabite. And his sons, and the sum of the tax that was raised in his time, and the repairing of the house of God, behold, they are written in the story of the book of the kings. And Amaziahu his son reigned in his stead. ¶ Amaziahu overcometh the Edomites. And joas kynge of Israel overcometh Amaziahu. CAPI. XXV. AMaziahu was xxv year old when he began to reign, and he reigned xxix year in * 4 Reg▪ 14. ● jerusalem. His mother's name was jehodadan of jerusalem. And he did that which is right in the sight of the lord: but not with a perfit heart. And as soon as he was settled in the kingdom, he slew his servants, that had killed the king his father But he slew not their children, because it is written thus in the law/ & book of Moses/ where the Lord commanded, saying: * Deut. 24. c 4 Re. xiiii. b jere. xxxi. ●. Ezech. 1●. c. The fathers shall not die for the children, neither shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin: And Amaziahu gathered juda together and made them captains over thousands and over hundreds, according to the houses of their Fathers, throughout all juda, and Bemamin. And he numbered them from. xx. year old, and above: and found among them, three hundred thousand chosen men/ able to go to battle, & that could handle spear and shield. He hired also an hundred thousand strong fighting men out of Israel, for an hundred talents of silver. And there came a man of god to him, and said: O king, let not the army of Israel come with thee: for the lord is not with Israel, neither with all the house of Ephraim. But if thou wilt needs be faithless, come on, and take the battle in hand, and God shall make the fall before the enemy. For god hath power to help, and to cast down. And Amaziahu said to the man of god: what shall we do then, for the hundred talentes/ which I have given for the host of Israel? The man of god answered: the Lord is able to give the moche more than they be. And Amaziahu severed them to the army that was come to him out of Ephraim, to go home again. Wherefore they were exceeding wroth with juda, & returned home in great anger. And Amaziahu took heart and carried out his people, and went to the salt valley, and * ● Re. xiiii. b smote of the children of Seir ten. M. And other ten. M. did the children of juda take alive, & carried them unto the top of a rock/ & cast them down from the top of the rock, that they all to burst: But the soldiers of the army which Amaziahu sent away, that they should not go with his people to battle, fell upon the cuyes of juda, from Samaria unto Bethhoron, and smote three thousand of them, and took much spoil. And it chanced, after that Amaziahu was come from the slaughter of the Edomites, he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his Gods, and bowed himself before them, and burned cense unto them. Wherefore the lord was wroth with Amaziahu & sent unto him a prophet, which said unto him: why hast thou sought the gods of the people, which were not able to deliver their own people out of thine hand? And it chanced, that as the Prophet talked with him, the king said unto him: have men made the of the kings counsel? cease, why wilt thou be beaten? And the Prophet ceased, and said: I am sure that god is minded to destroy thee, because thou haste done this, and agreest not unto my counsel. * 4 Re. xiiii. ● Then Amaziahu King of juda took advise, and sent to joas the son of jehoahaz the son of jehu king of Israel, and said: come, that we may see either other. And joas king of Israel sent to Amaziahu king of juda, saying: a thistle that is in Libanon, sent to a Cedar tree of Libanon, saying: * 4. Re. x●●● juduum. 〈◊〉 4. Esd. 4. ● give thy daughter to my son to wife. And there came a wild beast of Libanon, and trod down the thistle. Thou sayest that thou hast beaten the Edomites, & thine heart maketh the proud, to glorify thyself. Now therefore bide at home: why dost thou provoke unto evil, that thou mayst perish, both thou, and juda with thee? But Amaziahu would not hearken to him: for it came of god, even to deliver them in to the hand of their enemies, because they sought counsel at the gods of Edom. And so joas the king of Israel came up: and they saw either other, both he and Amaziahu king of juda at Bethsames which is in juda. And juda was put to the worse before Israel & they fled every man to his tent. And joas the king of Israel to the Amaziahu king of juda the son of joahas the Son of jehoahas at Bethsames: and brought him to jerusalem, and tore the wall of jerusalem (from the gate of Ephraim unto the gate that was over against it) four hundred cubytes. And he took also all the gold & silver/ & all the jewels that were found in the house of God with Obed Edom, and the treasures of the kings house, and the young wards, and returned to Samaria. And Amaziahu the son of joas king of juda lived after the death of joas son of jehoahaz king of Israel fifty year. The rest of the acts of Amaziahu first and last, are they not written in the book of the kings of juda and Israel? And after the time that Amaziahu did turn away from the lord, * 4. Re. 〈…〉 they conspired treason against him in jerusalem: & when he was fled to Lachis they sent to Lathis after him, & slew him there and brought him up with horses, and buried him with his fathers in * 〈…〉. the city of juda. ¶ After the death of Amaziahu reigneth ●●zia (otherwise called Ozia) which is stryhen with the ●eper, and Io●ham reigneth in 〈◊〉 r●●●e. CAPI. XXVI. THen all the people of juda took Uzia (which was * 〈…〉. a sixteen year old) and made him king in the room of his father Amaziahu. And he built Eloth, and brought it again to juda, after the king was laid to sleep with his fathers. Syrtene year old was Uzia, when he began to reign, and he reigned. ●i●. year in jerusalem. His mother's name also was jecholia of jerusalem. And he did that which was right in the sight of the lord according to alas did his father Amaziahu. And it came to pass, that he sought god & in the days of Zachariahu 〈…〉 xii. b. (which maintained the fear of god) and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him to prosper. And he went to battle against the philistines, and broke down the wall of Geth/ and the wall of jabne, & the wall of Asdod/ and built cities about Asdod and among the Philistinis. And god helped him against the Philistines, and against the Arabians that dwelt in Gurbaal and Hammehunim. And the Ammonytes gave tribute to Uzia, & his name spread abroad even to the entering in of Egypt: for he played the man exceedingly. Moreover Uzia built towers in jerusalem by the corner gate, & by the valley gate/ and at the turning of the wall, and made them strong. And he built to wres in the wilderness, and digged many wells: For he had moche cattle, in the valleys and plains/ plowmen and vynedressers in the mountains, & in Charmell, for he loved husbandry. And Uzia had an host of fighting men that went out to war in the armaye according to the number of their office/ under the hand of jeiell the scribe and Maasiahu the ruler, and under the hand of Hanania/ which was one of the kings Lords. And the hole number of the ancient fathers, and of the men of might were two thousand and two hundred, and under the hand of them was the army of the men of war, even three hundred and seven thousand, and five hundred that made war with the power of an army, helping the king against the enemies And Uzia provided them throughout all the host, sheldes, spears, helmets, ●abergeons, bows and slings for to cast stones. And he made subtle engines in jerusalem, which he invented and laid on the towers and corners, to shoot arrows & great stones with all. And his name spread far abroad, because he was helped so excellently, so that he became very mighty. But in his strength/ his heart arose to his destructton: for he transgressed against the lord his god, & went into the temple of the Lord, to burn cense upon the altar of incense. And Azariahu the priest went in after him, and with him four score priests of the lord that were valiant men. And they stood by Uzia the king, & said unto him: * Nume. 28 ● It pertaineth not to the Uzia/ to burn cense unto the lord, but to the priests the children of Aaron, that are consecrate for to offer incense. Come therefore out of the sanctuary, for thou hast trespassed, and it is no worship to the before the lord god. And Uzia was wroth, & had cense in his hand to burn it: & so while he had indignation against the priests, * 4 Reg. ●v ● the leprosy sprang in his forehead before the priests in the house of the Lord, even beside the incense altar. And Azariahu the chief priest with all the other priests looked upon him: and behold, he was become a Leper in his forehead, and they vexed him thence. And he was fain to go out, because the Lord had smitten him. And Uzia the king continued a leper unto the day of his death, and dwelled several in a house being a leper and shu●ts out of the house of the lord. And jotham his son had the governance of the Kings house, and judged the people of the land. The rest of the acts of Uzia first & last/ did Isai the prophet the son of Amos, write. And so Uzia slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the field of the burial which was beside the sepulchres of the kings. For they said: he is a leper. And jotham his son reigned in his stead. ¶ jotham reigneth, and ouert●meth the Ammo●ytes. Ahaz his son reigneth aftre him. CAPI. XXVII. I Otham was five and twenty year old/ when he * 4 Reg▪ ●v ● began to reign, and reigned sixteen year in jerusalem. His mother's name also was jerusa the daughter of Zadoc. And he did that which was right in the sight of the lord/ in all points as did his father Uzia: save that ☞ he came not into the temple of the Lord, and the people did yet wickedly. He built the bygh gate of the temple of the lord, and on the wall (where the house of ordinance was) he built mach. Moreover he built cities in the mountains of juda, and in the wood country he built castles, and towers. He fought which the king of the children of Ammon, & prevailed against them. And the children of Ammon gave him the same year an hundred talents of silver, and ten thousand quarters of wheat, and ten thousand of batley. So moche did the children of Ammon give him the second year and the third also. So jotham became mighty, because he directed his way before the Lord his God. The rest of the acts of jotham and all his wars, & his conversation, so, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel, and juda. He was. xxv. year old when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen year in jerusalem. And jotham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David: and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead. ¶ The wickedness of Ihaz king of juda. After him reigneth Heze●●a. CAPI. XXVIII. AHaz was * ● Reg. xvi● twenty year old when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen year in jerusalem, and he did not that which is right in the sight of the Lord, as did his father David: For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel, and made molten images for Baalim. He offered incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom/ and * Dente. 1●. b ●. 〈◊〉. xxi. a burnt his children in fire after the abominations of the Heathen, whom the lord cast out before the Children of Israel. He offered also, & burnt incense in hylaulters and on mountains/ and under every green tre. * ● Re xvi. ●. Esai. seven. e. Wherefore the lord his god delivered him into the hand of the king of the Syrians which bet him, and carried away a great multitude of his captive, and brought them to Damascus. And he was delivered in to the hand of the king of Israel, which smote him with a great slaughter. For Pekah the son of Remaliahu slew in juda an C, and twenty thousand in one day, which were all fighting men, & that because they had forsaken the lord god of their fatheyrs. And Z●chri a mighty man of Ephraim slew Maasiahu the kings son, and Asrica the governor of the house, & Elcana that was next to the king. And the Children of Israel took prisoners of their brethren, C C. thousand women, sons, & daughters, and carried away much spoil of them, and brought the spoil to Samaria. But there was a prophet of the Lords (whose name was Obed) & he went out before the host that came to Samaria/ and said unto them: Behold, because the Lord God of your Fathers is wroth with juda, he hath delivered them in to your hand. And ye have slain them with cruelness, that reacheth up to heaven. And now ye purpose to keep under the children of juda and jerusalem, and to make them bondmen and bondwomen. And do ye not lad yourselves with sin in the sight of the lord your God? Now hear me therefore, and deliver the captives again which ye have taken of your brethren: for else shall the great wrath of God be upon you. Wherefore, certain of the heads of the Children of Ephraim, as Azaria the son of jehohanan, Berechiahu the son of Mesillemoth, and Iehezkiah● the son of Sallum, and Amasa the son of Hadlai, stood up against them that came from the war, and said unto them: bring not in the captives hither. For where as we have offended toward god all ready, ye intend to add more to our sins & trespass. For our trespass is great all ready, and there is a fierce wrath against Israel. And upon that the men of arms left the captives/ and the spoil before the Lords and all the congregation. And the men that were now reheat●ed by name, rose up & took the prisons, and (with the spoil) clothed all that were naked among them/ and arrayed them, and shoed them, and gave them to eat & to drink, and anointed them, and carried all that were feeble of them upon Asses, and brought them to Jericho (the city of Palm trees) to their brethren: and then they returned to Samaria again. * ●. Re. 〈…〉 At that same time did king Ahaz send unto the kings of Assur, to have help of them. And the Edomites came again, and slew some of juda, and carried away captives. And the Philistines invaded the cities in the low country, and toward the south of juda: and took Bethsames, and Aialon/ and Gederoth, and Socho with the towns longing thereto, and Thimna with the towns of the same: Gimso, and the towns thereof, and dwelt there. For the Lord brought juda low, because of Ahaz king of juda, which made juda naked, and transgressed fore against the Lord. And Thilgath pylneser king of the Assyrians came upon him, and besieged him, and he was not mighty enough for him. For Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of the Lord, and out of the Kings house, and out of the lords houses and gave unto the king of the Assiryans: and yet it helped him not. And in the very time of his tribulation did king Ahaz trespass yet more against the Lord. For he offered unto the Gods of them of Damascus, which bet him, and he said: because the Gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I offer to them, that they may help me also. But they were his destruction, & the destruction of all Israel. And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, & broke them, and * 〈…〉. shut up the doors of the house of the Lord, and made him * 〈…〉. c. altars in every corner of jerusalem. And in all the cities of juda he made hill altars, to burn incense unto other Gods, and angered the Lord god of his fathers. The rest of his acts and his works first and last: behold, they are written in the book of the kings of juda and Israel. And Ahaz slept with his fathers, & they buried him in the city of jerusalem: but brought him not unto the sepulchres of the kings of juda. And Hezekia his son reigned in his stead. ¶ Hezehia (otherwise called Ezechias, or Ieh●zki●ah●●) restoreth unto the temple of the Lord all the things that had not been regarded of his predeceslouts. CAPI. XXIX. HEzekia began to reign, when he was five and twenty year old, and reigned nine and twenty year in jerusalem. And his mother's name was Abia the daughter of Zachariahu, and he did that, which was right in the sight of the Lord, in all points as did David his father. He * 〈…〉. opened the doors of the house of the Lord 〈…〉. d (in the first year & first month of his reign) and repaired them. And he brought in the priests and the Levites, and gathered them together into the East street: and said unto them: Hear me ye Levites, & now be sanctified, and hallow the house of the lord God of your fathers, and bring filthiness out of the holy place. For our fathers have trespassed, and done evil in the eyes of the lord our God: and have forsaken him, and turned away their faces from the habitation of the lord, and turned their backs on it. And beside that they have shut up the doors of the porch, and quenched the lamps and have neither burned cense, nor offered burnt-offerings in the holy place unto the God of Israel. Wherefore the wrath of the Lord fell on juda and jerusalem: and he hath brought them to trouble: to be wondered on, & to be hissed at, even as ye see with your eyes, For, lo, our fathers were overthrown with the sword, and our sons, our daughters and our wives were carried away captive for the same cause. And now it is in my heart, to make a covenant with the Lord God of Israel: that he may turn away his heavy indignation from us. Now therefore my Sons, be not negligent: for the Lord * Num. 〈◊〉. ●. hath chosen you to stand before him, and for to minister and serve him, and to burn incense. Then the Levites arose: Mahath the son of Amasai, and joel the son of Azariahu of the children of the Cahathites: and of the sons of Merari, Kiss the son of Addi, and Azariahu the son of jehalelell, and of the sons of the Gersonites, joah the son of Simma, and Eden the son of joah: And of the sons of Elizaphan, Simri and jehiel: and of the sons of Asaph, Zacharia/ and Mathaniahu: and of the sons of Heman, jehiel and Simei: and of the sons of jeduthun/ Semaia and Uziell. And they gathered their brethren, and purified themselves, and came according to the commandment of the king and the wordis of the lord/ for to cleanse the house of the Lord. And the Preestes went in to the inner parts of the house of the Lord to cleanse it, and brought out all the uncleanness that they found in the temple of the lord, in to the court of the house of the lord. And the Levites took it, to carry it out in to the broke Cedron. They began the first day of the first month to purify, and the eight day of the month came they to the porch of the lord: and purged the house of the lord in eight days, and in the sixteen day of the fyrune month they made an end. And they went into Herekia the king, and said: we have cleansed all the house of the Lord, the altar of burnts offering, with all his vessels, and the showbread table with all his apparel: and all the vessels which King Ahaz did cast a side when he reigned and transgressed, them we have prepared and sanctified: and behold/ they are before the altar of the Lord. And Hezekia the king rose early: and gathered the lords of the city & went up to the house of the Lord. And they brought seven oxen, seven ●ammes, seven sheep, and seven he goats to be ● sin offering for the kingdom, for the sancturye, and for juda. And he commanded the priests the sonnis of Aaron, to offer them on the altar of the Lord. And they slew the oxen, and the priests received the blood/ & sprinkled it on the altar: Likewise, when they had slay the rams, they sprinkled the blood upon the altar: they slew also the sheep, and they sprinkled the blood upon the altar. And then they brought forth the he goats for the sin-offering before the king and the congregation, and put their hands upon them. And the priests slew them, and with the blood of them they cleansed the altar, to make satasfactyon for all Israel: for the king commanded, that the burntoffering and the sin-offering should be made for all Israel. And set the Levites in the house of the lord with symbals, psaltryes and haps, * ●. Pa. xxv. a according to the commandment of David and of Gad the kings sear, and Nathan the Prophet. For so was the commandment of the lord thorough the hand of his prophets. And the Levites stood, having the instruments of David, and the priests held the trumpets. And Hezekia commanded to offer the burnt offering upon the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song of the lord began also, and the trompetꝭ with the instruments that were ordained by the hand of David king of Israel. And all the congregation worshipped, singing a song, & blowing with trumpets, and all this continued, until the burntoffering was finished. And when they had made an end of offering, the king and all that were present with him/ bowed themselves, & worshipped. And Hezekia the king and the lords spoke to the Levites to praise the Lord with the words of David, and of Asaph the sear. And the Levites sang praises with gladness, & the other bowed themselves, and worshipped. And Hezekia answered, and said: now ye have consecrate your handis to the lord: go to therefore, and bring in the sacrifices and thankofferynges in to the house of the lord. And the congregation brought in the sacrifices, and thankofferynges, & burntofferyngis as many as were of a free liberal heart. And the number of the burntoffryngꝭ, which the congregation brought, was. lxx. oxen, an C. rams, and C C. sheep: which were, all for the burntoffering of the lord. ☞ And there were dedicated six hundred oxen, and three thousand sheep. And the priests were to few, to fleye all the burntofferyngis: but their brethren the Levites did help them, till they had ended the work, and until the priests were sanctified. For the Levites were purer hearted to be sanctified, than the priests. And thereto the burnt-offerings were many with the fat of the peaceofferyngis and the drynkeofferyngis that be long to the burntoffering And so the service pertaining to the house of the lord was finished. And Hezekia reiosed and all the the people that god had made the flock to ready: and that the thing was so soon done. ¶ Hezekia reneweth the feast of passover. CAPI. XXX. ANd Hezekia sent to all Israel and juda, and wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasse, that they should come to the house of the Lord at jerusalem, and offer Passeover unto the Lord god of Israel. And the king held a counsel with his lords and all the congregation at jerusalem, * Nun. 〈◊〉. ● to keep the feast of Passeover in the second month For they could not keep it at that time: because the priests were not sanctified sufficiently, neither was the people gathered together to jerusalem. And the thing pleased the king and all the congregation. And they decreed, that it should be proclaimed throughout all Israel from Beersabe to Dan/ that they should come, and hold the feast of Passeover unto the Lord God of Israel at Jerusalem: for they had not done it of a great season as they should have done by the law. So the posts went with letters of the hand of the king, and of his lords throughout all Israel and juda: and at the commandment of the king they said: Ye Children of Israel, turn again unto the lord god of Abraham, Isaac and Israel, and let every one return to the remnant that are escaped you out of the hand of the kings of Assur. And be not ye like your fathers & your brethren/ which trespassed against the Lord God of their fathers, which gave them up to be destroyed, as ye se. And now be not ye stiff necked, like as were your fathers, but yield yourselves unto the lord, and enter into his holy place, which he hath sanctified for ever, & serve the Lord your God, and the fierceness of his wrath shall turn away from you. For if ye turn again unto the lord, then shall your brethren and your children find compassion in the presence of them that took them captive, and they shall come again unto this land: * Erodi 〈…〉 jerem. 〈◊〉 ● Psal. 〈…〉 for the lord your God is gracious and merciful & will not turn away his face from you, if ye convert unto him. And so the posts went from city to city in the land of Ephraim and Manasse, even unto Zabulon. But they laughed them to scorn, & mocked them. Nevertheless, yet diverse of Asser, Manasse and of Zabulon submitted themselves and came to jerusalem. And the hand of God was in juda, so that he gave them one heart, to do the commandment of the king and of the rulers, according to the word of the lord. And there assembled to Jerusalem much people, & there was present a mighty great congregation, to hold the feast of sweet bread in the second month. And they arose, and removed the * ●▪ Pa. 〈◊〉. ● altars that were in jerusalem. And all the vessels of incense did they away, and cast them in to the broke Cedron. And they slew Passeover the. xiiii. day of the second month. And the priests/ and Levites ☞ which were ashamed, sanctified themselves, and brought in the burntofferyngis into the house of the lord And they stood in their office after their manner, and according to the saw of Moses the man of god. And the Preestes sprinkled the blood, which they received of the hand of the Levites: For there were many in the congregation, that were not sanctified: and the Levites did slay Passeover for all that were not clean, & that might not execute the holy work of the lord. For many of the people/ & very many out of Ephraim, Manasse, Isakar and Zabulon were not cleansed, & yet did eat Passeover against the law appointed. Wherefore Hezekia prayed for them, and said: the good lord be merciful unto them. For he set his hole heart, to seek the Lord God/ even the God of his fathers: but all the other did not so according to unfeigned holiness. And the lord heard Hezekia, & healed the people. And the Children of Israel that were present at jerusalem, held the feast of sweet bread seven days with great gladness, and the Levites & the priests praised, and magnified the power of the lord day by day, upon instruments. And Hezekia spoke heartily unto all the Levites that had understanding & were of a good mind toward the lord. And they did eat throughout that feast, seven days long, & offered peace-offerings, & thanked the lord god of their fathers. And the hole assemble took counsel to do so other seven days, & they held those seven. days with gladness. For Hezekia king of juda took out (from among his cattle) for the congregation, a. M young oxen, and seven. M. sheep. And the lords gave out to the congregation a. M. young oxen, and ten thousand sheep. And a great number of the priests were sanctified. And all the congregation of juda with the priests and Levites, and all the congregation that came out of Israel, & the strangers that came out of the land of Israel, & that dwelt in juda/ rejoiced: and there was great gladness in jerusalem. For since the time of Solomon the Son of David king of Israel there was no such joy in jerusalem. And the priests and the Levites arose, and blessed the people, & their voice was herd of the lord/ & their prayer came up unto heaven, his holy dwelling place. ¶ After that Hezekia had called again the people unto the way of the lord, he ordaineth the priests, unto whom he commandeth to give tithes CAPI. XXXI. ANd when all these things were finished, all they of Israel that were present in the cities of juda, went out and broke the images, and * 2. Par. 14● cut down the groves, and all to broke the high places, & * two. Par. 33. ● altars, throughout all juda and Ben iamin/ in Ephraim also and Manasse, until they had utterly destroyed them all. And all the Children of Israel returned, every man to his possession and to their own cities. And Hezekia appointed sundry companies of the priests/ and Levites after the diversity of their ministrations, every man according to his office, both priests and Levites, for the burntoffering/ and peaceofferynges/ to minister, and to give thanks/ and praise in the gates of the host of the Lord. And the kings portion of his substance that he gave, were burnt-offerings in the morning and evening/ & burntofferyngis for the Sabbath days, new moons, and solemn feasts, according * Num. 〈◊〉. ● as it is written in the law of the lord. And he bade the people that dwelled in jerusalem, give the part to the priests, and Levites, that they might substantially apply themselves to the law of the lord. And as soon as the kings commandment came abroad, the Children of Israel brought abundance of first fruits, of corn, wine, oil, honey, and of all manner of fruits of the field: and the tithes of all manner of things brought they in plenteously. And the Children of Israel and juda that dwelled in the cities of juda, they also brought in the tithes of oxen and sheep, & other holy tithes which were consecrate unto the lord their god, they did offer, and brought them all by heaps. In the third month they began to lay the heaps (in manner of a foundation) & finished them in the seventh month And when Hezekia & the lord cam● and saw the heaps, they blessed the lord and his people Israel. And Hezekia questioned with the priests and he Levites concerning the heaps. And Azaria the chief priest of the house of Zadocke, answered him, and said: syn●e the people began to bring the heaveofferyngꝭ in to the house of the lord, we also have had enough to ●ate, there remained so much: for the Lord hath blessed his people, and this heap is left. And Hezekia bade prepare the chambers in the house of the lord: and they did prepare them, and carried in the heave offerings, the tithes, and the dedicate things, faithfully. Over which Chonaniahu the Levite had the rule, and Semei his brother next to him. And jehiel, Asaziahu, Nahath, Asaell, jerimoth josabad, Eliel, jesmachiahu, Mahath, and Banaiahu were oversects ordained by Chonaniahu: and Semei his brother was an officer of Hezekia the king, and Asaria was the ruler of the house of god ❀ (unto whom all these things belonged.) And Chore the son of jimna the Levite & por●er of the East door, had the over sight of the things that were offered of a free-will unto God (and were given in manner severally unto the lord) and over the things most holy. And under his hand were Eden, Mintamin, jesua, Semeiahu, Amariahu, and Sechaniahu in the cities of the priests appointed of their fyde light, to give to their brethren their portions, as well to the small as to the great. Except that to the males that were reckoned from three year and above (among all that went in to the house of the Lord) they should give day by day, for their ministration, and for their giving attendance, and for their diverse waytynges by course. And to the priests and Levites thore wout the household of their fathers, from twenty year & above, to wait when their courses came. And to the families of all their babes, wives, sons and daughters thorough all the congregation. For upon the fidelity of them were ☞ the holy things bestowed. And to the Children of Aaron, the priests/ which were in the fields and suburbs of their Cities, City by city, the men (whose names wire expressed before) should give portyons, even to all the males among the priests, & to all the Levites, according to their number. And of this manner did Hezekia throughout all juda, & wrought it that is good, and right and true, before the lord his god. And in all the works that he began for the service of the house of god, for the law, and for the commandments, he sought his God, and that did he with all his heart, and prospered. ¶ Sennacherib (or Sanherib) bes●ygynge jerusalem▪ is str●hr● of the Angel. Hezekia dieth, after whom succeedeth Manasse. CAPI. XXXII. AFter that these deeds were faithfully done, * 4. Reg. 1●. ● Esai. 36. ● Eccle. 48. ● Sennacherib king of Assur came, and entered in to juda, and compassed the strong Cities, & thought to win them for himself. And so when Hezekia saw that Sennacherib was come, & that he was purposed to fight against jerusalem, he took counsel with his Lords, and men of might, to stop the water of the fountains/ without the city: and they did help him. For there gathered many of the people together, and stopped all the wells and the broke that ran thorough the mids of the land, saying: Why shall the kings of Assur come, and find much water? And Hezekia went to lustily, and built up all the wall where it was broken, and made ordinance upon the towers and to the other wall without, and repaired milo in the city of David, & made many darts and sheldes. And he set captains of war over the people, and gathered them together to him in the large street of the gate of the City, and spoke tentellye to them, saying: Pluck up your hearts, & be strong: Be not afraid nor discouraged for the king of Assur, and for all the multitude that he hath with him: * 4. Reg. vi. ● for there be more with us then with him. With him is an * Ia●. xvii. ● arm of flesh: But with us is the lord our god, for to help us, & to fight our battles. And the people took a courage thorough the words of Hezekia king of juda. * 4. Re. 〈◊〉. ●. After this did Sennacherib king of Assur send of his servants to jerusalem (but he himself remained beside Lachis: having all his power with him) unto Hezekia king of juda, & unto all juda that were at jerusalem, saying: Thus sayeth Sennacheryb King of Assur: * 4 Reg. 〈◊〉. ● wherein do ye trust, O ye that dwell in jerusalem which is besieged? Doth not Hezekia entice you to give over yourselves unto death, hunger, & thirst, saying: the lord our god shall rid us out of the hand of the king of Assur? Hath not the same Hezekia put down his high places and his altars, and commanded juda and jerusalem, saying: Ye shall worship before one altar, and burn incense upon the same? Know ye not, what I and my fathers have done unto the people of all landꝭ● were the Gods of the people of other lands able or mighty to save their lands out of my hand? which of all the gods of those nations (that my fathers destroyed) could deliver his people out of mine hand? And shall your god be able to deliver you out of mine hand? wherefore, now let not Hezekia deceive you, nor persuade you of this fashion, nor yet believe him. For as no God among all nations & kingdoms, was able to rid his people out of mine hand, and out of the hand of my fathers: how moche less shall your gods be able to keep you out of mine hand? And yet more things did his servants speak against the Lord God, and against his servant Hezekia. And (Sennacherib) also wrote a letter, to rail on the Lord God of Israel, and spoke against him, saynge● as the gods of the nations of other lands have not been able to deliver their people out of mine hand. Even so shall not the God of Hezekia deliver his people out of mine hand. And they cried which a loud voice in the Jews speech unto the people of jerusalem that were on the wall, to fear them, and to make them faint heried, and that they might so take the city. And they spoke against the god of jerusalem, as against the Gods of the nations of the earth, which were the work of the hands of men. But Hezekia the king, & the prophet Isal the son of Amoz prayed against the blasphemy, & cried up to heaven. And the Lord sent an angel, which destroyed all the men of war and the lords and captains of the host of the king of Assur, that he turned his face again with shame toward his own land. * ●. 〈◊〉. nineteen. g And when he was come into the house of his God, they that came of his own body, slew him there with the sword. And so the lord saved Hezekia & the inhabitors of jerusalem out of the hand of Sennacherib king of Assur, and from the hand of all other, and maintained them on every side. And many brought offerings unto the Lord to jerusalem, & presents to Hezekia king of juda: so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from thence forth. * ● 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. a 〈◊〉. 38. a. In those days Hezekia was sick unto the death, and prayed unto the Lord: which answered him, and showed him a wonderful miracle: But Hezekia did not again unto God according to it that he had showed him for his heart arose: & there came wrath upon him and upon juda and jerusalem. notwithstanding Hezekia submitted himself (after that his heart was risen up) he, & the inhabitors of jerusalem: & the wrath of the Lord came not upon them in the days of Hezekia. And Hezekia had exceeding mocherychesse and honour. And he got him treasures of silver, and gold, precious stones, & spices, sheldes, and of all manner pleasant jewels: & made store houses for the fruits of corn, for wine and oil: and stalls for all manner of beasts, and folds for sheep. And he made him cities, and had of sheep and oxen great abundance. For God had given him substance exceeding moche. This same Hezekia stopped the upper water spryngis of Gihen, & brought them down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekia prospered in all his works. And when the princes of Babylon sent unto him Ambassadors, to inquire of the wonder that chanced in the land, God left him * Deut. viii a to try him, & that all that was in his heart, might be known. The rest of the deeds of Hezekia, and his goodness: behold, they are written in the vision of Isai the prophet the son of Amoz in the book of the kings of juda and Israel. And Hezekia slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the most worthy place of the sepulchres of the sons of David: and all juda and the inhabitors of jerusalem did him worship at his death. And Manasse his son reigned in his stead. ¶ Manasse is taken prisoner, and after that he roameth 〈◊〉▪ he destroyeth the I●●lles: he dieth, and after him succeedeth ●●uion, which is killed of his own people, and Ios●a his son reigneth in his stead. CAPI. XXXIII. MAnasse was. xii. year old * ●. Re. 〈…〉 when he began to reign, and he reigned, iv. year in jerusalem. But he did evil in the sight of the Lord, like unto the abominations of the heathen, whom the Lord cast out before the children of Israel. For he went to & built the hylaulters * 4 Reg. 〈◊〉. a which Hezekia his father had broken down. And he reared up altars for Baalim, & made groves, and worshipped all the host of heaven, & served them. And he built altars in the house of the lord where as the Lord yet had said: * two. Re. vil. b. 11. Pa●. vi a and. v●●. c. In jerusalem shall my name be for ever. And he built altars for all the host of heaven, in the two courts of the house of the lord. And he burned his children in fire, in the valley of the son of Hinnom. He was a sorcerer, he regarded the crying of birds, used enchantment, & maintained workers with spirits, & Sears of fortunes: and wrought moche evil in the sight of the Lord, to anger him withal. And he put the carved image & an Idol which he had made in the house of God. Of which house, God had said to David, and to Solomon his son: in this house and in jerusalem which I have chosen before all the tribes of Israel, * two. Re. vi●. b ●. Re. viii. b 〈◊〉. Pa. vi. a and. seven. c. will I put my name for ever, and will no more bring the seat of Israel from of the land which I have ordained for your fathers. If so be that they will be diligent and▪ do all that I have commanded them in all the law, and statutes, and ordinances by the hand of Moses. And so Manasse made juda, & the inhabitors of jerusalem to er●e, & to do worse than the heathen whom the lord destroyed before the children of Israel. And the Lord spoke to Manasse & to his people, but they would not regard. Wherefore, the Lord brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of the Assyrians, which took Manasse in hold, and bound him with chains, and carried him to Babylon. And when he was in tribulation, he besought the Lord his god, and humbled himself exceedingly before the god of his fathers and made intercession to him: and god was entreated of him, and heard his prayer, and brought him again to jerusalem in to his kingdom. And then Manasse knew, that the Lord was God. After this, he built a wall without the city of David on the west side of Gihen, in the valley as they come to the fish gate, and round about ☞ Ophel and brought it up of a very great height, & put camptaynes of what in all the strong cities of juda. And he took away strange Gods and images out of the house of god, and * ●●. ●a. ●4. a ●●d. 〈◊〉. ●. all the altars that he had built in the mount of the house of God, and in jerusalem, and cast them out of the city. And he repaired the altar of the Lord, & sacrificed thereon peace offerings, and thank offering, and charged juda, to serve the lord god of Israel. Nevertheless the people did offce still in the hylaul ters, howbeit unto the lord their god only. The rest of the acts of Manasse, and his prayer unto his god, and the words of the Seats and of them that spoke to him in the name of the Lord God of Israel: Behold, they are written in the sayings of the kings of Israel. And his prayer/ and how that he was herd, and all his sins, and his trespass, and the places where he made hill altars, and set up groves, and images (before he was ●●ekened) Behold, they are written among the saying of the Sears. And Manasse slept with his fathers, & they buried him in his own house: and Amon his son reigned in his towme. Amon was two and twenty year old, when he began to reign, and reigned two year in jerusalem. But he did evil in the sight of the Lord, like as did Manasse his father, for Amon sa crificed to all the carved images which Manasse his father had made, & served them, & submitted not himself before the Lord as Manasse his father had mekened himself. But Amon trespassed greatly. And his own servants conspired against him, & slew him in his own house. But the people of the land slew all them that had conspired against king Amon. And the same people of the land made josia his son king in his room. ¶ Ios●● destroyeth the Idols, and restoreth the temple in which the book of the law is frond He sendeth to Hulda the Prophettesse for counsel. CAPI. XXXIIII. IOsia was eight year old when he began to reign, * 4. Reg. 〈…〉. and he reigned in jerusalem xxxi. year. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father, and bowed neither to the right hand nor to the left. In the eight year of his reign (when he was yet a Child) he began to seek after the God of David his father, And in the twelfth year he began to purge juda, and jerusalem from hylaulters, groves, carved images, and images of metal: and they broke down the altars of Baalim even in his presence: & other images that were in greater honour than they, he caused to be destroyed. And the groves, carved images, & images of metal he broke & made dust of them, and strawed it upon the graves of them that had offered to them. And he burned the bones of the priests upon the altars of them, & cleansed juda and Jerusalem. And even so did he in the cities of Manasse, Ephraim, Simeon unto Nephthal●. And in the wilderness of them round about he plucked a sondre the altars & the groves and did beat them, and stamp them to powder, and did beat down all the images throughout all the land of Israel: and returned to jerusalem again. In the xviii. year of his reign when he had purged the land, and the Temple * 4 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. ●. he sent Saphan the son of Amaziahu, and Maasiah the governor of the city, and joah the son of joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the lord his God. And when they came to Elkia the high priest, they delivered them the money that was brought in to the house of God, which the Levites that kept the entries had gathered of the hand of Manasse and Ephraim, & of all that yet remained in Israel, and of all juda and Benjamin, & of the enhabitors of jerusalem. And they put in the hands of the workmen, that had the oversight of the house of the Lord: and they gave it to the labourers that wrought in the house of the Lord, to repair and amend the house. Even the mason's & carpenters gave they it: to get stone and timber, for couples and for beams of the houses, which the kings of juda had destroyed. And the men did the work faithfully. And the overseers of them to courage them forward, were jahath and Obadiahu Levites of the children of Merari: and Secharia & Mesullam, of the children of the Cahathites, and other of the Levites which all could skill of instruments of music. And over the bearers of burdens, & over all that wrought, in whatsoever work manshyp it were, were there scribes, officers and porters of the Levites. And when they brought out the money that was brought in to the house of the Lord, * ●●. xx●i. b Helkia the priest found the book of the law of the Lord, given by Moses. And Helkia answered & said to Saphan the Scribe: I have found the book of the law, in the house of the lord, and Helkia gave the book to Saphan. And Saphan carried the book to the king and brought the king word again, saying: all that was committed to thy servants, that do they. And they have gathered together the money that was found in the house of the Lord, and have delivered it in to the handis of the overseers of the work, & in to the hands of the workmen. And then Saphan the scribe showed the king, saying: Helkia the priest hath given me a book, and Saphan red in it before the king. And it fortuned, that when the king had herd the words of the law, he tore his clothes: And the king commanded Helkia and Ahikam the son of Saphan, and Habidon the son of Micah and Saphan the scribe, and Asaia a servant of the kings, saying: go and inquire of the Lord for me, and for them that are left in Israel and juda, concerning the words of the book that is found. For great is the wrath of the Lord that is fallen upon us, because out fathers have not kept the word of the Lord, to do after all that is written in this book. And Helkia and they that the king had appointed, went to Hulda a prophetess the wife of Sallum the son of Tokhath the son of Hasra keeper of the wardrobe (for she dwelt in jerusalem with in the second wall) and so they communed with her. She answered them: thus saith the lord God of Israel: tell ye the man that sent you to me. Even thus saith the Lord: Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, & upon the enhabiters thereof (even all the curses that are written in the book which they have red before the king of juda) because they have forsaken me, and have offered unto other gods, to anger me with all manner of works of their hands: therefore is my wrath set on fire against this place, and shall not be quenched. And as for the king of juda which sent you to inquire of the Lord, so shall ye say unto him: thus saith the Lord god of Israel concerning the words which thou hast herd. Because th●ne heart did melt, and thou didst meek thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitors thereof: and humbledst thyself before me, and tarest thy clothes, and wept before me, that have I heard also sayeth the lord. Behold, I will take the to thy fathers and thou shalt be put in thy grave in peace, and thine eyes shall not see all the mischief that I will bring upon this place, & upon the inhabitors of the same. And they brought the king word again. * 4 Reg. ●3. ● Then the king sent, and gathered together all the elders of juda and jerusalem. And the king went up in to the house of the lord, and all the men of juda, and the inhabitors of jerusalem, & the priests and Levites, and all the people great and small: & the king did read in their hearing all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of t●● Lord. And the king stood at his standing and made a covenant before the Lord, to follow the Lord, and to keep his commandments, his witnesses, and his statutes, with all his heart and with all his soul, & to fulfil the words of the appointment written in the said book. And he set in their room all them that were found in jerusalem & Benjamin, and the enhabitors of jerusalem did according to the covenant of the lord God of their fathers. And josia put away all manner of abominations out of all lands that pertained to the children of Israel, and brought in all that were found in Israel, to worship, and to serve the Lord their God. And they turned not aside from after the Lord God of their fathers, as long as he lived. ¶ josia holdeth Passeover. He fighteth against the king of Egypt, and dieth. The people bewail h●●●. CAPI. XXXV. ANd josia held the * 4. Reg. 23. ● 3. E●●●●. ●. ● feast of passover unto the lord in jerusalem, & they slew passover in the. xiiii. day of the first month. And he set the priests in their offices, & aided them in the service of the house of the lord. And he said unto the Levites (that taught all Israel, & were sanctified unto the Lord) put the holy ark in the house which Solomon the son of David king of Israel, did build, there shall none other burden be laid upon your shoulders. But now serve the Lord your God and his people Israel. And prepare yourselves by your ancient households and companies, according to the writing of David king of Israel, and the writing of Solomon his son. And stand in the holy place according to the division of the ancient households of your brethren the children of the people, and after the division of the ancient households of the Levites kill passover, and sanctify and prepare your brethren, that they may do according to the word of the Lord by the hand of Moses. And josia gave to the people flocks of sheep and kids, all for passover, and for all that were present, thirty the usande by tale/ and three thousand oxen, and these were even of the kings substance. And his lord gave willingly both unto the people, and to the priests, and unto the Levites. Helkia also, Zacharia and jehiel, tulers of the house of God, gave unto the priests for passover offerings two thousand & two hundred sheep, and three hundred oxen. Conama and Semetahu and Nathanel his brethren, and Hasabiahu, and jaiel, and ●osabad rulers of the Levites, gave unto the Levites Passeover offerings, even five thousand sheep, & five hundred oxen. And so the service was prepated, and the priests stood in their places, & the Levites in their distinct companies at the kings commandment. And they slew passover, & the priests sprinkled the blood with their hand, and the Levites pulled of the skins of the beastis. And they fet away the burnt offerings, to give them unto the people that were deu●ded by ancient houses & that they should offer unto the Lord, like * 〈◊〉 i. a as it is written in the book of Moses. And so did they with the oxen also. And * Exod. xii. b they dressed the passover with fire as the manner was. And the other dedicate beasts: ●od they in pots, cauldrons & paunes, and divided them among all the people. And afterward, they made ready for them selves and for the priests: for the children of Aaron were busied in offering of burnt offerings and the fat until night: therefore the Levites prepared for themselves and for the priests the sons of Aaron. And the syngers the children of Asaph stood in their standing * ●. Par. xxv. and xxvi. according to the commandment of David a●d Asaph, Heman and jeduthun the kings Sea●: and the porters waited at every gate, and might not depart from their service: for their brethren the Levites ☞ prepared for them. And so all the service of the lord was prepared the same day, to offer Passeover, & to offer burnt offerings upon the altar of the Lord, according to the commandment of king josia. And so the children of Israel that were present, offered Passeover the same time, & kept the feast of sweet bread seven days. And there was no Passeover like to that, kept in Israel, from the days of Samuel the prophet: neither did all the kings of Israel hold such a Passeover feast as did josia and the priests and Levites and all juda, and Israel that were presence, & the inhabitors of jerusalem. This Passeover was holden in the eighteen year of the reign of josia. * 4. Reg. 〈◊〉. ● After all this, when josia had prepared the temple. Necho king of Egypte came up to fight against Cat●amis beside Euphrates, and josia went out against him: which sent messengers to him, & said: What have I to do with the thou king of juda? Be not thou against thyself this day. For my wa● is against an other house, and God bade me make haste. Leave of therefore and meddle not with God which is with me, lest he destroy thee, Nevertheless, josia would not turn his face from him, but rather took advise to fight with him, and hearkened not unto the words of Necho out of the mouth of God, and came to fight in the valley of Magedo, and the suitors shot darts at king josia. And the king said to his servants: carry me away, for I am sore wounded. His servants therefore had him out of that chariot, and put him ❀ (as a King) in an other chariot that they had. And when they had brought him to jerusalem, he died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his fathers. * ●●●●. ●. 〈◊〉. ●. And all juda and jerusalem mourned for josia. And jeremia lamented josia, and all singing men and singing women mourned for josia in their lamentations, to this day, and made the same lamentations an ordinance in Israel: and behold, they be written in the lamentations. The rest of the acts of josia and his goodness which he did in following the writing of the law of the Lord, and his sayings, first and last: Behold they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and juda. ¶ After josia reigneth jehoahaz: after jehoahaz, ●cho as him: after Ieho●●im, jehoatin: after Iehoa●i●, ●●●chia: in whose time all the people were carried away to Babylon and were brought again th●. ixx. year after, by kynge L●●u●, (otherwise called ●hores.) CAPI. XXXVI. ANd the people of the land took jehoahaz the * ●●●●. ●. 〈◊〉. ●. son of josia, and made him king in his father's stead in jerusalem. And jehoahaz was three & twenty year old, when he began to reign, & he reygued three months in jerusalem. And the king of Egypte put him down at jerusalem, and merced the land in an hundred talents of silver, and a talon of gold. And the king of Egypte made Eliakim his brother king upon juda and jerusalem, and turned his name unto jehoakim: And Necho took jehoahaz his brother, and carried him to Egypte. jehoakim was five and twenty year old, wh● he began to reign, and he reigned, xi. year in jerusalem: and he did evil in the sight of the Lord his God. Against him came up Nabuchodonozer king of Babylon, & bound him with two chains, to carry him to Babylon. The * 〈…〉 24. ●. king Nabuchodonozer also carried of the vessels of the house of the Lord to Babylon, and put them in his temple at Babylon. The rest of the act●● of jehoakim, and his abominations which he did, & carved images that were laid to his charge: behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and juda: and jehoacin his son reigned in his stead. jehoacin was eight year old when he began to reign, & he reygneb three months and ten days in jerusalem: and did evil in the sight of the Lord. And when the year was out, king Nabuthod onozer sent, and fet him to Babylon with the goodly vessels of the house of the Lord, & made Zedekia (his father's brother) king over juda and jerusalem. * 〈…〉 24. ● Zedekia was one and twenty year old, when he began to reign, and reigned eleven year in jerusalam. And he did evil in the sight of the lord his God, and humbled not himself before jeremia the Prophet, at the mouth of the Lord. And he rebelled against Nabuchodonozer, which had received an oath of him by God: But he was stiff necked, and to hard hearted to turn unto the lord God of Israel. Moreover, all the rulers, the priests, and the people trespassed more, sy●nyng after all manner of abominations of the heathen, and polluted the house of the Lord▪ which he had hallowed in jerusalem. * jere. 25. ● And the Lord god of their fathers sent to them, by his messengers, rising up besymes and sending: for he had compassion on his people, and on his dwelling place. But they mocked the messengers of God, and despised his words, and mysseused his prophets, until the wrath of the lord arose again his people, and till there was no remedy. And 〈…〉 he brought 4. ●e. 25. ● upon them the king of ●●●●ey, which slew their young men which the swe●●e in their holy temple, and spared neither young man, maiden, old man, nor him that stooped for age: He gave them all in to his hand. And all the vessels of the house of God (both great and small) and the treasures of the house of the Lord, and the treasures of the king▪ and of his lords: All these carried he to Babylon. And they burned the house of God, & broke down the wall of jerusalem, and burned all the places thereof with fire, and destroyed all the goodly jewels thereof. And the rest that had escaped the sword, carried he to Bablon, where they were bond to him and his children, until the time that Persia ha● the empire: to fulfil the word of the Lord * 〈…〉 〈◊〉. ●. by the mouth of jeremia, until the land had he● pleasure of her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate, she kept Sabbath, bn●yl seventy years were fulfilled. * 1. 〈…〉 ●. ● And the first year of Cyrus' king of Persia (when the word of the Lord * jere. 〈◊〉. ●. a●●. 〈◊〉. ● spoken by the mouth of jeremia, was finished) the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus' king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and that by writing, saying: Thus saith Cyrus' king of Persia: All the kingdoms of the earth hath the Lord God of heaven given me, and hath charged me to build him an house in jerusalem, that is in juda. Wherefore, who soever is among you of all his people, the Lord his God be with him, and let him go up. ❧ The end of the second book of the Chronicles. ❧ The first book of Esdras. ¶ Cyrus sendeth again the people that was in captiuy●e▪ and restoreth them their holy vessels, and commandeth them to build again the temple. CAPI. Primo. IN the first year of * two. Pa. 36. d Cyrus' king of Persia (that the word of the lord spoken * jere. xxv. b by the mouth of jeremis might be fulfilled) the lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus' king of Persia, that he caused to be proclaimed throughout all his empire, and to be written, saying. Thus saith Cyrus the king of Persia. The Lord God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth, * Esal. 44. d and hath commanded me to build him an house at jerusalem which is in juda. Who soever now among you is of his people, the Lord his God be with him, and let him go up to jerusalem in juda, & build the house of the Lord God of Israel. He is the God that is at jerusalem. And who soever remaineth yet in any manner of place, (where he is a stranger) let the men of that place help him with silver and gold, with good and cattle, beside that which they willingly offer, for the house of God that is at jerusalem. Then got up the principal fathers of juda and Ben jamin, and the priests and Levites, and all they whose spirit God had raised to go up, and to build the house of the Lord, which is at jerusalem. And all they that were about them strengthened their hand with vessels of silver and gold, with good and cattle, and jewels: in so much that every one showed himself liberal. And king Cyrus brought forth the vessels of the house of the Lord, * two Par. 36. ● 3 E●g. 25. a Daniel. i. ● which Nabuchodonozer had taken out of jerusalem, and had put in the house of his God. Those did Cyrus the king of Persia bring forth by the hand of Mithridates the treasurer, & numbered them unto Sesbazar the prince of juda And this is the number of them: thirty chargers of gold, a thousand changers of silver nine and twenty knives, thirty basyns of gold: and of other silver basyns, four hundred and ten, and of other vessels a thousand All the vessels of gold & silver were. v. M. and four hundred. All these did Sesbazar carry away with them that came up out of the captivity of Babylon unto jerusalem. ¶ The number of them that returned from the captivity. CAPI. II. THese are the children of the land that went up out of the captivity (whom Nabuchodonozer the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon) and came again unto jerusalem, and in to juda, every one unto his city. They that came with Zorobabel are these. jesua * 2. Es●●. two. ● Nehemiah, Saraea, Re●laia, Mardochai, Bilsan, Mispar, Biguai, Rehum, Baana. This is the number of the men of the people of Israel: The children of Phares, two thousand, an hundred, seventy and two: the children of Saphatia, three hundred, & seventy and two: the children of Arath, seven hundred, & seventy and five: the children of the captain of Moab among the children of jesua and joab, two thousand, eight hundred & twelve: the children of Elam, a thousand, two hundred, & thirty & four: the children of Zathu, nine hundred, and forty & five: the children of Zaccai, seven hundred, and. lx: the children of Bani/ two hundred, & forty and two: the children of Bebai, six hundred and three and twenty The children of Asgad, a thousand, two hundred, and two & twenty: the children of Adonicam, six hundred, and syxtye and two. The children of Beguai, two thousand, fifty & two/ the children of Adin, four hundred, & fifty & four: the children of Ater of Hezekia, ninety & eight: the children of Bezai, three hundred and three and twenty: The children of jora, an hundred and twelve: The children of Hasum, two hundred and three and twenty: The children of Gebar, ninety and five: the children of Bethleem, an hundred and three and twenty: the men of Netopha, six and fifty: The men of Anathoth, an hundred and eight and twenty: The children of Asmaveth, two and forty: The children of Kiriath jarim, even the children of Cephira and Beeroth, seven hundred and three and forty: The children of Harama and Geba, six hundred and one & twenty: The men of Michmas, an hundred and two and twenty: The men of Bethel & Hai, two hundred and three and twenty: The children of Nebo, two and fifty: The children of Magbis, an hundred and six and fifty. The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred & four and fifty: the children of Harim, three hundred and twenty: the children of Lodhadid and Ono, seven hundred and five & twenty: the children of jericho, three hundred and five and forty: the children of Senaa, three thousand, six hundred and thirty. The priests of the children of jedaia of the house of jesua, nine hundred seventy and three: the children of Immer, a thousand and two and fifty: the children of Phashur, a thousand, CC. and. xlvii. The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen. The Levites. The children of jesua, & Cadmiell of the children of Hodavia, seventy and four. The syngers, the children of Asaph, an hundred and xxviii. The children of door keepers. The children of Sallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akub, the children of Hatita, the children of Sobai: all together an hundred and. xxxix. The Nethenims, the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabaoth, the children of Ceros, the Children of Sieha, The children of Pardon, the children of Lebanah, the children of Hagaba, the children of Akub, the children of Hagab, the children of Samlai, the children of Hanan, the children of Giddell, the children of Gahar, the children of Rea●a the children of Razin, the children of Necoda, the children of Gasam, the children of Usa, the children of Passeah, the children of Bessai, the children of Asna, the children of Mehunim, the children of Nephussim, the children of Bacbuc, the children of Hacuba, the children of Hathur. The children of Bazluth, the children of Mehira, the children of Harsa, the children of Barcom, the children of Sisara, the children of Thamah, the children of Neziah, the chylden of Hatipha. The children of salomon's servants, the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda, the children of jaala, the children of Darcon, the children of Giddel, the children of Sephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth Hazbaim, the children of Ami. All the Nethimms and the children of salomon's servants, were all together, three hundred ninety & two. And these went up from Thelmelah, and from Thel Harsa, Cherub, Addon and Immer. But they could not discern their father's house & their seed whither they were of Israel. The children of Delaia, the children of Tobia, the children of Necoda, six hundred and two & fifty. And of the children of the priests. The children of Hebaia, the children of Hakoz, the children of Berzilai, which took one of the daughters of * ●●e. 17. ●. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. ●●. E●g. two. ●. Berzilat the Gileadite to wife, and was called after their name: these sought their evidence among them that had the register of birth, & were not found therein therefore were they put from the priesthood. And ☞ Hathirsatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy, till there rose up a * Exodi. 28. ● priest to wear ☞ Urim & Thumim. The hole congregation together, was two & forty thousand, three hundred & three score: beside their servants and maidens, of whom there were. seven. thousand, three hundred and seven and thirty. And there were among them two hundred singing men & women. Their horses were seven hundred and six and thirty. Their Mules, two hundred & five and forty: and their Camels, four hundred & five and thirty. Their Asses, six thousand, seven hundred and twenty. And certain of the chief fathers, when they came because of the house of the lord at Jerusalem, they offered themselves willing, for the house of god, to set it in his place, & gave gold after their ability unto the treasure of the work even one & three score thousand pe●●s, & fy●e thousand pound of silver, and an hundred priests garments. So the priests and the Levites, & certain of the people & the syngers, and the porters, and the Nethinims dwelled in their cities, and all Israel in their cities. ¶ After the foundation of the temple once renewed: they sacrifice unto the Lord. CAPI. III. ☜ ANd when ☞ * two. Esd●. 8. ● 3 Esd●. v ● the seventh month came and the children of Israel were now in their cities, the people came together (even as one man) unto jerusalem. And there stood up jesua the son of josedee and his brethren the priests, & Zorobabel the son of Salathiel & his brethren, & builded the au●ter of the god of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of god, & the altar set they upon his sockettes (for there was a fearfulness among them because of the nations & lands) therefore they offered burnt offerings thereon unto the Lord * Num. 2●. ● in the morning & at even. And they held the feast of tabernacles * Num. 29. ● as it is written, & offered burnt sacrifices daily according to the number and custom, day by day. afterward they offered daily burnt offerings also, & in the new moons and in all the feast days that were consecrate unto the Lord, and for all them which did (of their own free will) offer unto the Lord. From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt sacrifices unto the Lord: even when the foundation of the temple of the Lord was not yet laid. They gave money also unto the masons and carpenters, and meat & drink, and oil unto them of Zidon and of Tire, to bring them cedar tymbre from Libanus by See unto ☞ jappa, according to the grant that they had of Cyrus the king of Persia. In the second year of their coming unto the place of the house of God at jerusalem, in the second month, began zorobabel the son of Salathiel, and jesua the son of josedec, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and Levites, & all they that were come out of the captivity unto jerusalem, & appointed the Levites from twenty year old & above, to see that the work of the house of the Lord went forward. And jesua stood with his sons and brethren, And Cadmiel with his sons, and the children of juda, to further the workmen of the house of God, even the children of He●adab, with their children and their brethren the Levites. And when the bulders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests stood in their array, with trumpets. And the Levites the children of Asaph with cymbals to praise the Lord * ●. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. ● after the manner of David king of Israel. And they sang together when they gave praise and thanks unto the lord, because he is gracious, and because his mercy endureth for ever upon Israel. And all the people shouted loud in praising the lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. Many also of the priests and Levites and ancient fathers, which had seen the first house (when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes) wept with a loud voice. And many shouted with joy/ so that the noise gave a great sound, in so much that the people could not discern the joyful sound and gladness/ from the noise of the weeping among the people: for the people shouted with a loud cry, and the noise was herd far of. ¶ The building of the temple is hindered and let. CAPI. four BUt * ●. Esdr. v. g the adversaries of juda and Ben jamin heard, that the children of the captivity builded the temple unto the lord God of Israel. And they came to Zorobabel and to the principal fathers, and said unto them. We will build with you: for we seek the Lord your God like as ye do. And we have done sacrifice unto him, since the time of Asor Hadon the king of Assur, * 3. 〈◊〉. 17. d which brought us up hither. And zorobabel, and jesua, and the other ancient fathers of Israel said unto them. It can not be, that you and we together should build the house unto our God: for we ourselves will build alone unto the lord our god of Israel, * ●. Esdr ●. ●. as Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us. And it came to pass, that the folk of the land hindered the people of juda, and troubled them as they were building, and hired counsellors against them, to hinder their device, as long as Cyrus the king of Persia lived, until the reign of Darius' king of Persia. And in the reign of Ahasuerus (even in the beginning of his reign) wrote they unto him a complaint against the inhabitors of juda and jerusalem. And in the days of Arthaxerses, wrote Mithridath Tabeell, and the other of his counsel, unto Arthaxerses the king of Persia with fair words. And the scripture of the letter was written in the Syrians speech, and interpretated in the language of the Syrians. Rehum the recorder, and Samsai the scribe, wrote a letter from jerusalem to Arthaxerses the king, as it followeth. Then Rehum the recorder, and Samset the scribe, and other of their company of Dina, of Arphasath, of Tarpla, of Persia, of Arach, Of Babylon, of Susan, of Deha, of Elam, and other of the people * 3. Reg 〈◊〉. whom the great and noble Asnapar brought over, and set in the cities of Samaria, and other, that are now on this side the water. This is the copy of the letter that they sent unto king Arthaxerses. Thy servants, and the men that are now on this side the water. Be it known unto the king, that the jews which came up from the to us, are come unto jerusalem (a city seditious and froward) and build the same, and set up the walls thereof, & lay the foundations. Be it known now also unto the king, that if this city be builded, and the walls thereof made up again, then shall not they give toll, tribute, and custom, and the kings profit shall incur damage. And now in the mean season we have destroyed the temple, & would no longer see the kings dishonour. Therefore sent we out also, and certified the king: that it may be sought in the book of Chronicles of thy progenitors, and so shalt thou find in the book of the Chronicles, and perceive, that this city is seditious and noisome unto kings and land●, and that they cause other also among them to rebel of old, and for the same cause was this city destroyed. Therefore do we certify the king, that if this city be builded again, and the walls thereof made up; thou shalt hereafter have no portion on this side the water. Then sent the king an answer unto Rehum the recorder, and Samsai the scribe, and to the other of their companions that dwelt in Samaria, and unto the other that were beyond the water, in S●lam and Cheheth. The letter which ye sent unto us, hath been openly red before me, and I have commanded to make search: and it is found/ that this city of old hath made insurrection against kings, and that rebellion/ and sedition hath been committed therein. There have been mighty kings also at jerusalem, which have reigned over all countries beyond the water: and tolle, tribute, and custom was given unto them: give ye now therefore commandment, that the same men be forbidden, & that the city be not builded again/ till I have given another commandment. Take heed now that ye be not negligent to do this: for why should the king have harm there thorough? Now when the copy of king Arthaxerses letter was red before Rehun, and Simsai the scribe and their companions/ they went up in all the haste, to jerusalem unto the jews, and forbade them with violence, and power. Then ceased the work of the house of God at jerusalem, and continued so unto the second year of Darius' king of Persia. ¶ By the exhortation of Aggeus and zachary, in the temple builded again. CAPI. V THe Prophets, * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. ● Aggeus and Zachary the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the jews that were in juda, & jerusalem/ in the name of the god of Israel. * 〈◊〉. ●. ● Then got up zorobabel the son of salathiel, and jesua the Son of josedec, and began to build the house of God at jerusalem/ and with them were the prophets of god, which helped them. At the same time came to them Tathnai/ which was captain on this side the water, and Starbaznai, and their companions/ and said thus unto them: Who hath commanded you to build this house, and to make up these walls? Then told we them the names of the men, that made this building. But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter was brought to Darius, and ☞ then they answered by letters thereunto. This is the copy of the letter that Tathnai (which was Captain on this side the water) and Starbaznai, and the counsellors of Apharsah (which were on this side the water) sent unto king Darius. And the matter that they sent unto him, was written thus within the letter: Unto Darius the king, all peace. Be it known unto the king, that we went in to the land of jury to the house of the great God, which is builded with mighty great stones, and beams are laid in the walls, and the work goeth fast forth, and prospereth in their hands. Then asked we the elders, and said unto them as it followeth: Who commanded you to build this house, and to make up the walls thereof? We asked their names also, that we might certify thee, and write the names of the men that were their rulers. But they answered us with these words, and said: We are the servants of him, that is god of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded many years a go * 3. Reg. v●. ● 〈◊〉. Pa. 〈◊〉. ●. which a great king of Israel builded, and set up. But after that our fathers had provoked the God of heaven unto wrath, * 4. Reg. 24▪ and▪ xxv. he gave them over in to the hand of Nabuchodonozer the king of Babylon, & of the Caldyes'/ which broke down this house, and carried the people away captive unto Babylon. * ●. 〈◊〉. ●. ● But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon, the same king Cyrus gave commandment concerning this house of god/ that it should be built again. And the vessels of gold and silver of the house of God, which Nabucodo●ozer took out of the temple that was at jerusalem, & brought them into temple at Babylon, those did Cyrus the king take out of the temple at Babylon, and * ●. 〈◊〉. ●. ● they were delivered unto one Sasbazar by name, whom he made captain, and said unto him: Take these vessels, & go thy way, and set them in the temple that is at jerusalem/ and let the house of God be builded in his place. Then came the same Sasbazar, and laid the foundation of the house of god, which is at jerusalem. Since that time also until now hath it been in building, & yet is it not finished. If it please the king now therefore, let there be search made in the kings library, which is there at Babylon, whither it had been king Cyrus' commandment, that this temple of god at jerusalem should be builded: and let him send us the kings mind concerning the same matter. ¶ At the commandment of Darius' king of Persia. after the temple was builded and dedicated, the Children of Israel kept the feast of unleavened bread. CAPI. VI THen commanded king Darius, & they made search in the library, even in the place where they laid up the treasure at Babylon. ●. Esdr. ●●● ❀ And there was found in a Coffe● (in the place that is in the land of the Medꝭ● a volume: and therein was it thus written, and such a memorial: In the first year of king Cirus, gave the same king Cirus commandment concerning the house of God at jerusalem, that the same house should be builded in the place where they offer the sacrifices, ❀ and to ●oyne the walls together of three score cubits height, and three score cubits breadth. Three rows of rough stones/ and one row of timber, & the expenses shall be given of the kings house. And let the gold and silver vessel of the house of God (which Nabuchodonozer took out of the temple at jerusalem/ and brought unto Babylon) be restored, and brought again unto the temple at jerusalem to their place in the house of God. Get you far●e from them therefore/ thou Thahnai captain beyond the water/ and Stharbuzanai, and your counsellors, and Aphersechei/ which are beyond the water/ get you away from them. Let the work of the house of this God alone, that the captain of the jews and their Elders may build the house of god in his place. I have commanded what shall be done to the Elders of juda for the building of the house of God, that there shall be diligent heed taken of the Kings goods, even of the rents beyond the water, & given unto the men, that they be not hindered. And if they have need of calves rammis and lambs, for the burnt offering of the god of heaven/ wheat/ salt, wine and oil/ after the custom of the priests at jerusalem/ let the same be given them daily without any delay, that they may offer sweet savours unto the god of heaven, and pray for the kings life/ and for his Children. And such a commandment have I given that what man soever he be that altereth this word, there shall a beam be taken from his house, and set up, and he shall be hanged thereon, and his house shall be ❀ made a dunghill for the same thing. And the God that set his name there, destroy all kings, & people/ that put to their hand to alter/ & to break down that house of God which is at jerusalem. I Darius have commanded, that this be done with speed Then Tathnai the captain of the country beyond the water, and Stharbuzanai with their counsellors (to whom king Darius had sent) did their diligence. And the Elders of the jews builded, and they prospered thorough the prophesyenge of Aggeus the Prophet and Zachary the son of Iddo: and they builded, and laid v● the foundation/ according to the commandment of the god of Israel, and after the commandment of Cyrus, and Darius & Arthaxerses kings of Persia. And the house was finished the third day of the month Adar, even in the sixth year of the reign of king Darius. * ●●. P●. 〈◊〉. ● And the Children of Israel, the priests/ the Levites, & the other Children of the captivity held the dedication of this house of God with joy, and offered at the dedication of this house of God, an hundred Oxen, two hundred rams, four hundred gootes: and for the reconcyling of all Israel twelve he goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel, and set the priests in their sundry courses, and the Levites in their diverse offices to minister unto God at jerusalem, as it is written in the book of Moses. And the Children of the captivity held Passeover upon the. x●iii. day of the first month: for the priests and Levites were purified, so that they were all clean together, and killed Passeover for all the Children of the captivity, and for their brethren the priests, and for themselves. And the children of Israel which were come again out of the captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the Heathen of the land: to seek the Lord God of Israel, did eat/ and held the feast of unleavened bread seven days with joy: for the Lord had made them glad, and turned the heart of the king of Assur unto them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God/ even the God of Israel. ¶ By the commandment of Arthaxerses, ●●dras ta●●eth hi● companions the children of Israel, & returneth to Jerusalem. CAPI. VII. AFter these acts, there was in the reign of * ●. 〈…〉 ●. ● Arthaxerses King of Persia, one Esdras the son of Saraiah, the son of Azaria, the son of Helkia, the son of Sallum, the son of Zadoc, the son of Ahitob, the son of Amaria, the son of Asaria, the son of Mera●oth, the son of Zeraia, the son of Uzi/ the son of Bucki/ the son of Abisua▪ the son of Phinehes/ the son of Eleazar/ the son of Aaron the chief priest. This Esdras also went up from Babylon/ and was a perfit scribe in the law of Moses/ * Exod. 〈◊〉. ● which the lord god of Israel did give. And the king gave him all that he required/ because the hand of the Lord his God was upon him. And there went up certain of the children of Israel/ of the priests/ Levites/ syngers/ porters/ and of the Nethinims unto jerusalem in the seventh year of king Arthaxerses. And he came to jerusalem in the fifth month/ even in the seventh year of the king. For upon the first day of the first month/ began he to go up from Babylon/ and on the first day of the fifth month came he to jerusalem/ because the good hand of god was upon him. For Esdras prepared his heart to seek the law of the lord/ and to do it/ and to teach the precept and judgement in Israel. And this is the copy of the letter/ that king Arthaxerses gave unto Esdras the priest and scribe/ which was a writer of the words and commandments of the Lord and of his statutes over Israel. Arthaxerses a king of kings. Unto Esdras the Priest and Scribe of the law of the God of heaven/ peace & salutation. I have commanded, that all they of the people of Israel, and of the priests & Levites in my realm (which are minded of their own good will to go up to jerusalem) go with thee: and therefore art thou sent of the king and of his seven counsellors/ to visit juda and jerusalem, according to the law of thy god, which is in thy hand: And that thou shouldest take with thee, silver and gold/ which the king and his counsellors offer of their own good will unto the god of Israel (whose habitation is at jerusalem) and all the silver and gold that thou canst find in all the country of Babylon, with it that the people offer of their own good will, and the priests give for the house of their god which is at jerusalem. Take thou the same, & buy diligently with the same money, oxen/ rams, and lambs, with their meat offerings and drink offerings/ and thou shalt offer them upon the altar of the house of your God which is at jerusalem. And look what it liketh the and thy brethren to do with the remnant of the money/ that do after the will of your God. And the vessels that are given the for the ministration in the house of thy god, those deliver thou before God at jerusalem. And whatsoever thing more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which is necessary for the to spend, thou shalt receive the charges out of the kings treasure house. I king Arthaxerses have commanded all the treasures beyond the water, that look whatsoever Esdras the Priest and scribe in the law of the god of heaven, requireth of you, that ye fulfil the same speedily, until an hundred talents of silver, until an, C. quarters of wheat/ and till an hundred baths of wine, and till an hundred * ●●. 〈◊〉. b. baths of oil, and salt without measure. Whatsoever also belongeth to the law of the God of heaven, let the same be done without any delay for the house of the god of heaven, that he be not wroth against the realm, and against the king, and his children. And we certify you, that ye have no authority to require taxing and custom, and yearly rents upon any of the priests, Levites, syngers, porters, Nethinims, & ministers in the house of his god. And thou Esdras (after the wisdom of thy god, that is in thy hand) set judges & arbyterers (by my authority) to judge all the people that is beyond the water, even all such as know the law of thy God: and them that know it not, those see that ye teach. And whosoever will not fulfil the law of thy god, and the kings law, let him have his judgement without delay, whither it be unto death, or to be routed out, or to be condemned in goods, or to be put in prison. * 3. Esdra. ●● Blessed be the Lord god of our father's/ which so hath inspired the kings heart, to garnish the house of the lord, that is at jerusalem: and inclined his mercy unto me ●n the presence of the king, and his counsellors, and before all the kings high estates. And I was comforted (even as the hand of the Lord my god was upon me) and so gathered I the heads of Israel together, that they might go up with me. The number of them that return to Jerusalem with Esdra●. CAPI. VIII. THese are the principal fathers of them/ and this is their register that went up with me from Babylon, what time as king Arthaxerses reigned. Of the children 3. E●d●. ●. ●. of Phinches, Gerson: of the children of Ithamar, Daniel: of the children of David, Hatus: of the Children of Zecania among the children of Pharos, Zachary, and with him were numbered an hundred and fifty men. Of the Children of the captain, of Moa●/ Elioenai the son of Zerahia, and with him two hundred men. Of the children of Zechania the son of jahasiell, and with him three hundred men. Of the children of Adin, A-bed the son of jonathan, and with him fifty men. Of the children of Elam, Isai the Son of Athalia, and with him seventy men. Of the Children of Saphatia, Zebadia the son of Michael, and with him four score men. Of the children of joab, Obadia the son of jehiel, and with him two hundred and eighteen men. Of the children of Selomith, the son of josiphia, and with him an hundred and three score men. Of the Children of Bebai, Zachary the Son of Bebai, & with him eight and. xx. men. Of the children of Asgad, johanan, the Son of Hakatan, and with him an hundred and ten men. Of the Children of Adonicam, that were the last/ whose names were these: Eliphelet, jehiel, and Samaiah, and with them three score men Of the children of Biguai, Uthai/ and Zabud, and with them seventy men. And I gathered them together by the water that runneth toward Aha●a, and there abode we three days. And I looked among the people and the priests & found there none of the children of Levi. Then sent I to Elieser, to Ariel, Semeia, Elnathan/ jarib/ Elnathan/ Nathan/ Zachary and to Mesullam the rulers, and to joiarib and Elnathan which were men of understanding/ and to those gave I commandment unto Iddo the chiefest at Casphia/ that they should fetch us ministers for the house of our god, and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, and to his brethren the Nethinims at Casphia. And (thorough the good hand of our God upon us) they brought us a wise man from among the children of Moholi the Son of Levi/ the son of Israel, and Sarabia with his sons and his brethren, even eighteen. And Hasabia, and with him Isai of the children of Merari/ with his brethren and their sons twenty. And of the Nethinims/ whom David & the Princes gave to minister unto the Levites, two hundred and twenty of Nethinim, which all were named by name. And even there at the water, beside Ahava, I proclaimed a fast, that we might humble ourselves before our god, and seek of him a right way for us, and for our children and for our substance. For I was ashamed to require of the king, soldiers and horsemen/ to help us against the enemy in the way: but we said unto the king: The hand of our god is upon all them that seek him in goodness, and ❀ (his dominion) his violence & wrath is against all them that forsake him. So we fasted, and besought our god for this, and he heard us. And I took out twelve of the chief priests, Sarabia and Hasabia, and ten of their brethren with them, & weighed them the silver and gold, and vessels that were appyonted for the house of our God, which the king and his counsellors and his Lords/ and all Israel that there were at hand, had given together. And I weighed unto their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, and in silver vessel an hundred talentes, and in gold an hundred talentes: twenty basins of gold of a thousand pieces, and two costly ornamentis of good brass as clear as gold: and I said unto them: Ye are consecrate unto the lord, like as the vessels are holy also, and the gold & silver are given of a good will unto the Lord God of your fathers. Watch ye, & keep it: for ye shall weigh it down before the chief priests and Levites, and ancient fathers of Israel at jerusalem in the treasuryes of the house of the Lord. Then took the priests and Levites that weighed silver and gold and vessel to bring it to jerusalem, unto the house of our God. And we broke up, from the water of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month, to go unto jerusalem: and the hand of our God was upon us, and delivered us from the hand of the enemies, & of so●h as laid wait for us by the way. And we came to jerusalem, and abode there three days. But on the fourth day was the silver, & Gold and vessel weighed in the house of our God, by the hand of Meremoth the Son of Uria the priest, and with him was Eleazar the son of Phy●ches, and with them was josabad the son of jesua, and Noadia the son of Benoi the Levites. According to the number and weight of every one, was the weight all written up at the same tyme. And the children of the captivity, which were come out of prison, offered burnt-offerings unto the god of Israel: xii. bullocks for all Israel: ninety and sire rams, seventy and seven Lambs, twelve he goats for a sin-offering, all to the burntoffering of the Lord. And they delivered the kings commission unto the kings officers, and to the captains that were o● this side the water. And they promoted the people and the house of God. ¶ Esdra● complaineth on the people that had ●●rned themselves from god, and married with the gentiles. CAPI. IX. WHen these things were done, the rulers came to me, and said: The people of Israel, and the priests, and Levites are not separated from the people of the lands, (as touching their abhominacons) namely of the Canaanites, Hethites, Pheresites, jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians and Amorytes. * D●●●. 〈…〉 Iosu●. 13▪ Iud●. 〈…〉. 〈…〉 For they have taken the daughters of the same to themselves, and to their sons, and the holy seed is mixed with the nations in the lands: and the hand of the princes and rulers hath been principal in this trespass. * ● E●●●. 8. c And when I heard this saying/ I rend my clothes and my raiment/ and piuckte of the here of my head, and of my beerde, and sat mourning. And there resorted unto me all such as feared the words of the the lord God of Israel, because of the transgression of the people of the captivity. And I sat mourning until the evening sacrifice. And about the evening sacrifice, I rose up from my heaviness, and rend my clothes and my raiment, and fell upon my knees, and spread out my hands unto the Lord my God, and said: My god, I am ashamed, and dare not lyf● up mine eyes unto the my god: for our wyekednesses are grown over our head, and our trespass is waxed great unto the heaven. Since the time of our fathers have we been in great trespass unto this day/ * 〈…〉. 〈◊〉. b ● 〈…〉. 33. b ● 〈…〉. 〈◊〉 b and because of our wickednesses have we and our kings been delivered in to the hand of the kings of the nations, into the sword, in to captivity, into shame, and into confusion of face/ as it is to see this day. And now is there a little and sudden gracyousnesse come from the Lord our God, in causing some of us to escape/ and that he may give us a nail in his holy place/ & that our god may light our eyes/ & give us a little life to take breath in our bondage. For we are bondmen/ & our God hath not forsaken us in our bondage/ & hath inclined mercy unto us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to give us life, to set up the house of our God, and to redress the desolation thereof, and to give us a wall in juda and jerusalem. And now, O our god, what sha●● we say after this? for we have forsaken thy commandments, which thou hast commanded by thy servants the Prophets, saying: The land unto which ye go to possess it, is an unclean land, because of the filthiness of the people of the lands/ which with their abominations have made it full of uncleanness on every side. * 〈…〉. 〈◊〉. ● Therefore shall ye not give your daughters unto their sons, and their daughters shall ye not take unto your sons, nor seek their peace and wealth for ever, that ye may be strong, and enjoy the good in the land/ and that ye and your children may have the inheritance of it for evermore. And after that all these things are come upon us (because of our evil deeds and great trespasses) thou our god hast ☞ thrust down our wyekednesses, and hast given us a deliverance, ❀ (as it is come to pass this day. And if we turn back again to let go thy commandments, and make contract with the people of these abominations, wilt thou not then be wroth at us, (and not without cause) till we be utterly consumed, so that nothing remain, and till there be no deliverance? O Lord god of Israel, thou art righteous, for we remain yet escaped, as it is to see this day. Behold also, in thy presence are we in our trespasses/ and because of it may we not stand before the. ¶ The people repent, and turn●: and put away their strange wives. CAPI. X. ANd when * 3. Esdr. 8. ● Esdras prayed after this manner, and knowledged, wept, and lay before the house of God/ there resorted unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men/ and women/ and Children: and the people wept very sore. And Sechania the son of jehiel one of the children of Elam, answered, and said unto Esdras: We have trespassed against our god, & have taken strange wives of the people of the land. Now there is hope yet in Israel concerning this thing: For now we will make a covenant with our god, and put away all the wives (and soch as are borne of them) according to the counsel of the Lord, and we will be in the fear of the commaundementis of our God, that we may do according to the law. Get theup, for this matter belongeth unto the. We also will be with thee, be of good comfort therefore, and do it. * ●. E●●●. 〈◊〉. ● Then rose Esdras, and took an oath of the chief priests and Levites, and of all Israel/ that they should do according to this word: and they swore. And Esdras stood up from before the house of God, and went in to the chamber of johanan the Son of Eliasib. And when he came thither, he did eat no bread, nor drink water: for he mourned because of the transgression of the people that had been in captivity. And they caused & proclamation to go throughout juda, and jerusalem/ unto all the children which had been in captivity, that they should gather themselves together unto jerusalem: And that whosoever came not within three days according to the device of the rulers and Elders/ all his substance should be forfeit, & he should be put out from the congregation of the captive. Then all the men of juda and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto jerusalem within three days, even the twenty day of the ninth month: and all the people sat in the street before the house of God/ and trembled because of this matter, and for the rain. And Esdras the Priest stood up, and said unto them. * Deut. seven. a judi. iii. a Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to make the trespass of Israel yet more: confess now therefore unto the Lord god of your fathers, and do his pleasure, and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives. And all the congregation answered/ and said with a loud voice: It shall be so/ and we will do as thou hast said. But the people are many, and it is a rainy wether, and the people are to faint to tarry without in the street, neither is this a work of one day or two/ for we have offended very sore in this thing. Let our rulers stand therefore in all the congregation, and let all them which have taken strange wives in our Cities come at the time appointed, and let the Elders of every city and their judges be with them, till they have turned the wrath of our god away from us concerning this matter. Then were appointed jonathan the son of Asahel, and jahasia the son of Thekua over this matter: And Mesullam and Sabathat the Levites helped them. And the children of the captivity did even so. And Esdras the priest, and the ancient heads tho●o we the house of their Fathers, (all men of great fame) separated themselves, and sat them down on the first day of the tenth month, to examen the matter. And until the first day of the first month they were finysshing the business with all the men that had taken strange wives. And among the children of the priests there were men found that had taken strange wives, namely among the children of jesua the son of josedec and of his brethren, Masiah, and Eliezer, jarib & Gedalia. And they gave their handis there upon, that they would put away their wives, and for their trespass offering, to give a Ram for their trespass. And among the children in Emer, Honanis, and Zabadia. Among the Children of Harim, Maasia/ Elia/ Semeiah▪ jehtel/ & Usia. Among the Children of Phashur, Elioenai, Maasia/ Ishmael/ Nethanell/ josabad and Elasa. Among the Levites, josabad/ Simei/ and Kela●a (which same is Kalithah) Pathahiah juda and Eliazar. Among the syngers also, Eliasib. And among the porters Sellum/ and Telem and Uri. And of Israel. Among the children of Phathos/ Remia/ jesia/ Malchia, Miamin Eliazar/ Malchia/ and Banaia. Among the the Children of Elam/ Methania/ Zachati/ jehiel/ Abdy/ jerimoth and Elia. Among the children of Zathu Elioenai, Eliasib, Mathania/ jerimoth/ Zabad and Aziza. Among the children of Bebai/ jehohanan Hanania/ Zabai and Athalai. Among the children of Beni/ Mesulam, Maluc, Adaiah, jasub/ Saall and jerimoth. Among the children of the captain Moab, Adna, Cholal Benaia, Masia, Mathania/ Bezelell, Benui and Manasse. Among the Children of Harim, Eliezer/ jesia/ Malchia/ Semeia, and Simeon: Ben jamin/ Malluch and Samaria. Among the children of Hasum, Mathanai/ Mathathah/ Zabad, Eliphelet, jeremis, Manasse and Simei. Among the children of Bani, Madai, Amram, Huel, Bane● Cheluhi, Badaiah, Uaniah, Maremoth, & Eliasib/ Mathania, Mathanai, jaesai, Bani, Beni, and Semeiah, Selemia. Nathan/ and Adaia, Machnadba●, Sa●ai, and sarai, Asarell, Selemiahu, and Samariah, Sallum/ Amaria, and joseph, Among the children of Nebo, Ieh●ell, Mathathia, Zabad/ Zabina, jadai, joel, and Banaia. All these had taken strange wives. And among the same, there were some, that had children by the wives. ¶ The end of the first book of Esdras. ❧ ❀ ❧ ¶ The second book of Esdras, otherwise called the Book of Nehemia. ¶ Nehemia, butle● to king Iethax●●s●●, pr●●eth to God for the people. CAPI. Primo. THe words of Nehemia/ the son of Hachalia. It fortuned in the month ☞ Chisleu in the twenty year, that I was in the castle at Susan: and Hanan● one of my brethren came with certain men of juda, & I asked them how the jews did that were delivered & escaped from the captivity, and how it went at jerusalem▪ And they said unto me: The remnant of the captivity are there in the land in great misfortune and rebuke. * 4. Reg. 〈◊〉. ● The wall of jerusalem also is broken down/ and the gates thereof are butnte with fire. It fortuned/ that when I heard these wordis/ I sat me down and ●●●te/ and mourned ce● ta'en days, and fasted/ and prayed before the god of heaven/ and said. O Lord god of heaven/ thou great and terrible God/ * E●o●●. x●. a 〈◊〉 xxiiii. a 〈…〉 seven. b thou that keepest covenant and mercy for them that loveth thee, and observe thy commandments: let thine ears hearken/ I beseech thee/ and let thine eyes be open/ that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray now before thee/ day and night/ for the children of Israel thy servants/ and knowledge the sins of the children of Israel/ which we have sinned against the. I and my father's house have sinned. We have been utterly dispersed from thy law/ and have not kept thy commandments/ statutes and laws/ which thou commandest thy servant Moses. I beseech thee/ call to remembrance the word that thou commaundedst thy servant Moses/ and saidest: Ye will transgress/ and * E●●●●. 〈◊〉 ● I will scatter you abroad among the nations. But if ye turn unto me/ and keep my commandments and do them: though ye were cast out unto the ut ●ermoost part of heaven/ yet will I gather you from thence/ and will bring you unto the place/ that I have chosen to set my name there. They are thy servants/ and thy people/ whom thou ●ast delivered thorough thy great power, and in thy mighty hand. O lord/ I beseech thee/ let thine ear hearken to the prayer of thy servant/ & to the prayer of thy servants/ whose desire is to fear thy name/ and let thy servant prosper this day and grant him mercy in the sight of this man: for I was the kings butler. ¶ After N●hemia had obtained letters of Arthaxerses, he cometh to jerusalem, and ●●yldeth the walle●. CAPI. II. IT fortuned, that in the month * ● 〈…〉. ● Nisan in the twentieth year of king Arthaxerses, the wine stood before him, and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king, and I was heavy in his presence. And the king said unto me: why lookest thou so sadly, when thou art not sycke● it is nothing else, but that thou art heavy hearted. And I was sore afraid, and said unto the king: God save the kings life for ever. How should I not look sadly/ when the city and place of my father's burial lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire? And the king said unto me: what is then thy request? I made my prayer also to the God of heaven, and said unto the king: If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight/ send● me into juda unto the city of my father's burial, that I may build it. And the king said unto me (the queen his wife sitting by him) how long shall thy journey continue, and when wyste thou come again? And it pleased the king to send me, and I set him a time, and said unto the king: if it please the King, let him give me letters to the captains which are beyond the water, that they may convey me over, till I come in to juda: and letters unto Asaph the Lord of the kings wood, that he may give me timber to make beams ☞ for the gates of the palace (which is herd by the house) and for the walls of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into▪ And the king gave me according to the hand of my god, which was good upon me. And when I came to the captains beyond the water, I gave them the kings letters: And the king had sent captains and horsemen with me. Sanabalat also the Horonite and Tobia a servant (the Ammonite) heard of it, & it grieved them sore, that there was ●●me a man which sought the wealth of the children of Israel. And I came to jerusalem, and was there three days, and I got me up in the nyghtse● son, and a few men with me: neither told I any man, what God had given me in my heart to do at jerusalem: and there was not one beast with me, save it that I road upon. And I departed in the night by the valley port, before the Dragon well, & to the dung port, and considered the walls of jerusalem, how they were broken down, and the ports thereof consumed with the fire. And I went over unto the welporte, & to the kings conduit, & there was no room for the braced that was under me, to pass. Then ●●nt I on in the night by the broke side, and considered the wall, and turned back, and came h●me again by the valley port. And the rulers knew not whither I went or what I did: neither did I as yet tell it unto the jews, to the priests, to the noble men/ to the rulers, and to the other that laboured in the work. Then said I unto them: ye see the misery that we are in, how jerusalem lieth waste, and how the gates thereof are burnt with fire: come therefore, that we may build up the the wall of jerusalem, and that we be no more a rebuke. And I told them of the hand of my God, (that it was gracious over me) and the kings words that he had spoken unto me. And they said: let us get up and build: and ☞ they strengthened their hand to good. But when Sanabalat the Horonyte, and Tobia the servant (an Ammonite,) & Gesem the Arabian herd it, they laughed us to scorn, and mocked us, and said: What is this that ye do? will ye fall away from the king? Then answered I them, and said: the God of heaven, he it is that hath granted us prosperity: & we be his servants. Let us get up & build. As for you/ ye have no portion nor right/ nor remembrance in jerusalem. ¶ The number of them that builded the walls. CAPI. III. ANd Eliasib the high Priest got him up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the shepegate. They repaired it, and set up the doors of it: even unto the tower Mea repaired they it, and unto the * jere. xxxi. g zatha. 14. c. tower of Hananeell. next unto him also builded the men of Jericho. And beside him builded Sachur the son of Amri. But the fish port did the Children of Senaa build, which also laid the beams thereof, and set on the doors, locks and bars of it. And next unto him builded Meremoth the son of Uria/ the son of Hakoz: and next unto them builded Mesulam the Son of Berechia the son of Mesesabeell: and next unto him builded Zadoc the son of Baana. And next unto him builded they of Thekoa But the great men that were among them, put not their necks to the work of their Lord. The Oldegate builded jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Mesulam the son of Besodia/ they laid the beams thereof, and set on the doors, locks and bars of it. Next unto them/ builded Malatiah of Gibeon, & jadon of Merano, men of Gibeon, and of Mizpa, where he that was captain on this side the water had a mansion. next unto him builded Usiell the son of Harhaiah the gold smith. next unto him also builded Hananiah the son of Harakahym, and they repaired jerusalem unto the broad wall. next unto them builded Raphaiah the son of Her, the ruler of the half part of jerusalem. Next unto him builded jedaia the son of Harumaph over against his house & next unto him builded Hatus the son of Hasabnia. But Melchia the son of Harim, & Hasub the son of the captain of Moab builded the other piece, and the tower beside the furnaces. next unto him builded Sallum a syngers son, the ruler of the half part of jerusalem, he and his daughters. The valley gate builded Hanun, and the citezyns of Zanoa. They builded it, & set on the doors, locks & bars thereof, and a. M. cubits on the wall, unto the Dongeporte. But the Dongeporte builded Melchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler of the fourth part of Betheharen: he repaired it, and set on the doors, locks and bars thereof. But the well gate repaired Sallum the son of Cholhosah, the ruler of the fourth part of Mizpa. He builded it, and laid the beams, and set on the doors, locks/ and bars thereof/ and the wall unto the pole of Siloah by the kings garden, and unto the steps that go down from the city of David. After him builded Nehemiah the son of As●ocke, the ruler of the half part of Bethzur, until the other side over against the scpulchres of David/ and to the pole that was repaired, and unto the house of the mighty. After him builded the Levites/ Rehum the son of Bani: and next unto him builded Hasabia the ruler of the half part of Keilah in his quarter. After him builded their brethren, Beua● the son of Henadad/ the ruler of the half part of Keilah: and after him builded Ezer the Son of jesua the ruler of Mizpa the other piece, heard over against the going up to the house of ordinance that was in the corner. Again, after him broke forth Baruch the son of Zachai of indignation, and repaired the other piece from the turning corner unto the door of the house of Eliasib the high priest. After him also builded Merimoth the son of Uria the son of Hacoes the other piece/ from the door of the house of Eliasib, even as long as the house of Eliasib extended. After him builded the prestis, the men of the plain After him builded Benjamin & Hasub over against their house and after him wrought Asaria the son of Maasia the son of Anania next unto his house. After him also builded Benui the son of Hanadad the other piece, from the house of Asaria unto the turning of the wall, and unto the corner. After him builded Pala the son of Usai over against the corner and the high tower/ which lieth out over from the kings house, that was beside the court of the prison. After him Phedaia the son of Pharhos (as for the Nethinims they dwelt in the strong hold unto the watergate, toward the cast/ and to the tower that lieth out.) After him builded they of Thekua the other piece over against the great tower, that lieth outward, unto the wall of the strong hold. But from above the Horsgate forth, builded the priests, every one over against his house. And after them builded Zadock the son of Immer over against his house. After him builded also Semeia the son of Sechania the keeper of the East gate. After him builded Hanania the son of Selemia, and Hanun the son of Zalaph the sixth, the other piece. And after him builded Mesulam the son of Bara●hia over against his store house. After him bulded Malchia the gold smiths son, until the house of the Nithinims, and of the merchants over against the gate of Mephkad, and to the parlour in the coruer. And between the parlour of the corner unto the sheep gate builded the gold smiths and the merchants. ¶ The building of jerusalem is hindered and let: but the jews build it, being ready harnessed, lest their enemies should invade them. CAPI. four BUt when Sanabalat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth in himself and took great indignation, & mocked the jews, and said before his brethren & the soldiers of Samaria: what do these impotent jews? will the heathen suffer them? shall they offer? shall they perform it in one day? shall they make the stones hole again that are brought to dust, and burnt. And Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, & said. Though they build, yet if a fox go up, he shall break down their stony wall. Hear (O thou our God) for we are despised, turn their shame upon their own head, & give them over in to despising in the land of their captivity. Cover not their wickedness, and let not their sin be put out in thy presence: for they have provoked the builders, And so builded we the wall, and it was joined hole together, unto the half height thereof. And the people were minded to labour. And it fortuned, that when Sanabalat, & Tobiah, & the Arabians, Ammonites, & Asdodites heard, that the wallis of jerusalem were made up, & that the gaps began to be stopped, they were very wroth, and conspired all together, to come and fight against jerusalem, & to make the people an hindrance therein. Nevertheless, we made our prayer unto our god, & set watchmen by them, which builded day and night over against them. And juda said, the strength of the bearers is to feeble, & there is yet moche mortar, and we are not able to build on the wall, and our adversaries said: they shall not know neither se, till we come in the mids among them, and flay them, and hinder the work. But it fortuned, that when the jews (which dwelt beside them) came, they told us as good as ten times, that in all places where we go unto, they are appointed to fall upon us. Therefore set I the people after their kindreds with their swords, spears and bows beneath in the low places behind the wall, & I looked, & got me up, & said unto the chief men, to the rulers, & to the other people: be not ye afraid of them, * 2. Esdra. ●. ● and. ix. f. but think rather upon the great Lord which ought to be feared, & fight for your brethren, your sons, your daughters, your wives, & your houses. Nevertheless it chanced, that when our enemies herd, that we had gotten word of it: God brought their counsel to nought, & we turned all again to the wall, every one unto his labour. And from that time forth it came to pass, that the half part of the young men did the labour, & the other half part of them held the spears, sheldes, bows, & breast plates: and the rulers stood behind all the house of juda, which builded on the wall, & bare burdens, from those that jaded them. With one hand did every one work, and with the other held he his weapon. And every one that builded, had his sword gird by his thigh, and so builded they. And the trumpet blewe beside me. And I said unto the principal men, to the rulers, and to the other people: the work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall one far from an other. Look in what place therefore ye hear the noise of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us, * Exodi. ●4. ● and our God shall fight for us, & we will be labouring in the work. And the half part of them held the spears from the morning spring, till the stars came forth. And at the same time said I unto the people: every one abide with his servant at jerusalem, that in the night season we may watch, and labour on the day tyme. As for me and my brethren, my servants, and the men of the watch (which were behind me) we put never of our clothes, no more than the other did their harness, save only because of the water. ¶ The people are vexed with hunger. He requireth not the living of a captain. CAPI. V ANd there arose a great complaint of the people, and of their wives against their brethren the jues. For there were some that said: our sons and daughters and we are to many, therefore will we take corn for them, that we may eat, and live. Some also there were that said: let us see our lands, vineyards & houses to pledge, and take up corn in the dearth. But some there were that said: let us borrow money for the kings tribute and that upon our lands and vineyards. Behold, our bodies as the bodies of our brethren, & our children as their children: else should we sub due our sons & daughters unto bondage, and some of our daughters are subdued unto bondage already, and no strength is there in our hands, and other men have our lands and vineyards. And when I heard their complaint, and such words, it displeased me sore, and I advised so in my mind, that I rebuked the counsellors, and the rulers, and said unto them: every one of you is to chargeable unto his brother. And I brought a great congregation against them, and said unto them. We (after our ability) have bought our brethren the jews, which were sold unto the heathen. And will ye sell your brethren again unto the heathen, after that they have been sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and could find nothing to answer. And Nehemia said: It is not good that ye do. Ought ye not to walk in the fear of God/ because of the rebuke of the heathen that are our enemies? I and my brethren, and my servants do lend them money and corn: but as for usury let us leave it. Therefore, this same day I pray you see that ye restore them their landis again/ their vineyards/ oil garden's/ and their houses/ and remit the hundred part of the money/ of the corn/ wine and oil that ye have won of them. Then said they: We will restore them again, and will require nothing of them, and will do as thou hast spoken. And I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do so. And I shaken my lap, and said▪ God shake out every man after the same manner from his house & labour, that maintaineth not this word: even thus be he shaken out, and void. And all the congregation said: Amen, and praised the Lord. And the people did so. And from the time forth that (the king) committed unto me to be a captain of them, that were in the land of juda, even from the twenty year unto the. xxxii. year of king Arthaxerses (that is twelve year) I with my brethren lived not of such sustenance as was given to a captain: for the old captains that were before me, had been chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, and xl sycles of silver: yea & their servants had oppressed the people. But so did not I, and that because of the fear of GOD. But I laboured also in the work upon the wall, and bought no land. And all my servants came thither together unto the work. Moreover, there were at my table an hundred & fifty of the jews & rulers, which came unto me, from among the heathen, that are about us. And there was prepared for me daily an ox, and six chosen sheep, and birds, & ever once in ten days a great sum of wine. Yet required not I the living of a captain, for the bondage was grievous unto the people. * 2 Esox 〈◊〉 and▪ x●●●. ● Think upon me (my god) unto the best, according to all that I have done for this people. ¶ The building so ye● again hindered, and le●●e. CAPI. VI ANd when Sanabalat, Tobiah and Gesem the Arabian, and the other of our enemies herd that I had builded the wall, & that there were no more gaps therein (howbeit at the same time had I not hanged the doors upon the gates) Sanabalat & Gesem sent unto me, saying: come, that we may meet & take counsel together in the villages that are in the plain of the city Ono. Nevertheless they thought to do me evil. And I sent messengers unto them, saying. I have a great business to do, and I can not come down. The work should stand still, if I were ne●lygent, and came down to you. Howbeit, they sent unto me as good as. iiii. times after the same manner, & I gave them the same answer. Then sent Sanabalat his servant again unto me the fifth time, with an open letter in his hand, wherein was written: it is told the heathen, and Gesem hath said it, that thou, and the jews think to rebel: for the which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayst be their king in these matters, and haste ordained the Prophets to preach of the at jerusalem, and to say: He is king of juda. And now shall this come to the kings ears: come now therefore, and let us take our counsel together. And I sent unto him, saying: There is no such things done as thou sayest: for thou feignest them out of thine own heart. For they were all minded to make us afraid, saying: they shall withdraw their hands from the work, that it shall not be finished. Howbeit, I strengthened my hand the more. And I came unto the house of Semaia the son of Delata, the son of Mehetabeel, and he had shut himself within, and said: let us come together into the house of God, even unto the mids of the temple, & shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee, yea even in the night will they come to put the to death. And I said: should any such man as I flee? Who is that, being as I am, that will go in to the temple, to save his life? I will not go in. And I perceived, that god had not sent him: yet spoke he prophecy upon me, nevertheless Tobiah and Sanabalat had hired him for money. Therefore took he the money that through fear I should so do, & sin: that they might have an evil report of me to blaspheme me. My God think thou upon Tobiah, and Sanabalat, according unto these their works, and of the prophet Noadia, and of the other prophets, that would have put me in fear. And the wall was finished on the five and twenty day of the month Elul, in two and fifty days. And when all our enemies heard thereof, all the heathen that were about us, were afraid, and their courage failed them. And they perceived, that this work came of our god. And at the same time were there many of the chief of juda, whose letters went unto Tobiah, & again from Tobiah unto them (for there were many in juda that were sworn unto him: for he was the son in law of Sechania the son of Arah, and his son jehonathan had the daughter of Mesullam the son of Barachia, and they spoke good of him before me, and told him my words▪ & Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear. ¶ After the wall once builded is the watch appointed. They that returned from the captivity are numbered CAPI. VII. Now when the wall was builded, I hanged on the doors also, and the porters, syngers and Levites were appointed. And I commanded my brother Hanani, and Hanama the ruler of the castle at jerusalem for he was a faithful man, and feared God more than did many other, and I said unto them: let not the gates of jerusalem be opened, until the son be hot. And while they were standing in the watch, they shut the doors and barred them. And we appointed certain citizens of jerusalem to be watch men, every one to keep his watch, and every one to be over against his house. As for the city, it was large of room, and great, but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded. And God gave me in my heart, that I gathered together the principal men, and the officers, and the people, to number them, & I found a register of the number of them, * ●. E●o●. 〈◊〉. ●. which came up before out of the captivity: and found written therein. These are the sons of the land, that went up from the captivity of the carrying away (whom Nabuchodonozer the king of Babylon had brought away) and came again to jerusalem and juda, every one unto his city. They which came with Zorebabel are these jesua, Nehemia, Azariah, Raamia, Nahamani, Mardochee, Belsam, Mesperath, Beguai, Nahum & Baanah. This is the number of the men of the people of Israel. The children of Pharos were two thousand, an hundred seventy and two: The children of Sephatiah, three hundred seventy and two: the children of Arah, six hundred fifty and two: the children of the captain of Moab, among the children of jesua and joab, two thousand, eight hundred, and eighteen. The children of Elam, a thousand, two hundred, fifty and four: the children of Zathua, eight hundred, and five and forty: the children of Zachai, seven hundred & three score: the children of Banu●, six hundred & eight and forty: The children of Bebat, six hundred and eight and twenty: the children of Asgad, two thousand, three hundred and two and twenty: the children of Adonicam, six hundred, three score and seven: The children of Begoai, two thousand, three score and seven: the children of Adin, six hundred and five and fifty: the children of Aser of Hezekia ninety and eight. The children of Hasom, three hundred and eight and twenty: the children of Bezai, three hundred and four and twenty: the children of Hariph, an hundred and twelve: the children of Gibeon, ninety and five: the men of Bethleem and Nethophah, an hundred, four score and eight: the men of Anathoth, an hundred and eight and twenty: the men of Beth Asmaneth, two and forty: the men of Karioth jarim, Cephirah and Beeroth, seven hundred and three and forty: the men of Ramah and Geba▪ six hundred and one and twenty. The men of Michmas, an hundred and two and twenty: the men of Bethel and Ai, an hundred and three and twenty: the men of Nebo, an hundred/ and two and fifty: the children of the other Elam, a thousand, two hundred and four and fifty: the children of Harim, three hundred and twenty: the children of jericho, three hundred and five and forty: the children of Lodhadid & Ono, seven hundred and one & twenty: the children of Sanaa, three thousand, nine hundred and thirty. The priests. The children of jedaiah of the house of jesua, nine hundred, seventy and three: the children of Immer, a thousand & two and fifty: the children of Phashur, a thousand, two hundred & seven & forty: the children of Harim, a thousand & seventeen. The Levites. The children of jesua of Cadmiel, and of the children of Hoduah, seventy and four. The syngers. The children of Asaph, an hundred and eight and forty. The porters: The children of Sallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Acub: the children of Hatita: the children of Sobai, all together an hundred and eight and thirty. The Nethinims. The children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha: the children of Tebahoth: the children of Ceros: the children of Sia: the children of Phadon: the children of Lebana: the children of Hagaba: the children of Salmai: the children of Hanan: the children of Gidel: the children of Gaher: the children of Reaia: the children of Rezin: the children of Necoda: the children of Gasam: the children of Usa: the children of Phaseah: the children of Besai: the children of Meunim: the children of Nephussim, the children of Bachuc: the children of Hacupha: the children of Harhur: the children of Bazlith: the children of Mehida: the children of Harsa: the children of Barcos: the children of Sissera: the children of Thamah: the children of Ne●iah: the children of Hatipha. The Children of salomon's servants: the children of Sotai: the children of Sophereth: the children of Pherida: the children of jaala: the children of Darcon: the children of Giddel, the children of Saphatiah: the children of Hatyll: the children of Pochereth of Zibaini: the children of Amon. Al these Nethinims, & the children of salomon's servants, were three hundred ixxxxii. And these went up also to Thel Mela, Thel Harsa, Cherub, Adonis and Immer: but they could not show their father's house nor their seed, and that they were of Israel. The children of Dalaiah: the children of Tobia and the children of Nocoda, six hundred & two and forty. And of the priests: the children of Habaiah: the children of Hacoes: the children of Bersilai, which took one of the daughters of Bersilai the Gileadite to wife, & was named after their name. These sought their writing in the register of their generation, but they were not found, therefore they were put from the priesthood. And Hathirsata said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy, till there came up a priest/ which should wear Urim and Thumim. And so the hole congregation together was two and forty thousand, three hundred, & three score: beside their servants and maids, of whom there were seven thousand, three hundred and seven and thirty. And they had two hundred and seven and forty singing men and women. Their horses seven hundred and six and thirty: and their Mules, two hundred and five and forty. The camels, four hundred and five and thirty: six thousand, seven hundred and twenty Asses. And certain of the ancient fathers gave unto the work. Hathirsatha gave to the treasure a thousand pieces of gold, fifty basins, five hundred & thirty priests garments. And some of the chief fathers gave unto the treasure of the work, xx. thousand pieces of gold, and two thousand & two hundred pound of silver. And the other people gave twenty thousand pieces of gold, and two thousand pound of silver, and three score and seven priests garments. And the priests and Levites, the porters, and the syngers, and the other of the people/ and the Nethmims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities. And the seventh month came, and the Children of Israel were in their cities. ¶ Esdras gathereth the people together, and readeth to them the Law. They keep the feast of Tabernacles, or bothes. CAPI. VIII. ANd ✚ all * i. Esdr. three ● 3. Esdr. li●. ● the people gathered them selves together as one man in the street that was before the water gate, & they said unto Esdras the scribe, that he should fetch * duty 〈◊〉. ● 4. Ro. 23. ● the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord commanded to Israel. And Esdras the Priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could understand did hearken unto it, upon the first day of the seventh month, and he red therein in the street that was before the water gate (from the morning until the noon day) before men and women that did hearken to it: and the ears of all the people were inclined unto the book of the law. And Esdras the scribe stood upon an high pulpit of wood, which they had made for the preaching, & beside him stood Mathathia Sema, Anania, Uriah, Helkia, and Maasia on his right hand: and on his left hand stood Pedaia, Misael, Malchia, Hasum, Hasebadana, Zachary, and Mesulam. And Esdras opened the book before all the people, for he stood above all the people. And when he opened it, all the people stood up. And Esdras praised the Lord the great God. And all the people answered: Amen, Amen, with their handis up, and bowed themselves, and worshipped the Lord, falling down upon their faces to the ground. And jesua, Baam, Serabiah, jamin, Acub Sebathai, Hodaia, Maasia, Celita, Azaria, jozabad, Hanan, Pelaia: & the Levites caused the people to give heed unto the law, & the people stood in their place. And they red in the book of the law of god distynctly and plainly, so that men understood the thing that was red. And Nehemiah (which is Hathirsatha) and Esdras the priest and scribe, & the Levites that caused the people to take heed, said unto all the people: this day is holy unto the Lord your God: be not ye sorry, and weep not. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law. And he said unto them: * ●. Esdr. ix g go your way, and eat the fat, and drink the sweet, & send part unto them also that have not prepared themselves: for this day is holy unto the lord be not ye sorry therefore: for the joy of the lord is your strength. ⊢ And the Levites stilled all the people, and said: hold your peace, for the day is holy, vex not ye yourselves. And all the people went their way to eat & drink and to send part unto other, and to make great mirth, because they had understand the words that was declared unto them. And on the next day were gathered together the chief fathers among all the people and the priests & Levites, unto Esdras the scribe that they might understand the words of the law. And they found written in the law ( * 〈…〉 23. f. ●●●m. 29. b 〈◊〉 Mata, i. c which the Lord had commanded by Moses) that the children of Israel should dwell in bothes in the feast of the seventh month: and that they should cause it to be declared & proclaimed in all their cities, and throughout jerusalem, saying. Go forth unto the mount & fetch olive branches, Pine branches, Myrte branches, Palm branches, & branches of thick trees, to make bothes, as it is written. And so the people went forth, and fet them and made them bothes, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of god, & in the street by the water gate, and in the street by port Ephraim. And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity, made bothes, and sat under the bothes: For since the time of josua the son of Nun unto this day, had not the children of Israel done so, and there was very great gladness. And every day, from the first day unto the last, red Esdras in the book of the law of God. And seven days held they the feast, and on the eight day, the gathering together, according unto the manner. ¶ The people repent, & forsake their strange wives. Esdras reciteth the benefits of god, and the sins of the people. CAPI. IX. IN the four and twenty day of this month came the children of Israel together again, with * i. Esdra. 8 d Eccle. 58. a. fasting and sack clothes, and earth upon them, and they that were of the seed of Israel were separated from all the strange children, and stood and knowledged their sins, and the wickedness of their fathers, and stood up in their place, and red in the book of the law of the Lord their god four times on the day, and they knowledged, and worshipped the Lord their god iiii. times on the day. And the Levites stood on high, namely jesua, Bani, Cadmiel Sabaniah, Buni, Sarebiah, Bani, & Chanani, and creyed loud unto the Lord their God. And the Levites, jesua and Cadmiel, Bani and Hasabnia, Serebia & Hodia, Sebania, and Phathahia, said: stand up, and praise the Lord your God for ever: and let thanks be given unto the name of thy glory, which excelleth all thanks giving and praise. Thou art Lord alone, thou hast made heaven, and the heaven of all heavens, with all their host, the earth and all things that are therein, the see and all that is therein: and thou preservest them all, & the host of heaven worshippeth the. Thou art the Lord God that hast chosen Abram, and broughtest him out of * Gene. xl. d. Ur in Chaldea, ‡ Gen. 17. ● and called'st him Abraham, and foundest his heart faithful before thee, * Gene. xv. d. and madest a covenant with him, to give unto his seed the land of the Canani-tes, Hethites, Amorites, Pheresites, jebusites & Gersites, & hast made good thy words: for thou art righteous * Exodi. three ● & hast considered the misery of our fathers in Egypte, & heard their complaint by the reed see, and showed tokens & wonders upon Pharaoh, & on all his servants, & on all the people of his land: for thou knewest, that they were presumptuous & cruel against them, & so madest thou the a name, as it is this day. And the reed see didst thou divide insunder before them, so that they went thorough the mids of the see dry shod: & their persecutors threwest thou in to the deep (as a stone) in the mighty waters, & ledst them on the day time in a cloudy pillar, and on the night season in a pillar of fire, to show them light in the way that they went. * Exod. nineteen. ● Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, & spakest unto them from heaven, and gavest them right judgements, true laws, good commandments and Statutes, and declaredst unto them thy holy Sabbath, and commaundedst them precepts, ordinances, & laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant and * Exodi. 16, d gavest them bread from heaven when they were hungry, and * Exod. 17. d. Num. 25. b. broughtest forth water for them out of the rock when they were thirsty: and promysedst them, that they should go in, and take possession of the land over which thou hadst life up thine hand for to give them. But they and our fathers were proud & hard necked, so that they followed not the commandments, and would not obey, neither were mindful of the wonders that thou didst for them: but became obstinate and heady, in so moche, that they turned back to their bondage for their disobedience. And thou my god forgavest/ and wast gracious, merciful, patient, & of great goodness, and forsookest them not. * Exodi. 32. a And though they made a molten calf (& said: This is thy gods that brought the out of the land of Egypte) and did great blasphemies, yet forsookest thou them not in the wilderness/ according to thy great mercy. * Exod xiii. d Num. 14. c. a. Corin. x. a And the cloudy pillar departed not from them on the day time to lead them away/ neither the pillar of fire in the night season to show them light in the way that they went And thou gavest them thy good spirit/ to inform them, * Exodi 16. d & withheldest not thy Manna from their mouth, * Exodi 17. d Nun. xx b and gavest them water when they were thirsty. forty years long madest thou provision for them in the wilderness/ so that they lacked nothing, * Deute. 8. b. and xix ● their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not. And thou gavest them kingdoms and nations/ & partedst them according to their portions/ so that they possessed * Nun. xxi ● the land of Sehon, king of Hesbon/ and the land of Og the king of Basan. And their children multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven/ & broughtest them in to the land/ whereof thou hadst spoken unto their fathers, that they should go into it/ and have it in possession. And the children went in/ and possessed the land, * jesua two. iii and. iiii. and thou subduedst before them the inhabitors of the land, even the Cananitꝭ/ and gavest them in to their hand, with their kings/ and the people of the land/ that they might do with them what they would. And they won their strong cities/ and a fat land/ and took possession of houses that were full of all manner of goods, wells digged out, vineyards, oil gardens, & many fruitful trees: and they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and lived in wealth thorough thy great goodness. Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, * 3. Reg. 19 ● & slew thy prophets (which exhorted them earnestly, that they might bring them again unto thee) and did great blasphemies. Therefore, thou gavest them over in to the hand of their enemies that vexed them. And in the time of their trouble when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven: and thorough thy great mercy thou gavest them ☞ saviours, which helped them out of the hand of their enemies. But when they came to rest they turned back again, to do evil before thee: therefore leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them. And when they converted, and cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven, and many times hast thou delivered them according to thy great mercy, and testifiedst unto them that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law. notwithstanding, they were proud and hearkened not unto thy commandments but sinned in thy laws * Leviti 〈◊〉. ● Ezech. xx. b Roma. x. ●. Galat. iii. ● (which if a man do he shall live in them,) & turned the shoulder away, and were stiff necked, and would not hear. And many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst unto them thorough thy spirit, even by the hand of thy prophettis & yet would they not hear. Therefore gavest thou them in to the hand of the nations in the lands. And for thy great mercies sake, thou hast not utterly consumed them, neither forsaken them: for thou art a gracious and merciful God. * two Esdr. Exodi 〈◊〉. ● and .34. ●. Now therefore our God, thou great god mighty, and terrible, thou that keepest covenant and mercy, regard not a little all the travail that hath happened unto us, & our kings, our princes, our priests, our prophets, and our fathers, & all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assur unto this day. And truly, thou art just in all that thou haste brought upon us: for thou haste done right. As for us we have been ungodly, and our kings, and our princes, our priests and our fathers have not done after thy law nor regarded thy commandments, and thy earnest exhortations, wherewith thou hast exhorted them, and they have not served the in their kingdom, and in thy great goods that thou gavest them, and in the large and plenteous land which thou gavest before them, and have not converted from their wicked works: behold, we are in bondage this day and so is the land that thou gavest unto our fathers, to enjoy the fruits & goods thereof behold, there are we bond men. And great is the increase of it unto the kings, whom thou hast set over us, because of our sins, & they have dominion over our bodies and cattle (even as they will themselves,) and we are in great trouble. And in all this make we a sure covenant, and write it, and our princes, Levites and Preestes seal unto it. ¶ The names of them that sealed the covenant between god and the peope. CAPI. X. THe sealer's were: Nehemiah (that is) Hathirsatha the son of Hachaliah and Zedekia, Saraia, Azariah, and jeremy, Phashur, Amaria, Malchia, Hatus, Sebaniah, Malluch, Harim, Merimoth, and Obadia, Daniel, jenthon, and Baruch, Mesulan, Abia, and Miamin, Maasia, Belgai & Semeia, these were priests. The Levites were: jesua the son of Azania, Benui among the children of Henadad & Cadmiel. And their brethren: Sechania, Hodia, Celita, Pelaia, Hanan, Micha, Rehob, and Hasabiah, Sachur, Serebia, Sabania, Hodia, Bani & Beninu. The heads of the people were: Phares, the captain of Moab, Elam, Zathu & Bani Boni, Asgad, Bebai, Adonia, Begoai, Adin, Ater, Hezekia, Asur, Hodia, Hasum, Bezai, Harip, Anathoth, & Nebai, Magphias, Mesulam, Hesir, Mesesabell, Zadoc, jaddua, Phalatia, Hanan, Anaia, Hosea, Hanania, Hasub, Halohes, Phaleha, Sobek, Rehum, Hasebna, Maasia, Ahia, Hanan, and Anan, Malluch, Harim and Baana. And the other people/ the priests/ Levites/ porters/ syngers/ Nethinims/ & all they that had separated themselves from the people in the lands unto the law of God/ with their wives/ their sons/ and their daughters/ & as many as could understand, & their lord that had rule of them/ received it for their brethren. * Res. 24 f ●ard. ●. And they came to swear/ and to bind themselves with an oath to walk in gods law, which was given by Moses the servant of God/ & that they would observe/ and do according unto all the commandments/ judgements & statutes of the lord our god: * Deut. seven. a And that we would not give our daughters unto the people in the land/ neither to take their daughters for our sons. * Esdr. 13 ● And if the people of the land brought ware on the Sabbath/ & all manner of victuals to sell/ that we would not take it of them on the Sabbath & on the holy days. * 〈…〉 25. a Deut. xv. a And that we would let the seventh year be free/ concerning all manner of charge. And we decreed a statute upon ourselves to give yearly the third part of a sycle to the ministration in the house of our God/ to the showbread/ to the daily meat offering/ to the daily burnt offering of the sabbaths of the new moons/ & feast days/ and to the things that were sanctified/ & to the offerings of atonement/ to reconcile Israel withal/ & to all the business in the house of our God. And we cast the lot among the priests, Levites, and the people, for offering of the wood to be brought unto the house of our god from year to year, after the houses of our fathers that it might be brent at times appointed, upon the altars of the Lord god, as it is written in the law. And to bring the firstlings of our land and the firstlings of our fruits of all trees year by year, unto the house of the Lord: and the firstlings of our sons, & of our cattle, as it is written in the law: & the firstlings of our oxen, & of our sheep, which we should bring to the house of our god, unto the priests that ministre in the house of our God, & that we should bring the firstlings of our dough, & of our heveoffrynges, & the fruits of all manner of trees, of wine also & of oil, unto the priests to the chystes of the house of our god. And the tithes of our land unto the Levites, that the Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our ministration. And the priest the son of Aaron shall with the Levites have also of the tithes of the Levites, so that the Levites shall bring up the tithes of their tithes unto the house of our God, to the store houses and to the treasure houses. For the children of Israel & the children of Levi shall bring up the heveoffryngꝭ of the corn, wine & oil unto the store houses, there as are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters and syngers, that we forsake not the house of our God. ¶ Who dwelled in jerusalem after it was builded, and who in the Cities of juda. CAPI. XI. ANd the rulers of the people dwelt at jerusalem. The other people also cast iottes, that among ten, one part should go to jerusalem in to the holy city to dwell, and nine parts to be in the cities. And the people thanked all the men, that were willing to dwell at jerusalem. These are the heads of the land, that dwelt in jerusalem and in the cities of juda, every one in his possession and in their cities: they of Israel, the priests, Levites, the Nethinims, and the children of salomon's servants. And at jerusalem dwelt certain of the children of juda and of Ben jamin. Of the children of juda: Athaia the son of Usia, the son of Zachary, the son of Amaria, the son of Sephatia, the son of Mahalaleel, of the children of Phares. And Maasia the son of Baruch, the son of Chal Hose, the son of Hasaia, the son of Adaia, the son of joiarib, the son of Zachari, the son of S●●oni. All these were the children of Phares that dwelt at jerusalem: even four. C. three score and eight valiant men. These are the children of Benjamin: salu the son of Mesullam, the son of joed, the son of Pedaia, the son of Colaia, the son of Masia, the son of Ithiel, the son of Isai. And after him Gabai, Selai, nine hundred and eight and twenty. And joel the son of Zichri had the oversight of them: & juda the son of Senua was next over the city. * ●. Par●. x. b Of the priests: jedaiah the son of joiarib, jachin. Saraiah the son of Helkia the son of Mesulam, the son of Zadoc, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahi●ob, was prince in the house of God: and his brethren that performed the work in the temple. viii. C. and xxii And Adaia the son of jeroham, the son of Plalal●el, the son of Amzi, the son of Zachari, the son of Phashur the son of Malchia and his brethren chief among the fathers: two hundred and two & forty. And Amasai the son of Asarel, the son of Ahasai, the son of Mos●lemoth, the son of Immer: & his brethren were valiant men an hundred and eight and twenty. And their overseer was Zibdiel a son of one of the great men. * ●●. P●● x. b Of the Levites: Semeia the son of Hasub the son of Aserikam, the son of Hasabia the son of Bunnt: and Sabathai, and josabad of the chief of the Levites, had the oversight of the outward business of the house of god. And Mathania the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanks giving and prayer. And Bakbukia the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Sammua, the son of Galal, the son of jeduthun. All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred four score and four. * two. Para. x. ● And the porters Acub and Talmon, and their brethren that kept the ports, were an hundred seventy & two. As for the residue of Israel, the priests & Levites, they were in all the cities of juda, every one in his inheritance. And the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, & Ziba and Gispa was set over the Nethinims. The overseer of the Levites at jerusalem, was Ust the son of Baani, the son of Hasabia, the son of Mathania, the son of Micha. Of the children of Asaph there were syngers about the business in the house of god: for it was the kings commandment concerning them, that the syngers should deal faithfully every day as was according. And Pathaia the son of Mesebabel of the children of Zerah the son of juda next the king in all matters concerning the people, & their villages, and lands. The sum of the children of juda that were without in the towns of their land, dwelt at Kariath Atbe, & in the villages thereof: at Didon, & in the villages thereof: and at jecabzeel, and in the villages thereof: at jesua, Moladah, Bethphalet in the town of Sual: Beer seba, and in their villages, at Sikelag & Moconah, and in their villages: And at Enremon, Zarah, Jerimuth, Zonoa, Odollam & in their villages: At Lachis, and in the fields thereof: At Aseka, & in the villages thereof: & they dwelt from Bersabe unto the valley of Hinnom. The children also of Benjamin of Geba dwelt at Machmas, Aia, Bethel & in their villages. And at Anathoth, Nob, Anamah, Hazor, Ramah, Gethaim, Hadid, zeboim, Nabalath, Lod, and Ono, the carpenters valley And the Levites had possession both in juda and in Bentamin. ¶ The priests and levites which came with zorobatell to jerusalem, are numbered: and the wall is dedicated. CAPI. XII. THese are the priests and Levites that went up with zorobabel the son of Salathiel and with jesua: Saraia, jeremy, and Esdras, Amaria, Maluch, Hatus, Sechania, Rehum, Merimoth, Iddo, Genthoi, Abia, Miamin, Maaria, Belga, Semaia, joiarib, jadaia, Salu, Amok, Helkia and jadaia. These were the heads among the priests, and their brethren, in the days of jesua. The Levites were these: jesua, Bennui, Cadmiel, Sarabia, juda, and Mathania, which was over the office of thanks giving, he and his brethren: Bacbukia and Himni and their brethren, were about them in the watches. jesua begat joakim, joakim also begat Eliasib, & Eliasib begat joiada. joiada begat jonathan, and jonathan begat jadua. In the days of joakim were these the chief fathers among the priests: under Saraia, Maraia, under jeremy, Hanania: under Esdras, Mesullam: under Amaria, jehoanan: under Milico, jonathan under Sebania, joseph: under Hatim Adna under Maraioth, Helca: under Iddo, Zachary: under Genthon, Mesullam: under Abia, Zichri: under Miniamin, & Moadia, Piltai: under Belga, Samua: under Semeia/ jehonathan: under joiarib/ Mathenai: under jadaia, Usi: under Selai, Kelai: under Amok/ Eber: under Helchia, Hasabia: under jadaia nathanael. And in the time of Eliasib: joiada/ johanan & jadua/ were the chief fathers among the Levites and the priests/ written under the reign of Darius the Persian. The children of Levi, the principal fathers were written in the Chronicles/ until the time of jonathan the son of Eliasib. And these were the chief among the Levites, Hasabia, Serebia & jesua the son of Cadmiel/ and their brethren in their presence, to give praise & thanks/ according as David the man of god had ordained it, one watch over against another. Mathania, Balbukia, Obadia, Mesullam, Talmon, and Abub were porters in the watch at the thresholdꝭ of the gates. These were in the days of joiakim the son of jesua, the son of josedec, and in the days of Nehemia the captain, and of the priest Esdras the scribe. And in the dedication of the wall at jerusalem, they sought the Levites out of all their places/ that they might be brought to jerusalem/ to keep the dedication & gladness, with thank giving, & singing with cymbals, psaltries and haps. And the children of the syngers gathered themselves together from every side out of the plain country about jerusalem, and from the villages of Netho phathi, from the house of gilgal, and out of the countries of Geba & Asmaveth: for the syngers had builded them villages round about jerusalem. And the priests and Levites were purified, and cleansed the people, and the gates and the wall. And I brought the princes of juda up upon the wall, and appointed two great queers of men to give thanks, which went on the right hand of the wall toward the donggate, & after them went Hosaia, & half of the princes of juda/ & Asaria/ Esdras/ & Mesullam, juda, Benjamin, Semeia and jeremy: and certain of the priests children with trumpets, namely Zachary the son of jonathan, the son of Semeia/ the son of Mathania, the son of Michaia/ the son of Zacur, the son of Asaph, & his brethren Semeia, Asaraell/ Melalai/ Gilalai/ Maai/ Nathanael, & juda/ and Hanani with the musical instruments of David the man of God. And Esdras the scryhe went before them, and beside the welgate, they went up over against them upon the steps of the City of David at the going up of the wall beyond the house of David, unto the watergate east ward. The other queer of them that gave thank, went over against them, and I after them, & the half part of the people upon the wall, beyond the furnace gate, until the broad wall/ & beyond the port of Ephraim, and beyond the Oldgate, beyond the fyshgate, & the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Mea, until the Shepegate. And they stood still in the prison gate/ and so stood the two queers (of them that gave thanks) in the house of God, and I and the half of the rulers with me/ and the priests/ namely Eliakim, Maasia, Minsamin/ Michaia/ Elioenai/ Zachary and Hanania, with trumpets, & Maasia, Semeia, Eleasar, U● si/ jehohanan/ Melchiah/ Elam and Ser. And the syngers sang loud/ having jesta hiad for their overseer. And the same day/ they offered great sacrifices & rejoiced: for god had given them great gladness, so that both the wives & children were joyful & the mirth of jerusalem was heard far of. At the same time were there men appointed over the treasure houses (wherein were the heave-offerings, the fyrstlyngꝭ and the tithes) that they should gather them out of the feldis about the cities, to distribute them unto the priests and Levites according to the law: for juda was glad of the priests, & Levites, that they stood & waited upon the office of their God, which is a pure office. And the syngers and porters stood after the commandment of David & of Solomon his son: * i. Pa●. ●3. ● for in the time of David & Asaph, were the chief syngers founded, & the songs of praise and thanks giving unto god. In the time of Zorobabel & Nehemia, did all they of Israel, give portions unto the syngers, and porters, every day his portion, & they gave tithes unto the Levites: and the Levites gave tithes again, unto the children of Aaron. ¶ The law is red, and when they have heard two, they separate from them all strangers. CAPI. XIII. ANd that day did they read in the book of Moses & the people hearkened thereto/ and there was found written therein/ * Deut. 24. ● that the Ammonytes & Moabites should never come in to the congregation of God/ because they met not the children of Israel with bread & water, * Num. 23. ●. but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: & our God turned the curse in to a blessing. Now when they heard the law, it fortuned, that they separated from Israel, every one that had mixed himself therein. And before this, had the priest Eliasib the oversight of the treasury of the house of our god, & he was kinsman unto Tobia: and had made him a great chambre, & there had they before time laid the offerings, frankincense, vessel/ and the tithes of corn, and wine and oil (according to the commandment given to the Levites, syngers & porters) and the have offeryngis of the priests. But in all this time was not I at jerusalem: for in the xxxii. year of Arthaxerses king of Babylon, came I unto the king, & after certain days obtained I licence of the king to come to jerusalem. And I got knowledge of the evil that Eliasib did unto Tobia, in that he had made him a chambre in the court of the house of god, and it grieved me sore, & I cast forth all the vessels of the house of Tobia out of the chambre, and commanded them to cleanse the chambers. And thither brought I again the vessels of the house of god, with the meat offering, & the incense. And I perceived/ that the portions of the Levites were not given them, & that every one ●●ed to his land, even the Levites: and syngers that executed the work. Then reproved I the rulers, and said? why is the house of god forsaken? And I gathered them together, & set them in their place. Then brought all juda the tithes of corn, and wine and oil unto the treasure. And I made treasurers over the treasure/ even Selemiah the priest, & Zadoc the scribe/ and of the Levites, Phadaia, & under their hand was Hanan the son of Zacur the son of Mathanta: for they were counted faithful, and their office was to distribute the portions unto their brethren. * ●. Es●ra. v. ●. Think upon me O my god herein, & wipe not out my mercy that I have showed on the house of my god, and on the offices thereof. At the same time saw I some treading wine presses on the Sabbath, & bringing in sheaves, and asses laden with wine, grapes, figs and bringing all manner of burdens unto jerusalem, upon the Sabbath day. And I rebuked them earnestly the same day that they sold the victuals. There dwelled men of Tire also therein, which brought fish & all manner of ware, & sold on the Sabbath unto the Children of juda in jerusalem. Then reproved I the rulers in juda, & said unto them: what evil thing is this that ye do, & break the Sabbath day? Did not your fathers even thus, and our God brought all this plague upon us & upon this city? And ye make the wrath more yet upon Israel, in that ye break the Sabbath. And it fortuned, that when the porters of jerusalem began to be dark in the evening before the Sabbath, I commanded to shut the gates, and charged/ that they should not be opened till after the Sabbath: & some of my servants set I at the gates/ that there should no burden be brought in on the Sabbath day. Then remained the chapmen and merchants once or twice over night without jerusalem with all manner of wares. Then reproved I them sore, & said unto them: why tarry ye all night about the wall? If ye do it once again, I will lay hands upon you. From that time forth came they no more on the Sabbath. And I said unto the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come/ and keep the gates/ to hallow the Sabbath day. Think upon me (O my god) concerning this also/ and spare me/ according to thy great mercy. And at the same time saw I jews/ that married wives of Asdod, of Ammon and of Moab/ and their children spoke half in the speech of Asdod/ and could not speak in the Jews language/ but by the tongue might a man perceive every people. Then I reproved them/ & cursed them/ and smote certain men of them, & made them bare/ and took an oath of them by god: Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons/ neither shall ye take their daughters unto your sonnis/ or for yourselves. Did not Solomon the king of Israel sin for such? and yet among many heathen was there no king like him/ which was dear unto his god/ and god made him king over all Israel/ & yet nevertheless out landysh women caused him to sin? Shall we then obey unto you, to do all this great evil, and to transgress against our god, & marry strange wives? And one of the children of jehoiada the son of Eliasib the high priest/ had made a contract with Sanabalat the Horonite: but I chased him from me. (O my god) think thou upon them that defile the priesthood, & the covenant of the priesthood and of the Levites. Thus cleansed I them from all such as were outlandysh, & appointed the courses of the priests & Levites, every one in his office/ & to offer the wood at times appointed, & the first fruits. Think thou upon me (O my god) for the best. AMEN. ¶ The end of the second book of Esdras/ otherwise called the book of Nehemia. The book of Esther ¶ King Abasu●rns maketh a royal feasts, whereunto the queen Uasthi will not come, for which cause ●he 〈◊〉 divorced. CAPI. Primo. IT fortuned in the days of Ahasuerus which reigned from Iudia unto Ethiophia (over an hundredth and seven and twenty lands) even in those days when the king Ahasuerus sat on his seat royal/ which was in Susan the chief city/ in the third year of his reign/ he made a feast unto all his princes and servants. And the mighty men of Persia & Media, the captains also and rulers of his countries were before him and he showed the richesse, and glory of his kingdom, and the glorious worship of his greatness, many days long, even an hundredth and four score days. And when these days were expired/ the king made a feast unto all the people, that were in Susan the chief City, both unto great & small, seven days long in the court of the garden by the kings place: where there hanged white, green, & yellow clothes/ fastened with cords of fine silk, & purple in spluer rings, upon pillars of Marble stone. The benches also were of gold & silver made upon a pavement of green, white, yellow, and black Marble. And they drank in vessels of gold, & changed vessel after vessel. And the kings wine was much, according to the power of the king. And the drink was so appointed that noon should compel any man, for so the king had commanded by the officers of his house, that every one should do as it liked him. And the queen Uasthi made a feast also, for the women in the palace of Ahasuerus. And on the seventh day when the king was merry after the wine, he commanded Mehuman/ Biztha Harbona/ Bigtha/ Abagthan/ Zethar & Car chas, the seven chamberlains (that did service in the presence of king Ahasuerus) to fetch the queen Uasthi with the crown regal into the kings presence that he might show the people and princes her fairness, for she was beautiful. But the queen Uasthi would not come at the kings word by his chamberlains. Then was the king very wroth, and his indignation kindled in him. And the king spoke to the wise men, that had understanding in the ordinances of the land/ for the kings matters must be handled before all such as have knowledge of the law and judgement: and the ❀ (chief and) next unto him were/ Carsena/ Sethar/ Admata, That sis/ Mare's/ Marsena, & Mamucan, the. vit princes of Persia, and Media, which saw the kings face, & sat above in the kingdom. What law (sayeth the king) should be executed upon the queen Uasthi/ because she did not according to the word of the king Ahasuerus, which he commanded by his chamber laynes? And Memucan answered before the king & the princes: the queen Uasthi hath not only done evil against the king/ but also against all the princes & against all the people that are in all the lands of king Ahasuerus: for this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands before their eyes, & shall say: the king Ahasuerus commanded Uasthi the queen to be brought in before him but she would not come. And so shall the princesses in Persia, & Media say likewise unto all the kings princes, when they hear of this deed of the queen, thus shall there arise to much despytefulnesse & wrath. If it please the king therefore, let there go a commandment from him, & let it be written according to the laws of the Persians & Medians (& not to be transgressed) that Uasthi come no more before king Ahasuerus, & let the king give her kingdom unto another, that is better than she. And when this commandment of the king (which shall be made) is published throughout all his empire (which is great) all women shall hold their husbandis in honour both among great and small. This pleased the king & the princes: and the king did according to the word of Memucan. For he sent letters forth in to all the kings lands, into every land, according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should be lord in his own house. And this caused he to be spoken after the language of his people. ¶ After the Queen is put away, certain goodly pon●● dau●▪ sel● are searched out. Edissa (otherwise called s●●●er) pleaseth the king, and is made queen. Metdocheus openeth unto the king/ those that would betray him. CAPI. II. AFter these acts, when the displeasure of king Ahasuerus was now laid, he thought upon Uasthi, and what she had done, and what was concluded against her. Then said the kings servants that ministered unto him: Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king: and the king appointed certain men in all the lands of his Empire/ whom he charged that they should bring together all the fair young virgins unto Susan the head City, to the women's building, under the hand of Hagei the kings chamberlain, that kept the women, to give them their apparel ❀ (and other things necessary to be had.) And that the damsel which pleased the king should be queen in Uasthis stead. And this pleased the king, and he did so. In the city of Susan there was a Jew, whose name was Mardocheus, the son of jaer, the son of Semei the son Cis, a man of jemini, which was carried away from Jerusalem, * i Reg. 24. c jere. 24. ●. when jekonia the king of juda was led away, (whom Nabuchodonozer the king of Babylon carried thence) and he nourished Hadassa (that is Esther) his uncles daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, & she was a fair and beutyful damsel: whom Matdocheus (when her father and mother was dead) received for his own daughter. So it fortuned that when the kings commandment and commission was published, and many damsels were brought together in the city of Susan under the hand of Hagei, Esther was brought also unto the kings house under the hand of Hagei the keeper of the women, and the damsel pleased him, and she found favour in his sight. And he caused ornaments to be given her & such things as belonged to her, and appointed her seven comely damsels out of the kings house, and favoured both her and her gentle women singularly in the house of the women. But Esther showed not her people and her kynted: for Mardocheus had charged her, that she should not tell it. And Mardocheus walked every day before the court of the women's house, that he might know how Esther did, and what should become of her. And when the appointed time of every damsel came/ that she should go in to the king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months in the decking of the women (for their decking must have so much time) namely two months with Balm and Myrrh, and two months with good spices (so were the women beautified) then went there one damsel unto the king, and whatsoever she required ❀ (so that it were comely) that must be given her to go with her out of the women's building unto the kings palace. In the evening she went, and on the morrow again in to the second house of the women abiding under the hand of Saasgas the kings chamberlain, which kept the concubines. And she came in unto the king no more except it pleased the king to have her, and that he called her by name. Now when the time came of Esther the daughter of Abihan the uncle of Mardocheus (which had received her as his own daughter) that she should come into the king, she desired nothing, but what Hagei the kings chamberlain the keeper of the women said. And Esther found favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her. And Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal/ in the tenth month which is the month * December. Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. And the king loved Esther above all the women, & she found grace and favour in his sight before all the virgins: so that he set the crown of the kingdom upon her head, and made her queen in stead of Uasthi. And the king made a great feast unto all his princes and servants (which feast was because of Esther) and caused the landis to be in quietness, and gave gifts, as became the ryoaltye of a king. And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mardocheus sat in the kings gate. And as yet had not Esther showed her kindred and her people, according as Mardocheus had bidden her: for Esther did after the word of Mardocheus, like as if she had been yet under his governance. At the same time, while Mardocheus sat in the kings gate, two of the kings chamberlains Bygthan and Therewhich kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay their hands on the king Ahasuerus: whereof also Mardocheus got knowledge, * Esther ● & told it unto queen Esther, and Esther certified the king thereof in Mardocheus name. And when inquisition was made, it was found so. And they were both hanged on tree: and it was written in the Chronicles before the king. ¶ Haman the Maridonian, after he was eralted, obtained of the king that all the jews should be put to death, because Mardocheus had not done him worship, as other had. CAPI. III. AFter these acts did the king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Amadatha the Agagite, and set him high/ and set his seat above all the Princes that he had with him. And all the kings servants that were in the kings gate, bowed their knees, and worshipped Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mardocheus bowed not the knee, and worshipped him not. Then the kings servants which were in the kings gate, said unto Mardocheus: why transgressest thou the kings commandment? And when they spoke thus daily unto him, he followed them not, and they told Haman, that they might see how Mardocheus matters would endure: for he had told them, that he was a Jew. And when Haman saw that Mardocheus bowed not the knee unto him, nor worshipped him, he was full of indignation, and thought it to little to lay hands only on Mardocyeus: for they had showed him the nation of Mardocheus, wherefore he sought to destroy all the jews, that were throughout the hole empire of Ahasuerus, and that were of the nation of Mardocheus. In the first month (that is the month Nisan) in the twelve year of king Ahasuerus they cast Phur (that is a lot) before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month that is the month Adar. And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus: There is here a people scattered abroad, and dispersed among all people in all the lands of thine empire, and they have their laws/ contrary from all people, and do not after the kings laws, neither is it the kings profit to suffer them after this manner. If it please the king, let it be written, that they may be destroyed, and so will I weigh down ten thousand talents of silver, by the hands of the workmen/ to be brought in to the kings treasure. And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Amidatha the Agagite, the Jews enemy. And the king said unto Haman: Let the silver be given thee, and do with that people as it pleaseth the. Then were the kings scribes called on the. xiii. day of the first month (❀ * ●e●●he. Nisan) and there was written (according as Haman commanded) unto all the kings officers and to the captains that were in all the lands, and to the rulers of every people in the countries on every side, according to the writing of every nation, and after their language, in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the kings ring. And the wrytyngis were sent by nostes in to all the kings lands, to rote out, rakyl and to destroy all jews, both young & 〈◊〉, children and women in one day (namely ●●om the thyrtenth day of the twelfth month/ which is the month * 〈…〉 vary. Adar) and to spoil their goods. This was the sum of the writing/ that there should be a commandment given in all lands, & published unto all people, that they should be ready against the same day. And the posts went in all the haste, according to the kings commandment. And in Susan the chief city was the commandment devised. And the king and Haman sat and drank: when in the mean time the city of Susan was disquieted. ¶ Mardocheus giveth the queen knowledge of the cruel decre● of the king against the jues. CAPI. four WHen Mardocheus perceived all that was done, he rend his clothes and put on sackcloth, with ashes/ and went out in to the mids of the City, and cried loud and lamentably, and came before the kings gate: but he might not enter within the kings gate, because he had sack cloth on. And in all lands, countries, and places, as far as the kings word and commandment extended/ there was great lamentation among the jews, fasting, weeping, and mourning/ and many lay in sack clothes and in ashes. So esther's damsels and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was the queen excedynly astonied. And she sent raiment/ that Mardocheus should put on, and lay the sack cloth from him. But Mardocheus would not take them. Then called Esther Hathath one of the kings chamberlains (which stood before her) and gave him a commandment unto Mardocheus/ that he might know what it were/ wherefore he did so. So Hathath went forth to Mardocheus unto the street of the City/ which was before the kings gate. And Mardocheus told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of silver that Haman had promised to they down in to the kings treasury, because of the jews if he would destroy them (and he gave him the copy of the kings commandment, that was devised at Susan/ to destroy them/ that he might show it unto Esther, and to speak to her, and charge her/ that she should go in to the king, and make her prayer and supplication unto him for her people. And when Hathath came in, he told Esther the words of Mardocheus. And again, Esther spoke unto Hathath, and commanded him to say to Mardocheus: all the kings servants, and the people in the lands of the king, know that whosoever cometh with in the court unto the king, whither it be man or woman, which is not called, the commandment is, that the same shall die, except the king hold out the golden sceptre unto him ❀ (in token of graciousness) for then he shall live. As for me, I have not been called to come into the king now this thirty days. And they certified Mardocheus of esther's words, and Mardocheus bade say again unto Esther, think not to save thine own life, while thou art in the kings house before all jews: for if thou holdest thy peace at this time, then shall the jews have help and deliverance out of another place, and thou and thy father's house shallbe destroyed. And who knoweth whither thou art come to the kingdom, for this causes sake? Esther bade them give Mardocheus this answer: Go thou thy way, and gether together all the jews that are found at Susan, and fast ye for me, that ye eat not and drink not in three days, neither day nor night. I and my damsels will fast likewise, and so will I go in to the king, which thing yet, is contrary to the commandment: and if I perish/ I perish. So Mardocheus went his way/ and did all that Esther had commanded him. ¶ Esther entereth in to the king, and biddeth him and Haman to the feast. Haman prepareth a galous for Mardocheus. CAPI. V ANd on the third day it fortuned, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the court of the kings palace within, over against the kings house. And the king sat upon his royal seat in the kynꝭ palace over against the gate of the house. And when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she found grace in his sight. And the king held out the golden sceptre that was in his hand toward Esther. So Esther stepped forth, and touched the top of the sceptre. Then said the king unto her: What wilt thou queen Esther? and what requirest thou? ask even the half of the empire, and it shall be given the. And Esther answered. If it please the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet, that I have prepared for him. And the king said: cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king & Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared, and the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine: what is thy petition? that it may be given the. And what requirest thou? If it be even the half of the empire, it shall be done. Then answered Esther, and said: my petition and desire is, if I have found grace in the sight of the king, and if it please the king, to give me my petition, and to fulfil my request, then let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, & so will I do tomorrow, as the king hath said. Then went Haman forth the same day joyful and merry in his mind. And when the same Haman saw Mardocheus in the kings gate, that he stood not up and kneeled before him, he was full of in dygnacyon at Mardocheus. Nevertheless/ Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent, & called for his friends/ and Zares his wife: and Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his Children, and all together how the king had promoted him so greatly, & how that he had set him above the Princes and servants of the king. Haman said moreover: Yea and Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet, that she had prepared, except me/ and tomorrow am I bidden unto her also with the king. But in all this am I not satisfied, as long as I see Mardocheus the Jew sitting at the kings gate. Then said Zares his wife and all his friends unto him: Let them make a galous of fifty cubytes high, and tomorrow speak thou unto the king, that Mardocheus may be hanged thereon, & go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And Haman was well content withal/ and caused the galous to be made. ¶ The king turneth over the Chronicles, and findeth the fidelity of Mardocheus: and then to the confusion of Haman, commandeth Mardocheus to be had in honour. CAPI. VI THe same night could not the King sleep, and he commanded to bring the chronicles and stories: which when they were red before the king, they happened on the place where it was written, how * 〈…〉. ●. Mardocheus had told that Bigthana, & Therethe kings two chamberlains (which kept the thressholdes) sought, to lay hands on king Ahasuerus. And the king said: what worship and good have we done to Mardocheus therefore? Then said the kings servants that ministered unto him: There is nothing at all done for him. And the king said: Who is in the court? (For Haman was gone in to the court without before the kings house, that he might speak unto the king to hang Mardocheus on the tre, that he had prepared for him.) And the kings servants said unto him: behold, Haman standeth without in the court. And the king said: let him come in. And when Haman came in, the king said unto him: what shall be done unto the man/ whom the king would fain bring unto worship? Haman thought in his heart: whom desireth the king to bring unto worship, more than me? And Haman answered the king. Let the man whom the king pleaseth to bring unto worship, be brought hither, that he may be arrayed with the royal garments which the king useth to wear: and the horse that the king rideth upon, and that the crown royal may be set upon his head. And let this raiment and horse be delivered under the hand of one of the gyngꝭ princes, that they may array the man withal (whom the king is disposed to bring to honour) and carry him upon the horse thorough the street of the city, and proclaim before him: thus shall it be done to the man/ whom the king pleaseth to bring to honour. And the king said: make haste, and take as thou hast said, the raiment and the horse: and do even so unto Mardocheus the Jew, that sitteth before the kings gate, and let nothing fail of all that thou haste spoken. Then took Haman the raiment and the horse, and arrayed Mordocheus, and brought him on horseback thorough the street of the city, and proclaimed before him: Even thus shall it be done unto the man whom the king is disposed to honour. And Mardocheus came again to the kings gate, but Haman got him home in all the haste mourning bare headed, and told Zares his wife and all his friends, every thing that had happened him. Then said his wise men and Zares his wife unto him: If it be Mardocheus, of the seed of the jews, before whom thou hast begun to fall, thou shalt not prevail against him, but shalt surely fall before him. And while they were yet talking with him, came the kings chamberlains, and caused Haman to make haste, to come unto the banquet that Esther had prepared. ¶ The queen bydde●● the king and Haman again: and prayeth for herself, and for her people. She accuseth Haman, and he is hanged on the galous, which he had prepared for Mardocheus. CAPI. VII. ANd the king and Haman came in to the banquet that queen Esther had prepared, and the king said unto Esther on the second day, at the banquet of wine: what is thy petition (queen Esther) that it may be given thee? And what requirest thou? yea, ask even half of the empire, and it shall be done. And Esther the queen answered, and said: If I have found grace in thy sight (O king) and if it please the king, then grant me my life at my desire, and my people, for my petitions sake: for we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slay, and to perish. And would God we were sold to be bondmen and bondwomen, than would I hold my tongue: For the enemy pondreth not the kings harm. The king Ahasuerus answered, and said unto queen Esther: who is he? And where is he, that dare presume in his mind, to do after that manner? And Esther said: the enemy and adversary is this wicked Haman, Haman, was exceedingly afraid before the king and the queen. And the king arose from the banquet and from the wine in his displeasure, and went in to the palace garden. And Haman stood up, and besought queen Esther for his life: for he saw, that there was a mischief prepared for him of the king already. And when the king came again out of the palace garden in to the place where they drank wine, Haman had laid him upon the bed, that Esther sat upon Then said the king: will he force the queen also before me in the house? As soon as that word went out of the kings mouth ☞ they covered haman's face. And Harbona one of the chamberlains that stood before the king, said. Behold, there standeth a galous in haman's house fifty cubytes high, which he had made for Mardocheus, that spoke good for the king. The king said: hang him thereon. So they hanged Haman on the galous/ that he had made for Mardocheus. Then was the kings wrath pacified. ¶ After the death of Haman is Mardocheus exalted, and then is there comfortable words sent unto the jues. CAPI. VIII. THe same day did King Ahasuerus give the house of Haman, the Jews enemy, unto queen Esther. And Mardocheus came before the king: For Esther told, how that he belonged unto her, And the king put of his finger ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mardocheus. And Esther set Mardocheus over the house of Haman. And Esther spoke yet more before the king: and fell down at his feet weeping, and besought him, that he would put away the wickedness of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had imagined against the jues. And the king ❀ (according to the manner,) held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. ❀ (whereby was declared a token of graciousness.) Then rose Esther, and stood before the king, and said: if it please the king, and if I have found grace in his sight, and if it be acceptable before the king, then let it be written, that the letters of the device of Haman the Son of Hamadatha the Agagite, may be called again: which letters he wrote, to destroy the jews, which are in all the kings lands. For how can I suffer and see the evil, that shall happen unto my people? Or how can I look upon the destruction of my kindred? And the king Ahasuerus said unto queen Esther, & to Mardocheus the Jew: Behold/ I have given Esther the house of Haman/ whom they have hanged upon a tree, because he laid hand upon the jues. Write ye also for the jews, as it liketh you in the kings name, and seal it with the kings ring (for the writings that were written in the kings name, and sealed with the kings ring, durst no man disanul.) Then were the kings scribes called at the same time, even in the third month, that is the month * Ma●e. Sivan, on the three and twentieth day. And it was written (according to all as Mardocheus commanded) unto the jews, and to the princes, to the Debityes and captains in the lands which are from India until Ethiopia, namely an hundred and seven and twenty lands/ unto every one according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their speech, & to the jews according to their writing and language. And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus name, and sealed it with the kings ring. And by posts that rood upon horses, and swift young Mules, sent he the writings, wherein the king granted the jews (in what cities soever they were) to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, and for to rote out, to slay, & to destroy all the power of the people, and land that would trouble them, with children and women, & to spoil their good upon one day in all the lands of king Ahasuerus, namely upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month * February. Adar. The sum of the writing was, how there should be a commandment given in all lands and published among all people, and that the jews should be ready against that day, and to avenge themselves on their enemies. And so the posts that road upon the swift horses and Mules, made haste with all speed, to execute the kings word: and the commandment was devised in Susan the chief City. And Mardocheus went out ❀ (from the palace, and) from the king in royal apparel of yellow and white, and with a great crown of gold, being arrayed with a garment of silk and purple, and the city of Susan rejoiced, and was glad: and unto the jews there was come ❀ (a new) light and gladness, joy and worship. In all lands and cities, in to what places soever the kings word and commandment reached, there was joy and mirth, prosperity & good days among the jews: in so moche, that many of the people in the land became of the jews belief/ and the fear of the jews came upon them. ¶ At the commandment of the king the jews put their adversaries to death. The sons of Haman are hanged. The jews keep a feast day in the remembrance of their deliverance. CAPI. IX. IN the twelfth month, that is the month Adar/ upon the thirteenth day of the same, when the kings word and commandment should be done, even upon the same day that the enemies should have destroyed the jews to have oppressed them, it turned contrary wise/ even that the jews should sub due their enemies. For than gathered the jews together in their cities within all the lands of king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as would do them evil, and no man could withstand them: for the fear of them was come over all people. And all the rulers in the lands, and princes & Debityes/ and officers of the King, promoted the jews: for the fear of Mardocheus came upon them For Mardocheus was great in the kings house, and the report of him was noised in all lands, how he increased and grew. Thus the jews smote all their enemies with a sore slaughter, and slew & destroyed/ and did after their will unto such as were their adversaries. And at Susan the chief city slew the jews, and destroyed five hundredth men: and slew Pharsandatha, Dalphon Asphatha/ Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha, Pharmastha/ Arisai/ Aridai, and Uaizatha, the ten sons of Haman the son of Hamadatha the enemy of the jews: but on his goods they laid no hands. At the same time was the king certified of the number of those that were slay in the city of Susan. And the king said unto queen Esther: The jews have slay & destroyed five hundredth men in the city of Susan, & the ten sons, of Haman: What have they done thinkest thou in the other lands of the king? And what is thy petition, that it may be given thee? or what requirest thou more to be done? Esther answered. If it please the king, let him suffer the jews to morrow also to do according unto this days commandment, that they may hang Hamans' ten sons upon the tre. And the king charged to do so, and the commandment was devised at Susan, and they hanged haman's ten sons. For the jews that were in Susan gathered themselves together, upon the fourteenth day of the month Adar, & slew three hundred men at Susan, but on their goods they laid no hands. As for the other jews that were in the kings lands, they came together, and stood for their lives, that they might have rest from their enemies: and slew of their enemies five and seventy thousand, howbeit, they laid no hand on their goods. This they did on the thirteenth day of the month Adar, and on the fourteenth day of the same month rested they, which day they held with feasting and gladness. But the jews that were at Susan, came together both on the thyrtenth day & on the fourteenth, & on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and held the day with feasting and gladness. And therefore the jews that dwelt in the villages and unwalled towns, held the fourteenth day of the month Adar, with gladness and feasting, and kept holy day, and every one sent gifts unto an other. And Mardocheus wrote these acts, and sent the writings unto all the jews that were in all the lands of king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far that they should make a law among themselves and hold the fourteenth or fifteenth day of the month Adar, as the days wherein the jews came to rest from their enemies, & as a month wherein their pain was turned to joy, and their sorrow into a holy day, and that in those days they should make feasts and gladness, and one to send gifts unto an other, and to distribute unto the poor. And the jews were content with it that they had begun to do, and that Mardocheus wrote unto them: how that Haman the son of Hamadatha all the Jews enemy; had devised against the jews, how he might destroy them, and caused to cast Phur (that is a lot) for to put them in fear, and to bring them to nought: and how Esther went, and spoke to the king, that thorough letters his wicked device (which he imagined against the jews) might be turned upon his own head, and how he and his sons were hanged on the tree. For the which cause they called this day Phurim, because of the name of the lot, and because of all the words of this writing: & what they themselves had seen, and what had happened unto them. And the jews set it up, and took it upon them and their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, that they would not miss but observe these two days yearly according as they were written and appointed, how that these days are not to be forgotten, but to be kept of children's children among all kindred's in all lands and cities. They are the days of Phurim, which are not to be overslypte among the jews, & the memorial of them ought not to perish from their seed. And queen Esther the daughter of Abihail & Mardocheus the Jew wrote with all authority (to confirm this second writing of Phurim) and sent the letters unto all the jews in the hundred & seven & twenty lands of the Empire of Ahasuarus, with friendly and faithful words, to confirm these days of Phurim, in their time appointed, according as Mardocheus the Jew and Esther the queen had appointed them. And they bound their soul & their seed to fasting, & prayer. And Esther stablished the words of these lots, as it is written in the book. And the king Ahasuerus laid tribute upon the land, and upon the Isles of the see. And all that he did by his power & authority, and the great worship of Mardocheus which the king gave him, be they not written in the Chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia? For Mardocheus the Jew was the second next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the jews, and accepted among the multitude of the brethren, as one that seeketh the wealth of his people, and speaketh the best for all his seed. The end of the book of Esther. The book of job. ¶ job by plagued of god by the loss of his goods, and Children. CAPI. Primo. IN the land of * Gene. 22. d. Hus there was a man whose name was job: and the same was a perfit & just man, such a one as feared God, and eschewed evil. And he had seven sons and three daughters. * job. xiii. d His substance also was seven. M. sheep, and three. M. camels, five. C. yoke of oxen, and five. C. she asses, and a very great household: so that he was one of the most principal men among all them of the East country. And his sons went, and made banquets: one day in one house, an other day in an other, and sent for their three sisters, to eat and drink with them. And it fortuned, that when they had passed over the time of their banqueting round about, job sent for them, and ☞ sanctified them, and got up early, and offered for every one a burntoffering. For job said: lest peradventure my sons have done some offence & ☞ have been unthankful to god in their hearts. Thus did job every day. And upon a day * job. two. ●. when ☞ the children of God came & stood before the Lord, it fortuned that Satan come also among them. And the Lord said unto Satan. From whence comest thou? Satan answered the Lord, and said: * ●. P●●. v. ● I have gone about the land, and walked thorough it. And the Lord said unto Satan: hast thou not considered my servant job, how that there is none like him in the land? a perfit and a just man, such a one as feareth God, & exchueth evil. Satan answered, and said unto the Lord: Doth job fear God for nought? hast thou not preserved him, and his house, and all that he hath on every side? Thou hast blessed the works of his hands, and his possession is increased in the land. But lay thine hand now upon him ❀ (a little) and touch all that he hath, and he shall curse the to thy face. And the Lord said unto Satan: Lo, all that he hath, be in thy power: only upon himself see that thou lay not thine hand. And Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord. And upon a certain day it fortuned, that his sons and daughters were eating, and drinking wine in their eldest brothers house and there came a messenger unto job, and said, while the oxen were a ploughing, and the Asses going in the pasture beside them the Sabers came in violently, and took them away: yea they have slay thy servants with the edge of the sword: and I only ran my way, to tell the. While he was yet speaking, there came an other and said. The fire of god is fallen from heaven, and hath brent up all thy sheep and servants, and consumed them: and I only ran my way, to tell the. And while he was yet speaking there came an other, and said. The Caldees made three armies, and fell in upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea and slay thy servants with the sword: and I only am gotten away, to tell the. And while he was yet speaking, there came an other, and said: Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brothers house, and behold: there came a mighty great wind out of the South, and smote the four corners of the house: which fell upon thy children, and they are dead: and I am gotten away alone, to tell the. Then job stood up, and rent his clothes, and shaved his head, fell down upon the ground, worshipped, and said: * Ecclesi. ●. ● i. ●i●. vi. ● Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I turn thither again. The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away, ❀ (even as it hath pleased the lord, so is it come to pass) Blessed be the name of the lord. * job. two. ● In all these things did job not offend, nor murmured foolishly against god. ¶ job is plagued with sore biles, and afterwards is mocked of his wife. His friends vispt him, and have compassion on him. CAPI. II. ANd the children of God came and stood before the Lord, and Satan came also among them, & stood before the Lord. And the Lord said unto Satan: from whence comest thou? Satan answered the Lord, and said: I have gone about the land, and walked thorough it. And the Lord said unto Satan: hast thou not considered my servant job▪ for there is none like him in the land. For he is a perfit and just man such a one as feareth God, & exchueth evil, and continueth still in his godliness. And thou movedst me against him, that I should punish him for nought. And So ●an answered the Lord, and said. Skin for skin? yea a man will give all that ever he hath, for his life. But lay thine hand now upon him, & touch once his bon●, and flesh, and he shall curse the to thy face. And the Lord said unto Satan: Lo, there haste thou him in thy power, but spare his life. So went Satan forth from the presence of the Lord, and smote job with marvelous sore biles, from the sole of his foot unto his crown: so that he sat upon the ground in the ashes, & scraped of the filth of his sores with a pot shared. Then said his wife unto him: * 〈…〉. two. d 〈◊〉. ●iii. d Dost thou continue yet in thy perfectness? curse God and die. But job said unto her: Thou speakest like a foolish woman. Shall we receive prosperity at the hand of God, and not receive adversity? * job, i, d In all these things did not job sin with his lips. Now when Job'S friends heard of all the trouble, that happened unto him, there came three of them, every one from his own place: namely, Eliphas the Themanite, Bildad the Suhite, & Zophad the Naamathite. And they were agreed together to come to show their compassion upon him, and to comfort him. So when they lift up their eyes a far of, they knew him not. Then they cried, and wept: and every one of them rent his clothes, and sprinkled dust upon their heads in the air. They sat them down by him also upon the ground seven days & seven. nights. Neither was there any of them that spoke one word unto him: for they saw, that his pain was very great. ¶ The words of job, wherein he declareth that this present life is miserable, and that the death of the righteous is joyous and fortunable. CAPI. III. AFter this opened job his mouth, and ☞ cursed his day. And job answered, and said: lost be that day wherein I was borne: & the night, in the which it was said, there is a man child conceived. The same day be turned to darkness, and not regarded of god from above, neither let him shine upon it with light: but let it be stained with darkness, and the shadow of death. Let the dim cloud fall upon it, and let it be ●apped in with sorrow on the day tyme. Let the dark storm overcome that night, and let it not be joined unto the days of the year, nor counted in the months. Desolate be that night, and without gladness: let them that curse the day, and that be ready to raise up mourning, give it also their curse. Let the stars of that night be dim thorough darkness of it. Let it look for light, but let it see none, neither ❀ the rising up of the fair morning: because it shut not up the womb that bore me: For than should these sorrows have been hid fro mine eyes. Alas, * 〈…〉. xx. d why died I not in the birth? why did not I perish, as soon as I came out of my mother's womb? Why set they me upon their knees? Why gave they me suck with their breasts? Then should I now have lain still, I should have slept, and been at rest: like as the kings & lords of the earth, which have builded themselves special places: Or as the princes that have had great substance of gold, and their houses full of silver. Or why was I not hid, as a thing borne out of time, either as young children which never saw the light? ☞ There must the wicked cease from their tyranny, & there such as are over-laboured be at rest: there are those let out free, which have been in prison, so that they hear no more the voice of the oppressor: There are small and great, and the servant is free from his master. Wherefore is the light given to him that is in misery? and life unto them, that have heavy hearts? which long for death (& though it come not) ☞ would dig it out of hid places which also would be exceeding glad and rejoice, if they could find their grave anywhere. That should be joy to that man ☞ whose way is hid, and God keepeth it back from him. For my sighs come before I eat, and my rorynges fall out like the water. For the thing that I feared is come upon me: and the thing that I was afraid of, is happened unto me. Was I not happy? Had I not quietness? Was I not in rest? And now cometh such misery upon me. ¶ job ●o reprehended of impatience, and in justice, and 〈◊〉 the presumption of his own righteousness. CAPI. four ANd Eliphas the Themanite answered and said: If we begin to comen urth thee, wilt thou be discontent? but who can withhold himself from speaking? Behold, thou hast been a chastenet of many & hast comforted the weary hands. Thy wordis have set up those that were fallen, thou hast refreshed the weak knees. But now that the plague is come upon thee, thou art grieved: now that it hath touched thyself, thou art faint hearted. * ●ob●. two. d job. two. c ☞ Is not this thy fear, thy steadfastness, thy patience, and the perfectness of thy ways? consider (I pray thee) who ever perished being an innocent? Or when were the Godly destroyed? For (as I have proved by experience) they that plough iniquity, and * Galat. vi. d sow wretchedness reap the same. With the blast of God they perish, and with the breath of his nose thyrles are they consumed away. The roaring of the Lion, and the voice of the Lion, and the teeth of the lions whelps are pulled out. The lion perisheth for lack of pray, and the lions whelps are scattered abroad. And unto me came the word secretly, and mine ear hath received a little thereof. In the thoughts and visions of the night (when sleep cometh on men) fere came upon me and dread, which made all my bones to shake. The wind passed by, before my presence, & made the hairs of my flesh to stand up. He stood there, and I knew not his face, an image there was before mine eyes, and in the stillness heard I a voice. ☞ * job. xxv. a. Psal. 143. a Roma. three ● Shall man be more just than God? Or shall a man be purer than his maker? Behold, ☞ he found no truth in his servants, and * i●. P●●. two. b. in his angels there was folly. How moche more in them that dwell in houses of clay, and whose foundation is but dust: which shallbe consumed as it were with a moth? They shall be smitten from the morning unto the evening: yea they shall perish for ever, when no man thinketh thereon. Is not their royalty gone away with them: they shall die truly, and not in wisdom. ¶ The ●ude of a fool. The righteousness of god. The Lord chasteneth his, and delivereth them again. CAPI. V Cry (I pray thee) if haply there be any that will answer thee, & look thou upon any of the holy men. As for the foolish man, displeasure killeth him, & anger slayeth the ignorant, * Psal. 37. ●. I have seen myself, when the foolish was deep rooted, & suddenly ☞ I cursed his habitation. His children were without prosperity, & they were slay in the gate, and there was no man to deliver them: * Deut. ●8 ●. His harvest was eaten up of the hungry: and the weaponed man spoiled it, and the thurstye drank up their labour. It is not the earth that bringeth forth iniquity, neither cometh sorrow out of the ground: but ☞ man is borne unto labour, like as the sparks fly up out of the hot coals. But I will ask counsel at the Lord, & will talk with god: which doth things, that are unsearchable, and marvels without number: * Deut. 28. b. He giveth rain upon the earth/ & poureth water upon the streets, to * Ecclesi. ● b set up them that be of low degree, & that those which are in heaviness may come to prosperity. He destroyeth the devices of the subtile/ so that their handis are not able to perform any steadfast thing. * ●. R●gum. two. c He compasseth the wise in their own craftiness, & overthroweth the counsel of the wicked. In so much that they run in Deut 28 d to darkness by fair day, and * ●. Corin. 3. ●. grope about them at the noon day, like as in the night. He shall deliver the poor from the sword and from the threatenings of the ungodly and from the violence of the mighty. He is the hope of the poor: and the mouth of the wicked shallbe stopped. Behold, * Heb 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 Apoda. iii. d Prove▪ iii b happy is the man, whom god punisheth: therefore, refuse not thou the chastening of the almighty. For * O see. vi. ● though he make a wound, he giveth a plaster: though he smite, his hand maketh hole again. ☞ He shall deliver the in six troubles, and in the seventh there shall none evil come to the. In hunger he shall save the from death: and when it is war, from the power of the sword. Thou shalt be kept from the evil tongue & when trouble cometh, thou shalt not need to fear. In destruction and dearth thou shalt be merry, and * Psal. 91. ●. shalt not be afraid of beastis of the earth: For ☞ the stones of the land shall be confederate with thee, and the beasts of the field shall give the peace. And thou shalt know, that thy dwelling place shall be in rest: and thou shalt go and behold thy habitation, and shalt not sin. Thou shalt see also, that thy seed shall increase, and that thy posterity shall be as the grass upon the earth. Thou shalt come also to thy grave in a fair age, like as when they take up a corn sheaf in due season. Lo, this we ourselves have proved by experience, and even thus it is. hearken thou to it also, that thou mayst take heed to thyself. ¶ job answereth that his pain is more grievous, than his fault: yet notwithstanding he delighteth therein. CAPI. VI IOb answered also, and said, ☞ O that the displeasure which I have were truly weighed, and my punishment laid in the balances together: for now is it heavier than the sand of the see. And this is the cause that my words are so sorrowful. For the arrows of the almighty are round about me, whose indignation hath drunk up my spirit, and the terrible fears of god are set against me. * Amos. iii. ● Doth the wild Ass roar when he hath grass? or crieth the ox, when he hath fodder enough? That which is unsavoury, shall it be eaten without salt, or is there any taste in the white of an egg? The things that sometime I might not away withal, are now my meat for very sorrow. O that I might have my desire: and that God would grant me the thing, that I long for: O that God would begin and smite me: that he would let his hand go, and take me clean away. Then should I have some comfort: yea I would desire him in my pain, that he should not spare, for I will not be against the words of the holy one. For what power have I to endure? And what is mine end, that my soul might be patient? Is my strength the strength of stones? Or, is my flesh made of brass? Is it not so that there is in me no help: and that my substance is taken from me. He that is in tribulation ought to be comforted of his neighbour: but the fear of the lord is clean away. Mine own brethren pass over by me as the water broke, and as the river of water doth hastily go away. But they that fear the hoary frost, the snow shall fall upon them. When their time cometh, they shallbe destroyed and perish: when they be set on fire, they shall be removed out of their place, for the paths that they go in, are crooked: they haste after vain things, and shall perish. They turn them to the paths of Theman and to the ways of Saba, wherein they have put their trust. Confounded are they, that put any confidence in them: For when they come to obtain the things that they look for, they are brought to confusion. Even so are ye also come unto me: but now that ye see my misery, ye are afraid. Did I desire you, to bring unto me, or to give me any of your substance? To deliver me from the enemies hand, or to save me from the hand of tyrants? Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: And when I do are, show me wherein. How steadfast are the words of truth? And which of you can rebuke and reprove them? Do ye take deliberation to check men's sayings, and judge a poor word spoken in vain? Ye fall upon the fatherless and go about to overthrow your own friend. And therefore be content, and look now upon me, and I will not lie before your face. Turn (I pray you) be indifferent judges turn again, and ye shall see mine unguiltiness: whither there be any unrighteousness in my tongue, or vain words in my mouth. ¶ job showeth that this life is but a battle, or warfare. CAPI. VII. HAth man ❀ any certain time upon earth? * ●sal. 39 ● Are not his days also like the days of an hired servant? For like as a bond servant desireth the shadow, and as an hireling would fain have an end of his work. Even so have I laboured hole months long (but in vain,) and many a careful night have I told. * ●●u●e. 2●● when I lay me down to sleep, I say: O when shall I arise? Again. I longed sore for the night. And in the mean time am I full of sorrows until the twilight. My flesh is clothed with worms, & dust of the earth: my skin is withered, and become horrible * job. 〈◊〉. ● and. xiiii. ● my days pass over more speedily, than a weyver can waive out his webb●: and are gone or I am aware. O remember, that my life is but a wind, and that mine eye shall no more see the pleasures thereof, yea and that none other man's eye shall see me any more. For if thou fasten thine eyes upon me, I come to nought. The cloud is consumed and vanished away, even so he that goeth down to the grave ☞ shall come no more up, nor turn again in to his house neither shall his place know him any more. Therefore I will not spare my mouth, but will speak in the trouble of my spirit, and muse in the bitterness of my mind. Am I a see or a whale fish, that thou keepest me so in prison? When I say: my bed shall comfort me. I shall have some refreshing by talking to myself upon my couch. * Danie ●. ● Then troublest thou me with dreams, & makest me so afraid thorough visions, that my soul wisheth rather to perish & die, than my bones to remain. I can see no remedy, I shall live no more: O spare me then, for my days are but vain. What is man, that thou hast him in such reputation, and settest so much by him? thou visitest him early, and every day, suddenly dost thou * ●●●ie▪ ●●●i. ● Duty. ●. ●. try him. Why goest thou not fro me, nor lettest me alone, ☞ so long till I may swallow down my spittle? I have offended, and what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? Why haste thou made me to stand in thy way, & am so heavy a burden unto myself? Why dost thou not forgive me my sin? Wherefore takest thou not away my wickedness. Behold, now must I sleep in the dust: and if thou seek me to morrow in the morning, I shall be gone. ¶ job is reprehended and noted to have ●e●●●ned his pain. A descryptyon of hypocrisy. CAPI. VIII. THen answered Baldad the Suhite, and said: How long wilt thou talk of such things? How long shall thy mouth speak so proud words? Doth God pervert the thing that is lawful? Or doth the almighty destroy the thing that is right? For saying that thy sons sinned against him, did not he punish them for their wickedness? If thou wouldest now resort unto God by times, & make thine humble prayer to the almyghtte: if thou wouldest live a pure and a Godly life: should he not awake up unto the immediately, and give thee, the beauty of righteousness again? In so moche, that wherein soever thou hadst little before, thou shouldest now have great abundance. inquire (I pray thee) of them that have been before thee▪ * Dente. 32. ● and search diligently among their fathers. For we are but of yesterday, & consider not, that * job. 〈…〉 Psal. 39 b. our days upon earth are but a very shadow. Shall not they show the and tell thee, yea and gladly confess the same? May a rysshe be green without moistness? Or may the grass grow without water? No, but (or ever it be shot forth, & or ever it be gathered) it withereth, before any other herb Even so goeth it with all them, that forget God: and even thus also shall the hypocrites hope come to nought. His confidence shall be destroyed, and his trust shallbe a spiders web. He shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand: he shall hold him fast by it, yet shall it not endure. It is even as a green tree before the son, and shooteth forth the branches in his garden: It taketh many roots by a well side, in so much that it is like an house of stones. But if it be taken out of his place, every man denieth it, saying: I know the ●ot. Lo, thus is it with him, that rejoiceth in his own doings: & as for other, they grow out of the earth. Behold, God will not cast away a virtuous man, neither will he help the ungodly. Thy mouth shall he fill with laughing, and thy lips with gladness. They also that hate the shall be confounded, and the dwelling of the ungodly shall come to nought. ¶ job declareth the benefyte● of God, and that man's righteousness is nothing. CAPI. IX. IOb answered, and said: I know it is so of a truth. For how may a man (compared unto God) * Psal. 114. ● job. ii●i. ● ix. ●. ●xxv. a Roma. three ● be justified? If he will argue with him, he shall not be able to answer him unto one among a thousand. Concerning such as be wise of heart, or mighty instrength, who ever prospered, that took part against him? He translateth the mountains, or ever they be aware. It is he that overthroweth them in his wrath. He removeth the earth out of her place, that the pillars thereof shake withal. He commandeth the son, and it riseth not: he closeth up the sterrꝭ, as it were under a signet. He himself alone spreadeth out the heavens, and goeth upon the waves of the see. He maketh the veins of heaven, ☞ the Orion, * Amos. v, b. the seven stars, and the secret places of the south. He both great things, such as are unsearchable yea and wonders without number. Lo, when he goeth over by me, I shall not see him. And when he departeth, by me, I shall not look upon him: I shall not perceive him If he be hasty to take any thing away, who will make him restore it again? Or who will say unto him * Eccle●●. ●. ● what dost thou? ‡ I●●●●. ●. ●. He is god whose wrath no man may withstand: but the proudest of all must stoop under him. How should I then answer him? or what words should I find out against him? Yea though I were righteous, yet might I not give him one word again, but meekly submit myself to him as my judge. If I had called upon him, and he had answered me, ☞ yet would I not believe, that he heard my voice: he trou bleth me so with the tempest, and woundeth me out of measure without a cause. He will not let my spirit be in rest, but filleth me with bitterness. If men will speak of strength: lo, he is strong: if men will speak of righteousness, who dare be my record. If I will justify myself, ☞ mine own mouth shall condemn me: If I will put forth myself for a perfit man, he shall prove me a wicked doer: For though I be an innocent, and my conscience clear, yet am I weary of my life. One thing it is and therefore I said. He destroyeth both the righteous and ungodly. And though he slay suddenly which the scourge. yet will he laugh at the punishment of the innocent. As for the world, it is given over in to the hand of the wicked, and he shall cover the faces of the judges thereof. Is it not so? Where is there any but he is such one. * job. 〈…〉 My days are more swift than a runner they are gone and have seen no good thing. They are passed away, as the ships that be good under sail: and as the Eagle/ that flieth to the pray. When I am purposed to forget my complaining, to leave of fro my wrath, and to comfort myself: then am I afraid of all my sorrows, for I know, that thou wyite not judge me innocent. If I be then a wicked doer, why labour I in vain? If I wash myself with snow water, and make mine hands never so clean ❀ at the well, yet shalt thou dip me in the mire, and ☞ mine own clothes shall defile me. For he that I must give answer unto, and with whom I go to law: is not a man as I am. Neither is there any days man to lay his hand between us. Let him take his rod away fro me, yea let him make me no more afraid of him, and then shall I answer him without any fear. For as long as it is thus, I can make no answer. ¶ job i● weary of his life, and setteth out his frag●lyte before god. He desireth the time to repent. A dis●typryon of death. CAPI. X. IT grieveth my soul to live. I will make my complaint, and will speak out of the very heaviness of my soul. I will say unto God: O do not condemn me, but show me the cause, wherefore thou contendest so with me. thinkest thou it well done, to oppress me, to cast me of (being the work of thy han des) and to maintain the counsel of the ungodly▪ Hal●e thou fleshy eyes: or dost thou look as a man looketh? Or are thy days as the days of man, and thy years as man's years? that thou makest such inquisition for my wickedness, and searchest out my sin? where as (notwithstanding) thou knowest that I am no wicked person, & that * 〈…〉. 32. ● there is no man able to deliver me out of thine hand. * 〈…〉. ●. ●. Thy hands have made me, and fassyoned me altogether round about, wilt thou then destroy me suddenly? O remember (I beseek thee) how that thou madest me of the mould of the earth, & shalt bring me into dust again. Hast thou not turned me, as it were milk: & turned me to cruds like cheese? Thou haste covered me with skin & flesh, and joined me together with hones & synnowes. Thou hast granted me life, & done me good: and the diligent heed that thou tookest upon me, hath preserved my spirit. Thou hast hid these things in thine heart. I am sure, that thou remember'st this thing. Y● I did sin, thou hadst an eye unto me, & shalt not declare me innocent because of mine offence. Y● I have done wicked lie, woe is me therefore: if I have done righteously, yet da●e I not lift up my head: so full am I of confusion, & see mine own misery Thou huntest me out (being in heaviness) as it were a Lion, and troublest me out of measure. Thou bringest fresh witnesses against me, & thy wrath increasest thou upon me, very many are the plagues that I am in. * 〈…〉 Wherefore hast thou brought me out of my mother's womb? O that I had perished, & that no eye had seen me. If they had carried me to my grave assoon as I was borne, then should I be now, as though I had never been. Are not my days few? Let him then leave of fro me and let me alone, that I may ease myself a little before I go thither, from whence I shall not turn again: even to the land of darkness and shadow of death: yea in to that dark cloudy land and deadly shadow, where as is no order, but terrible fear, as in the darkness. ¶ job is unjustly reprehended of Sophar. God is incomprehensible: He is merciful to the rep●●tou●●. CAPI. XI. THen answered Sophar the Naamathite and said: Should not he that maketh many words, be answered? Should he that babbleth moche, be commended therein? Sulde men give ear unto the only? Thou wyite laugh other men to scorn, and shall no body mock the again? wilt thou say unto God: The thing that I take in hand is perfit, and I am clean in thy sight? O that god would speak, & open his lips against thee, that he might show thee (out of his secret wisdom) why he rewardeth the double as he was appointed to do: then shouldest thou know, that God had forgotten thee, because of thy sin. Art thou able to find out the secrets of god? or wilt thou attain to the perfectness of the almighty? He is higher than heaven, what art thou able to do? deeper than the hell, how wilt thou then know him? His length exceedeth the length of the earth: and his breadth/ the breadth of the see. Though he turn all thus ge upside down, close them in, gather them together, who will turn him from his purpose? ❀ (Or who may say unto him, why dost thou so?) * i. 〈◊〉 〈…〉 Ier●. 〈◊〉. ●. Psal. seven. ●. Roma. ●. ● For it is he that knoweth the vanity of men, he seeth their wickedness also should he not then consider it? A vain body exalteth himself, & man new borne is like a wild asses colt. If thou had dost now a right heart, & lyftedst up thine handis toward him: if thou wouldest put away the wickedness which thou hast in hand, so that no ungodliness dwell in thy house. Then mightest thou lift up thy face without shame, & then shouldest thou be sure, & have no need to fear. Then shouldest thou forget thy misery, and think no more upon it then upon the waters that run by. Then should the residue of thy life be as clear/ as the noon day, and spring forth as the morning. Then mightest thou have comfort, in the hope that thou hast: & sleep quietly, when thou art buried. Then shouldest thou take thy rest, & no man to make the afraid▪ yea many one should set much by the. As for the eyes of the ungodly, they shallbe consumed, & not scape their hope shallbe misery & sorrow of mind. ¶ job in showing his perpe●ce, declareth the might and power of god. CAPI. XII. SO job answered & said. Then (no doubt) year the men alone, and wisdom shall perish with you. But I have understanding as well as ye, and am no less than ye. Yea who knoweth not these things? Thus he that calleth upon God, and whom god heareth, is mocked of his neighbour: The godly and innocent man is laughed to scorn. Godliness is a light despised in the hearts of the rich, and is set for them to stumble upon. The houses of robbers are in wealth and prosperity, & they that maliciously meddle against God, dwell without care: in those things that God hath given richly with his hand. Ask the cattle, and they shall inform thee: The fowls of the air, and they shall tell thee: Or the increase of the earth, and it shall show thee: Or the fishes of the see, and they shall certify the. What is he, but he knoweth that the hand of the Lord made all these? * ●●p●. three ●. In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of the flesh of all men. * job. 34. ● Have not the ears pleasure in hearing, and the mouth in tasting the thing that it eateth? * job. xxxii. b Among old persons there is wisdom, and in age is understanding. Yea with God is wisdom and strength, it is he that hath counsel and▪ fore knowledge. Behold, If he break down a thing, who can set it up again? * ●●●●. ●xii. ●. 〈◊〉. i●i. b▪ 〈◊〉. ●▪ ● If he shut a thing, who will open it? Behold, & if he withhold the waters, they dry up: If he let them go, they destroy the earth. With him is strength end wisdom: he knoweth both the deceiver and him that is deceived. He carrieth away the wise men, as it were a spoil, & bringeth the judges out of their wits. He taketh away the subjection of the people from their kings, and girdeth their loins with a bond. He leadeth away the great men in to captivity, and turneth the mighty upside down. * two. 〈◊〉. 1●. ● 〈◊〉. 14. ● He taketh the verity from out of the mouth, and disappointeth the aged of their reason. He poureth out confusion upon princes, and comforteth them that have been oppressed. Look * ●●●●. xii. a. 〈◊〉. x. ● what lieth hid in darkness, he declareth it openly: and the very shadow of death bringeth he to light. He both increaseth the people, and destroyeth them. He maketh them to multiply, and driveth them away. He changeth the hearts of them that rule the people of the earth, and disappointeth them: so that they go wand'ring out of the way, and grope in the dark without light: he maketh them also to sta●ker to and fro like drunken men. ¶ job reproveth his friends with they● own sayings, and condemneth ypocrps●●. CAPI. XIII. LO, all this have I seen with mine eye, heard with mine ear, and understand it. Look what ye know, that same do I know also, neither am I inferior unto you. Nevertheless, I talk with the almighty and my desire is to comen with God. As for you, ye are work masters of lies, and unprofitable * 〈…〉 Physicians all together. Would God ye kept your tongue, for than might ye be taken for wise men. Now hear my chiding, and ponder the sentence of my lips. Do ye speak iniquity against God? and talk against him with deceit? Will ye not accept the person of him? Or will ye contend with God? Shall that help you, when he calleth you to reckoning. For as one man mocketh an other, so do ye mock him. He shall punish you: and reprove you; if ye do secretly accept any person. Shall he not make you afraid when he showeth himself? Shall not his terrible fear fall upon you? Your remembrance is like unto a spark, and your bodies like the clay. Hold your tongues for my sake, that I also may speak● and my sorrow shall be the less. ☞ Wherefore do I bear my flesh in my ☜ teeth, * Iub● 〈…〉 Psal. 〈…〉 and put my soul in my hands? Lo, though he slay me, yet will I put my trust in him. But * Psal. 32. 〈…〉 Luke. 〈◊〉. 〈…〉 I will reprove mine own ways in his sight, he shall make me hole: and there may no hypocrite come before him. Hear my words, and ponder my sayings with your ears. Behold, now have I prepared my judgement, and know that I shall be found righteous. What is he that will go to law with me? ❀ (Let him come) that I may now hold my tongue, & die. Nevertheless grant me two things, and then will I not hide myself from the. Withdraw thine hand from me, and let not the fearful dread of thee, make me afraid And then call me, and I will answer: or else let me speak, and give thou me an answer. How many are my misdeeds and sins? Let me know my transgressions and offences? Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and holdest me for thine enemy? wilt thou be so cruel and extreme unto a flying leaf, and ●o low upon dry stubble? for thou layest sharply to my charge, and punysshest me * Psal. ●● for the sins of my youth. * job. 33. ● Thou puttest my feet also in the stocks: and lookest narrowly unto all my paths, and markest the steps of my feet: where as I (notwithstanding) must consume, like as a fowl carrion, and as a cloth that is moth eaten. ¶ job des●llybe●h the light of 〈…〉, and prophesyeth of the resurre●●yon. Hope systeyneth the godly, until they obtain th●● they io●e for. CAPI. XIIII. MAn that is borne of woman, hath but a short time to live, & is full of misery. He cometh up and is cut down like a flower. He flieth as it were a shadow, and never continueth in one state. Dost thou open thine eyes upon such one, and bringest me in thy judgement? Who can make it clean/ that cometh of an unclean thing? No body, * job. ●i●. a 〈…〉 The days of man surely are determined/ the number of his months are known only unto the. Thou haste appointed him his bounds, which he can not go beyond. Go from him, that he may rest ❀ (a little,) until his day come: which he looketh for, like as an hireling doth. If a tre be cut down, there is some hope yet, that it will sprout, and shut forth the branches again: For though the rote of it be waxed old, & the stock thereof be dead in the ground, yet when it getteth the scent of water, it will bud, & bring forth bows, like as the ire that is planted. But as for man/ when he is dead, perished and consumed away, what becometh of him? The floods when they be dried up, and the rivers when they be empty, are filled again thorough the flowing waters of the see: but when man sleepeth, he riseth not again (of his own strength) * 〈…〉. 〈◊〉. ●. 〈…〉. iii. b until the heaven perish: he shall not wake up nor rise out of his sleep. O that thou wouldest keep me, & hide me in the hell, until thy wrath were stilled: and to appoint me a time, wherein thou mightest remember me. May a dead man live again? * 〈…〉. 47. b All the days of my life will I wait still, till my changing shall come. Thou shalt call me, and I shall answer thee: * 〈…〉. 〈◊〉. b despise not thou the work of thine own hands. For now thou nombrest all my goings, yet be not thou to extreme upon my sins. My iniquity is sealed up, as it were in a bag but be merciful unto my wickednesses. The mountains fall away at the last, the rocks are removed out of their place, the waters pierce thorough the very stones by little and little, the floods wash away the gravel and earth: And destroyest thou the hope of man? Thou prevaylest still against him, so that he passeth away: thou changest his estate, and puttest him from the. And whither his children come to worship or no, he cannot tell: And if they be men of low degree, he knoweth not. While he liveth, his flesh must have travail: and while the soul is in him, he must be in sorrow. ¶ Eliphas reprehendeth job, because he as●●ybeth wisdom and pureness to himself. He describeth the course that falleth on the wyched, reckoning job to be one of that number. CAPI. XV. THen answered Eliphas the Themanite and said: Shall a wise man's answer be the science of the wind, and fill any man's belly as it were with the wind of the east? Shall he reprove with a word, that is nothing worth: and speak the things/ which can do no good? As for shame, thou hast set it a side, else wouldest thou not make so many words before god: but thy wickedness teacheth thy mouth, and so thou haste chosen the a crafty tongue. Thine own mouth condemneth thee, and not I: Yea thine own lips shape an answer against the. Art thou the first man, that ever was borne? Or, wast thou made before the hills? haste thou heard the secret counsel of God, that all wisdom is to little for thee? What knowest thou, that we know not? And what understandest thou, but we can the same? With us are both old & aged men, yea such as have lived longer than thy father. thinkest thou it a small thing of the consolations of god? with the is a dying word. Why doth thine heart so be with thee? And wherefore wynkest thou with thine eyes that thy mind is so puffed against god, and lettest such words go out of thy mouth? What is man, that he should be clean? what hath he (which is borne of a woman) whereby he might be righteous? * job. 〈…〉 ● two. 〈…〉. two. ●. Behold, he doth not trust his saints: Yey the very heavens are not clean in his sight. How much more than an abominable and vile man/ which drinketh wickedness like water? I will tell thee, hear me, and I will show the that I have seen: which wise men have told/ and hath not been hid from their ☞ father's unto whom only the earth was given, and no stranger went among. The * Gene. iii●. ● ungodly sorroweth all the days of his life as it were a woman traveling of child, and the number of a tyrants years is unknown. A fearful sound is ever in his ears, and when it is peace, yet feareth he destruction: He believeth never to be delivered out of darkness, for the sword is always before his eyes. When he goeth forth to get his living, he seeth playenly, that the day● of darkness is at hand. Sorrow and carefulness will make him afraid, and compass him counde about, like ☞ as it wer● a king with his host ready to the battle. For he hath stretched out his hand against God, & armed himself against the almighty. He runneth proudly upon him, and with a stiff neck fighteth he against him: where as he covereth his face with fatness, and maketh his body well liking. Therefore shall his dwelling be in desolate cities, and in houses which no man inhabiteth, but are become heaps of stones. He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue, nor increase upon earth. He shall never come out of darkness, the flame shall dry up his branches: with the blast of the mouth of God shall he be taken away. He believeth not that he is in vanity: & yet he is out of the way, and vanity shall be his recompense. He shall perish, before his time be worn out, & his branch shall not be green. He shallbe plucked of/ as an untimely grape from the vine, and shall let his flower fall, as the olive doth. For the congregation of hypocrites shall be desolate and unfruitful, and the fire shall consume the houses of such as are greedy to receive gifts. He * Psal. seven. d. Esai. 〈◊〉. a conceiveth travail, and beareth vanity, and their body bringeth forth deceit. ¶ job repeating his misery, saith that he suffereth more than his wickedness hath deserved. CAPI. XVI. IOb answered, and said: I have oft times heard such things. Miserable givers of comfort are ye, all the sort of you. Shall not thy vain words come yet to an end? Or, hast thou yet any more to say? I could speak, as ye do also. But would god that your soul were in my soul's stead, then should I heap up words against you, and shake my head at you. I should comfort you with my mouth, and release your pain with the talking of my lips. ❀ (But what shall I do?) For all my words, my sorrow will not cease: and though I hold my tongue, yet will it not depart fro me. But now that God hath sent me adversity, thou hast troubled all my congregation: And that thou hast filled me with wrynkles, my flesh is record, and my leanness riseth up against me, and beareth witness against me. He is angry at me: he hateth me and gnassheth upon me with his teeth. Mine enemy scouleth upon me with his eyes. ☞ They have opened their mouths wide upon me * 3. Reg. 22. d Math. 14 ● and smitten me upon the cheek despytefullye, they gather them selves together against me. God hath put me in press with the ungodly, & delivered me in to the hands of the wicked. I was in wealth, but he hath brought me to nought. He hath taken me by the neck he hath rend me, and set me, as a mark for himself. His archers compass me round about: he wounded my loins, and doth not spare. My bowels hath powered upon the ground. He hath given me one wound upon another, and is fallen upon me like a giant. I have sewed a sack cloth upon my skin, and lie with my here in the dust. My face is swollen with weeping/ and in mine eyes is the shadow of death. Howbeit, there is no wickedness in my hands, but my prayer is clean. O earth ☞ cover not thou my blood, and let my crying find no room. For lo, my witness is in heaven: & he that knoweth me, is above in the height. My frendis give me many words to scorn, and mine eye poureth out tears unto god. O that a body might pleat with god, as one man doth with another, yet the number of my years is come, and the way that I must go is at hand, from whence I shall not turn again. ¶ job saith that he consumeth away, and yet doth patiently abide it. CAPI. XVII. MY breath stinketh, my days are shortened. I am hard at deaths door. froward men are with me, and mine eye must continue in the bitterness of them. O deliver me, and look out one to be my surely in thy sight, what is he that knoweth who will promise for me? For thou hast withholden their hearts from understanding, therefore shalt thou not set (them) up on high. He promiseth his friends part of his good, but his own Children spend it. He hath made me as it were á by word of the people: where as before I was their joy. Mine eye is dim, for very heaviness, and all my strength is become like a shadow. Virtuous men therefore shall well consider this, & the innocent shall take part against the hypocrite. The righteous also will keep his way/ and he that hath clean hands, will ever be stronger and stronger. As for you, turn you and get you hence (I pray you) saying I can not find one wise man among you: My days are past, & my counsels and thoughts of my heart are vanished a way, chaun ging the night in to day, and the light in to darkness. Though I tarry never so much, yet the grave is my house, and I have made my bed in the dark. I call corruption my father, and the worms call I my mother & my sister. What helpeth then my long tarrying? Or/ who hath considered the thing, that I look fore All that I have, shall go down in to the pit, and lie with me in the dust. ¶ Bildad rehe●seth the pains of the unfaithful, and wicked. CAPI. XVIII. THen answered Bildad the Suhite, and said: ☞ when will ye make an end of your words? Mark well, and then we will speak. Wherefore are we counted as beasts, and reputed so vile in your sight? He destroyeth himself with his anger? Shall the earth be forsaken, or any stone removed out of his place because of thee? Yea the light of the ungodly shall be put out? and the spark of his fire shall not burn. The light shall be dark in his dwelling, and his candle shall be put out with him. His presumptuous goings are kept in, and his own counsel shall cast him down. For his feet are taken as it were in the net, and he is at his wits end. His foot shall be holden in the snare, & it shall catch them that be thirsty of blood. The snare is laid for him in the ground, and a pitfall in the way. Fearfulness shall make him afraid on every side, that he shall not know, where to get out. Hunger shallbe his strength: misfortune shall hang upon him. He shall eat the strength of his own skin, even the first borne of death shall eat his strength. His hope shall be rooted out of his dwelling, very fearfulness shall bring him ☞ to the king. Other men shall dwell in his house (but shall be none of his) & brimstone shallbe scattered upon his habitation. His roots shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his branch be cut down. His remembrance shall perish from the earth, and he shall have no name in the street: they shall drive him from the light into darkness, and cast him clean out of the world. He shall neither have children nor kynsfolkꝭ among his people, no, nor any posterity in his dwellings: They that come after him, shall be astonied at his day, and they that go before, shall be aftayde. Soche are now the dwellings of the wicked, and this is the place of him that knoweth not God. ¶ job reciteth his miseries and grenous pained. He prophesyeth of the general resurreceyon. CAPI. XIX. IOb answered, and said: how long will ye vex my soul, & trouble me with words? Lo ☞ ten times have ye reproved me: and are not a shamed, for to laugh me so to scorn: if I go wrong, I go wrong to myself. But if ye will enhance yourselves against me, and accuse me to be a wicked person because of the shame that is come upon me: know this then, that it is god, which hath handled me so violently, and hath compassed me about with his net. If I * Abacu● c. ●. ● complain of the violence that is done unto me, I can not be herd. And if I cry, there is no sentence given with me. He hath hedged up my way, that I can not pass, & he hath set darkness in my paths. * job. ●. ● 〈◊〉. He hath spoiled me of mine honour/ and taken the crown away fro my head. He hath destroyed me on every side, & I am undone: My hope hath he taken away fro me, as it were a tre plucte up by the rote. His wrath is kindled against me: he taketh me, as though I were his enemy. ☞ His men of war came together, which made their way over me, and besieged my dwelling round about * Psal. 38. ● He hath put my brethren far away fro me, and such as were of mine acquaintance, are become strangers unto me * Psal. 〈◊〉. ● Mine own kynsfolkes have for saken me, & my friends have put me out of remembrance. The servants and maidens of mine own house took me for a stranger: and I am become as an alliant in their sight. I called my servant, and he gave me no answer, no though I prayed him which my mouth Mine own wife might not abide my breath, I was fain to speak fair for the children of mine own body. Yea the children despised me: And when I was gone from them, they spoke evil upon me. All such as were my most familiars/ abhorred me: and they whom I loved best, are turned against me. My bone hangeth to my skin, and my flesh is away, only there is left me the skin about my teeth. Have pity upon me, have pity upon me (O ye my friends) for the hand of God hath touched me. Why do▪ ye persecute me as God doth, and are not satisfied of my flesh? O that my words were now written, O that they were put in a book: would God they were graven with an iron pen in lead or in stone to continue. For I am sure, that my redeemer liveth, and that I shall rise out of the earth in the last day: that I shall be cloched again with this skin, and see God in my flesh. Yea, I myself shall be hold him, not with other, but with these same eyes. My reins are consumed within me: did not ye say: why doth he suffer persecution? Is their found an occasion in me? But beware of the sword, for the sword will be avenged of wickedness, and be sure, that there is a judgement. ¶ Sophar saith that the unfaithful, the couptou●, and the wicked shall have a short end. CAPI. XX. THen answered Sophar the Naamathite, and said. For the same cause do my thoughts compel me to answer. And why? my mind is ready within me. I have sufficiently heard thy checking and reproof, therefore am I purposed to make answer after mine understanding. Knowest thou not this/ namely: that from the beginning (ever since the creation of man upon earth) the gladness of the ungodly hath been short, and that the joy of hypocrites continued but the twinkling of an eye? Though he be magnified up to the heaven, so that his head teacheth unto the clouds: yet at a turn he perisheth forever. In so much that they which have seen him, shall say: Where is he? He shall vanish as a dream, so that he can no more be found, and shall pass away as a vision in the night. So that the eye which saw him before, shall have no more sight of him, and his place shall know him no more. ☞ His children shall be fain to agree with the poor, & his hands shall restore them their goods. From his youth his bones are full of pleasures, but now shall it lie down with him in the earth. When wickedness was sweet in his mouth, he hid it under his tongue. That he favoured, that would he not forsake/ but kept it close in his throat. The bread that he did eat, is turned to the poison of serpents, within his body. The riches that he devoured, shall he parbreak again, for God shall draw them out of his belly, he shall suck the gall of serpents, and the adders tongue shall slay him: so that he shall no more see the rivers and brooks of honey & butter. The thing that other men have laboured for, shall he restore again and shall not eat it up. Great travail shall he make for riches, but he shall not enjoy them. And why? he hath oppressed the poor/ & not helped them: houses hath he spoiled/ and not builded them. His belly could never be filled, therefore shall he perish in his covetousness. Therefore shall none of his meat be left behind, therefore shall no man look for his prosperity. When he had plenteousness of every thing, yet was he poor, though he was helped on every side. For though the wicked have never so much to fill his belly, yet god shall send his wrath upon him, & cause his indignation to reign over him: so that if he i'll the iron weapons, he shall be shot with the steel bow. The arrow is taken forth, & gone out of the quiver, & a glistering sword thorough the gall of him/ fear shall come upon him. There shall no darkness be able to hide him, An unkyndled fire shall consume him, & look what remaineth in his house, it shall be destroyed. The heaven shall declare his wickedness, and the earth shall take part against him. The substance that he hath in his house, shallbe taken away and perish in the day of the lords wrath. * job. 27. ● This is the portion that the wicked man shall have of god, & the heritage that he may look for of god, ☞ because of his words. ¶ job reciteth the prosperity of the wicked, and after describeth their sudden ruin, and destruction. CAPI. XXI. IOb answered, and said: O heart my words, & that shallbe my comfort of you. Suffer me a little, that I may speak also, and then laugh my words to scorn ❀ (if it like you.) Is it for man's sake that I make this disputation? Which if it were so, should not my spirit be then in sore trouble? Mark me well, & be abashed, & lay your hand upon your mouth. For when I consider myself, I am afraid, & my flesh is smitten with fere. * Psal. 73. ●. I●●. x●●. ●. Wherefore do wicked men live in health & prosperity, come to their old age, & increase in riches? Their children live in their sight, & their generation before their eyes. Their houses are safe from all fear, and the rod of god doth not smite them. Their bullock gendereth, & that not out of time: their cow calueth, and is not unfruitful. They send forth their children by flockis/ and their sons lead the dance. * Esa●. v. ● They bear with them tabrets and haps, and have instruments of music at their pleasure. They spend their days in wealthiness: but suddenly they go down to hell. They say also unto god: go from us, we desire not the knowledge of thy ways. * E●ob●. v. ●. Who is the almighty/ that we should serve him? And what profit should we have to submit ourselves unto him? Lo, there is utterly no goodness in them/ therefore will not I have to do with the counsel of the ungodly. How oft shall the candle of the wicked be put out? how oft cometh their destruction upon them? O what sorrow shall God give them for their part in his wrath? Yea they shall be even as have before the wind, & * Psal. ●. ●. as chaff that the storm carrieth away. And though god save their children from such sorrow, yet will he so reward them selves, that they shall know it. Their own destruction and misery shall they see with their eyes, and drink of the fearful wrath of the almighty. For what careth he what become of his household after his death, when the number of his months is cut short? In as much then as god hath the highest power of all, who can teach him any knowledge? One dieth now when he is mighty & at his best/ rich, and in prosperity: even when his bowels are at the fattest, and his bones full of marry Another dieth in sorrow and heaviness, and never had good days. They shall sleep both alike in the earth, & the worms shall cover them. Behold, I know what ye think, y ca, & the subtlety that ye imagine against me. For ye say: ☞ where is the princes palace? and where is the dwelling of the ungodly: have ye not asked them that go by the way? ☞ Doubtless ye can not deny their tokens, that the * 〈…〉 two. ●. Mat. x●●●. d wicked is kept unto the day of destruction, and that the ungodly shall be brought forth to the day of wrath. Who dare reprove him for his way to his face? who will reward him for the ungraciousness that he doth? Yet shall he be brought to his grave, and dwell among the heap of the dead. Then shall he be fain to be buried among the stones of the plain. All men also must follow him, and there are innumerable gone before him. How vain then is the comfort that ye give me? Doth not falseheed remain in all your answers. ¶ Eliphas reprehendeth job of unmercifulness. CAPI. XXII. SO Eliphas the Themanite gave answer and said: May a man be profitable unto god, as he that is wise may be profitable to himself? Is it any vantage to the almighty that thou art righteous? Or shall it profit him, that thou makest thy ways perfit? Is he afraid to reprove thee, and to step forth with the in to judgement? Is not thy wickedness great, & thine ungracious deeds innumerable? For thou hast taken the pledge from thy brother for nought, & rob the naked of their clothing: To such as were weary, hast thou given no water to drink, & haste withdrawn bread from the hungry. Should such one then as useth violence/ wrong & oppression (doing all thing of partiality, and having respect of persons) dwell in the land? Thou hast sent widows away empty & oppressed the poor fatherless Therefore art thou compassed about with snares on every side, & suddenly vexed with fear. shouldest thou then see no darkness? Should not the water flood run over thee? Now * Eccle. 23. ●. Ezeche. ix. ● because that god is higher than the heavens, and because thou sayst that the stars are so high, wilt thou therefore say: tush/ how should god know? Doth his dominion reach upon the clouds? Tush/ the clouds cover him that he may not see/ and he dwelleth above heaven. Dost not thou keep the old way, that vain men have gone? Which were cut down out of time, and whose foundation was as a running water, which said unto God: go from us, and what did the almighty with them? He filled their houses with good things. But the counsel of the ungodly is far from me. The righteous ●awe it and were glad, and the innocent laughed them to scorn. Is our increase hewn down As for the remnant of them, the fire hath consumed it. Therefore reconcile the unto god, and be content, so shall all things prosper with the right well. Reccyve the law at his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart. For * 〈…〉 〈◊〉 ● if thou wilt turn to the almighty, thou shalt stand fast, and put all unrighteousness from thy dwelling: Thou shalt make gold as plentiful as the dust, and the gold of Ophit as the flyntes of the rivers. Yea, almighty god his own self shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver. Then shalt thou have delight in the almighty, & lift up thy face unto God. Then shalt thou make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt keep thy promises. Then, look what thou takest in hand, he shall make it to prosper with thee, and the light shall shine in thy ways. For * 〈…〉. ●. who so humbleth himself, him shall be set up: and who so looketh meekly, shall be healed. If thou be innocent/ thou shalt deliver the country: because of the unguiltiness of thine hands. ¶ job affirmeth that he both knoweth and feareth the power and sentaunce of the judge, and soaketh that he hath washed in his righteousness. CAPI. XXIII. IOb answered, and said: My saying is yet this day in bitterness, and my hand heavy because of my groaning. O that I might see him & find him: O that I might come before his seat, to plead my cause before him, and to fill my mouth with arguments. That I might know/ what answer he would give me: and that I might understand/ what he would say unto me. Will he plead against me with his great power and strength? No, but he will make me the stronger. He that is just/ shall entre disputation with him/ and my judge shall deliver me forever. Behold, though I go before, I find him: If I come behind, I can get no knowledge of him: If I go on the left side where he doth his work/ I cannot attain unto him. Again, if I go on the right side, he hideth himself, that I cannot see him. But as for my way/ he knoweth it: and * Sapi. iii. a 1. Peter. 1. b trieth me as the gold in the fire. ☞ My foot doth keep his path, his high way have I bolden, and will not go out of it. I will not forsake the commandment of his lyppis, but look what he charged me with his mouth, that have I shut up in my heart. ☞ He is still at one point, & who will turn him back? He doth as him listeth, & bringeth to pass what he will. He performeth the thing that is appointed for me/ and many such things doth he. This is the cause that I schrynke at his presence, so that when I consider him, I am afraid of him. For in so much as he is god, he maketh my heart soft: and saying that he is almighty/ he putteth me in fear. Thus cannot I get out of darkness neither hath he covered the cloud fro my face. ¶ job describeth the wickedness of men, and showeth what curse belongeth to the wicked. CAPI. XXIIII. Considering then that there is no time hid from the almighty, how happeneth it, that they which know him/ do not regard his days? For some men there be, that * duty. nineteen c and. xxvii. c remove other men's landmarks: that rob them of their cattle, and keep the same for their own: that * Exodi. 22 c drive away the Ass of the fatherless: that take the widows ox for a pledge: that thrust the poor out of the way, & oppress the simple of the world together. Behold, even as the wild Asses in the desert go they forth to their work/ and rise by times to spoil: Yea, the very wilderness ministereth food for their children. They reap the corn field that is not their own: and ☞ let the vineyard of the ungodly alone. They are the cause that so many men are naked and bare, having no clothes to cover them and to keep them from cold: So that when the showers in the mountains have rained upon them/ and they be all wet, they have none other succour, but to keep them among the rocks. They spoil the sucking fatherless child, & take the pledge from the poor. In so much that they let him go naked without clothing and have taken away the sheaf of the hungry. The poor are fain to labour in their oil mills, yea, and to tread in their wine presses, & yet to suffer thirst. The men of the city crieth unto the Lord with sighing: * Apor●. 〈◊〉 ●▪ 〈◊〉. x●● The souls of the slay also make their complaint: But God destroyeth them not for all this, where as they (notwithstanding) are conversant among them that abhor the light: they know not his way/ nor continue in his paths. * Luke. 22 ●. Timely in the morning do they arise/ to murder the simple and poor, and in the night they go a stealing. The eye of the adulterer waiteth for the darkness/ and sayeth thus in himself: tush, there shall no eye see me/ and so he dysgyseth his face. In the night season they search the houses/ and hide themselves in the day time/ but will not know the light. For as soon as the day breaketh, the shadow of death cometh upon them, & they go in horrible darkness. The ungodly is swyfter than the water: their portion shall be cursed in the earth, and he shall not behold the way of the vine yard. O that they (for the wickedness which they have done) were drawn to the hell/ sooner than snow melteth at the drought & heat. O that all compassion upon them were forgotten: that their dainties were worms, that they were clean put out of remembrance/ and ungodliness utterly hewn down like as a tree. He hath oppressed the barren, that she cannot bear, and unto the widow hath he done no good. He drew the mighty after him with his power, and when he was gotten up/ no man was without fear/ as long as he liveth. And though they might be safe yet they will not receive it, for their eyes look upon their own ways. They are exalted for a little, but shortly are they gone, brought to extreme poverty, & taken out of the way: yea, & utterly pluck of, as the ears of corn Is it not so? Who will then reprove me as a liar, and say that my words are nothing worth? ¶ Bildad proveth that no man is clean, and without sin before god. CAPI. XXV. THen answered Byldad the Suhite, and said. Is there power and fear with him above, that maketh peace, sitting in his highness, whose men of war are innumerable, and whose light ariseth overall. But how may a man compared unto God, * job. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. i●. a Psal. 143. a 〈◊〉 iii. c be justified? Or how can he be clean/ that is borne of a woman? Behold, the moon shineth nothing in comparison to him, and the stars are unclean in his sight. How much more than man, that is but corruption: and the son of man, which is but a worm? ¶ job showeth that man cannot help god/ and proveth it by his miracles. CAPI. XXVI. IOb answered, and said. Whom hast thou helped? Him that is without strength? What comfort givest thou unto him that hath no strength? Where is the counsel that thou shouldest give him, which hath no wisdom? Hast thou showed the way of right living. To whom hast thou spoken those words? Who made the breath to come out of thy mouth? ☞ Are not dead things shapen under the waters? and things by the water side? Hell is naked before him, and the very destruction itself cannot be hid out of his sight. He stretcheth out the north over the empty, and hangeth the earth upon nothing. He bindeth the * ●●●●●, ●● waters in his clouds/ and the cloud is not broken under them. He holdeth back his stole, that it cannot be seve and spreadeth his cloud before it. * job. 38. a Psal. ●iiii b Iu●mi. ●. ● He hath compassed the waters with certain boundꝭ until the day and night come to an end. The very pillars of heaven tremble & quake at his reproof. * ●●●●. viii. ● He stilleth the see with his power, and thorough his wisdom smiteth he the strength thereof. His spirit hath garnished the heavens, & his hand hath made the rebellious serpent. Lo, this is now a short sum of his ways. But who is able sufficiently to rehearse his works? Who can perceive & understand the thunder of his power? ¶ The constantness and perfectness of job, and the part of the unfaithful with God. CAPI. XXVII. ANd job proceeded and went forth in his communication, saying: As truly as God liveth (which hath taken away ☞ my judgement) and the almighty, that hath vexed my mind: My lips shall talk of no vanity, and my tongue shall speak no deceit, while my breath is in me, & as long as the wind (that God hath given me) is in my nose thyrls, God forbid, that I should grant your cause to be right. As for me/ until mine end come will I never go fro mine innocency. My rightwise dealing keep I fast, which I will not forsake, my heart shall not reprove me of my days. Therefore, mine enemy shall be found as the ungodly, and he that taketh part against me, as the unrighteous. For what hope hath the hypocrite though he have great good, and though God give him riches after his hearts desire? Doth god hear him the sooner, when he crieth unto him in his necessity? Hath he such pleasure & delight in the almighty, that he dare always call upon god? I will teach you in the name of God/ and the thing that I have of the almighty, will I not keep from you. Behold, ye stand in your own conceit, as though ye knew all things. Wherefore then do ye go about with such vain wordis, saying. * job. xx. d This is the portion that the wicked shall have of god, and the heritage that tyrants shall receive of the almighty. If he get many Children, they shall perish with the sword, and his posterity shall have scarcenesss of bread. Look whom he leaveth behind him, they shall die & be buried, and no man shall have pity of his widows. Though he have as much money as the dust of the earth, and raiment as ready as the clay he may well prepare it, but the Godly shall put it upon him, and the innocent shall deal out the money. His house shall endure as the moth, and as a both that the watchman maketh. * Psal. 〈◊〉▪ ● Luke. 〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉. When the rich man dieth, he carrieth nothing with him: he is gone in the twinkling of an eye and hath nothing. destruction taketh hold upon him as a water flood/ and the tempest stealeth him away in the night season. A vehement East wind carrieth him hence, & departeth, a storm plucketh him out of his place. It rusheth in upon him, and spareth him not, he may not escape from the power thereof. Then clap men their hands at him, yea, & jest of him when they look upon his place. ¶ job showeth that the wysdon of god is unsearchable. CAPI. XXVIII. THere is a place where silver is brought out of, & where gold is tried: * Deut. viii● where iron is digged out of the ground, and stones resolved to metal. The darkness shall once come to an end, he can seek out the ground of all things: the stones the dark, and the shadow of death. With the river of water, parteth he asunder the strange people, that know no good neyghbourheade: such as are rude, unmannerly, & boisterous. He bringeth food out of the earth, & that which is under, consumeth he with fire. There is found a place, whose stones are clean sapphires, and where the clots of the earth are gold. There is a way also that the birds know not, that no vultours eye hath seen: wherein the lions whelps walk not, and where no lion cometh. There putteth he his hand upon the stony rocks, & overthroweth the mountains. Rivers flow out of the rocks, & look what is pleasant, his eye saith it. Out of drops bringeth he great floods together, and the thing that is hid bringeth he to light. How cometh a man then by wisdom? * 〈…〉. two. a ●●●te. seven. c. James. i. a. 3. nassr. 3. ●●●d. ●u●. d Where is the place that men find understanding? heresy no man can tell how worthy a thing she is, neither is she found in the land of them that live ❀, (at their own pleasure). The deep sayeth▪ she is not with me. The see sayeth: she is not with me. * Sapi. seven. ● She cannot be gotten for ❀ (the most pure) gold, neither may the price of her be bought with any silver. No wedges of gold of Ophir, no precious Onyx stones, no sapphires may be compared unto her. No, neither gold nor Crystal, neither sweet odours nor golden plate. There is nothing so worthy, or so excellent/ as once to be named unto her: for perfit wisdom goeth far beyond them all. The Topas that cometh out of Ind, may in no wise be likened unto her: yea, no manner of apparel how pleasant & fair soever it be. From whence then cometh wisdom? and where is the place of understanding? She is hid from the eyes of all men living, yea/ and from the fowls of the air. Destruction and death say: we have herd tell of her with our ears. But god seeth her way, & knoweth her place. For he beholdeth the ends of the world, & looketh upon all that is under heaven. When he weighed the winds, & measured the waters: when he set the rain in order/ & gave the mighty floods a low? Then did he see her, than declared he her, prepared her & knew her. And unto man he said: Behold, * 〈…〉. i. ●. psal ●xi. ●. P●o●●●. i. ● 〈◊〉. ix. ● to fear the lord, is wisdom: and to forsake evil, is understanding. ¶ job complaineth of the prosperity of the time past, subtly reyroving his friends of injury, because they said that job suffered according to his destruing. CAPI. XXIX. SO job proceeded, & went forth in his communication, saying: O that I were as I was in the months by paste, & in the days when god preserved me, when his light shined upon my head, when I went after the same light & shining, even thorough the darkness. As it stood with me, when I was young: when God prospered my house: when the almighty was yet with me: when my children stood about me: when my ways ran over with butter, and when the stony rocks gave me rivers of oil: when I went thorough the city unto the gate, & when they set me a chair in the street: when the young men (as soon as they saw me) hid themselves, and when the aged arose, and stood up unto me: when the princes left of their talking, and laid their haude to their mouth: when the mighty kept still their voice, and when their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth. When all they that heard me, called me happy: and when all they that saw me, spoke good of me. For I delivered the poor when he cried, and so did I the fatherless, & him that had none to help him. He that should have been lost, gave me a good word, and the widows heart praised me. And why? ☞ I put upon my righteousness, which covered me as a garment, and equity was my crown. I was an eye unto the blind, and a foot to the lame, I was a father unto the poor: and when I knew not the cause, I sought it out diligently. I broke the chaws of the unrighteous man, * ●●●●●. 1●. ● and pluck the spoil out of his teeth. Therefore, I thought verily, that I should have died in my nest: & that my days should have been as many as the sands of the see. For my root was spread out by the water side, and the dew lay upon my corn. Mine honour increased more and more, and my bow was ever the stronger in my hand. Unto me men gave ear, me they regarded, and with silence they tarried for my counsay●●. If I had spoken, they would have it none other wise, my words were so well taken among them. They waited for me as for the rain: and gaped upon me, as the ground doth to receive the latter shower, ☞ when I laughed, they knew well it was not earnest, and this the light of my countenance would they not put out. When I agreed unto their way I was the chief, and sat as a King with his army about him. And when they were in heaviness, I was their comfortoure. ¶ The▪ great despising of men and curse of God that job suffereth. CAPI. XXX. BUt now they that are younger than I/ have me in decision: yea, even they whose fathers I would have thought scorn to have set with the dogs of my cattle. The power & strength of their hands might ●o me no good: for the time is but lost among them. For very misery and hunger, they fled into the wilderness, a place dark, horrible and waste, plucking up nettles among the bushes, & the juniper roots for their meat And when they were driven forth, men cried after them, as it had been after a thief. Their dwelling was beside foul brooks, yea in the caves and dens of the earth. Among the bushes went they about crying, and under the thorns they gathered themselves together. They were the children of fools and villains, which are vexed out of the world. * ●●●●. three ● Psal. 69. ● Now am I their song, & am become their jesting stock: they abhor me, and flee far fro me, and stain my face with spittle. For the Lord hath loosed the strength of my body, & brought me low. The bridle have they cast out of my sight. Upon my right hand rise the young men against me they have hurt my feet, treading upon me as upon the ways that they would destroy. My paths have they clean marred. It was so easy for them to do me harm, that they needed no man to help them. They fell upon me, as it had been the br●● king in of waters, & came in by heaps to destroy me. Fearfulness is turned against me. Mine honour vanished away more swiftly than the wind, and my prosperity ●e parteth hence, like as it were a cloud. Therefore is my mind powered full of heaviness, & the days of my trouble have taken hold upon me. My bones are pierced thorough, in the might season, & my sinews take no rest. For the vehemence of sorrow is my garment changed: and according to the diversity of heaviness am I girded with my cote. He hath cast me in to the mire, and I am become like ashes and dust. When I cry unto thee, thou dost not hear me, and though I stand before thee, yet thou regardest me not. Thou art become mine enemy, and with thy violent hand thou takest part against me. In times past thou didst set me up on high, as it were above the wind, but now hast thou given me a very sore fall. Sure I am, that thou wilt deliver me unto death ❀ even to the loading that is due unto all men living. Now use not men to do violence unto them, that are destroyed already: but where hurt is done, there use they to help. Did not I weep with him that was in trouble? Had not my soul compassion upon the poor▪ Yet nevertheless, where as I looked for good, evil happened unto me: and where as I waited for light, there came darkness. My bowels seethe within me, and take no rest, for the days of my trouble are come upon me. meekly and lowly come I in, Yea and without any displeasure: I stood up in the congregation, and communed with them. But now, I am a companion of dragons▪ and a fellow of Ostriches. My skin upon me is turned to black, & my bones are burnt with heat: my harp is turned to sorrow, and my pipe to weeping. ¶ job reciteth the innocen●●● of his living, and number i● his ●●rt●es. CAPI. XXXI. I ☞ made a covenant with mine eyes/ * Eccle. ●li. ● Math. ●. ●. that I would not look upon a damsel. For how great a portion shall I have of god? & what inheritance from the almighty on high? As for the ungodly and he that joineth himself to the company of wicked doers, shall not destruction and misery come upon him? * job. ●4 ● 〈◊〉. ●. ● Doth not he see my ways, and tell all my goings? If I have walked in vanity, or if my feet have run to deceyue● 〈◊〉 me be weighed in an even balance, that God may see mine innosencye. * Psal. seven. ● If so be that I have withdrawn my foot out of the right way, and if my heart hath followed mine eye sight? If I have stained or defiled my hands? then shall I sow, and an other eat, 〈◊〉 my generation and posterity shall be clean rooted out. If mine heart hath lusted after my neighbours wise, or if I have laid wait at his door? O then ❀ let my wife grind unto to another man, and let other men lie with her. * 〈…〉 ● For this is a wickedness & sin, that is worthy to be punished, yea a tire that utterly should consume, and rote out all my substance. Did I ever think scorn to do right unto my servants and maidens, when they had any matter against me? But seeing that God will sit in judgement, what shall I do▪ And for so moche as he will needs visit me what answer shall I give him? He that fassyoned me in my mother's womb, made he not him also? Were we not both shapen a like in our mother's bodies? When the poor desired anything at me, have I denied it them? Have I caused the widow to stand waiting for me in vain? Have I eaten my portion alone, that the fatherless hath had no part with me? for mercy grew up with me fro my youth, and compassion fro my mother's womb. Have I seen any man perish thorough nakedness and want of clothing? Or any poor man for lack of raiment, whose sides thanked me not, because he was warmed with the wool of my sheep▪ Did I ever lift up my hand to hurt the fatherless? yea in the gate where I saw myself to be in authority: them let mine arm fall fro my shoulder, and mine arm holes be broken from the joints. For I have ever feared the vengeance and punishment of God, and knew very well, that I was not able to bear his burden. Have I put my trust in gold? Or have I said to the finest gold of all: thou art my confidence? Have I rejoiced because my power was great, & because my hand got so moche? * Deutt. 4. t. and. ●vit. b. Sapi. xiii. a Did I ever greatly regard the rising of the son? or had I the going down of the moon in great reputation? Hath mine heart meddled privily with any deceit? Or, did I ever kiss mine own hand? that were a wickedness worthy to be punished, for than should I have denied the God that is above. * Pro. xvii. a Have I ever rejoiced at the hurt of mine enemy? Or was I ever glad, that any harm happened unto him? Oh no, I never suffered my mouth to do such a sin, as to wish him evil. Did not the men of mine own household say: Who shall let us to have our belly full of his flesh? I have not suffered a stranger to lie without, but I opened my doors unto him, that went by the way. Have I kept secret my sin, and hid mine iniquity, as Adam did? Have I feared any great multitude of people: or if I had been despised of the simple, O then should I have been afraid Thus have I quietly spent my life, & not gone out at the door. O that I had one which would hear me. Lo, this is my cause. In the which the almighty shall answer for me: though he that is my contrary party, hath written a book against me. Yet ☞ will I take him upon my shoulder, & as a garland about my head. I will tell him, the number of my geynges, and go unto him as to a prince. But if case be that my ☞ land cry against me, or that the forowes thereof make any complaint: if I have eaten the fruits thereof unpaid for, yea if I have grieved any of the plowinen: then let thistles grow in stead of my wheat, and cockle for my barley. ¶ Here endeth the words of job. ¶ Elihu after the other had finished their communication, reproveth them of foolishness. Age maheth not a man wise, but the spirit of god. CAPI. XXXII. SO these three men would strive no more with job, because he held himself a righteous man. But Elihu the son of Barachel the Bussyte of the kindred of Ram, was very sore disposed at job, because he called himself just before God. And with Job'S three frendis he was angry also, because they had found no reasonable answer to overcome job. Now tarried Elihu, till they had ended their communication with job, for why, they were elder than he. So when Elihu the son of Barachel the Bussite saw, that these. three men were not able to make job answer, he was myscontente: Elihu the son of Barachel the Bussite gave answer himself, and said: * Eccle. 3●●. considering that I am young, and ye be men of age, I was afraid, and durst not show forth my mind, for I thought thus within myself: It becometh old men to speak, & the aged to teach wisdom. Every man (no doubt) hath a mind but * 3. Reg. i●●. ● and. ●il. d Ge●●● seven. ● jacob. ●. a. Prove. 〈◊〉 a Dan●●. 〈◊〉. ●. it is the inspiration of the almighty that giveth understanding. Great men are not always wise, neither doth every aged man understand the thing that is lawful. Therefore will I speak also (hear me) and I will show you also mine understanding. For when I had waited till ye made an end of your talking, & heard your wisdom what arguments ye made in your communication: yea, when I had diligently pondered what ye said, I found not one of you that made any good argument against job, or that directly could make answer unto his words: least ye should say. We have found out wisdom: God shall cast him down, and no man. He hath not spoken unto me, and I will not answer him as ye have done (for they were so abashed, that they could not make answer, nor speak one word,) but in so much as ye will not speak, standing still like dumb men, and making no answer: I have a good hope for my part to shape him an answer, and to show him my meaning. For I am full of words, and the spirit that is within me, compelleth me. Behold, my belly is as the wine, which hath no vent, and brasteth the new vessels in sunder. Therefore will I speak that I may have a vent: I will open my lips, and make answer. I will regard no manner of person, no man will I spare. For * Galat. ●. ● if I would go about to please men, I know not how soon my maker would take me away. ¶ Elihu showeth wherein job offendeth: with god may we not strive, no● curyous●ye search out his works. CAPI. XXXIII. Wherefore hear my words (O job) and hearken unto me all that I will say. Behold, I have now opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my throat. My heart doth ordre my words aright, and my lips talk of pure wisdom. The spirit of God hath made me, and * Gene. two. b the breath of the almighty hath given me my life. If thou canst, then give me answer: prepare thyself to stand before me face to face. Behold, before God am I even as thou, for I am fassioned and made, even of the same mould. Therefore, thou needest not to be afraid of me, neither needest thou to fear, that my authority shall be to heavy for the. Now hast thou spoken in mine ears, & I have heard the voice of thy words: I am clean without any fault, I am innocent, & there is no wickedness in me. But lo, he hath picked a quarrel against me, and taketh me for his enemy: * job. xiii. d. he hath put my foot in the stocks, & looketh narrowly unto all my paths Behold, in this hast thou not done right. I will make answer unto thee, that God is more than man. And why dost thou then strive against him: For he shall not give the accounts of all his words. For when God doth once command a thing, there should no man be curious to search whither it be right. * Gene. 〈◊〉. ●. ●●d ●●v●●● Daniel. 〈◊〉. ● 〈…〉. two. d. In dreams and visions of the night (when stombring cometh upon men, that they fall asleep in their beds) he roundeth them in the ears, he informeth them, and showeth them plainly, that it is he, which draweth man from evil, delivereth him from pride, keepeth him from the grave, & his life from the sword. He chasteneth him which sickness, and bringeth him to his bed: he sayeth sore punishment upon his bones, so that his life may away with no bread, and his soul abhorreth to eat any dainty meat: In so much that his body is clean consumed away and his bones appear no more. His life draweth on to the grave, & his life to death. Now if there be a messenger (one among a thousand) sent for to speak unto man, and to show him the right way: then the Lord is merciful unto him, and sayeth: He shall be delivered, that he fall not down to the grave, for I am sufficiently reconciled. Then shall his flesh be as well liking as it was before, and shall be as it was in his youth. For if he submit himself unto god, he shall be gracious unto him, and show him his countenance joyfully, and rewardeth man for his righteousness. Such a respect hath he unto men. Therefore, let a man confess, (and say) I have offended: I did unrighteously, and it hath done me no good. Yea, he hath delivered my soul from destruction, and my life shall see the light. Lo, thus worketh god alway with man, that he keepeth his soul from perishing, and letteth him enjoy the light of the living Mark well (O job) and hear me: hold the still, and I will speak. But if thou hast anything to say, then answer me, & speak, for thine answer pleaseth me. If thou hast nothing, then hear me, & hold thy tongue, so shall I teach the wisdom. ¶ Elihu praiseth the justice of god, which judgeth the worlie, and governeth all. CAPI. XXXIIII. ELihu proceeding forth in his answer, said: Hear my words (O ye wise men) hearken unto me, ye that have understanding. For the ear proveth and discerneth the words, * job. xii. ● and the mouth tasteth the meats: As for judgement, let us seek it out among ourselves, that we may know what is good. And why? job hath said: I am righteous, but God doth me wrong. I must needs be a liar, though my cause be right, & violently I am plagued where as I made no fault: Where is there such a one as job, that ☞ drinketh up scornfulness like water? which goeth in the company of wicked doers, and walketh with ungodly men? For he hath said: Though a man be good, yet is he nought before God. Therefore hecken unto me ye that have understanding. far be it from god, that he should meddle with wickedness? and far be it from the almighty, that he should meddle with unrighteous dealing: * Mat. 〈◊〉. d Roma. 11. b For he shall reward the works of man, and cause every man to find according to his ways. For sure it is, that * Roma. three ● God condemneth no man wrongfully, and the judgement of the almighty is not unrighteous. Who ruleth the earth in his stead? Or, whom hath he set to govern the hole world? To whom hath he given his heart, for to draw his spirit and breath unto him? All flesh shall come together unto nought, and all men shall turn again unto * Gene. iii. d. Psal. 146 ● dust. If thou now have understanding hear what I say, and hearken to the boyce of my words. May he be a ruler, that loveth no right? Or may he that is a very innocent man, do ungodly? Is it reason, that thou shouldest say to the king. Thou art wicked, or, thou art ungodly, and that before the princes? * two. Par. 30. ● Roma. two. d. Ephe. vi. b. Collos 〈◊〉. d Eccle. 35. ●. He hath no respect unto the persons of the lordly, & regardeth not the rich more than the poor. For they be all the work of his hands. In the twinkling of an eye shall they die: and at midnight, when the people and the tyrants rage, then shall they perish, and be taken away without hands. And why? * job. xxxi. ●. Prove. v. d his eyes look upon the ways of man, and he seeth all his goings. There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, that can hide the wicked doers from him. For no man shall be suffered to go in to judgement with God. Many one, yea innumerable doth he punish, and setteth other in their steads. Therefore shall he declare their works, he shall turn the night and they shall be destroyed. They that were in the stead of Scars, dealt like ungodly men: and therefore he punished them, because they turned back from him, and would not consider all his ways. In so much that they have caused the voice of the poor to come unto him, & now he heateth the complaint of such as are in trouble. If he grant pardon, who will condemn? And if he hide away his countenance, who shallbe able to see it? Whither it be to the people or to any man, thus will he do: for the ungodliness of the people, doth god make an hypocrite to reign over them. For so moche then as I have begun to talk of God, I will not hinder the. If I have gone amiss, inform thou me if I have done wrong, I will leave of. Can he do nothing without thee? for thou hast reproved his judgement. Thou also hast thine own mind and not I. But speak on what thou knowest. Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken unto me. As for job, he hath neither spoken to the purpose nor wisely. O father, let job be well tried because he hath answered for wicked men: yea above his sin he doth wickedly: triumpheth among us, and multiplieth his words against god. ¶ Neither doth godliness profit, nor ungodliness hurt to god, but to man. CAPI. XXXV. ELihu spoke moreover, and said: thinkest thou it right, that thou sayest: I am righteous before god? For thou sayest: What advantage will it be unto thee, and what profit shalt thou have of my sin. Therefore will I give answer unto the and to thy companions with thee: look unto the heaven, and behold it: consider the clouds, which are higher than thou. If thou hast sinned, what hast thou done against him? If thine offences be many, what hast thou done unto him? If thou be righteous, what givest thou him? Or what will he receive of thy hand? Of such an ungodly person as thou, and of the son of man that is righteous as thou pretendest to be: there is a great cry and complaint made by them that are oppressed with violence, yea every man complaineth upon the cruelty of tyrants. For such a one never saith: where is god that made me? and that giveth us occasion to praise him in the night? which giveth us more understanding than he doth the beastis of the earth, and teacheth us more than he doth the fowls of heaven. If any such complain, no man giveth answer, and that because of the wickedness of proud tyrants. But if a man call upon God, doth he not hear him? Doth not the almighty accept his cry? When thou speakest, then should not he pardon thee, if thou open thyself before him, and put thy trust in him? Then useth he no violence in his wrath, neither hath he pleasure in curious & deep inquisitions. Therefore doth job open his mouth but in vain, and foolishly doth he make so many words. ¶ Elihu showeth wherefore god punisheth, and cor●●●teth. CAPI XXXVI. ELihu proceeded forth in his talking, and said: Hold the still a little, and I shall show thee, what I have yet to speak on God's behalf. I will open unto the yet more of mine understanding, and prove my matter righteous. And truly my words shall not be vain, saying he is with the that is perfit in knowledge: behold, the great god casteth away no man, for he himself is mighty in power and wisdom. As for the ungodly, he shall not preserve him, but shall help the poor to their right. He shall turn his eyes away from the righteous, but as kings shall they be in their throne, he shall stablish them for ever, and they shall be exalted. But if they be laid in prison and chains, or bound with the bonds of trouble, then will he show them their work, and the sins, wherewith they have used cruel violence. He with punishing and nurturing of them, roundeth them in the ears, warneth them to leave of from their wickedness, and to amend. * Esai. i. ●. If they now will take heed & serve him, they shall wear out their days in prosperity, and their years in pleasure and joy. But if they will not hearken, they shall go thorough the sword, and perish, or ever they be aware. As for such as be feigned hypocrites, they shall heap up wrath for themselves: for they call not upon him, though they he his prisoners. Thus shall their soul perish in foolishness and their life shall be condemned among the fornicators. The poor shall he deliver out of his affliction, and round them in the care when they be in trouble. Even so shall he keep thee (if thou wilt be content) from the bottomless pit that is beneath: and if thou wilt hold the quiet, he shall fill thy table with plenteousness. Nevertheless, thou hast condemned the judgement of the ungodly, yea even such a judgement, and sentence shalt thou suffer. For than shall not thy cause be stilled with cruelty, nor pacified with many gifts. thinkest thou, that he will regard thy richesse? he shall not care for gold, nor for all them that excel in strength. Prolong not thou the time, till there come a night for the to set other people in thy stead. But beware that thou turn not aside to wickedness and sin, which hitherto thou hast chosen more than meekness. Behold, god is of a mighty high power: Where is such a guide and law giver as he? Who will reprove him of his way? Who will say unto him: thou haste done wrong. O consider how great and excellent his works be, whom all men love and praise: yea wondre at him, and yet they see him but a far of. Behold, so great is God, that he passeth our knowledge, neither are we able to come to the experience of his years. * 〈◊〉. ●i. b 〈◊〉. xxviii. He turneth the water to small drops. He driveth his clouds together for to rain, so that they power down and drop upon men. He can spread out the clouds (a covering of his tabernacle) and cause his light to shine upon them, and to cover the bottom of the see. By these things governeth he his people, and giveth them abundance of meat. With the clouds he hideth the light, and at his commandment it cometh again. The rising up thereof showeth he to his friends, and to the cattle. ¶ Elihu proveth that the wisdom of god is unsearchable. CAPI. XXXVII. AT this, my heart is astonied, & moved out of his place. Hear then the sound of his voice, and the noise that goeth out of his mouth. He governeth every thing under the heaven, and his light reacheth unto the end of the world. A roaring voice followeth him: for his glorious majesty giveth such a thondreclap, that (though a man here it) yet may he not perceive it afterward. It giveth an horrible sound, when God sendeth out his voice: great things doth he, which we can not comprehend. * Psal. 147● When he commandeth the snow, it falleth upon the carthe. As soon as he giveth the rain a charge, immediately the showers have their strength, and fall down. He sendeth ●●are upon every man, that they might know their own works. The beasts creep into their dens, and take their rest. Out of the south cometh the tempest, & cold out of the north. At the breath of God, the frost cometh, and the waters are shed abroad. He maketh the cloudis to do their labour in giving moistness, and again with his light, he driveth away the cloud. He distributeth also on every side, according as it pleaseth him to deal out his works, that they may do, what soever he commandeth them thorough the hole world: whither it be to punish any land, or to do good unto them, that seek him. hearken unto this (O job) stand still, and consider the wondrous works of god. Art thou of counsel with god, when he doth these things? When he causeth the light to come forth of his clouds? Art thou of his counsel when he spreadeth out the clouds? Hast thou the perfit knowledge of his wonders? and how thy clothes are warm, when the land is still thorough the South wind? Hast thou helped him to spread out the heaven, which is to look upon, as it were cast of clear metal? Teach us what we shall say unto him for we are unmeet because of darkness. Shall it be told him what I say? Should a man speak, or should he keep it back? For every man seeth not the light, that he keepeth clear in the clouds which he cleanseth when he maketh the wind to blow. Gold is brought out of the north, but the praise and honour of God's fear cometh from God himself. It is not we that can find out the almighty: for in power, equity and righteousness, he is higher than can be expressed. Let men therefore fear him, for there shall no man see him that is wise in his own conceit. ¶ The wonders and ma●●els that the Eo●de hath done from the beginning. CAPI. XXXVIII. Then answered the Lord unto job out of the storm, and said: What is he that hideth his mind with foolish wordis? * job. xi. ●. Gird up thy loins like a man, for I will question with thee, se thou give me a direct answer. Where wast thou, when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell plainly, if thou hast understanding. Who hath measured it, knowest thou? Or, who hath spread the line upon it? Whereupon stand the pillars of it? Or, who laid the corner stone thereof? Where wast thou, when the stars praised me together, and all the children of god rejoiced triumphauntly? * job. xxvi. a jeremis. v. ● Psal. ●●iii b Who shut the see with doors, when it broke forth as a child out of the mother's womb? When I made the clouds to be a covering for it, and swaddled it with the dark? When I gave it my commandment, making doors and bars for it, saying. Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further, and there shalt thou lay down thy proud and high waves. Hast thou given the morning his charge (assoon as thou wast borne) and showed the day spring his place, that it might take hold of the corners of the earth, and that the ungodly might be shaken out? Their tokens and weapons are turned like clay, and set up again as the changing of a garment. The ungodly shall be disappointed of their light, and the arm of the proud shall be broken. Camest thou ever in to the ground of the see: or walkedst in the low corners of the deep? Have the gates of death been opened unto thee, or hast thou seen the doors of the shadow of death? Hast thou also perceived how broad the earth is? If thou hast knowledge of all this, then show me, where light dwelleth, and where darkness is: that thou mayst bring us unto their quarters, if thou canst tell the way to their houses. Knewest thou (before thou wast borne) how old thou shouldest be? Wentest thou ever in to the treasuries of the snow, or haste thou seen the secret places of the hail, * Exodi. ix e. josua. x. c which I have prepared against the time of trouble, against the time of battle and war? By what way is the light parted, and in to what land breaketh the East wind: Who divideth the abundance of waters into rivers, or who maketh a way for the lightening and thondre, that it watereth & moisteneth the dry and barren ground: to make the grass grow in places where no body dwelleth, and in the wilderness where no man remaineth? Who is the father of rain? Or who hath begotten the drops of dew? Out of whose womb came these? Who hath engendered the coldness of the air? that the waters are as hard as stones, and lie congealed above the deep. wilt thou hinder the sweet influences of the seven stars? Or art thou able to break the circle of heaven? Canst thou bring forth the morning star, or the evening star at conventent time, & convey them home again? Knowest thou the course of heaven, that thou mayest set up the ordinance thereof upon the earth? Moreover, canst thou lift up thy voice to the clouds, that they may power down a great rain upon thee? Canst thou thunder also that they may go their way, and be obedient unto thee, saying: Lo here are we? Who giveth sure wisdom, or steadfast understanding? Who numbereth the clouds in wisdom? Who stilleth the vehement waters of the heaven? Who turneth the clots to dust, & then to be clots again? wilt thou hunt the prey from the lion, or feed his whelps dying in their dens, and lurking in their couches? Who * Psal. 147b provideth meat for the raven, when his young ones cry unto god, and fly about for lack of meat. ¶ God speaketh unto job showing him by the example of his works, that his righteousness is unsearchable. CAPI XXXIX. KNowest thou the time when the wild gootes bring forth their young, among the stony rocks? Or layest thou wait when the hinds use to fawn? rekenest thou the months after they engender, that thou knowest the time of their bearing? or when they lie down, when they cast their young ones, and when they are delivered of their travail and pain? How their young ones grow up, and wax great thorough good feeding? when they go forth, and return not again unto them? Who letteth the wild Ass go free, or who looseth the bonds of the mule? Even I which have given the wilderness to be their house, and the untilled land to be their dwelling place. That they may give no force for the multitude of people in the cities, neither regard the crying of the driver: but seek their pasture about the mountains, and follow the green grass. Will the unicorn be so tame as to do the service, or to abide still by thy cryb? Canst thou bind the yoke about the unicorn in thy forowe, to make him plough after the in the valleys? Mayst thou trust him (by cause he is strong) or commit thy labour unto him? Mayst thou believe him, that he will bring home thy corn, or to carry any thing unto thy barn? ❀ Gavest thou the fair wings unto the Pacockes, or wings and feathers unto the stork? for he leaveth his eggs in the earth & layeth them in the dust. He remembreth not, that they might be trodden with feet, or broken with some wild beast. So hard is he unto his young ones, as though they were not his, and laboureth in vain without any fear. And that because god hath taken wisdom from him, and hath not given him understanding. When his time is that he flieth up on high, he careth neither for horse nor man. Hast thou given the horse his strength or learned him to bow down his neck with fear: that he letteth himself be driven forth like a grasshopper, where as the stout neing that he maketh is fearful? he breaketh the ground with the hooves of his feet cheerfully in his strength, and runneth to meet the harnessed men. He layeth aside all fear, his stomach is not abated, neither starteth he aback for any sword. Though the quivers ratle upon him, though the spear and shield glystre: yet rusheth he in fearsly, and beateth upon the ground. He feareth not the noise of the trumpets, but as soon as he heareth the shawlmes' blow, tush (saith he) for he smelleth the battle a far of, the noise of the captains and the shouting. Cometh it thorough thy wisdom, that the goshawk flieth toward the South? Doth the Eagle mount up, and make his nest on high at thy commandment? He abideth in the stony rocks, and upon the high tops of hard mountains, where no man can come from thence seeketh he his pray, and looketh far about with his eyes. His young ones are fed with blood: * Math. ●4. ● and where any dead body lieth, there is he immediately. ¶ job humbleth himself unto god. The descryptyon of Behemoth, and Leviathan. CAPI. XL. Moreover the lord spoke unto job, and said: Can he that striveth with the almighty, be at rest? Sulde not he which disputeth with God, give him an answer? job answered the Lord, saying. Behold, I am to vile a person, to answer thee, therefore will I lay my hand upon my mouth. Once or twice have I spoken, but I will say no more. Then answered the lord unto job out of the storm, and said: * job. 〈◊〉. ● Gird up thy loins now like a man, and tell me the things that I will ask the. wilt thou disannul my judgement? Or wilt thou condemn me, that thou thyself mayst be made righteous? Is thy power then like the power of God? Maketh thy voice such a sound as his doth? Then arm thyself with thine own power up, deck the in thy jolly array, power out the indignation of thy wrath: see that thou cast down all the proud, look well, that thou makest all such as be stubborn, to obey: tread down all the ungodly in their place, caste them down into the dust, & cover their faces with darkness: Then will I confess unto the also, that thine own right hand shall save the. Behold, ☞ the beast Behemoth (whom I made with thee) which eateth hay as an ox: Lo, how strong is he in his loins, and what power he hath in the navel of his body? He spreadeth out his tail like a cedar tre, all his veins are stiff. His shins are like pipes of brass, his ryg bones are like staves of iron. first, when God made him, he ordained the wilderness for him, that the mountains should give him grass, where all the beasts of the field take their pastime. He lieth among the reeds in the Mosses, the fens hide him with their shadow, & the willows of the broke cover him round about. Lo, without any labour might he drink out of the hole flood and sup of jordane without any travail. Who dare lay hand upon him openly, and undertake to catch him? Or, who dare put an hook thorough his nose, and say a snare for him? Darest thou draw out * Esai 2●●. Psal. 7●●. ☞ Leviathan with an angle, or bind his tongue with a snare? Canst thou put a ring in the nose of him, or bore his jaw thorough with a nail? Will he make many fair words with thee (thinkest thou) or flatter thee? Will he make a covenant with thee? Or art thou able to compel him to do the continual service? wilt thou take thy pastime with him, as with a bird, or give him unto thy maidens, that thy companions may make a ●efeccion of him, or that he may be parted among the merchant men. Canst thou fill the basket with his skin, or the fish pannier with his head? Darest thou lay hand upon him? It is better for the to consider what harm might happen the therthorowe, and not to touch him. For when thou thinkest to have hold upon him, he shall beguile the. ¶ Of the same Leviathan which is mentioned in the Chapter before. CAPI. XLI. NO man is so cruel, that is able to stir him up. * Ier●●●●. ●. Who is able to stand before me? Or * Rom●. 〈◊〉. ● who hath given me any thing before hand, that I may reward him again? All things under heaven are mine. I fear him not, whither he threaten or speak fair. Who lifteth him up, and strypeth him out of his clothes, or who taketh him by the bit of his bridle? Who openeth the door of his face? for he hath horrible teeth round about. His body is covered with scales as it were with sheldes locked in, kept, and well compact together. One is so joined to an other, that no air can come in: Yea, one hangeth so upon an other, and sticketh so together, that they can not be sundered. His neezing is like a glistering fire, and his eyes like the morning shine. Out of his mouth go torches, & out of his nose thyrles there goth a smoke, like as out of an hot seething pot. His breath maketh the cools burn, and the flame goth out of his mouth In his neck remaineth strength, & nothing is to laborious for him. The membres of his body are joined so straight one to an other, and cleave so fast together, that he can not be moved. His heart is as hard as a stone, and as ●●st as the stythye that the smith smiteth upon. When he goth, the mighty are afraid, and fear troubleth them. If any man draw out a sword at him, it shall not hurt him: there may neither spear, javelin, nor breast plate, abide him He setteth as much by a straw as by iron, and as much by a rotten stock as by brass. He statteth not away for him that bendeth the bow: and as for sling stones, he careth as much for stubble as for them. He counteth the dartis no better than a straw, he laugheth him to scorn that shaketh the spear. He ●rea death the gold in the mire like the sharp pot shards. He maketh the deep to boil like a pot, and stirreth the see together like an ointment. He maketh a path to be sent after him, the deep is his walking place. Upon earth is there no power like unto his, for he is so made that he feareth not. If a man will consider all high things, this same is a king over all the children of pride. ¶ The repentance of job. He prayeth for his friends, and his goods are restored to him double. CAPI XLII. THen job answered the Lord, and said: * Esai. 28. ●●. Regum. 19 b I know that thou hast power over all things, and that there is no thought hid from the. For who can keep his own counsel so secret, but it shall be known? Therefore have I spoken that I understood not, the things that are so high, and pass mine understanding. O hearken thou unto me also, and let me speak: answer unto the thing that I will ask the. I have given diligent ear unto thee, and now I see the with mine eyes. Wherefore I give mine own self the blame, and take repentance in the dust and ashes. Now when the Lord had spoken these words unto job, it fortuned, that the Lord said unto Eliphas the Themanite: I am displeased with thee, and thy two friends, for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, like as my servant job hath done. Therefore take ye now seven oxen and seven rams, and go to my servant job, and * Math. ●. ●. Mark. d● offer up for yourselves a burnt offering: and my servant job shall pray for you. Him will I accept, and not deal with you after your foolishness: in that ye have not spoken the thing which is right, like as my servant job hath done. So Eliphas the Themanite, and Bildad the Suhite and Sophar the Naamathite went their way, and did according as the Lord commanded them. * Gene. 〈◊〉. ● The lord also accepted the person of job, & the lord turned the captivity of job, when he prayed for his friends: Yea the Lord gave job * Math. 〈◊〉 ● twice as much as he had before. And then came there unto him all his brethren, all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquayneaunce before, and did eat bread with him in his house, wondering at him, and comforting him over all the trouble, that the Lord had brought upon him. Every man also gave him a certain sum of money, and a jewel of gold. And the Lord made job richer than he was before: for he had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of Oxen, and a thousand asses. He had seven sons also and three daughters. The first daughter called he ☞ jemima: the second Kezta: and the third Keren-hapuch. In all the land were no women found so fair, as the daughters of job, & their father gave them inheritance among their brethren. After this lived job an hundred and forty year, so that he saw * ●●●●. 〈◊〉 Tobi. 14. ● Psal. 〈◊〉. ● his children, and his children's children into the fourth generation. And so job died, being old and of a perfit age. ❧ The end of the book of job. The Psalter of David. The third part of the Bible containing these Books. The Psalter. Ecclesiastes. The proverbs. Cantica Canticorum ¶ The Prophets. Isaiah. JEREMY. Ezechiel. DANIEL. Oseas. JOEL. Amos. ABDY. Jonas. Micheas. NAUM. Abacuc. SOPHONY. Aggeus. ZACHARY. Malachy. ¶ The first Psalm. BLessed is the man/ that hath not walked in the council of the ungodly, nor stand in the way of sinners, and hath nat sit in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the lord, and in his law will he exercise himself day and night. And * 〈…〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. 33. ●. 〈◊〉. viii. ●. he shallbe like a tree planted by the water side, that will bring for the his fruit in due season. His leaf also shall nat whither: and what soever he shall do, it shall prosper. As for the ungodly, it is nat so with them: but * 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. b. they are like the chaff, which the wind scattereth away ⚜ (from the face of the earth.) Therefore the ungodly shall nat be able to stand in the judgement 〈◊〉. x. ●. 〈◊〉. xxix. t. neither the sinners in the congregation of the righteous. But the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous, and the way of the ungodly shall perish. ¶ The. ij. Psalm. W * 〈◊〉 Quaie high DO the Heathen grudge together? and why do the people imagine a vain thing? The Kings of the earth stand up, and the rulers take council together * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. against the Lord/ and against his anointed. Let us break their bonds asunder, and cast away their cords 〈◊〉. 17 ● from us. He that dwelleth in heaven, * 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. shall laugh them to scorn: the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex 〈◊〉. i. d 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. ● them in his sore displeasure. Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will preach the law, whereof the Lord hath said unto me. * Act. xiii. c. Heb. i. b. and. v. ●. Thou art my son this day have I begotten the. Desire of me, and I shall give the the Heathen for thine enharitaunce, & the utter most parts of the earth for thy possession. * Apoca. two. ● and. nineteen. c. Thou shalt bruise them with a rod of iron, & break them in pieces ‡ Esa. thirty. c. like a potter's vessel. Be wise now therefore, O ye kings, be learned ye that are judges of the earth. Serve the Lord in fear, and rejoice ⚜ (unto him) with reverence. ⚜ Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and so ye perish from the ⚜ (right) way if his wrath be kindled but a little: blessed are all they that put their trust in him. ¶ The. iij. Psalm. ¶ Psalm of David when he fled from the face of Absalon his son. 2. Reg. 15. Lord, how are they increased, that trouble dne quid multiplicati. me? many are they, that rise against me. Many, say of my soul: there is no help for him in (his) God. ☞ Sela. But thou (O Lord) art my defender: thou art my worship, & the lyfter up of my heed. I did call upon the Lord with my voice, & he herd me out of his holy hill. Sela. ☞ I laid me down & slept, and rose up again, for the Lord sustained me. I will nat be afraid for ten thousands of the people, that have set themselves against me round about. Up Lord, & save me (O my God:) for thou smitest almyne enemies ☞ upon the cheek bone, thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly. Salvation belongeth unto the Lord, and thy blessing is upon thy people ¶ The. iiij. Psalm. ¶ To him that excelleth in Music, a Psalm of David. Hear me, when I call (O God (of my Cum invocaren. righteousness: thou hast set me at liberty when I was in trouble: have mercy upon me, & here my prayer O ye sons of men, how long will ye blaspheme mine honour? and have such pleasure in vanity, and seek after losing? Sela. Know this also, that the Lord hath choose to himself the man that is godly: when I call upon the Lord he will hear me. Stand in awe, & sin not: comen with your own heart, in your chambre, & be still. Sela. Offer the sacrifice of righteousness, & put your trust in the Lord. There be many that say: who will show us any good? Lord lift thou up the light of thy countenance upon us. Thou hast put gladness in my heart, sense the time that their corn & wine ⚜ (and oil) increased. I will lay me down in ●● peace, and take my rest: for it is thou Lord only, that makest me dwell in safety. ¶ The. v. Psalm. ¶ To him that excelleth in songs of Music a Psalm of David. POndre my words (O Lord) consider my meditation. O hearken thou unto the voice of my calling, my king & my god, for unto the will I pray. My voice shalt thou hear by times (O Lord) early in the morning will I direct (my prayer) unto thee, and will look up. * Verba mea a●. For thou art the Prou. iii. d God that hath no pleasure in wickedness, neither shall any evil dwell with the. Such as be foolish, shall nat stand in thy sight, for thou ☞ hatest all them that work vanity. Thou shalt destroy them that speak losing: the Lord will abhor both the bloody, thirsty, and deceitful man. But as for me, I will come into thy house, even in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will * Psa●. ●▪ ●. a I worship toward thy holy temple. Lead me (O Lord) in thy righteousness, because of mine enemies: ☞ make thy way plain before my face For there is no faithfulness ☞ in his mouth: their inward parts are very wyc kednesse: * ●●●a. ●. ● their throat is an open sepulchre they flatter with their tongue. Destroy y● them (O God) let them perish thorough their own imaginations: cast them out in the multitude of their ungodliness. For they have rebelled against the. And let all them that put their trust in thee, rejoice: they shall ever be giving of thanks, because thou defendest them: they that love thy name, shall be joyful in the. For thou Lord wilt give thy blessing unto the righteous, and with thy favourable kindness wilt thou defend him, as with a shield. ¶ The. v●. Psalm. ¶ To him that excelleth in Music, upon the instrument of eight strings. O Lord * Dne ●e. ●●●l. ●●. a 〈◊〉. x. ●. rebu●e me nat in thy indigna cyon: neither chasten me in thy wrath Have mercy upon me (O Lord) for I am weak: O Lord heal me for my bones are vexed. My soul also is sore troubled, but Lord how long wilt thou punish me? Turn thee (O Lord) and deliver my soul: Oh save me for thy mercies sake. For * Esay. 38. ● Psa. ●xv. ● in death no man remembreth thee: and who will give the thanks in the pity I am weary of my groaning: every night wash I my bed, and water my couch with my tears. My beauty is gone for very trouble, and worn away because of all mine enemies. * Mat. seven. ● and▪ ●xv. ●●uke. 〈◊〉. A way fro▪ me all ye that work vanity: for the Lord hath hard the voice of my weeping. The Lord hath heard my petition, the Lord will receive my prayer. All mine enemies shallbe confounded and sore vexed: they shallbe turned back and put to shame, suddenly. ¶ The. seven. Psalm. ☞ Sigaion of David, which he sauge unto the Lord in the business of ☞ ●●hu● the con of jemini. O Lord my God, in the have I put my trust: save me from all them that per secute me, and deliver me. Lest he devour my soul like a lion, and tear it in pieces, while there is none to help. O Lord my God, * Dne de● meus. if I have done any such thing or job. thirty. ● if there be any wickedness in my hands. If I have rewarded evil unto him that dealt friendly withme: (ye I have delyve read him, that with out any cause is mine enemy.) Then let mine enemy persecute my soul: & take me: ye let him tread my life down upon the earth, & lay mine honour in the dust. Sela. Stand up (O Lord) in thy wrath, and lift up thyself because of the indyngnations of mine enemy: arise up (for me) in the ☞ judgement, that thou haste promised. And so shall the congregation of the people come about thee, for their sakes therefore lift up thyself again. The Lord shall judge the people: give sentence with me (O Lord) according to my righteousness: and according to the innocency that is in me. Oh let the wickedness of the ungodly come to an end: but guide thou the just, For the righteous God trieth the very hearts and the reins. My help cometh of God, which preserveth them that are true of heart. * 〈◊〉. ●. ● God is is a righteous judge ⚜ (strong and patient,) and God is provoked every day. If man will nat turn, he will whet his sword: he hath bent his bow, and made it ready. He hath prepared for him the instruments of death: he ordaineth his arrows ⚜ against the persecutors. Bebolde * ● he travyleth with mischief, he hath conceived sorrow, & brought forth ungodliness. * job. xv. ● Esay. 〈◊〉 ● E●●b●● 7. ●●rou. ●6 ● E●●le. xl. E●cl●. 32● He hath graven and digged up a pit, & is fallen himself into the destrue cyon that he made (for other.) For his travail shall come upon his own head * Psal ●xi● and his wickedness shall fall upon his own pate. I will give thanks unto the Lord according to his righteousness, & will praise the name of the Lord the most highest. ¶ The. viii. Psalm. ¶ To him that excelleth ☞ in Githith a Psalm of david: O LODE our governor, how excellent ●n̄e d●●s ●●oster. is thy name in the world, thou that haste set thy glory above the heavens▪ * 〈◊〉. xxl. v. Out of the mouth of very babes and sucklynges haste thou ordained ☞ strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger. For I will consider thy heavens, even the work of thy fingers: the Moon and the Stars which thou haste ordained. * 〈◊〉▪ 144 ● What is man, that thou art mindful of him▪ and the son of man that thou vysitest him? Thou madest him little less than the angels, to crown him with glory and worship. Thou makest him to have domi nyon in the works of thy hands: and ‡ ●●●. two. b. Cor. xv. d. thou haste put all things in sub●ectyon under his feet. All sheep and oxen, ye and the beasts of the field. The fowls of the air, and the fish of the see, and what so ever walketh thorough the paths of the sees. O Lord our governor, how excellent is thy name in all the world. ¶ The. ix. Psalm. ¶ To him that eycelleth upon ☞ Almuth L●ben, a Psalm of david. I will * Consitebot tibi. Psal. ●xi. d. 〈◊〉. 138. 8. give thanks unto thee, O Lord with my whole heart, I will speak of all thy marvelous works. I will be glad, and rejoice in thee, ye my songs will I make of thy name, O thou most highest While mine enemies are driven back they shall fall, and perish at thy presence. For thou haste maintained my right and my cause: thou art set in the throne that ●ud ge right. Thou hast rebuked the heathen, & destroyed the ungodly, thou haste put out their name for ever and ever. O thou enemy: destructions are come to an end, even as the cities which thou hast destroyed: their memorial is perished with them. But the Lord shall endure for ever, he hath also pray pared his seat for judgement. For he shall judge the world in righteousness, and ministre true judgement unto the people. The Lord also will be a defence for the oppressed * 〈◊〉 33. ● even a refuge in due time of trouble. And they that know thy name, will put their trust in thee: for thou (Lord) hast never failed them that seek the. O praise the Lord, * 〈◊〉 ●6. a which dwellest in Zion, show the people of his doings. For when he maketh in quisytion for blood, he remembreth them: & * 〈◊〉. xxii. ● forgetteth not the complaint of the poor. Have mercy upon me (O Lord) consider my trouble which I suffer of them that 〈…〉, thou that liftest me up from the ga 〈…〉 death. That I may show all thy 〈…〉 with in the ports of the daughter of Zion, I will rejoice in thy salvation. The heathen are sunken down in the pit that they made: in the same net which they hid privily, is there own fore taken. The Lord is known to execute judgement: the ungodly is trapped in the work of his own hands: A consideration. Sela. The wicked shallbe turned unto hell, and all people that forget God. For the poor shall nat be all way forgotten nor the hope of the meek shall nat perish for ever. Up Lord, and let nat man have the upper hand, let the heathen be judged in thy sight. Put them in fear (O Lord) that the heathen may know themselves to be but men. Sela. ¶ The. x. Psalm. WHy standest thou so far of (O Lord) & hidest thy face in time of trouble▪ The ungodly for his own lust, doth persecute the poor: let them be taken in the crafty wylenesse that they have imagined. For the ungodly hath made boast of his own hearts desire & speaketh good of the covetous whom God abhorreth. The ungodly is so proud that he careth nat for God, neither is God in his thought. His ways are alway grievous, thy judgements are far ● out of his sight, and therefore defyeth he all his enemies. For he hath said in his here Tush I shall never be cast down, there shall no harm happen upon me. * Vt qui dne His Rome. iii. e mouth is full of cursing, & disseit and frau●e under his tongue is ungodliness and vanity * Prou. ●. ●. He sitteth lurking in the streets, and privily doth he murder the innocent: his eyes are set against the poor. For he lieth waiting secretly (even as a Lion lurketh he in his den) that he may ravish the poor. He doth ravish the poor, when he getteth him into his net. ☞ He falleth down and humbleth himself, that the congregation of the poor may fall into the hand of his captains. He hath said in his heart Tush, God hath forgotten, he hideth away his face, and he will never see it. Arise (O Lord God,) and lift up thine hand, forget nat the poor. Wherefore should the wicked blapheme God, while he doth say in his heart: tush, thou carest nat for●t? Surely thou hast seen it. For thou beholdest ungodliness and wrong. ☞ That thou mayest take the matter into thy hand: the poor committeth himself unto thee, for ● one 〈◊〉 the helper of the friendless. Break ● Lord the power of the ungodly and malycyo▪ 〈◊〉 ☞ take away his ungodliness, and 〈…〉 shalt find none. The Lord is king for ever, and ever, and the heathen are perished out of the land. Lord, thou hast heard the desire of the poor, thou preparest their heart and thine ear harkeneth thereto. To help the fatherless and poor unto their right that the man of the earth be no more exalted against them. The. xi. Psalm. ¶ To the Chaunt●●● Psalm of david. Indno consido. IN the Lord put I my trust: how say ye then to my soul: that she should ☞ i'll as a bird upon your hill? For lo, the ungodly bend their bow, and make ready their arrows in the quiver, that they may privily shoot at them, which are true of heart. For the ☞ foundations willbe cast down, and what hath the righteous done? * Abat 〈◊〉 d. The Lord is in his holy temple ‡ Esa. ixvi the lords seat is in heaven: His eyes consydre ⚜ (the poor) and his eye lids behold the children of men. The lord alloweth that righteous: but the ungodly, and him that delighteth in wickedness, doth his soul abhor, Upon the ungodly he shall rain snares, fire, add brimstone, storm and tempest: this shallbe their portion to drink. For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness: his countenance will behold the thing that is just. ¶ The. xii. Psalm. ¶ To him that excelleth upon an iuste●mente of eight strings, a Psalm of David. Help (me) Lord, for there is nat one Saluum fac dne. godly man left. For the faithful are minished from among the children of men, They talk of vanity, every one with his neighbour, they do but flatter with their lips and dissemble in their heart. The Lord shall rote out all discetyfull lips/ and the tongue that speaketh proud things. Which have said: with our tongue will we prevail: we are they that ought to speak, who is our lord. Now for the troubles sake of the needy, * Psa. 119. ●. and because of the complaint of the poor, I will up (sayeth the Lord) and will help every one, fro him ● swelleth against him, and will set them at rest. The words of the Lord are pure words even as the silver, which from earth is tried and purified seven times in the fire. Thou shalt keep them (O Lord) thou shalt preserve ☞ him from this generation for ever The ungodly walk on every side: when they are exalted, the children of men are put to rebuke. ¶ The. xiij. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm of David. How long wilt thou forget me (O Vsqueco dne Lord? for ever? how long wilt thou hide thy face from me? How long shall I seek coum cell in my soul? & be so vexed in mine heart how long shall mine enemy triumph over me? Consydre, & here me (O Lord my God) lyghten mine eyes, that I sleep nat in death. Lest mine enemy say: I have prevailed against him: for if I be cast down: they that trouble me will rejoice at it. But my trust is in thy mercy, & my heart is joyful in thy salvation I will sing to the Lord because he hath dealt so lovingly with me. ⚜ (ve I will praise the name of the Lord the most highest.) ¶ The. xiv. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm. of David. THe * Dixit in sipi●e●. fool hath said in his heart, there is no God. They are corrupt, and become abominable in their doings * Psal 〈◊〉. ● Psal. 〈◊〉. ●. Roma. 〈…〉 there is not one that doth good, ⚜ no not one.) The Lord looked down from Heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that would understand, and seek after God. But they are all gone out of the way they are all together become abhomyable: there is none that doth good, no not one. ⚜ (Their throat is an open sepulchre: with their tongues they have deceived, the poison of aders is under their lips. Their mouth is full of cursing & bitterness, their feet are swift to shed blood. Distruction & unhappiness is in their ways, & the way of peace have they not known, there is no fear of God before their eyes.) Have they nat known me, that are such workers of mischief, eating up my people, as it were bread and call nat upon the Lord There were they brought in great fear ⚜ (even where no fere was) for God is in the generation of the righteous. As for you ye have made a mock at the council of the poor, because he putteth his trust in the Lord. Who shall give salvation unto Israel * out of Zion. When the Lord turneth the captivity of his people, then shall jacob reioy●●, and Israel shallbe glad. ¶ The. xv. Psalm. LORD, who shall dwell in thy tabernacle? who shall rest upon thy holy hill? * Domine quis habitabit Psal: 4● Esap 33. ●. Mat 〈◊〉. ● Even he that leadeth an uncorrupt life, and doth the thing which is right, & that speaketh the truth in his heart. He that hath used no deceit in his tongue nor done evil to his neighbour, & hath nat sclandred his neighbours. He that setteth nat by himself, but maketh much of them that fear the Lord: he that sweareth unto his neighbour, and disappointeth him not. * ●●●. 28. ●. He that hath not given his money upon usury, nor taken reward against the innocent. Who so doth these things, shall never fall. ¶ The. xuj. Psame. The (badge or arms) of David. Preserve me (O God) for in the have I Conserua me dne. put my trust. Thou hast said (O my soul) unto the Lord: thou art my God, my goods are nothing unto the. All my delight is upon the saints that are in the earth, and upon such as excel in virtue. But they that run after another God, shall have great trouble. Their drink offerings of blood will not I offer, neither make mention of their names within my lips. The Lord himself is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup: thou shalt maintain my lot. The lot is fallen unto me in a fair ground, ye I have a goodly heritage. I will thank the Lord for giving me warning: my reins also chasten me in the night season. I have set God always before me, for he is on my right hand, therefore I shall nat fall. Wherefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glade, my flesh also shall rest in hope. For why? * ●●● two d. 〈◊〉. iiii. e. thou shalt nat leave my soul in hell, neither shalt thou suffer thy holy one to see corruption. Thou shalt show me that path of life: in thy presence is the fullness of joy, & in thy right hand there is pleasure for evermore. ¶ The xvij. Psalm. A prayer of David. Hear the right (O Lord) consider my complaint: & hearken unto my prayer, that goeth not our of feigned lips. Let my sentence: come forth from thy presence: and let thine eyes look upon the thing that is equal. * Exaudi ●●e justi ●iam. Thou hast proved and visited mine heart in the night season: thou hast tried me and shalt find no wickedness in m●▪ for I am utterly purposed, that my mouth shall nat offend. Because of men's works that are done against the word of thy lips I have kept me from the ways of the destroyer. O hold thou up my goings in thy paths, that my ●o●e steps s●ppe not. I have called upon thee (O God) for thou shalt hear me: incline thine ear to me: and hearken unto my words. Show thy marvelous loving kindness, (thou that art the saviour of them which put their trust in thee) from such as resist thy right hand. Keep me * Pro. 17. ●. as the apple of an eye, hide me * ●acha. two. ●. under the shadow of thy wings. From the ungodly the trouble Mat. 33. ●. me. Mine enemies compass me round about, to take away my soul. They main ta'en their own wealthiness, & their mouth speaketh proud things. They lie waiting in our way on every side, turning their eyes down to the ground. Like as a lion that is greedy of his prey, and as it were a lions whelp lurckinge in secret places. Up Lord, disappoint him, and cast him down: deliver my soul from the ungodly, which is as a sword of thine. From the men of thy hand (O Lord) from the men of the world which have their portion in this life whose belies thou fillest with thy treasure. They have children at their desire, and leave the rest of their substance for their babes. But as for me, I will behold thy presence in righteousness: and when I awake up after thy likeness, I shall be satisfied. The. xviij. Psalm. ¶ To the chaunter of David the servant of the Lord, which spoke unto the Lord the words of this song, in the day that the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Soul (and he saple Diligam ●e dne. I Will love thee (O Lord) my strength. The Lord is my stony rock and my defence, my saviour: my God, & my might in whom I will trust: my buckler, the horn also of my salvation, and my refuge. * two. reg. 12. ●. I will call upon the Lord which is worthy to be praised, so shall I be safe fro mine enemies. ‡ Psal. ●●6. ● The sorrows of death compassed me, and the brooks of ungodliness made me afraid. The pains of hell came about me the snares of death overtook me. In my trouble will I call upon the Lord, & complain unto my God. So shall he hear my voice out of his ⚜ (holy) temple, and my complaint shall come before him, even in to his ears. * Mat. 〈◊〉. ●. The earth trembled and quaked, the very foundations also of the hills sh●ke and were removed, because he was wroth. There went a smoke out of his nostrils, & a consuming fire out of his mouth so the coals were kindled at it. He bowed the heavens also & came down, and it was dark under his feet. He road upon the Cherubins and did fly: he came flying with the wings of the wind. He made darkness his pany lion round about him, with dark water & thick cloudis to cover him. At the brightness of his presence his cloudis removed, with hail stones & coals of fire. The lord also thondred out of heaven, and the highest gave his thondre with hail stones and cools of fire. He sent out his arrows & scattered them, he cast forth lightnings, and destroyed them. The springs of waters were seen, and the foundations of the round world were discovered at thy chiding (O Lord at the blasting of the breathe of thy displeasure. He shall send down from the height to fetch me, & shall take me out of many waters. He shall deliver me fro my strongest enemy, and from them which hate me, for they are to mighty for me. They prevented me in the day of my trouble, but the Lord was my defence. He brought me forth also into a place of liberty: he brought me forth, because he had a favour unto me. The Lord shall reward me after my righteous dealing: according to the cleanness of my hands shall he recompense me. Because I have kept the ways of the Lord and have nat behaved myself wickedly against my God. For I have an eye unto all his laws, and will nat cast out his commandments from me. I was also uncorrupt before him, & eschewed mine own wickedness. Therefore shall the Lord reward me after my righteous dealing, & according unto the cleanness of my hands in his eye sight. With the holy thou shalt be holy & with a perfect man thou shalt be perfect. With the clean thou shalt be clean, and with the froward thou shalt learn frowardness. For thou shalt save the people that are in adversity, & shalt bring down the high looks of the proud. Thou also shalt light my candle, the Lord my God shall make my darkness to be light. For in the I shall discomfit an host of men: & with the help of my God I shall leap over the wall The way of God is undetyled: * Psal. xii. b and. ixix. s. the word of the Lord also is tried in the fire: he is the defender of all them that put their trust in him. For * Deut. iiii. e who is God, but the Lord? Or, who hath any strength, except our God. It is God that girdeth me with strength, of war, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hearts feet, and setteth me up on high. He teacheth mine hands to fight, and mine arms shall break 2. reg. xxii ●. Psa. 144 a even a brazen bow. Thou haste given me the defence of thy salvation: thy right hand also shall hold me up, and thy loving correction shall make me great. Thou shalt make room enough under me for to go, that my fore steps shall nat styde. I will follow upon mine enemies, & over take them, and will nat turn again till I have dedestroyed them. I will smite them that they shall nat be able to stand, but fall under my feet. Thou haste girded me with strength unto war, thou shalt throw down mine enemies under me. Thou hast made min enemies also to turn their backs upon me, and I shall destroy them that hate me. * ●bat. three d. They shall cry, but there shall be none to help them: ye even unto the Lord, shall Prou●●. ●. they cry, but he shall nat hear them. I will beat them as small as the dust before the wind, I will cast them out as the clay in the streets. Thou shalt deliver me from the strivings of the people and thou shalt make me the head of the Heithen. A people whom I have nat known shall serve me. assoon as they hear of me, they shall obey me, but the strange children shall dissemble with me. The strange children shall fail, and be frayed out of their habitations. The Lord liveth: and blessed be my strong helper, and praised be the God of my salvation. Even the God which seeth that I be avenged, & subdueth the people unto me. It is he that delivereth me from my (cruel) enemies, and setteth me up above mine adversaries: thou shalt rid me from the wicked man. * Rom● 〈◊〉. ● For this cause I will give thanks unto thee (O Lord) among the gentiles, & sing praises unto thy name. * 2. 〈◊〉. ●●ii. ● Great prosperity giveth he unto his king, and showeth loving kindness unto david his anointed, and unto his sede for evermore. ¶ Th●. nineteen. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm of david. Celi morant. THE ⚜ heavens * Roma. ●. ●. declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handy work. ☞ One day telleth another, and one night certifieth another. ☞ There is neither speech nor language but there voices are herd among them. ☞ Their sound is gone out in to all Roma. ●. ● lands, and their words in to the ends of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the son, which cometh forth as a bridegroom out of his chambre, & rejoiceth as a giant to run his course, It goeth forth from the uttermost part of the heaven, and runneth about unto the end of it again, & there is nothing hid from the hear thereof The law of the Lord is undefiled converting the soul. The testimony of the Lord is sure, and giveth wisdom unto the simple. The statutis of the Lord are right and rejoice the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, and giveth light unto the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean and endureth for ever: the iudgementis of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. * ●●●. viii. b More to be desired are they then gold, ye then much fine gold: sweeter also than honey, and the honey comb. Moreover, by them is thy servant taught, and in keeping of them there is great reward Who can tell, how oft he offendeth? Oh cleanse thou me fro (my) secret faults. Keep thy servant also from presumptuous sins, lest they get the dominion over me: for them shall I be undefiled, and innocent from the great offence. Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart be ⚜ (allway) acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. ¶ The, xx. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm of David. THe Lord hear the in the day of trouble, the name of the God of jacob defend immediate ●ond. the send the help from the Sanctuary, and strength the out of Zion. Remember all thy offerings, & accept thy brent sacrifice, Sela. Grant the thy hearts desire, & fulfil all thy mind. We will rejoice in thy salvation, & triumph in the name of the Lord our God: the Lord perform all thy petitions. Now know I, that the Lord helpeth his anointed, and will hear him from his holy heaven: even with the wholesome strength of his right hand. Some put their trust in charettes, and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God they are brought down and fallen, but we are risen, and stand up right. Save, Lord, and hear us, O king, in the day when we shall call ⚜ (uponthe.) ¶ The. xxi. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm of David. THe king shall rejoice in thy strength, ●omine in ●●●ute ●ua. O Lord, exceeding glad shall he be of thy salvation. Thou hast given him his hearts desire, and hast nat denied him the request of his lips. Sela. For thou shalt prevent him with the blessings of goodness, and shalt set a crown of pure gold upon his head. He asked life of thee, and thou gavest him a long life, even for ever and ever. His honour is great in thy salvation: glory and great worship shalt thou lay upon him. For thou shalt give him everlasting felicity, and make him glad with the joy of thy countenance. because the king putteth his trust in the Lord, and in the mercy of the most highest he shall nat miscarry. All thine enemies shall feel thy hand: thy right hand shall find out them that hate the. Thou shalt make them like a fiery oven in time of thy wrath the Lord shall destroy them in his displeasure, and the fire shall consume them. Their fruit shalt thou destroy out of the earth, and their seed from among the children of men. For they intended mischief against thee, and imagined such a device, as they are nat able to perform. Therefore shalt thou put them to flight, and the strings of thy bow shalt thou make ready against the faces of them. Be thou exalted, Lord, in thine own strength: so will we sing and praise thy power. The xxii. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter upon the hind of the dawning A Psalm of David. MY * Deus de●s mens. God, my God: ⚜ (look upon me) why hast thou forsaken me: and art so far fro my health, and from the words Mat▪ 〈…〉 Mat. xv. ● of my complaint? O my God, I cry in the day time, but thou hearest nat: and in the night season also I take no rest. And thou contynuest holy, O thou worship of Israel. Our fathers hoped in thee: they trusted in thee, and thou didst deliver them They called upon thee, and were helped: they put their trust in thee, and were nat confounded. But as for me, I am a worm and no man: a very scorn of men and the outcast of the people. * Psal cix. d All they that see me, laugh me to scorn: they shoot out their lips, and shake the head. * Mat. 27. ●. He trusted in God, let him deliver him: let him deliver him, if he will have him. * Psal. ●1. ●. But thou ar● he that took me out of my mother's womb: thou wast my hope, when I hanged yet upon my mother's breasts. I have been left unto the ever sense I was borne: thou art my God, even fro my mother's womb. O go nat fro me, for trouble is hard at hand, and here is none to help me. Many oxen are come about me, great bulls of Basan close me in on every side. They gape upon me with their mouths, as it were a ramping and roaring lion. * josu. seven. b I am powered out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart also in the midst of my body is even like melting wax. My strength is dried up like a po●sherde, & my tongue cleaveth to my go●es and thou shalt bring me in to the dust of death. For ⚜ (many) ☞ dogs are come about me, & the council of the wicked lay siege against me. They pierced my hands and my teat, I may tell all my bones, they stand staring and looking upon me. They part my garments among them, Mat. 27. d. and cast lots upon my vesture. But be not thou far fro me, O Lord: thou art my succour, hast the to help me. deliver my soul from the sword, my darling from the power of the dog. Save me from the lions mouth: thou hast heard me also from among the horns of the unicorns. I will declare thy name unto my brethreu: in the joh. rr. ●. Hed. i● c. midst of the congregation will I praise the. O praise the Lord ye that fear him: magnify him all ye of the seed of jacob: & Psal. ix. v. fear him all ye seed of Israel. For he hath nat despised nor abhorred the low estate of the poor: he hath nat hid his face from him but when he called unto him, he heard him. My praise is of the in the great congregation, my vows will I perform in the sight of them that fear him. The poor shall eat, and be satisfied: they that seek after the Lord, shall praise him: your heart shall live for ever. All the ends of the world shall remember themselves, & be turned unto the Lord, & all the kindreds of the nations, shall worship before him. For the kingdom is the Lords/ & he is the governor among the people. All such as be fat upon earth ☞ have eaten & worshipped. Al they that go down into the dust, and live so hardly shall kneel before high, and my soul shall live to him and. ⚜ (My) Seed shall serve him: they shallbe counted unto the Lord for a generation. They shall come, and ⚜ (the heavens) shall declare his righteousness: unto a people that shall be borne, whom the Lord hath made. ¶ The. twenty-three. Psalm. ¶ A Psalm of david. THE Lord is my shepherd, therefore can Dns regit me. I lack nothing. He shall feed me in a green pasture, and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort He shall convert my soul, & bring me forth in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Ye though I walk throw the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me: thy rod & thy staff they comfort me. Thou shalt prepare a table before me against them that trouble me. y● hast anointed my heed with oil, and my cup shallbe full. But ⚜ (thy) l●uynge kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. & I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. ¶ The. xxiv. Psalm. ¶ A Psalm of David. (in the first day of the Sabath.) The * Domini est terra. earth is the Lords, and all that therein is: the compass of the world, & they that dwell therein. For he hath founded it upon the sees, and prepared it upon the floods. * ●eus. 〈◊〉. ● Cor●●. ●. ●. Who shall ascend into the hill Psal ux. ●. Esa. 〈◊〉. ●. Mat 〈◊〉 ● of the Lord? Or, who shall rise up in his holy place? Even he that hath clean hands & a pure heart: and that hath nat lift up his mind unto vanity, nor sworn to bysceave. ⚜ (his neighbour) He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek him, even of them that seek thy face, O jacob. Sela. ⚜ lift up your heads O ye gates, and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors, and the king of glory shall come in. Who is this king of glory? It is the Lord strong and mighty, even the Lord mighty in battle. lift up your heads (O ye gates) and be ye lift up ye everlasting doors, and the king of glory shall come in. Who is this king of glory? Even the Lord of hosts, he is the king of glory. Sela. ¶ The. xxv. Psalm. ¶ Of David. Ad te domine le. Unto thee (O Lord) will Ilyfte up my soul. My God. I have put my trust in thee: Oh let me nat be confounded, neither let mine enemies triumph over me. * Roma. 9 ● and. ●. d. Esa. ●. ●. For all they that hope in thee, shall nat be a shamed: but such as transgress without a cause, shall be put to confusion. Show me thy ways, O Lord, and teach me thy paths Lead me forth in thy truth, and learn me, for thou art the God of my salvation: in the hath been my hope all the day long. Call to remenbrance (O Lord) thy tender mercies, and thy loving kyndenesses, which have been ever of old O remember not the * job. 〈◊〉. ●. sins and offences of my youth, but according unto thy mercy think upon me (O Lord) for thy goodness. Good and righteous is the Lord, therefore will he teach sinners in the way. Them that be meek, shall he guide in judgement: & such as be gentle, them shall he learn his way. All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth, unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies. * Esa. xli●. ●. For thy name's sake, O Lord, be merciful unto my sin, for it is great. What man is he that feareth the Lord? him shall he teach in the way that he shall choose. His soul shall dwell at ease, and his seed shall inherit the land. The secret of the Lord is among them that fear him * jere. xxxi. ● 〈…〉 ●xxii. ● and he will show them his covenant. Mine eyes are ever looking unto the Lord for he shall pluck my feet out of that net. Turn the unto me, & have mercy upon me: for I am desolate: & in misery. The sorrows of my heart are enlarged: O bring y● me out of my troubles. Look upon mine adversity & misery, & forgive me all my sine. Consydre min enemies how many they are, & bear a malicious hate against me. O keep my soul & deliver me: let me nat be confounded, for I have put my trust in the. Let perfectness and righteous dealing wait upon me, for my hope hath been in the. deliver Israel, O GOD, out of all his troubles. ¶ The. xxuj. Psalm. ¶ (A Psalm of david) Afore he was enbalmed. judica medne. BETHOV my * Psal. 17. a. judge O Lord for I have walked innocently: my trust hath been also in the LORD, therefore shall I nat fall. * Psa. 139. d Examen me, O Lord, and prove me: try out my reins and my heart, For thy loving kindness is before mine eyes, & I will walk in thy truth. I have nat dwelled with vain persons, neither will I have fellowship with the deceitful. I have hated the congregation of the wicked and will nat sit among the ungodly. * Esa. ●. ●. I will wash my hands in innocency, O Lord and so will I go to thine altar. That I may show the voice of thanks giving, and tell of all thy wondrous works. Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, & the place where thy honour dwelleth. O shut nat up my soul with the sinners, nor my life with the blood thrustye. In whose hands is wickedness, and their right hand is full of gifts. But as for me I will walk innocentely: O deliver me, and be merciful unto me. My fore standeth right: I will praise the Lord in the congregations. ¶ The, xxvij. Psalm, Of David. THE Lord is my * D●s illu min itio Psal xxii. a light and my salvation: whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life: of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked (even mine enemies and my foes) ●●me upon me, to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fel. Though an host of men were laid against me, yet shall nat my heart be afraid: and though there rose up war against me, yet will I put my trust in him. * Luke. x. g. ●. Reg. uli. c One thing have I desired of the Lord which I will require: even that I may dwell in the● house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the fair beauty of the Lord, and to visit his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his * 1. Beg. xxi. a tabernacle, ye in the secret place of his dwelling shall he keep me, & set me up upon a * two. re. xxiii. c. rock of stone. And now shall he lift up my head above mine enemies round about me. Therefore will I offer in his dwelling, the oblation of thanks giving: I will sing and speak praises unto the Lord. hearken unto my voice, O Lord, when I cry unto thee: have mercy upon me, and hear me. My heart hath talked of the Seek ye my face: thy face Lord will I seek. O hide nat thou thy face fro me, nor cast thy servant away in displeasure. Thou hast been my succour, leave me nat, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation. When my father and my mother forsake me, the Lord taketh me up. Teach me thy way O lord, & lead me the right way, because of mine enemies. deliver me nat over into the will of mine adversaries, for there are false witnesses risen up against me, & such as speak wrong. I believe verily to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. O tarry thou the Lords ley sure * Psal. 〈◊〉 ● be strong, and he shall comfort thine heart, and put thou thy trust in the Lord. ¶ The. xxviij. Psalm. ¶ A Psalm of David. Ad ●e do mine cla Unto the will I cry, O Lord my strength: think no scorn of me, lest if thou make the as though thou hardest not, I become like them, that go down into the pit. Hear the voice of my humble petitions, when I cry unto thee, when I hold up my hands toward the mercy seat of thy holy temple. O pluck me nat away ⚜ (neither destroy me) with the ungodly & wicked doers * jere. ix. b. which spoke fryndely to their neighbours, but imagine mischief in their hearts. * job. 34. d. Mat. 〈◊〉. d Roma. two. ●. Reward them according to their deeds: and according to the wickedness of their own inventions. Recompense them after the work of they hands: pay them that they have deserved. For they regard nat the works of the Lord, nor the operation of his hands therefore shall he break them down, and nat build them up. Praised be the Lord, for he hath hard the voice of mine humble petyons. * Deu. viii. The Lord is my strength and my shield: my heart hath trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart danceth for joy, and in my song will I praise him. The Lord is their strength and he is the wholesome defence of his anointed. O Save thy people, and give thy blessing unto * Deut. 32. b. thine inheritance: feed them, & set them up for ever. ¶ The. xxix. Psalm. ¶ A Psalm of David (at the performing Afferte domino. of the Tabernacle. Bring unto the Lord (O ye mighty) ⚜ (bring young rams unto the Lord) ascribe unto the Lord worship & strength give the Lord the honour due unto his name: worship the Lord with holy worship. * Exod. seven. and. viii. It is the Lord that commandeth the waters: It is the glorious God that maketh the thunder: * Ero. xiiii. g Mat. viii d it is the Lord that ruleth the see. The voice of the Lord is mighty in operation, the voice of the Lord is a glorious voice. The voice of the Lord breaketh the * Ezc. xvii. g cedar trees: ye the Lord breaketh the Ceders of Libanus. He made them also to skip like a Calf: Libanus also, and Sirion like a young unicorn. The voice of the Lord divideth the flames of fire: the voice of the Lord, shaketh the wilderness, ye the Lord shaketh the wilderness of Cades. The voice of the Lord maketh the hinds to bring forth young and discovereth the thick bushes: and in his temple doth every man speak of his honour. The Lord sitteth above the water flood, and the Lord remaineth a king for ever. The Lord shall give strength unto his people, the Lord shall bless his his people in peace. ¶ The. thirty. Psalm. ¶ A Psalm and song of the dedication of the house of david. Exaltabo te dne. I Will magnify thee, O Lord, for thou haste set me up, and nat made my foes to triumph over me. O Lord my God, I tried unto thee, and thou haste healed me. Thou Lord hast brought my soul out of hell: thou hast kept my life, from them that go down to the pit. Sing praises unto the Lord (O ye Saints of his) and give thanks unto him for a remembrance of his holiness. * 1. Cor. 4. ●. For his wrath endureth but the twinkling of an eye, and his pleasure is in life: heaviness may endure for a night, but joy cometh again in the morning And in my prosperity, I said: I shall never be removed: thou Lord of thy goodness hadst made my hill so strong. Thou dyddeste turn thy face (fro me) and I was troubled. Then cried I unto thee, O Lord, and got me to my Lord right humbly. What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit. Shall the dust give thanks unto thee? Or shall it declare thy truth?. Hear, O Lord, and have mercy upon me: Lord be thou my helper. Thou haste turned my heaviness in to joy: thou hast put of my sack cloth/ and girded me with gladness. Therefore shall (every good man) sing of thy praise without ceasin: O my God, I will give thanks unto the for ever. ❧: ☞: ❧ ¶ The. xxxi. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter a Psalm of david. In te domine speravi. IN thee, O Lord, have I put my trust: let me never be put to confusion: deliver me in thy righteousness. Bow down thine ear to me, make haste to deliver me: be thou my strong cock & a house of defence, that thou mayest save me. For thou art my strong hold, and my castle. Be thou also my guide, and lead me for thy name's sake. Draw me out of the net that they have laid privily for me, for thou art my strength. * Luke. 14 ●. Acts. 7. g. Into thy hands I commend my spirit: For thou hast delivered me/ O Lord thou God of truth. I have hated them that hold of superstitious vanities/ and my trust hath been in the Lord. I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou haste considered my trouble, and haste known my soul in adversity. Thou hast nat shut me up in to the hand of the enemy but hast set my feet i a large room. Have mercy upon me O Lord, for I am in trouble, & mine eye is consumed for very heaviness, ye my soul and my belly. For my life is waxed old with heaviness, and my years with mourning. My strength faileth me because of mine iniquity, and my bones are consumed. I became a reproof among all mine enemies, but specially among my neighbours, and they of mine acquaintance were afraid of me, and they that did see me without, fled from me. I am forgotten, as a deed man: which vanisheth out of the right way of them that live I am become like a broken vessel. For I have herd that blasphemy of the multitude: every man abhorreth me while they conspire together against me, and are purposed to take away my life. But my hope hath been in thee, O Lord, I have said: thou art my God. My times is in thy hand, deliver me from the hand of mine enemies, and from them that persecute me. Show thy servant the light of thy countenance, and save me for thy mercies sake. Let me nat be confounded, O Lord, for I have called upon thee: let the ungodly be put to confusion, and be put to silence in the grave. Let the dying lips be put to silence, which cruelly, disdainfully, and despytfully, speak against the righteous. O how plentiful is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear the● and that thou hast prepared for them, that put their trust in thee, even before the sons of men? Thou shalt hide them privily by thine own presence from the provokynges of all men: thou shalt keep them secretly in thy Tabernacle, from the strife of tongues. Thanked be the Lord for he hath showed marvelous great kindness in a strong city. And when I made haste, I said: I am cast out of thy sight of thine eyes. Nevertheless, thou herdeste the voice of my prayers, when I cried unto the. O love the Lord (all ye his saints) for the Lord preserveth them that are faithful, & plenteously rewardeth he the proud doer. * Psal. 27 d. 〈◊〉. xxxi. e. Be strong, & he shall strength your heart/ all ye that put your trust in the Lord. ¶ The. xxxii. Psalm. ¶ An instruction of david. 〈…〉 quo●●● BLESSED is he, whose unrighteousness is forgiven, and whose sin is covered. * 〈…〉. 4. a Blessed is the man, unto whom the Lord imputeth no sin, and in whose spirit there is no guile. For while I held my tongue, my bones consumed away thorough my daily complaining. For thy hand is heavy upon me day and night, and my moisture is like the drough in Summer. Sela. I will knowledge my sin unto thee, & mine unrighteousness have I nat hid. I said: * 〈…〉. c 〈◊〉. iv. d. I will confess my sins unto the Lord, & so thou forgavest the wickedness of my sin. Dela. For this shall every one that is godly, make his prayer unto the ☞ in due season, but in the great water floods they shall nat come nigh him. Thou art my defence, thou shalt preserve me from trouble: thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance. Sela. I will inform thee, & teach the i the way wherein thou shalt go: & I will guide the with mine eye. Ye shall nat be like a horse & mule, which have no understanding. And whose mouths must be held with bit & bridle, lest they fall upon y●. Great plagues remain for the ungodly, but who so putteth his trust in the Lord, mercy embraceth high on every side. Be glad, O ye righteous, & rejoice in the Lord and be joyful all ye that are true of hrete. ¶ The. xxxiii. Psalm. Rejoice * Exultate justi in dno in the Lord, O ye righteous, for it becometh well the just to be thankful * Psal. 97. d Praise the Lord with harp sing Psalms unto him with the lute, and instrument of ten strings. Sing unto the Lord a new song, sing praises lustily ⚜ (unto him) with a good courage. For the word of the Lord is true, and all his works are faithful. He loveth righteousness and judgement: the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. * Ephe. v. d. Col. iii. c. By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, and all the Gene. i a. hosts of them by the breath of his mouth. He gathereth the waters of the see together as it were upon a heap, and layeth up the deep in secret. Let all the earth fear the Lord: stand in awe of him, all ye that dwell in the world. * Psa. 14●. ● For he spoke, and it was done: he commanded, and it stood fast The Lord bringeth the * Psal. i a Esa. viii. b. council of the heathen to nought, and maketh the devices of the people, to be of none effect. ⚜ (and casteth out the counsels of Princes.) The council of the Lord shall endure for ever, and the thoughts of his heart from generation to generation. Blessed is the people whose God is the Lord jehovah, and blessed is the folk that have chosen been to be their inheritance. The Lord looked down from Heaven, and beheld all the children of men: from the habitation of his dwelling, he considereth all them that dwell in the earth. He tashyoneth all the hearts of them, and understandeth all their works. There is no king that can be saved by the multitude of an host, neither is any mighty man delivered by much strength. A horse is counted but a vain thing to save a man, neither shall he deliver any man by his great strength. Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear him, and upon them that put their trust in his mercy. To deliver their souls from death, and to feed them in the time of dearth. Our soul hath patiently tarried for the Lord, for he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have hoped in his holy name. Let thy merciful kindness, O Lord, be upon us, like as we have put our trust in the. ¶ The. xxxiiij. Psalm. ¶ Of david, when he changed his speech before Abimilech: which drove him away and he departed. Benedic● dominum I Will all way give thanks unto the Lord, his praise shall ever be in my mouth My soul shall make her boast i the Lord: the humble shall here thereof, and be glad. O praise the Lord with me, and let us magnify his name together. * 1. ●eg. xxi. ● I sought the Lord, and he heard me, ye he delivered me out of all my fear. They had an eye unto him, and were lightened, and their faces were nat ashamed. Lo, the poor crieth, and the Lord heareth him, ye and saveth him out of all his troubles. * josua. v. d. 4. reg. 19 ● Psal. two. b. The Angel of the Lord tarrieth round about them and fear him, and delivereth them. O taste and see, how gracious the Lord is, * Psa. 127. a blessed is the man that trusteth in him. O * Mat. vi. b. fear the Lord, ye that be his saints: for they that fear him, lack nothing. The lions do lack, & suffer hunger but they which seek the Lord/ shall want no manner of thing that is good. Come ye children/ and hearken unto me, I will teach you the fear of the Lord. What man is he i Pet. iii. c that listeth to live, and woloe fain see good days? Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips, that they speak no guile. Eschew cuyll, and do good: seek peace and ensue it. The eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, & his ears are open unto their prayers. The countenance of the Lord is against them that do evil, to rote out the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth them, and delivereth them out of all their troubles. The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a contrayte heart, and will save such as be of an humble spirit. * Pro. 24. b. 〈…〉▪ 〈◊〉. d ● 〈…〉. ●. c. Great are the troubles of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth him out of all. He keepeth all his bones, so that nat one of them can be broken. Eut mysfourtune shall slay the ungodly, and they that hate the righteous shallbe desolate. The Lord delivereth the souls of his servants: and all they that put their trust in him shall nat be destitute The▪ xxxv. Psalm. O● David. Plead thou my cause, O Lord, with them that strive wtth me: and fight thou against them that fight against me. Say hand upon the shield and bucler, & stand up to help me. Bring forth the spear, & stoup the way against them that persecute me, say unto my soul: I am thy salvation. Let them be coufounded and put to shame, that seek after my soul: let them be turned back, & brought to confusion, that imagine mischief for me. * judica▪ dne nocen tes. Let Psal. 83. c. them be as dust before the wind, and the angel of the Lord scateringe them. Let their way be dark and slippery, and let the the angel of the Lord persecute them. For they have privily laid their net to destroy me without a cause, ye even without a cause have they made a pit for my soul. Let a sudden destruction come upon him unawares: and his net that he hath laid privily, catch himself, that he may fall into his own mischief. And my soul be joyful in the Lord: it shall rejoice in his ●ix ●osti 〈…〉 salvation. All my bones shall say: Lord, who is like unto thee? which deliverest the poor from stronger than himself ye the poor and the wretched from him that spoileth him. False witness did rise up: they lated to my charge, things that I know nat. They rewarded me evil for good, to the great discomfort of my soul, Nevertheless: when they were sick, I put on a sack cloth: and humbled my soul with fasting, & my prayer shall turn into mine own bosom. I behaved myself as though it had been my friend or my brother, I went heavily as one that mourneth for his mother. But in mine adversity they rejoiced, and gathered them together: ye the very abjects came together against me unawares, making mows at me, & ceased not. With the flatterers were busy mockers, which gnas shed against me with their tethe. Lord, how long wilt thou look upon this? O deliver my soul from the wicked rumours of them, and my darling from the lions? So will I give the thanks in the great congregation, I will praise the among much people. O let not them that are mine enemies triumph over me for nought: neither let them wink with their eyes, that * Psal. 6●. ● joh. 〈◊〉. ●. hate me without a cause. And why? their commonynge is nat for peace, but they imagine deceitful words against them that are quiet in the land. They gaped upon me with their mouths, and said: fie on thee, fie on thee: we did see it with our eyes. This thou haste seen, O Lord: hold nat Nol ●●li thy tongue then, go nat far fro me, O Lord Awake and stand up: avenge thou my cause, my God, and my Lord. judge me O Lord my God, according to thy righteousness, and let them not triumph over me. Let them not say in their hearts: there, there, so would we have it: neither let them say: we have over come him. Let them be put to confusion and shame, that together rejoice at my trouble, let them be clothed with rebuke and dishonour, that boast themselves against me. Let them be glad and rejoice, that favour my righteous dealing ye let them say always: blessed be the Lord that willeth the peace of his servant. And as for my tongue, it shallbe talking of thy ryghtuones and of thy praise, all the day long. ¶ The. xxxvi. Psalm. ¶ To the chauntee, of david the servant of the Lord. MY heart showeth me the wickedness of the ungodly, that * ●ixit in ●oslus. 〈…〉 ma, iii c there is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flattereth him self in his own sight, till his abominable sin be found out. The words of his mouth are unrighteous, and full of disobeyed: he hath left of to behave himself well and to do good. He imagineth mischief upon his bed. and hath set himself in no good way, neither doth he refuse any thing that is evil. Thy mercy, O Lord reacheth unto the Heaven, and thy truth unto the clouds. Thy righteousness standeth like the strong mountains: thy judgements are like the great deep. Thou Lord wilt preserve both man & beast. How excellent is thy mercy, O God? and the children of men shall put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be satisfied with the plenteousness of thy house, and thou shalt give them drink of thy pleasure, as out of the river. For with the is the well of life, and in thy light, shall we see light. O spread forth thy loving kindness unto them that know thee, and thy righteousness unto them that are true of heart. O let not the foot of pride come against me: and let nat the hand of the ungodly cast me down. ☞ There are they fallen (all) that work wickedness: they are cast down, and shall nat be able to stand. ¶ The. xxxvij. Psame. ¶ A Psalm of david. FRET nat thyself because of the ungodly neither be thou envious against the evil doers. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and be withered even as the green herb. Put thou thy trust in the Lord, and do good: dwell in the land, and ●erely thou shalt be fed. delight thou in the Lord, and he shall give the thy hearts desire. commit thy way unto the LORD, and put thy trust in him, and he shall bring it to pass. He shall make thy righteousness as clear as the light: & thy just dealing as the none day. Hold the still in the Lord, and abide patiently upon him: but grieve nat thyself at him whose way doth prosper, and that doth after evil counsels. Leave of from wrath, and let go displeasure, frete not thyself, else shalt thou be moved to do evil. Wicked doers shallbe rooted out: and they that patiently abide the Lord, shall enherete the land. Yet a little while, and the ungodly shallbe clean gone: thou shalt look after his place, and he shallbe away. But the meek spreted shall possess the earth, and shallbe refreshed in much rest. The ungodly seeketh council against the just, & gnassheth upon him with his tethe. The Lord shall laugh him to scorn, for he hath seen, that his days is coming. The ungodly have drawn out the sword, and have bended their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of right conversation. Their sword shall go thorough their own heart, and their bow shallbe broken. A small thing that the righteous hath, is better than great riches of the us godly. For the arms of the ungodly shallbe broken, and the Lord upholdeth the righteous. The Lord knoweth the days of the godly, and their inheritance shall endure for ever. They shall nat be confounded in the perilous time, and in the days of dearth they shall have enough. As for the ungodly, they shall perish: and the enemies of the Lord shall consume ☞ as the fat of lambs: ye even as the smoke shall they consume away. The ungodly borroweth & payeth nat again, but the righteous is merciful & liberal. Such as be blessed of God, shall possess the land, & they that be cursed of high shallbe rooted out. The Lord ordereth a good man's goieng, & maketh his way acceptable Prou. 24. d to himself. * Noli e●●lare. Though he fall, he shall nat be cast away, for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. I have been young, and now am old: & yet saw I never the righteous forsaken, nor his seed to seek their breed Prou. x. ●c. * Prou. x. d. The righteous is ever merciful, and dareth, and his seed is blessed. flee from evil, and do good, and dwell for ever. For the Lord loveth the thing that is right, he forsaketh nat his godly, but they are preserved for ever more: ⚜ (The unrighteous shall be punished.) as for the seed of the ungodly it shallbe rooted out. The righteous shall inherit the land, and dwell therein for ever The mouth of the righteous is exercised in wisdom, and his tongue will be talking of judgement. The law of God goings shall nat slide. The ungodly saith the righteous, and seeketh occasion to slay him. The Lord will nat leave him in his hand, ner condemn him when he is judged. Hope thou in the Lord, and keep his way, and he shall promote thee, that thou shalt possessethe land, when the ungodly shall perish, thou shalt see it. I myself have seen the ungodly in great power and flourishing like a green bay tree: and I went by, and lo, he was gone: I sought him but ⚜ (his place,) could no where be found. Keep innocency, & take heed unto the thing that is rygte, for that shall bring a a man peace at the last. As for the transgressors, they shall perish together, and the ungodly shall be rooted out at the last. But the salvation of the righteous cometh of the Lord, which is also their strength in the time of trouble. And the Lordeshal stand by▪ them, and save them: he shall deliver them from the ungodly, and shall save them, because they put their trust in him. ¶ The. xxxviij. Psalm. ¶ A Psalm of David for remembrance. PUt me nat * ●ne ne infuro. Psal. 7 a. I●●. x. d. to rebuke (O Lord) in thine anger: nether chasten me in thy heavy displeasure. For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore. There is no health in my flesh, because of thy displeasure: nether is there any rest in my bones, by reason of my sin. For my wickednesses are gone over my head, and are like a sore burden, to heavy for me to bear. My wounds stink and are corrupt, thorough my foolishness. I am brought into so great trouble and misery, that I go morning all the day long For my loins are filled with a sore disease, and there is no whole part in my body. I am feeble and sore smitten, I have tored for the very dysquyetnes of my heart. Lord, thou knowest all my desire, and my groaning is nat hid from the. My heart panteth, my strength hath failed me. and the light of mine eyes is gone fro me. * job. nineteen. ●. My lovers and my neighbours did stand looking upon my trouble, and my kinsmen stood a far of. They also that sought after my life, laid snares for me: and they that went about to do me evil, talked of wickedness, and Imagined deceit all the day long. As for me, I was like a deaf man and herd not, and as one that is dumb, which doth nat open his mouth. I was even as a man that heareth nat: & in whose mouth are no reproofs. For in thee, O Lord have I put my trust, thou shalt answer for me, O Lord my God I have required, that then ⚜ (even my enemies) should nat triumph over me: for when my foot slipped, they rejoiced greatly against me. I truly am set in the plague, and my heaviness is ever my sight. For I will confess my wickedness/ and be sorry for my sin. But mine enemies live, and are mighty: and they that hate me wrongfully, are many in number. They also that reward evil for good are against me/ because I follow the thing that good is. Forsake me nat (O Lord my God.) Be nat thou far fro me. Haste the to help me, O Lord ⚜ (God) my salvation. ¶ The. xxxix. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter ☞ jeduthun a Psalm of David. I Said: I will take heed to my ways, Dixi, custodiam. that I offend nat in my tongue. I will keep my mouth (as it were with a bridle) while the ungodly is in my sight. I held my tongue, and spoke nothing, I kept silence ye even from good words but it was pain and grief to me. My heart was hot within me/ and while I was thus musing, the fire kindled: and (at the last) I spoke with my tongue: * Psal x●. ●. Lord let me know mine end and the number of my days: that I may be certified how long I have to live. * job. seven. ●. and. viii. ●. Behold, thou haste made my days as it were a span long, and mine age is even as nothing in respect of thee: and verily every man living is all together vanity. Salah. For man walketh in a vain shadow, and disquyeteth himself in vain: he heapeth up riches * Luke. x●●. ●. and can nat tell who shall gather them. And now Lord what is my hope? truly my hope is even in the. deliver me from all mine offences, and make me nat a rebuke unto the foolish. I became dumb, and opened nat my mouth, for it was thy doing. Take thy plague away fro me: I am even consumed by the means of thy heavy hand. When thou with rebukes dost chasten man for sin, thou makest his beauty to consume away, like as it were a moth. Every man therefore is but vanity. Selah. Hear my prayer/ O Lord/ and with thine ears consider my calling: hold nat thy peace at my tears. For * i. pat. 〈◊〉. ●. I am a stranger with the and a songeover, as all my fathers were. Oh spare me a little, that I may recover my strength, before I god hence: and be no more seen, ¶ The. xl. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter a Psalm of David. I Waited patiently for the Lord, and he inclined unto me: and heard my calling. He brought me also out of the horrible pit, out of the mire and clay, and set my feet upon the rock, and ordered my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even a thanksgiving unto our God. Many shall see it, and fear, and shall put their trust in the Lord * Expec●t●●s▪ ex. Blessed is the man, that hath set his hope in the Lord and turned not unto the proud, and to such as go about with lies. O Lord my God, great are thy wondrous works which thou haste done: like as be also thy thoughts which are to us ward: and yet there is no man ☞ that ordereth them unto the. If I would declare them, and speak of them they should be more than I am able to express. * ●e●. xvii. b sacrifice and meat ●●●. xv. ●. offering thou wouldest nat have but ☞ ⚜ mine ears haste thou opened: burned offerings and sacrifice for sin haste thou nat required. Then said I: Lo I come ☞ In the volume of the book it is written of me, that I should fulfil thy will, O my God, I am content to do it: ye thy law is within my ●erie. I have declared thy righteousness in the great congregation: Lo, I will nat retrayne my lips, O Lord, and that thou knowest. I have nat hid thy rygtuousnes within my heart, my talking hath been of thy truth and of thy salvation I have not kept back thy loving mercy, & truth from the great congregation. Withdraw nat thou thy mercy fro me O Lord, let thy loving kindness and thy truth alway preserve me, For innumerable troubles are come about me: my sins have taken such hold upon me, that I am nat able to look up: ye they are more in number then the hears of my heed, and my heart hath failed me. O Lord, let it be thy pleasure to deliver me, make haste (O Lord) to help me Let them be ashamed and confounded▪ together that seek after my ☞ soul to destroy it: let them fall backward and be put to rebuke, that wish me evil. Let them be desolate & rewarded with shame, that say unto me, fie upon thee, fie upon the. Let all those that seek thee, be joyful and glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation, say always: the Lord be praised. As for me, I am poor and needy, but the Lord careth for me: Thou art my helper and redeemer: make no long tarrying (O my God.) ¶ The. xlj. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter▪ a Psalm. of David. Beatus qui intel BLESSED is he * Prou. 14. d that considreth y● ☞ poor ⚜ (and needy) the Lord shall deliver him in the time of trouble. The Lord preserve him, and keep him alive: that he may be blessed upon earth, and deliver nat thou him into the will of his enemies. The Lord comfort him, when he lieth sick upon his bed: make thou all his bed in his sickness. I said Lord be merciful unto me, he'll my soul, for I have sinned against the. Mine enemies speak evil of me: when shall he die, & his name perish? And if he come to see me, he speaketh vanity, & his heart conceiveth falsehood within himself: & when he cometh forth, he telleth it. All mine enemies whisper together against me: even against me do they imagine this evil. Let the sentence of guiltiness proceed against him: & now that he lieth, let him rise up no more. Ye, even mine own familiar friend whom I trusted * Psal. iv. ●. joh. xiiii. ● (which did also eat of my bread) hath ⚜ laid great wait for me. But be thou merciful unto me (O Lord) raise thou me up again, & I shall reward them. By this I know thou favoureste me, that mine enemy doth not triumph against me. And when I am in my health, thou upholdest me, and shalt se● me before thy face for ever. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, world without end Amen, and Amen. ¶ The. xlij. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter a monition of the sons of Corah. LIke as the heart desireth the water brooks so longeth my soul after the. (O Quenadmodum. God.) My soul is a thirst for GOD, ye● even for the living GOD: when shall I come, to appear before the presence of God * Psa. lxxx. a My tears have been my meat day & night, while they daily say unto me: where is thy God? Now when I think there upon * 1. Reg. 1. c. Psal. lxii. a I power out my heart by myself: for I went with the multitude, & brought them forth unto the house of god, in the voice of praise and thansgeving, among such as keep holy day. * Psa. xliii. ● Why art thou so full of heaviness (O my soul) and why art thou so unquiet within me? Put thy trust in God for I will yet give him thanks: for the help of his countenance. My God, my soul is vexed within me: therefore will I remember the concerning the * Iesu. xii. ● land of jordane, and the little hill of Hermonym. One deep calleth another because of the noise of thy water pipes ‡ & all thy waves & storms are gone over me. The Lord hath granted his loving kindness on the day time, and in the night season did I sing of him, and made my prayer unto the God of my life. I will say unto the God of my strength why haste thou forgotten me: and why go I thus heavily, while the enemy oppresseth me. My bones are smitten asunder, while mine enemies ⚜ (that trouble me) cast me in the teeth, Namely while they said daily unto me: where is now thy God? Why art thou so vexed (O my soul) and why art thou so disquieted within me? O put thy trust in God, for I will yet thank him which is the help of my countenance, and my God. ¶ The xliij. Psalm. Give sentence with me (O God) and defend my cause against the ungodly people: Oh deliver me from the deceitful and wicked man. For thou art the God of my strength: why hast thou put me from thee? And why go I so heavily, while the enemy oppreasseth me? Oh send out thy light and thy truth that they may lead me and bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy dwelling. And that I may go unto the altar of God, even unto the God, of my ●●ye and gladness, and upon the harp will I give thanks unto thee (O God) my God * judica me 〈…〉. why art thou so heavy (O my soul) and why a●te thou so disquieted within me? Psal xiii. b O ●ut thy trust in god, for I will yet give him thanks which is the help of my countenance, and my God. ¶ The. xliiij. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter an instruction of the sons of Lo●ah. WE have herd with our ears (O God ( * Deus au ●ibus. our fathers have told us: what y● haste done in their time of old. How thou hast driven out the heathen with thy hand, and planted them in: how thou haste destroyed the nations, and cast them out, D●u. ix. a. * De●te. v●▪ ● For they got nat the land in possession thorough their own sword, neither was it their own arm that helped them. But thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favour unto them. Thou art Psal. 97. a, my king (O God) send help unto jacob. Thorough thy, will we overthrow our enemies, and in thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us. For I will nat trust i my bow, it is not my sword that that shall save me. But it is thou that savest us from our enemies, and puttest them to confusion that hate us. We make our boast of God all the day long, & will praise thy name for ever. Sela. But now thou art far of, and puttest us to confusion, and * Psal. ●x. ● goest not for the with our armies. Thou makest us to turn our backs from our enemies, and they which hate us, spoil our goods. Thou lettest us be eaten up like sheep, and haste scattered us among the Heithen. Thou sellest thy people for nought and takest no money for them. Thou makest us to be rebuked of our neighbours, to be laughed to scorn and had in division, of them that are round about us. * Psal. 79. ●. Thou makest us to be a by word among the heathen, and that the people shake their heads at us. My confusion is daily before me, & the shame of my face hath covered me, For the voice of the slanderer and blasphemer for the enemy and avenger. And though all this be come upon us, yet do we not forget thee, nor behave ourselves frowardly in thy covenant. Our heart is not turned back neither our steps gone out of thy way. No not when thou haste snutten us into the place of dragons, and, covered us with the shadow of death. If we have forgotten the name of our God, and holden up our hands to any strange God. Shall nat God search it out? for he knoweth the very secrets of the heart. * Roma. 〈…〉 For thy sake also are we killed all the day long, & are counted as sheep appointed to be slain. Up Lord why sleepest thou? Awake, and be nat absent from us for ever. Wherefore hidest thou thy face, and forgettest our misery and our trouble? * Psal. 〈…〉 For out soul is brought low even unto the dust: our belie cieveth unto the ground. Arise and help us, and deliver us for thy mercy sake. ¶ The. xlv. Psalm. ¶ To him that excel among the ●●●●es an instruction of the children of Lorah, a song of love. Eruct● uit co●. MY heart is enditing of a good matter I speak of the things, which I have made unto the king: My tongue is the pen of a ready writer. ⚜ Thou art fairer than the children of men, full of grace are thy lips, because God hath blessed the for ever. Gird the with thy sword upon thy thigh (O thou most mighty) according to thy worship and renown. Good luck have thou with thine honour, ride on because of the word of truth, of meekness & righteousness: and thy right hand shall teach the rerrible things. Thy arrows are very sharp, and the people shallbe subdued unto thee, even in the midst among the kings enemies. * ●●b. ●. ●. Thy seat (O God) endureth for ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity: wherefore God (even thy God (hath anoyted the with the oil of gladness above thy fellows All thy garments smell of myrrh, Aloes and Cassia, out of the ivory palaces, where by they have made the glade. Kings daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in a vesture of gold ⚜ (wrought about with diverse colours.) hearken (O daughter) and consider: incline thine ear: forget also thine own people, & thy father's house. So shall the king have pleasure in thy beauty, for he is thy Lord ⚜ (God) and worship thou him. And the daughter of Tire shall be there with a gift, like as the rich also among the people shall make their supplication before the. The kings daughter is all glorious within, her clothing is of wrought gold. She shall be brought unto the king in raiment of nydle work: the virgins that be her fellows, shall bear her company, and shallbe brought unto the. With joy and gladness shall they be brought, and shall enter in to the kings palace. In stead of thy fathers thou shalt have children, whom thou mayest make princes in all lands. I will remember thy name from one generation to another: therefore shall the people give thanks unto thee, world without end. ¶ The. xlvi. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter, a song for the children of Lorath upon ☞ Alamoth. ●●us nos●er refu●●um. GOd is our hope and strength: a very pre sent help in trouble. Therefore will we nat fear, though the earth be moved, & though the hills be carried in the midst of the see. * Psal. 83. a. Though the waters thereof rage and swell, & though the mountains shake at the tempest of the same. Sela. The rivers of the flood thereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most highest. God is in the midst of her, therefore shall she nat be removed: God shall help her, and that right early. The heathen make much a do, and the kingdoms are moved: but God hath showed his voice, and the earth shall melt away. The Lord of Hosts is with us, the God of jacob is our refuge. Sela. O come hither, and behold the works of the Lord, what destructions he hath brought upon the earth. ‡ Psal. 76. a He maketh wars to cease in all the world: he breaketh the bow and knappeth the spear insunder & burneth the charettes in the fire. Be still then, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the Heythen, & I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of Hosts is with us, the God of jacob is our defence. Sela. ¶ The xlvij. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter a Psalm for the children of Lor●h. O Clap your hands together (all ye people) O sing unto God with the voice of melody. For the Lord is high & * Omnes gentes popul●. Psal. 76. a to be feared he is the great king upon all the earth. He shall subdue the people under us, and the nations under our feet. He shall choose out an heritage for us: even the worship of jacob whom he loved. Sela. God is gone up with a merry noise, & the Lord with the sound of the trump. O sing praises, sing praises unto ⚜ (our) God: O sing praises, sing praises unto our king. For God is king of all the earth sing ye praises with understanding. God reigneth over the heathen, god sitteth upon his holy seat. The princes of the people are joined unto the people of the God of Abraham for God (which is very high exalted doth defend the earth, as it were with a shield. ¶ The. xlviij. Psalm. ¶ ● song● of a Psalm of the children of Lo●ah ⚜ in the second day of our Sabba●h. Great is the Lord, and highly to be ●agnus dominus. praised, in the city of our God, even upon his holy hill. The hill of Zion is a fair place, & the joy of the whole earth: upon the north side lieth the city of the great king. God is well known in her palaces, as a sure refuge. For lo, the kings) ⚜ of the earth) are gathered, & gone by together. They marveled, to see such things: they were astonied, and suddenly cast down. Fear came there upon them, & sorrow, as upon a woman in her travail. Thou shalt break the ships of the see, thorough the east wind. Like as we have herd, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of Hosts, in the city of our god, God upholdeth her for ever. Sela. We wait for thy loving kindness (O God) in y● mid dost of thy remple. (O God) according unto thy name, so is thy praise unto the worlds end: thy right hand is full of righteousness. Let the mount Zion rejoice, and the daughters of juda be glad because of thy judgements. Walk about Zion, and go round about her and tell the towers thereof Mark well her bulwarks, set up her houses, that ye may tell them that come after. For this God is our God for e●er and ever, he shall be our guide unto death. ¶ The. xlix. Psalm, ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm for the children of Lorah. Audite oens gentes hec. O Hear this, all ye people: pondre it with your ears, all ye that dwell in the world. high and low, rich and poor, one with another. My mouth shall speak of wisdom, and my heart shall muse of understanding. I will incline mine ear to the parable, and show my dark speech upon the harp. Wherefore should I fear in the days of wickedness, and when the wickedness of my heel's compasseth me round about? * Psal. li●. b. Luke. xii c. There be some that trust in their abundance and boast themselves in the multitude of their richesse. But no man may deliver his brother, nor make agreement unto God for him. * 1. Petr. i c. 1. joh. two. ●. For it costeth more to redeem their souls, so that he must let that alone for ever. ●ee though he live long, and see nat the grave. ‡ Eccle. il. c▪ and. iii. For he seeth, that wise men also die, and perish togeyther, as well as the ignorant & foolish and * joh. ●7. d. Luke. xii. c. leave their riches for other. And yet they think, that their houses shall continue for ever, and that their dwelling places shall endure from one generation to another, calling the lands after their own names Nevertheless, man will nat abide in honour, saying he may be compared unto the beasts that perish: this is the way of them. This is their foolishness, and their posterity praise their saying. Sela. They lie in the hell like sheep, death gnaweth upon them, and the righteous shall have domination of them in the morning: their beauty shall consume in the sepulchre out of their dwelling. But God shall deliver my soul from the place of hell, for he shall receive me. Sela. Be nat thou afraid though one be made rich, or if the glory of his house be increased. * job. 27. d. For he shall carry nothing away with him when he dieth, nether shall his pomp follow him For while he lived, he counted himself an happy man: and ☞ so long as y● dost well unto thyself, men will speak good of the. He shall follow the generation of his fathers, & shall never see light. Man being in honour hath no understanding, but is compared unto the beasts, that perish. ¶ The. l. Psalm. ¶ A Psalm of Asaph. The Lord even the most mighty God hath spoken, and called the world from the rising up of the son unto the going down thereof. * ●▪ ●●●tum 〈◊〉. Out of Zion Esa. 〈◊〉. ●. hath God appeared in perfect beauty. Our God shall come, and shall not keep silence: there shall go before him a consuming fire, and a mighty tempest shall be stired up round about him. He shall call the heaven from above, and the earth, that he may judge his people. Gather my saints togeyther unto me, those that have made a covenant with me, with sacrifice. And the heavens shall declare his righteousness, for God is judge himself. Sela Hear, O my people: and I will speak, I myself will testify against thee, O Israel. For I am God, even thy God. I wy. ●at reprove the because of thy sacrifices, or for thy burnt offerings, because they were nat all way before me. ‡ Esay. ●. ● Amos. v. l● Acts. seven. ● I will take no bullock out of thy house/ nor he Goats out of thy folds. For all the beasts of the Forest are mine, and so are the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls upon the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are in my sight. If I be hungry I will nat tell thee: for ‡ E●●● 〈◊〉▪ ● Psal. ●4●●. Co●●●. ●● the whole world is mine, and all that therein is. thinkest thou, that I will eat bulls flesh and drink the blood of goats? Offer unto God thanks giving, and pay thy vows unto the most highest. And ‡ 2. Pa●. ●5. ● call upon me in the time of trouble, so will I hear thee, and thou shalt praise me. But unto the ungodly said God. Why dost thou preach my laws, and takest my covenant in thy mouth? Where as thou hatest to be reformed: & haste cast my words behind thee? When thou sawest a thief thou consentedest unto him, and haste been partaker with the adulterers. Thou hast let thy mouth speak wickedness, and with thy tongue thou hast set forth deceit. Thou sattest and spakest against thy brother, ye & hast slandered thine own mother's son. These things haste thou done, & I held my tongue & y● thoughtest ⚜ (wickedly) that I am even such a one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, & set before thee, the things that thou hast done. O consider this, ye that forget God: lest I pluck you away, and there be none to deliver you. Who so offereth me thanks and praise, he honoureth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation right, will I show the salvation of God. ● The. li. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter, ● Psalm of David, when the prophet Nathan came unto him, after he was gone in to Bethsave. 〈…〉 〈◊〉 deus. Have mercy upon me (O God) after thy ⚜ (great) goodness, according unto the multitude of thy mercies/ do away mine offences. wash me thoroughly fro my wickedness, & cleanse me fro my sin. For * 〈…〉. xiii. ●▪ 〈◊〉. xv. d. I knowleg my faults, & my sin is ever before me. Against the only have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: ‡ ●o●, 19 ● that thou mightest be justified in thy saying, & clear when y● art judged. Behold, I was shapen in wickedness, & in sin hath my mother conceived me. But lo, thou requirest truth in the inward parts, and shalt make me to understand wisdom secretly. Thou shalt purge me with * 〈…〉▪ 〈◊〉. ●. Isope, & I shall be clean: thou shalt wash me, & I shallbe whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me hear joy and gladness, that the bones which y● hast broken, may rejoice. Turn thy face from my sins, & put out all my misdeeds. * 〈…〉 Make me a clean heart (O God (& renew a right sprite within me. Cast me not away from thy presence, & take nat thy holy sprite from me. O give me the comfort of thy help again, & stablish me with thy free sprite. Then shall I teach thy ways unto the wicked, and sinners shallbe converted unto the. deliver me from blood guiltiness (O God) O God of my health, and my tongue shall sing thy righteousness. Thou shalt open my lips (O Lord) ☞ and my mouth shall show forth thy praise. For thou desirest no sacrifice, else would I give it that: * Psal. l. ●. 〈…〉. l. ●. 〈…〉▪ v. d. 〈…〉. vi●. ● but thou delightest nat in burntoffering. The sacrifice of God is a troubled sprite, ‡ 〈…〉▪ 66. a. a broken and a contrite heart (O God (shalt thou nat despise. O be favourable & gracious unto Zion, build thou the walls of jerusalem. Then shalt thou be pleased with the * ●●. 1●. d. sacrifice of righteousness, with the burnt offerings & oblations: them shall they offer young bullocks upon thine altar. ¶ The. lii. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter; an exhortation of David, when Do●g the Edomyte came to Saul and showed him saying: David is come to the house of Abimelech. Quid ●lo ●●a●is in ●ali●i●. WHy boastest thou thyself/ thou Tyrant, that thou canst do mischief? Where as the goodness of God endureth yet daily. Thy tongue imagineth wickedness, and with lies thou cutteste like a sharp ●asoure. Thou haste loved ungraciousness more than goodness, and to talk of lies more than righteousness. Sela. Thou hast loved to speak all words that may do hurt, O thou false tongue. Thertore shall God destroy y● for ever: he shall take y● & pluck y● out of thy dwelling & rote the out of the land of the living. Sela The righteous also shall see this, & fear, & shall laugh him to scorn. Lo, this is the man that took nat God for his strength, but * Psal 49. ● Luke. xii. c trusted unto the multitude of his riches, & strengthened himself in his wickedness. As for me, I am like a green olive tre in the house of God: my trust is in the tender mercy of God for ever & ever. I will alway give thanks unto thee, for that thou haste done: and I will hope in thy name, for thy saints like it well. ¶ The. liii. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter upon ☞ Mahalath, an instruction of David Dicit in s●pt●ns. THe * Psal. xiii. ● foolish body hath said in his heart: there is no God. Corrupt are they, and become abominable in their wickedness: * Psa. x●●●●● Roma. three c. there is none that doth good. God looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that would understand, and seek after God. But they are all gone out of the way, they are all together become abominable: there is also none that doth good, no not one. Are nat they without understanding that work wickedness, eating up my people as if they would eat bread? they have nat called upon god. They were afraid, where no fear was: for God hath broken the bones of him that besieged thee, thou hast put them to confusion, because God hath despised them. Oh that the salvation were given unto Israel out of Zion: Oh that the Lord would deliver his people out of captivity. Then should jacob rejoice, and Israel should be right glad. ¶ The. liv. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter in melodies, an instruction of David, when the zephytes came and said unto Saul: Hath nat David hid himself among us. Save me (O God) for thy name's sake, & ☞ avenge me in thy strength. Hear my prayer (O God) and hearken unto the words of my mouth. For strangers are risen up against me, and tyrants (which have nat God before their eyes) seek after my soul. Sela. Behold, God is my helper: the Lord is ☞ with them that uphold my soul. * Deus in no●● tuo. He shall Deut. 32. ●. reward evil unto mine enemies: Destroy thou them in thy truth. An offering of afre heart will I give thee, & praise thy name truth. Sela. Therefore were thy beloved belyvered, help me with thy right hand and hear me. * Psal. 100L. d God hath spoken in his holiness: I will rejoice and divide Sichem and meet out the valley of Suchoth. Gilead is mine, & Manasses is mine: Ephraim also is the strength of my head, juda is my law given. Moab is my washpotte● over Edom will I cast out my sho, Philistea be thou glad of me. Who will lead me into the strong cite? Who will bring me into Edom? Hast nat thou cast us out (O God) wilt nat thou (O God) * Psal. 44. c go out with our hosts? O be thou our help in trouble, for bain is the help of man. Thorough God we shall do great acts, for it is he that shall tread down our enemies. ¶ The. lxj. Psalm. ●●audi eus d●●ccacio 〈◊〉. ¶ To the chanter in the melodies of David. Hear my crying (O God) give ear unto my prayer, From the ends of the earth will I call unto thee, when my heart is in heaviness: Oh set me up upon the rock that is higher than I For thou haste been my hope, & a strong to were for me against the enemy. I will dwell in thy tabernacle for ever, and my trust shallbe under the covering of thy wings. Sela. For thou (O my God) haste hard my desires, and hast given an heritage unto those that fear thy name. Thou shalt grant the king a long life, that his years may endure thorough out all the generations. He shall dwell before God for ever: O prepare thy loving mercy and faithfulness that they may preserve him. So will I alway sing praises unto thy name, * ●sal. ●vi b that I may daily perform my vows. The. lxij. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter For Iedu●hum: a Psalm of David. MY soul truly waiteth still upon God onne o sub 〈◊〉 ●. for of him cometh my salvation. He verily is my strength, and my salvation: He is my defence: so that I shall nat greatly fall. How long will ye imagine mischief against every man? ye shallbe stain all the sort of you: ye as a tottering wall shall ye be, and like a broken hedge. Their device is only how to put him out whom God will exalt: their delight is in lies, they give good words with their mouth, but curse with their heart. Sela. Nevertheless, my soul wait thou still upon God, for my hope is in him. He truly is my strength, and my salvation: he is my defence: so that I shall nat fall. In God is my health, & my glory, the rock of my might, and in God is my trust. O put your trust in him alway (ye people) * i Reg. ●. c P●a. xlii. a power out your hearts before him, for God is our hope. Sela. As for the children of men, they are but vain, the children of men are bisceatfull: upon the weights they are all togeyther lighter than vanity itself. O trust not in wrong and robbery, give not yourselves unto vanity: it riches increase: set nat your heart upon them. God spoke once and twice: I have also heard the same: that power belongeth unto God. And that thou Lord art merciful: for * Psal. 18. ● Mat. xii●. d thou rewardest every man according to his work. ¶ The. lxiij. Psalm. ¶ A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of juda. O God, thou art my God: early will I Deus de us meus. seek the. My soul thrusteth for thee: my flesh also longeth after the in a barren and dry land: where no water is. Thus have I looked for the in holiness that I might behold thy power and glory For thy loving kindness is better than life itself, my lips shall praise the. As long as I live will I magnify the on this manner, and life up my hands in thy name. My soul shallbe satisfied even as it were with marry and fatness, when my mouth praiseth the with joyful lips. Have I nat remembered the in my bed, & thought upon thee, when I was waking? Because thou haste been my helper, therefore under the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul hangeth upon thee, thy right hand hath upholden me. These also that seek the hurt of my soul, they shall go into the lower parts of the earth. Let them fall upon the edge of the sword, that they may be a portion for foxes. But the king shall rejoice in God * Deu. vi. c. all they also the swear by him shallbe commended, for the mouth of them chat speak lies, shallbe stopped. ¶ The. lxiiij. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm of david. HEAR my voice (O God) in my praer: Ex ●udi deus oracionem. preserve my life from fere of the enemy. Hide me from the gathering together of the froward, & from the insurrection of wicked doers. Which have whee their tongue like a sword, & shoot out their arrows: even bitter words. That they may private shoot at him which is perfect: suddenly do they it him & fear nat. They courage themselves in mischief, and commune among themselves, how they may lay snares: & say, that no man shall see them They imagine wickedness, and practise it that they keep secret among themselves, every man in the deep of his heart. But god shall suddenly shoot at them with a swift a-row, that they shallbe wounded. Ye their own tongues shall make them fall, in so much that who so seeth them, shall laugh them to scorn. And all men that see it, shall say: this hath God done, for they shall perceive that it is his work. The righteous shall rejoice in the Lord, & put his trust in him: and all they that are true of heart, shallbe glad. ¶ The. lxv. Psalm. To the chanter a Psalm and song of david. THou (O God) art praised in Zion, & ●e decet hymnus. unto the shall the vow be performed. ⚜ (in Jerusalem.) Thou that hearest the prayer: unto the shall all flesh come. My misdeeds prevail against me: Oh be thou merciful unto our sins, Blessed is the man whom thou choosest and receivest unto thee: he shall dwell in thy court: and shallbe satisfied with the pleasures of thy house even of thy holy temple. Thou shalt show us wonderful things in righteousness (O God) of our salvation: thou y● art the hope of all the ends of the earth, and of them that remain in the broad see? Which in his strength setteth fast the mountains, and is girded about with power. Which stilleth the raging of the see, & the noise of his waves, and the madness of the people. They also that dwell in the uttermost parts (of the earth) shallbe afraid at thy tokens, thou that makest the ☞ out goings of the morning and evening to praise the. Thou visitest the earth and blessest it: thou makest it very plenteous. The river of God is full of water thou preparest their corn: for so thou providest for the earth. Thou waterest her forowes, thou sendest rain in to the little valleys thereof: thou makest it soft with the drops of rain, and blessest the increase of it. Thou crownest the year with thy goodness: & thy clouds drop fatness. They shall drop upon the dwellings of the wilderness: and the little hills shall rejoice on every side. The folds shallbe full of sheep, the valleys also shall stand so thick with corn, that they shall laugh and sing. The. lxvi. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter: The song of a Psalm. O * jubilate deo. Be joyful in God/ all ye lands, sing praises unto the honour of his name/ make his praise to be glorious. Psalm. c. a say unto God: O how wonderful art thou in thy works? thorough the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies be found liars unto the. For all the world shall worship thee, sing of thee, and praise thy name. Sela. O come hither and behold the works of God, how wonderful he is in his doing toward the children of men. * Exo. xiiii. g He turned the see into dry land, ‡ josu. iii. d so that they went thorough the water on foot: there did we rejoice thereof. He ruleth with his power for ever, his eyes behold the people and such as will nat believe shall nat be able to exalt themselves. Sela. O praise our God (ye people) and make the voice of his praise to he heard. Which holdeth our soul in life, & suffereth nat our feet to slip. For thou (O God) haste proved us: thou also haste tried us like as silver is tried. Thou broughtest us into to the snare, and laid trouble upon our loins. Thou sufferedest men to ride over our heads, * Es●▪ ●●. ● We went thorough fire & water: and y● broughtest us out into a wealthy place. I will go in to thy house with brent offerings, and will * 〈…〉 pay the my vows, which I promised with my lips, and spoke with my mouth, when I was in trouble. I will offer unto thee, fat brent sacrifices with the meense of rams, I will offer bullocks and goats Sela. O come hither and hearken. all ye the fear God: and I will tell you, what he hath done for my soul. I called unto him with my mouth, and gave him praises with my tongue. If I incline unto wickedness with my heart, the Lord will nat hear me. But God hath heard me, and considered the voice of my prayer. Praised be God which hath nat cast out my prayer, nor turned his mercy fro me. ¶ The. lxvii. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter, in melodies, a Psalm and a song. GOd * Deus miseria●ut nost●i. be merciful unto us, and bless us, and show us the light of his countenance. ⚜ (and be merciful unto us.) ●ela That thy way may be known upon Nu●● vi. d earth, thy saving health among all nations. Let the people praise thee, O God, ye let all people praise the. O let the nations rejoice and be glad. For thou shalt judge the folk righteously, and govern the nations upon earth. Sela. Let the people praise y●, O God, let all people praise the. Then shall the earth bring forth her increase, & God even our own god shall give us his blessing. God shall bless us, & all the ends of the world shall fear him. ¶ The▪ lxviiꝭ. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter a Psalm and song of David. LEt * Exurgat deus▪ Nume. x▪ d God arise, and let his enemies be scattered: let them also that hate him, fly from his face. Like as the smoke vanisheth, so shalt thou drive them away: and like as wax melteth at the fire, so let the ungodly perish from the precenre of God. But let the righteous be glad & rejoice in the sight of God: let them also be merry & joyful. Oh sing unto God, & sing praises unto his name: magnify him that rideth upon the heavens, as it were upon a horse: praise ye him ☞ inhies name ye and rejoice before him. * duty. x. d. He is a father of the fatherless, and defendeth the cause of widows: even God in his holy habitation. He is the God that maketh men to be of one mind in a house he bringeth the prisoners out of captivity, but letteth the runagates conty nue in scarcenesss. O God, when * Exod. xiii. d Nume▪ 14. c Esay. iiii. b thou goest for the before the people, when thou wentest thorough the wilderness. Sela. The earth shaken, and the heavens dropped at the presence of God, even as Sinai also was moved at the presence of God, which is the God of Israel. Thou O God sendedst a gracious rain upon thine inheritance, and refresshedyst it, when it was weary. Thy congregation shall dwell therein: For thou (O God) haste of thy goodness prepared for the poor. The lord gave the word: ☞ great, was the company of the preachers. * josu. ●. d Kings with their armies did fly, and were discomfited: & they of the household divided the spoil. ☞ Though ye have lain among the pots, yet shall ye be as the wings of a dove that is covered with silver wings, and her feathers like gold. When the almighty scattered kings for their sake, than were they as white as snow in zalmon. As the hill of Basan so is god's hill: even a high hill, as the hill of Basan▪ Why hop ye so ☞ ye high hills? This is god's hill in the which it pleaseth him to dwell: ye the Lord will abide in it for ever. The charettes of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels, and the Lord is among them as in the holy place of Sinai. * Ephe. 4. b. Thou art gone by an high, thou hast led captivity captive, and received gifts for men: Ye even for thine enemies, that the Lord God might dwell among them. Praised be the Lord daily, even the God which helpeth us, & poureth his benefits upon us. Sela. He is our God, even the God of whom cometh salva cyon: God is the Lord by whom we escape death. God shall wound the head of his enemies and the hairy scalp of such one as goth on still in his wickedness. The Lord hath said: I will bring my people again as I did from Basan: mine own will I bring again as I did sometime from the deep of the see. That thy foot may be dipped in the blood of thine enemies, and that the tongue of thy dogs may be red thorough the same. It is well seen, O God, how y● goest, how thou my God and king goest in the Sanctuary. The singers go before, the mynstrels follow after: in the mids are the damosels playing with the timbrels. give thanks O Israel, unto God the Lord in the congregations from the ground of the heart. There is little Ben jamin their ruler: and the Princes of juda, their council: the Prices of zabulon and the Princes of Nephthali. Thy God hath sent for the strength for thee, stablish the thing, O God, that thou hast wrought in us. From thy temple in jerusalem, cometh forth thy strength, and kings shall bring presents unto the ☞ when the company of the spear men and multitude of the mighty are scattered abroad among the beasts of the people (so that they humbly bring pieces of silver) and when he hath scattered the people that delight in war. Then shall the Princes come out of Egypte, the Moryans' land shall soon stretch out her hands unto God. Sing unto god, O ye kingdoms of the earth: O sing praises unto the Lord. Sela. Which sitteth in the heavens over all from the beginning: Lo, he doth send out his voice, ye and that a mighty voice. ascribe ye the power unto god, over Israel: his worship & strength is in the clouds. O God, wonderful art thou in thy holy places: even the God of Israel, he give the strength and power unto his people. Blessed be God. ¶ The. lxix. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter upon ☞ Sosanim of David. Sal●um me fat deus. Save me, O God, for the waters are come in even unto my soul. I stick fast in the deep mire, where no ground is: I am come into deep waters, so that the floods run over me. I am weary of crying, my throat is dry, my sight faileth me, for waiting so long upon my God. They that * Psal. 35. ●. joh. xv. ●. hate me without a cause, are more than the hairs of my head, they that are mine enemies and would destroy me guiltless are mighty: ☞ I paid them the things that I never took. God, thou knowest my simpleness, and my faults are nat hid from thee, Let nat them that trust in thee, O Lord God of hosts, be ashamed for my cause: let nat those that seek thee/ beconfounded thorough me, O God of Israel. And why? for thy sake have I suffered reproof shame hath covered my face. I am become a stranger unto my brethren: even an alient unto my mother's children. For ‡ joh. two. b. the zeal of thine house hath even eaten me, and * Ro●a 15. a the rebukes of them that rebuked the are fallen upon me. I wept and chastened my soul with fasting, and that was turned to my reproof. I put on a sack cloth also, and they jested upon me. They that sit in the gate, speak against me, and the drunkards * job. thirty. b. ●ren. three s. make songs upon me. But Lord I make my prayer unto the in an acceptable tyme. Hear me (O God) in the multitude of thy mercy, even in the truth of thy salvation. Take me out of the mire, that I sink nat. Oh let me be delivered from them that hate me, and out of the deep waters. Let nat the water flood drown me: nether the deep swallow me up, and let nat the pit shoot her mouth upon me. Hear me, O Lord, for thy loving kindness is comfortable: turn the unto me according unto the multitude of thy mercies. And hide nat thy face from thy sernaunt, for I am in trouble: O haste thee, and here me. Draw nigh unto my soul, and deliver it: Oh save me because of mine enemies▪ Thou haste known my reproof, my shame and my dishonour▪ mine adversaries are all in thy fight The rebuke hath broken my heart, I am full of heaviness: I looked for some to have pity upon me, but there was no man: nether found I any to comfort me. * Mat. 27. b job. nineteen. f. They gave me gall to eat, & when I was thirsty, they gave me vinegar to drink. ‡ Roma. xi. b Let their table be made a snare to take themselves with all, and let the things (that should have been for their wealth) be unto them an occasion of falling. Let their eyes be blinded, that they se nat: and ever bow y● down their backs power out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful displeasure take hold of them. * Mat. 23. d. ●cies. i c. Let their habitation be void, and no man to dwell in their tents. For they persecute him whom thou hast smitten, & they talk how they may vex them whom thou hast wounded. Let them fall from one wickedness to another, and nat come into thy righteousness, * Exo. 32. ●. Let them be wiped out of the book of the living, & nat be written among the righteous. As for me, when I am poor and in heaviness, thy help (O God) shall lift me up. I will praise the name of God with a song, and magnify him with thanks giving. This also shall please god better than a bullock, that hath horns and hooves. The humble shall consider this, and be glad: seek ye after god, and your foul shall live. For the Lord heareth the poor/ and despiseth nat ☞ his prisoners, Let heaven and earth praise him, the see, and all that moveth therein. For god will save Zion, and build the cities of juda, that men may dwell there, and have it in possession. The posteriorite also of his servants shall enherete it: and they that love his name shall dwell therein. ¶ The. lxx. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter, of David to bring to remembrance (because the Lord saved me). Deus in ad●u●orium. HAste thee, O God, to deliver me: make haste to help me, O Lord. * Psal. xi. d. Let them be shamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that wish me evil. Let them (for their reward) be soon brought to shame, that cry over me: there, there. But let all those that seek thee, be joyful and glad in thee: and let all such as delight in thy salvation, say alway: the Lord be praised. As for me: I am poor and in misery, haste the unto me (O God.) Thou art my help, and my redeemer: O LORD, make no long tarrying. ¶ The. lxxi. Psalm. IN the * Inte dn̄●speraui. O Lord, have I put my trust let me never be put to confusion, but rid Psal. 25. a. and. 31. a. me/ and deliver me in thy righteousness: incline thine ear unto me, and save me. Be thou my strong hold (whereunto I may all way resort) thou haste promised to help me: for thou art my house of defence and my castle. deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the ungodly & out of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man For thou, O Lord God, art the thing that I long for, thou art my hope even fro my youth. Thorough the have I been holden up ever sense I was borne * Psal. 22. b. jere. i ●. thou art he that took me out of my mother's womb my praise shallbe all way of the. I am become as it were a monster unto many, but my sure trust is in the. Oh let my derous works declare. When I receive the congregation, I shall judge according unto right. The earth is weak and all the ●habiters thereof, I bear up the pillars of it. Sela. I said unto the fools: deal nat so madly, and to the ungodly: set nat up your horn. Set not up your horn on high, and speak nat with a styfenecke. For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor yet from the south. And why? * ●●●●. 35. d. God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another. For in the hand of the Lord there is * Esa. 〈◊〉. ●. 〈◊〉. xxv. d. ☞ acuppe, and the wine is red, It is full mixed, and he poureth out of the same. As for the dregs thereof all the ungodly of the earth shall drink them, and suck them out. But I will talk of the God of jacob, and praise him forever. All the horns of the ungodly also will I break, and the horns of the righteous shallbe exalted. ¶ The. lxxuj. Psalm. ¶ ●o the 〈◊〉 in inclo●●es, a Psalm, and song of Asaph. IN jewrye is God known, his name is great in Israel. At ☞ Schalem is his tabernacle, and * ●otus in ●●●●a. his dwelling in Zion. There ‡ Psa. ix v. Psal. 4●. b broke he the arrows of the bow, the shield, the sword, and the battle Sela. Thou art of more honour and might then the hills of robbers. The proud are rob: they have slept their sleep and all the men▪ whose hands were mighty) have found nothing. At thy rebuke (O God of jacob) both the chariot and horse is fallen. Thou, even thou art to be feared and who may stand in thy sight, when y● art angry? Thou didst cause thy judgement to be herd from heaven, the earth trembled and was still. * E●●. nineteen. d. When God arose to judgement, and to help all the make upon earth. Sela. ☞ The fearsenesse of man shall turn to thy praise: and the fearsenesse of other shalt the refrain. Promise unto the Lord your God, and * Deu. 24. d Eccle. v. ●. keep it, all ye that be round about him: bring presents unto him that ought to be feared. He shall refrain the spirit of Princes, and is wonderful among the kings of the earth. ¶ The. lxxvij. Psalm. ¶ To the chaunter, for I●duthun, A Psalm of Dau●d. I * ●●●● mea ad ●n̄m. P●a. 34●. a will cry unto God with my voice, even unto God will I cry with my voice, & he shall hearken unto me. In the time of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran and ceased nat in the night season: my soul refused comfort. When I am in heaviness, I will think upon God: when my heart is vexed, I will complain. Sela. Thou holdest mine eyes waking, I am so feeble, that I can not speak. I have considered the days of old, and the years that are paste. I call to remembrance my song: and in the night I common with mine own heart, and search out my spretes. Will the Lord absent himself for ever? And will he be no more entreated? Is his mercy clean gone for ever? And is his promise come utterly to an end for evermore? Hath God forgotten to be gracious? And will he shut up his loving kindness in displeasure? Sela. And I said: It is mine own infirmity: But I will remember the years of the right hand of the most highest. I will remember the works of the Lord, and * Psal. 43. ● call to mind thy wonders of old tyme. I will think also of all thy works, and my talking shallbe of thy doings. ☞ Thy way O God, is holy: who is so great a God as ● (our) God? Thou art the god that doth ● wonders & hast declared thy power among people. Thou haste mightily delivered thy people, even the sons of jacob & joseph. Sela. The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee, & were afraid: the deapthes also were troubled. The clouds poured out water: the air thundered, & thine arrows went abroad. The voice of thy thunder was heard round about, thy lyghteninge st one upon the ground, the earth was moved and shaken with all. Thy way is in the see, and thy paths in the great waters, and thy footsteps are nat known. Thou leddest thy people like sheep, by the hand of Moses and Aaron. ¶ The. lxxviii. Psalm ¶ An inst●uceyon of Asaph. Hear my law, O my people, incline your ears unto the words of my mouth. * Atteudite pupule. I will open my mouth in a parable, Mat. xiii. ● I will declare hard se●●ēses of old. Which we have hard and known, and * De●●. iii●. ● v●. b. ●. ti ● Ephe. 〈◊〉. ● such as our fathers have told us. That we should nat hide them from the children of the generations to come: but to show the honour of the Lord, his might and wonderful works that he hath done. He made a covenant with jacob, and gave Israel a law * Exo. xii. d. josu. iiii. ● which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children. That their posterity might know it, and the children which were yet unborn. To th'intent that when they came up, they might show their children the same. That they might put their trust in God, and nat to forget the works of God, but to keep his commandments. And not to be * E●eth. ●x. c 〈◊〉. 3●● a. as their forefathers ‡ Exo. xiiii. d as a faithless and stubborn generation, a generation that set nat their heart a right, and whose spirit cleaved nat steadfastly unto God. Like as ☞ the children of Ephraim, which being harnessed and carrying bows, turned themselves back in the day of battle. They kept nat the covenant of God, and would nat walk in his law. But forgot what he had done, and the wonderful works that he had showed for them. marvelous things did he in the sight of our fathers in the land of Egipte, even in the field of zoan. * Exo. xiiii. ●. He divided the see, and brought them thorough: he made the waters to stand on a heap. ‡ Num. xx. b In the day time also he led them with a cloud, and all the night thorough with a light of tire. He cloave the * Exo. 17. v ● hard rocks in the wilderness, and gave them drink thereof, as it had been out of the great depth. He brought waters out of the * ●, ●or. x. ●. stony rock, so that it gushed out like the rivers. Yet for all this they sinned more against him, and provoked the most highest in the wilderness. They tempted God in their hearts, and required meat for their lust. They spoke against God also, saying: Shall God prepare a * Exo. xvi. b. Num●. xi. table in the wilder nesse● He sinote the stony rock in deed, that the water gushed out, and the streams flowed with all: but can he give bred also, or provide flesh for his people? When the Lord heard this, he was wroth: so the fire was kindled in jacob, & there came up heavy displeasure against Israel. Because they believed nat in God, and put nat their trust in his help. So he commanded the clouds above, and opened the doors of heaven. He rained down Mamna also upon them, for to eat, and gave them * Exo. xvi. b. ●en. viii. ● Sap. ●vi. d john. vi. a. food from heaven. So man did eat ☞ angels food, for he sent them meat enough. He caused the East wind to blow under the heaven, and thorough his power he brought in the south west wind. * Ex●●d. xvi. d Num●. xi. g He rained flesh upon them as thick as dust, and feathered fowls like as the sand of the see. He let it fall among their tents evenrounde about their habitation. So they did eat/ and were well filled/ for he gave them their own desire. They were nat disappointed of their lust. * Nun. xi. g But while the meat was yet in their mouths: the heavy wrath of God came upon them, and flew the wealthiest of them, ye and smote down, the chosen men that were in Israel. * Nu. xiiii. a. But for all this they sinned yet more/ and believed nat his wondrous works. Therefore, their days did he consume in vanity/ and their years ● trouble. * Nun. xi. g i. Lori. x. a. When he slew them/ they sought him/ and turned them early and inquired after God. And they remembered that God was their strength; and that the high God wrs their redeemer. Nevertheless, they did but flatter him with their mouth, and dissembled with him in their tongue. For their heart was nat whole with him, nether continued they steadfast in his covenant. But he was so merciful, that he forgave their misdeeds/ and destroyed them nat. Ye many a time turned he his wrath away/ and would nat suffer his whole displeasure to arise. * Psal. ●iii. ●. For he considered that they were but flesh: and that they were/ even a mind that passeth away/ and cometh nat again. Many a time did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieved him i the desert. They turned back, & tempted God, and moved the holy one in Israel. They thought nat of his hand, and of the day when he delivered them from the hand of the enemy. How he had wrought his miracles in Egipte, & his wonders in the field of zoan. * Exo. seven. d. He turned their waters into blood, so that they might nat drink of the rivers. * Exo. viii. d He sent lice among them, and devoured them up ‡ and frogs to destroy them. He gave their fruits unto the * Exo. viii. b. eatyr pillar, and their labour unto the grasshopper. ‡ Exod. x. ●. Exod. ix. ● He destroyed their wines with hail stones, and their mulberry trees with the frost. * Exod. ix. ●. He smote their eatel also with hail stones, & their flocks with hot thunder bolts. He cast upon them the furyousnesse of his wrath, anger, displeasure and trouble, and sent evil angels among them. * Exod. ●● He made away to his indignation, and spared nat their soul from death, but gave their life over to the pestilence. * Exod. 〈◊〉▪ Psal. 〈◊〉▪ and. 135. b. And smote all the first borne in Egypt, the most principal and mightiest ☞ in the dwellings of Ham. But as for his own people he lead them forth like sheep, & carried them in the wilderness like a flock. He brought them out safely, that they should nat fear, & over whelined their enemies with the see. And brought them within the borders of his Sanctuary: ☞ even to this mountain, more: let them be put to shame and perish. And they shall know, that thou whose name is jehova) art only the most highest over all the earth. ¶ The. lxxxiiij. Psalm ¶ To the chauntet upon Githith, a Psalm of the sons of Lorah. O How amiable are thy dwellings, Quam di le●ta ta beenacula thou Lord of Hosts? My soul hath a desire and longing to enter into the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh rejoice in the living God. Ye the sparrow hath sound her an house, and the swallow a nest where she may lay her young: even thy altars O Lord of Hosts, my king & my God. Blessed are they that dwell in thy house, they will be all way praising the. Sela. Blessed is that man whose strength is in thee, and in whose heart are thy ways. Which going thorough the vale of my sery use it for a well, and the poles are filled with water. They will go from strength and unto the God of Gods appeareth every one of them in Zion. O Lord God of Hosts, hear my prayer: hearken O God of jacob. Sela. Behold, O God our defender, and look upon the face of thine anointed. For one day in thy courts is better than a thosande. I had rather be a door kepet in the house of my God, then to dwell in the tents of ungodliness. For the Lord God is a light & defence, the Lord will give grace & worship, and no good thing shall he withhold from them that live a godly life. O Lord God of Hosts, blessed is the man that putteth his trust in the. ¶ The. lxxxv. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter a Psalm of the sons of Lorah. LORD thou art become gracious unto thy land, thou haste turned away the captivity of jacob. Thou haste forgiven the offence of thy people, and * Benedixisti one. covered Psal. 32. ●. all their sins. Sela. Thou haste taken away all thy displeasure, and turned thyself from thy wrathful indingnation. Turn us then, O God our saviour, and let thine anger cease from us. Wilt thou be displeased at us for ever? and wilt thou stretch out thy wrath from one generation to another. wilt thou not turn again & quicken, us that thy people may rejoice in thee? Show us thy mercy O Lord and grant us thy salvation. I will hearken what the Lord God will say: ⚜ concerning me for he shall speak peace unto his people and to his saints, that they turn nat again to foolishness, For his salvation is nigh them that fear him, that glory may dwell in our land Mercy and truth are met together righteousness and peace have kissed each other. Truth shall flourish out of the earth & righteousness hath looked down fro heaven. Ye, the Lord shall show loving kindness, and our land shall give her increase. righteousness shall go before him, and ☞ he shall direct his going in the way. ¶ The. lxxxuj. Psalm. ¶ A prayer of david. Bow down thine ear, O Lord, and near me, for I am poor, and in misery. Preserve thou my soul, for I am holy my God save thy servant, that putteth his trust in the. Be merciful unto me (O lord) for I will call daily upon the. Comfort the soul of thy servant, for unto thee (O Lord) do I life up my soul. * Inclina dne autem. For thou Ero. 34. ●. jer. xxxii. b Io●i. two. c. Psal. 143. b and. 145. b. Lord art good and gracious, and of great mercy unto all them that call upon the. give ear Lord unto my prayer, and ponder the voice of my humble desires. In the time of my trouble I will call upon thee, for thou hearest me. * Psal. 89. b. Among the Gods there is none like unto thee (O Lord) there is nat one that can do as thou dost. All nations whom thou hast made, shall come and worship thee (O Lord) & shall glorify thy name. For thou art great, and dost wone derous things, thou art God alone. Teach me thy way, O Lord and I will walk in thy truth: O knit my heart unto thee, that it may fear thy name. I will thank thee, O Lord my God with all my heart, and will praise thy name for ever. For great is thy mercy toward me and * Psa. xxix. ● thou hast delivered my soul from the nethermost hell. O God, the proud are risen against me, and the congregations of noughty men have sought after my soul, and have nat set the before their eyes. * Exo. 34. a. jere. xxxi. d 2. Par. 30. b But thou, O Lord God, art full of compassion, and mercy, long suffering, plenteous in goodness and truth. O turn the then unto me and have mercy upon me: give thy strength unto thy servant and save the son of thine handmaid. Show some token upon me for good, that they which hate me, may see it, and be ashamed, because thou Lord hast helped me and comforted me. ¶ The. lxxxvii. Psalm. ¶ A Psalm and song of the sons of Lorah. HER foundations are upon the holy Fundamenta eius. hills: the Lord loveth the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of jacob. Very excellent things are spoken of thee, thou city of God. Selah. I will think upon Rahab and Babylon, with them that know me. Behold, ye the Phylistynes also, and they of tire with the Moryans. Lo, there was he borne. And of Zion it shallbe reported, that he was borne in her, and the most highest shall stablish her. The Lord shall rehearse it, when he writeth up the people, that he was borne there. Selah. ☞ The syngers also and trumpeters shall he rehearse. All my fresh springs shallbe in the. ¶ The lxxxviij. Psalm. ¶ A song and Psalm of the sons of Lorah, to the chanter ☞ upon Mahelath, to give thanks: an instruction of Heman the Ezrahyte. O Lord God of my salvation, I have Osie deus salutis. cried day and night before thee: Oh let my prayer entre into thy presence, incline thine ear unto my calling. For my soul is full of trouble, and my life draweth nigh unto hell. I am counted as one of them that go down unto the pyrte, and I have been even as a man that hath no strength. Fre among the dead, like unto them that be wounded sleeping in the grave, whithe be out of remembrance, and are cut away from thy hand. Thou haste laid me in the lowest pit, in dark and deep places. Thine in dygnacyon lieth hard upon me and thou haste vexed me with all thy storms. Selah. Thou haste put away mine acquaintance far fro me, and made me to be abhorred of them: I am so fast in prison, that I can nat get forth. My sight faileth for very trouble: Lord I have called daily upon thee, I have stretched out mine hands unto the. * Psal. 6. a. Esa. 38. d. Wilt thou show wonders among the dead? Or shall the deed rise up again, & praise the● Sela. Shall thy loving kindness be showed in the grave, or thy faithfulness in destruction? Shall thy wondrous works be known in the dark, and thy righteousness in the land of forgetfulness. ☞ Unto the have I cried O Lord, and early shall my prayer come before the. Lord, why abhorrest thou my soul? and hidest thou thy face fro me? I am in misery, and like unto him that is at the point to die (even fro my youth up) thy terrors have I suffered with a troubled mind. Thy wrathful displeasure goeth over me, and the fear of the hath undone me. They came round about me daily like water, and compassed me to geyther on every side. My lovers and friends haste thou put away fro me, and hid mine acquaintance out of my sight. ¶ The. lxxxix. Psalm. ¶ An instruction of Ethan the Ezrahyte. MY * Meseri cordias domine. Psal. 101. a song shallbe all way of the loving kindness of the Lord, with my mouth will I ever be showing thy truth from one generation to another. For I have said: mercy shallbe set up for ever, thy truth shalt thou stablish in the heavens. * 2. Reg. 5. a. I have made a covenant with my chosen, I have sworn unto David my servant. ‡ 2. Reg. 7. b. Psal. 132. b. Thy seed will I stablish forever, and set up thy throne from one generation to another. Sela. O Lord * Psal. 19 a. the very heavens shall praise thy wondrous works, and thy truth in the congregation of the saints. For who is he among the clouds, that shall be compared unto the Lord? And * Psal. 86. b. what is he among the children of gods, that shallbe like unto the Lord? God is very greatly to be feared in the council of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him. O Lord God of Hosts, who is like unto thee? thy truth (most mighty Lord) is on every side. * Ero. 14. b. Math. 8. d. Thou rulest the raging of the see, thou styllest the waves thereof, when they arise. Thou hast subdued Egypte and destroyed it, thou haste scattered thine enemies abroad with thy mighty arm, The heavens are thine, the earth also is thine: thou haste laid the foundation of the round world, and all that therein is. Thou haste made the north and the south, Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in thy name. Thou hast a mighty arm, strong is thine hand, and high is thy right hand. righteousness and equity is the habitation of thy seat, mercy and truth shall go before thy face. Blessed is the people (O Lord) that can rejoice in thee: they shall walk in the light of thy countenance. Their delight shallbe daily in thy name, & in thy righteousness shall they make their boast. For thou art the glory of their strength, & in thy loving kindness thou shalt lift up our horns. For the * Esaic. 1. a. Lord is our defence, The holy one of Israel is our King. Thou spakest sometime in visions unto thy saints, & saidst: I have laid help upon one that is mighty, I have exalted one chosen out of the people. * Acts. 13. d. 1. Reg. 10. b 2. Reg. 5. a. I have found David my servant: with my holy oil have I anointed him. My hand shall hold him fast, and mine arm shall strengthen him. The enemy shall nat be able to do him violence, the son of wickedness shall nat hurt him. I shall smite down his foes before his face, and plague them that hate him My truth also & my mercy shallbe with him, and in my name shall his horn be exalted. * ● Re. 8. ●. I will set his dominion also in the see, and his right hand in the floods. He shall call me: thou art my father, my God, and my sure salvation. And I will make him my first borne, higher than the Kings of the earth. My mercy will I keep for him for evermore, and my covenant shall stand fast with him. His seed also will I make to endure for ever, and his throne as the days of heaven. But if his children forsake my law, and walk nat in my judgements. * 3. Reg. 9 b. If they break my statutes and keep nat my commandments. ‡ Exo. 10. a. I will visit their offences with the rod and their sin with scourges. Nevertheless, my loving kindness will I nat utterly take from him, nor suffer my truth to fail. My covenant will I nat break/ nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. I have sworn once by my holiness/ that * ●●t●●. 7. ●. I will nat fail David. His seed shall endure for ever/ and his seat is like ‡ Pr. lxxii. ●. as the son before me. He shall stand fast for evermore as the moon, and ☞ as the faithful witness in heaven. Selah: But thou haste abhorred and for saken thine anointed/ and art disposed at him. Thou haste broken the covenant of thy servant and cast his crown to the ground. Thou haste overthrown all his hedges, Psal. ●8. b. and broken down his strong holds. All they that go by the way/ spoil him and he is become a rebuke unto his neighbours. Thou hast set up the right hand of his enemies, and made all his adversaries to rejoice. Thou hast taken away the edge of his sword, and givest him nat victory in the battle: Thou hast put out his glory, & cast his Throne down to the ground. The days of his youth hast thou shortened, and covered him with dishonour. Selah. Lord, how long wilt thou hide thy sel●e? For ever? and shall thy wrath burn like fire? O remember, how short my time is, wherefore hast thou made all m● for nought? * Gene. 2. c. What man is he that liveth, and shall nat see death? And shall he deliver his own soul from the hand of hell? Selah. Lord, where are thy old loving kindnesses, which thou sworest unto david in thy truth? Remember (Lord) the rebuke that thy servants have & how I do bear i my bosom thy rebukes of many people. Wherewith thine enemies have blasphemed thee, & slander the footsteps of thine anointed. Praised be the Lord for evermore: Amen: Amen. ¶ The. xc. Psalm. ¶ A prayer of Moseo the man of God. LORD, thou haste been our refuge Domine refugium from one generation to another. Before the mountains were brought forth/ or ever the earth and the world were made thou art God from everlasting and world without end. Thou causest man to return unto contrition. Again, thou sayest: come again ye children of men. * 2. Cor. 7. ●. 2. Pet. 3. b. For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yestardaye/ seeing that is passed as a watch in the night. As soon as thou scatrest them, they are even as a sleep, and fade away suddenly like the grass. In the morning it is green and groweth up, but in the evening it is cut down ⚜ (dried up) and withered. For we consume away in thy displeasure, and are afraid at thy wrathful indignation. Thou haste set our misdeeds before thee, and our secret sins in the light of thy countenance. For when thou art angry, all our days are gone: we bring our years to an end. as it were a tale that is told. The days of our age are three score years and ten: and though men be so strong that they come to four score years, yet is their strength then but labour and sorrow: so soon passeth it away, and we are gone.▪ But who regardeth the power of thy wrath, for even thereafter as a man feareth, so is thy displeasure. * Psal. 39 ●. O teach us, to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. Turn the again (O Lord) at the last, and be gracious unto thy servants. O satisfy us with thy mercy, and that soon: so shall we rejoice and be glad all the days of our life, Comfort us again, now after the time that thou haste plagued us, and for the years wherein we have suffered adversity. Show thy servants thy work, and their children thy glory. and the glorious majesty of the Lord our God be upon us: prosper thou the work of our hands upon us, O prosper thou our handy work. The. xcj Psalm. WHo so dwelleth under the defence of the most highest, shall abide under ●ui habi ●at. the shadow of the almighty. I will say unto the Lord: Thou art my hope/ and my strong hold/ my God/ in him will I trust. For he shall deliver the from the snare of the hunter, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall defend the under his wing/ and thou shalt be safe under his feathers: his faithfulness and truth shall be thy shield and buckler. Thou shalt nat be afraid for any tertour by night/ nor for the arrow that flieth by day. For the pestilence that walketh in the darkness, nor for the sickness that destroyeth in the noon day. A thousand shall fall beside thee, and ten thousand at thy right hand/ but it shall nat come nigh the. Ye/ with thine eyes shalt thou behold/ and se the reward of the ungodly. For thou Lord art my hope/ thou hast set thine house of defence very high. There shall no evil happen unto thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling * Mat. 4. ●. Luke. 4. b For he shall give his angels charge over thee/ to keep them all thy ways. They shall bear the in their hands/ that thou hurt nat thy foot against a stone Thou shalt go upon the Lion and Adder/ the young Lion and the Dragon shalt thou tread under thy feet. Because he hath set his love upon me therefore shall I deliver him: I shall set high up, because he hath known my name. * Psal. 4. ●. He shall call upon me/ & I will hear him: ye I am with him in trouble/ I will deliver him, and bring him to honour. With long life will I satisfy him/ & show him my salvation. ¶ The. xcij Psalm. ¶ I Psalm and ●onge for the Sabbath day. Bonu● est confiteri. IT * Hebr. xiii. a is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lor●e/ and to sing praises unto thy name/ O most highest. To tell of thy loving kindness early in the morning/ and of thy truth in the night season. Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the lute: upon a loud instrument/ and upon the harp. For thou Lord haste made me glad though row thy works/ and I will rejoice in gening praise for the operations of thy hands. O Lord how glorious are thy works: thy thoughts are very deep. An v●wyse man doth nat well consider this and a fool doth nat understand it. When the ungodly are green as the grass/ & when all the workers of wickedness do flourish, them shall they be destroyed for ●uer. But the Lord art the most highest for ever more. For lo/ thine enemies, O Lord lo thine enemies shall perish, and all the workers of wickedness shallbe destroyed. But my horn shallbe exalted like the horn of an Unicorn/ for I am anointed with fresh oil. Mine eye also shall see his lust of mine enemies/ and mine care shall hear his desire of the wicked that rise up against me. The righteous shall flourish like a Palm tree/ and shall spread abroad like a cedar in Libanus. Such as be planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts ⚜ (of the house) of our god. They shall also bring for the more fruit in their age, & shallbe fat & well liking. That they may show, how true the Lord my strength is, and that there is no unrighteousness in him. ¶ The. xciij. Psalm. THE Lord is king/ and hath put on glorious apparel: the Lord hath put on his apparel, and girded himself with strength: * Duns tegnavit. he hath made the round world Psal. 24. ●. so sure/ that it can nat be moved. Ever sins the world began hath thy seat been prepared/ thou art from everlasting. * Psa. x●vi. a The floods are risen (O Lord) the floods have lift up their noise/ the floods lift up the waves. The waves of the see are mighty/ and rage horribly: but yet the Lord that dwelleth on high/ is mightier. Thy testymonyes, O Lord/ are very sure/ holiness becometh thine house for ever. ¶ The. xciiii. Psalm. Deus v●tionem. O LORD God * Deut. 32. ●. Rom. xii. d Hebru. ●. f. to whom vengeance belongeth: thou God to whom vengeance belongeth, show thyself. Arise thou judge of the world: and reward the proud after their deserving. Lord how long shall the ungodly, how long shall the ungodly triumph? How long shall all wicked doers speak so disdaifully, & make such proud boasting. They smite down thy people, O Lord, and trouble thine heritage. They murder the widow and the stranger, and put the fatherless to death And yet they say: Tush * Psal. 23. b. the Lord shall not see, nether shall the god of jacob regard it Take heed, ye unwise among the people O ye fools, when will ye understand? He that planted the care, shall he not hear? Or he that made the eye, shall nat he see? For he that nurtureth the heathen, it is he that teacheth man knowledge, shall nat he punish? ‡ 1. Corin. 3. d The Lord knoweth the thoughts of men, that they are vain. Blessed is the man, whom y● chastenest (O Lord) and teachest him in thy law. That thou mayst give him patience in time of adversity, until the pit be digged up for the ungodly. For the Lord will nat fail his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance. until righteousness turn again unto judgement all such as be true of heart shall follow it. Who will rise up with me against the wicked? Or who will take my part against the evil doers? If thou Lord had nat helped me it had nat failed, but my soul had been put to silence. * Psal. 32. b job. xiii. ●. Luke xv. d. But when I said my foot hath slipped, thy mercy (O Lord) held me up. ‡ ●. Iohn. ●. b 2. ●or●. ●. n. In the multitude of the sorrows that I had in my heart/ thy comforts have refreshed my soul. wilt thou have any thing to do with the stole of wickedness, which imagineth mischief as a law? They gather them together against the soul of the righteous, and condemn the innocent blood. But the Lord is my refuge, & my god is the strength of my confidence. He shall recompense them their wickedness and destroy them in their own malice/ ye the Lord our God shall destroy them. ¶ The. xcv. Psalm. O COME let us sing unto the Lord * Uenite ex ultemus. Ephe. v. d. let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation: Let us come before his presence with thanckesgeving, & show ourself glad in him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great king above all gods. In his hand are all the corners of the earth, and the heights of the hills is his also. The see is his, & he made it, and his hands formed the dire land. O come let us worship & fall down, and kneel before the Lord our maker. For he is ⚜ (the Lord) our God: and we are the people of his pasture, and ☞ the sheep of his hands. * Hebr. iii. b. and. iiii. d. To day if ye will here his voice harden not your hearts, as in the provocation and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness. When your fathers tempted me, proved me, & saw my works. Forty years long was I grieved with that generation, & said: it is a people that do err in their hearts: for they have nat known my ways. * Num. 14. f. Hebru. 4. a Unto whom I swore in my wrath that they should nat enter into my rest. ¶ The. xcuj. Psalm. O Sing unto the Lord a new song sing unto the Lord all the whole earth. sing unto the Lord/ and praise his name, be telling of his salvation from day to day. Declare his honour unto the Heathen, and his wonders unto all people. * Cantate domino. 1. Par. 16. c For the Lord is great, and can not worthily be praised: he is more * Psal. 67. ● Eccle. 63. ● Psal. 67. ● to be feared then all gods. As for all the Gods of the Heathen, they be but Idols/ but it is the Lord that made the Heavens. Glory and worship are before him/ power and honour are in his sanctuary. ascribe unto the Lord (O ye kindreds of the people) ascribe unto the Lord worship and power. * Psal. 29. ● give unto the LORD the honour due unto his name, bring presents, and come into his courts. O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness/ let the whole earth stand in awe of him. Tell it out among the Heathen/ that the Lord is king: and that it is he which hath made the round world so fast, that it can nat be moved, and how that he shall judge the people righteously. Let the heavens rejoice/ and let the earth be glad: let the see make a noise, and all that therein is. Let the field be joyful and all that is in it, then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice. Before the Lord, for he cometh: for he cometh to judge the earth: and with righteousness to judge the world, and the people with his truth. ¶ The. xcvij Psalm. THE Lord is king/ the earth may be glad thereof: yea, the multitude of the Isles may be glad thereof. Clouds and darkness are round about him/ righteousness and judgement are the habitations of his seat. There shall go a fire before him, and burn up his enemies on every side. His lightnings gave shine unto the world, the earth saw it and was Iu●. v. ●. afraid. ‡ Domin● regnau●. The hills melted like wax at the presence of the LORD/ at the presence of the LORD of the whole earth * Psal. nineteen. ● The Heavens have declared his righteousness/ and all the people have seen his glory. * Psal. xv. ●. Confounded be all they that worship carved images, and that delight in vain Gods: worship him ☞ all ye Gods. Zion heard of it and rejoiced: and the daughters of juda were glad because of thy judgements/ O Lord. For thou Lord art higher than all that are in the earth/ thou art exalted far above all Gods. O ye that love the Lord/ se that ye hate the thing which is evil: the Lord preserveth the souls of his saints, he shall deliver them from the hand of the ungodly. There is sprung up a light for the righteous, and a joyful glad gladness for such as be true hearted. ‡ Psal. 33. a. Rejoice in the Lord/ ye righteous: and give thanks for a remembrance of his holiness. ¶ The. xcviij. Psalm. ¶ A Psalm for david. O SING unto the Lord a new song Cantate domino. Psal. 96. ● / for he hath done marvelous things. With his own right hand and with his holy arm hath he gotten himself the victory. The Lord declared his salvation/ his righteousness hath he openly showed in the sight of the Heathen. He hath remembered his mercy and truth toward the house of Israel: ‡ Esay. lii. c. and all the ends of the world have seen the salvation of our God. Show yourselves joyful unto the Lord all ye lands/ sing/ rejoice and give thanks. ‡ Ephe. 5. d. Praise the Lord upon the harp/ sing to the harp with a psalm of thanksgiving. With trumpets also and shawms: O show yourselves joyful before the Lord the king. Let the see make a noise and all that there in is/ the round world/ and they that dwell therein. Let the floods clap their hands/ and let the hills be joyful together. Before the Lord/ for he is come to judge the earth. With righteousness shall he judge the world/ and the people with equity. ¶ The. xcix. Psalm ⚜ (of David.) THE Lord is king/ be the people never so unpatient: he sitteth between the Cherubins/ be the earth never so unquiet. The Lord is great in Zion, and high above all people. They shall give thanks unto thy name, which is great, wonderful & holy. The kings power loveth judgement, thou hast prepared equity, thou hast executed judgement & righteousness in jacob. O magnify the Lord our God, and fall down before his foot stole, for he is holy. Moses and Aaron among his preastes, and Samuel among such as call upon his name: these called upon the Lord, and he heard them. He spoke unto them * Dominus reguavit. out Num. xii. b 1. Reg. 3. ● of the cloudy pillar, for they kept his testimonies, and the law that he gave them. Thou heardest them (O Lord our God) thou forgavest them O God/ and punyshedst their own inventions. O magnify the Lord our God/ and worship him upon his holy hill/ for the Lord our God is holy. ¶ The. C. Psalm. ¶ A Psalm for thanksgiving. O * jubilate deo. Be joyful in the Lord (all ye lands) serve the Lord with gladness/ Psal. 66. ●. and come before his presence with a song. Be ye sure/ that the Lord he is God: It is he that hath made us, and not we our selves: we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. O go your way into his gates with thanks giving, & into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and speak good of his name. For the Lord is gracious, * Psal. 97. ● his mercy is everlasting/ and his truth endureth from generation to generation. ¶ The. C. j Psalm. ¶ A Psalm of david. MY * Misericor diam et. song shallbe of mercy/ and judgement unto thee (O Lord) will I sing Psal. 86. ●. O let me have understanding in the way of godliness: When wilt thou come unto me? I will walk in my house with a perfect heart. I will take no wicked thing in hand. I hate the sins of unfaithfulness/ there shall no such cleave unto me. A froward heart shall depart from, I will nat know a wicked person. Who so privily slandereth his neighbour him will I destroy: Who so hath also a proud look and an high stomach/ I will nat suffer him. Mine eyes look unto such as be faithful in the land/ that they may dwell with me: who so leadeth a godly life, he shallbe my servant. There shall no deceitful person dwell in my house: he that telleth lies/ shall nat tarry in my sight I shall soon destroy all the ungodly that are in the land, that I may rote out all wicked doers from the city of the Lord. ¶ The. C. ij. Psalm. ¶ A prayer of the af●ly●t, when he hath an heavy heart, and poureth out his complaint before the Lord, Dune exau dt oractonem. H * Psal. 143. ● Ear my prayer/ O Lord/ and let my crying come in unto the. Hide nat thy face fro me in the time of my trouble: incline thine ears unto me when I call/ O hear me/ and that right soon. For my days are consumed away like smoke, & my bones are brent up, as it were a fire brand. My heart is smitten down and withered like grass/ so that I forget to eat my bread. For the voice of my groaning/ my bone will scarce cleave to my flesh. I am become like a pelican of the wilderness, & like an owl that is in the desert. I have watched, & am even as it were a sparrow/ that sitteth alone upon the house top. Mine enemies revile me all the turned, so that they hated his people, & dealt untruly with his servants. * Exo. 3. 4, b Acts. seven. d Then sent he Moses his servant, and Aaron, whom he had chosen. And these showed his tokens among them, and wonders in the land of Han. * Exods. x. ● He sent darkness, & it was dark, ☞ and they were nat obedient unto his word. * Exod. seven. d Psal. 78. d. He turned their waters into blood, and slew their fish. ‡ Exo. viii. d. Their land brought forth frogs, ye even in their kings chambers. * Exo. viii. d He spoke the word, and their came all manner of flies, and lice in all their quarters. ‡ Exodi. ix. c He gave them hail stones for rain, and flames of fire in their land. He smote their vines also and fig trees and destroy the trees that were in their coasts. * Exodi. x. d appl. 16. b 〈◊〉. 1. a. He spaeke the word, and the gre shoppers came, and catyrpellers innumerable. And did eat up all the grass in their land, & devoured the fruit of their ground. ‡ Ex●d. xi. b. and. xii ● Psal 135. b 〈◊〉. 1●. ● He smote all the first borne in their land, even the chief of all their strength. He brought them forth also with silver and gold, there was nat one feeble person among their tribes. Egypte was glad at their departing, for * Exo. xiiii. g they were afraid of them. ‡ Exo. xiii. d He spread out a cloud to be a covering, and fire to give light in the night season. * Exo. xvi d Nu●●e. xi. g At their desire, he brought quails, and he filled them with the bread of heaven. ‡ Exo. xvii. b Num. xx. b He opened the rock of stone, and the waters flowed out: so that rivers ran in the dry places. For why? he remembered his holy promise, & Abraham his servant. And he brought forth his people with joy, and his chosen with gladness. And gave them the lands of the Heathen, and they took the labours of the people in possession. That they might keep his statutes, and observe his laws Praise the Lord. ¶ The. cvi. Psalm. ¶ Praise the Lord. O give ‡ ●ōsitemi 〈◊〉 dno. thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious, and his mercy endureth for ever. Who can express the noble acts of the Lord, or show forth all his praise. Blessed are they that allway keep judgement, and do righteousness. Remember me, O Lord, according to the favour that thou bearest unto thy people, O visit me with thy salvation. That I may see the felicity of thy chosen, & rejoice in the gladness of thy people, and give thanks with thine inheritance. We have sinned with our fathers, we have done amiss, and dealt wickedly. Our fathers regarded nat thy wonders in Egypte, neither kept they thy great goodness in remembrance: but were dyssobedient at the see, even at the reed see. Nevertheless, he helped them for his name's sake, that he might make his power to be konwne. * 1. Pa●. 16. a Psal. 〈◊〉. a 1. Mac. 4. e judith. 13 c Esay. xii. a He rebuked the reed see also, and it was dried up: so he led them thorough the deep as thorough a wilderness. And he saved them from the adversaries hand, and delivered them from the hand of the enemy. ‡ Psal. 〈◊〉. ● As for those Exo. xiiii. ● that troubled them, the waters over whelmed them, there was nat one of them left. ‡ Exo. xv. ● Then believed they his words, and sang praise unto him. But within a while they forgot his works, and would nat abide his council. But lust came upon them in the wilderness, and they tempted God in the desert. And he gave them their desire, and sent leanness withal in to their soul. They angered Moses also in the tents, and Aaron the saint of the Lord. * Num. 1●. ●. So the earth opened, and swallowed by Dathan, and covered the congre gacyon of Aberam. And the fire was kindled in their company, the flame brent up the ungodly. * Exodi. ●2● 1. Cor. 1●. ● They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image. ‡ Roma. 1. ●. Thus they turned their glory in to the similitude of a calf, that eateth have. And they forgot God their saviour, which had done so great things i Egypte. Wondrous works in the land of Ham, and fearful things by the reed see. So he said he would have destroyed them, had nat Moses his chosen stand before him in that gap: to turn away his wraythful indig nation, lest he should destroy them. * Num. 14. ● Ye, they thought scorn of the pleasant land, and gave no credence unto his word But murmured in their tents, and herkened not unto the voice of the Lord. Then lift he up his hand against them, to overthrow them in the wilderness. To cast out their seed among the nations, & to scatter them in the lands. * Num. 15. ● Ios● x●●●● 1. Cor. ●. ● They joined themselves unto Baal Peor, & eat thofferings of the deed. Thus they provoked him unto anger with their own inventions and the plague was great among them. * Num x●●● Then stood up Phinehes & prayed, and so the plague ceased. And that was counted unto him for righteousness, among all posterities for evermore. * Exo. xv●●. ● Num●. 〈◊〉. ● They angered him also at the waters of strife so that he punished Moses for their sakes. Because they provoked hissprete, so that he spoke unadvisedly with his lips. Nether destroyed they the Heathen, * Deut. seven. a and. xii. a. Iudi●. 〈◊〉. a as the Lord commanded them. But were mingled among the Heathen, and learned their works. In so much that they worshipped their idols which turned to their own decay. * Duty. 32. ● Leviti xx. a Ye they offered their sons and their daughters unto devils. ‡ 4. Reg. 22. t jere. seven. d. Deut. 18. b jere. 4 4. b Eze. xx. 8. And shed innocent blood even the blood of their sons and of their daughters, whom they offered unto the idols of Canaan, and the land was defiled with blood. Thus were they stained with their own works, and went a whoring with their own inventions. Therefore was the wrath of the Lord kindled against his people, in so much that he abhorred his own inheritance. And he gave them over into the hand of the Heathen, and they that hated them, were lords over them. Their enemies oppressed them and had them in subjection. Many a time did he deliver them, but they rebelled against him with their own inventions, & were brought down in their wickedness. Nevertheless, when he saw their adversity, he heard their complaint. He thought upon his covenant, and * Deu. thirty. a pytied them according unto the multitude of his mercies ye, he made all those that had led them a way captive, to pity them. deliver us (O Lord our God) and gather us from among the Heathen: that we may give thanks to thy holy name, & glory in thy praise. * Luke. 1. ●. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting and world without end, & let all people say: Amen, Amen. Praise the Lord ¶ The. cvii Psalm. Confitemi 〈◊〉 d●̄o. O * 1. Par. 16. b Psal. cv. a and cvi. a 1. Ma●. 4. a judith. 13 c Esay. xii. a. give thanks unto the Lord, for he is gracious, and his mercy endureth for ever. Let them give thanks whom the Lord hath redeemed/ and delivered from the hand of the enemy. And gathered them out of the lands, from the east, & from the west, from the North, and from the south. They went astray in the wilderness out of the way, and found no city to dwell in. hungry and thrysty: their soul fainted in them. So they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them forth by the right way, that they might go to the city where they dwelled. O that men would therefore praise the Lord, for his goodness, and declare the wonders the he doth for the children of men. * Exod. 16. a Deu. viii. ● For he satisfied that empty soul, and filled the hungry soul with goodness. Such as sit in darkness & in the shadow of death, being fast bound in misery and iron. Because they rebelled against the words of the Lord, & lightly regarded the council of the most hygest. He also brought down their heart thorough heaviness: they fell down, and there was none to help them. So when they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, he delivered them out of their distress. For he brought them out of darkness & out of the shadow of death: & broke their bonds insunder. O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness: & declare the wonders that he doth for the children of men. For he hath broken the gates of brass, and smitten the ●ac●es of iron insunder. Foolish men are plagued for their offeice, & because of their wickedness. Their soul abhorred all manner of mean, and they were even hard at deaths door. So when they cried unto the Lord in their trouble/ he delivered them out of their distress. * Mat. viii. ● He sent his word, and healed them, and they were saved from their destruction. O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness, and declare the wonders that he doth for the children of men. ‡ Heb●● 13. d Eccle. 35. ● Acts. ●. a Rom xii. ●▪ Philip. 4. b That they would offer unto him the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and tell out his works with gladness. They that go down to the see in ships/ and occupy their business in great waters. These men see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep. * jonas. 1. b For at his word, the stormy wind ariseth, which lifteth up the waves thereof They are carried up to the heaven, and down again to the deep, their soul mell telleth away because of the trouble. They rele to and fro, and stacker like a drunken man, & are at their wits end. So when they cry unto the Lord in their trouble, he delivered them out of their distress. For * Mat. viii, e he maketh the strome to cease, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be at rest, and so he bringeth them unto the haven where they would be. O that men would therefore praise the Lord for his goodness, and declare the wonders that he doth for the chylden of men. That they would exalt him also in the congregation of the people, and love him in the seat of the elders. Which turneth the floods into a wilderness: 3. Reg. 17. ● and drieth up the water springs A fruitful land maketh he barren, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein. Again, he maketh the wilderness a standing water, and water springs of a dry ground. And there he serveth the hungry that ye skipped like rams: & ye little hills, like young sheep? Tremble thou earth at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of jacob. * Exod. 17. b Num. 20. b Which turned the hard rock into a standing water, and the flint stone into a springing well. ¶ The. cxv. Psalm. NOt unto us (O Lord) not unto us/ Non nobꝭ domint. but unto thy name give the praise, for thy loving. mercy, and for thy truths sake Wherefore shall the Heathen say: where is now their God? As for our God, he is i heaven, he hath done what so ever pleased him. Their idols are silver and gold, Psal. 135. c Sapl. xv. d Baru. vi. a even the work of men's hands. They have mouth and speak not: eyes have they and see not. They have ears, & hear nat: noses have they, and swell nat. They have hands and handle nat: feet have they, and walk nat, neither speak they thorough their throat. They that make them, are like unto them, and so are all such as put their trust in them. But ⚜ (house of) Israel trust thou in the Lord, he is * Psal. 79. c their succour & defence, Psal▪ ix. b Ye house of Aaron put your trust in the Lord: he is their helper, and defender. Ye that fear the Lord, put your trust in the lord, he is their helper and defender. The Lord hath been mindful of us, and he shall bless us: even he shall bless the house of Israel, he shall bless the house of Aaron. He shall bless them that fear the Lord, both small and great. The Lord shall increase you more and more: you, & your children. Ye are the blessed of the Lord, which made heaven & earth. All the whole heavens are the Lords, the earth hath he given unto the children of men. * Psal. vi. a Esap. 38. d The deed praise nat y● (O Lord) nether all they that go down in to the silence. But we will praise the Lord, from this time forth for evermore. ¶ The. cxuj. Psalm. Praise the Lord. I Am well pleased/ that the Lord hath Dilcri quon●am. herd the voice of my prayer. That he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore will I call upon him as long as I live. * Psal. 18. a 2. Reg. 22. a The snares of death compassed me round about, and the pains of hell got hold upon me, I shall find trouble and heaviness, and I shall call upon the name of the Lord (O Lord) I beseech the deliver my soul. Gracious is the Lord, and righteous, ye, our God is merciful▪ The Lord preserveth the simple. I was in misery, and he helped me▪ Turn again then unto thy rest, O my soul, for the Lord hath rewarded the. And why? * Psal. lvi. c thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears and my feet from falling. I will walk before the Lord, in the land of the living. * 2. Corin. 4. ●. I believed, and therefore will I speak, but I was fore troubled. I said in my haste: ‡ Roma. 3. a All men are liars. What reward shall I give unto the Lord, for all the benefits the he hath done unto me? I will receive the cap of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows now in the presence of all his people right dear in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Behold (O Lord) how that I am thy servant, I am thy servant, and the son of thy handmaid, thou hast broken my bands insunder. I will offer to thee, the sacrifice of thanckesgeving, and will call upon the name of the Lord * Psal. 92. a Deb. xiii. c I will pay my vows unto the Lord in the sight of all his people, in the courts of the lords house, even in the mids of thee, O jerusalem. ¶ The. cxvii. Psalm. ¶ Praise the Lord. Laudate dominum O * Rom. xv. b Praise the Lord all ye Heythen, praise him all ye nations. ‡ Psal. C. a For his merciful kindness is ever more and more to, ward us, and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. ¶ The cxviij. Psalm. ¶ Praise the Lord. Confitemint dno. * Psal. 105. a and▪ 106▪ a i Mat. 4. ● Esay. xil. a i. Pat. 16▪ b O give thanks unto the Lord, for he his gracious, because his mercy endureth for ever. Let Israel now confess, ⚜ (that he is gracious and (that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now confess/ that his mercy endureth for ever. Ye, let them now that fear confess, that his mercy endureth for ever. I called upon the Lord in trouble, and the Lord herd me at large. * Hebre. 13. b The Lord is on my side, I will nat fear what man can do to me. The Lord taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon mine enemies. It is better to trust in the Lord, then to put any confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord, then to put any confidence in princes. All nations compassed me round about. but in the name of the Lord will I destroy them. They kept me in on every side, they * kept me in (I say) on every side, but in the name of the Lord, I will destroy them. They came about me like bees, and are extinct, even as the fire among the thorns, for in the name of the Lord I will destroy them. ☞ Thou haste thrust sore at me/ that I might fall, but the Lord was my help. * Exod. xv. a Esay. xii. a. The Lord is my strength, & my song and is become my salvation. The voice ofioye and health is in the dwellings of the righteous: the right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass. The right hand of the Lord hath the pre-eminence/ the right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to pass. I will nat die but live/ & declare the works of the Lord The Lord hath chastened and correct me, but he hath nat given me over unto death Open me the gatis of righteousness, that I may go into them, and give thanks unto the Lord. This is the gate of the Lord the righteous shall enter into it. I will thank thee/ for thou haste heard me, and art become my salvation. * Mat. xxi. c. Mat. xii. a. Luke. xx. c. Acts. 4. b. The same stone which the builders refused, is become the head stone in the corner. This was the Lords doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes This is the day/ which the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. Help ⚜ (me) now O Lord/ O Lord send us now prosperity. * Mat. xxi. ●. Luke. nineteen. f. Iohn▪ xii. b Mark. xi. b Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord, we have wished you good luck, ye that be of the house of the Lord. God is the Lord which hath showed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords/ ye even unto the horns of the aultre. Thou art my God, and I will thank thee: thou art my God▪ I will praise thee, O give thanks unto the Lord for he is gracious, and his mercy endureth for ever. ¶ The. c. nineteen. Psalm. B * B●a●● immaculati. LESSED are those that be undefiled in the way: and walk in the Psal. 1. a. law of the Lord. Blessed are they that keep his testymonyes, and seek him with their whole heart. For they which do no wickedness walk in his ways. Thou haste charged that we should diligently keep thy commandments. O that my ways were made so direct, that I might keep thy statutes. So shall I not be confounded, while I have respect unto all thy commandments. I will thank the with an unfeigned heart, when I shall have learned the judgements of thy righteousness. I will keep thy ceremonies, O forsake me nat utterly. Where with all shall a young man cleanse his way? Even by ruling himself after thy word. With my whole heart have I sought thee/ O let me nat err from thy commandments. ‡ Deut. vi. b. Thy words have I hid with in my heart, that I should nat sin against the. Blessed art thou O Lord, O teach me thy statutes. With my lips have I told all the judgements of thy mouth. I have had as great delight in the way of thy testymonyes/ as in all manner of riches. I will talk of thy commandments, and have respect unto thy ways. My delight shallbe in thy statutes and I will nat forget thy word. O do well unto thy servant, that I may live and keep thy word. Open thou mine eyes/ that I may see the wondrous things of thy law. * Gene. xlvii. job. xiiii. b I am a stranger upon earth O hide nat thy commandments from me. My soul breaketh out/ for the very fervent desire that it hath alway unto thy judgements. Thou hast rebuked the proud and cursed are they that do err from thy commandments. O turn fro me shame and rebuke, for I have kept thy testymonyes. princes also did sit and speak against me, but thy servant is occupied in thy statutes, For thy testymonyes are my delight, and my counsellors. * Psal. 44▪ d My soul cleaveth to the dust/ O quicken thou me according to thy word. I have knowledged my ways/ and thou herdeste me, O teach me thy statutes. Make me to understand the way of thy commandments, and so shall I talk of thy wondrous worekes: My soul melteth away for very heaviness, comfort thou me according unto thy word. Take fro me the way of dying/ and cause y● me to make much of thy law. I have chosen the way of truth, and thy judgements have I laid before me. I have stycken unto thy testymonyes/ O Lord confound me not. I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou hast set my heart at liberty. Teach me O Lord the way of thy statutes, and I shall keep it unto the end. give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law, ye I shall keep it with my whole heart. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments, for there in is my desire. incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and nat to covetousness. O turn away mine eyes/ left they behold vanity: and quicken y● me in thy way. O stably she thy word in thy servant, that I may fear the. Take away the rebuke that I am afraid of, for thy judgements are good. Behold my delight is in thy commandments, O quicken me in thy righteousness. Let thy loving mercy come also unto me, O Lord/ even thy salvation according unto thy word. So shall I make answer unto my blasphemers for my trust is in thy word O take nat the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in thy judgements. So shall I alway keep thy law, ye for ever & ever. And I will walk ☞ at liberty, for I seek thy commandments. I will speak of thy testimonies also, even before kings, & will nat be ashamed. And my delight shallbe in thy commandments, which I have loved. My hands also will I lift up unto thy commaundemantes which I have loved, and my study shallbe in thy statutes. O think upon thy servant as concerning thy word, where in thou hast caused me to put my trust. The same is my comfort in my trouble/ for thy word hath quickened me. The proud have had me exceedingly i derision/ yet have I nat shrynked from thy law. For I remembered thine everlasting judgements, O Lord, and received comfort. I am horribly afraid for the ungodly, that forsake thy law. Thy statutes have been my songs, in the house of my pilgrimage. I have thought upon thy name O Lord, in the night season, & have kept thy law. This I had/ because I kept thy commandments. * ●●. xvi●●. c. Thou art my poreyon, O Lord/ I have promised to keep thy law. I made mine humble petition in thy presence with my whole heart/ O be merciful unto me according unto thy word. I call mine own ways to remembrance, and turn my feet into thy testimonies. I made haste, and prolonged nat the time/ to keep thy commandments. The congregacious of the ungodly have rob me/ but I have nat forgotten thy law. At midnight will I rise, to give thanks unto thee, because of thy righteous judgements. I am a companion of all them that fear thee/ and keep thy commandments. ‡ Psal. 33. a The earth, O Lord, is full of thy mercy, O teach me thy statutes, O Lord, thou hast dealt graciously with thy servant, according unto thy word. O learn me true understanding, and knowledge, for I have believed thy commandments. Before I was troubled, I went wrong, but now have I kept thy word. ‡ Mat. nineteen. c. Thou art good and gracious, O teach me thy statutes. The proud have imagined a lie against me, but I will keep thy commandments with my whole heart. Their heart is as fat as brawn, but my delight hath been in thy law. It is good for me that I have been in trouble, that I may learn thy statutes. The law of thy mouth is dearer unto me, than thousands of gold and silver. ‡ Gene. ●. d. job. x. ● Thy hands have made me and fasshyoned me, O give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. They that fear thee, will be glad when they see me, because I have put my trust in thy word. I know, O Lord/ that thy iudgementis are right, and that thou of very faithfulness haste caused me to be troubled. O let thy merciful kindness be my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. O let thy loving mercies come unto me, that I may live, for thy law is my delight. Let the proud be confounded, for they go wickedly about to destroy me: but I will be occupied in thy commandments. Let such as fear thee, & have known thy testymonyes/ be turned unto me. O let mine heart be sound in thy statutes, that I be nat ashamed. My soul hath longed for thy saluaeyon: and I have a good hope because of thy word. Mine eyes long sore for thy word, saying. O when wilt thou comfort me. For I am become like a bottle in the smoke, yet do not I forget thy statutes. How many are the days of thy servant? When wilt thou be avenged of them that persecute me? The proud have digged pits for me, which are nat after thy law. Al thy commandments are true/ they persecute me falsely, O be thou my help. They had all most made an end of me upon earth▪/ but I forsake not thy commandments, O quicken me after thy loving kindness, and so shall I keep the testimonies of thy mouth. O Lord/ thy word endureth for ever in heaven. * Psal. xl. ●. 1. Pet. ●. d. Thy truth also remaineth from one generation to another: thou haste laid the foundation of the earth, and it abideth. They continue this day according to thine ordinance, for all things serve the If my delight had not been in thy law/ I should have perished in my trouble. I will never forget thy commandments, for which them thou hast quickened me. I am thine/ Oh save me, for I have sought thy commandments. The ungodly laid wait for me to destroy me/ but I will consider thy testimonies. I see that all things come to an end/ but thy commandment is exceeding broad. ● (Lord) What love have I unto thy law? all the day long is my study in it. Thou, thorough thy commandments haste made me wiser than mine enemies, for they are ever with me. I have more understanding then my teachers, for thy testimonies are my study. I am wiser than the aged, because I kept thy commandments. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I may keep thy word. I have nat shrynked from thy judgements, for thou teachest me. O how sweet are thy words unto my throat. Ye sweeter than honey unto my mouth. Thorough thy commandments I get understanding/ therefore I hate all wicked ways * Psal. nineteen. ●. Thy word is a lantern unto my feet, and a light unto my paths. I have sworn and am steadfastly purposed, to keep thy righteous judgements. I am troubled above measure: quicken me, O Lord, according unto thy word. Let the free-will offering of my mouth please thee, O Lord, and teach me thy judgements. ☞ * jud. xii. a. job. xiii. ●. My soul is alway in my hand, yet do nat I forget thy law. The ungodly have laid a snare for me, but yet swerved not I from thy commandments. Thy testimonies have I claimed as mine heritage for ever: and why●they are the very joy of my heart. I have applied mine heart to fulfil thy statutes alway/ even unto the end. I hate them that imagine evil things, but thy law do I love. Thou art my defence and shield/ and my trust is in thy word. Away fro me ye wicked/ I will keep the commandments of my God. O stablish me according unto thy word/ that I may live/ and let me nat be disappointed of my hope. Hold thou me up/ and I shall be safe: ye my delight shall ever be in thy statutes. Thou hast trodden down all them that serve from thy statutes/ for they imagine/ but leasing & deceit. Thou puttest away all the ungodly of the earth like dross therefore I love thy testimonies. My flesh trembleth for fear of thee, and I am afraid of thy judgements▪ I deal with the thing that is lawful & right O give me nat over unto mine oppressors. Make that thy servant to delight in that which is good that the proud do me no wrong. Mine eyes are wasted away with looking for the health, and for the word of thy righteousness. O deal with thy servant according unto thy loving mercy & teach me thy statutes. I am thy servant, O grant me understanding that I may know thy testymonyes. It is time for the Lord to lay to thine hand, for they have destroyed thy law. For I love thy commandments above gold and precious stone. Therefore hold I straight all thy commandments, and all false ways I utterly abhor. Thy testymonyes are wonderful, therefore doth my soul keep them. When thy word goeth forth, it giveth light and understanding, even unto the simple. I opened my mouth and drew in my breath, for my delight was in thy commandments. O look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. Order my steps in thy word, and so shall no wickedness have dominion over me. O deliver me from the wrong dealings of men, and so shall I keep thy commandments. Show the light of thy countenance upon thy servant, and teach me thy statutes. Rivers of waters ran out from mine eyes, because men keep nat thy law. righteous art thou, O lord and true is thy judgement. The testimonies that thou hast commanded are exceeding righteous and true. My zeal hath even consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words. * P●. 〈◊〉. ●. john. 〈◊〉. ●. Thy word is tried to the uttermost, and thy seruauns Psal. ●ii. b. and. xvii●. ● loveth it. I am small and of no reputation, yet do nat I forget thy commandments. Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is truth. Trouble and heaviness have taken hold upon me, yet is my delight in thy commandments. The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting, O grant me understanding and I shall, live. I call with my whole heart, hear me, O Lord, I will keep thy statutes. Ye even upon the do I call, help me, and I shall keep thy testimonies. Early in the morning do I cry unto thee, for in thy word is my trust. Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might be occupied in thy words. Hear my voice, O Lord, according unto thy lovig kindness: quicken me according as thou art wont. They draw nigh▪ that of malice persecute me: and are far from thy law. Be thou nigh at hand, O Lord, for all thy commandments are true. As concerning thy testimonies, I have known long since, that thou hast grounded them for ever. O consider mine adversity, and de miss, Oh Lord who may abide it? For there is mercy with thee/ therefore shalt thou be feared. I look for the Lord, my soul doth wait for him, in his word is my trust. My soul doth patiently abide the Lord, from the one morning to the other. Let Israel trust in the Lord, for with the Lord there is mercy, and with him is plenteous redemption. And he shall redeem Israel/ from all his sins. ¶ The cxxxi Psalm. ¶ A song of the steers. Demine non est et alta●um. LORD, I am nat high minded/ I have no proud looks. * E●●●●. three c. I do nat exercise myself in great matters, which are to high for me. But I refrain my soul and keep it low, like as a child that is weened from his mother: ye/ my soul is even as a weened child. Let Israel trust in the LORD from this time forth for evermore. ¶ The cxxxij Psalm. ¶ A song of the steers▪ Memèto dune david lord, remember david, and all his trouble. * 2. Re. 34. d. 1. Pa●. 22. b How he swore unto the Lord/ and vowed a vow unto the almighty God of jacob: I will nat come within the tabernacle of my house, nor climb up in my bed. I will nat suffer mine eyes to sleep, nor mine eye lids to slumber. ⚜ (Nether the temples of my head to take any rest.) until I find out a place for the Lord, an habitacy on for the mighty God of jacob. Lo, we heard ☞ of the same at Ephrata, and found it in the wood. We will go in to his tabernacle, and fall down before his foot stole. * 2. Pa●a. 6 g Arise O Lord, into thy resting place thou and the ark of thy strength. Let thy Preastes be clothed with righteousness, and let thy saints rejoice. For thy servant david's sake, turn nat away the presence of thine anointed. * 2. Reg. 7. b. The Lord hath made a faithful oath unto David, and he shall nat shrink from it: ‡ Acts. 13. b. Of the fruit of thy body shall I set upon thy seat. If thy children will keep my covenant, and my testimonies that I shall learn them: their children also shall sit upon thy seat for evermore. For the Lord hath chosen Zion, to be an habitation for himself hath he chosen her. ☞ This shallbe my rest for ever/ here will I dwell, for I have a delight therein. I will bless her victuals which increase, and will satisfy her poor with bred. ☞ I will deck her Preastes with health, and her saints shall rejoice and sing. There shall I make * Luke. i. ● ☞ the horn of David to flourish, I have ordained a lantern for mine anointed. As for his enemies, I shall cloth them with shame, but upon himself shall his crown flourish. ¶ The cxxxiij Psalm. ¶ A song of the steers of David. BEHOLD, how good and joyful a thing it is/ * Ecce quam bonum. Psal. two. a. brethren to dwell together in unity. It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down unto the beerd: even unto Aaron's beerd/ and went down to the skirts of his clothing. Like the dew of Harmon, which fell upon the hill of Zion. For there the Lord promised his blessing, and life for evermore. ¶ The cxxxiiij Psalm. ¶ A song of the steers. Behold, ⚜ (now) * Ecce nunc benedicite Psal. 113. a praise the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord, ye that by night stand in the house of the Lord. ⚜ (even in the court of the house of our God) * Timo. two. b. lift up your hands in the Sanctuary and praise the Lord. ‡ Num. vi. b The LORD that made heaven and earth, bless the out of Zion. ¶ The cxxxu Psalm. O * Laudate ●omē d●●. Psal. ●●3. a and. 134. ●. Praise the name of the Lord, praise it O ye servants of the Lord. Ye that stand in the house of the Lord/ in the courts of the house of our God. O praise the Lord, for the Lord is gracious O sing praises unto his name, for it is lovely. * Deut. iiii. ● and. x. c. For why? the Lord hath chosen jacob unto himself, and Israel for his own possession. For I know that the Lord is great, and that our Lord is above all gods. Whatsoever the Lord pleased, that did 'em heaven and in earth, in the see, and in all deep places. * Ie●●. x. d. and. li. a. He dringeth forth the clouds from the ends of the world▪ and turneth the lightenings unto rain, bringing the winds out of their treasuryes. He * smote the first borne of Egypte, both of man and of beast. * Exod▪ xi●. ● Ex. 7 8 9 10 Psal. 78. ●. and. ●v. c. He hath sent tokens and wonders into the midst of thee, O thou land of Egypte, upon Pharaoh and all his servants. * josu. x●i. ●. He smote divers nations, and slew mygtye Kings. * Num. x●●. ● Deu. three a. Sehon King of the Amorytes, and Og the King of Basan, and all the Kyngedomes of Canaam. * joshua. x●●. ● And gave their land to be an heritage, even an heritage unto Israel his people. Thy name/ O Lord. endureth for ever, so doth thy memorial, O lord from one generation to an other. * Deut. 3●. e. For the Lord will avenge his people, and be gracious unto his servants. ‡ Psal. 115. a Sapi. xv. d Buruch. vi As for the images of the Heathen, they are but silver and gold/ the work of men's hands. They have mouths/ and speak not: eyes have▪ ●ey/ but they see not. They have ears/ and yet they hear not/ neither is there any breath in their mouths. They that make them/ be like unto them/ and so are all they that put their trust in them. Praise the Lord ye house of Israel/ praise the Lord ye house of Aaron. Praise the Lord, ye house of Levy ye the fear the Lord/ praise the Lord. Praised be the Lord out of Zion, which dwelleth at jerusalem. ¶ The cxxxuj Psalm. O give thanks unto the Lord/ for he Confitemi in to mino jud xiii c ps●v. ●vi. ● is gracious/ and his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of all Gods/ for his mercy endureth for ever, O thank the Lord of all Lords, for his mercy endureth for ever. * judi. xiii. d psa. lxxii, d. Which only doth great wonders/ for his mercy endureth for ever. Which by his wisdom made the heavens/ for his mercy endureth for ever. Which laid out the earth above the waters, for his mercy endureth for ever. * Gene. 1. b. Which hath made great lights, for his mercy endureth for ever. The son to rule the day/ for his mercy endureth for ever. The Moon and the Stars to govern the night, for his mercy endureth for ever. * Exod. 12. e. Which smote Egypte with their first borne, for his mercy endureth for ever And brought out Israel from among them/ for his mercy endureth for ever. With a mighty hand and stretched out arm/ for his mercy endureth for ever. Which divided the reed see into parts/ for his mercy endureth for ever. * Exod. 14. e And made Israel to go thorough the midst of it/ for his mercy endureth for ever. But as for Pharaoh and his host/ he overthrew them in the reed see, for his mercy endureth for ever. * Exo. 15. 16. and. 17. Which led his people thorough the will dernes/ for his mercy endureth for ever. * joshua. xii. a Which smote great kings, for his mercy endureth for ever. Yea, and slew mighty Kings, for his mercy endureth for ever ‡ Nume. 21. c Drut. three a. Sehon King of the Amorites, for his mercy endureth for ever. And Og the King of Basan/ for his mercy endureth for ever. And gave away their land for an heritage/ for his mercy endureth for ver. Even for an heritage unto Israel his servant/ for his mercy endureth for ever. Which remembered us/ when we were in trouble/ for his mercy endureth for ever. And hath delivered us from our enemies for his mercy endureth for ever. * Psa. ciiii. d Which giveth food unto all flesh/ for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of Heaven/ for his mercy endureth for ever. ¶ The cxxxvij Psalm. ⚜ (Of jeremy.) BY the waters of ‡ Super flumina. Babylon we sat down and wept/ when we remembered Ezec. 1. a. ● iii. b ⚜ (the, O) Zion. As for our haps/ we hanged them up upon the trees/ that are therein. For they that led us away captive/ required of us then a song and melody in our heaviness: sing us one of the songs of Zion. How shall we sing the lords song in a strange land If I forget thee/ O jerusalem, let my right hand be forgotten. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth: ye if I prefer not jerusalem in my mirth. Remember the children of * I●e●. xlix. d Ezec xxv. d A●●●. ●. ● Edom, O Lord/ in the day of Jerusalem, how they said: down with it, down with it: even to the ground. O ☞ daughter of Babylon/ thou shalt come to misery thyself: yea, happy shall he be/ that rewardeth the as y● haste served us. * Esay. xiii. ● Blessed shall he be, that taketh thy children, and throweth them against the stones. ¶ The cxxxviij Psalm. Of david. * Confitebor tibi. Psal. 9 ●● cxi. a. I Will give thanks unto thee, O Lord with my whole heart/ even ☞ before the Gods/ will I sing praise unto the. * Psal. v. ● I will worship toward thy holy temple/ and praise thy name/ because of thy loving kindness and truth/ for thou hast magnified thy name and thy word above all things. When I called upon thee: thou hardeste me, and endewedst my soul with much strength. ☞ All the Kings of the earth shall praise thee, O Lord, for they have heard the words of thy mouth. Yea they shall sing in the ways of the Lord, the great is the glory of the Lord. * psa. cxiii. ● For though the Lord by high/ yet hath he respect unto the lowly: as for the proud, he beholdeth him a far of. Though I walk in the midst of trouble, yet shalt thou refresh me: thou shalt stretch forth thine hand upon the furiousness of mine eunemyes/ and thy right hand shall save me. The Lord shall make good for me, yea thy mercy/ O Lord/ endureth for ever. * job. 14. ●. d espyse nat then the works of thine own hands. ¶ The. cxxxix. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm of David. O Lord, thou hast searched me out, and Domine probast●. known me. Thou knowest my down sitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought a far of. Thou art about my path, and about my bed/ and spyest out all my ways. For lo▪ there is nat a word in my tongue but thou/ O Lord knowest it all together Thou haste fashioned me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me. Such knowledge is to wonderful and excellent for me. I can nat attain unto it. * 〈…〉. a. Whither shall I go then from thy spirit or wither shall I go then from thy presence If I climb up into Heaven, thou art there: if I go down to hell, thou art there also. If I take the wings of the morning, and remain in the vr●ermpste part of the see. Even there also shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. If I say: peradventure the darkness shall cover me/ then shall my night be turned to day. Yea the darkness is no darkness with thee, but the night is as clear as the day, the darkness and light are both a like. For my reins are thine/ thou haste covered me in my mother's womb. I will give thanks unto thee, for I am wondrously made: marvelous are thy works, and that my soul knoweth right well My bones are not hid from thee, though I be made secretly, and fasshyoved beneath in the earth. Thine eyes see mine unpar fectnesse, they stand all written in thy book my days were fashioned, when as yet there was not one of them. How dear are ⚜ thy counsels unto me O god? O how great is the sum of them? If I tell them, they are me in number then the sand: when I wake up/ I am present with the. Wyite thou nat slay the wicked (Oh God?) depart from me ye blood thirsty men. For they speak unryghtuouslye against thee/ and thine enemies take thy name in vain. Do not I hate them, O Lord▪ that hate thee? and am nat I grieved with those that rise up against thee? Yea I hate them right foore, even as though they were mine enemies. * Psa. xxvi. ● Try me/ O God, and seek the ground of mine heart: prove me/ and examine my thoughts. Look well if there be any way of wickedness in me, and lead me in the way ever lasting. ¶ The. cxl. Psalm. ¶ To the chanter, a Psalm of david. deliver me/ O Lord, from the evil man, and preserve me from the wicked man. Which imagine mischief in their hearts, and steer up strife all the day long. They have sharpened their tongues ●oma. ii●. c like a serpent, * E●●pe me. adders poison is under their lips. Sela. Keep me, O Lord from the hands of the ungodly/ preserve me from the wicked men, which are purposed to overthrow my goings. The proud have laid a snare for me/ and spread a net abroad with cords, yea and set traps in my way. Sela. But my saying is unto the Lord: thou art my God hear the voice of my prayers, O Lord. O Lord God, thou strength of my health thou haste covered my head in the day of battle. Let not the ungodly have his desire/ O Lord, let him nat have his purpose, lest they be to proud. Sela. * Psal. seven. ●. Let the mischief of their own lips fall upon the head of them, that compass me about. Let hot burning coals fall upon them let them be cast into the fire, and to the pit that they never rise up again. A man full of words shall not prosper upon the earth: a malicious and wicked person shall be hunted away/ and destroyed. Sure I am/ that the Lord will avenge the poor and maintain the cause of the helpless. The righteous also shall give thanks unto thy name, and the just shall continue in thy sight. ¶ The. cxlj Psalm. ¶ A Psalm of david. Domint clama●●. LORD I call upon thee: haste the unto me and consider my voice, when I cry unto the. Let my prayer be set forth in thy sight * Exo. thirty. ●. as the incense, and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice. * Eccle. xx●●● Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth, yea a watch at the door of my lips. O let not mine heart be inclined to any evil thing/ to be minded as the ungodly orwycked men ☞ lest I eat of such things as please them, Let the righteous rather smite me friendly, and reprove me: so will I take it/ as though he had powered oil upon my head: it shall nat hurt my head, ye I will pray yet for their wickedness. Let their judges stumble in stony places: that they may hear my words, for they are sweet. Our bones lie scattered before the pit, like as when one graveth and diggeth up the ground. But mine eyes look unto thee, O Lord God: in the is my trust, Oh cast nat out my soul. Keep me from the snare which they have laid for me, and from the traps of the wicked doers. Let the ungodly fall into their own nets to geyther, until I be gone by them. ¶ The. cxlij. Psalm. ¶ The instruc●yon of David, a praye● when he was in the cave. I * Vow men ad dumm. Psal. 67. a. Cried unto the Lord with my voice, ye even unto the Lord did I make my supplication. I powered out my complaints before him, and showed him of my trouble. When my spirit was in heaviness, thou knewest my path: in the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me. I looked also upon my right hand, and see, there was no man that would know me. I had no place to i'll unto, and no man cared for my soul. I cried unto thee, O Lord, and said: thou art my hope, and my portion in the land of the living. consider my complaint, for I am brought very low. O deliver me from my persecutors, for they are to strong for me. Bring my soul out of prison, that I may give thanks unto thy name: which thing if thou wilt grant me, then shall the righteous resort unto my company. ¶ The. cxliij. Psalm. ¶ A Psalm of David, (when his own son persecuted him.) HEAR my prayer, O Lord, and consider my desire: hearken unto me for Domine ●●audi. thy truth and righteousness sake. And entre not into judgement with thy servant, for * job. iiii. ●. 〈◊〉. a. xxv. a. Roma. 3. c. in thy sight shall no man living be justified. For the enemy hath persecuted my soul, he hath smitten my life down to the ground, he hath laid me in the darkness, as the dead men of of the world. Therefore is my spirit vexed within me, and my heart within me is desolate. * Psal. 77. c. Yet do I remember the times past. Imuse upon all thy works/ Ye I exercise myself in the works of thy hands. I streatche forth mine hands unto thee, my soul crieth unto the out of the thirsty land. Hear me, O Lord, and that soon, for my spirit waxeth faint/ hide nat thy face from me, left I be like unto them that go down into the pit. O let me hear * Exo. 34. a. Psal. 86. a jere. 32. d. joel. 〈◊〉. c. thy loving kindness by times in the morning/ for in the is my trust: she we thou me the way that I should walk in/ for I lift up my soul unto the. deliver me/ O Lord, fro mine enemies, for I resort unto the. Teach me to do the thing that pleaseth thee/ for thou art my God, let thy loving spirit lead me forth unto the land of righteousness. quicken, O lord, for thy name's sake, and for thy righteousness sake bring my soul out of trouble. And of thy goodness scatter mine enemies abroad, and destroy all them that vex my soul, for I am thy servant. ¶ The. cxliiij. Psalm. ¶ Of David. BLessed be the Lord my refuge, which teacheth * Benedi●tus dns. 2. Reg. 22. Psa▪ xiii. ● my hands to war, and my fingers to fight. My hope and my castle/ my defence and my deliverer, my shield in whom I trust, which governeth the people that is under me. * Psal. viii. ● Lord, what is man, that thou haste such respect unto him? Or the son of man, that thou so regardest him? * job. viii. ●. Man is like a thing of nought, his time passeth away like a shadow. Bow thy heavens, O Lord, and come down, touch the mountains, and they shall smoke. Send forth the lyghtyning and scatter them/ shoot out thine arrows/ and consume them. Send down thine hand from above, deliver me/ and take me out of the great waters/ from the hand of strange children. Whose mouth talketh of vanity/ and their right hand is a right hand of wickedness. I will sing a new song unto thee, O God, and sing praises unto the upon a ten strynged lute. Thou that givest victory unto Kings/ and hast delivered David thy servant from the apparel of the sword. Save me/ and deliver me from the hand of strange children, whose mouth taketh of vanity, and their right hand is a right hand of iniquity. That our sons may grow up as the young plants, & that our daughters may be as the polyshed corners of the temple. * Dau. 28. ● That our garners may ❧ The proverbs of Solomon. ¶ The praise of wisdom. We ma●e nat hearken unto the voluptuous provocation and in●ysynges of sinners: wisdom comptayneth to be despised of all men, and prophesieth destruction unto her desspis●●●. CAPITULO. I. THe proverbs of Solomon the son of DAVID king of Israel: to learn wisdom/ and instruction/ and to perceive the words of understanding: and thereby to receive prudence righteousness judgement and equity. That the very simple might have wit, and the young men might have knowledge and understanding. By hearing/ the wise man shall come by more wisdom: and he that is endued with understanding/ shall obtain wit to perceive a parable/ and the interpretation thereof/ the words of the wise/ and the dark speeches of the same. * job. 28. b. Eccle. ● g. Psal. 〈◊〉. Prove. ix. e The fear of the Lord/ is the beginning of wisdom. But fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son hear thy father's doctrine/ and forsake nat the law of thy mother: for that shall bring grace unto thy head, and shall be as a chain about thy neck. My son, consent not unto sinners, if they entice thee: and say come with us/ we will lay wait for blood and surcke privily for the innocent without a cause: we shall * Psal. 124. a swallow them up like the hell, and devour them quick & whole, as those that go down into the pit. So shall we find all manner of costly riches, & fill our houses with spoils. Cast in thy lot among us & let us have all one purse. My son, walk not y● with them, refrain thy foot from their way. For * prover. 8. a their feet run to evil, and are hasty to shed blood. But in vain is the net laid forth before the birds eyes, Yea, they themselves lay wait one for another's blood & one of them would slay another. These are the ways of all such as be covetous, that one would ravish another's life. ‡ Psa▪ xiiii. a wisdom trieth without, & putteth forth her voice in the stretis. She calleth before the congregation in the open gates, & showeth her words thorough the city saying. O ye children, how long will ye love childeshnesse? how long will the scorners delight in scorning, & the unwise be enemies unto knowledge▪ O turn you unto my correction: ●o I will express my mind unto you, and make you understand my words * Esay. lxv. ● jere. seven ●. I have called, and ye refused it: I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded it, but all my counsels have ye despised and set my correction at nought. Therefore shall I also laugh in your destruction, and mock you, when that thing that ye fear, cometh upon you: even when the thing that ye be afraid of, falleth in suddenly like a storm, and your misery like a tempest, ye when trouble and heaviness cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not hear, they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me. And that because they hated knowledge, & received not the fear of the Lord, but abhorred my council, and despised all my correction. Therefore shall they eat the fruits of their own way, and be filled with their own inventions: for the turning away of the unwise shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall be their own destruction▪ * Prou. 3. b. But who so hearkeneth unto me, shall dwell safely, and be sure from any fear of evil. ¶ wisdom 〈◊〉 to be embraced and set by, which teacheth fear and knowledge, wisdom directeth ve in the ways of God. An adulterous woman is to be eschewed. CAPI. II. MY son, if thou wilt receive my words, and keep my commandments by thee/ that thou wilt incline thine ears unto wisdom, apply thine heart then to understanding. For if thou criest after wisdom, and callest for knowledge: if thou seekest after her as after money, and dyggest for her as for treasure: then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. * jaco. ●. a Eccle. ●. ● and. seven. x. 3. Reg. 3. b. and. iiii. ●. For it is the Lord that giveth wisdom, out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He preserveth the well far of the righteous / and defendeth them that walk sincerely: he keepeth them in the right path, and preserveth the way of such as serve him with godliness. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgement and equity, ye and every good way. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and thy soul delighteth in knowledge: then shall council preserve thee, and understanding shall keep the. That thou mayst be delivered from the evil way, and from the man that speaketh froward things. From such as leave the right paths, and walk in the ways of darkness: which rejoice in doing evil, & delight in wicked things: whose ways are crooked, and they froward in their paths. That thou mayst be delivered also * Prou. v. a. 〈◊〉. seven. a from the strange woman, and from her that is not thine own: which giveth sweet words and which for saketh the husband of her youth, & forgetteth the covenant of her God. For her house is inclined unto death, and her paths unto hell. Al they that go in unto her, come nat again, neither take they hold of the way of life. Therefore, walk thou in the way of such as be virtuous/ & keep the paths of the righteous. For the just shall dwell in the land, and they that be perfect, shall remain in it: but the ungodly shallbe rooted out of the land, and the wicked doers shallbe rooted out of it. ¶ The commandments of God must be diligently regarded and observed. CAPI. III. MY son * Devit. xi. a forget not thou my law/ but se that thine heart keep my commandments. For they shall prolong the days and years of thy life, and bring the peace. Let mercy and faithfulness never go from thee: bind them about thy neck, and write them in the tables of thine heart. So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and men. Put thy trust in God with all thine heart/ and lean not unto thine own wit. In all thy ways have respect unto him, and he shall order thy goings. * Isaiah. v c Roma. 12. c Be not wise in thine own conceit, but fear the Lord and depart from evil▪ so shall thy ☞ navel be whole/ and thy bones strong. ☞ ‡ Tobi. 4. b. Deut. 16. a Mala. 3. b. Exod. 2, c. and▪ 37. c Honour the Lord with thy substance and with the fyrstelynges of all thine increase ⚜ (give unto the poor) so shall thy barns be filled with plenteousness/ and thy presses shall flow over with sweet wine. My son/ despise not the chastening of the LORD neither faint when thou art rebuked of him * Hebre. xii. b Apo. iii. d. For whom the Lord loveth/ him he chasteneth/ and yet delighteth in him, even as a father in his own son. Well is him that findeth wisdom and obtaineth understanding/ for the getting of it is better than any merchandise of silver, and the profe●e of it is better than gold. * Prove. 8. a wisdom is more worth than precious stones/ and all the things that thou canst desire/ are not to be compayred unto her. Upon her right hand is long life, and upon her left hand ●s riches and honour. Her ways are pleasant ways and all her paths are peaceable. She is a * Gene. two. b tree of life to them that lay hold upon her, and blessed is he that keepeth her fast. With wisdom hath the Lord laid the foundation of the earth/ and thorough understanding hath he stablished the heavens. Thorough his wisdom the depths break up, and the clouds drop down the dew. My son/ let not these things depart from thine eyes/ but keep my law and my council: so shall it be life unto thy soul, and grace unto thy mouth. Then shalt thou walk safely in thy way, & thy foot shall nat stumble. * Prou. 1. ●. If thou sleepest, thou shalt nat be afraid, but take thy rest & sleep sweetly. Thou needest not to be afraid of any sudden fear/ neither for the violent rushing in of the ungodly/ when it cometh for the Lord shall stand by thy side/ and keep thy foot that thou be nat taken. Withdraw no good thing from them that have need, so long as thine hand is able to do it. say nat unto thy neighbour: go thy way and come again, to morrow will I give thee: where as thou hast now to give him. Intend no hurt unto thy neighbour saying he doth dwell in rest by the▪ strive nat lightly with any man/ where as he hath done the no harm. * Prou. 1. Follow nat a wicked man, and chose none of his ways: for the Lord abhorreth the froward but his council is among the righteous. The curse of the Lord is in the house of the ungodly, but he blesseth the dwellings of the righteous. As for the scoruefull/ doth not he laugh them to scorn? but he giveth grace unto the lowly. The wise shall have honour in possession: but shame is the promotion that fools shall have. ¶ wisdom and her fruits and her way ought to be sought. ¶ CAP. four HEAR O ye children/ the fatherly exhortation/ and take good heed, that ye may learn wisdom. For I have given you a good doctrine, forsake not ye my law. For when I myself was my father's dear son/ and tenderely beloved of my mother/ he taught me also/ and said unto me: * Deut. vi. b▪ 〈◊〉. ●. 3●. g. Let thine heart receive my words/ keep my commandments/ and thou shalt live. Get the wisdom/ and get the understanding, forget not the words of my mouth, & shrink nat from them. Forsake her nat, & she shall preserve y●: leave her, & she shall keep y●. The chief point of wisdom is, that thou be willing to obtain wisdom, and before all thy goods to get the understanding. * Deut. 26. d. Make much of her and she shall promote thee: Ye if thou embrace her▪ she shall bring the unto honour. She shall make the a gracious head/ and garnyshe the with a crown of glory. Hear my son, and receive my words and the years of thy life shall be many. I have showed thee, the way of wisdom/ and led the into the right paths. So that if thou goest therein, there shall no straightness hinder the and when thou runneste, thou shalt nat fall. Take fast hold of doctrine, and let her nat go: keep her, for she is thy life. * Psal. 1. a. & xxvii. a. Come nat in the path of the ungodly, and walk nat in the way of the wicked. Eschew it, and go nat therein, depart aside/ & pass over by it. For they can nat sleep, except they have first done some mischief: nether take they any rest, except they have first done some harm. For they eat the bred of wickedness, and drink the wine of robbery. The path of the righteous shineth as the light that is ever brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. But the way of the ungodly is as the darkness, wherein men fall, or they be aware. * duty. vi. b and▪ xi. ●. My son/ mark my words, and incline thine ear unto my sayings Let them nat depart from thine eyes/ but keep them even in the mydeste of thine heart. For they are life unto all those that find them, and health unto all their bodies. Keep thine heart with all diligence, for there upon hangeth life. Put away from the a froward mouth/ and let the lips of slander be far from the. Let thine eyes behold the thing that is right/ and let thine eye lids look strait before the. Pondre the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be ordered a right. ‡ duty. v. d. and. xxvii. d Turn not aside neither to the right hand nor to the left/ but withhold thy foot from evil. ⚜ (For the Lord knoweth the ways that are on the right hand. As for the ways that be on the left hand, they be froward. For he shall direct thy goings, and thy ways shall he guide in peace. ¶ He warneth to eschew whoredom. He forbiddeth wasteful spending He willeth us to live of our own labours Men must love their wives. CAPI. V My son/ give heed unto my wisdom and bow thine ear unto my prudence: that thou mayst regard good council/ and that thy lips may keep knowledge. ⚜ (Apply not thou thyself to the deceitfulness of a woman.) For the lips of an harlot Prou. two. b. and. seven. a. are a dropping honey comb, and her throat is softer than oil. But at the last she is as bitter as wormewode/ & ⚜ (her tongue) as sharp as a two edged sword. Her feet go down unto death/ and her steps pierce thorough unto hell. She regardeth nat the path of life: so unsteadfast are her ways / that thou canst nat know them. Here me now therefore (O my son) and depart not from the words of my mouth. Keep the way far from her/ and come nat nigh the doors of her house. That thou give nat thy strength unto other/ and thy years to the cruel, That other men be nat filled with thy goods/ and that thy labours come nat in a strange house. Ye that thou mourn nat at the last (when thou hast spent thy body and goods) and then say: Alas/ why hated I nurture? why did my heart despise correction? Wherefore was not I obedient unto the voice df my teachers/ and hearkened not unto them that informed me? I am come almost into all misfortune/ in the midst of the multitude and congregation, ☞ Drink of the water/ of thine own well and of the rivers that run out of thine own springs. ☞ Let thy wells flow out abroad/ that there may be rivers of water in the streets: but let them be only thine own/ and not strangers with the. Let thy well be blessed/ and be glad with the wife of thy youth Loving is the hind/ and friendly is the roe: let her breasts alway satisfy thee, and hold the ever content with her love. My son/ why wilt thou have pleasure in an harlot/ and embrace the bosom, of another woman? * job. xxxi. a. and. 34. ●. For every man's ways are open in the sight of the Lord, and he pondreth all their goings. The wickedness of the ungodly shall catch himself/ and with the snares of his own sins shall he be trap ped. He shall die without amendment/ & for his great foolishness he shall go astray. ¶ The slothful and slougyshe is pricked and stirred to work. The schismatic is reproved. adultery ought to be earnestly avoided. CAPI. VI My son * Pro. xvii. ●. and. xx. ●. if y● be surety for thy neighbour, and hast fastened thine hand for another man, thou art bound with thine own words, and taken with thine own speech. Therefore/ my son/ do this and thou shalt be discharged: when thou art come into thy neighbours danger. Go thy ways then soon, & entreat thy neighbour: let not thine eyes sleep/ nor thine eye lid slumber. Save thyself as a do from the hand, & as a bird from the hand of the fouler. Go to the Emmet (thou stougard) consider her ways, and learn to be wise. She hath no guide, no teacher, no leader: yet in the Summer she provideth her meat, and gathereth her food together in the harvest. * Pr●. xiii. d. How long wilt thou sleep, thou slogysh man? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Ye sleep on still a little, slumber a little/ fold thine hands together yet a little, that y● mayest sleep: so shall poverty come unto the as one that travaileth by the way/ and necessity like an armed man. So ⚜ (But if thou be nat slothful, thy harvest shall come as a springing well, and poverty shall fly far from the). An ungodly person/ a wicked man goth with a froward mouth, he wyncketh with his eyes, he tokeneth with his feet, he pointeth with his fingers, he is ever ymagenige mischief & frowardness in his heart, & causeth discord Therefore shall his destruction come hastily upon him suddenly shall he be all to broken, & nat be healed. * Pro. xii. c. These six things doth the Lord hate, & the seventh he utterly abhorreth A proud look a dyssembling tongue hands the shed innocent blood, an heart that goeth about wicked imagination * Psal. 14. ●. Provet. 1. ● feet that be swift in running to do mischief, a false witness that bringeth up lies, & such one as soweth discord among brethren. My son/ keep thy father's commandment/ and forsake nat the law of thy mother. Put them up together in thine heart, and bind them about thy neck. That they may lead, the where thou goest, preserve the when thou art asleep, and that when thou awakest, thou mayest talk of them. For * Psal. 119. the commandment is a lantern, and and the law a light: ye chastening and nurture is the way of life, that they may keep the from * Pro. v. a. and. seven▪ a. the evil woman, and from the slateringe tongue of the harlot: that thou lust nat after her beauty in thine heart, and lest thou be taken with her fair looks. An harlot will make a man to beg his bread, but a married woman will hunt for the precious life, May a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes nat be brent? Or can one go upon hot coals, and his feet nat be hurt? Even so, whosoever goeth into his neighbour's wife, and toucheth her, cannot be ungyity. * Ero. xxii. a Men do nat utterly despise a thief that stealeth to satisfy his soul/ when he is hungry, but if he may be gotten he restoreth again seven times as much, or else he maketh recompense with all the good of his house. But who so committeth adultery with a woman, he is a fool, & hryngeth his life to destruction. He getteth himself also shame & dishonour/ such as shall never be put out. For the jealousy and wrath of y● man will nat be entreated, no though thou wouldest offer him great gifts to make amends, he will nat receive them. ¶ God aught to be feared and honoured. His command, inentes ou●●h 〈◊〉 to be hepte: wanton apperytes and desires ought to be shunned. CAPI. VII. My son, * Deut. vi. b and. xii. a. keep my words, and lay up my commandments by the. Keep my commandments and my law, even as the apple of thine eye, and thou shalt live, Bind them upon thy fingers, and write them in the table of thine heart. say unto wisdom: thou art my sister, & call understanding thy kinswoman: * Prou. 2. b. and. 5. a. that she may keep the from the strange woman, and from the harlot which giveth sweet words. For out of the window of my house I looked thorough the latysse, and beheld the simple people: and among other young folks I spied one young fool, going over the streets/ by the corner in the way toward the harlots house/ in the twilight of the evening/ when it began now to be night & dark. And behold/ there met him a woman in * Ecele. ix. ●. an harlots apparel (a deceitful) wanton and an unsteadfast woman: whose feet could not abide in the house/ now is she without now in the streets and lurketh in every corner, she caught the young man/ kissed him/ & was nat ashamed, faing: I had a vow of peace offerings to pay/ ☞ and this day I perform it. Therefore came I forth to meet thee/ that I might seek thy face: & so I have found the. I have decked my bed with coverings & clothes of Egypte. My bed have I made to smell of Myrrh, Alos/ and Cinnamon. Come let us lie together, and take our pleasure till it be day light. For the good man is nat at home, he is gone far of. He hath taken the bag of money with him: who can tell when he cometh home? Thus with many sweet words she overcame him, and with her flattering lips she enticed him to follow her as it were an ox led to the slaughter/ and like as it were a fool to the stocks, to be punished/ so long till she had wounded his liver with her dart: like as if a bird hasted to the snare nat knowing that the apparel of his life lieth there upon. Hear me now therefore, O my children, & mark the words of my mouth. Let nat thine heart wandre in her ways, and be nat thou deceived in her paths. For many one hath she wounded and cast down, ye many a strong man hath been slain by the means of her. Her houses are the way unto hell, and bring men down into the chambers of death. ¶ The praise of the wisdom of God. CAPI. VIII. DOth nat * prover. i. ● wisdom cry? doth nat understanding put forth her voice? Standeth she nat in the high places in the streets and ways? doth she nat cry before the whole city, and in the gates where men go out and in? It is you, O ye men (sayeth she) whom I call: Unto (the children of men) do I lift up my voice. Take heed unto knowledge: O ye ignorant: be wise in heart, O ye fools. give eat, for I will speak of great matters, and open my lips to tell things that be right. For my throat shallbe talking of the truth and my lips abhor ungodliness. All the words of my mouth are righteous, there is no frowardness nor falsehood therein. They are all plain to such as will understand, and right to them that find knowledge. Receive my doctrine, and nat silver, and my knowledge/ more then fine gold. For * Prou. iii. b. wisdom is more worth than precious stones, ye all things that thou canst desire/ may nat be compared unto it. I wisdom have my dwelling with knowledge, and prudent council is mine own. The fear of the Lord abhorreth wickedness, pride, disdain, and the evil way: and a mouth that speaketh wicked things I utterly abhor. I can give council and be a guide: I have under standing I have strength, * Deu. xvii. d Sapi. vi. a. Thorough me/ kings reign: thorough me/ princes make just laws. Thorough me, do princes bear rule/ and all judges of the earth execute judgement. I am loving unto those that love me: and * Luke. xi. b. they that seek me early/ shall find me. riches and honour are with me. Ye excellent goods and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold and precious stone/ and mine increase more worth than fine silver. I will guide the in the way of righteousness, and in the street of judgement. That I may send prosperity to those that love me/ and to increase their treasure ☞ * Sapi. ix. b. The lord himself had me in possessyou ☞ in the beginning of his ways, or ever he began his works aforetime. * Eccle. 24. ● I have been ordeved from everlasting and from the beginning or ever the earth was made. When I was borne: there were nether depths nor springs of water. Before the foundations of the mountains were laid, ye before all hills was I borne. The earth and all that is upon the earth was nat yet made, no not the ground itself. ‡ Sapi. 〈◊〉. ●. For when he made the heavens, I was present: when he set up the depths in order/ when he hanged the clouds above: when he fastened the springs of the deep: when he shut the see with in * Gene. i. a, job. xxvi. ● and. 38. a. Psa. ●iiii. ● certain bounds, that the waters should nat go over their marks. When he laid the foundations of the erath I was with him/ ordering all things dely●ynge daily, and rejoicing alway before him. As for the round compass of this world/ I make it joyful: for my delight is to be among the children of men. Therefore hearken unto me▪ O ye children, blessed are they that keep my ways. give ear unto nurture, be wise and refuse it nat. Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates/ and giving attendance at the posts of my doors. For who so findeth me, findeth life, and shall obtayve favour of the Lord. but who so offendeth against me, hurteth his own soul. And all they that hate me/ be the lovers of death. ¶ wisdom month all men to embrace her. The property of a whore. CAPI. IX. wisdom hath builded herself ☞ an house/ & hewn out seven pillars: he hath killed her victuals, powered out her wine, and prepared her table. She hath sent forth her maidens to cry upon the highest place of the city: who so is ignorant, let him come hither. And to the unwise she said: O come on yours way, eat my bread, and drink my wine which I have poured out for you. Forsake ignorance, and ye shall live: and see that ye go in the way of understanding. Who so reproveth a scornful person, gettethe himself dishonour: and he that rebuketh the ungodly, staineth himself. Reprove nat ☞ a scorner lest he own the evil will: but rebuke a wise man, & he will love the. give a discrete man but an occasion, and he willbe the wiser: teach a righteous man and he will increase in knowledge. * job. 28. d. Psal. 〈◊〉. ●. Proue●. 〈◊〉 Ecclesi. ●● The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom/ and the knowledge of holy things is understanding For thorough me thy days shall be prolonged, & the years of thy life shall be many. If thou be wise, thy wisdom shall do thyself good: but if the thikest scorn thereof, it shall be thine own harm. A foolish reckless woman, full of words, & such a one as hath no knowledge, sitteth at the door of her house, & in the high places of the cite to call such as go by, & that walk straight in their ways. Who so is ignorant (sayeth she) let him come hither, and to the unwise she sayeth: stolen waters are sweet & the bread that is privily eaten, hath a good taste. And he doth nat consider/ that they are but dead which be there, and that her gests are in the deep of hell. ⚜ (For he that will be joined unto her, shall go down to hell but he that avoideth from her, shallbe saved. ¶ The proverbs of Solomon. ¶ In this chapter, and in all that follow unto the thirty the wise man exhorteth by divers sentences, which he calleth Parables, to follow virtues and fly vices. And showeth also what profit cometh of wisdom, & what hindrance proceedeth of foolishness Capitulo. X. A wise * Prove. 15. ● son maketh a glad father, but an undiscrete son is an heaviness unto his mother. * Prou. 11. ●. Eccle. v. b. treasures that are wickedly gotten perfect nothing, but righteousness delivereth from death. * Psa. 34. b. The Lord will nat let the soul of the righteous suffce hunger, but he putteth the ungodly from his desire. An idle hand maketh poor/ but the quick labouring hand maketh rich. ⚜ (who so regardeth losings, feedeth the wind, and doth but follow birds that have taken their flight.) ‡ Who so gathereth in Summer, is wise: but he that is slougy she in harvest, bringeth himself to confusion. Blessings are upon the head of the righteous, and the mouth of the ungodly keepeth mischief in secret. * Psa. ●xii. a The memorial of the just shall have a good report, but the name of the ungodly shall stink. A wise man will receive war ning/ but a fool will sooner be smitten in the face. * Psal. 23. a He that leadeth an innocent life, walketh surely: but who so goeth a wrong way shallbe known. He that winketh with his eye, will do some harm but he that hath a foolish mouth shallbe beaten. The mouth of a righteous man is a vain of life, but the mouth of the ungodly keepeth mischief in secret. Evil will steereth up strife, but love covereth the multitude of sins In the lips of him that hath understanding, a man shall find wisdom, but the rod belongeth to the back of the foolish. wise m●●ay up knowledge but the mouth of the foolish is nigh destruction, The rich man's goods are his strong hold, but poverty oppresseth the poor. The righteous laboureth to do good, but the ungodly useth his increase unto sine. To take heed unto the chaste ning of nurture is the way of life: but he that refu seth to be reformed deceiveth him self. Dissembling lippis keep hatred secretly, & he that speaketh any slander, is a fool. Where much babbling is, there must needs be offence: & he that refrineth his lips, is wise. An innocent tongue is a noble treasure, but the heart of the ungodly is nothing worth. The lippis of the righteous fede ●whole multitude, but fools shall die in their own folly. The blessing of the Lord maketh rich Psal. 27. a Eccle. xi. ●. men * Eccle. 27. d as for careful travail, it doth nothing thereto. A fool doth wickedly & maketh but a sport of it, nevertheless it is wisdom for a man to beware of such. The thing y● the ungodly are afraid of, shall come upon them/ but the righteous shall have their desire. The ungodly is like a tempest that passeth over, & is no more seen, but the righteous remaineth sure for ever: As vinegar is to the teeth, & as smoke is unto the eyes, even so is a slougysh person to them that send him forth. The fear of the Lord maketh a long life, but the yeris of that ungodly shall be shortened. The patient abiding of the righteous shallbe turned to gladness, but the hope of the ungodly shall perish. The way of the Lord giveth a courage unto the godly but it is a fere for wicked doers. ‡ 1. Pe. 4. ●● 1. Cor. 13. b. The righteous shall never Psal. 125. a be overthrown, but the ungodly, shall nat remain in the land. * Prou xi. b. The mouth of the just will Psal, 37 ● be talking of wisdom, but the tongue of the froward shall perish. The lippis of the righteous are occupied in acceptable things, but the mouth of the ungodly taketh them to the worst. CAP. XI A * Prou. 16. ●● xx. ●. False balance is an abomination unto the Lord, but a true weight pleaseth him Where pride is, there is shame also & confusion but where as is lowliness, there is wisdom The innocent deling of the just shall lead them, but the wickedness of such as dissemble, shallbe their own destruction. ‡ Prou. x. a. Eccle. ●. b. Riches help nat in the day of vengeance but righteousness delivereth from death. The righteousness of the innocent ordereth his way, but the ungodly shall fall in his own wickedness, The righteousness of the just shall deliver them, but the wicked shallbe taken in their own ungodliness. When an ungodly man dieth, his hope is gone, the confidence of riches shall perish. The righteous shallbe delivered out of trouble, & the ungodly shall come to his stead. Thorough the mouth of the dissembler is his neighbour destroyed, but thorough knowledge shall y● just be delivered. * ●●●●. v. ●. When it goeth well with the righteous, the cite is merry: & when the ungodly perish, there is gladness. When the just are in wealth the cite ꝓspereth: but when the ungodly have the rule, it decayeth. A fool bringeth up a slander of his neighbour, but a wise man will keep it secret. * Pro. xiiii. d A dissembling person will discover Prou. x. ●. privy things, but he that is of a faithful heart, will keep council. * 〈◊〉 Where no good ●. Re. xii. ●. council is, there the people decay, but where doth a miss: but * Psal. xli. a. blessed is he that hath pity of the poor. ⚜ (He that putteth his trust in the Lord, loveth to be merciful) They that imagine wickedness, shallbe disappointed: but they that muse upon good things, unto such shall happen mercy and faithfulness. Diligent labour bringeth riches/ but where many vain words are/ truly there is scarcenesss. ☞ riches are as a crown unto the wise, but the ignorance of fools is very foolishness: A faithful witness delivereth souls, but a liar dyscevethe them: The fear of the Lord is a strong hold, and his children under a sure defence. The fear of the Lord is a well of life, to avoid the snares of death. The increase and prosperity of the comens is the Kings honour, but the decay of the people is the confusion of the Prince. He that is patient, hath much understanding: but he that is soon displeased, provoketh foolishness. A merry heart is the life of the body, but rancour consumeth away the bones. * Prou▪ ●i. b Math▪ xx ● He that doth a poor man wrong/ blasphemeth his maker: but who so hath pity of the poor, doth honour unto God. The ungodly is afraid of every parel, but the righteous hath a good hope even in death. wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding, and he shallbe known among them that are unlearned. * Prou. xi. b. righteousness setteth up the people, but wickedness bringeth folk to destruction. A discrete servant is a pleasure unto the King/ but one that is nat honest provoketh him unto wrath. ¶ CAPI. XV. Pro. xxv. c A Soft answer putteth down displeasure / but froward words provoke unto anger. The tongue of such as be wise/ useth knowledge aright/ as for a foolish mouth it babbleth out nothing, but foolishness. The eyes of the Lord look on every place, both upon the good and bad. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but he that abuseth, it, hath a broken mind. A fool despiseth his father's correction: but he that taketh heed when he is reproved shall have the more understanding. ⚜ (Were righteousness is plentiful, there is very great power: but imaginations of the ungodly shallbe rooted out.) The house of the righteous is full of riches, but the increase of the ungodly is my destruction. A wise mouth poureth out knowledge but the heart of the foolish doth nat so. * Pro. xxi. d. Eccle. 34. ●. Isaiah. 66. The Lord abhorreth the sacrifice of the ungodly but the prayer of the righteous is acceptable unto him. The way of the ungodly is an abomination unto the Lord: but who so followeth righteousness, him he loveth. He that forsaketh the right way shallbe sore punished: and who so hateth correction, shall die. Hell and perdistion are konwne unto the Lord, how much more than the hearts of of men? * Sapi●. 〈◊〉. ● A scornful body loveth nat one that rebuketh him neither will he come unto the wise? ‡ Prou. 〈◊〉. ● and. xv●●▪ ●▪ Eccle. nineteen. ● A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance, but an unquiet mind maketh it heavy. The heart of him that hath understanding, doth seek after knowledge, but the mouth of fools is feed with foolishness. All the days of the poor are miserable but, a quiet heart is as a continual feast. * Psal. 37. ●▪ 1. ●im. ●. ●. Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, then great treasure with sorrow. Better is a measse of pottage with love, than a fat ox with evil will. * Prou. xv. ● An angry man steereth up strife, but he that is patient, stilleth discord. The way of a slothful man/ is as it were hedged with thorns, but the way of the righteous is well cleansed. * Prou. x. ●. A wise son maketh a glad father, but an undiscrete body shameth his mother. A fool rejoiceth in foolish things/ but a wise man looketh well to his own goings. Unaduysed thoughts shall come to nought, but where as men are that can give council, there is steadfastness. A joyful thing is it, when a man giveth a convient answer? And very pleasant is a word spoken in due season. The way of life leadeth unto heaven, that a man should beware of hell beneath. The Lord will break down the house of the proud, but he shall make fast the borders of the window. The Lord abhorreth the imaginations of the wicked, but pure words are pleasant unto him. The covetous man roteth up his own house, but who so hateth rewards, shall live. ⚜ (Thorough mercy and faith are sins purged, and thorough the fear of the lord doth every one eschew evil.) A righteous man museth in his mind how to do good, but the mouth of the ungodly bringeth forth evil things. The Lord is far from the ungodly, but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. Like as the clearness of the eyes rejoiceth the heart, so doth a good name fede the bones. The ear that hearkeneth of the reformation of life, shall dwell among the wise. He that refuseth to be reformed, despiseth his own soul: but he that submitteth himself to correction, is wise. The fear of the lord is the right science of wisdom, and lowliness goeth before honour. CAPI. XVI. A Man may well ☞ purpose a thing in his heart/ but the answer of the tongue cometh of the Lord. * Prou. 2●. a Psal. 33. b. A man thinketh all his ways to be clean, but it is the Lord that judgeth the minds. ‡ Psal. 37. a commit thy works unto the Lord: and look what thou devisest, it shall prosper. The Lord doth all things for his own sake, ye and when he keepeth the ungodly for the day of wrath. The Lord abhorreth all such as be of a proud heart, there may neither strength nor power escape. ⚜ (The beginning of a good life is to do rightwiseness: for that is more accepted unto God, then to offer up sacrifices.) With loving mercy and faithfulness, sins be forgiven, and who so feareth the Lord escheweth evil. When a man's ways please the Lord/ he maketh his very enemies to be his friends. Better it is to have a little thing with righteousness/ then great rents wrong fully gotten. * Pro. 19 c. A man deviseth a way in his heart/ but it is the Lord that ordereth his goings. ☞ When the prophecy is in the lips of the king/ his mouth shall nat go wrong in judgement. * Pr. 〈◊〉. a. and. 20. b A true measure and a true balance are the Lords/ he maketh all weights. It is a great abomination when kings are wicked/ for a kings seat should be held up with righteousness. righteous lips are pleasant unto kings: & he that speaketh the truth shallbe beloved. The kings displeasure is a messenger of death, but awyse man will pacify him. The cheerful countenance of the king is life, and his loving favour is as the evening dew. * Prove. 8. a To have wisdom in possession is better than to have gold: and to get understanding, is more worth then to have silver. The path of the righteous is to eschew evil: and who so looketh well to his ways, keepeth his own soul. Presumpteousnes goeth before destruction, and after a proud stomach there followeth a fall. Better it is to be of humble mind with the lowly/ then codevyde the spoils with the proud. He that handleth a matter wisely, obtaineth good: and * Psal. 2. b. blessed is he, that putteth his trust in the Lord. Who so hath a wise understanding, shallbe called to council: a●●●e that can speak fair, shall vave the mo●e learning. Understanding is a wel●●f life unto him that hath it: as forth chastening of fools, it is but foolishness. A wise heart ordereth his mouth wisely, and amendeth the doctrine in his lips. Fair words are an honey comb, a refreshing of the mind, and health of the bones. * Prou. 14. b Deut. 12. a Esay. 55. b. There is a way that men think to be right, but the end thereof leadeth unto death. A troublous soul disquyeteth herself/ for her own mouth hath brought her thereto. An ungodly person steereth up evil/ and in his lips he is as an hot burning fire. A froward body causeth strife/ and he that is a blab of his tongue/ maketh division among princes. A wicked man beguileth his neighbour, and leadeth him in to the way that is not good. He that winketh with his eyes, imagineth mischief, and he that biteth his lips, will▪ do some harm. Age is a crown of worship/ if it be found in the way of righteousness. A patient man is better than one strong, & he that can rule him self, is more worth than he that winneth a city. The lots are cast in to the lap, but the ordering thereof standeth all in the Lord. CAPI. XVII. BETTER is a dry morsel with quietness/ then a full house and many fat cattles with strife. * Eccle. 1●. d A discrete servant shall have more rule than the sons that have no wisdom/ and shall have like heritage with the brethren * Sa●●ē. 3. 〈…〉 Like as silver is tried in the fire, and gold in the furnace, even so doth the Lord prove the hearts. A wicked body holdeth much of false lips/ and a froward person giveth care to a dysceatfull tongue. * Prou. 14. d job. 31. ●. Who so laugheth the poor to scorn/ blasphemeth his maker: and he that is glad of another man's hurt/ shall nat be unpunished. Chylders' children are a worship unto the elders/ and the fathers are the honour of the children. An eloquent speech becometh nat a fool/ a dissembling mouth also beseemeth nat a prince. Lyberalyte is a precious stone unto him that hath it: for where soever he becometh, he prospereth. Who so covereth another man's offence, seeketh love: but he ●hat dyscloseth the fault/ setteth the prince against himself: One reproof only doth more good to him that hath understanding, than an. C●stor●pes unto a fool. * 1. Reg. 12. ●. A sedycy●us▪ person seeketh mischief, and therefore is a cruel messenger sent against him. It were better to come against a she evil, but put thy trust in the Lord, and he shall defend the. * Prout. 〈◊〉. a and. 1●. ● The Lord abhorreth two manner of weights/ and a false balance is an evil thing. * ●ere x, d The Lord ordereth every man's goings: how may a man than understand his own way? It is a snare for a man to blaspheme that which is holy, and then to go about with vows. * 1. Reg. 〈◊〉. ● A wise king destroyeth the ungodly, and bringeth the wheel over them. The lantern of the Lord is the breath of man, and goeth thorough all the in ward parts of the body. * Prou. 29. b Mercy and faithfulness preserve the king, and with loving kindness his seat is holden up. The strength of young men is their worship, and a grey head, is an honour unto the aged. Woun des drive away evil, and so do stripes the inward parts of the body. CAPI. XXI. THE * 4. Reg. ●. ●. Kings heart is in the hand of the Lord, like as are the rivers of water: he may turn it whether so everhe will. Every man thinketh his own way to be right, but the Lord judgeth the hearts. * Mich. v. ●. To do righteousness and judgement is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice. A presumptuous look, a proud stomach/ and the lantern of the ungodly is sin. The devices of one that is diligent/ bring pletuousnesse: but he that is unadvised, cometh unto poverty. Who so hordeth up riches with the dysceytfulnesse of his tongue, he is a fool/ and like unto them that seek their own death. The robberies of the ungodly shall be their own destruction, for they will not do the things that is right. The ways of the froward are strange: but * the works of him that is clean/ are right * Eitum. ●. ●. Prou. 25. d. It is better to dwell in a corner under the house top, then with a brawling woman in a wide house. The soul of the ungodly wisheth evil and hath no pity upon his neighbour. * Prou. 19 ● When the scornful is punished/ the ignorant take the better heed: and when a wise man is warned, he will receive the more understanding. The righteous wisely considereth the house of the ungodly/ and he seeth that God overthroweth the ungodly for their own wickedness. * Mat. 18. ● Who so stoppeth his ear at the crying of the poor he shall cry himself, and not be herd. A privy reward pacyfyeth displeasure, and a gift in the bosom, stilleth futyousnesse. The just delighteth in doing that thing that is right, but the works of wyekednesse abhor the same. The man that wan der out of the way of wisdom, shall remain ☞ in the congregation of the dead * Prou●. ●. ● He that hath pleasure in bancket●es, shall be a poor man: who so delighteth in wine and delicates, shall not be rich. The ungodly shall be given for the righteous, and the wicked for the just. * Eccle. 25. ●. It is better to dwell in a wilderness, then with a chiding and an angry woman. In a wise man's house there is great treasure and plentuousness but a foolish body spendeth up all. Who so followeth righteousness and mercy, findeth both life, righteousness and honour A wise man winneth the city of the mighty: and as for the strength that they trust in he bringeth it down. * Prou. 〈◊〉. ● Who so keepeth his mouth and his tongue, the same keepeth his soul from troubles. He that is proud and presumptuous, is called a scornful man/ which in wrath dare work maliciously. The voluptuousness of the slothful is his own death, for his hands will not labour He coveteth and desireth all the day long but the righteous is alway giving, and keepeth nothing back. The sacrifice of the ungodly is abomination: how much more when they offer the thing that is got ten with wickedness? A false witness shall perish, but he that will be content to hear shall alway have power to speak himself An ungodly man goeth forth rashly, but the just reformeth his own way. * Prou. 〈◊〉. ● There Esay●. ●. ●. and. x●●●. ● is no wisdom, there is no understanding, there is no council against the Lord. ‡ Psal. 33. ●. The horse is prepared against the day of battle/ but the LORD giveth the victory. CAPI. XXII. A ‡ Eccl●. 〈◊〉. ● Eccle. 〈◊〉. ● GOOD name is more worth than great riches/ and ☞ loving favour is better than silver and gold. The rich and poor met together: the Lord is the maker of them all. A wise man seeth the plague/ and hideth himself: but the foolish go on still and are punished The end of lowelynes and the fear of GOD/ riches/ honour prosperity and health. Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: but he that doth keep his soul, will i'll from such. Teach a child in his youth what way he should go: for he shall not leave it, when he is old. The rich ruleth the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. He that soweth wickedness shall reap sorrow, and the rod of his cruelty shall perish * ●●●●. 31. ● He that hath a loving eye shallbe blessed, for he giveth of his breed unto the poor. ⚜ (who so giveth rewards, shall obtain vyetory and honour: but he taketh a way the soul of such as receive them.) Cast out the scornful man, and so shall strife go out with him, ye variance and slander shall cease. Who so delighteth to be of a clean heart and of gracious lips, the King shall be his friend. The eyes of the Lord ☞ preserve knowledge, but as for the words of the despyteful, he bringeth them to nought. The slothful body saith: there is alien without, I might be slain in the street * 〈…〉. 2●. ●. The mouth of an harlot is a deep pit, wherein he falleth that the Lord is angry withal. foolishness sticketh in the heart of the lad, and the rod of correc●ō shall drive it away from him. Who so doth a poor man wrong to increase his own riches, and giveth unto the rich, at the last cometh to poverty himself. My son, bow down thine ear, and hearken unto the words of wisdom, apply thy mind unto my doctrine: for thou shalt be excellent if thou keep it in thine heart, and practise it in thy mouth: that thou mayest put thy trust in the Lord. I have showed the this day the thing that thou knowest. Have nat I warned the very oft with council and learning? that I might show the the truth, and that thou with the verity mightest answer them that send unto thee? See that thou rob nat the poor, because he is weak, & oppress nat the simple in judgement: for the Lord himself will defend their cause, and do violence unto them that have used violence. Make no fryndshype with an angry wilful man, and keep no company with the suryous: lest thou learn his ways, and receive hurt in thy soul. * ●●●●. vi. ●●. 〈◊〉. ●. 27. ● Be nat thou one of them that bind their hand upon promise, and are surety for det: for if thou haste nothing to pay, they shall take away thy bed from under the. * Prou. 23. ● Deut. ●7. ●. thou shalt nat remove the land mark, which thy fore elders have set. Seest thou nat, that they which be diligent in their business, stand before kings and not among the simple people. CAPI. XXIII. WHen thou sittest at the table to eat with a lord, ordre thyself mannerly with the things that are set before the. Measure thine appetite: and if thou wilt rule thine own self, be nat over greedy of his meat, for meat beguileth and deceiveth. * E●●●. 27. ● 〈◊〉. xvii. b. Take nat over great travail and labour to be rich, beware of such a purpose. ‡ ●. Tim. vi ● Why wilt thou set thine eye upon the thing, which suddenly vanisheth away? For riches make themselves wings, and take their flight like an Eagle in to the air. Eat nat thou with the envious and desire nat his meat/ for he hath a marvelous heart. He sayeth unto thee: eat and drink, where as his heart is nat with the. Ye the morsels that thou hast eaten shalt thou parbreak, and lose those sweet words. Tell nothing into the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of thy words. * Pro. xxii. v. Deut. 27. ●. Remove nat the old land mark, & come nat within the field of the fatherless: For he that delivereth them, is mighty, even he shall defend their cause against the. Apply thine heart unto correction, and thine eats of the words of knowledge. * Pro. xiii. d. Eccle. thirty. a Withhold nat correction from the child, for if y● beatest him with the rod, he shall nat die thereof. If thou smite him with the rod, thou shalt deliver his soul from hell. My soone, if thy heart receive wisdom, my heart also shall rejoice: ye my reins shallbe very glad: if thy lips speak the thing that is right. * Prou. 14. ● and. ●. Let nat thine heart be jealous to follow sinners/ but keep the still in the fear of the Lord ☞ all the day long: for the end is nat yet come, and thy patient abiding shall nat be in vain. My son/ give ear and be wise, so shall thine heart prosper in the way, & Keep no company with wine bybbers & Prou. xxi. ● riotous eaters of flesh: for such as be drunkards and riotous shall come to poverty, and he that is given to much sleep/ shall go with a ragged coat. give ear unto thy father that begat thee/ and despise nat thy mother when she is old. Labour for to get the truth: sell nat away wisdom nurture and understanding (for a righteous father is marvelous glad of a wise son, and delighteth in him) so shall thy father be glad/ and thy mother that bore thee/ shall rejoice. My son/ give me thine heart, and let thine eyes have pleasure in my ways. * Pro. xxii. b. For an whore is a deep grave/ and an harlot is a narrow pit. She lurketh like a thief/ and bringeth unto her such men as as be full of vice. Who hath woe? who hath forowe? who hath strife? who hath brawling? & who hath wounds without cause? Or who hath reed eyes? Even they that be ever at the wine, and seek excess. Look nat thou upon the wine/ how red it is/ & what a colour it giveth in the glass. It goeth down softly, but at the last it biteth like a serpent/ and stingeth as an Adder. So shall thine eyes look unto strange women, and thine heart shall muse upon froward things. Ye thou shalt be as though thou slepeste in the midst of the see/ or upon the top of the mast. They wounded me (shalt thou say) but it hath nat hurt me: they smote me but I felt it nat. When I am well wakened, I will go to the drink again. CAP. XXIIII. B * Pro. 23. b. and. 24. ●. E not thou jealous over wicked men and desire nat to be among them. For their heart imagineth to do heart/ and their lips talk of mischief. Thorough wisdom is an house builded, and with understanding is it set up. Thorough discretion shall the chambers be filled with all costly and pleasant riches. A wise man is strong, ye a man of understanding is better than he that is mighty of strength. For with discretion must wars be taken in hand, and where as are many that can give council, there is the victory. wisdom is an high thing, ye even to the fool, for he dart nat open his mouth in the gate. He that imagineth mischief, may we be called an ungracious person. The thought of the foolish is sin/ and the scornful is an abomination unto men. If thou be overseen and negligent in time of need, then is thy strength but small. ☞ deliver them that go unto death, and are led away to be slain, and be nat negligent therein. If thou wilt say: I knew nat of it. Thinkest thou that he which made the hearts, doth nat consider it? and that he which regardeth thy soul seeth it nat? Shall nat he recompense every man according to his works? My son eat thou honey and the sweet honey comb, because it is good and sweet in thy mouth Even so shall the knowledge of wisdom be unto thy soul, as soon as thou haste gotten it. And there is good hope, ye thy hope shall nat be in vain. Lay no privy wait wickedly upon the house of the righteous, and disquyete nat his resting place * Psal. 37. d. For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again, but the ungodly fall in to wyckedness. ‡ Pro. 17. a. Rejoice hat thou at the fall of chine enemy/ and let nat thine heart be glad when he stomblech. lest the Lord (when he saith it) be angry, and turn his wrath from him unto the. * Pro 23. b, and. 24, a. Let nat thy wrath and jealousy move thee, to follow the wicked and ungodly. And why? the wicked hath nothing to hope for, and * job. 21. b. Prove. 13. a the candle of the ungodly shall be put out. ‡ Prou. 20. a My son fear thou the Lord and the king/ and keep no company with the slanderous, for their destruceyon shall come suddenly, & who knoweth the adversity of them both? These are also the sayings of the wise. * Pro. 18. b. It is nat good, to have respect of any person in judgement. He that sayeth to the ungodly: thou art righteous/ him shall the people curse, ye the comenty shall abhor him. But they that rebuke the ungodly/ shallbe commended, and a rich blessing shall come upon them. ☞ Every man shall kiss his lips/ that giveth a good answer. first make up thy work that is without and look well unto that which thou hast in the field and then build thine house. Be no false witness against thy neighbour, and hurt him nat with thy lips. say not: I will handle him even as he hath dealt with me, and will reward every man according to his deed. I went by the field of the slothful. and by the vineyard of the foolish man. And lo, it was alcovered with nettles, and stood full of thistles, and the stone wall was broken down. This I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, & took it for a warning. * Prove. 9 b Ye sleep on still ⚜ (I say) a little stomber a little, fold thine hands together yet a little: so shall poverty come unto the as one that travaileth by the way, and necessity like an armed man. ¶ These also are the parables of Solomon, which the men of Ezekiah King of juda copied out. CAPI. XXV. IT IS the honour of god to keep a thing secret, but the kings honour is to search out a thing. The heaven is high/ the earth is deep/ and the kings heart is unsearchable. Take the dross from the silver, and there shallbe a clean vessel thereof. Take away ungodgodlynesse from the kings sight, & his seat shallbe established in righteousness. Put nat for the thyself in the presence of the king, & press not into the place of great men. ‡ Luke. 14. ● For better is it that it be said unto y●: come up hither/ then thou to be set down in the presence of the prince whom thou sayst with thine eyes. ‡ Eccle. 8. ●. Math. 〈◊〉. ●. Be not hasty to go to the law, lest haply the ordre thyself so at the last, that thy neighbour put the to shame. Handle thy matter with thy neighbour himself, & discover not another man's secret: lest when men hear thereof, it turn to thy dishonour, & lest thine evil name do nat cease. ⚜ (Grace & friendship do the deliver: which see that thou keep for thyself lest thou be reproved.) a word spoken in due season, is like apples of gold in a silver dish. The correction of the wise is to an obedient ear, a golden chain and a jewel of gold. Like as the cold of snow in the harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth his masters mind. Who so maketh great boasts and giveth nothing, is like clouds and wind without rain. With patience is a Prince pacified, and * Pron xv. a Gene. 32. a Reg. 25. ● with a soft tongue is rigorousness broken. If thou findest honey, eat so much as is sufficient for thee: least thou be overful, and parbreak it out again Withdraw thy foot from thy neighbours house, lest he be weary of thee, and so abhor the. Who so beareth false witness against his neighbour, he is a very spear, a sword and a sharp arrow. The hope of the ungodly in time of need, is like a rotten to the and a slippery foot. Who so taketh away a man's garment in the cold wether, is like vinegar upon chalk, or like him that singeth songs to an heavy heart. ⚜ (Like as the moth hurteth a garment, and a worm the tre so doth the heaviness of a man hurt the heart) * Roma. 1●. c 1. Reg. 30. b If thine enemy hunger, feed him: if he thirst, give him drink: for so shalt thou heap coals of fire upon his head, and the Lord shall reward the. The North wind driveth away the rain, even so doth an earenest sober countenance a backbiters tongue. * Prou. xxi. a It is better to sit in a corner under the ro●e, then with a brawling woman in a wide house: A good report out of a far country, is like cold water to a thrysty soul Aryghtuous man ☞ falling down before the ungodly is like a troubled well & a spring that is destroyed. Like as it is nat eccle 3. c good to eat to much honey, even so he that will search out high things, it shall be to heavy for him. He that can not rule himself is like a city which is broken down, and hath no walls. ¶ CAPI. XXVI. LIke as snow is not meet in Summer, nor rain in harvest, even so is worship unsemely for a fool. Like as the bird and the swallow take their flight and i'll here & there, so the curse that is given in vain/ shall not light upon a man. * Psal. 32. b Unto the horse belongeth a whip, to the Ass a bridle/ & a rod to the fools back. give not the fool an answer after his foolishness, lest thou become like unto him: but make the fool an answer to his foolishness, lest he be wise in his own conceit. He is lame of his feet, yea drunken is he in vanity, that committeth any thing to a fool. Like as it is an unsemely thing to have legs and yet to halt, even so is a parable in the fool's mouth He that setteth a ●oole in high dignity, that is even as if a man did cast a precious stone upon the galous. A parable in a fool's mouth is like a thorn that pricketh a drunken man in the hand. A man of experience discerneth all things well: but who so hireth a fool/ hireth such one as will take no heed. * 1. Pet. 2. ● Like as the dog turneth again to his vomit, even so a fool beginneth his foolishness again a fresh. If thou seest a man that is wise in his own conceit, there is more hope in a fool then in him. ‡ Pro. xxii. b The slothful sayeth: there is a leopard in the way, and a lion in the midst of the streets. Like as the door turneth about upon the threshold, even so doth the slothful welter himself in his bed. * Prou. nineteen. c The slothful body thrusteth his hand into his bosom, and it grieveth him to put it again to his mouth. The s●ogarde thinketh himself wiser then ☞ seven men that sit and teach. Who so goeth by and meddleth with other men's strife, he is like one that taketh a dog by the ears. Like as one shooteth deadly arrows and darts out of a privy place, even so doth a dissembler with his neighbour. And then sayeth he? (when thou art taken) I did it but in sport. Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: Even so where the backebiter is taken away, there the strife ceaseth. As * Eccle. 28. b coals kindle heat, and would the fire: even so doth a brawling fellow steer up variance. A slanderers words are like flattery, but they pierce the inward parts of the body. Uenymous lips and a wicked heart, are like a potsherd covered with silver dross. An enemy shall be known by his talking, and in the mean season he imagineth mischief: but when he speaketh fair, believe him not, for there are seven ab hominations in his heart. Who so keepeth evil will, secretly to do hurt, his malice shallbe showed before the whole congregaci on. * Eccle. x. b. Eccle. 27. d Who so diggeth up a pit, shall fall there in: and he that weltreth a stone, shall stumble upon it himself. A dissembling tongue hateth one that rebuketh him, and a flattering mouth worketh mischief. ¶ CAPI. XXVII. MAke nat thy boast of to morrow * Luke. 2. c. Ezec. 28. ● James. 4 b for thou knowest not what may happen to day Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth: yea other folks lips, and not thine. The stone is heavy and the sand weighty: but a fool's wrath is mightier than they both. Wrath is a cruel thing, and furiousness is a very tempest: yea who is able to abide envy? An open rebuke is better than a secret love. Faithful are the wounds of a lover, but the kisses of an enemy are cruel. He that is full, abhorreth an honey comb: but unto him that is hungry, every sour thing is sweet. He that oftentimes flitteth, is like a bird that forsaketh her nest. The heart is glad of a sweet oynt mente and favour, but a stomach that can give good council, rejoiceth a man's neighbour. Thine own friend and thy father's friend see thou forsake nat: but go nat into thy brother's house in time of thy trouble. For better is a friend at band/ then a brother far of. My son, be wise, and thou shalt make me a glad heart: so that I shall make answer unto my rebukers. A wise man saying the plague/ will hide himself, as for fools they go on still, and suffer harm. * Provit. x. c Take his garment that is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for the unknown man's sake. He that is to hasty to praise his neighbour above measure/ shall be taken as one that giveth him an evil report. * Prou. nineteen. b A brawling woman and the roof of the house dropping in a taynye day, may well be compared together. He that refraineth her/ refraineth the wind, and holdeth oil fast in his hand. Like as one iron whetteth another, so doth one man comfort another Who so keepeth his fig tre, shall enjoy the fruits thereof: even so, he that waiteth upon his master, shall come to honour. Like as in one water there appear divers faces/ even so diverse men have diverse hearts. Like as ☞ hell and destruction are never full, even so * Eccle. 1. a. Eccle. 14. a and. xxvii. c the eyes of men can never be satisfied. Silver is tried in the mould, and Gold in the furnace/ and so is a man, when he is openly praised to his face. ⚜ The heart of a wicked man seeketh after mischief, but a true heart seeketh for knowledge.) Though thou shouldest bray a fool with a pestle in a mortar like otemell, yet will nat his foolishness go from him. See that thou know the number of thy cattle thyself/ and look well to thy flocks. For riches abide nat alway and ☞ the crown endureth not for ever. The hay groweth, the grass cometh up, and herbs are gathered in the mountains. The lambs shall cloth thee, and for the goats thou shalt have money to thy husbandry. Thou shalt have goats milk enough to feed thee/ to uphold thy household and to sustain thy maidens. CAPI. XXVIII. THE ungodly flieth when no man chaseth him/ but the righteous standeth stiff as a Lyon. * levit. 26. ● Because of sin the land doth oft change her Prince: but thorough men of understanding and wisdom a realm endureth long: One poor man oppressing another by violence is like a continual rain that destroyeth the fruit. They that forsake the law praise the ungodly: but such as keep the law, abhor them. * 1. Cor●. 2. ●. Wicked men dyscer●e nat the thing that is right/ but they that seek after the Lord, discuss all things. * Prou. 〈◊〉. ● A poor man leading a godly life, is better than the rich that goeth in froward ways. Who so keepeth the law, is a child of understanding: but he that is a companion of ryotus men, shameth his father. Who so increasethe his riches by vantage and winning, let him gather them to help the poor withal. * Provet. ●. b He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, his prayer shallbe abominable. Who so leadeth the righteous into an evil way, shall fall in to his own pit/ but the just shall have the good in possession. The rich man thinketh himself to be wise, but the poor that hath understauding, can perceive him well enough. * Eccle. x. ●. Prou. 〈◊〉. ● When righteous men are in prosperity, then doth honour flourish: but when the ungodly come up, the state of men changeth. He that hideth his sins, shall not prosper: but * job. x●i●. ●▪ Psal. 32. b 1. job. ●. ● who so knowledgeth them and forsaketh them, shall have mercy. Well is him that standeth alway in awe: as for him that harder●eth his heart, he shall fall in to mischief. Like as a roaring lion and an hungry bear, even so is an ungodly Price over the poor people. Where the Prince is without understanding, there is great oppression and wrong: but if he be such one as hateth covetousness/ he shall long rain. * Gen●. 4. ● He that by violence sheddethe any man's blood, shall be a runagate unto his grave: and no man shall be able to succour Prove. x. ● him. Who so leadeth a godly & an innocent life, shall be saved: but he that goeth froward ways, shall onse have a fall. * Prou. 〈◊〉. ● Eccle. 〈◊〉. ●. He that tilleth his land, shall have plentuousnesse of bread: but he that followeth idleness, shall have poverty enough. A man that dealeth faithfully, shallbe filled with blessings: and * 1. Tim. 6. b Pro. xxiii. a he that maketh haste to be rich, shall nat be unguilty. To have respect of persons in judgement is nat good. And why? A man will do wrong/ yea even for a piece of bread. He that will be rich all to soon, hath an evil eye, and considereth nat, that poverty shall come upon him. He that rebuketh a man/ shall find more favour at the last, than he that flattereth him. * Mat. xv. a. Who so robbeth his Father and mother/ and sayeth it is no sin/ the same is like unto a destroyer. He that is of a proud stomach, steereth up strife: but he that putteth his trust in the Lord, shall be well fed. He that trusteth in his own heart, is a fool: but he that walketh wisely shall be safe. * 2. Cori. 9 b He that giveth unto the poor, shall not lack: but he that turneth away his eyes from such as be in necessity/ shall suffer great poverty himself. * Prou. 28. b and. 29. ● When the ungodly are come up, men are fain to hide themselves: but when they perish, the righteous increase. CAPI. XXIX. HE THAT is stiffnecked/ and will nat be reformed, shall suddenly be destroyed without any help. * Prou. 28. b Eccle. x. a When the righteous have the over hand/ the people are in prosperity: but when the ungodly beareth rule/ there the people mourn. Who so loveth wisdom/ maketh his Father a glad man: * Prove. v. a Luke. xv. c. but he that kepethen company with harlots/ spendeth away that he hath With true judgement the king setteth up the land, but if he be a man that is covetous/ he turneth it up side down. Who so flattereth his neighbour/ layeth a net for his feet. ⚜ The sin of the wicked is his own snare, but the righteous doth sing and rejoice. The righteous considereth the cause of the poor/ but the ungodly regardeth no understanding. Wicked people bring a city in decay, but wise men set it up again. If a wise man go to law with a fool (whether he deal with him friendly or roughely) he getteth no rest. The blood thirsty hate the righteous/ but the just ☞ seek his soul. A fool poureth out his spirit all together but a wise man keepeth it in till afterward. If a Prince delight in lies/ all his servants are ungodly. The poor and the lender meet together and the Lord lighteneth both their eyes. * Prove. xx▪ ● The seat of the King that faithfully judgeth the poor/ shall continue sure for ever more. The rod and corretion mynys●re wisdom/ but if a child be nat looked unto, he bringeth his mother to shame. When the ungodly come up, wickedness increaseth: but the righteous shall see their fall. Nurtoure thy son with correction, & thou shalt be arrest, yea he shall do the good at thine heart. When the word of god is not preached, the people perish, but well is him that keepeth the law. A servant will not be the better for words, for though he understand, yet will he nat regard them. If thou seest a man that is hasty to speak unadvised, thou mayst trust a fool more than him. He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child, shall make him his master at length. An angry man steereth up strife, and he that beareth evil will in his mind, doth much evil. After pride cometh a fall, * job. xxii. d but a lowly spirit bringeth great worship. Who so keepeth company with a thief, hateth his own soul: he heareth blasphemies, and telleth it not forth. He that feareth men, shall have a fall: but who so putteth his trust in the Lord is without danger. Many there be that seek the princes favour, but every man's judgement cometh from the Lord The righteous abhorreth the ungodly: but as for those that be in the right way/ the wicked hate them. ⚜ (A child that keepeth the word, shallbe without destruction, ¶ The putenes of the word of God: and what we ought to require of God, with certain wonderful things that are in this world. CAPI. XXX. THE words of Agur the son of jakei, and the Propherye that the same man spoke unto Ithiel, even unto Ithiel/ and Uchall: I am more foolish than any man/ and have no man's understanding: I never learned wisdom, nor had knowledge of holy things. Who hath climbed up into Heaven? Who hath come down from thence? Who hath holden the wind fast in his hand? Who hath comprehended the waters in a garment? Who hath set all the ends of the world What is his name/ or his sons name? Canst thou tell? * Psal. nineteen. ●. All the words of God are pure and clean, for he is a shield unto all them/ that put their trust in him. ‡ Deute. 4. a and. xii. d Put thou nothing unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. Two things have I required of thee, that thou wilt not deny me before I die. Remove from vanity & lies: give me neither poverty nor riches, only grant me a necessary what were error and foolishness And I perce●ued that this was but a vexation of mind: for where much wisdom is, there is also great travail and disquyetnes: and the more knowledge a man hath, the more is his care. ¶ Abundance of richesse, of pleasure and of building are vain things. CAP. II. THen said I thus in my heart: Now go to, I will take mine ease and have good days. But lo, that is vanity also: in so much that I said unto laughter: thou art mad, and to mirth: what dost thou? So I thought in my heart, to withdraw my flesh from wine, to apply my mind unto wisdom, and to comprehend foolishness until the time that (among all the things which are under the Sun) I might see what were best for men to do, so long as they live under heaven. * 3. R. 3456 I made gorgeous fair works. I builded me houses, and planted vineyards. I made me orchards and gardens of pleasure, and planted trees in them of all manner fruits. ‡ 4. 〈◊〉. 4. 9 I made pools of water, to water the green and fruitful trees withal. I bought servants and maidens, and had a great household. As for cattles and sheep/ I had more substance of them/ than all they that were before me in Jerusalem, I gathered silver & gold together/ even a treasure of kings and lands. I provided me syngers & women, which could play of instruments to make men mirth and pastime. I got me psalteries and songs of music. And I was greater and in more worship, than all my predecessors in jerusalem. For wisdom remained with me: and look whatsoever mine eyes desired, I let them have it: and wherein soever my heart delighted. or had any pleasure, I with held it nat from it. Thus my heart rejoiced in all that I did, & this was my portion of all my travail. But when I considered all the works that my hands had wrought, and all the labour that I had taken therein: lo all was but vanity and vexation of mind, and nothing of any value under the Sun. Then turned I me to consider wisdom, error, and foolishness for what is he among men, that might be compared to me the king in such works?) and I saw that wisdom excelleth foolishness, as far as light doth darkness. For a wise man hath his eyes in his head but the fool goeth in the darkness. I perceived also, that they both had one end. Then thought I in my mind: I● it happen upon the fool as it doth unto me, what needeth me them to labour any more for wisdom? So I confessed with in my heart, that this also was but vanity. For the wise are ever as little in remembrance as the foolish, and all the days for to come shall be forgotten, ye the wise man dieth as well as the fool. Thus began I to be weighed of my life, in, so much that I could away with nothing that is done under the sun for all was but vanity and vexation of mind: Ye I was weighed of all my labour, which I had taken under the Sun because I should be fain to leave them unto another man that cometh after me. And who knoweth, whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? And yet shall he be Lord of all my labours/ which I with such wisdom have taken under the Sun, This is also a vain thing. So I turned me to refrain my mind from all such travail/ as I took under the Sun: for so much as a man should weighed himself with wisdom, with understanding and opportunity, and yet be fain to leave his labours unto another that never sweat for them. This is also a vain thing and great misery. For what getteth a man of all the labour and travail of his mind, that he taketh under the Sun▪ but heaviness, sorrow & ●isquyetnetnes all the days of his life? In so much that his heart can nat rest in the night, this is also a vain thing? * Eccle. v. ●. Is it nat better than for a man to eat and drink, and his soul to be merry in his labour? Yes, I saw that this also was a gift of God: For who will eat or go more lustily to his work than I? And why? he giveth unto man, what it pleaseth him: whether it be wisdom, understanding, or gladness. But unto the sinner he giveth weerynes ⚜ (and superfluous ca●e) that he may gather & heap together the thing, that afterward shallbe given unto him, whom it pleaseth God. This is now a vain thing, ye a very disquietness and vexation of mind. ¶ All things come in their time, & pass away in their tyme. CAPI. III. Every thing hath a time, ye all that is under the heaven, hath his convenient season. There is a time to be borne, & a time to die. There is a time to plant, and a time to pluck up the thing, that is planted. A time to slay, & a time to make whole. A time to break down, & a time to build up. A time to weep, & a time to laugh. A time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together. A time to embrace, and a time to reftayne from embracing. A time to win, and a time to lose A time to spare, and a time to spend. A time to cut in pieces, and a time to sow together. ‡ ●uis. 20. ● 31. d. 〈◊〉. ● A time to keep silence, and a time to speak. A time to love, and a time to hate. A time of war/ and a time of peace. What hath a man else (that doth any thing) but weariness and labour? For as touching the travail and carefulness which God hath given unto men, I see that he hath given it them, to be exercised in it. All this hath he ordained marvelous goodly: to every thing his due tyme. He hath planted ignorance also in the hearts of men, that they should nat con prehende the ground of his works/ which he doth from the beginning to the end So I perceived, that in these thiges there is nothing better for a man, then to be merry and to do well so long as he liveth. For all that a man eateth & drinketh, yea what so ever a man enjoyeth of all his labour/ that same is a gift of God: I consider also that what soever God doth, it continueth for ever, and that nothing can be put unto it, nor taken from it: and that God dothit to the intent, that men should fear him. ‡ E●●●●. x. d. The thing that hath been, is now: and the thing that is for to come, hath been afore time, for God restoreth again the thing that was passed. More over, I saw under the Sun ungodliness in the stead of judgement and iniquity in stead of righteousness. Then thought I in my mind God shall separate the righteous from the ungodly, and then shallbe the time and judgement of all counsels and works. I commoned with mine own heart also, concerning the children of men: How God hath chosen them, and yet letteth them appear: as though they were beasts: for it happeneth unto men as it doth unto beasts, and as the ●ne dieth, so dieth the other: yea they have both one manner of breath: so that (in this) a man hath no pre-eminence above a beast but all are subdued unto vanity. They go all unto one place, for as they be all of dust, so shall they all turn unto dust again ●●p●●. 2. ● Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the breath of the beast that goth down into the earth? Wherefore I perceive, that there is nothing better for a man/ than to be joyful in his labour, for that is his portion. But who will bring him to see the thing that shall come after him. ¶ The myse●yes of th' innocent. The superfluous labours of men. The chyld●● at to poor and wise. etc. CAPI. four SOITURNED me, and * Aba●ue. 1. ● Eccl●●. 5. ● considered all the violent wrong that is done under the Son, and behold, the tears of such as were oppressed, and there was no man to comfort them, or that would deliver and defend them from the violence of their oppressors. Wherefore I judged those that are dead, to be more happy than such as be alive: yea him that is yet unborn to be better at ease than they both, because he seeth not the miserable works that are done under the son. Again, I saw that all travail and di lygence of labour was hated of every man This is also a vain thing, and a vexation of mind. The fool foldeth his hands together, and eateth up his own flesh. One hand full, is better with rest/ then both the hands full with labour and travail of mind. Moreover, I turned me, and beheld yet another vanity under the Son There is one man, no more but himself alone, having neither child nor brother: yet is there no end of his careful travail his eyes can nat be satisfied with riches▪ ⚜ (yet doth he not remember himself, and say) For whom do I take such travail? For whose pleasure do I thus consume away my life. This is also a vain and miserable thing. Therefore two are bet●er then one, for they may well enjoy the profit of their labour. For if one of them fall, his companion helpeth him up again But woe is him that is alone, for if he fall, he hath nat another to help him up. Again, when two stepe together, they are warm: but how can a body be warm alone? One may be overcome, but two may make resistance: A threefold thread is nat lightly broken. A poor child being wise is better than an old king, that doce●h, and can not be ware in time to come. * Gene. ●li. 5. I Reg. 10. c ●. Reg. 1●. c. ●. Pat. 〈◊〉. c. 4. Re▪ ●5▪ ● Some one cometh out of prison, and is made a king: and another which is borne in the kingdom, cometh unto poverty. And I perceived, that all men living under the Son, go with the second child▪ that cometh up in the stead of the other. As for the people that have been before him and that come after him, they are innumerable: yet is nat their joy the greater thorough him. This is also a vain thing and a vecation of mind. When thou comest in to the house of God, keep thy foot & drawnye, that thou mayest hear: * 1. Reg. x v. ● that is better than the offerings of fools, for they know nat what evil they do. ¶ Amonyeyon so beware of rash communication. We ought nat to marvel at the oppression of the ●ort. The to ●●tous is not satisfied with his riches. CAPIT. V BE NOT hasty with thy month, and let not thine heart speak any thing rashly before God. For God is in Heaven, and thou upon earth, therefore let thy words be few. For where much carefulness is, there are many dreams: and where many words are/ there men may hear fools. * Dut. 23. d. Datur. ●. ●. If thou make a vow unto God be nat slack to perform it. As for foolish vows, he hath no pleasure in them. If thou promise any thing, pay it: for better it is that thou make no vow, than that thou shul best promise, and nat pay. ☞ Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh for to sin/ neither say thou before the angel, that it is thy ignorance. For then God willbe angry at thy voice/ and destroy all the works of thine hands. And why▪ where as are many dreams and many words, there are also divers vanities: but look that thou fear God. If thou feyst the poor to be oppressed Eccles. 4. ● 〈◊〉. 1. ● and wrongfully dealt withal, so that equity and the right of the law is wrested in the land: marvel not thou at such a thing, for one great man keepeth touch with another, and the mighty help themselves together. The whole land also with the fields, and all that is therein, is in subjection and bondage unto the King. He that loveth money, will never be satisfied with money: and who so delighteth in riches shall have no profit thereof. This is also a vain thyage. Where as much riches is/ there are many also that spend them away And what pleasure more hath he that possesseth them, saving that he may look upon them with his eyes? A labouring man sleepeth sweetly, whether it be little or much that he eateth: but the abundance of the rich will nat suffer him to sleep. Yet is there a sore plague, which I have seen under the son (namely) riches kept to the hurt of him that hath them in possession. For oft times they perish with his great misery and trouble, and if he have a child it getteth nothing. * job i. ●. Timo. 6. b. Like as he came naked out of his mother's womb, so goeth he thither again, and carrieth nothing away with him of all his labour. This is a miserable plague, that he shall go away even as he came. What helpeth it him then, that he hath laboured in the wind? All the days of his life also he did eat in the dark, with great carefulness, sickness and sorrow. * Eccle. 2. ●. Therefore me think it a better & a fairer thing, a man to eat and drink, and to be refreshed of all his labour, that he taketh unter the Son all the days of his life, which God giveth him, for this is his poreyon. For unto whom soever God giveth riches goods and power, he giveth it him to enjoy it, to take it for his portion, and to be refreshed of his labour: this is the gift of God. For he thinketh nat much how long he shall live, for so much as God filleth his heart with gladness. ¶ The misery of the rich and covetous. The difference of a fool and a wise man. CAPI. VI THERE is yet a plague which I beheld under the Son, and it is a general thing among men: when God giveth a man riches, goods and honour, so that he wanteth nothing of all that his heart can desire: and yet God giveth him nat leave to enjoy the same, but another man spendeth them. This is a vain thing & a miserable plague. If a man beget an hundredth children, and live many years, so that his days are many in number, and yet can nat enjoy his good, neither be buried: as for him I say, that an untimely birth is better than he, For he cometh to nought/ & goeth his way in to darkness, and his name is forgotten. Moreover, he seeth nat the Son, and knoweth nat of it: and yet hath he more rest than the other, Yea though he lived two thousand years/ yet hath he no good life. Come not all to one place? All the labour that a man taketh/ is for himself, and yet his desire is never filled after his mind. For what hath the wise more than the fool? What helpeth it the poor/ that he knoweth to walk before the living? The sight of the eyes is better/ than that the soul should so departed away. How be it, this is also a vain thing and a dysquietnesse of mind. The thing that hath been, is named all ready, & know that it is even man himself: neither may he go to law with him that is mightier than he. Many things there be the increase vanity, and what hath a man else. For who knoweth what is good for man living, in the days of his vain life, which is but a shadow? Or who will tell a man/ what shall hap after him under the sun. ¶ That which passeth our strengths and wits ought we nat to seek after. CAPI. VII. A * Pro. 22. a. GOOD name is more worth than ‡ Cant. 1. ● a precious ointment/ and the day of death is better than the day of birth. It is better to go in to an house of mourning/ than in to a bancketinge house. For there is the end of all men: and he that is living/ taketh it to heart. It is better to be sorry then to laugh: for when the countenance is heavy, the heart is reformed. The heart of the wise is in the mourning house, but the heart of the foolish is in the house of mirth, * Prou. 17. ● It is better to give ear to the chastening of a wise man, then to hear the song of fools For the laughing of fools is like the cracking of thorns under a pot. And that is but a vain thing. Who so doth wrong, maketh a wise man to go out of his wit and destroyeth a gentle heart. The end of a thing is better than the begynnyne. The patient sprite is better than the high minded. Be nat hastily angry in thy mind, for wrath resteth in the bosom of fools. Say not thou: what is the cause, that the days of the old time were better, than they that be now? for that were no wise quesyon. wisdom is better than riches, ye much more worth than the eye sight. For wisdom defendeth as well as money, and the excellent knowledge and wisdom giveth life unto him that hath it in possession, consider the work of God/ how that no man can make the thing straight, which the maketh crooked. Use well the time of prosperity, and remember the time of misfortune for God maketh the one by the other so that a man can find nothing else. All things have I considered in the time of my vanity: that the just man perisheth for his righteousness sake, and the ungodly liveth in his wickedness. Therefore * Roma. 11. c. be thou nether to righteous nor over wise that thou perish not, be nether to unrighteous also nor to foolish, lest the die before thy tyme. It is good for the to take hold of this, and nat to let y● go out of thy hand. For he that feareth God, shall escape them all. wisdom giveth more courage unto the wise/ then ten mighty men of the city: * 3. Reg ●. ●. 2. Pata. 6 g Prou. ●0. ● 1 〈◊〉 1. b. for there is nat one just upon earth/ that doth good, and sinneth nat: Take nat heed unto every word that is spoken, lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: for thine own here knoweth, that thou thyself also hast oft times spoken evil by other men. All these things have I proved in wisdom: I said I will be wise * job. 28. ● but she went farther fro me than she was before/ ye & so deep that I might nat reach unto her. I applied my mind also unto knowledge, & to seek out science, wisdom and understanding: to know the foolishness of the ungodly and the error of doting fools. And I found, that * Prou. 7. d a woman is bytterer than death: for she is a very angle, her heart is a net, & her hands are chains. Who so pleaseth God, shall escape from her but the sinner will be taken with her. Behold (sayeth the preacher) this have I diligently searched out and proved, that I might come by knowledge: which as yet I seek, and find it not. Among a thousand men I have found one, but nat one woman among all. Lo, this only have I found, that * Gene. ●. ●. God made man just and right, but they sought many inventions. ¶ The kings commandment ought to be obeyed▪ Gladness is one of the chief things under the son. CAPI VIII. WHo is wise? Who hath knowledge to make answer? A man's wisdom * Prou. 17. ●. job. 9 ●. maketh his face to shine but malice putteth it out of favour. I must keep the kings commandment/ and the oath that I have made unto God. Be nat hasty to go out of his sight, and see thou continue in no evil thing: for whatsoever it pleaseth him, that doth he. Like as when a king giveth a charge, his commandment is mighty: Even so * job. 9 b. who may say unto him: what do est y●? ‡ Levi. 18. ●. Who so keepeth the commandment: shall feel no harm: but a wise man's heart discerneth the time and manner: For every thing will have opportunity and judgement, and this is the thing that maketh men full of carefulness and forowe. And why? a man knoweth nat what is for to come for: who will tell him? Nether is there any man that hath power over the sprite, to keep still the sprite, nor to have any power in the time of death's it is nat he also that can make an end of the battle/ neither may ungodliness deliver them that meddle with all. All these things have I considered, and applied my mind unto every work that is done under the Son: how one man hath lordshype when the strong men shall bow themselves when the myller● stand still, because they be so few, and when the sight of the windows shall wax dim: when the doors in the s●r●●● shallbe shut, and when the voice of the miller shallbe laid down: when men shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and when all the daughters of music shall be brought low: when men shall fear in high places, and be afraid in the streets: when the Almond tree shall flourish and be laden with the greshoper, and when all lust shall pass (because when man goeth to his long home, and the mourners go about the streets.) Or ever the silver lace be taken away and or the golden band be broken. Or the pot be broken at the well/ & the wheel upon the cistern. Then shall the dust be turned again unto the earth from whence it came and the spirit shall return unto God/ which gave it. * Eccl. ●i. ●. a All is but vanity (say the the Preacher) all is but plain vanity. The Preacher was yet more wise, and taught the people knowledge: he gave good heed sought out the ground, and set forth many parables. His diligence was to find out acce●▪ ●able words, right scripture, and the words of truth. For * Hebre. 4. ●. the words of the wise are like pricks and nails that go thorough, where with men are kept together: for they are given of one shepherd only. Therefore beware (my son) that above these thou make the not many and innumeble books, nor take diverse doctrines in hand, to weary thy body withal. Let us hear the conclusion of all things: Fear God, and keep his commandments: For that toucheth all men: For God shall judge all works and secret things/ whether they be good or evil. ❧ The end of the Book of the Preacher/ otherwise called Ecclesiastes. The Ballet of Ballettes of Solomon: called in Latyn/ Canticum Canticorum. ¶ A mystical song of the spiritual and godly love, between christ the spouse, and the Church or congregation his spousess. CAPITULO. I. O That he would kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is more pleasant than wine, and that because of the good and pleasant savour Thy name is * Eccle. 7. ●. a sweet smelling ointment, therefore do the maidens love y●: draw thou me unto thee: we will run after the. The king hath brought me in to his privy chambres. We will be glad and rejoice in thee, we think more of thy love then of wine. They that be righteous love the. I am black (O ye daughters of jerusalc) like as * Gene. 〈◊〉. ●▪ ●. the tents of the Cedarenes, and * P●●a. 3. ● as the hangings of Solomon: but yet am I fair and well-favoured withal. Marvel not at me that I am so black: for why? the sunue hath shined upon me. My mother's children had evil will at me, they made me the keeper of the vyneyard's: but mine own vineyard have I not kept. Tell me of him whom my soul loveth where y● fedest, where thou makest them rea●● at the noon day: for why shall I belike him, that goeth wrong about the flocks of thy companions? If thou know not thyself (O thou fairest among women) them go thy way for the after the footsteps of the sheep, and feed thy goats beside the shepherds tents. Unto * Exod. 14. ●. the host of pharao's charettes have. I compared thee, O my love. Thy cheeks and thy neck is beautiful as the turtils, and hanged with spangs & goodly jewels: a neck band of gold will we make the with silver buttons. When the King sitteth at the table, he shall smell Mynardus: a bondel of Myrrh is my love unto me: he will lie betwixt my brestis. A cluster of grapes in y● vineyardꝭ of Engaddi is my love unto me. * ●●nt. 14. ● O how fair art y● (my love) how fair art thou? y● hast doves eyes. O how fair art y● (my beloved) how well favoured art y●? Our bed is decte with flowers, y● selyngꝭ of our house are of cedar tree, & our balkꝭ of Cypress▪ CAPI. II. I Am the lyrie of the field, and rose of the valley: as the rose among the thorns, so is my love among the daughters. Like as the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons. My delight is to sit under his shadow, for his fruit is sweet unto my throat. He bringeth me into his wine seller, and loveth me specially well. Refresh me with grapes, comfort me with apples, for I am sick of love. * Can●●. ●. ● His left hand lieth under my head, and his right hand shall embrace me. * Can●●. 3. ●. I charge you (O ye daughters of jerusalem) by the Roes and hinds of the field that ye wake nat up my love nor touch her, till she be content herself Me think I hear the voice of my beloved: lo, there cometh he hopping upon the mountains, and leaping over the little hills. My beloved, is like a roe or a young heart. Be hold, he standeth behind our wall, he looketh in at the window, and pepeth thorough the grate. My beloved answered and said unto me. O stand up my love, my beautiful, and come: for lo, the wenter is now passed, the rain is away and gone. The flowers are come up in the field the time of the vyrdes singing is come, and the voice of the turtle done is hard in our land The fig tree bringeth forth her figs, and the wines bear blossoms, and have a good smell. O stand up my love, my beutyful and come (O my dove) out of the caves of the rocks/ out of the holes of the wall: O let mese thy countenance and hear thy voice, for sweet is thy voice, and fair is thy face. Get us the foxes, ye the little foxes, that hurt the wines/ for our wines bear blossoms. * ●enti. 6. ● My love is mine, and I am his, which feedeth among the roses, until the day break, and till the shadows be gone. Come again (O my beloved) and be like as a roe or a young heart upon the wide mountains. ¶ CAPI. III. By night in my bed I sought him, whom my soul loveth: ye diligently sought I him, but I found him nat. I will get up (thought I) and go about the city upon the market and in all the uretes will I seek him whom my soul loveth, but when I sought him, I found him nat. The watchmen also that go about the city, toude me Saw ye nat●●● whom my soul loveth So when I was a ●ytle passed thee, I found him whom my soul loveth I have gotten hold upon high, & will nat let him go, until I bring him into my mother's house, and in to her chambre that bore me. * I charge you, O ye daughters of jerusalem, by the Roes and Hinds of the field/ that ye wake nat up my love nor touch her/ till she be content herself. Who is this, that cometh up out of the wilderness like vapours of smoke, as it were a smell of Myrrh/ franckencence/ and all manner spices of the apothecary? Behold/ about salomon's bedstede there stand. xl. valeaune men of the most mighty in Israel. They hold swords every one, and are expert in war. Every man also hath his sword upon his thigh, because of fere in the night King Solomon had made himself a palace of the wood of Libanus, the p●lars are of silver, the covering of gold/ the seat of purple/ the ground is pleasantly paved with love/ for the daughters of jerusalem. Go forth O ye daughters of Zion) and behold King Solomon in the crown: wherewith his mother crowned him in the day of his marriage/ and in the day of the gladness of his heart. CAP. four O * Canti. 1. ●. How fair art thou/ my love, how fair art thou? thou hast doves eyes, beside that which lieth hid within. * C●●. 6. a. Thy hearye locks are like the will of a flock of sheep that be shorn upon mount G●lead: Thy teeth are like sheep of the same by gnesse, which went up from the washing place: where every one beareth two twins, and nat one unfruitful among them. Thy lips are like a rose coloured rybonde, thy words are lovely: thy cheeks are like a piece of a pomegranate/ besides that which lieth hid within. Thy neck is like the tower of David builded with bulwerckes/ where upon there hang a thousand shields, ye all the weapons of the giants. * Canti. 7. a. Thy two breasts are like two twins of young roes/ which fede among roses. O that I might go to the mountain of Myrrh, and to the hill of frankyncense: till the day break & till the shadodowes be passed away. Thou art all fair, O my love & there is no spot in the. Come to me from Lybanus, O my spouse come to me from Lybanus: look from the top of Amana from the top of San●● & Hermon, from the lions dens & from the mountains of the leopards. Thou hast wounded my heart. The Book of the Prophet Isaiah. ¶ Isaiah prophesieth that the anger of God shall come upon jerusalem because of their sins. CAPITULO. I. THe vision of Isaiah the son of Amos, which he saw upon juda and jerusalem: in the days of Uzia and joathan, Aham and jehezikiah Kings of juda. Hear, O Heavens, and hearken O earth: For the Lord hath spoken: I have nourished and brought up children, but they have done wickedly against me. The ox hath known his owner and the ass his masters cryb: but Israel hath received no knowledge, my people hath no understanding. Alas for this sinful nation/ a people of great iniquity, a froward generation/ unnatural children. They have forsaken the Lord/ they have provoked the holy one of Israel unto anger/ & are gone backward. Whereby should ye be plagued any more? For ye are ever falling away. The whole heed is sick/ and all the heart is heavy. From the sole of the foot unto the heed/ there is no hole part in all your body/ but all are wounds/ botches/ sores/ & stripes, which can neither be helped/ bound up: molifyed. nor eased with any ointment. Your land lieth waste/ your cities are brent up, your enemies devour your land and ye must be fain to stand, and look upon it, and it is desolate: as it were with enemies in a battle. Moreover/ the daughter of Zion is left alone like a cottage in a vineyard/ like a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, like a besieged city. And except the Lord of Hosts had left us a few alive/ we should have been as Sodoma, and like unto Gomorra. Hear the word of the Lord ye Lords of Sodoma/ & hearken unto the law of our God, thou people of Gomorra saith the lord Why offer ye so many sacrifices unto me? I am full of the brent offerings of wethers and of the fatness of fed beasts. I have no pleasure in the blood of bullocks, lambs and goats. When ye appear before me/ who requireth you to tread within my porches? Offer me no more oblations, for it is but lost labour. Incense is an abominable thing unto me. I may not away with your new moans, your Sabbathes & solemn days. Your fastingꝭ are also in vain. I hate your new holy days & fastings: even fro my very heart. They make me weary, I can not abide them. When ye hold out your hands I will turn mine eyes from you. And though ye make many prayers/ yet will I hear nothing at all, saying your hands are full of blood. Wash you, make you clean/ put away your evil thoughts out of my sight, cease from doing of evil. Learn to do right apply yourselves to equity/ deliver the oppressed/ help the fatherless to his right, let the widows complaint come before you. Now go to (saith the Lord) let us talk together. Though your sins be as read as scarlet they shallbe as white as snow. And though they were like purple, they shallbe as white as wool▪ If ye be loving & obedient, ye shall enjoy the best thing that groweth in the land But if ye be obstinate & rebellious/ ye shall be devoured with the sword, for thus the lord hath promised with his own mouth, How happeneth it then that the righteous city (which was full of equity) is become unfaithful as an whore? righteousness dwelled in it, but now murder. Thy silver is turned to dross/ and thy wine mixed with water. Thy Princes are wicked and companions of thieves. They love gifts all together, and gape for rewards. As for the fatherless, they help him nat to his right neither will they let the widows causes c 〈…〉 e before them. Therefore saith the Lord ¶ 〈…〉 of Hosts/ the mighty one of Israel Al, I must ease me of mine enemies, and avenge me of mine adversaries, I shall lay my hand upon thee/ & burn out the dross from the finest and purest, and put out all thy fynne/ and set thy judges again as they were sometime, and thy Senators as they were from the beginning. Then shalt thou be called righteous city/ the faith full city, Zion shall be redeemed with equity / and they shall turn again unto her in righteousness. For the transgressors and ungodly/ and such as are become unfaithful unto the Lord/ must all together be utterly destroyed. And except ye be ashamed of the oak trees wherein ye have so delighted/ & of the gardens that ye have chosen: ye shallbe as an oak whose leaves are fallen away, & as a garden that hath no moistness. And as for the glory ☞ of these things, it shallbe turned to dry straw and he that made them to a spark. And they shall both burn together, so that no man shallbe able to quench them ¶ Of the coming and death of christ, and of the calling of the Heathen. CAPI. II. THis is the word that was opened unto Esay the son of Amoz, unto juda and jerusalem. It will be also ☞ in the last days. That the hill where the house of the Lord is builded, shall be the chief among hills, and exalted above all little hills. And all nations shall press unto him, and the multitude of people shall go, speaking thus one to another: up, * Psa. 122. a. Mith. 4. a. let us go to the hill of the Lord, and to the house of the God of jacob: that he may show us his ways, and that we may walk in his paths. For the law shall come out of Zion, and the word of the Lord from jerusalem, and shall give sentence among the Heathen/ and shall reform the multitude of people: They shall break their swords also in to mattocks and their spears to make scythes. And one people shall nat lift up weapon against another, nether shall they learn to fight from thence forth. Come ye (O house of jacob) let us walk in the light of the Lord. But thou hast forsaken thy people the house of jacob, be cause they go far beyond their fathers in Sorceress (whom they have as the Philistines had) and ☞ in strange children they think themselves to have enough. Their land is full of silver and gold, neither is there any end of their treasure: Their land is also full of horses, and no end is there of their charets. Their land is also full of vain gods, and before the work of their own hands have they bowed themselves, ye even before the thing that their own fingers have made. There kneeleth the man, there falleth the man down before them, so that thou canst nat bring him away from thence. And therefore get them to some rock, and hide the in the ground for fear of the Lord▪ and for the glory of his majesty. Which casteth down the high looks of presumptuous persons, & bringeth low the pride of man/ and the Lord only shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the Lord of Hosts shall go over all pride and presumption, upon all them that exalt themselves, and shall bring them all down: upon all high and stout cedar trees of Libanus, and upon all the oaks of Basan, upon all high hills, and upon all stout mountains, upon all costly rowres, and upon all strong walls, upon all ships of the see, and upon every thing that is glorious & pleasant to look upon. And it shall bring down the pride of man, and lay man's presumptuousness full low, and the Lord shall only have the victory in that day. But the Idols shall utterly be rooted out. Men shall creep in to holes of stone, & in to caves of the earth, for fear of the Lord and for the glory of his majesty: what time as he shall rise up to condemn the earth. Then shall man cast away his gods of silver, and his gods of gold (which he nevertheless had made to honour them) unto Molles and Backs: And they shall creep in to the caves and rocks/ & in to the clyftes of hard stones, for fear of God, and for the glory of his majesty, when he riseth to condemn the earth. Fear nat ye then any man/ whose breath is in his nostrils. For what is he of reputation? ¶ He prophesieth that at the coming of Chryst all strength and power shall be put forth of jury. CAPI. III. FOrlo, the Lord God of Hosts doth take away from jerusalem and juda, all possessions and power, all meat and drink, the captain and the soudyar/ the judge & the prophet, the wise and the aged man, the prince of fifty year old and the honourable: the Senators, and men of understanding: the master of crafts and orators. And I shall give them children to be their princes, and babes shall have the rule of you. The people also shallbe pilled and polled, and one shall ever be doing violence and wrong to another. The boy shall presume against the elder, and the vile person against the honourable. Ye one shall take a friend of his own kindred by the bosom/ & say: thou hast clothing, thou shalt be our head, for thou mayest keep us from this fall and apparel. Then shall he swear and say: I can nat help you. Moreover, there is neither meat nor clothing in my house/ make me no ruler of the people. For jerusalem and juda must decay, because that both their words and counsels are against the Lord, to provoke the presence of his majesty unto anger The changing of their countenance bewrayeth them/ ye they declare their own sins themselves as the sodomites/ and hide them nat. Woe be unto their soul's/ for they have rewarded evil unto themselves. Bid the righteous do well, for they shall enjoy the fruits of their studies. But woe be to the ungodly and unrighteous, for they shallbe rewarded after their works. Children are extortioners of my people, and women have rule of them. O my people, the leaders deceive thee/ and deprave the way of thy footsteps. The Lord is here to comen of the matter, and standeth to give judgement on the people. The Lord shall come forth to reason with the Senators and princes of his people. It is ye that have destroyed my vinyeard, the robbery of the poor is in your houses. Wherefore do ye oppress my people, & mar the faces of the poor? sayeth the Lord God of Hostes. Moreover, thus sayeth the Lord: saying the daughter's of Zion are be come so proud and have walked with stretched out necks and with vain wanton eyes: saying they come in trypping so nicely with their feet Therefore shall the Lord shave the heads of the daughters of Zion, & the Lord shall discover their shame. In that day shall the Lord take away the gorgeousness of their apparel, and spangs, chains, partelettes and collars/ bracelets and hooves/ the goodly flowered, wide and broidered raiment oches/ and headbandes, rings and garlands, holy day clothes and vales, kerchefes and pins/ glasses and smocks/ bonnets and taches. And in stead of good smell, there shall be stink among them. And for their girdles there shallbe loose bands. And for well set hear there shallbe baldness. In stead of a stomachec a sack cloth, and for their beauty witherdnesse and son burning. Yourhousbandes and mighty men shall perish with the sword in battle. At that time shall ☞ their gates mourn and complain/ and they shall sit as desolate folk upon the earth. ¶ For want of men, seven women desired to have one man. CAPI. four THAN shall seven wives take hold of one man, and say: we will lay all our meat and clothing together in comen, only that we may be called thy wives/ and that this shameful reproof may be taken from us. After that time shall the branch of the Lord be beautiful and mighty, and the fruit of the earth shallbe fair and pleasant for those israelites that shall spring thereof. Then shall the remnant in Zion & the remnant at jerusalem be called holy: Namely all such as are written among the living at jerusalem: what time as y●, Lord shall wash away the filthiness of the daughter's of Zion and purge the blood out from jerusalem with the wind of his smoke & fire. Moreover, upon all the dwellings of the hill of Zion and upon their whole congregation, shall the Lord provide a cloud and smoke by day/ and the shining of a flaming fire by night: for all their glory shallbe preserved. And jerusalem shall be a tabernacle for a shadow because of heat in the day time, a place & refuge where a man may keep him from wether and rain. ¶ Of Chryst and his vineyard, with an execration of covetousness and dronekennes. CAPI. V Now will I sing my beloved friend a song, because of his vineyard. My beloved friend hath a vineyard in a very fruitful plenteous ground. This he hedged, this he walled round about and planted it with goodly grapes. In the midst of it builded he a tower, and made a wine press therein. And afterward when he looked that it should bring him grapes/ it brought forth thorns. Now therefore (O ye Cytysens of Jerusalem and whole juda:) judge I pray you betwixt me and my vineyard. What more cold have been done for it that I have nat done? Wherefore then hath it given thorns, where I looked to have had grapes of it? Well, now I shall tell you how I will do with my vineyard: I will take the hedge from it, that it may perish, and break down the wall, that it may be trodden under foot. I will lay it waste, that it shall neither be twysted nor cut, but bear thorns & breares. I will also forbid the clouds, that they shall nat rain upon it. As for the vineyard of the Lord of Hosts it is the house of Israel, and whole juda his fair planting. Of these he looked for equity, but see there is wrong: for righteousness, lo It is but misery. woe unto them that join one house to another and bring one land so nigh unto another, that the poor can get no more ground/ and that ye may dwell upon the earth alone. These things are in the ears of the Lord of Hosts: shall nat many greater and more gorgeous houses be so waste, that no man shall dwell in them? And ten acres of wines shall give but a Quart and thirty. bushels of seed shall give but an Epha. Woe be unto them/ that rise up early to follow drunkenness, and to them that continue so untyllnyght, and till they be set on fire with wine. In those companies are haps and lutes, taberettes and pipes, and wine. But they regard nat the work of the Lord, & consider nat the operation of his hands. Their fore cometh my folk also into captivity, because they have no understanding. Their glory is famashed with hunger/ and their pride is marred for thirst Therefore gapeth hell, & openeth her mouth marvelous wide/ that their pride, boasting and wealth/ with such as rejoice therein/ may descend into it. Thus hath man a fall, and is brought low/ and the high look of the proud shallbe laid down. But the Lord of Hosts is exalted in iudgemment/ and God that is holy/ is praised in righteousness. Then shall the sheep eat in order, & the rich men's lands that were laid waist, shall strangers devour. Woe be unto them/ that draw wickedness unto them/ with cords of vanity and sin/ as it were with a cart rope. Which use to speak on this manner, let him make haste now, & go forth with his work, that we may see it. Let the counsel of the holy one of Israel come: and draw nigh/ that we may know it. Woe be unto them that call evil good, and good evil/ which make darkness light/ & light darkness, that make sour sweet, and sweet sour. Woe be unto them that are wise in their own sight, and think themselves to have understanding. Woe be unto them, that are strong to sup our wine, and expert men to seat up drunkenness. These give sentence with the ungodly for rewards, but condemn the just cause of the righteous. Therefore, like as fire licketh up the straw, & as the flame consumeth the stubble: even so their rote shallbe as corruption and their blossom shall vanish away like dust for they have cast away the law of the Lord of Hosts, and blasphemed the word of the holy maker of Israel. Therefore is the wrath of the Lord kind led also against his people, and he shaketh his hand at them: ye, he hath smitten so, that the hills did tremble. And their carcases did lie in the open streets/ like m●●e. And in all this/ the wrath of God hath not ceased: but his hand is stretched out styli. And he shall give a token unto a strange people/ and call unto them in a far country and behold/ they shall come hastily with speed. There shall not be one faint nor feeble among them, no not a slogyshe nor slepery person. There shall not one of them put of the girdle from his loins/ nor lose their lachet from his shoe. His arrows are sharp/ and all his bows bend. His horse hooves are like flint, and his cart wheels like a stormy wind. His cry is as it were of a Lion, and he roareth like lions whelps. They shall roar/ and hantche up the prey, and no man shall recover it or get it from them. In that day they shall be so fierce upon them, as the see. And if we look unto the land behold/ it shallbe all darkness and sorrow. If we look toward heaven, behold it shallbe dark. ¶ Esay saw the glory of the Lord/ and was sent to prophecy the desolation of jury. CAPI. VI IN the same year that king Ozyah died / I saw ☞ the lord sitting upon an high and glorious seat, and his train filled the palace. From above flakert the Seraphyns, whereof every one had six wings. With twain each covered his face/ with twain his feet/ and with twain did he fly. They cried also each one to an other on this manner, holy/ holy, holy, is the lord of Hostes. The whole world is full of his glory. Yea the geastes and dorechekes moved at his crying/ and the house was full of smoke. Then I said, O woe is me. For I am lost, in asmuch as I am a man of unclean lips/ and dwell among people that hath unclean lips also, for mine eyes have seen the king/ and Lord of hosts. Then flew one of the Seraphins unto me/ having a hot coal in his hand, which he had taken from the Altar with the tongues/ and touched my mouth: and said, lo/ this hath touched thy lips, and thine unrighteousness is taken away/ and thy sin forgiven. Also/ I heard the voice of the lord saying on this manner. Whom shall I send and who will be our messenger? Then I said, here am I/ send me. And he said/ go and tell this people, * Mat. 13. b Ma●. 4. b. Luke. 8. b. Acts. 18. f. john. 12. f. Roma. 11. b ye shall hear in deed but ye shall not understand, ye shall plainly see/ and nat perceive. Harden the heart of this people/ stop their ears, and shut their eyes that they see not which their eyes/ hear not with their ears/ and understand not with their hearts/ and convert and be healed. Then spoke I: Lord/ how long? he answered/ until the cities be utterly without ●●●●●tours/ and the houses without men/ till the land be also desolate, & lie unbuilded. For the Lord shall take the men far away, so that the land shall lie waste. Nevertheless, the tenth part shall remain there in/ for it shall convert & be fruitful. And like wise as the Cerebintes and Oketrees bring for the their fruits, so shall the holy seed have fruit. ¶ The syryans move ha●ayle against jerusalem, I virgin shall bear a child. CAPI. VII. IT HAPPENED i the time of Ahaz the son of jothan/ which was the son of Uziah King of juda: that * 3. Reg. 16. a 2. Dar. 28. a Razin the King of Syria, and Prekeh the son of Romelyah, King of Israel: went up toward jerusalem to besiege it, but wan it nat. Now when the the house of David (that is Ahaz) heard word thereof, that Syria and Ephraim were confederate together his heart quaked (ye and the hearts also of his people (like as when a tre in the field is moved with the wind. Then said God unto Isaiah: go meet Ahaz (thou and thy son Seat jasub) at the head of the over pole, in the fore path by the fullers ground, and say unto him, take heed to thyself and be still, but fear nat/ neither be faint hearted, for these two tales: that is: for these two smoking fire brands, the wrath and furiousness of Razin the Syrian and Romelies son: because that the King of Syria Ephraim and Romelies son have wickedly conspired against the saying: We will go up against juda, vex them, and bring them under us and set a king there, even the son of Tabeel. For thus sayeth the Lord God thereto, It shall nat so go forth, neither come so to pass for ☞ the head city of the Strians is Damascus, but the head of Damascus is Rayin And after five and threescore year, shall Ephraim be no more a people. And the chief city of Ephraim is Samaria, but the head of Samaria is Romelyes' son. If ye believe nat/ it cometh of your own unsteadfastness. Moreover/ God spoke unto Ahaz, saying require a token of the Lord thy God whether it be toward the depth beneath, or toward the height above. Then said Ahaz: I will require none, nether will I tempt the Lord. The Lord answered: Then hear now/ ye of the house of david: Is it nat enough for you, that ye be greupus unto men, but ye must grieve my God also? And therefore the Lord shall give you a token: Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, & shall call his name ☞ Emanuel. Butter and honey shall he eat, that he may know to refuse the evil, and chose the good. For or ever the child come to knowledge, to eschew the evil and chose the good. The land (that thou art so afraid for) shallbe desolate of both her kings. The Lord also shall send a time upon thee/ upon thy people, and upon thy father's house (such as never came sense the time that Ephraim departed from juda) thorough the King of the Assyrians. For at the same time shall the Lord whystle for the flies that are about the water of Egypte, and for the Bees in the Assyrians land. These shall come, and shall light all in the valleys/ in the vaults of stones, upon all green things and in all corners. At the same time shall the Lord ☞ shave the hear of the head and the feet and the beerd clean of, with the razor that he shall pay them withal beyond the water: namely, with the King of the Assyrians. At the same time shall a man live with a cow, and two sheep. Then, because of the abundance of milk, he shall make butter and eat it. So that every one which remaineth in the land, shall eat butter and honey. At the same time all vineyards (though there be a thousand wines in one, and were sold for a thousand silverlings) shallbe turned to brears and thorns. Like as they shall come in to the land with arrows and bows, so shall all the land be come brears and thorns. And as for all hills that are hewn down, there shall nat come upon them any fear of brears and thorns. But the cattles shall be driven thither, and the sheep shall feed there. ¶ The deliverance of the land by Emanuel. The stone of offence, at which many shall s●●inble. CAP. VIII. MORE OVERDO, the Lord said unto me: Take the a great leaf, and ☞ write in it as men do with a pen, that he speed him to rob, and haste him to spoil. And I called unto me faithful witnesses: Uryah the pressed, and ●cariah the son of Barachyah. After that went I unto the Prophetysse, that had conceived and borne a son. Then said the Lord to me give him this name: a speedy robber: an hasty spoiler. For why, or ever the child shall have knowledge to cry father, and mother: shall the riches of Damascus and the substance of Samaria be taken away, before the king of the Assyrians. The Lord spoke also unto me, saying: for so much as this people refuseth the still running water of Sylo, and put their delight in Razin and Romelies son: Behold the Lord shall bring mighty and great floods of water upon them namely/ the King of the Assyrians with all his power. Which shall climb up upon all his floods/ and power out his furiousness upon every man, and run over all their banks. And shall break in upon juda, increasing in power, till he get him by the neck. He shall fill also the wideness of thy laud ☞ with his broad wings, O Emanuel. Go together ye people/ and gather you/ hearken to all ye of far countries. Muster you/ and gather you/ inustre you and gather you take your council together, yet must your council come to nought: go in hand withal, yet shall it nat prosper: for God is with us. For the Lord chastised me, and took me by the hand/ and warned me, saying unto me: that I should nat walk in the way of this people. He said more over: round with none of them, who so ever say: yonder people are bound together: fear them not, neither be afraid of them/ but sanctify the LORD of Hosts, let him be your fear and dread. For he is the sanctifying, and stone to stumble at: the rock to fall upon: a suare and net to both the houses: to Israel, and the inhabiters of jerusalem. And many shall stumble, fall, and be broken upon him: yea, they shallbe snared and taken. Now lay the witnesses together and seal the law with my disciples. Thus will I wait upon the Lord that hath turned his face from the house of jacob, and I will look for him. But lo, as for me, and the children which the Lord hath given me: we are a token and wondre in Israel, for the Lord of hosts sake, which dwelleth upon the hill of Zion. And if they say unto you: ask counsel at the soothsayers, wytches, charmers and conjurers/ then make them this answer. Is there a people any where, that asketh not council at his God: * Luke. 24. ● Should me run unto the dead for the living? If any man want light, let him look upon the law/ & the testimony, whether they speak not after this meaning. If he do not this, he stumbleth and suffereth hunger. And if he suffer hungres he is our of pa●ience, and blasphemeth his king and his God. Then looketh he upward, and downward to the earth, and be hold, there is trouble and darkness, vexation is round about him, and the cloud of error. And out of such adversity, shall he nat escape. Even like as in time past, it hath been well seen, that the land of Zabulon and the land of Nepthali (were thorough the see way goeth over jordane, into the land of Galilee) was at the first in little trouble: but afterward fore vexed. ¶ He prohecyeth of Christ's n●tyu●te and dominion. CAPI. IX. THE PEOPLE that walk in darkness have seen a great light. As for them that dwell in the land of the Shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. Thou haste multiplied the people, and not increased their joy. * Psal. 119. c They rejoice before thee, even as men make merry in harvest, and as men that have gotten the victory, when they deal the spoil. For thou hast broken the yoke of the people's burden, the staff of his shoulder and the rod of his oppressor, as in the days of Madian. More over, all temerarious & seditious power (yea where there is but a co●e filed with blood) shallbe burnt, and consumed of the fire. For unto us a child is borne, and unto us a son is given. Upon his shoulder doth the kingdom lie, and he is called with his own name: The wondrous giver of council, the mighty God, the everlasting father, the price of peace, he shall make no end to increase the kingdom and peace and shall sit upon the seat of david and in his kingdom, to set up the same, and to stablish it with equity and ryghtuousues from hence forth for evermore. This shall the jealousy of the Lord of hosts bring to pass. The Lord sent a word into jacob, the same is come into Israel. And all the people of Ephraim shall know, and they that dwell in Samaria/ that say with pride & high stomachs, on this manner. The tile work is fallen down, but we will build it with harder stones. The Molbery timber is broken, but we shall set it up again with cedar. Nevertheless, the Lord shall prepare Razin the enemy against them, and so order their adversaries, that the Syrians shall lay hold upon them before, and the Philystynes behind, and so devour Israel with open mouth. After all this is not the wrath of the Lord ceased, but yet is his hand stretched out still. For the people turneth not unto him, that chastiseth them, neither do they seek the Lord of hosts. Therefore hath the Lord rooted out of Israel both head & tail, branch and twig in one day. By the head, is understand the senator and honourable man, and by the tail the Prophet that teacheth lies. For all they which inform the people that they be in a right case, such be disceivers. Such as men think also to be perfect among these, are but cast away. Therefore shall the Lord have no pleasure in their young men, neither favour their fatherless and widows. For they are all together hypocrites & wicked, and all their mouths speak folly. After all this is not the lords wrath ceased, but yet his hand is stretched out still. For ungodliness burneth, as a fire in the briars and thorns. And as it were out of a fire in a wood or a reed bush, so ascendeth the smoke of their pride. For cause of the wrath of the Lord of hosts, is the land full of darkness, and the people be consumed, as it were with fire no man doth spare his brother. If a man do turn him to the right hand, he shall famish, or to the left hand to eat, he shall nat have enough. Every man shall ☞ eat the flesh of h●s own arm. Manasses shall eat Ephraim, and Ephraim Manasses/ & they both shall eat juda. After all this is not the lords wrath ceased, but yet is his hand stretched out still. ¶ He threateneth the oppressors of the poor and prophesieth against Sennaherib. CAPI. X. WOE BE UNTO them that make unrighteous laws, and devise things, which be to hard for to keep: where thorough the poor are oppressed, on every side: and the innocentes of my people rob of judgement: that widows may be their pray, and that they may rob the fatherless. What will ye do in time of the visitation, and when destruction shall come from far? To whom will ye run for help? and to whom will ye give your honour/ that he may keep it? that ye come not among the prisoners/ or lie among the dead? After all this doth not the wrath of the Lord cease, but yet is his hands stretched out still. Woe be also unto Assur, which is a staff of my wrath, in whose hand is the rod of my punishment. I shall send him among those ypocrytishe people, among the people that have deserved my dysfavoure shall I send him: that he may utterly rob them spoil them, and tread them down like the mire in the street How be it his meaning is nat so neither thinketh his herre of this fashion. But he ymagmeth only how he may rote out and destroy much people, for he sayeth: are nat my Princes all Kings? Is nat ☞ Caluo as easy to wine, as Char chamis? Is it harder to conquer ☞ Hamath than Arphad? Or is it lighter to over come Damascus and Samaria? As who say: I were able to win the Kingdom of the Idolaters and their gods: but not jerusalem and Samaria. Shall. I nat do unto jerusalem and their images, as I did unto Samaria and their idols? Wherefore the Lord sayeth. assoon as I have performed my whole work upon the hill of Zion and jerusalem, then will I ☞ visit the noble and stout heart of the king of Assyria, with his proud looks. For he standeth thus in his own conceit: This do I thorough the power of mine own hand, and thorough my wisdom. For I am wise, I am he that remove the lands of the people. I rob their treasures: and (like one of the worthies) I drive them from their high seats. My hand hath found out the strength of the people, as it were a nest. And like as eggꝭ, that were laid here and there are gathered together: So do I gather all countries. And there is no man, that dare be so bold, as to touch a feather, that dare open his mouth, or once whisper. Shall the axe boast itself, against him that heweth therewith? or doth the saw make any bragging against him that ruleth it. That were even like, as if the rod did exalt itself against him that beareth it: or as though the staff should magnify itself, as who say: it were no wood. Therefore shall the Lord of Hosts send him poverty in his riches, & burn up his glory, as it were with a fire. But the light of Israel shall be that fire, and his Sayntuary shallbe the flame and it shall kindle, and burn up his thorns and breers in one day, yea ☞ all the glory of his woods and fields shallbe consumed with body and soul, And they shallbe as an host of men, whose standard bearer faileth. The trees also of his field which remain, shall be of such a number, that a child may tell them. After that day shall the remnant of Israel, & such as are escaped out of the house of jacob seek no more comfort at him that smote than, but with faithfulness and truth shall they trust unto the Lord, the holy one of Israel. The remnant, even the posterity of jacob, shall convert unto God the mighty one. For though thy people (O Israel (be as the sand of the see, yet shall the remnant of them convert in him. Perfect is the judgement of him that floweth in righteousness, and therefore the Lord of Hosts shall perfectly fulfil the thing, that he hath determined in the midst of the whole world. Therefore thus sayeth the Lord God of Hosts: Thou my people that dwellest in Zion, be nat afraid/ for the king of the assyrians: He shall smite the with a rod, and shall wag his staff at thee, as the Egipcians did some time: But soon after, shall my wrath and mine indignation be fulfilled in the destruction of them. Moreover/ the Lord of Hosts shall prepare a scourge for high/ like as was the slaughter of Mydian upon the rock of Oreb. And he shall lift up his road over the see, as he did sometime over the Egyptians. Then shall his burden be taken from thy shoulders, and his yoke from thy neck, ye the same yoke shallbe corrupt for very fatness. He shall come to Aiath/ and go thorough toward Mygron: at Mychmas shall he lay up his harness/ and go over the ford. Gybea shallbe their resting place, Rhama● shall be afraid, Gybea Saul shall fly away. The voice of the 'noys of thy horses (O daughter Gallim) shallbe heard unto Lais and to Anathoth which also shallbe in trouble. Madmena shall tremble for fear, but the citizens of Gabinare manly, yet shall he remain at Nob the day. After that, shall he life up his hand against the mount of the daughter of Zion/ the hill of jerusalem. But se/ the Lord God of Hosts shall take away the proud from thence/ with fear. He shall hew down the proud/ and fell the high minded. The bushes also of the wode shall he also rote out with iron/ and Lybanus shall have a mighty fall. ¶ He prophesieth of the nativity of Chryst/ & of his people, of the remnant of Israel/ and of the faith of the he● then/ or gentiles. ¶ CAPI. XI. ANd there shall come a rod forth of the kindred of isaiah/ and a blossom shall flourish out of his rote. The spirit of the Lord shall light upon him/ the spirit of wisdom/ and understanding/ the spirit of council/ and strength/ the spirit of knowledge/ and of the fear of the lord/ and shall make him fervent in the fear of God. For he shall not give sentence/ after the thing that shall be brought before his eyes nether reprove a matter at the first hearing but with righteousness shall he judge the poor/ and with justice shall he reform the simple of the world. He shall smite the world with the rod of his mouth, & with the breath of his mouth shall he slay the ungodly. righteousness shallbe the girdle of his loins/ ⚜ truth and faithfulness/ the girding up of his reins The wolf shall dwell with the lamb/ and the leopard shall lie down by the goat. bullocks/ lions/ and cattle/ shall keep company together/ so that a little child shall rule them. The cow and the bear shall feed together, and their young ones shall lie together. The Lion shall eat straw like the ox, or the cow. The child while he sucketh, shall have a desire to the serpent's nest and when he is weaned, he shall put his hand into the cockatrice den. No man shall do evil to an other, no man shall destroy another/ in all the hill of my holiness. For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, even as the see floweth over with water. And in that day shall the gentiles inquire after the rote of jesse which shallbe set up for a token unto the people/ and his dwelling shallbe glorious. At the same time shall the lord take in hand again/ to conquer the remnant of his people (which shallbe left alive From the Assyrians/ Egipcians, Arabians Moryans'/ Elamites, Caldeys/ Antio chyans/ and from the Islands of the see. And he shall set up a token among the gentiles, and gather together the dispersed of Israel/ yea and the out casts of juda from the four corners of the world. The hatred of Ephraim also and enemies of juda shallbe clean rooted out. Ephraym shall bear no evil will to juda/ and juda shall not hate Ephraym/ but they both together shall fly upon the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west/ and spoil them together that dwell toward the east. The Idumites/ and the Moabites shall let their hands fall/ and the Ammonytes shallbe obedient unto them. The Lord also shall clean the tongues of the Egyptians see/ and with a mighty wind shall he life up his hand over Nilus and shall smite his seven streams/ & make men go over dry shod. And thus shall there be a way for his people, that remaineth from the Assyrians, like as it happened to the Israelites, what time they departed out of the land of Egypt. ¶ The song of the Church for the obtaining of the victory and over coming of the world. CAPI. XII. SO THAT then thou shalt say: O Lord I will thank thee/ for thou wast disposed at me, but refrain thou from thy wrath, and comfort me. Behold, God is my salvation in whom I will trust. and nat be afraid. For the Lord God is my strength, and my song, he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of the saviour, and ☞ then shall ye say: give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, declare his counsels among the people keep them in remembrance, for his name is excellent. O sing praises unto the Lord, for he hath done great things, as it is known in all the world. Cry out, and sing thou that dwellest in Zion, for great is the holy one of Israel in the mids of the. ¶ He prophesieth the destruction of Babylon/ the captivity/ and the coming again of the people. CAPI. XIII. This is ☞ the heavy burden of Babylon which Isaiah the son of Amos did se. lift up the banner upon the high hill call unto them/ hold up your hand that the Princes may go in at the gates. I have sent for my debytyes and my giants (saith the Lord) and in my wrath I will call for such/ as triumph in my glory. There is a noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people: a rushing, as though the Kingdoms of the nations came together. (And the Lord of Hosts is the captain of the whole army.) They come out of a far country, from the end of heaven: Even the Lord himself with the ministers of his wrath, to destroy the whole land. Mourn ye, for the day of the Lord is at hand, and shall come as a destroyer from the almighty. Therefore shall all hands be let down, and all men's hearts shall melt a way, they shall stand in fear▪ carefulness and sorrow shall come upon them and they shall have pain, as a woman that travaileth with child. ☞ One shall be abashed of another, and their faces shall burn like the flame. Behold, the day of the Lord shall come/ terrible, full of indignation and wrath: to make the land waste, and to root out the sinners thereof. For the stars and planets of heaven shall nat give their light, the sun shallbe darkened in his rising, and the moon shall nat shine with his light. And I will punish the wickedness of the world, & the sins of the ungodly, sayeth the Lord. The high stomachs of the proud will I take away, and will lay down the boasting of tyrants. I will make a man dearer than fine gold/ and a man to be more worth than a golden wedge of Ophir. Therefore, I will so shake the heaven that the earth shall remove out of her place. Thus shall it go with Babylon in the wrath of the Lord of hosts, and in the day of his fearful indignation. And Babylon shallbe as an hunted or chased do, and as a sheep that no man taketh up. Every man shall turn to his own people and fly each one into his own land. Who so is found alone, shall be shot thorough. And who so gather together/ shallbe destroyed with the sword. * Psal. 〈…〉. Their children shallbe slain before their eyes/ their houses spoiled/ and their wives ravished. For lo, I shall bring up the Medes against them/ which shall nat regard silver, nor be desirous of gold. With bows shall they destroy the young men, and have no pity upon women with child, and their faces shall not spare the children. And Babylon (that glory of Kingdoms and beauty of the Caldees honour) shallbe destroyed, even as God destroyed * Gene. 〈…〉 Sodom and Gomorta. It shall not endure for ever/ neither shall there be any more dwelling there, from generation to generation. ☞ The Arabyans shall pitch no tents there, nether shall the shepherds make their folds there any more, but wild beasts shall lie there, and the houses shallbe full of great Oules. Estryches shall dwell there, & Apes shall dance there: wild cats shall cry in the palaces, and Dragons shallbe in the plea saunt houses, And as for Babylon's time it is at hand, & her days shall nat be prolonged. ¶ The return of the people from captivity. The prosperity of the people of god, and affliction of their enemies. The pride of Babylon. CAP. XIIII. BUT THE Lord will be merciful unto jacob, and will yet chose Israel again, and set them in their own lande-Straungers shall cleave unto them/ and get them to the house of jacob. The people shall take them/ and carry them home with them. And make them to inherit the house of Israel in the land of the Lord/ that they may be servants and hand maidens of the Lord. They shall take those prisoners/ whose captives they had been afore: and rule those that had oppressed them. When the Lord now shall bring the to rest, from the travail, fear, & hard bondage that thou wast laden withal/ then shalt thou use this mockage upon the king of Babylon, and say. How happeneth it that the oppressor leaveth of? Is the golden tribute come to an end? The Lord hath broken the sceptre of the ungodly/ and the rod of the lordly. Which when he is wroth, smiteth the people with durable strokes/ and in his wonders he persecuteth them and tameth them continually. And therefore the whole world is now at rest and quietness/ and men sing for joy. Yea, even the fir trees/ and cedars of Libanus rejoice at thy fall, saying. Now that thou art laid down/ there come no more up to destroy us. Hell also beneath trembleth at thy coming/ all mighty men, and Princes of the earth/ step forth before the. All Kings of the earth stand up from their seats/ that they may all answer and speak unto the. Art thou wounded also as we? art thou become like unto us? Thy pomp and thy pride is laid down into the pit/ and so is the melody of thy instruments Moths be laid under thee/ and worms are thy covering. How art thou fallen from heaven (O Lucifer) thou fair morning child? how haste thou gotten a fall even to the ground and art become weaker than the people? For thou saidest in thine heart. I will climb up into heaven, and make my seat above beside the stars of God, I will sit also upon the holy mount toward the North/ I will climb up above the clouds/ & willbe like the highest of all. Yet thou shalt be brought down to the deep of hell. They that see the shall narrowly look upon thee/ and think in themselves saying. Is this the man, that brought all lands in fear/ and made the kingdoms afraid? Is this he that made the world in a manner waste/ and laid the cities to the ground/ which let not his prisoners go out. All Kings of the nations lie every one ☞ in his own house with worship/ and thou art cast out of thy grave like a wild branch, like as dead men's raiment that are stricken thorough with the sword/ and go down to the stones of the deep/ as a dead coarse that is trodden under feet/ and art not buried with them. Even because that thou hast wasted thy land/ and destroyed thy people. The generation of the wicked shallbe without honour, for ever. Let there away be sought to destroy their children, that be in their father's wickedness/ that they come not up again to possess the land, and fill the world full of enemies. I will stand up against them (saith the Lord of hosts) and root out the name and generation of Babylon (saith the lord) and will give it to the Otters/ and will make water poddels of it. And I will sweep them out with the besom of destruction/ sapc●e the Lord of Hostes. The Lord of hosts hath sworn an o●he, saying. It shall come to pass as I have determined/ and shallbe fulfilled as I have devised. So that Assyrian shall I destroy in my land/ and upon my mountains will I tread him under foot. Where thorough his yoke shall come from them and his burden shall be taken from their shoulder. This device hath god taken thorough the whole world/ & thus is his hand stretched out over all people. For if the lord of Hosts determine a thing, who is able to disannul it? And if he stretch forth his ha●●● who may hold it in again. The same year that King Ahaz died/ God threatened on this manner. Rejoice not (thou whole Palestyna) because the rod of him that beateth the is broken, for out of the serpent's ro●e/ there shall come an adder/ & his fruit shallbe a fire worm. But ☞ 〈…〉 borne of the poor shall be fed/ and the simple shall dwell in safety. Thy ro●e also will I destroy with hunger/ and it shall ●●eye the remnant. Mourn thou port/ weep thou city, and fear thou (O whole Palestyna) for there shall come from the North, a smoke whose power no man may abide Who shall then answer the messengers of the gentiles For the Lord hath stablished Zion and the poor of his people that be therein, do put their trust in him. ¶ A prophecy against Moab. CAPI. XV. THIS is the heavy burden upon Moab: Are of Moab was destroyed in the night season: Kir also in Moab was destroyed and perished in the night. They went up to the idols house, even to Dibon to the high places, to weep for Nebo, & Moab did Mourn for Med●a: All cheyr h●ds, were balled, & all But ye foolish princes of Zoan/ ye wise counsellors of Pharaoh, whose wit is turned to foolishness, how say ye unto Pharaoh? I am come of wise men and of ancient kings? Where are thy wise men? Let them tell thee (if they can) what the Lord of hosts hath devised upon Egypte. The Princes of Zoan are become fools the Prices of Noph are deceived, they have deceived Egypte, even they that were taken for the chief kindred thereof. In the mids of it hath the Lord powered the spirit of wyckenes, and they have deceived Egypte in every work thereof, even as a drunken man stackereth in his vomit. Neither shall ☞ the head or tail, the branch or read be able to do any work in Egypte. In the day shall Egypte be like unto women: It shallbe afraid and stand in fear at the ●ocion of the hand of the Lord of Hosts, which he shaketh over it. And Egypte shallbe afraid of the land of juda: so that every one which maketh mention of it, shallbe afraid thereat, be cause of the council of the Lord of hosts which he deviseth for it. In that day shall five cities in the land of Egypte speak the language of Canaan, & swear by the Lord of hosts: ☞ the city of desolation shallbe called one of them. In that day shall ☞ the altar of the Lord be in the mids of the land of Egypte, and this title beside it: UNTO THE LORD And it shallbe a token and witness unto the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt. For they shall cry unto the Lord because of such as trouble them, & he shall send them a savi our & a great man to deliver them. And the Lord shallbe known in Egypte, and the Egyptians shall know the Lord in that day, and do sacrifice and oblation: ye they shall vow a vow unto the Lord, and perform it. The Lord also shall smite Egypte sore/ and heal them again, and they shallbe converted unto the Lord, and he shallbe entreated of them, and shall heal them. In that day shall there be a comen way out of Egypte into Assyria/ and Assyria shall come into Egypte/ and Egypte into Assyria/ so that the Egyptians and the Assyrians shall serve the Lord together. In that day shall the nation of Israel be the third with Egypte and Assyria, & they shall be blessed in the mids of the land, which land the Lord of hosts hath blessed, saying: blessed is my people of Egypte/ Assur also is the work of mine hands, and Israel is mine inheritance. ¶ Against Egypte and Ethiopia. CAPI. XX. IN THE year that Tharthan came unto Asdod (when ☞ Sargon the king of Assyrta had sent him) and had fought against Asdod/ and taken it. At the same time spoke the Lord by the hand of Isaiah the son of Amos, saying: Go & take of ☞ the sack cloth from thy loins/ and put of thy shoe from the foot. And he did so/ walking naked and barefoot. And the Lord said/ like as my servant Esay hath walked naked and bare foot for a sign and wonder three years upon Egypte and Ethiopia: Even so shall the king of Assyria take away out of Egypte and out of Ethiopia/ children and old men, naked and bare foot with their loins uncovered/ to the great shame of Egypte. They shallbe brought in fear also and ashamed one of another: Ethiopia of Egypt and Egypte of Ethiopia, considering what glory they were in afore. And they that dwell in the same isle/ shall say in that day: Behold/ thus are we regarded. Whether shall we fly for help/ that we may be delivered from the king of Assyrya? And how shall we escape. ¶ Against Babylon, Idumea, and Arabia. CAP. XXI. THE burden of ☞ the waste See: Even as the stormy wether that passeth thorough at the noon day/ to come from the wilderness, from that horrible land. A grievous vision was showed unto me: Let one deceitful offender come against another, and one destroyer against another. Up Elam, lay ●ege thou of Media ☞ all their groaning have I laid down: Therefore are my loins filled with sorrow: heaviness, hath taken hold upon me. as the pangs of a woman that is traveling. It made me stoop when I herd it/ and it vexed me when I saw it. My heart panted, ferfulnes came upon me. ☞ The night of my voluptuousness hath he turned against me into fear. While they garnished the table: the watch manloked: And while I was eating and drinking (it was said:) up ye captains/ take you to your shield, For thus hath the lord said unto me: ☞ Go and set a watch man/ to tell what he seeth. And he saw a chariot, which two horsemen sat upon, with the carriage of an Ass and the carriage of a camel. So he looked and took diligent heed And the lion cried, lord, I stand waiting all the whole day, and am appointed to keep my watch every night. And behold/ here cometh a chariot of men, with two horsemen. And he answered and said: Babylon is fallen, it is fallen, and all the images of her gods hath he smitten down unto the ground. ☞ Thou art he whom I must thresh/ and thou belongest to my corn floor▪ This that I heard of the Lord of hosts the God of Israel have I showed unto you. The burden of Duma: he calleth unto me out of Seyr: watchman, What hast thou espied by night? Watchman what haste thou espied by night? The watchman said: ☞ The morning cometh, and so doth the night. Yfye will ask any question, then ask it, return and come again. The burden concerning Arabia: In the pleasant ground of Arabia shall ye tarry all night, even in the streets of Dedanin. The inhabitors of the land of Thema brought for the water to him that was thrystye, they prevented him with their bread that was fled away, For because of swords are they become fugitive, even for the drawn sword, and for the bend bow, & because of the grievousness of war. For thus hath the Lord said unto me: There is yet a year according to the years of an hired servant, and all the glory of Cedar shall fail. And the number of them that shall escape from the bows, shall be minished by the mighty children of Cedar, for so the Lord God of Israel hath spoken. ¶ Aprophecye against jerusalem. ¶ CAPI. XXII. THe burden of ☞ the valley of vision: What haste thou to do here/ that thou clymest unto the house tops? Thou that art full of occupying, thou seditious and proud city: thy slain men are nether put to death with sword, nor deed in battle. All thy captains are fugitive together, the archers have taken them presoners: All they that are found in thee, are in captivity together, because they fled far of. Therefore said I: let me alone and * ●●●i. 19 ●. I will make lamentation. Ye shall nat be able to comfort me, because of the destruction of the daughter of my people. For this is a day of trouble, of ruin and of destruction that the lord will bring to pass in the valley of vision, breaking down the city & crying unto mountains. Elam bore the quiver with a chariot of foot men and of horsemen/ and the city of Kyr showed the shield open. Thy chief valley also was full of charetes, & the horsemen set their faces directly toward the gate. And in that day did the enemy take away ☞ the beauty of juda, and then didst thou look toward the armour of the house of the forest. Ye have seen also the broken places of the city of david, how that they are many and ye gathered together the waters of the lower pole. As for the houses of jerusalem ☞ ye have numbered them, and the houses have ye broken down to make the wall strong. A pit also have ye made between the two walls, for the waters of the old pole, and have nat regarded the maker thereof, neither had respect unto him that took it in hand. And in that day did the Lord God of hosts call men unto weeping and mourning, to baldness and girding about which sack cloth. ☞ And behold, they have joy and gladness, sleyeng oxen and killing sheep, cating flesh and drinking wine: * 1 Cor. ●5. a. Sapi. ●. b. Let us eat and drink, for to morrow we shall die. And it came to the ears of the Lord of hosts: This iniquity shall nat be purged from you till ye die, saith the Lord god of hosts. Thus sayeth the Lord God of hosts: Go, get the in to yonder treasurer, even unto * Esay. 36. ●. Sebna/ which is the ruler of the house. what haste thou to do here? and whom haste thou here, that thou shouldest here hew the out a sepulchre, as it were one that heweth him out a sepulchre an high, or that graveth an habitation for himself in a hard rock? Behold, O thou man, the Lord shall carry the away into captivity, and shall surely cover the with confusion. The Lord shall turn the over like a ball with his hands ⚜ (and shall send thee) into a far country: There shalt thou die, and there (in stead of the charetes of thy pomp) shall the house of thy Lord have confusion ☞ I will drive the from thy place, & out of thy dwelling shall he overthrow the. And in that day shall I call my servant Eliakim the son of Helkia. And ☞ with thy garments will I cloth him, and with thy girdle will I strength him: thy power also will I yield into his hand and he shallbe a father of such as dwell in jerusalem, and in the house of juda. * job. 12. b. Apoca. ●. b. And the key of the house of david will I lay upon his shoulder, so that he shall open and no man shall shut. He shall shut, and no man shall open. And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place, and he shall be the glorious seat of his father's house. to the just (O thou most righteous) * Pro. 16. a. Jere, 10. d. thou shalt order the path of him that is righteous, Ye, ☞ in the way of thy judgements (O Lord) have we put our trust in thee? Thy name also and the remembrance of thee, rejoice the soul. * Psal. 63. a. and. 143. a. My soul hath longed for that all the night, and with my spirit (which is within me) will I seek the early in the morning: For when thy judgements are i the earth, the inhabytatours of the world shall learn righteousness. Shall the ungodly man be favoured, which hath nat learned righteousness, but doth wickedly in the earth, where nothing ought to be done, but that which is righteous? He shall nat see the glory of the Lord: Lord when thy hand is lift up, they see it nar, but they shall see it, and be confounded with the zeal of the people, and the fire that consumeth thine enemies, shall devour them. Lord, unto us thou shalt provide peace * Philip. 2. ● for thou also haste wrought all oùre works in us. O Lord our God, other Lords beside the hath subdued us, but we will be mindful only of the and of thy name. ☞ The deed will nat live, and they that be out of life, will nat rise again, therefore hast thou visited and rooted them out, and destroyed all the memory of them. Thou haste increased the people (O Lord) thou hast increased the people, and thou art pray said, thou hast sent them far of unto all the coasts of the earth. * Levi. 26. g. Lord in trouble have they visited thee: they powered out their prayer/ when thy chastening was upon them. * john. 10. ●. Like as a woman with child that draweth nigh toward her travail, is sorry and crieth in her pains/ even so have we been in thy sight O Lord. * Roma. 8. d We have been with child & suffered pain, ☞ as though we had brought forth wind: For there is no salvation in the earth, neither do the inhabitors of the world submit themselves. * 1. Cor. 6. d. Thy deed men shall live, even with my body shall they rise again. Awake & sing ye that dwell in dust. For ☞ thy dew is even as the dew of herbs/ and the earth shall cast out them that be under her. Come my people, * Gene. ●9. c entre thou into thy chambers/ and shoot thy doors about thee: ‡ Apoca. 6. b hide thyself a little for a while/ until the indignation be overpast. * Miche. ●● Forlo, the Lord is coming out of his place, to visit the wickedness of such as dwell upon earth. The earth also shall disclose her own blood, and shall no more hide them that are slain in her. ¶ A prophecy of the coming of christ and destruction of idolatry. CAPI. XXVII. IN that day the lord with his sore, great and mighty sword shall visit ☞ * 1 Cor 15. ●. Apoca. 1ST Leviathan the fugitive serpent/ even Leviathan that crooked serpent/ and he shall slay the dragon that is in the see. In that day se that ye sing of the vineyard, which bringeth forth the best wine. Even I the Lord do keep it. In due seasons shall I water it/ and lest the enemy do it any harm. I will both night and day preserve it. There is no displeasure in me: or else (when the vineyard bringeth me forth breers and thorns) I would go thorough it by war, and burn it up together. Let it take hold of my strength and it shall be at one with me/ even at one shall it be with me. The days are coming/ that jacob shall take rote. Israel shallbe green and flourish and the world shallbe filled with fruit. Hath he smitten him as sore, as he did the other that smote him? Or is he slain with so sore a slaughter as they that slew him? In measure doth he smite him/ while he sendeth unto him such things, whereby he cometh to his mind again. For in the day that the east wind bloweth sore, it taketh away the fruits. Thus therefore shall the iniquity of jacob be reconciled/ and here is all the fruit of the taking away of his sin, yfhe make all the stones of the altar of Idols, as chalk stones that are beaten in sunder, that their graves & images rise nat up again. Else shall the strongcytie be desolate, and the habitation forsaken and left like a wilderness. There shall the calf fede, & there shall he lie, & eat up the young springs thereof. ☞ When the branches of it are dry, they are broken of, and the women come, and set them on fire. * Deut. 3●. ●. For it is a people of no understanding, & therefore he that made them, shall nat favour them, and he that created them shall give them no grace. And in that day shall the Lord make a threshing from the mids of the river Euphrates unto the river of Egypte and ye children of Israel shallbe gathered together one to another. In that day shall ☞ the great trump be blown: so that those which were lost in the land of Assyria, and they that were banished into the land of Egypte shall come and worship the Lord in the holy mount at jerusalem. ¶ Against the pride of Ephraim, and against false priests and preachers. CAPI. XXVIII. WOE BE unto the crown of price even * Osee. 3. a. to the drunken people of Ephraim (whose great pomp is as afloure that fadeth away) ☞ upon the head of the valley of such as be in wealth, and are overladen with wyue. Behold, * Math. 16. c there cometh a vehement and sore day from the Lord like an unmeasurable hail and perilous tempest even like the force of mighty and horrible waters, that beareth down at things. The crown of the pride of the drunken Ephraemites shallbe trodden under foot: * Esay. 40. ● so that the flower of his fairness and beauty (which is in the head of ☞ the valley of farnesse) shall fade away, as doth an untimely ripe fig afore harvest. Which when a man sitteth, he looketh upon it: and while it is yet in his hand, he eateth it up. In that day shall the Lord of hosts be the crown of glory, and diamond of beauty unto the residue of his people. He will be also a spirit of perfit knowledge to high that sitteth in judgement, and strength unto them that turn away the battle to the gate of the enemies. But they are out of the way by reason of wine, yea, far out of the way are they thorough strong drink: ☞ * Esay. 3. c. The pressed also and the prophet are gone astray by the means of strong drink/ they are drunken with wine, they go amiss thorough strong drink: they fail in sight and stumble in judgement. For all tables are so full of vomit and filthiness, that no place is clean. Whom then shall such one teach knowledge? And whom shall be make to understand the thing that he heareth? For they are ignorant as young children, that are taken from the milk and are weened. For they that be such must have ☞ after one lesson, another lesson: * Esay, 10. ●. Math. 23. ● after one commandment, another commandment: after one rule, another rule, after one instruction, another instruceyon, there a little, & there a little For he that speaketh unto this people is even as one that useth rudeness of speech, & a strange language. If any man say unto them: lo, this is the rest where with ye may ease him that is weary, this is the refreshing, they will not hearken. * Cor. 14. c. Therefore shall the word of the Lord (lesson upon lesson, commandment upon commandment, rule upon rule, instruction upon instruction, there a little and there a little) shall be unto them an occasion of stumbling that they may go on and fall backward, be broused, tangled and snared. Wherefore, hear the word of the Lord ye mockers, ye that have rule of this people which is at Jerusalem. Because ye have said ☞ we have made a covenant with death, & with hell are we at agreement. And though there go forth a sore plague, it shall not come unto us. For we have made falsehood our refuge, and under vanity are we hid. Therefore thus sayeth the Lord God. Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation, a stone, even a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: ☞ who so believeth, let him not be to hasty. judgement also will I lay to the rule, and righteousness to the balance: so that ☞ the hail shall take away your vain confidence, and the privy place of your refuge shall the waters run over. And thus the covenant that ye made with death, shallbe disannulled: and your agreement that ye made with hell, shall not stand, yea, when the sore plague goeth forth, ye shall be trodden down under it. From the time that it goeth forth, it shall take you away. For early in the morning every day, yea both day and night shall it go thorough: & when the noise thereof is perceived, it shall gendre vexation. For ☞ the bed is narrow, and not large: and the covering so small that a man can not wind himself under it. * Esay. 36. ● For the Lord shall stand as ☞ in mount ‡ 2. Reg. 5. a. joshua. 10. Pecazim, and shallbe wroth like as in the valley * ● 1 Para 13 ● Gibeon, that he may do his work ☞ his strange work and bring to pass his act: his strange act. Now therefore see that ye be no mockers lest your punishment icrese: for I have herd of the Lord of hosts, that there shall come a short end upon the whole earth. Hear ye then, & hearken unto my voice, consider & ponder my speech. Doth not the husband man plough all the day, and openeth & breaketh the clottꝭ of his ground, that he may sow? When he hath made it plain, will he nat spread abroad the fitches, & sow common/ & cast in wheat by measure, & the appointed barley & ●ye in their place? God will instruct him to have discretion, even his God will teach him. For fitch's shall not be threshed with an harowe, nether shall a cart wheel be brought thorough the comen/ but the fitches are beaten out with a staff, and common which a rod. But the sede the bread is made of, is threshed/ though it be not alway a threshing And the cart wheel must be brought over it lest he grind it with his teeth. This also cometh of the Lord of hosts, which worketh with wonderful wisdom, & bringeth out arm with a terrible countenance and with the flame of a consuming fire: with noisome lightening/ with a shower, and with hail stone. For thorough the voice of the Lord shall * Esay. 10. a. Assur be destroyed/ which smote other men with the rod. And it shall come to pass, that whither soever he goeth/ the rod shall cleave unto him/ which the Lord shall lay upon him ☞ with tabrets, and haps. And with great war shall he fight against his host. * Math. 25. b For the fire of pain is ordained from the beginning yea even for Kings is it prepared. This hath the Lord set in the deep, and made it wide/ the burning whereof is fire & moche wood. The breath of the Lord (which is as a river of brimstone) doth kindle it. ¶ He curseth them that forsake God/ and seek for the help of men. CAPI. XXXI. WOE be unto them that go down into Egypte for help, and trust in horses, & put their confidence in charettes/ because they be many, and in horse men, because they be lusty and strong But they regard not the holy one of Israel/ and they ask no question at the Lord. Where as he nevertheless (being wisest of all) plagueth the wicked/ and yet goeth not from his word, when he steppeth forth and taketh the victory against the household of the froward/ and against the help of evil doers. Now the Egipcians are men, and not God, and their horses flesh, and not spirit. And as soon as the Lord stretcheth out his hand/ then shall the helper fall, and he that should have been helped/ and they shall all together be destroyed. For thus hath the Lord spoken unto me. Like as the * Apoc. 5. a. Lion or ‡ Gene. 49. b lions whelp roareth upon the pray that he hath gotten, & is not afraid/ though the multitude of shepherds cry out upon him, neither abashed for all the heap of them. So shall the Lord of Hosts come down to fight for mount Zion / and defend his hill. Like as birds flotre about their nests, * Deut. 32. b. so shall the lord of Hosts keep, save/ defend, and deliver jerusalem. Therefore, O ye children of Israel/ turn again/ like as ye have exceeded in your going back. * Esay. 2. c. For ☞ in that day every man shall cast out his Idols of silver and gold/ which ye have made with your sinful hands. * Esay. 37. e. Assur also shallbe slain with the sword/ not with a man's sword. A sword shall devour him, but not a man's sword. And he shall i'll from the slaughter/ ⚜ and his servants shall be taken prisoners. He shall go for fear to his strong holds/ and his Princes shall i'll from his badge. This hath the Lord spoken, whose light burneth in Zion/ and his fire in jerusalem. ¶ The conditions of good Rulers and officers. CAPI. XXXII. BEHOLD, the King shall govern after the rule of righteousness/ and the Princes shall rule according to the balance of equity. He shallbe unto men, as a defence for the wind/ and as a refuge for the tempest/ like as a river of water in a thirsty place/ and the shadow of a great rock in a dry land. The eyes of the seeing shall not be dim, and the ears of them that hear/ shall take diligent heed. The heart of the unwise, shall attain to knowledge/ and the unperfect tongue shall speak plainly and distinctly. Then shall the niggard be no more called gentle, nor the churl liberal But the churl will be churlishly minded/ and his heart will work evil and play the hypocrite/ and imagine abominations against God: to make the hungry lean, and to withhold drink from the thirsty. These are the perilous weapons of the covetous/ these be his shameful counsels/ that he may beguile the poor with deceitful words/ yea even there as he should give sentence with the poor. * Prou. 17. ● But the liberal person imagineth honest things/ and cometh up with honesty. Up (ye rich and idle Cities) hearken unto my voice. Ye careless cities/ mark my words. After years and days shall ye be brought in fear. O ye careless cities. For Harvest shall be out: and the grape gathering shall not come. O ye rich yoel cities ye that fear no apparel/ ye shall be abashed, and removed, when ye see the barrenness, the nakedness and preparing to war. Ye shall knock upon your breasts, because of the pleasant field/ and because of the fruitful vyneiarde. My people's field shall bring thorns and thistles/ for in every house is voluptuousness/ and in the Cities, wilfulness. The palaces also shallbe broken, and the greatly occupied cities desolate. The towers and bulwarks shall become dens for evermore, the pleasure of Mules shallbe turned to pasture for sheep/ unto the time that the spirit be poured upon us from above. Then shall the wilderness be a fruitful field, and the plenteous field shallbe rekenned for a wode. Then shall equity dwell in the desert and righteousness in a fruitful laud. * Roma. 5. a. And the reward of righteousness shallbe peace, and her fruit, rest and quietness for ever. * jere. 33. c. And my people shall dwell in the inns of peace, in my tabernacle and pleasure where there is enough in them al. And when the hail falleth/ it shall fall in the wood and ☞ the city shallbe set in the valley. O how happy shall ye be, when ye shall safely sow your seed beside all waters, and drive thither the feet of your oxen and asses. ¶ Threatening against the Assyrians. A description of them that shall see the Lord. CAPI XXXIII. Therefore woe be unto thee (O robber) shalt nat thou be rob also? and unto the that layest wait: as who say there should no wait be laid for thee? woe unto the which dost hurt, * Exod. 21. b. Levy. 24. d. Sapi. 11. c. Mat. seven. a even so shalt thou be hurt also. And as thou layest wait/ so shall wait be laid for the also. Lord be merciful unto us for we put our trust in the. Thine arm is at a point to visit us/ * Psol. 9 b. but be thou our health in the time of trouble. The people did i'll at the anger of thy voice, and at thine up standing the gentiles were scattered abro de/ and their spoil shallbe gathered/ as the grasshoppers are commonly gathered together into the pyr. Stand up Lord, thou that dwellest on high: Let Zion be filled with equity and righteousness. Let truth and faithfulness be in her time: power/ health, wisdom, knowledge and the fear of God are her treasure. Behold, their angels cry without, and the messaungers of peace shall weep bitterly. The streets are waste, there walketh no man therein, the appointment is broken, the cities are despised, they are nat regarded the desolate earth is in heaviness. Lybanus taketh it but for a sport, that it is hewn down: Sarom is like a wilderness: Basan and Charmel are turned up side down. And therefore sayeth the Lord. I will up, now will I get up, now will I arise. * jere. 5. ●. Ye shall conceive stubble and bear straw, and your sprite shall be the fire, that it may consume you: and the people shallbe burnt like lime, & as thorns burn that are hewn of, & cast in the fire. Now hearken to, ye that are far of how I do with them, and consider my glory, ye that be at hand. ☞ The sinners at Zion are afraid, a sudden ferfulnes is come upon the hypocrites. What is he among us (say they) that will dwell by that consuming fire? which of us may abide that everlasting heat? * Psal. 14. a. and, 23. a. He that leadeth a godly life (say I) and speaketh the truth. He that abhorreth to do violence and deceit: he that keepeth his hand that he touch no reward: which stoppeth his ears, that he hear no council against the innocent, which holdeth down his eyes, that he se none evil. He it is, that shall dwell on high: whose safeguard shallbe in the true rock, to him shall be given the right true meat and drink. Thine eyes shall see the king in his glory: and in the wide world, & thine heart shall delight in the fear of God. * 1. Corin. ●. a What shall then become of the scribe? of the senator? What of him that teacheth children? There shalt thou nat see a people of a strange tongue to have so dyffused a language, that it may nat be understand: neither so strange a speech but it shallbe perceived. There shall Zion be seen, the head city of our solemn feasts. There shall thine eyes see jerusalem that glorious habitation: * Hebre. 9 b. the tabernacle that never shall remove, whose nails shall never be taken out world without end whose cords every eachone shall never corrupt: for the glorious majesty of the Lord shall there be present among us. In that place/ where fair broad rivers and streams are, shall nether Galley row, nor great ship sail. * I●●●. 4. c. For the Lord shallbe our captain, the Lord shallbe our law giver. The Lord shall be our king, and he himself shall be our saviour. There are the cords so laid abroad, that they can not be better: The mast set up of such a fashion, that no banner nor sail hangeth thereon but there is dealt great spoil, ye lame men run after the pray. There lieth no man that sayeth: I am sick, but all evil is taken away from the people, that dwell there. ¶ The last destruction of the synagogue, in which the kingdom and priesthood of that people was translated to the Church and congregation of christ. CAPI. XXXIIII. COme ye heathen and here/ take heed ye people. hearken thou earth and all that is therein: thou round compass and all that groweth there upon: for the Lord is angry withal people, and his displeasure is kindled against all the multitude of them, to curse them, and to slay them. So that their slain shallbe cast out/ and their bodies stink: that even the very hills shall be wet with the blood of them All the stars of heaven shall waaste, and the heaven shall fold together like a roll: and all the stars thereof shall fall/ like as the leaves fall fro the wines and fig trees. For my sword shallbe bathed i heaven/ & shall immediately come down upon Idumea, & upon the people/ which I have cursed for my vengeance. And the lords sword shallbe full of blood/ and be rusty with the fatness and blood of lambs and goats: with the fatness of kidneys of the wethers. For the Lord shall kill a great offering in Bosra/ and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea. There shall the Unicorns fall with the bulls (that is with the giants) and their land shallbe washed with blood, & their ground corrupt with fatness. Unto the also (O Sion) shall come the day of the vengeance of God and the year when thine own judgements shallbe recompensed. And his floods shallbe turned to pitch/ & his earth to brimstone/ and therewith shall the land be kindled/ so that it shall not be quenched day nor night But smoke evermore: & so forth to lie waste And no man shall go thorough it for ever. But Pellycanes/ Storks/ great Oules/ and Ravens: shall have it in possession, and dwell therein. For God shall spread out the line of desolation upon it/ and weigh it with the stones of emptiness. When kings are called upon there shallbe one/ and all princes shallbe away. Thorns shall grow in their palaces, nettles and thistles in their strong holds/ that the dragons may have their pleasure therein/ and that they may be a court for Ostriches. There shall strange visors and monstrous beasts meet one an other and the wild keep company together. There shall the Lamia lie/ and have her lodging There shall the owl make her nest/ build, be there at home, and bring forth his yong-ones. There shall the kites come together/ each one to his like. Seek thorough the scripture of the lord and read it. There shall none of these things be left out/ there shall not one (nor such like fail. For what his mouth commandeth/ the same doth his spirit gather together (or full filleth (upon whom soever the lot falleth or to whom he dealeth it with the line, those shall possess the inheritance from generation to generation/ & dwell therein for ever. ¶ Of the time and Kingdom of christ. ¶ CAPI. XXXV. BUT the desert and wilderness shall rejoice/ the waste ground shallbe glad and flourish as the lily. She shall floresh pleasantly and be joyful, and ever be giving of thanks more and more. For the glory of Libanus, the beauty of Charmell and Saron shallbe given her. These shall know the honour of the Lord, and the majesty of our God. * Hebre. 12. b And therefore strength the week hands, and comfort the feeble knees. say unto them that are of a fearful heart: Be of good cheer, and fear nat: * Deut. 2●. ● and. 31. b. Behold your God cometh, to take vengeance and to reward, God cometh his own self and will deliver you. * Math. 〈◊〉. ● and. ●5. c. Luke. 7. ● Then shall the eyes of the blind be lightened/ and the ears of the deaf opened. Then shall the lame man leap as an heart, and the * Psal. 8. a. dumb man's tongue shall give thanks. * Esa. 41. ●. 43. c. 44. ● In the wilderness also there shall wells spring, and floods of water in the desert The dry ground shall turn to rivers, and the thurstye to springs of water. Where as dragons dwelt afore, there shall grow sweet flowers and green rushes. There shall be foot paths and common streets, this shallbe called the holy way. No unclean person shall go thorough it, for the Lord himself shall go with them that way, and the ignorant shall not err, There shallbe no Lion, and no ravishing beast shall come therein nor be there, but men shall go there free and safe. And the redeemed of the Lord shall convert, and come to Zion with thanksgiving. everlasting joy shall they have: pleasure and gladness shallbe among them And as for all sorrow and heaviness, it shall vanish away. ¶ jerusalem is asseged by Sennaherib, in the time of king Hezekias. CAPI. XXXVI. I * 4. R●. 18. ●. 2. Par. ●2. ● Esa. 7. ●. ●. b. ●. 10. ●. 17. ●. ●. 321 N the. xiv. year of King Hezekias, came Sennaherib King of the assyrians down, to lay siege unto all the strong cities of juda. And the King of the Assyrians scent Rabsaketh from Lachis toward jerusalem, against King Hezekias, with a grievous Host, which set him by the conduit of the overpole, in the way that goeth thorough the fullers land. And so there came forth unto him Eliakim Helkias son the president. * Esay. 22▪ ●. Sobna the Scribe/ and joah Asaphs son the Secretary. And Rabsaketh said unto them: Tell Hezekias/ that the great King of Assiria sayeth thus unto him: What presumption is this/ that thou trustest unto?. Thou thynekest (peradventure) that thou hast council and power enough to maintain this war or else whereto trustest thou/ y● that casteste thyself of fro me● * 4. Re. 18. b. E●●. 29. a. lo, thou puttest thy trust in a broken staff of reed (I mean Egypte) which he that leaneth upon, it goeth into his hand and shutteth him thorough. Even so is Pharaoh the king of Egypt, unto all them that trust in him. But if thou wouldest say to me: we trust in the Lord our God: A goodly God in deed: whose high places and altars Hezekia took down/ and commanded juda and jerusalem, to worship only before the altar. A bide thee/ thou hast made a condition with my Lord the king of the Assyrians/ that he should give the two thousand horses: art thou able to set men there upon? saying now that thou canst nat resist the power of the smallest prince that my Lord hath, how darest thou trust in the charettes and horsemen of Egypt? Moreover, thinkest thou that I am come up hither to destroy this land without the Lords will? The Lord said unto me, go up into the land, that thou mayest destroy it. Then said Eliakim/ Sobna & joah unto Rabsaketh: Speak to us thy servants (we pray thee) in the Syrians language for we understand it well: And speak nat to us in the Jews tongue, lest the folk hear/ which lieth upon the wall. Then answered Rabsaketh: Think ye, that the king sent me to speak this only unto you? Hath he not sent me to them also, that lie upon the wall? that they be nat compelled to eat their own dung/ & drink their own stolen with you? And Rabsakeh stood stiff/ and cried with a loud voice in the jews tongue, and said: Now take heed, how the great king of the Assyrians giveth you warning. Thus sayeth the king: Let nat Hezekias deceive you/ for he shall nat be able to deliver you. Moreover, let nat Hezekias comfort you in the Lord, when he sayeth: The Lord without doubt shall defend us, and shall nat give over this city into the hands of the king of the Assyrians, believe him not. But thus sayeth the King of Assyria obtain my favour incline to me: so may every man enjoy his vineyards and fig trees, and drink the water of his cysterne unto the time that I come myself/ & bring you into a land that is like your own: wherein is wheat and wine, which is both sown with seed, and planted with vineyards. Let not Hezekia deceive you, when he sayeth unto you: the Lord shall deliver us. * Esay. 1●. ●. Might the Gods of the gentiles keep every man's land, from the power of the king of the Assyrians? Where is the God of Hemath & Arphad? Where is the God of Sepharuaim? And who was able to defend Samaria out of my hand? Or which of all the Gods of the lands, hath belyvered their country out of my power/ so that the Lord should deliver jeruselen fro my hand. Unto this Hezekias messengers held their tongues, & answered nat one word: for the King had charged them, that they should give him none answer. So came Eliakim Helkias son the Precedent, Sobna the Scribe, and joah Asaphs son the Secretary, unto Hezekeas with rend clothes, and told him the words of Rabsaketh. ¶ Hezekias humbleth himself before the Lord The army of Sennaherib is slain of the Angel of the Lord and be himself so hylled of his own sons ¶ CAPI. XXXVII. WHen Hezekias heard that, he rent his clothes * 4. 〈◊〉. 19 ● and put on a sack cloth, and went in to the house of the Lord/ But he sent Eliakim the Precedent/ Sobna the Scribe/ with the eldest preastes clothed in * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. sack/ unto the Prophet Esay the son of Amoz/ and they said unto him Thus sayeth Hezekias: This is the day of trouble, of plague, and of blasphemy for the children are come to the place birth/ but there is no power to bring them forth, The Lord thy God (no doubt) hath well considered the words of Rabsakeh, whom his Lord the king of the Assyrians hath sent, to defy and blaspheme the living God: with such words as the Lord thy God hath heard right well. And therefore lift up thy prayer for the remnant, that yet are left. So the serua●●tes of king Hezekias came to Esay. And Esay gave them this answer: Say thus unto your lord: thus sayeth the Lord: Be nat afraid of the words that thou haste heard/ where with the king of the Assyrians servants have blasphemed me: * Esay. 31. ●. Behold, I will cause a wind to go over him, as soon as he heareth the rumour, he shall go again into his country/ there will I destroy him with the sword * 1. Reg. 23. ●. Now when Rabsaketh returned, he found the king of Assyria laying siege to Libnas'/ for he had understand, that he was departed from Lachis. For there came a rumore that Tharhakas king of Ethiopia was come forth to war against him. And when the king of Assyria heard that, he sent other messaungers to king Hezekias with this commandment: Say thus to Hezekias king of juda: Let nat thy God deceive thee, in whom thou hopest, and sayest: jerusalem shall nat be given into the hands of the king of Assyria. For, lo thou knowest well how the Kings of Assyria have handled all the lands that they have subverted, and hopest thou to escape? Were the people of the Gentiles (whom my progenitors conquered) delivered at any time thorough their gods? * 2. Reg. 17. a As namely, Gozan, Haram, Rezeph, and the children of Eden, which were at Thalassar. Where is the king of Hemah, & the king of Arphad, and the King of the city Sepharnaim/ Ena and Ava? Now when Ezekia had received the letter of the messaungers/ and read it, he went up into the house of the Lord, & opened the letter before the Lord. And Ezekia prayed before the Lord on this manner. O Lord of Hosts/ thou God of Israel, which sittest upon * Exod. 25. c Cherubin. Thou art the God, that only is God of all the Kingdoms of the world/ for thou only haste * Gene. 1. a.. created heaven and earth. ‡ Baruc. 2. c. incline thine ear Lord and consider, open thine eyes/ O Lord, and see, and ponder all the words upon Sennaherib/ which hath sent his embassage to blaspheme the living God. It is true, O Lord, that the kings of Assirya have conquered all Kingdoms and lands/ and cast their gods in the fire. notwithstanding those were no gods, but the works of men's hands, of wood or stone, therefore have they destroyed them. deliver us then, O Lord our God, from the hands of Sennaherib, that all Kingdoms of the earth may know, that thou only art the Lord. Then Esay the son of Amoz sent unto Hezekia, saying: Thus sayeth the Lord God of Israel. Where as thou haste made thy prayer unto me, as touching Sennaherib the king of Assyria, this is the answer, that the Lord hath given concerning him. Despised art thou, and mocked (O daughter of Zion) he hath shaken his head at thee, O daughter of Jerusalem. But thou Sennaherib. * zacha. 2. b. 〈◊〉. 25. ● 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. ●. c. whom hast thou defied and blasphemed? Against whom haste thou lifted up thy voice, & exalted thy proud looks? even against the holy one of Israel. Thou with thy servants haste blasphemed the Lord/ & thus holdest thou of thyself. I will cover the high mountains, & sides of Libanus with my horsemen. And there will I cut down the high Eedre trees and the fairest fir trees. I will up into the height of it, and into the chiefest of his tymbre woods. If there be no water, I will grave and drink. And as for waters of defence, I shall dry them up with the feet of mine host. Ye, haste thou nat heard, what I have taken in hand/ & brought to pass of old time? That same will I do now also: waste, destroy, & bring strong cities unto heaps of stones. For their inhabitors shallbe like lame men/ brought in fear and confounded. They shallbe like the grass and green herbs in the field/ like the hay upon house tops/ that withereth afore it be grown up. I know thy ways, thy going forth and thy coming home, ye, and thy madness against me. Therefore thy furiousness against me, and thy pride is come before me. I will put a ring in thy nose, and a bridle bit in the chaws of thee, and turn the about, even the same way thou camest. I will give the also this token (O Hezekia) this year shalt thou eat that is kept in store, and the next year such as groweth of himself/ and in the third year, ye shall sow and reap, ye, ye shall plant vineyards, and enjoy the fruits thereof. And such of the house of juda as are escaped, shall come together, and the remnant shall take rote beneath, and bring forth fruit above. For the escaped shall go out of jerusalem, and the remnant from the mount Zion. And this shall the jealousy of the Lord of Hosts bring to pass. Therefore thus sayeth the Lord, concerning the king of the Assiryans. He shall not come into this city, and shall shoot no arrow into it/ there shall no shield hurt it nether shall they make any bulwark against it. The same way that he came shall he return, & nat come at this city, sayeth the Lord. And I will keep and save the city (sayeth he) for mine own, and for my servant David's sake. * 4. Re. 16●. Eccle. 4●● Esay. 〈◊〉 2. Ma. 〈◊〉. ● Thus the angel of the Lord went forth, & slew of the Assyrians host, an hundred fourscore and five thousand. And when men arose up early (at jerusalem:) Behold all lay full of deed bodies. So Sennaherib the king of the Assireans broke up, and dwelled at Ninive. afterward it chanced, as he prayed in the temple of Nesrah his god, that Adramalech and Sarazer his own sons slew him with the sword, and fled into the land of Arme●●a. And Asar Hadon his son reigned in his stead. CAP. XXXVIII. ¶ Hezekia is sick unto the death, but is yet revived bythe Lord, and liveth fifteen years after: for which benefit he giveth thanks. NOT long afore this/ was Hezechia sick unto the death, * 4. Re. 20. a ●. Par. 3 2. f and the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came unto him, and said to him: Thus commandeth the Lord: Set thine house in order: for y● must die, & shall nat escape. Then Hezechia turned his face toward the wall, & prayed unto the Lord, and said: Remember (O Lord) the I have walked before the in truth and a steadfast heart, & have done the thing that is pleasant to the. And Hezechia wept ●ore. Then said God unto Isaiah: Go and speak unto Hezechia: the Lord God of david thy father sendeth the this word: I have herd thy prayer, & considered thy tears, * jonas. 3. b be hold I will put fifteen years more unto thy life, and deliver the and the city also, from the hand of the king of Assiria, for I will defend the city: * 1. Reg. 2. g. And take the this token of the Lord, that he will do it, as he hath spoken. Behold, I will return the shadow of Ahaz dial, that now is laid out with the Son and bring it ten degrees backward * joshua, 10, c So the Sun turned ten degrees backward, the which he was descended afore ¶ A thanksgiving, which Hezekia King of juda wrote, when he had been sick/ and was recovered. I Thought I should have gone to the gates of hell in my best age, and have wanted the residue of my years. I spoke within myself: I shall never viset the Lord God in this life. I shall never see man among the dwellers of the world. Mine age is folden up together, and taken away fro me, like a shepherds cottage my life is hewn of, like as a weever cutteth of his web. While I was yet taking my rest, he hewed me of, & made an end of me in one day * job. 4. b I thought I would have lived unto the morrow, but he brosed my bones like a Lion, & made an end of me in one day. Then chatred I like a swallow, & like a crane, and mourned as dove. I lift up mine eyes into the height: O Lord (said I) my sickness keepeth me down: ease thou me. ⚜ What shall I speak or say, that he hath this done? I shall therefore as long as I live remember this bitterness of my life. verily (Lord) men must live in bitterness/ and all my life I must pass over therein For thou raisest me up, ● wakest me. But lo, I will be well content with this bitterness. Nevertheless, my conversation hath so pleased thee, that thou wouldest nat make an end of my life: so that thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back. * Psal. vi. ● lxxxxiiis. b. ● cx●. b. For hell praiseth not y●, death doth not magnify the. They y● go down into the grave, praise not thy truth: but the living, yea the living a knowledge thee, like as I do this day. The father telleth his children of thy faithfulness. * Luke. 1. ● Deliver us (O Lord) and we will sing praises i thy house, all the days of our life. And Esay said: take a plaster of figs, & lay it upon the sore, so shall it be whole. Then said Hezekia: O what a great thing is this/ that I shall go up into the house of the Lord. ¶ Hezekia is reproved of Isaiah, because he showed his treasure unto the Embassytours of Babylon. CAPI. XXXIX. AT THE same time Merodach Baladam 4. Re. 〈◊〉. ● / Baladamus son King of Babylon, sent letters and presents to Hezekia. For he understood how that he had been sick/ and was recovered again. ‡ 1. Pat. 3●. ● And Hezekia was glad thereof/ & showed them the commodities of his treasure, of silver, of gold, of spices and roots, of precious oils/ all that was in his cubbordes & treasure houses. There was not one thing in Hezekias house, and so thorough out all his kingdom, but he let them see it. Then came Isaiah the Prophet to king Hezekia, and said unto him. What have the men said, and from whence came they unto thee? Hezekia answered: they came out of a far country unto me, out of Babylon: Esay said: what have they looked upon in thine house? Hezekia answered: All that is in min house have they seen: and there is nothing in my treasure, but I showed it them. Then said Esay unto Hezekia: understand the word of the Lord of Hostis: * 4. Re. 24. ● Behold/ the time will come, that every thing which is in thine house, & all that thy proge nitoures have laid up in store unto this day, shallbe carried to Babylon, and nothing left behind. This sayeth the Lord Yea & part of thy sons, that shall come of thee, & whom thou shalt get, shall be carried hence & become gelded chamberlains in the king of shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he nat quench: but faithfully and truly shall he give judgement. He shall neither be overseen nor hasty/ that he may restore righteousness unto the earth: and the gentiles also shall keep his laws. * Esay. 40. ●. and. 44. ● For thus sayeth God the Lord unto him (even he that made the heavens, and spread them abroad, & set forth the earth with her increase: which giveth breath unto the people that is in it/ and to them that dwell therein) I the Lord have called in the righteousness/ and led the by the hand. * Esay. 4 9 ● Therefore will I also defend thee, and give the for a covenant of the people, and to be the * Luke. ●. ●. light of the gentiles. That thou mayest open the eyes of the blind, * zacha. 9 b. let out the prisoners, and them that sit in darkness, out of the dungeon house. I myself, whose name is the Lord. * Esay. 48. ●. And my glory will I give to none other, neither mine honour to graven images. Behold, old things are come to pass, and new things do I declare. And or ever they come, I tell you of them. * Psal. ●l, a Sing unto the Lord, a new song of thanksgiving, blow out his praise unto the end of the world. They that be upon the see/ & all that is therein/ praise him, that Isles and they that dwell in them. Let the wilderness with the cities lift up her voice the towns also that they of Cedar dwell in. Let them be glad that sit upon rocks of stone/ and let them cry down from the high mountains: ascribing glory unto the Lord/ and magnyfyinge him among the gentiles. The Lord shall come forth as a giant, and take a stomach to him like as a fresh man of war. He shall roar & cry, and overcome his enemies. I have long holden my peace (sayeth the Lord) should I therefore be still, and keep silence for ever? I will cry like a travayling woman, and once will I destroy, and devour. I will make waste both mountain and hill, and dry up every green thing that groweth thereon. I will dry up the floods of water, and drink up the rivers. I will bring the blind into a street that they know not: and lead them into a foot path/ that they are ignorant in. I shall make darkness light before them/ and the thing that is crooked to be straight. These things have I done unto them, and not forsaken them. * Esay. 44. b And therefore let them convert, & be ashamed earnestly, that hope in Idols, and say to fashioned images: ye are our gods. Hear, O ye deaf men, and sharpen your ●yghtes to see (O ye blind) * Mat. xv. ● Who is blind, but my servant Or so deaf, as my messengers, whom I sent unto them? For who is so blind as my people, and they that have the rule of them? Thou understandest much, and keepest nothing: the ears are open, and no man heareth. The Lord is merciful unto them for his righteousness sake: that his word might be magnified and praised But it is a mischievous and wicked people. Their young men belong all to the snare/ and be shut into prison houses. * Deut. 28. ●. They be carried away captive/ and no man doth louse them. They be trodden under foot, and no man doth labour to bring them again. * Esay. 44. ● But who is he among you/ that pondreth this, that considereth it, and taketh it for a warning in time to come? * Baruc. 1. ● Tob●. 3. ● Dani. 9 ● Who suffered jacob to be trodden under foot, and Israel to be spoiled? Did not the Lord? Because we have sinned against him, and have had no delight to walk in his ways, neither been obedient unto his law. Therefore hath he poured upon us his wrathful displeasure/ and strong battle, which maketh us have to do on every side yet will we not understand. He burneth us up, yet syncketh it not into our hearts. ¶ God promiseth to send his Christ, which shall delyuct his people. He forgiveth sins for his own sake. CAPI. XLIII. BUT now, the Lord that made the O jacob, and he that fasshyoned thee: O Israel, sayeth thus: * 4. Reg. Fear not/ for I have redeemed the. * ● Esay. 4●. I have called the by name: thou art mine own. ‡ 17 ● Deute. 7 ● and. xx●●●. ● If thou goest thorough the water, I willbe with thee, that the strong floods should not pluck the away. ‡ Exodi. 14. ● Dani. 〈◊〉. ● And if thou walkest thorough the fire/ it shall not burn thee, and the flame shall not kindle upon the. For I am the Lord thy God, the holy one of Israel, thy saviour: I gave Egypt for thy deliverance, the Morions and the Sabees for thee: because thou waste dear in my sight, and because I set by thee, & loved the. I will give over all men for thee, and deliver up all people for thy sake, fear not: for I am with the. * Esay. 41▪ ● Math. ●● I will bring thy seed from the East ● and gather the together from the West. I will say to the North, let go. And to the South, keep not back: ‡ Esay. 29 ● Gala. 3. ●● but bring me my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the world. Namely, all those that be called after my name. For them have I created, fasshyoned; and made for mine honour. * Luk. xiiii. c. Bring forth that people, whether they have eyes or be blind, deaf or have ears. * Ep●●. two. c. If all nations come in one, and be gathered together, which among them shall declare such things/ and tell us what is to come? Let them bring their witness/ so shall they be free: else, let them hear, and say, it is truth. You are my witnesses (sayeth the Lord) and my servant, whom I have chosen: therefore be certified & give me faithful credence: and consider, * Esa. x●●iii. b Apoca. i. b. that I am he, before whom there was never any God, and that there shallbe none after me. I am only the Lord, and ‡ Osce. xiii. ● without me is there no saviour. I give warning/ I make whole, I teach you that there should be no strange God among you. And this record must ye bear me yourselves (sayeth the Lord) that I am God. And even he am I from the beginning, and * john. xx. ● there is none that can take any thing out of my hand. And what I do, can no man change. Thus sayeth the Lord the holy one of Israel your redeemer: * Esay. v. ●. for your sake I have sent to Babylon, and brought down the strongest of them. All they are fugitive with the Chaldees that boast them of their ships: Even I the Lord your holy one which have made Israel, and am your king. Thus sayeth the Lord, * ●●●uc. 〈◊〉 c even he ☞ that maketh a way in the see, ‡ 〈◊〉. ●. d. and a footepath in the mighty waters: * 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. c. which bringeth forth the charettes and horses, the host and the power of war, that they may fall and never rise, and be extinct, like as tow is quenched. Ye remember nat things of old/ and regard nothing that is paste. Therefore behold I shall make a new thing/ and shortly shall it appear: ye shall well know it, I told it you afore, but I will cell it you again. I will make streets in the desert/ and rivers of water in the wilderness. The wild beasts shall worship me: the dragons, and the young Ostriches. * Psal vi. d. Esa. xxxv. ● 41. c. 44. a. For I shall give water in the wilderness, and streams in the desert: that may give drink to my people, whom I chose This people have I made for myself, and they shall she we forth my praise. For thou (jacob) wouldest nat call upon me, but thou hadst an unlust toward me, O Israel. Thou gavest me nat thy young beasts for burnt offerings, neither didst honour me with thy sacrifices Thou boughtest m● no dear spice with thy money, nether pouredest the fat of thy sacrifices upon me. * Esay. i b. jere. seven. c. How be it I have nat be●e chargeable unto that in offerings, nether grievous in incense. But thou hast laden me with thy sins, and wearied me with thine ungodliness. ‡ Psal. 24. b. je. xxxiii. b Where as I yet am even he only, that for mine own selves sake do away thine offences, and forget thy sins: so that I will never think upon them. Put me now in remembrance (for we will reason together) and show what thou hast for thee, to make the righteous. ‡ Gene. iii. b. Num. xx. ●. Thy first father offended sore, and thy rulers have sinned against me. Therefore I either suspended, or slew the chiefest princes: I did curse jacob, and gave Israel into reproof. ¶ christ promiseth to deliver his church, which he hath redeemed. Idolatry and kneeling before images. 〈◊〉. are confuted. CAPI. XLIIII. SO hear now, O jacob my servant, and Israel whom I have chosen. For thus saith the Lord, that made the fashyoned thee, and helped thee/ even from thy mother's womb. Be nat afraid, O jacob my servant/ thou righteous, whom I have chosen. ‡ Esay. 35. b. 14. c. 43. c. For I shall power water upon the dry ground/ and rivers upon the thurstye. ‡ Eze. 36. d.▪ joel. two. f. Acts. two. d. I shall pour my spirit upon thy seed, and mine increase upon thy stock. They shall grow together, like as the grass and as the willows by the water's side. ☞ One shall say: I am the Lords. Another shall call himself after the name of jacob. The third shall subscribe with his hand unto the Lord, and give him self under the name of Israel. Thus hath the Lord spoken: even the King of Israel, & his redeemer, the Lord of Hosts ‡ Esay. xii. a. Apoca. i. b. Esay. 4●. c. Apo. xxii. c. Esa. x●●●●. ● I am the first and the last, and without me is there no God. For what is he, that ever was like me, which am from everlasting? Let him show his name, and do where thorough he may be likened unto me. Let him tell you forth plainly things that are past and for to come, ye, and that without any fear or stop. For have nat I ever told you hitherto, and warned you? Ye can bear me record yourselves. Is there any God except me? or any maker, that I should nat know him? All carvers of images are but vain, and the carved images that they love, can do no good. They must bear record themselves, that (saying they can neither see nor understand) they shallbe confounded. * Esay. xlii. ● Who dare then make a God, or fashion an image, that is profitable for nothing? * Psa. 114. d Sap. xiii. c Behold, all the fellowship of them must be brought to confusion. Let all the workemasters of them come and stand together from among men: they must be abashed and confounded one with another. The smith taketh iron, and tempereth it with hot coals & fashioneth it with hammers, & maketh it with all the strength of his arms: ye, sometime he is faint for very hunger, & so thirsty, that he hath no more power. The carpenter (or image carver) taketh measure of the timber and spreadeth forth his line: he marketh it with some colour: he plaineth it, he ruleth it, and squareth it, and maketh it after the image of a man, & according to the beauty of a man: that it may stand in the house. Moreover, he goeth out to hew down cedar trees. He bringeth home Elms and Okes: and other timber of the wood. Or else the fir trees which he planted himself, and such as the rain hath nourished, which wood serveth for men to burn. Of this he taketh and warmeth himself with all: he maketh afyre of it to bake bread. And afterward maketh a God there of, to honour it: and an Idol to kneel before it. One piece he burneth in the fire, with another he roasteth flesh, that he may eat roast his belyfull: with the third he warmeth himself/ and sayeth: Aha, I am well warmed, I have been at the fire. And of the residue he maketh him a God, & an Idol for himself. He kneeleth before it, he worshippeth it, he prayeth unto it, and sayeth: deliver me, for thou art my God. * Esa. xlii. c. Yet men neither consider nor understand, that their eyes are stopped, that they can nat see: and their hearts, that they cannot perceive. They pondre not in their minds/ for they have neither knowledge nor understanding/ to think thus. I have brent one piece in the fire. I have baked bred with the coals thereof, I have roasted flesh with all/ and eaten it: shall I now of the residue make an abomination, and fall down before a rotten piece of wood? Thus he doth but lose his labour, and his heart which is deceived/ doth turn him aside: so that none of them can have a free conscience to think: may nat I err? Consydre this (O jacob and Israel) for thou art my servant. I have made thee, that thou myghttest serve me. O Israel/ forget me nat. * Esa. xiiii. d As for thine offences, I have driven them away like the clouds, and thy sins as the mist. Turn the again unto me for I have redeemed the. Be glade ye heavens, whom the Lord hath made/ let all that is hear beneath upon the earth/ be joyful. Rejoice ye mountains and woods/ with all the trees thereof: for the Lord hath redeemed. jacob, and and showed his glory upon Israel. Thus sayeth the Lord thy redeemer/ even he that fashioned the from thy mother's womb. * Gede. i. ●▪ Esay. 〈◊〉. ●. I the Lord, do all things myself alone. I only spryde out the heavens and I only have laid the foundation of the earth. I destroy the tokens of wytches, and make the soothsayers fools. As for the wise, I turn them bacwarde/ and make their cunning foolishness. He doth set up the purpose of his servant, and fulfilleth the council of his messaungers: concerning jerusalem he saith: It shallbe inhabited. And of the cities of juda: They shall he builded again, & I will repair their decayed places. He sayeth to the ground: be dry. And I will dry up thy water floods. He saith of Cyrus. ☞ He is mine herdsman: so that he shall fulfil all things after my will. He sayeth also of jerusalem. It shall be builded/ and of the temple: It shall be fast grounded. ¶ The deliverance of the people by Cyrus. The coming of christ and calling of the gentiles. CAPI. XLV. THUS sayeth the Lord unto Cyrus his King, whom he leadeth by the right hand: that the people may fall down before him. * i. 〈◊〉. ●● I will lose the girdle of king's: that they shall open the gates before thy face, and nat to shut their doors. I will go before thee, and make the crooked straight. I shall break the brazen doors/ and burst the iron bars. I shall give thee/ the hid treasures/ and the thing which is secretly kept, that thou mayest know/ that I the Lord God of Israel have called the by thy name: and * Gene. 39 ●. that for jacob my servants sake, and for Israel my chosen. For A called the by thy name/ and ordained the or ever thou knewest me. * Esa. xiiii d Even I the Lord before whom there is none other: for without me there is no God. ‡ jere. i. a. I have prepared the or ever thou knewest me, that I might be known from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same, that all is nothing without me. For I am the Lord, and there is else none. It is I that * Gene. i a. created the light & darkness. ‡ jud. ix. b. I make peace and trouble: ye even I the Lord do all these things ⚜ ye heavens from above drop down, and let the clouds rain righteousness. The earth open itself, and bring forth health, that thereby righteousness may flourish. Even I the Lord bring it to pass. * Esay. 29. c. jere. 18. c. and nineteen. c. Boma. ix. c Eccle. 33. b. Woe be unto him that striveth with his maker/ the potsherd with the potter. Sayeth the clay to the potter What makest thou or thy work serveth for nothing? Woe be unto him that sayeth to his father: Why begettest thou? And to his mother: why bearest thou? Thus sayeth the Lord, even the holy one/ and maker of Israel. Ask me of things for to come/ concerning my sons: & put me in remembrance as touching the works of my hands. I have made the earth, & created man upon it. With mine hands have I spread forth heaven, and given a commandment for all the host thereof. I shall wake him up with righteousness, and ordre all his ways. * Esoras. i. a He shall build my city, & let out my prisoners: and that neither for gift nor rewards, sayeth the Lord of Hostes. Thus sayeth the Lord. The occupiers of Egypt/ the merchants of the Morions & Sabees, shall come unto the with tribute, they shallbe thine/ they shall follow thee, & go with chains upon their feet. They shall fall down before thee/ and make supplication unto the. For God (without whom there is none other God) shallbe with the. * Roma. xi. d O how profound art thou O God, thou God and saviour of Israel? Confounded are they all, and put to dishonour: they are gone hence together with shame, even the makers of images. But Israel shallbe saved in the Lord, which is the everlasting salvation. Ye shall nat come to shame nor confusion, world without end. For thus sayeth the Lord: * Gene. i a. even he that created heavens/ the God that made the earth, that fashioned it, and set it forth. He did not make it for nought, but to be inhabited. Even I the Lord, without whom there is none other. * Exod. xx. c. I have nat spoken secretly/ neither in dark places of the earth. It is nat for nought/ that I said unto the sede of jacob: seek me. I am the Lord/ which when I speak, declareth the thing that is righteous and true: gather you and come together, draw nigh hither, that are escaped of the people. * Esai. 44. ●, Baruc. vi. c Have they any understanding, that set up the stocks of their Idols/ and pray unto a God/ that can nat help them? draw nigh, come hither/ and let them ask council one at another/ & show forth. What is he, that told this before? or, who spoke of it/ ever sense the beginning? Have nat I the Lord done it? * Esay. 46. b without whom there is none other God? the true God and saviour/ and there is else none but I? ‡ Esay 44. b And therefore turn you unto me (all ye ends of the earth) that ye may be saved: for I am God, & there is else none. I swear by myself: out of my mouth cometh the word of righteousness, and that may no man turn: * Ro. xiiii. v. Phili. two. a. but all knees shall bow unto me, and all tongues shall swear by my name, saying. verily, in the Lord is my righteousness and strength. To him shall men come: but all they that think scorn of him, shallbe confounded. And the whole seed of Israel shallbe justified, & make their boast in the Lord. ¶ Idolatry is reproved. The health that cometh by Chryst is prophesied. CAPI. XLVI. B * Bel c. i 〈◊〉. xv. a. jerem. i. a. el is fallen, Nabo is broken down whose images were a burden for the beasts and cattles, to overlade them, and to make them weighed. They are sunk down, and fallen together: for they may nat ease them of their burden/ therefore must they go in to captivity. hearken unto me/ O house of jacob/ and all ye that remain yet of the household of Israel: whom I have borne from your mother's womb/ & brought you up from your birth/ till ye were grown. I, I, which shall bear you unto your last age. I have made you/ I will also nourish you/ bear you and save you. * Exod. xx. a. Whom will ye make me sick/ in fashion or image that I may be like him? * Ex. xxxii. a Ye fools (no doubt) will take out silver and gold out of your purses, and weigh it, & hire a goldsmith to make a God of it/ that men may kneel down and worship it. * Esa. 44. c. Baruc. vi. ● Yet must he be taken of men's shoulders and borne, & set in his place, that he may stand and nat move. Alas/ that men should cry unto him/ which giveth no answer: and delivereth nat the man that calleth upon him/ from his trouble. Consydre this well, and be ashamed. Go into your own selves (O ye runagates.) Remember the things which are past sense the beginning of the world: that I am God and that there is else no God/ ye, and that there is nothing, like unto me. In the beginning of a thing. I show the end thereof: and I tell before, things that are nat yet come to pass. With one word is my device accomplished, and fulfil all my pleasure. * Exo. xvi. a. I call a bird out of the east, and all that I take in hand/ out of far countries/ as soon as I command/ I bring it hither: as soon as I think to devise a thing/ I do it. Hear me, O ye that are of an high stomach/ but far from righteousness/ I shall bring forth my righteousness. It is nat far/ and my health shall nat tarry long away. I will give health in Zion/ and in Israel my glory. ¶ The word of the Lord against Babylon. CAPI. XLVII. BUTAS for thee (O daughter/ thou virgin Babylon) sit thou down in the dust, sit upon the ground/ and nat in a throne (O thou maiden of Chaldea.) Thou shalt no more be called tender and pleasant. ☞ Bring forth the querne/ and grind meele, put down thy stomacher/ make bare thy knees: and wade thorough the water rivers. ‡ Eze. xvi. ●. Naum. 3. a. Thy shame shallbe discovered, and thy pryvyties shallbe seen. For I will avenge me of thee/ and no man shall let me: sayeth our redeemer/ which is called the Lord of Hosts, the holy one of Israel. Sit still, hold thy tongue/ and get the in to some dark corner (O daughter Chaldea) for thou shalt no more be called lady of kigdomes. I was so wroth with my people/ that I punished mine inheritance/ and gave them into thy power. ‡ Pro. xxi. b. jeremis. l. b Nevertheless/ thou showdest them no mercy, but even the very aged men of them, didst thou oppress right sore with thy yoke. & thou thoughtest thus: I shallbe lady for ever. And beside all that/ thou haste nat regarded these things neither cast/ what should come after. Hear now therefore, thou wilful/ that sittest so careless, and speakest thus in thine heart: ‡ Esay. x. b. Apo xviii b I am alone, and without me is there none: I shall never be widow/ nor desolate again And yet both these things shall come to the upon one day in the twinkling of an eye. ‡ Dan. v. c. Namely/ wyddowheade, and desola cyon. They shall mightily fall upon thee, for the multitude of thy witches, and for the great heap of thy conjurers. For thou haste trusted in thy wickedness/ and haste said: ‡ Esa. xxix. c. No man seeth me. Thine own wisdom, and cunning hath deceived the. In that thou hast said. I am alone & without me there is none. Therefore shall trouble come upon thee, & thou shalt nat know/ from whence it shall arise. Mischief shall fall upon thee, which thou shalt nat be able to put of. A sudden misery shall come upon thee, or ever thou be aware. Now go to thy conjurers/ and to the multitude of thy wytches (with whom thou haste wearied thyself from thy youth) if they may help thee/ or strength the Thou haste hitherto had many counsels of them, so let the heaven gazers and the beholders of stars come on now and deliver thee: yea, and let them show, when these new things shall come upon the. Behold, they shallbe like straw, which if it be kindled with fire, no man may rid it for the vehemency of the flame: And yet it giveth no synders to warm a man by, nor clear fire to sit by. Thus are they with whom thou hast wearied thyself/ and thus are thy merchants that have been with the from thy youth. Every one shall show the his erroneous way/ yet shall none of them defend the. ¶ The ypocryse of the jews is reproved. The Lord alone willbe worshipped; which hath chosen us, and which succoureth us for his own sake. ¶ CAPI. XLVIII. HEAR this, O thou house of jacob: ye that are called by the name of Israel, and are come out of one stock with juda: which swear by the name of the Lord, and bear witness by the God of Israel (but not with truth and right) which are called * Ephe. two. b. Esay. li. a. and. liv. ●. free men of the holy city/ and are grounded upon the God of Israel ‡ jere. xxxi. ●. whose name is the Lord of Hostes. The things that I showed you ever sense the beginning. Have I nat brought them to pass/ immediately as they came out of my mouth, and declared them. And they are come? How be it, I know that thou art obstinate, and that thy neck hath an iron vain, and that thy brow is of brass. Nevertheless/ I have ever sense the beginning showed the of things for to come/ and declared them unto thee, or ever they come to pass: that thou shouldest nat say: mine Idol hath done it/ my carved or molten image hath showed it. Hear and consider all these things, whether it was ye that prophesied them. But as for me, I told the before at the beginning, new and secret things, that thou knowest nat of. * Esay. 37. ●. And some done now, nat of old time, whereof thou never hardest/ before they were brought to that thou canst not say. Behold I knew of them. Moreover/ there be some whereof thou haste nether herd nor known, neither have they been opened unto thine ears afore tyme. For I knew that thou wouldest maliciously offend, therefore have I called the a transgressor/ even from thy mother's womb. Nevertheless, for my name's sake/ I have with drawn my wrath, & for mine honour's sake I have overseen thee, so that I have not rooted the out. Behold I have purged thee/ and not as silver. ‡ Exod. iii. b I have chosen the in the fire of affliction. And that only for mine own sake/ yea, even for mine own sake/ ‡ Esay. 41. a 43. b. 44. b For I give my honour to none other that thou shouldest not despise me. hearken unto me, O jacob/ and Israel, whom I have called. I am even he that is, I am the first and the last, My hand hath laid the foundation of the earth, & my right hand hath spanned over the heavens. assoon as I call them they are there. Gather you all together, and hearken: which of yonder gods hath declared this: The Lord hath a love ☞ unto him, and he shall perform his will against Babel, and declare his power against the Caldees. I myself alone/ even I have told you this before. Yea, I did call him and bring him forth/ and he shall give a prosperous journey. Come nigh and hear this: have I spoken any thing darckely sense the beginning? when a thing beginneth I am there. Wherefore the Lord God and his spirit hath sent me. And thus sayeth the Lord god thy redeemer, the holy one of Israel: I am the Lord thy God, which teacheth the profitable things, & lead the the way, that y● shouldest go. ‡ Roma. 7. b 1. Eun. 1. ● Titum. 3. b O that y● hadst regarded my commandments, than had thy wealthiness been as the water stream: & thy ryghtu ousnes as the waves flowing in the See. Thy seed also had be like as the sand in the see, & the fruit of thy body, like the gravel stones thereof: Thy name should not be rooted out, nor destroyed before me. ‡ Deute. 28. Go away from Babylon/ fly from the Caldees with a merry voice speak of this, declare it abroad and go forth unto the end of the world: say they. The Lord hath redeemed his servant jacob, that they suffered no thirst, he led them thorough the wilderness, and caused the waters to flow out unto them from out of the rock. ‡ jere. li. a 1. Eld. 1. v He clave the rock asunder, and the water gushed out. ‡ Exod. 17. b Num. 20. b Esay. 57 c As for the ungodly they have no peace, sayeth the Lord. ¶ Thirst shall gather together all nations be they never so so far of. CAPI. XLIX. YE Isles, hearken unto me, & take heed ye people from far: The Lord hath called me fro my birth, and made mention of my name fro my mother's womb: ☜ he * Isaiah. li. c. hath made my mouth ‡ Ephe. vi. c like a sharp sword, under the shadow of his hand hath he defended me, and hid me in his quiver ☜ as a good arrow, and said unto me: Thou art my servant Israel/ * joh. xvii. d I will be honoured in the. Then answered I/ I have lost my labour/ I have spent my strength in vain. Nevertheless, I will commit my cause and my work unto the lord my god. And now saith the Lord/ even he that fashioned me from my mother's womb to be his servant/ that I may bring jacob again unto him/ howbeit, Israel will not be gathered unto him again. In whose sight I am great, which also is my Lord my God, and my strength. And he said, It is but a small thing/ that thou art my servant/ to set up the kindreds of jacob/ and to restore the destruction of Israel. * Esay. 42. b johan 8. ● Acts. 13. ● For I have made the the light of the Gen tiles/ that thou mayst be my health unto the end of the world. Moreover/ thus saith the Lord the redeemer, and holy one of Israel/ because of the abhorring and despising among the gentiles/ concerning the servant of all them that bear rule. Kings and Princes shall see/ and arise and worship, because of the Lord that is faithful/ and because of the holy one of Israel/ which hath chosen the. And thus saith the Lord, * 2. Cori. 6. a In the time * jere. xi. a. accepted have I heard thee, * Esay. xiii. a and in the day of salvation have I helped the. * Esay. 42. a I will preserve thee/ and make the to be the atonement of the people, that thou mayst help up the earth again, and challenge again the scattered heritages. * zacha. 9 b. Luke. 4. b That thou mayst say to the prisoners, go forth/ and to them that are in darkness/ come into the light/ that ☞ they may feed in the high ways/ and get their living in all high places. * Apoc. seven. c. There shall neither hunger, nor thirst/ heat, nor sun hurt them. For he that favoureth them/ shall lead them/ and give them drink of the spring wells. I will make ways upon all my mountains, and my foot paths shallbe exalted. And behold they shall come from far/ lo, some from the north and west, some from the south. * Rejoice ye heavens, and sing praises the earth: Talk of joy ye hills, for God hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his, that be in trouble. But Zion said: * Roma. x●. a God hath forsaken/ and my Lord hath forgotten me. Will a wife forget the child of her womb and the son whom she hath borne? And though she do forget, yet will not I forget the. Behold, I have written the up upon my hands/ thy walls are ever in my sight ☜. They make haste to build the up again. As for those that overthrew the and made the waste/ they shall depart from the. * Gene. xv. a Esay. ix. a lift up thine eyes and look about thee: all these gather them together, and come to the. As truly as I live sayeth the Lord) thou shalt put them all upon thee/ as an apparel, and gird them to y● as a bride doth her jewels. As for thy land that lieth desolate, wasted and destroyed: it shallbe to narrow for them/ that shall dwell in it. And they that would devour thee/ shall be far away. Then the child whom the barren shall bring forth unto the shall say in thine ear, this place is to narrow/ sit nigh together/ that I may have room. Then shalt thou think by thyself. Who hath begotten me these? saying I am barren and alone/ a captive and an outcast? And who hath nourished them up for me? I am desolate and alone/ but from whence come these? And therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold/ I will stretch out my hand to the gentiles, and set up my token to the people. They shall bring the thy sons in their laps, and carry thy daughters unto the upon their shoulders. For kings shallbe thy nursing fathers, and Queens shallbe thy nursing mothers. They shall fall before the with their faces flat upon the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet: that thou mayst know how that I am the Lord * Roma. 9 ● And who so putteth his trust in me, shall not be confounded. Who spoileth the giant of his pray? or who taketh the prisoner from the mighty? And therefore, thus sayeth the Lord: The prisoners shall be taken from the giant, and the spoil delivered from the violence: for I will maintain thy cause against thine adversaries, and save thy sons. And will feed thine enemies with their own flesh, and make them drink of their own blood/ as of sweet wine. And all flesh shall know (O jacob) that I am the Lord thy saviour/ thy noble redeemer. ¶ The Jews are reproved, and also called. CAPI. L. THUS sayeth the Lord: * jere. iii. ● ☜ where is the bill of your mother's divorcement that I sent her away? or who is the usurer (to whom I sold you? * Esay. lix. ● Behold, for your own offences are ye sold: and because of your transgressions/ is your mother forsaken. For why would no man receive me/ when I came? & when I called, noman gave me answer. ⚜ Is my hand shortened, that it might not help? or have I nat power to deliver? lo, ‡ Nun. xi. ● Esay. lix. ● at a word I drink up the see/ ‡ Exod. 14. ● joshua. 3. d and of water floods I make dry land: so that for want of water, the fish corrupt and die of thirst. ⚜ As for Heaven, I Exodi. x. c. cloth it with darkness, and put as it were a sack upon it. The Lord God hath given me a well learned tongue, * 1. Lori. 1. d. so that I can comfort them which are troubled, yea, and that in due sea son. He waked mine ear up by times in the morning (as the school masters do) that I might hearken. * Psal. 39 d. Hebre. x. a Mat. 2●. ● Luke. xxii. ● The Lord God hath opened mine ear therefore can I not say nay, nor withdraw myself/ ‡ Psal. lv. a Hebr●. 13. ● but I offer my back unto the smytters, and my cheeks to the nyppers. ⚜ I turn not my face from shame and spitting, and the Lord God shall help me, therefore shall I not be confounded. I have hardened my face like a flint stone/ for I am sure, that I shall not come to confusion. He is at hand that justfieth me, who will then go with me to law? Let us stand one against another: if there be any that will reason with me, let him come here forth to me. ‡ Roma. 8. d Behold, the Lord God standeth by me, what is he then that can condemn me? lo, ‡ Psal. ●ii d 2. Pet●●. ●. ● they shallbe all like as an old cloth the moth shall eat them up. Therefore who so feareth the Lord among you, let him hear the voice of his servant. Who so walketh in darkness, and no light shineth upon him, let him put his trust in the name of the Lord, and hold him by his God. But take heed, ☞ ye all kindle a fire, and steer up the coals, walk on in the glistering of your own fire, and in the coals that ye have kindled. This cometh unto you fro my hand, namely, that ye shall sleep in sorrow. ¶ A consolation and comfort is promised unto the faithful. ¶ CAPI. LI. hearken unto me ye that hold of righteousness, & ye that seek the Lord Take heed unto the stone, whereout ye are hewn, and to the grave whereout ye are digged. Consydre ‡ Gen. xxi. a Roma. 4. a Gene. xii. a Abraham your father, and Sara that bore you: how that ⚜ I called him alone, and blessed him/ and increased him. Therefore shall the Lord comfort Zion, and repair all her decay: making her desert as a Paradyse, and her wilderness as the garden of the Lord. Mirth and joy shallbe found there, thanksgiving and the voice of praise. Have respect unto me then, O my people, and lay thine care to me ‡ Esay●. 2. ●. for a law and an ordinance shall go forth fro me/ to lyghten the gentiles. It is hard by that my health and my righteousness shall go forth, and the people shall be ordered with mine arm. The islands (that is the gentiles) shall hope in me, & put their trust in mine arm. lift up your eyes toward heaven, & look upon the earth beneath. ⚜ For the Heavens shall vanish a way like smoke, and the earth shall tear like a cloth, and they that dwell therein, shall perish in like manner. But my salvation shall endure for ever, and my righteousness shall not cease. hearken unto me, ye that have pleasure in righteousness, thou people that ‡ Psal. cii. d. Mat. 24. ●. ●. Pet. 3. b. bearest my law in thine heart. ⚜ Fear not the curse of men, be jere. 31. ●. Math. x. d. Luke. xii a Psal. ●ii. d not afraid of their blaphemyes and revilings: ⚜ for worms and moths shall eat them up like cloth and will. But my righteousness shall endure for ever, and my saving health from generation to generation Wake up, wake up, & be strong. O thou arm of the Lord: wake up, like as in times passed, ever and sense the world began. ⚜ Art not thou he, that haste wounded the proud, and hewn the Dragon in pieces Art not thou even he, which hast dried up the deep of the see, which hast made plain the see ground, that the delivered might go thorough fore the redeemed of the Lord shall turn again, and come with joy unto Zion, there to endure for ever? ⚜ That mirth and gladness 1. E●d●. 1. b. might be with them/ that sorrow and woe might i'll from them? ⚜ Yea I/ I am even he, that in all things giveth you consolation. 2. Lorin. ●. c What art thou then/ that fearest a mortal man, the child of man/ which ⚜ goeth away as doth the flower? And forgettest the Lord that made thee/ that spread Esay. xl. ●. 1. Pe●●●. i. d out the heavens, and laid the foundation of the earth. But thou art ever afraid for the sight of thine oppress●ure, which is ready to do harm. Where is the wrath of the oppressor? It cometh on fast, it maketh haste to appear. It shall not perish, that it should not be able to destroy/ neither shall it fail for taute of nourishing. ⚜ I am the lord Math. 8. a. thy God (that make the see to be still, and to Esay. 48. a Esay. 49. a rage) ⚜ Whose name is the Lord of hosts ‡ Esay. 14. b Exod▪ 14. c I have put my words in thy mouth, and have defended that in the shadow of my hand that I may plant the heavens/ and lay the foundation of the earth, and say unto Zion, thou art my people. Awake/ awake, and stand up, O jerusalem, thou that from the hand of the Lord haste drunken out ⚜ the cup of his wrath Psal. 75. b jere. xxv. c thou that haste supped of, and sucked out the slumbering cup to the bottom. For among all the sons whom he hath begotten, there is not one that may hold it up/ and not one to lead it by the hand, of all the sons that he hath nourished. Both these things are happened unto thee, but who is sorry for it? Ye, destruction, wasting, hunger and sword: but who will comfort thee? Thy sons lie comfortless at the head of every street like a taken venison/ and are full of the terrible wrath of the Lord/ and punishment of thy God. And therefore thou miserable and drunken (howbeit not which wine) Here this: Thus sayeth thy Lord: thy Lord and God/ the defender of his people: Behold/ I will take the slombring cup out of thy hand, even the cup with the dregs of my wrath: that from hence forth thou shalt never drink it more/ but I will put into their hand that trouble thee: which have spoken to thy soul stoop: down, that we may go over thee: make thy body even with the ground, and as the street to go upon. ¶ A consolation and comfort to the people of God. CAPI, LII, UP Zion up, take thy strength unto thee: put on thine honest raiment, O jerusalem/ thou holy city. For from this time forth/ there shall no uncircumcised nor unclean person come in the. Shake the from the dust, arise and stand up, O Jerusalem. Pluck out thy neck from the bond. O the captive daughter Zion. For thus sayeth the Lord: * Roma. 7. b ye are sold for nought/ therefore shall ye be redeemed also with out any money. For thus sayeth the Lord God: * Gene 46. a Exodi. i. a My people went down afore time in to Egypte/ there to be strangers, * 4. Re. 18. c. and the king of the Assyrians oppressed them without any cause And now what profit is it to me (sayeth the Lord/ that my people is freely carried away, and brought in to heaviness by their rulers, * Ezec. 36. d and my name ever still blasphemed? sayeth the Lord? But that my people may know my name? I myself will speak in that day. Behold/ here I am. * Roma 2. d O how beautiful are the feet of the Embassytours that bringeth the message from the mountain and proclaimeth peace: that bringeth the good tidings, and preacheth health/ and sayeth unto Zion. Thy God is the king. Thy watchmen shall lift up their voice: with loud voice shall they preach of him: for they shall * Nun. 2. ● Roma. x. ● see him present, when 1. john. 1. c the Lord shall convert Zion. * Esay. 49. c Be glad, O thou desolate jerusalem, & rejoice together: for the Lord hath comforted his people/ he hath delivered Jerusalem. The Lord hath made bare his holy arm, and showed it forth in the sight of all the gentiles, * Psal. 98. a ●. and all the ends of the earth hath seen the saving health of our God. * Cori. ●. ● Away away, get you out from thence and touch no unclean thing. Go out from among such. And be clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord. For ye shall not escape by running nor by flying away: but * Exodi. 13. d the Lord shall go before you, and the God of Israel shall gather you together. Behold, my servant shall deal wisely/ therefore shall he be magnified/ exalted and greatly honoured. Like as the multitude shall wondre upon him, because his face shallbe so disfourmed and not as a man's face, his * Esay. liii. c beauty like no man: Even so shall the multitude of the gentiles look unto him/ and kings shall shut their mouths before him. * Esay. lxv. ●●oma. xv. ● For they that have not been told of him/ shall se him/ and they that heard nothing of him, shall behold him, ¶ He P●ophecyeth evidently of the passion of our saviour jesus christ. ¶ CAPI. LIII. BUT who hath * john. xii. ●. Roma. 1●. e given credence unto our preaching? Or to whom is the arm of the Lord known? For he did grow before the Lord, like as a branch/ and as a root in a dry ground/ * Esay●. lii. c he hath nether beauty nor favour. When we look upon him there shallbe no fairness/ we shall have no lust unto him. * Hebre. v. a He is despised & abhorred of men, he is such a man as hath good experience of sorrows & infirmities. We have reckoned him so vile/ that we hid our faces from him. Howbeit * Mat. viii. b 1. Petri. 2. c he only hath taken on him our infirmity/ and borne our pains. Yet we did judge him/ as though he were plagued and cast down of God: * i. Cor●. x●. ● where as he (notwithstanding) was wounded for our offences, and smitten for our wickedness. For the pain of our punishment was laid upon him/ and with his stripes are we healed. * Psal. 119. ● As for us we have gone all astray (like sheep) every one hath turned his own way. But thorough him the Lord hath pardoned all our sins. He suffered violence and was evil entreated, and did not yet open his mouth. * jere. x●. d Mat, 27. d Acts. 8. d 2. Cor●●. ●. ● He shallbe led as a sheep to be slain/ yet shall he be as still as a lamb before the shearer/ and not open his mouth. He was had away, his cause not herd, and without any judgement. Whose generation yet who may number? he was cut of from ☜ the ground of the living. Which punishment did go upon him, for the transgression of my people * Math. 27. ● His grave was given him with the condemned, and ☜ with the rich man at his death. * 2. Corin 5. ● 1. Pett. 2. d Where as he did never violence/ nor unryght/ neither hath there been any disceytfulnesse in his mouth. * johan. x●. ● Roma. 8. d. Yet hath it pleased the Lord to smite him with infirmity/ that when he had made his soul an offering for sin, he might see long lasting seed. And this device of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. With travail and labour of his soul/ shall he obtain great riches. * Rom● 〈◊〉. My righteous servant shall with wisdom justify and deliver the multitude/ for he shall bear away their sins. Therefore will I give him the multitude for his part/ and he shall divide the strong spoil/ because he giveth over his soul to death/ * Mat. 15. 〈◊〉 Luke. 23. ●. and is reckoned among the trangressours/ which nevertheless hath taken away the sins of the multitude/ and made intercession for the misdoers. ¶ Of the great dominion of Chryst. The indignation of God endureth but a short space/▪ but his mercy is everlasting. CAP. liv. BE glad now, * Gala. iiii. d Luke. xiii. ● thou barren that barest not/ rejoice/ sing/ and be merry: thou that art not with child. For the desolate, hath mo● children/ then the married wife saith the Lord. Make thy tense wider/ and spread out the hangings of thine habitation/ spare not/ lay forth thy cords and make fast thy stakes/ for thou shalt be multiplied on the right side, and on the left and thy seed shall have the gentiles in possession/ and dwell in the desolate Cities. Fear not, for thou shalt not be confounded Be not ashamed, for thou shalt nat come to confusion. Yea ☞ thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt nat remember the dishonour of thy wedowed. For he that made thee, shallbe thy Lord * Esa. lxii. a. Eze. xvi. b. and husband (whose name is ‡ two. Cor. xi. a Esay. 48. a the Lord of hosts) and thy redeemer shall be even the holy one of Israel, the Lord of the whole world. For the Lord, hath called thee, being as a desolate sorrowful woman, and as a young wife that hath broken her wedlock: sayeth thy God. * Esa. xxvi. ● Psa. xxix. ● A little while have I sorsaken thee/ but with great mercifulness shall I take the up unto me. When I was angry, I hid my face from the for a little season, but thorough everlasting goodness have I pardoned y●, sayeth the Lord thy redeemer. * Gene. ix. b. And this is unto me as the water of No: for like as I have sworn that I will nat bring the water of No any more upon the world: * 11. 〈◊〉. seven. a so have I sworn that I will never be angry with the nor reprove thee: The mountains shall remove, and the hills shall fall down: but my loving kindness shall nat move/ and the bond of my peace shall nat fall down from thee, sayeth the Lord thy merciful lover. Behold thou poor, vexed/ and * Esay. vi. d. despised: I will make thy walls of precious stones, and thy foundations of sapphires, thy windows of Crystal, thy gates of fine clear stone/ and all thy borders of pleasant stones. * 1. john. two. b ● john. ●. ● Thy children shall all be taught of God, and I will give them plenteousness of peace. In righteousness shalfe thou be grounded, and be far from oppression: for the which thou nedeste nat be afraid, neither for hindrance, for it shall nat come nigh the. Behold, the alliant that was far from thee, shall dwell with thee: and he that was sometime a stranger unto thee, shallbe joined with thee: Behold, I make the smith that bloweth the coals in the fire, and he maketh a weapon after his handy work. I make also the waster to destroy: but all the weapons that are made against the shall nat prosper. * Luke. xxi. b 〈◊〉. iiii. a. And as for all tongues, that shall resist the in judge mente, thou shalt overcome them, and condemn them. This is the heritage of the lords servants, and their righteousness cometh of me, sayeth the Lord. ¶ A consolation and comfort to the people. The ●ru●e and profit of the word of God. CAPI. LV. COME to the waters all ye, that be thrusty, and ye that have no money. Ecle li. d● john. seven. d Apo. xxii. d. Come/ buy, that ye may have to eat. Come/ buy wine and milk/ without any money/ or money worth/ wherefore do ye lay out your money/ for the thing that feedeth not, and spend your labour about the thing that satysfyeth you nat. But hearken rather unto me/ and ye shall eat of the best, and your soul shall have her pleasure in plenteousness. incline your ears, and come unto me/ take heed, and your soul shall live. * Act. xii●. d. two. Re. seven. c For I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of david. Behold, I gave him for a witness among the folk/ for a Prince and captain unto the people. Lo, thou shalt call an unknown people: and a people that had nat knowledge of thee, shall run unto thee: because of the Lord thy God/ and the holy one of Israel, which glorifieth the. Seek the Lord/ while he may be found, and call upon him while he is nigh. * Eze. xviii. c and▪ xxx●●●. ● Let the ungodly man forsake his own ways, and the unrighteous his own imaginations, and turn again unto the Lord/ so shall he be merciful unto him: and ●o our God, * Psal. ciii. ● Esay. lxv. d for he is ready to forgive. For thus sayeth the Lord, my thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not my ways/ but as far as the heavens are higher than the earth/ so far do my ways exceed yours/ and my thoughts yours. * De. xxxii. b. And like as the rain and snow cometh down from heaven/ and returneth not thither again/ but watereth the earth/ maketh it fruitful and green/ that it may give corn and bread unto the sowet So the word also that cometh out of my mouth shall not turn again void unto me/ but shall accomplish my will and prosper in the thing whereto I send it. And so shall ye go forth with joy, and be led with peace. The mountains and hills shall sing with you for joy, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. For thorns, there shall grow fir trees, and the Myrrh tre in the stead of breers. And this shall be done to the praise of the Lord/ and for an everlasting token, that shall nat be taken away. ¶ An exor●a●yon to judgement and ryghtcousnes, and to the spy▪ ytual keeping of the Sabbath. Against shepherdess that devour their flo●ke. CAPI. LVI. THus sayeth the Lord. * Math. iii. c Keep equity, and do right, for my saving health shall come shortly, and my righteousness shallbe opened. Blessed is the man that doth this and the man's child which keepeth the same, * Esay. 58. ●. He that taketh heed, that he unhalowe nat the Sabbath (that is) he that keepeth himself that he do no evil. Then shall nat the stranger, which cleavethe to the Lord, say: * Deu. xxiii. c Alas, the Lord hath shut me clean out from his people. Nether shall the * Sapi. iii. b gelded man say: lo/ I am a dry tre. For thus sayeth the Lord/ unto the gelded that keepeth my Sabbath: Namely that holdeth greatly of the thing that pleaseth me, and keepeth my covenant. Unto them will I give in my household and with in my walls/ a better heritage and name, then if they had been called sons & daughters. * john. 1. c. I will give them an everlasting name that shall not perish. Again he saith unto the strangers that are disposed to stick to the Lord/ to serve him: and to love his name. * john. 8. c. That they shallbe no bond men. And all they/ which keep themselves/ that they unhalowe not the Sabbath/ namely: that they fulfil my covenant Them will I bring to my holy mountain and make them joyful in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices shallbe accepted upon mine altar. For my 3. Reg 8. c. Math xx. b Mar. xi. b. Luk. nineteen d. house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. Thus saith the Lord God which gathereth together the scattered of Israel. I will bring yet another congregation to him. Come all ye beasts of the field, that ye may devour, all ye beasts of the wood. * jere. xii. b. Eze. 34. a.. For his watch men are all blind, they have all together no understanding, they are all dumb dogs, nat being able to bark, they are slepery: slogish are they, and lie snorting: they are shameless dogs that be never satisfied. The shepherds also in like manner have no understanding, ‡ jere. vi. b. but every man turneth his own way, every one after his own covetousness with all his power. * Esa. xxii. b i. Cor. xv. d. Sapi. two. b. Come (say they) I will fetch wine so shall we fill ourselves, that we may be drunken: And do to morrow, like as to day ye and much more. ¶ The Jews are rebuked for their injury done to Chryst CAPI. LVII. THe * Sapi. two. d. righteous perisheth, and no man regardeth it in his heart, Good godly people are taken way, and no man considereth it. Namely, that the righteous is conveyed away thorough the wicked: that he himself might be in rest/ lie quietly upon his bed/ and live after his own pleasure. Come hither therefore ye charmers children ‡ Math. 12. ● ye sons of the adulterer and the whore: wherein take ye your pleasure? Upon whom gape ye with your mouth, & blear out your tongue? Are ye not children of adultery/ and a seed of dissimulation. ‡ Eze. xvi. a. Esa. xiv. a jere. seven. 3. Deut. 18. ●. Eze. xx. d. Levy. xx. ●. Deut. 32. ●. Ye take your pleasure under the oaks/ & under all green trees the child being slain in the valleys/ and dens of stone. Thy part shallbe with the stony rocks by the river: Yea/ even these shall be thy part. For there thou haste poured meat and drink offerings unto them. Should I oversee that? Thou haste made thy bed upon high mountains: thou goest up thither, & there hast thou slain sacrifices. ‡ Deut. 37. ● Behind the doors and posts/ haste thou set up thy remembrance. When thou hadst discovered thyself to another than me, when thou wenteste up and made thy bed wider (that is) when thou didst carve the certain of yonder Idols and lovedest their couches, where thou sawest them. Thou wentest straight to kings with ‡ Eze. xvi. ●. Osec. xii. ●. oil and diverse ointments (that is) thou hast sent thy messengers far of. and yet art thou fallen into the pit thereby Thou art weary for the multitude of thine own ways yet saidest thou never: I will leave of. ‡ Math. ix. b Thou thinkest to have life (or health) of thyself and therefore thou believest not that thou art sick. For when wilt thou be abashed or fear, seeing thou hast broken thy promise and remember'st not me, nether hast me in thine heart? thinkest thou, that I also will hold my peace (as afore time (that thou fearest me not? Yea, verily I will declare thy goodness & thy works, but they shall not profit the when thou criest, let thy chosen heap deliver the. But the wind shall take them all away, and carry them in to the Rom. xi. ●. air. Nevertheless, they that put their trust in me, shall inherit the land, & have my holy hill in possession. And therefore thus he sayeth: * Esay. xl. ●. Make ready, make ready, and cleanse the street, take up what ye can out of the way that leadeth to my people. For thus sayeth the high & excellent, even he that dwelleth in everlastingness, whose name is the holy one: * Psal. 50. b. Esa lxvi. ● and. 66. ●. I dwell high above & in the sanctuary, and with him also, that is of a contrite and humble spirit: that I may heal a troubled mind, and a contrite heart. * Psa. c. iii. ● jere. three ●. For I chide nat ever, and am nat wroth with out end. But the blasting goeth from me/ though I make the breath. I am wroth with him for his covetousness, I smite him/ I hide me/ and am angry/ when he turneth himself, and followeth the by way of his own heart. But if I may see his right way again, I make him whole/ I lead him and restore him unto them, whom he * Luke. xv. a. maketh joyful, and that were sorry for him I make the fruits of thanksgiving. I give peace * Ephe. two. c. unto them that are far of, and to them that are nigh, say I the Lord/ that make him whole. But the wicked are like the raging see, that cannot rest, whose water foameth with the mire & gravel. Even so the * Esay. 48. d wicked have no peace, sayeth God. ¶ The Lord (by the mouth of the Prophet) reproveth the People for their fastings, which were full of hypocrisy. CAPI. LVIII. Cry * Eze. iii. ●. Iera. nineteen. ● now/ as loud as thou canst. Leave nat of, lift up thy voice like a trumpet/ and show my people their offences, and the house of jacob their sins. For they seek me daily/ and will know my ways/ even as it were a people that did right/ and had nat forsaken the statutes of their God. They argue with me concerning right judgement/ and will pleat at the law with their God * Math. ix. b wherefore fast we (say they) and thou seyste it not? we put our lives to straightness, and thou regardeste it nat? * Isaiah. i b. Behold, when ye fast, your lust remaineth still: for ye do no less violence to your debtors: lo, ye fast to strife and debate/ & to smite him with your fist that speaketh unto you. Ye fast not (as some time) that your voice might be heard above. * zatha. seven. a and. b. Think ye this fast pleaseth me, that a man should chasten himself for a day/ and to writhe his head about like an hook in an hairy cloth and to lie upon the earth? Should that be called fasting, or a day that pleaseth the Lord? Doth nat this fasting rather please me/ that thou * Deut. xv. a louse him out of bondage, that is in thy danger: that thou break the oath of wicked bargains/ that thou let the oppressed go free, and take from them all manner of burdens: * Eze. xviiib Esai xv. x. to deal thy bread to the hungry/ and bring the poor fatherless home in to thy house (when thou sayst the naked that thou cover him/ and hide not thy face from thine own flesh. ‡ Luke. xi. d. Then shall thy light break forth as the morning/ and thy health flourish right shortly: thy righteousness shall go before thee, and the glory of the Lord shall embrace the. * Prou. xxi b. Then if thou callest/ the Lord shall answer thee: if thou cryeste/ he shall say: here I am. Yea, if thou layeste away thy burdens/ and holdest thy fingers/ and ceasest from blasphemous talking, * zacha. viia. Math. v. b if thou haste compassion upon the hungry/ and refressheste the troubled soul: Then shall thy light springe out in the darcnesse, and thy darkness, shall be as the noon day. The Lord shall ever be thy guide, and satisfy the desire of thine heart/ and fill thy bones with marrow. Thou shalt be like a fresh watered garden, * john. iiii. b and like the fountain of water, that never leaveth running. Then the places that have ever been wast/ shall be builded of thee: there shalt thou lay a foundation for many kindreds. Thou shalt be called the maker up of hedges, and the builder again of the way of the Sabbath. Yea, if thou turn thy feet from the ‡ Esay lvi. a and. lxvi. d. Sabbath/ so that thou do nat the thing, which pleaseth thyself in my holy day: then shalt thou be called unto the pleasant, holy and glorious Sabbath of the Lord, where thou shalt be in honour: so that thou do nat after thine own imagination, neither seek thine own will, nor speak thine own words. Then shalt thou have thy pleasure in the Lord, which shall carry the high above the earth/ and fede the with the heritage of jacob thy father: for the lords own mouth hath so promised. ¶ The Lord is mighty to save, and ready to hear our requests. CAPI. LIX. BEHOLD * Esay. l. a. Nun. xi the lords hand is nat so shortened that it can nat help/ neither is his ear so stopped that it may nat hear. But * jere. v. b. your misdeeds have separated you from your God, and your * Isaiah. i v. sins hide his face from you, that he heareth you not. For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with unrighteousness: Your lips speak lesynnes/ and your tongue setteth out wickedness. No man regardeth righteousness, and no man judgeth truly. Every man hopeth in vain things/ and imagineth deceit, ‡ job. xv. d. Psal. seven. b conceiveth weariness, and bringeth forth evil. They breed cockatrice eggs, & weave the spiders web. Who so eateth of their eggs, dieth. But if one tread upon them there cometh up a serpent. Their web maketh no cloth, and they may not cover them with their labours. Their deeds are the deeds of wickedness, and the work of robbery I have set ☜ watchmen upon thy walls (O jerusalem) which shall neither cease day nor night to preach the Lord. And ye also shall not keep him close, nor leave to speak of him/ until jerusalem be set up/ and made the praise of the world. The lord hath sworn by his right hand and by his strong arm, that from hence forth he will not give thy corn to be meat for thine eve m●es●uor thy vine (wherein thou hast laboured) to be drink for the strangers. But they that have gathered in the corn/ shall eat it, and give thanks to the Lord/ and they that have borne in the vine, shall drink it in the court of my Sanctuary. Stand back/ and depart asunder/ ye that stand under the gate, make room ye people/ repair the street, and take away the stones, and set out a token for the people Behold, the Lord proclaimeth unto the ends of the world: * Isaiah. xl. b z●●ha ix. b Mat. x●x. a tell the daughter Zion: se, thy saviour cometh, behold, he bringeth his treasure with him/ and his works go before him. For they whom the Lord delivereth, shallbe called the * Esay. 54. a holy people: and as for thee/ thou shalt be named the greatly occupied/ and not the forsaken city. ¶ Of the redempcy on promised to the people. CAPI. LXIII. WHAT is he this, that cometh from Edom/ with red coloured clothes of Bosra: (which is so costly cloth) and cometh in so nimbly with all his strength: I am he that teacheth righteousness/ and am of power to help. Wherefore then is thy clothing read, and thy raiment like his the treadeth in the wine press? I have trodden the press myself alone and of all people there is not one with me. Thus will I tread down mine enemies in my wrath, and set my feet upon them in my indignation. And their blood shallbe sprung upon my clothes/ and so will I stain all my raiment. * Esay 34. b For the day of vengeance that I have take in hannde/ & the year of my deliverance/ is come. I looked about me/ and there was no man to show me any help I marualed/ that no man held me up. Then I held me by mine own arm, and my ferventness sustained me. And thus will I tread down the people in my wrath, and bathe them in my displeasure: and upon the earth will I lay their strength. I will declare the goodness of the Lord, ye and the praise of the Lord for all that he hath given us/ for the great good that he hath done for Israel: which he hath given them of his own favour/ and according to the multitude of his loving kindnesses For he said: These no doubt are my people and no shrinking children/ and so he was their saviour. In their troubles he forsook them not * Exod. xv. a Esay. xii. a but the Angel that went forth from his presence/ delivered them: Of very love and kindness that he had/ unto them redeemed he them. He hath borne them, and carried them up ever/ sense the world began. But after they provoked him to wrath and vexed his holy mind he was their enemy, and fought against them himself. Yet remembered he the old time of Moses and his people. * Exo. xiii. ● 14. d. ●●3. ● How he brought them from the water of the see/ ‡ Exod. 14. ● as a shepherd doth with his sheep, how Psal. 77. b he had given his holy spirit among them how he had led Moses by the right hand with his glorious arm/ how he had divided the water before them (whereby he got himself an everlasting name) how he led them in the deep/ as an horse is led in the plain that they shield not stumble. The spirit of the Lord led them as a tame beast goeth in the field. Thus (O God) hast thou led thy people to make thyself a glorious name with all. * Deut. 26. ● Daru●. 2. ● Look down then from heaven, and behold the dwelling place of thy sanctuary and thy glory. How is it/ that thy jealousy thy strength/ the multitude of thy mercies and thy loving kindness/ will not be entreated of us? yet art thou * Math. 6. ● Luke. xi. 〈◊〉 xxiii. ● our father: For Abraham knoweth us not/ neither is Israel acquainted with us. But thou Lord art our rather and redeemer/ and thy name is everlasting O Lord, wherefore haste that led us out of thy way: * Psa. cxix. ● Wherefore haste that hardened our herces/ that we fear the not? Be at one with us again, for thy servants sake that are of the generation of thine heritage. Thy people hath had but little of thy sanctuary in possessy on/ for our enemies have taken it in. And we are become even as we were from the beginning: but thou art not their Lord, for they have not called upon thy name. ¶ The Prophet (under the person of the jews) be waileth their exple and banishment. Man's ryghtuousness is like a cloth filed with the flowers of a woman. CAPI. LXIIII O THAT thou wouldest cleave the heaven insunder, and come down: that the mountains might melt away at thy presence, like as at an hot fire, and that the malicious might voyle as the water doth upon the fire, Whereby thy name might be known among thine enemies, and that the gentiles might tremble before the. That thou mightest come down with thy wondrous strange works, them should the hills melt at thy presence. For sense the beginning of the world there was none (except thou O God) that heard or perceived, * Cor. two. b. neither hath any eye seen what thou dost for them, that put their trust in the. Thou helpest him that doth right with cheerfulness, and them that think upon thy ways. But lo, thou hast been angry, for we offended and have been ever in sin, * Rom. li●i. b Psa. xiii. a and there is nat one whole. We are all as an unclean thing, and all our ryghtuousnesses are as the clothes stained with the flowers of a woman: we fall every eachone as the leaf, for our sins carry us away like the wind. There is no man that calleth upon thy name, that standeth up to take hold by the. Therefore hidest thou thy face from us/ and consumest us/ because of our sins. But now O Lord, thou father of ours: * Roma. ix. c. Psal. 79. a we are the clay, and thou art our potter, and we all are the work of thy hands. ‡ 〈…〉 temi. x. d Be nat to sore disposed (O Lord) and keep nat our offences to long in thy remembrance/ but consydre that we all are thy people. The cities of thy Sanctuary lie waist. * Mich. iii. c. Zion is a wilderness, and jerusalem a desert. Our holy house which is our beauty, where our fathers praised thee, is brent up: ye, all our commodities and pleasures are wasted away. Wilt thou nat be entreated (Lord) for all this? Wilt thou hold thy peace, and scourge us so sore? ¶ The felicity of jerusalem, and the calling of the Heathen. CAPI. LXV. * Esayc. li. c. Roma. x. a. THEY seek me, that hitherto have nat asked for me: they find me, that hitherto have nat sought me. I say to the people that never called upon my name I am here, I am here. For thus long have I ever holden out my hands to an unfaithful people, that go nat the right way, but after their own ymaginaryons: To a people that is ever defyinge me to my face. * Deut xii. a. and. xiiii. b. They make their oblations in gardens, and their smoke upon ‡ Exod. xx. d. altars of brick, they lurk among the graves, and lie in the dens all night. * Deu. xiiii. a Levi. xi. a. They eat swines flesh, and unclean broth is in their vessels. If thou comest nigh them, they say: touch me nat, for I am holier than thou. All these men when I am angry, shallbe turned to smoke and * Mat xxv. d fire/ that shall burn for ever. Behold it is written before my face, and shall nat be forgotten/ but recompen sed. * jere. seven. a. Esa. 57 a. ● Eze. xi. d. I shall reward it them into their bosom: I mean your misdeeds/ and the misdeeds of your fathers together (sayeth the Lord) which have made their smokes upon the mountains, and blasphemed me upon the hills: therefore will I measure their old deeds into their bosom again. Moreover, thus sayeth the Lord * Roma. xi. b. like as when one would gather holy grapes/ men say unto him: break it nat of, for it is holy: ‡ 3. Reg. 19 c. Roma. ix. c. even so will I do also for my servants sakes, that I will nat destroy them al. But I will take a seed out of jacob, and out of juda one, to take possession of my hill. My chosen shall possess these things, and my servants shall dwell there. Saron shallbe a sheepfold, and * josu. seven. d the valley of A●hor shall give the stalling for the cattles of my people / that fear me. * Prouce. i. c jere. seven. d. But as for you/ ye are they, that have forsaken the Lord, and forgotten my holy hill. Ye have set up an altar unto fortune, and given rich drink offerings unto treasure. Therefore will I number you with the sword, that ye shall be destroyed all together. For when I called, no man gave me answer: when I spoke ye hearkened nat unto me/ but did wickedness before mine eyes/ and those the ching that pleased me nat. Therefore thus sayeth the Lord God: Behold/ my servants shall eat/ but ye shall have hunger. Behold, my servants shall drink/ but ye shall suffer thirst. Behold/ my servants shallbe merry/ but ye shall be confounded. Behold, my servants shall rejoice for very quietness of heart: But ye shall cry for sorrow of heart/ and complain for vexation of mind. Your name shall nat be sworn by among my chosen, for God the Lord shall slay you/ and call his servants by another name. * jere. ix. b. i Cona. i c. 2. Cor. xi., a Who so rejoiceth upon earth, shall rejoice in the true God: And who so sweareth upon earth, shall swear in the true God. For the old emnyte shallbe forgotten/ and taken away out of my sight. ‡ two. Pet. iii. b Apo●. xxi. d. For lo, I shall make a new heaven, and a new earth. And as for the old, they shall never be thought upon, nor kept in mind: but men shallbe glad and evermore rejoice, for the things, that I shall do. For why: Behold, I shall make a joyful jerusalem, ye, I myself will rejoice with jerusalem, & be glad with my people. ‡ Apo●. xxi. a. And the voice of weeping and wailing shall nat be hard in her from thence forth. There shall never be child nor old man, that have nat their full days. But when the child cometh to an hundreth year old, it shall die. And if he that is an hundredth year of age do wrong, he shallbe cursed. * Deu. 18. ●c They shall build houses, and dwell in them: they shall plant vineyards, and eate the fruit of them. They shall nat build, and another possess, they shall nat plant and another cate: * Gene. two. b. jer xvii. b. Psal, i a. But the life of my people shallbe like a tre, and so shall the work of their hands. My chosen shall live long, they shall nat labour in vain, nor beget with trouble: for they are the high blessed seed of the Lord, and their fruits with them. And it shallbe, that or ever they call, I shall answer them. While they are yet but thinking how to speak, I shall hear them. * The wolf and the lamb shall feed together/ and the lion shall eat hay like the bullock. * Esay. xi. b. Gene. iii. c. But earth shallbe the serpents meat. There shall no man hurt nor slay another, in all my holy hill, sayeth the Lord. ¶ God dwelleth nat in temples made by men's hand. He despiseth sacrifices done without m●t●y and faith. God comforteth them that are troubled for his sake. Among the christian, the Sabbath is continual. CAPI. LXVI. THUS sayeth the Lord: * 3. Reg. 8. c. 〈◊〉. Pa, vi. c. Ac ●. seven. f. Heaven is my seat, and the earth is my foot stole. Where shall now the hosue stand that ye will build unto me? And where shall be the place, that I will dwell in? As for these things, my hand hath made them all, and they are all created, sayeth the Lord. * Psal. l. b. Esa. lvii. c. and. lxi. a. which of them shall I then regard? Even him that is of a lowly troubled spirit and standeth in awe of my words. For who so slayeth an ox for me, doth me so great dishonour, as he that killeth a man. He that killeth a sheep for me, choketh a dog. He that bringeth me meat offerings, offereth swines blood: Who so maketh me a memo rial of incense, praiseth the thing that is unright. Yet take they such ways in hand, and their soul delighteth in these abominations. * job. vi. d. Therefore will I also have pleasure in laughing them to scorn, and the thing that they fear, will I bring upon them. * Prou●● i. b Esa. lxv. b. For when I called, noman gave answer: when I spoke, they would nat hear: But did wyckeduesse before mine eyes, & chose the things that displease me. Hear the word of the Lord all ye that fear the thing which he speaketh. your brethren that hate you, and cast you out for my name's sake, say: Let the Lord magnify himself, that we may see your gladness and yet they shallbe confounded. * zach 〈…〉 For as touching the city and the temple, I hear the voice of the Lord, that will reward/ and recompense his even myes: like as when a wife bringeth forth a man child/ or ever she suffer the pain of the birth and anguish of the travail. Who ever hard or saw such things? doth the ground bear in one day? or are the people borne all at once, as Zion beareth her sons? For thus sayeth the Lord. * Gene. x 〈…〉 29. f. 〈…〉 Am I he that maketh other to bear/ and bear nat myself? Am nat I he that beareth, and maketh barren? saith thy God. Rejoice with jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her. * Mat. v. e Be joyful with her, all ye that mourned for her. For ye shall suck comfort out of her breasts, and be satisfied. Yeshall taste, and have delight in the plenteousness of her power. For thus saith the Lord: behold, I will let peace into her, like a water flood, and the might of the Heathen like a flowing stream, Then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be joyful upon her knees. For like as a child is comforted of his mother, so shall I comfort you, and ye shallbe comforted in jerusalem. And when ye see this, your heart shall rejoice, * Pro. x 〈…〉 Ez●. ●7, ●. and your bones shall flourish like an herb. Thus shall the hand of the Lord be known among his servants, and his indignation among his enemies. For behold, the Lord shall come with fire, and his chariot shall be like a whorle wind, that he may recompense his vengeance in his wrath, and his indignation with the flame of fire. For the Lord shall judge all flesh with the fire and with is sword/ and there shallbe a great number slain of the Lord. Such as have made themselves holy and clean in the gardens, and those that have eaten swines flesh, mice/ and other abominations, shallbe taken away together, sayeth the Lord. For I will come to gather all people and tongues with their works and imaginations: these shall come, and see my glory. Unto them shall I give a token, and send certain of them (that be delivered) among the gentiles: into Celycia, Affryca and Lydia (where men can handle bows (into Italy also & Greek land. * Esay. 49. a lii. a. ix. a. ●●●v. a The Isles far of, that have not herd speak of me, and have not seen my glory/ shall preach my praise among the gentiles, and shall bring all your brethren for an offering unto the LORD/ out of all people/ upon Horse's/ Chariots and horse litters/ upon Mules and Cartes to jerusalem my holy hill, (sayeth the Lord) like as the children of Israel bring the offering in clean vessels, to the house of the Lord. * Isaiah. lxi. a 1. Pet●●. 2. a Rom. xii. a And I shall take out certain of them, for to be Preestes and levities, sayeth the Lord. For like as the new Heaven and the new earth which I will make, shallbe fast stablished by me: (sayeth the Lord). So shall your seed and your name continue/ and there shallbe a new Moon for the other, and a new sabath for the other and all flesh shall come to worship before me (sayeth the Lord). And they shall go forth and look upon the carrions of them that have transgessed against me. * Mar. ix. a For their worms shall not die/ neither shall their fire be quenched/ and all flesh shall abhor them. ❧: The end of the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. ❧ The Book of the Prophet jeremy. ¶ The stock of jeremy, and in what time he propheeyed He excuseth himself and would refuse the office of a Prophet (because he is young and unexpert. He is taught of the Lord, and becometh bold. God openeth unto him, that the destruction of the jews, by the Babylonyans, to be at hand. jeremy is commanded to speak the word of god unto the jews, without fear. CAPITV. I. THese are the Sermons of jeremy the son of Helkiah the pressed, one of them that dwelt at * jere. xi. a Anathoth in the land of Ben jamm: when the Lord had first spoken with him, in the time of josiah the son of Amon king of juda, in the. xiij. year of his reign: and so during unto the time of jehoakim the son of josiah king of juda, * 4. Reg. 25. a jere. ●9. a and until the. x●. years of Zedekyah the son of josyah king of juda were ended/ when jerusalem was taken, even in the fifth month. The word of the Lord spoke thus unto me: * Esay. ●4. a and. 46. a Psal. 7●. a Before I fasshyoned the in thy mother's womb/ I did know thee: And or ever thou wast borne/ I santifyed thee, & ordained thee, to be a Prophet unto the people. Then said I: * Exodi. 4. ●. ●●es. 9 b Oh Lord God, I am unmeet/ For I am yet but young. And the Lord answered me thus: Say not so/ I am to young. * Math. x. c For thou shalt go to all that I shall sendeth unto/ ‡ 1. Corin. ●. a & what so ever I command thee/ that shalt thou speak. Be not afraid of their faces/ for I am with thee/ to deliver thee/ saith the Lord. * Psal. vi. a jere, 18. a And With that, the Lord stretched out his hand, & touched my mouth, & said unto me, Behold, I put my words in thy mouth, & this day do I set the over the people & king domes: that thou mayest rote out, break of destroy, and make waste: & that thou mayest build up and plant. After this, the Lord spoke unto me saying: jeremy what sayst thou? And I said: I see a rod of an Almonte tree. Then said the Lord unto me: thou hast seen right, for I will watch diligently upon my word, to perform it. It happened afterward, that the Lord spoke to me again, and said: What sayst thou? And I said: I do see a seething ‡ job xli. b pot, looking from out of the north. Then said the Lord unto me: Out of jere. 4. b. and. xxv. b the North shall come a plague upon all the lers of the land. For lo * Abat i. b. I will call all the officers of the kyngdoomes of the North (sayeth the Lord.) And they shall come, & every one shall set his seat in the gates of jerusalem, and in all their walls round about and in all the cities of juda. And thorough them shall I declare my judgement, upon all the wickedness of those men that have forsaken me: that have offered unto strange gods, and worshipped the works of their own hands. * Ex c. iii. a And therefore gird up thy loins, arise and tell them all, that I give the in commandment. Fear them not, I will not have the to be afraid of them. * jere. xv. b For behold, this day do I make the a strong fenced town an iron pillar, and a brazen wall against the whole land, against the kings, and mighty men of juda, against the priests and people of the land. They shall fight against thee, but they shall not be able to overcome thee: for I am with thee, to deliver thee, sayeth the Lord. ¶ God rehearseth his benefits done unto the jews. Against Preested and Prophets, or Preachers that contemn and despise God. The jews are destroyed, because they forsake God, and because they can a whore hunting after Idols. CAPI. II. Moreover, the word of the Lord came unto me saying: Go thy way, cry in the ears of jerusalem/ and say: Thus sayeth the Lord: I remember the for the kindness of thy youth, and because of thy steadfast love: in that thou followedst me thorough the wilderness/ in an untilled land. Israel was an hallowed thing unto the Lord and so was his first fruits. * jere. x d zatha two. d. All they that devour Israel shall offend: misfortune shall fall upon them/ sayeth the Lord. Hear therefore the word of the LORD, O thou house of jacob/ and all the generations of the house of Israel. Thus sayeth the Lord. What unfaithfulness found your fathers in me, that they went so far away fro me, falling to lightness, and being so vain? They thought not in their hearts: Where have we left the Lord that brought us out of the land of Egypte, * Exod. 14. c that led us thorough the wilderness, thorough a desert and rough land/ thorough a dry & a deadly land/ ire, a land that no man had gone thorough, & wherein no man had dwelled. * Deut. vi. b And when I had brought you into a pleasant welbuilded land, the ye might enjoy the fruits and all the commodities of the same: ye went forth and defiled my land, & brought mine heritage to abomination. The priests themselves said not: Where is the Lord? They that had the law in their hands, knew me not: ☞ The shepherds offended against me. The Prophets did service unto Baal, and followed such things as shall bring them no profit. Wherefore, I am constrained (sayeth the Lord) to make my complaint upon you, & upon your children. Go into the Isles of Cethim, and look well: send unto Cedar, take diligent heed: and see, whether such things be done there, whether the Gentiles them selves deal so falsely & untruly with their gods, (which yet are no gods in deed) But my people hath given over their high honour for a thing that may not help them. Be astonished (O ye heavens) be afraid, and abashed at such a thing, sayeth the Lord. For my people hath done two evils. They have forsaken me the well of the * jere. xvii. ● john. iiii. ●▪ Exo. iiii. ● water of life, and digged them pits, ye vile and broken pits, that can hold no water. Is Israel a bond servant, or one of the household? Why is he then so spoiled? Why do they roar and cry then upon him/ as a Lion? They have made his land waste/ * Esay. i. ● his cities are so brent up, that there is no man dwelling in them. Ye, the children of Noph and Taphnes' have defiled thy neck. * jere. 3 2. ● cometh not this unto thee, because thou haste forsaken the Lord thy God, ever sense he led the by the way? And what hast thou now to do in the way of Egypt? to drink foul water? Either, what makest thou in the way to Assyrya? To drink water of the flood? * job. xxii. ● Thine own wickedness shall reprove thee, and thy turning away shall condemn thee: that thou mayest know and understand: how evil and hurtful a thing it is, that thou haste forsaken the Lord thy God, and not feared him, sayeth the Lord God of Hostes. * Esay. 45. ● I have ever broken thy yoke of old, & burst thy bonds: yet sayest thou, ‡ Eze. x. d. Ier●. iii. b I will no more serve, but (like an harlot) thou runnest about upon all high hills, & among all green trees, where as I planted the as a noble vine, & a good rote. * Isaiah. v. ● How art thou turned then into a bitter, unfruitful, & strange grape? Ye/ & that so sore: that though thou wash the with Nitrus and make thyself to savour with that sweet smelling herb of Borith/ yet in my sight: thou art stained with thy wickedness/ saith the Lord thy God. say nat now, I am nat unclean, and I have nat followed the Gods. * 4. Re. 17. b. je 4. b & 5 b Esa. lvii. a. Eze. xvi. b. Look upon thine own ways in the woods, valleys and dens: so shalt thou know, what thou hast done. Thou art like a swift Dromedary, that goeth easily his way, & thy wantonness is like a wild Ass, that useth the wilderness, and that snoffeth and bloweth at his will. Who can tame thee? All they that seek thee, shall nat fail, but find the in thine own uncleanness. Thou keepest thy foot from nakedness, and thy throat from thirst, and thinkest thus in thyself: tush: I will take no sorrow, I will love the sta●ūge gods, and hang upon them. Like as a thief that is taken with the deed cometh to shame, even so is the house of Israel come to confusion: the comen people, their kings and rulers, their priests and prophets. * Roma. i. ●. For they say to a stock, thou art my father, & to a stone: thou haste begotten me * je. xxxii d. ●acha. seven, b ye, they have turned their back upon me, and nat their face. ‡ ●. Deu. 32. ● But in the time of their trouble, when they say: stand up, and help us, I shall answer them: Where are now thy gods, that thou hast made thee? bid them stand up, and help the in the time of need? * jere. xi. b. For look how many cities thou hast (O juda) so many gods hast thou also. Wherefore then will ye go to law with me, saying ye all are sinners against me, sayeth the Lord? It is but lost baboure, that I smite your children for they receive nat my correction. * 2, Pa. 24. b your own sword destroyeth your prophets/ like a devouring lion. If ye be the people of the Lord, then hearken unto his word. Am I then become a wilderness unto the people of Israel? or a land that hath no light? Wherefore sayeth my people then: we are Lords, we will come no more unto thee? Doth a maiden forget her raiment, or a bride her stomacher? And doth my people forget me so long? Why boastest thou thy ways so hyl●e (to obtain favour there thorough) when thou haste yet stained them with blasphemies? * Deut. 18. b. jere. seven. a. Ezech. x●. d Psal, c●. e. Upon thy wings is found the blood of poor and innocent people, & that not in corners and holes only/ but openly in all these places. Yet darest thou say: I am (⚜ without sin and) guiltless. Tush, his wrath can nat come upon me. Behold, I will reason with thee, because thou darest say: I have nat offended. O how evil will it be for thee, to abide it: when it shall be known, now oft thou hast gone bacwarde? For thou shalt ●e confounded, as well of Egypte, as of the Assyrians: yea, thou shalt go thy way from them, and smite thine hands together upon thy head. Because the Lord shall bring that confidence and hope of thine to nought, and thou shalt not prosper with all. ¶ God being merciful calleth unto repentance his people, which he had forsaken for their whoredom with Idols. He exhorteth Israel to repentance, promising them shepherds, that should have the true knowledge of God. The return of Israel unto God, confessing their offences. CAPI. III. commonly, * Deut. 24. a. when a man putteth away his wife/ and she goeth from him/ and marrieth with another/ than the question is: should he resort unto her any more after that? Is not this land then defiled and unclean? * Osee. two. a. Eze. xvi. ●. But as for thee/ thou haste played the harlot with many lovers/ yet turn again to me, sayeth the Lord lift up thine eyes on every side/ and look/ if thou be not defiled. Thou hast waited for them in the ways, and as a murderer in the wilderness. Thorough thy whoredom & shameful blasphemies, is the land defiled. * 3. Re. 17. a. This is the cause, that the rain and evening dew hath ceased. Thou haste gotten the an whore's forehead/ and wilt nat be ashamed. Else wouldst thou say unto me: O my father/ thou art he that haste brought me up/ and led me fro my youth: Wilt thou then put me away/ and cast me of for ever? Or wilt thou withdraw thyself clean fro me? Nevertheless thou speakest such words, but thou art ever doing worse and worse. ‡ jere. i. a. jere. two. d. 4. Re. 17. b The Lord said also unto me: in the time of josiah the king: Haste thou seen what the rebellion Israel hath done? how she hath run up upon all the hills/ and among all thick trees, & there played the harlot: hast thou seen also (when she had done all this) how I said unto her: that she should turn again unto me, & yet she is not returned? ‡ Eze. xxiii. b juda that unfaithful sister of hers also saw this: Namely/ that after I had well seen the adultery of the shrinking harlot Israel. * 4. Re. 17. a I put her away/ and gave her a bill of divorcement. For all this, her unfaithful sister juda was nat ashamed, but went back & played the whore also. Yea, and the noise of her whore doom hath defiled the whole land. For she hath committed fornication with stones and stocks. Nevertheless, her unfaithful sister juda is not ‡ ●see. v. a. turned unto me again with her whole heart, but famedly, sayeth the Lord. And the Lord said unto me: * Eze. xvi. ●. The back-slyder Israel is more righteous, than the unfaithful juda: and therefore go preach these words toward the north, and say: Thou disobedient Israel/ turn again (sayeth the Lord) and I will nat turn my face from you, for I am merciful (saith the Lord) and I will nat alway * Psa. ●iii. a. bear displeasure against thee: but on this condition that thou know thy great blasphemy: Namely, that thou hast unfaithfully forsaken the Lord thy God, and hast made thyself partaker of strange Gods * jere. v. b. Esay lvii. a under all green trees, but haste had no will to hear my voice, sayeth the Lord. * Ez●. two. c. Osc●. ●4. a O ye disobedient children, turn again, sayeth the Lord: and I will be married with you. For I will take one out of the city, and two out of one generation from among you, and bring you in to Zion: and will give you herdsmen after mine own mind, which shall feed you with learning and wisdom. Moreover, when ye be increased and multiplied in the land, than (sayeth the Lord) there shall no more boast be made of the ark of the lords Testament: Noman shall think upon it, nether shall any man make mention of it: for from thence forth it shall neither be bysyted, nor honoured with gifts. Gala. iiii. c Then shall Jerusalem be called the lords seat, and all Heathen shallbe gathered unto it/ for the name of the lords sake, why the shallbe set up at jerusalem. And from that time forth, they shall follow no more the imagination of their own froward heart. Then those that be of the house of juda, shall go unto the house of Israel * Mat. vi●●. ● & they shall come together out of the North/ into the same land that I have given your fathers. I have showed also/ how I took the up being but a child/ and gave the a pleasant land for thine heritage, ye, and a goodly Host of the Heathen: & how I commanded thee/ that thou shouldest * Math. 23. ● call me father only, and nat to shrink fro me. But like as a woman faileth her husband/ so are ye unfaithful unto me (O ye house of Israel) sayeth the Lord. * jere. xxxi. ●. And therefore the voice of the children of Israel was herd on high/ weeping and wailing: for they have defiled their way/ and forgotten God their Lord. O ye disobedient children, turn again (saying: lo, we are thine/ for thou art the Lord our God.) And so shall I heal your backeturnynges. The hills fall/ and all the high pride of the mountains/ * Osee. xiii. a Act. iiii. 〈◊〉. but the health of Israel standeth only upon God our Lord. * Th●e. ●. 〈◊〉. David. 〈◊〉 Baruch. 〈◊〉 jere. x●iii. ●. confusion hath devoured our father's labour from our youth up: ye/ their sheep and bullocks/ their sons & daughters. So do we also sleep in our confusion/ & shame covereth us: * Psa ●v●. ●. Esay. 64. ● Iudi●. vii● i. Es●r. ix. ●▪ and, x. b. for we & our fathers from our youth up unto this day have sinned against the Lord our God/ and have nat obeyed the voice of the Lord our God. ¶ The true repentounte or returning to God. He exhorteth to the circumcision of the heart. The destruction of jewry is prophesied, for the in alyce of their hearts. CAPI. four O Israeel, if thou wilt turn thee/ then turn unto me/ sayeth the Lord. And if thou wilt put away thine abominations out of my sight, thou shalt nat be moved: ‡ Ie●●●●● And shalt swear: The Lord liveth: in truth, in equity and righteousness: and all people shall be fortunable and joyful in him. For thus sayeth the Lord/ to all juda and jerusalem: plough your land/ & sow not among the thorns. ‡ Jere, v●. b▪ and. ●x. ●. Be circuncysed in the Lord, and cut away the foreskin of your hearts, all ye of juda, and all the indwellers of jerusalem: * I●●c. xi. 5. that my indignation break nat out like fire and kindle/ so that no man may quench it/ because of the wickedness of your imaginations. * Esay. 58. b Preach in juda and jerusalem/ cry out add speak: blow the trumpets in the land, cry that every man may hear, and say: Gather you together, and we will go in to strong cities. Set up the token in Zion, speed you/ & make no tarrying: * jeremis. ●. ● for I will bring a great plague/ and a great destruction from the north. For the spoiler of the gentiles is broken up from his place, as a lion out of his den/ that he may make thy land waste, and destroy the cities, so that no man may dwell therein. Wherefore/ gird yourselves about with sack cloth mourn and weep, for the fearful wrath of the Lord is nat withdrawn from us. At the same time (sayeth the Lord) the heart of the king and of the princes shall be gone, the priests shallbe astonished, and the prophets shallbe sore afraid. Then said I: O Lord God, hast thou then deceived this people and jerusalem, saying: * Deut. 〈◊〉. ● ye shall have peace/ and now the sword goeth thorough their lives? Then shall it be said to the people and to jerusalem: * Ier●n. i. ● there cometh a warm wind from the north thorough the way of my people, but neither to fan, nor to cleanse. After that shall there come unto me a strong wind, and then will I also give sentence upon them. For lo, he cometh up like as a cloud, and his charettes are like a stormy wind: * ●hie. 4. a Dam. 7. a his horsemen are swifter than the Eagle. woe unto us/ for we are destroyed. O jerusalaem, * Psal. li. a Esay. i c. wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayst be helped. How long shall thy noisome thoughts remain with thee? For a voice from Dan and from the hill of Ephraim speaketh out, and telleth of a destruction. Behold, the Heathen give jerusalem warning, and preach unto her/ that her destroyers are coming from far countries. They tell the cities of juda the same also, they shall give them warning in every place, like as the watchmen in the field. * zatha. 8. ● For they have provoked me to wrath, sayeth the Lord. * 3 Reg. 18. d jere. two. c. ● xliiii. ●. Thy ways and thy thoughts, have brought the unto this, this is thine own wickedness and disobedience/ that hath possessed thine heart: Ah my belly, ah my belly (shalt thou cry) how is my heart so sore? my heart panteth within me, I can not be still, for I have heard the crying of the from pettes, and peals of war. They cry murder upon murder, the whole land shall perish. Immediately my tents were destroyed, and my hangings, in the twinkling of an eye. How long shall I see the tokens of war, and hear the noise of the trumpets? Nevertheless, this shall come upon them * Esay. v. b Baruc. 3 b because my people is become foolish, and hath utterly no understanding. * Osee. 4. d They are the children of foolishness, and without any discretion. To do evil, they have wit enough: but to do well/ they have no wisdom. I have looked upon the earth, and see it was waste and void. I looked toward heaven, and it had no shine. I beheld the mountains, and ●o they trembled, and all the nylles were in a fear. I looked about me, and there was no body, and all the birds of the air were away. I marked well/ and the ploughed field was become waste: yea, all their cities were broken down at the presence of the Lord, and indignation of his wrath. For thus hath the Lord said: The whole land shallbe desolate/ yet will I not then have done. And ☜ therefore, shall the earth mourn, and the Heaven be forye above: for the thing that I have purposed and taken upon me to do, shall not repent me, and I will not go from it. The whole land shall i'll, for the noise of the horsemen and bowemen: they shall run in to dens, into woods, and climb up the stony rocks. All the cities shallbe void, and no man dwelling therein. What wilt thou now do, thou being destroyed? * jere. two. ● For though thou clothest thyself with scarlet, and deckest the with gold: * 4. Reg. 9 f though thou payntest thy face with colours, yet shalt thou trim thyself in vain. For those that hitherto have been thy great favourers, shall abhor thee/ and go about to slay the. For I hear a noise, like as it were of a woman travayling, or one labouring of her first child: Even the voice of the daughter Zion, that casteth out her arms, and soundeth, saying: Ah, woe is me/ how sore vexed and faint is my heart, for them that are slain? ¶ In jewry is there no righteous or faithful man found, either amongst the people, or the rulers, for whose sake the Lord should spare the city. Wherefore jewry is destroyed of the Assyrians. CAPI. V LOOK thorough jerusalem/ behold and see: Seek thorough her streets also within/ yfye can find one man, that doth equally and right/ or seeketh for the truth/ and I shall spare him (sayeth the Lord) * jere. iiii. ●● xii. ●. For though they can say: the Lord liveth, yet do they swear to deceive: Where as thou (O Lord) lookest only upon faith and truth. Thou haste scourged them, but they took no repentance: thou haste corecte them for amendment/ but they refused thy correction. They made their faces harder than a stone, and would not amend. Therefore I thought in myself: peradventure they are so simple & foolish, that they understand nothing of the lords way, & judgements of our God. * Deut. 17. ● Therefore will I go unto their heads and rulers, & talk with them: if they know the way of the Lord, and the judgements of our God. But these (in like manner) have broken the yoke, and burst the bands insunder. * Deut. 32. d. Wherefore ☞ a Lion out of the wood hath hurt them, and a wolf in the evening shall destroy them. The jeopardy doth lie lurkyuge by their cities/ to tear in pieces all them, that come thereout. For their offences are many, and their departing away is great. Should I then for all this have mercy upon thee? Thy children have forsaken me, and * Sopho. i. ● sworn by them that are no Gods. And albeit they were bound to me in marriage, yet they fall to adultery, and haunt harlots houses. In the desire of uncleanly lust they are be come like the stoned horse, * Ezec. xxii b every man neigheth at his neighbours wife: * jere. ix. a Should I not correct this, sayeth the Lord. Should I not be avenged of every people, that is like unto this? Climb up upon their walls, beat them down, but destroy them not utterly, cut of their branches, be cause they are not the Lords. For unfaithfully hath the house of Israel and juda for saken me, sayeth the Lord. * 2. Petr 2. a jere. ●4. b and. 24. c D●●. xxix c They have denied the Lord, & said: it is not he. ‡ Sopho. 1. c Tush, there shall no misfortune come upon us, we shall see neither sword nor hunger. * jere. vi. b &. xx. b As for the warning of the Prophets, they take it but for wind, yea, there is none of these which will tell them, that such things shall happen unto them. Wherefore, thus sayeth the Lord God of Hosts: because ye speak such words, behold: * Isaiah. 33. b The words that are in thy mouth will I turn to fire, and make the people to be wood, that it may consume them. * Deute. 28. c Baruc. 4. c Lo, I will bring a people upon you from far, O house of Israel (sayeth the Lord (a mighty people, an old people, a people whose speech thou knowest not/ neither understandest what they say. Their arrows are sudden death, yea/ they themselves be very grants. This people shall eat up thy fruit and thy meat, yea, they shall devour thy sons and thy daughters thy sheep and thy bullocks. They shall eat up thy grapes and figs. As for thy strong & well tensed cities/ wherein thou didst trust, they shall destroy them with the sword. * jere. xvi. b Nevertheless I will not then have done with you, sayeth the Lord, But if they say: wherefore doth the Lord our God all this unto us. Then answer them: ‡ Deut. 28. g because, that like as ye have forsaken me, and served strange Gods in your own land, even so shall ye serve other Gods also in a strange land. Preach this unto the house of jacob, and cry it out in juda, and say thus: Hear this (thou foolish and undiscrete people) * Esay. 6. b & johan. 9 b ye have eyes, but ye see not: ears have ye/ but ye hear not. Fear ye not me/ sayeth the Lord? Are ye not ashamed, to look me in the face? * job. 26. b ●▪ xxviii. a which bind the see with the sand, so that it cannot pass his bounds: For though it rage, yet can it do nothing, and though the waves thereof do swell, yet may they not go over. But this people hath a false and an obstinate heart/ they are departed and gone away fro me. They think not in their hearts: O let us fear the Lord our God/ that giveth us reign early and late/ when need is: which keepeth ever still the harvest for us yearly. ‡ Esay. lix. ● Nevertheless, your misdeeds have turned these from you, and your sins have rob you hereof. For among my people are found wicked persons, that privily lay snares and wait for men, to take them and destroy them. And like as a net is full of birds, so are their houses full of that which they have gotten with falsehood and deceit. Hereof cometh their great substance and riches, hereof are they fat and wealthy, and are run away fro me with shameful blasphemies. * Isaiah. i. ●. They minystre not the law/ they make no end of the fatherless cause, they judge not the poor according to equity. * jere. v. b. ● ix. a Should I not punish these things, sayeth the Lord? should I not be avenged of all such people as these be? Horrible & grievous things are done in the land. The Prophets teach falsely/ and the priests follow them, and my people * Osee. seven. ● Roma. i. d hath pleasure therein. What will come thereof at the last. ¶ The sins for which jerusalem is afflyete. Un●i●●umcysed years. Covetousness, deceit. The Lord rejecteth the sacrifices of the jews. The coming of the Babylonians is prophesied again. ¶ CAPI. VI COME out of jerusalem/ ye strong children of Ben jamin: blow up the trumpets ye * 2. Reg. 14 ● Tecuytes, set up a token unto Bethearam, for a plague and a great misery pepeth out from the North. I will liken the daughter Zion to a fair and tender woman, and to her shall come the shepherders with their flocks. There tents shall they pitch round about her, & every one shall feed them that are under his hand. Make battle against her (shall they say) Arise, let us go up, while it is yet day. Alas, the day goeth away, & the night shadows fall down: Arise, let us go up by night, and destroy her strong holds, for thus hath the Lord of hosts commanded. Hew down her trees, and set up bulwark against jerusalem. This is the city that must be punished, for in her is all malisiousnes. Like as a condyte aboundeth in water, even so this city aboundeth in wickedness. robbery and unrighteousness is herd in her, sorrow and wounds are ever there in my sight. amend thee (O jerusalem) lest I withdraw my heart from thee, & make the desolate: and thy land also, that no man dwell in it. For thus sayeth the Lord of hosts: The residue of Israel shallbe gathered as the remnant of grapes. And therefore turn thine hand again into the basket, like the grape gatherer. But unto whom shall I speak, whom shall I warn that he may take heed? * jere. 4. a and. ix. d Their ears are so uncircumcised, that they may not hear. Behold, * jere. v. c and. xx. b they take the word of the Lord but for a scorn/ & have no lust thereto And therefore, I am so full of thine indignation, (O Lord) that I may suffer no longer. But shed it out upon the children that are without, and upon all young men: yea/ the man must be taken prisoner with the wife/ and the aged with the crepel. Their houses with their lands and wives shallbe turned unto strangers/ when I stretch out mine hand upon the inhabitors of this land/ sayeth the Lord. ‡ Esay. lvi. c jere. viii. b For from the least unto the most, they hang all upon covetousness, and from the Prophet unto the priest/ they go all about with falsheede and lies. * Esay. lvi d jere. viii. b Ezec. xiii. b And beside that/ they heal the hurt of my people with sweet words/ saying: peace peace/ when there is no peace at al. Therefore they must be ashamed/ for they have committed abomination. But how should they be ashamed/ when they know nothing, nether of shame nor good nurture? * Iere x. c And therefore they shall fall among the slain, and in the hour when I shall visit them/ they shall be brought down/ sayeth the Lord. Thus sayeth the Lord: go into the streets/ consider and make inquisition for the old way: and if it be the good and right way, then go therein/ that ye may find rest for your souls. But they say: we will not walk therein/ and I will set watchmen over you/ & therefore take heed unto the voice of the trumpet. But they say: we will not take heed. Hear therefore ye Gentiles/ and thou congregation shalt know, what I have devised for them. Hear thou earth also: behold, * jere. nineteen. ● I will cause a plague to come upon this people/ even the fruit of their own imaginations. For they have not been obedient unto my words and to my law/ but abhorred them Wherefore/ * Esay. i. b jere. seven. c bring ye me incense from Saba/ and sweet smelling Calamus from ●●r countries? Your burnt 〈…〉 please me/ and I rejoice not in your sacrifices. And therefore thus saith the Lord: behold/ I will make this people fall/ & there shall fall from among them/ the father with the children/ one neighbour shall perish with an other. Thus sayeth the Lord: ‡ jere. 1. c and. v. c Abar. 1. c Behold/ there shall come a people from the north, and a great people shall arise from the ends of the earth, with bows and with darts shall they be weaponed. It is a rough and fierce people, & an unmerciful people, their voice roareth like the see, they ride upon horses well appointed to the battle against thee, O daughter Zion. The cry of them have we heard. Our arms are feeble, henynesse and sorrow is come upon us/ as upon a woman travailing with child. No man go forth into the field/ no man cometh upon the high street: for the sword and fear of the enemy is on every side. Wherefore, gird a sack cloth about the (O thou daughter of my people) sprynckle thyself with ashes, * Amoz. 8. b mourn and weep bitterly as upon thy only beloved son. For the destroyer shall suddenly fall upon us. The have I set for a prover of my hard people/ to seek out and to try their ways. * Psa xiiii. a and. liii. a Roma. 3. c For they are all unfaithful and fallen away/ they hang upon filthy lucre/ they are clean brass and iron/ for they hurt and destroy every man. The bellous are brent in the fire/ the lead is consumed/ the melter melteth in vain/ for the evil is not taken away from them. Therefore do they call them naughty silver, because the Lord hath cast them out. ¶ jeremy is commanded to show unto the people the word of God▪ which trusteth in the outward service of the temple. The evils that shall happen to the jews for the despising of their Prophets. sacrifices doth not the Lord thefely require of the jews, but that they should obey his word. CAPI. VII. THESE are the words that God spoke unto JEREMY: * jere. 17. b and. xxvi. a Stand under the gate of the lords house, and cry out these words there with a loud voice, & say: Hear the word of the Lord all ye of juda, that go in at this door/ to worship the Lord. Thus sayeth the Lord of Hosts the god of Israel. * Esay. i. c jere. xxvi. c Amend your ways & your counsels, & I will let you dwell in this place. Trust not in false lying words, saying: here is the temple of the Lord, here is the temple of the Lord, here is the temple of the Lord. For if ye will amend your ways and counsels, ‡ if ye will judge right betwixt a man and his neighbour: Exodi. 22. ● zacha. 8. c levit. 29 g job. 24, a if ye will not oppress the stranger, the fatherless, & the widow: if ye will not shed innocent blood in this place: if ye will not cleave to strange gods to your own destruction: then will I let you dwell in this place/ yea, in the land that I gave afore time unto your fathers forever. But take heed: ye trust in counsels/ that beguile you & do you no good. For when ye have stolen, murdered, committed adultery & perjury. When ye have offered unto Baal/ following strange & unknown gods. Then come ye, and stand before me in this house ‡ 3. Reg. 8. 6 (which hath my name given unto it) & say: Tush, we are absolved quit/ though we have done all these abominations. ‡ Esay. 59 ● job. ●. b What? think you this house that beareth my name/ is a den of thieves? ‡ Math. 〈◊〉 b I●r●. 〈◊〉. ● And these things are not done privily/ but before mine eyes/ sayeth the Lord Go to my place in Siloh, ‡ Io. xviii a whereunto I gave my name afore time/ and look well ‡ jer. xxvi. 〈…〉. what I did to the same place for the wickedness of my people of Israel. And now though, ye have done all these deeds (sayeth the Lord) and I myself rose up ever by times to warn you & to comen with you, yet would ye not hear me. ‡ Prou. i c. I called, ye would not answer. And therefore/ ‡ Esay. lxv. b Luke. xxi. a even as I have done unto Siloh, so will I do to this house, that my name is given unto (and that ye put your trust in) ye unto the place that I have given to you and your fathers. And I shall thrust you out of my sight, ‡ 1. Re. 〈…〉 as I have cast out all your brethren the whole seed of Ephraim. ‡ jer. 14. b. 〈…〉. c 3. jona. v. c Therefore, thou shalt not pray for this people/ thou shalt neither give thanks/ nor bid prayer for them: thou shalt make no intercession to me for them, for in no wise will I hear the. sayst thou not what they do in the cities of juda, & in the streets of jerusalem. ‡ jere. 44. e The children gather sticks/ the father's kindle the ●yre/ the women kneade the dough/ to bake cakes for the Queen of Heaven. They pour out drink offerings unto strange God's/ to provoke me unto wrath Howbeit they hurt not me (sayeth the Lord) but rather confound/ and shame themselves. And therefore thus sayeth the Lord God? behold/ my wrath and my indignation shallbe poured out upon this place/ upon men & cattles upon the trees in the field and fruit of the land/ and it shall burn so/ that no man may quench it. Thus sayeth the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: ☞ Heap up your ‡ Esay. ●. ● burnteoffrynges with your sacrifices/ and eat the flesh. ‡ duty. x. ● Esay. 4●. ● But when I brought your fathers out of Egypte, I spoke no word unto them of burnt-offerings and sacrifices: but this I commanded them/ saying: * Exod. nineteen. ● hearken and obey my voice/ and I shallbe your God, and ye shall be my people: so that ye walk in all the ways/ which I have commanded you/ that ye may prosper. ‡ zacha. vii● But they were not obedient/ they inclined not their ears there unto, but went after their own imaginations and after the motions of their own wicked heart/ and so turned themselves away/ and converted not unto me. And this have they done/ from the time that your fathers came out of Egypte/ unto this day. ‡ jere. 25. a 29. c. 44. a Nevertheless/ I sent unto them my servants all the prophets: I rose up early/ and sent them word/ yet would they not hearken/ nor offer me their ears, but were obstinate and worse than their fathers. And thou shalt now speak all these words unto them, but they shall not hear thee: thou shalt cry upon them/ but they shall not an swear the. Therefore, shalt thou say unto them: this is the people, that neither heareth the voice of the Lord their God/ nor receiveth his correction. * jere. v a Faithfulness & truth is clean rooted out of their mouth. * Eze. v. ● Wherefore cut of thine hair, & cast it away, take up a complaint on high, for the Lord hath cast away, and scattered the people that he is displeased withal. For the children of juda have done evil in my sight, sayeth the Lord. * jere. 32. ● They have set up their abominations, in the house that hath my name, and have defiled it. They have also builded an aultre at * Deute. 32. c 4. Reg. 23. ● Psal. cvi. ● jere. 44. ● Topheth, which is in the valley of the children of Hennom: that they might burn their sons and daughters, which I never commanded them neither came it ever in my thought. And therefore behold, the days shall come (saith the Lord) that it shall no more be called Topheth, or the valley of the children of Hennom, but the valley of slaughter, * jere. nineteen. ● for in Topheth, they shallbe buried, because they shall else have no room. ‡ jere. 8. b. ● ix c Yea/ the dead bodies of this people shallbe eaten up of the fowls of the air & wild beasts of the earth, and no man shall fray them away. * jere. xvi. ● and xxv. d Ezec. xvi. ● And as for the voice of mirth & gladness of the cities of juda, & jerusalem, the voice of the bridegroom, & of the bride: I will make them cease, for the land shallbe desolate. ¶ The destruction of the jews. The Lord moveth the people to amendment, reckoning up their sins. He reprehendeth the lying doctrine of the Prophets & priests. CAPI. VIII. AT THE same time sayeth the Lord the bones of the kings of juda/ the bones of his princes, the bones of the priests and prophets/ ye, and the bones of the citizens of jerusalem, shallbe brought out of their graves and laid against the * D●u. iiii. ●. Sun/ the Moon and all the heavenly host: whom they loved, whom they served, whom they ran after, whom they sought and worshipped. They shall neither be gathered together nor buried, but shall lie upon the earth/ to their shame and despising. * ●●b. xx●●●. ● And all they that remain of this wicked generation, shall desire rather to die then to live: wheresoever they remain/ and whereas I scatre them, sayeth the Lord of hosts. This shalt thou say unto them also. Thus sayeth the Lord. Do men fall so, that they arise not up again? And turn they so far away/ that they never convert? Wherefore then is this people and jerusalem gone so far back/ that they turn not again. They are ever the longer the more obstinate, and will nat be converted. * Eze. xx. f. For I have looked, and considered: but there is no man that speaketh a good word there is no man that taketh repentance for his sin, that will so much as say: wherefore/ have I done this? But every man (as soon as he is turned back) runneth forth still, like a wild horse in a battle. The Stork knoweth his appointed time/ the Turtle dove the Swallow and the Crane consydre the time of their travail, * Isaiah. i a. but my people will not know the time of the punishment of the Lord. How dare ye say then: we are wise, we have the law of the Lord among us? Behold, the dysceatfull pen of the scribes, setteth forth lies: therefore shall the wise be confounded, they shallbe afraid & taken: for lo, * D●u. iiii. a Psal. nineteen. a they have cast out the word of the Lord: what wisdom can then be among them? Wherefore, I will give their wives unto alients, & their fields to destroyers. * Eze. vi. d. For from the lowest unto the high/ they follow all filthy lucre: & from the Prophet unto the pressed, they deal all which lies. * Esay. lvi. ● jere. vi. b. Eze. xiii. d Nevertheless, they heal the hurt of my people with sweet words, saying▪ peace/ peace, where there is no peace at all. Fie for shame, how abominable things do they? and yet they be nat ashamed/ ye, they know of no shame, * jere. seven. d. Wherefore, in the time of their visitation, they shall fall among the deed bodies, sayeth the Lord. Moreover, I will gather them in (sayeth the Lord) so that there shall not be one grape upon the vine nether one fig upon the fig tre, and the leaves shallbe plucte of. Then will I cause them to depart, and say: why prolong we the time? Let us gather ourselves together, and go into the strong city, there shall we be in rest: For the Lord our God hath put us to silence, and given us water mixed with gall/ to drink: because we have sinned against him. * jere. xiiii. d We looked for peace, and we far not the better, we waited for the time of health/ & lo/ here is nothing but trouble. The noise of his horses is heard from Dan, the whole land is afraid at the veyenge of his strong horses: for they are come in/ & have devoured the land, with all that is in it: the cities, and those that dwell therein▪ * Leu●. 26. d. Moreover, I will send Cockatrices and serpents among you (which will not be charmed) and they shall bite you, sayeth the Lord. Sorrow is come upon me, and heaviness vexeth my heart: for lo, the voice of the crying of my people is herd from a far country. Is not the Lord in Zion? Is not the King in her? Wherefore then have they grieved me▪ (shall the Lord say) with their images and foolish strange fashions? The harvest is gone, the Summer hath an end/ & we are not helped. I am sore vexed, because of the hurt of my people. I am heavy and abashed, for there is no more treacle at Gylead, and there is no physician/ that can heal the hurt of my people. ¶ The complaint and bewailing of the prophet, the palyce of the people. In the knowledge of God ought we only to rejoice. The uncircumcision of the heart. CAPI. IX. O Who * Es●. xxii. ● will give my head water enough, and a well of tears for mine eyes: that I may weep night and day: for the slaughter of my people? Would God that I had a cottage some where far from folk/ that I might leave my people/ and go from them: for they be all adulterers and a shrinking sort. They bend their tongues like bows, to shoot out lies, As for the truth they may nothing away withal in the world. For they go from one wickedness to another, and will nat know me, sayeth the Lord. * jere. xii. ● Ye, one must keep himself from another, no man may safely trust his own brother: for ‡ Mat x c. ● Mith. 7. a. one brother undermineth another, one neighbour beguileth another. Ye, one dissembleth with another, and they deal with no truth. * Psal. 28. a. They have practised their tongues to lie, and taken great pains to do mischief, Thou sittest in the mids of a dysceatfull people/ which for very dissembling falsehood will nat know me, sayeth the Lord Therefore/ thus saith the Lord of Hosts: behold/ I will melt them, and try them/ for what should I else do to my people. * Prou. 18. a. Psal. 28. a. Their tongues are like sharp arrows, to speak deceit. With their mouth they speak peacyable to their neighbour/ but privily they lay wait for him. * jere. v. b. Should I nat punish them for these things, saith the Lord? Or should I nat be avenged of any such people as this? Upon the mountains will I take up a lamytation and sorrowful cry, and a mourning upon the fair plains of the wilderness. Namely, how they are so brent up, that no man goeth there any more. Ye, a man shall nat hear one beast cry there. Birds and cattle are all gone from thence. * Psal. 79 a. Mith. iii. c. I will make Jerusalem also an heap of stones, and a den of venomous worms. And I will make the cities of juda so waste, that no man shall dwell therein. What man is so wise, as to understand this? Or to whom hath the Lord spoken by mouth, that he may show this, and say: O thou land, why peryshest thou so? Wherefore art thou so brynt up, and like a wilderness, that no man goeth thorough? Ye, the Lord himself told the same unto them, that forsook his law/ and kept nat the thing that he gave them in commandment, nether lived thereafter: * Deu. xxix. b Io. xxiiii. c. but followed the wickedness of their own hearts, and served strange God's/ as their fathers taught them. Therefore, thus sayeth the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel: Behold, ⚜ I will feed this people with wormwod, and give them gall to drink, * Deu. xxii. b jer. xxiii. c. I will scatter them also among the Heathen, whom nether they nor their fathers have known: ‡ Deut. xx. c. & I will send a sword among them, to persecute them, until I bring them to nought. Moreover, thus sayeth the Lord of Hosts: look that ye call for mourning wives. and send for wise women: that they come shortly, and sing a mourning song of you: that the tears may fall out of our eyes/ and that our eye lids may gusshe out of water. For there is a lamentable noise heard of Zion: O how are we so sore destroyed? O how are we so piteously confounded? We must forsake our own natural country, and we are shut out of our own lodgyngges. Yet hear the word of the Lord (O ye women) and let your ears regard the words of his mouth/ that ye may learn your daughters to mourn, and that every one may teach her neyghboresse, to make lamentation. Namely thus: Death is climbing up in at our windows, he is come into our houses, to destroy the child before the door, & the young man in the street. But tell thou plainly/ thus sayeth the Lord. * jere. seven. ●. and. viii. ●. The deed bodies of men shall lie upon the ground, as the dung upon the field/ and as the hay after the mower, and there shallbe no man to take them up. Thus sayeth the Lord: Let not the wise man rejoice in his wisdom/ nor the strong man in his strength/ neither the rich man in his richesse. * Isaiah, iv. ●. i Cor. i. ●. two. Cor. xi. ● But who so will rejoice, let him rejoice in this, that he understandeth/ and knoweth me: for I am the Lord, which do mercy, equity and righteousness upon the earth. * Math. ix. d. and. xii. a. Os●e. vi. b. Therefore, have I pleasure in such things/ sayeth the Lord. Behold/ the time cometh (sayeth the Lord) that I will visit all them, whose foreskin is uncyrcumsysed. The Egypcians, the jews, the edomites, the Ammonytes/ the Moabites, * jere. xxv. ●. jere. iiii. a. and. vi. b. and the shaven Madyanytes, that dwell in the wilderness. * Roma. two. c. For all the gentiles are uncircumcised in the flesh/ but all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart. ¶ The constellation of the ●arres are nat to be feared. Of the weakness of Idols, and of the power of God. Of evil curates. CAPI. X. Hear the word of the Lord/ that he speaketh unto thee/ O thou house of Israel: Thus sayeth the Lord. * Esa xlvii. c Ye shall nat learn after the manner of the Heathen/ and ye shall nat be afraid for the tokens of heaven/ for the Heathen are afraid of such: yea/ all the customs and laws of the gentiles are nothing, but vanity. * Esa. 44. ●. They hew down a tree in the wood with the hands of the workman, and fashion it with the axe: they cover it over with gold or silver/ they fasten it with nails and hammers, that it move nat. It standeth as stiff as the palm tree/ it can neither speak nor go, but must be borne. * Baruc. vi. c 4. Re. 17. g Be not ye afraid of such for they can do nether good nor evil. But there is none like unto thee/ O Lord, ‡ Apoc. xv. a thou art great, & great is the name of thy power Who would not fear thee? or what king of the gentiles would not obey thee? For among all the wise men of the gentiles / and in all their kingdoms/ there is none that may be lyckened unto the. They are all together unlearned and unwise. Al their connning is but vanity: namely, would silver, which is brought out of Tharsis, & beaten to plates: and gold from * ●. Reg ix. c Ophir, a work that is made with the hand of the craftsman and the caster, clothed with yellow silk and scarlet: even so is the work of their wise men all together. But the Lord is a true God, a living God, and an everlasting king. * Naum. i. a If he be wroth, the earth shaketh: all the gentiles may not abide his indignation. As for their god's/ it may well be said of them: they are gods, that made neither heaven nor earth: therefore shall they perish from the earth, and from all things under heaven. But (as for our God) * Gene. ●, a he made the earth with his power, and with his wisdom doth he ordre the whole compass of the world, with his discretion hath he spread out the heavens. At his voice the waters gather together in the air/ * Psa. 144. a he draweth up the clouds from the uttermost parts of the earth: he turned lightning to rain, and bringeth forth the winds out of their treasures. His wisdom maketh all men fools. And confounded be all casters of images/ for that they cast, is but a vain thing, and hath no life. * Esay. i d. and. 44. b jere. vi. c. The vain craftsmen with their works, that they in their vanity have made, shall perish one with another in the time of visitation. Nevertheless/ jacob's portion is no such: but it is he, that hath made all things, & Israel is the rod of his inheritance. The Lord of hosts is his name. Gather up thy wares out of the land thou that art in the strong place: For thus sayeth the Lord: Behold, I will now thrust out the inhabitors of this land a great way of, and trouble them of such a fashion/ that they shall no more be found. Alas/ how am I hurt? Alas how painful are my scourges unto me? For I consider this sorrow by myself, and I must suffer it. My carbernacle is destroyed/ and all my cords are broken. My children are gone fro me/ and can no where be found. Now have I none to spread out my tent/ or to set up my hangings. For ☞ the herd men have done foolishly, that they have not sought the Lord. Therefore, have they dealt unwisely with their cattles, and all are scattered abroad. Behold/ the noise is hard at hand/ and great sedition out of the North: to make the cities of juda a wilderness/ and a dwelling place for Dragons. * Prou. xx. d Now I know (O Lord) that it is not in man's power to order his own ways/ or to rule his own steps and goings. Therefore/ chasten thou us, O Lord/ but with favour * Psal. vi. a. and. 38. a Esay. 64. b and not in thy wrath, bring us not utterly to nought. * Psal. 79. a Eccle. 36. a Pour out thine indignation rather upon the gentiles/ that know the not/ and upon the people that call not on thy name. * jere. thirty. c. and. ●. a And that because they have consumed/ devoured and destroyed jacob, and have made his habitation waste. ¶ A curse of them that obey not the word of God's promise. The people of juda following the steps of their fathers, worshippeth strange Gods. The Lord sayeth that he will not hear the jews, and forbiddeth also jeremy to pray for them. ¶ CAPI. XI. THIS is another Sermon, which the Lord commanded jeremy for to preach, saying: Hear the words ☞ of the covenant/ and speak unto the men of juda, and to all them that dwell at jerusalem And say thou unto them. Thus sayeth the Lord God of Israel: * Deut. 27. c. and. 28. b Gala. 3. b. Cursed be every one that is nat obedient unto the words of this covenant: which I commanded unto your fathers, what time as I brought them out of the land of Egypte/ from the iron furnace/ saying: * Exod. nineteen. a Be obedient unto my voice/ and do according to all that I command you: so shall ye be my people/ and I will be your God, and will keep my promise/ * Gene. xv c xxvi. a. and xxviii. c. that I have sworn unto your fathers. Namely that I would give them a land which floweth with milk and honey, as ye see: it is come to pass unto this day Then answered I/ & said: Amen. ☞ Let it be even so Lord/ as thou sayest. Then the Lord said unto me again/ Preach this in the cities of juda & round about Jerusalem/ and say: here the words of his covenant/ that ye may keep them/ For I have diligently exhorted your fathers, ever sense the time that I brought them out of the land of Egypt/ unto this day. I gave them warning by times, saying: hearken unto my voice. ‡ jere. xiii. b Nevertheless/ they would nat obey me/ nor incline their ears unto me/ but followed the wicked imaginations of their own hearts. And therefore, I have accused them as transgressors of all the words of this covenant/ that I gave them to keep/ which they (notwithstanding) have not kept. And the Lord said unto me/ It is found out/ that whole juda & all these citizens of jerusalem are gone back. They have turned themselves to the blasphemies of their forefathers, which had no lust to here my words. Even like wise have these also followed strange goddens, and worshipped them. The house of Israel and juda have broken my covenant, which I made with their fathers. Therefore, thus sayeth the Lord: Behold I will send a plague upon them, which they shall not be able to escape: and though they cry unto me, I will not hear them. * ●acha. seven. b Then shall the towns of juda, and the citizens of jerusalem go, and call upon * duty. ●5. c their gods unto whom they made their oblations: but they shall not be able to help them in time of their trouble. * Iere two. d For as many cities as thou hast, O juda, so many god's haste thou had also. And look how many streets there be in thee, (O jerusalem) so many shameful altars have ye set up, to offer upon them unto Baal. * jere. seven. d and. xv. ● Therefore, pray not thou for this people/ bid neither praise nor prayer for them, for though they cry unto me in their trouble, yet will I not hear them. O thou beloved, why dost thou so shameful great blaphemyes in my house? even as though * Agge. two. b that holy flesh might absolve thee, specially when thou hast made thy boast of thy wickedness. * jere. xvii. b Mat. seven. b Roma. xi. c The Lord called the a green olive tre, a fair one, a fruitful one/ a goodly one: but now that there is a contrary report of the abroad, he will burn the up, and destroy thy branches. For the Lord of hosts that planted thee, hath devised a plague for thee (O thou house of Israel and juda) for the evil that ye have done to provoke him to wrath, in that ye did service unto Baal. This (O Lord) have I learned of thee, and understand it, for thou hast showed me their imaginations. * Isaiah. lii. b But I am (as a mekelambe) that is carried away to be slain, not knowing, that they had devised such a council against me, saying: ‡ jere. 18. b We will destroy his meat with wood, and drive him out of the land of the living: that his name shall never be thought upon. Therefore, * Iere xx a and. xvii. ● I will beseech the now (O Lord of hosts) thou rightuus iudgeus thou that triest the rains and the hearts: let me see the avenged of them, for unto the have I committed my cause. The Lord therefore spoke thus of the citizens of Anathoth, that sought to slay me, saying: * Isaiah. 30. ● Amos. 7. ● Preach not unto us in the name of the Lord, or else thou shalt die of our hands. Thus (I say) spoke the Lord of Hostes. Behold, I will visit you. Your young men shall perish with the sword, your sons & your daughters shall utterly die of hunger, so that none shall remain. For upon the citizens of Anathoth will I bring a plague, even the year of their visitation. ¶ The Prophet marveleth greatly at the prosperity of the wicked, all though he confess God to be righteous. The jews are forsaken of the Lord. He speaketh against Curates and Preachers that seduce the people. The Lord threateneth destruction unto the nations that bordered upon Iewry●, which troubled and vexed it. CAPI. XII. O LORD, thou art more righteous, then that I should dispute with the. Nevertheless, let me talk with the in things reasonable. ‡ job. xxi. ● Aba●u●. i. b Psal. 73. ● How happeneth it, that the way of the ungodly is so prosperous? and that it goeth so well with them, which (without any shame) offend and live in wickedness? Thou plantest them, they take rote they grow, and bring forth fruit. They boast much of thee/ yet dost thou not punish them. But thou Lord (to whom I am well known) thou that hast seen, and proved my heart, ‡ ●. P●i●. ●● take them away, like as a flock is carried to the slaughter house, and appoint them for the day of slaughter. How long shall the land mourn, * jere. 14. ● and all the herbs of the field perish, for the wickedness of them that dwell therein. The cattles and the birds are gone/ yet say they tush, * Deut. nineteen. ● jere. v. ● and xxiii. ● Soph. i. ● God will not destroy us utterly. saying, thou art weary in running with the foot men, how wilt thou then run with horses? In a peaceable sure land thou mayest be safe/ but how wilt thou do in the furious pride of jordane? For thy brethren and thy kindred have all together despised thee/ and cried out upon the in thine absence. * jere. ix. ●. Believe them not/ though they speak fair words to the. As for me (I say) I have forsaken mine own dwelling place, and left mine heritage. My life also that I love so well, have I given into the hands of mine enemies. * Isaiah. ●ix ● Mine heritage is become unto me, as a Lion in the wood. It cried out upon me, therefore, have I forsaken it. Mine heritage is unto me, as a speckled bird, a bird of diverse colours is upon it. Go hence, and gather all the beasts of the field together, that they may eat it up. * Esa. ●vi. c. Esay. v. a. diverse herdsmen have broken down my vinyeard, and trodden upon my portion. Of my pleasant portion, they have made a wilderness and desert. They have laid it waste: and now that it is waste, it sigheth unto me. Ye, the whole land lieth waste, and no man regardeth it. The destroyers come over the heeth every way, for the sword of the Lord doth consume from the one end of the land to the other/ and no flesh hath rest. They have sown wheat and reaped thorns. They have taken heritage in possession, but it doth them no good. and ye shall be confounded of your own winnings, because of the great wrath of the Lord. Thus sayeth the Lord upon all mine evil neighbours, that lay hand on mine heritage/ which I have given my people of Israel. Behold, I will pluck them (namely Israel) out of their land/ and put out the house of juda from among them. * Deut. iiii. ●. and. thirty. ●. Esa. ●iii. b. And when I have rooted them out I will be at one with them again, and I will have mercy upon them: ‡ i. Esdr. ●. a. and bring them again, every man to his own heritage, and in to his land. And if they (namely that trouble my people) will learn the ways of them/ to swear by my name. The Lord liveth (like as they learned my people to swear by Baal) then shall they be reckoned among my people. ‡ Mat. xxii. b But if they will nat obey, then will I rote out the same folk, and destroy them/ sayeth the Lord. ¶ The destruction of the jews is prefigured, and their sparsinge abroad. Why Israel was received to be the people of God, and why they were forsaken. CAPI. XIII. THus sayeth the Lord unto me go thy way/ and get me a linen breach/ and gird it about thy loins/ and let i● nat be wet. Then I got me a breach/ according to the commandment of the Lord, and put it about my loins. After this the Lord spoke unto me again: Take the breach that thou hast prepared and put about thee/ and get the up, & go unto Euphrates, & hide it i a hole of the rock. So went I, and hid it at Euphrates, as the Lord commanded me. And it happened long after this, that the Lord spoke unto me: Up, and get the to Euphrates, and fet the breach from thence which I commanded the to hide thee. Then went I to Euphrates, and digged up/ and took the breach from the place where I had hid it: and behold, the breach was corrupt so that it was profitable for nothing. Then said the Lord unto me: Thus sayeth the Lord: Even so will I corrupt the pride of juda, and the high mind of jerusalem. This people is a wicked people, * jere. seven. ●▪ xi ●. xviii. a and. nineteen. c. they will not hear my word, they follow the wicked imaginations of their own heart and hang upon strange Gods, them they serve and worship: and therefore they shallbe as this breach, that serveth for nothing. For as straightly as a breach lieth upon a man's loins, so straightly did I bind the whole house of Israel, and the whole house of juda unto me, sayeth the Lord: * Deut. iiii. ● and. xxvi. d jere. thirty. d. that they might be my people: that they might have a glorious name: that they might be in honour: but they would not obey me. Therefore lay this riddle before them/ and say: Thus sayeth the Lord God of Israel: Every pot shallbe filled with wine. And they shall say: thinkest thou we know not, that every pot shallbe filled with wine? Then shalt thou say unto them. Thus sayeth the Lord: Behold, I shall fill all the inhabitors of this land with dronekennes, the kings that sit upon david's stole/ the priests and prophets/ with all that dwell at jerusalem. And I will shoot them one against another, ye, the fathers against the sons, sayeth the Lord. I will not pardon them, I will not spare them, nor have pity upon them: but destroy them. Be obedient, give ear, take nat disdain at it, for it is the Lord high self that speaketh. Honour the Lord your God here in, or he take his light from you/ and or ever your feet stumble in darkness at the hill: lest when ye look for the light, he turn it in to the shadow and darkness of death, But if ye will not hear me, that give you secret warning, I will mourn from my whole heart for your stubborns. * jere. xxx●▪ ● Threno. ●. a Piteously will I weep, and the tears shall gusshe out of mine eyes. For the lords flock shall be carried away captive. Tell the king and the queen: Humble yourselves, set you down low, for the crown of your glory shall fall from your head: The cities toward the south shallbe shut up, and no man shall open them. All juda shall be carried away captive, so that none shall remain▪ life up your eyes, and behold them, that come from the North. Like a fat flock shall they fall upon the. To whom wilt thou make thy moan, when they come upon the▪ for thou haste taught them thyself/ and made them masters over the. Shall nat sorrow come upon thee, as on a woman travailing with child? And if thou wouldest say then in thine heart. Wherefore come these things upon me? * jere. xxi. ●▪ Esay. xiii. ● Even for the multitude of thy blasphemies, shall thy hinder parts and thy feet be discovered. For like as the man of Ind may change hysskynne/ and the cat of the mountain her sports: so may ye that be exercised in evil/ do good. Therefore will I scatre you, like as the stubble the is taken away with the south wind. This shall be your portion, and the poreyon of your measure, wherewith ye shallbe rewarded of me, sayeth the Lord: because ye have forgotten me/ and put your trust in dysceatfull things. * jere. xv. b. Therefore Os●●. two. d. shall I turn thy clothes over thy head/ and discover thy thighs/ that thy prevytyes may be seen, thy adultery/ thy deadly malice, thy beastliness, and thy shameful whoredom. For upon the fields and hills I have seen thy abominations. Woe be unto thee (O jerusalem) when wilt thou ever be cleansed any more? ¶ Of the dea●the that should come in jewry. The prayer of the people asking mercy of the Lord. The unfaithful people are not heard. Of prayer, ●astynge, and of false prophets that seduce the people. CAPI. XIIII. THE word of the Lord showed unto jeremy, concerning the dearth of the fruits. juda hath mourned, his gates are desolate: they are brought to heaviness even unto the ground/ and the cry of jerusalem goeth up. The Lords sent their servants to fetch water/ and when they came to the wells, they did find no water but carried their vessels home empty. They be ashamed and confounded/ and cover their heads. * Iere xxiii. b For the ground is dried up/ because there cometh no rain upon it. The plowmen also be ashamed/ and cover their heads. The hind also forsook the young fawn, that he brought forth in the field/ because there was no grass. The wild Asses did stand in the high places, and drew in their wind like the dragons. their eyes did fail for want of grass. Doubtless our own wickedness doth reward us: But Lord do thou according to thy name/ though our transgressions and sins be many. * Esay. 49. ● jere. xvi. ●. and▪ xvii. ●. For thou art the comfort and help of Israel in the time of trouble. Why wilt thou be as a stranger in the land, & as one that goeth over the field, and cometh in only to remain for a night? Why wilt thou make thyself a coward/ and as it were a giant that yet may nat help? For thou (O Lord) art in the mids of us/ and thy name is called upon of us: forsake us nat. Thus hath the Lord said unto this people: ☞ seeing they have had such a lust to wander abroad, and have nat refrained their feet, & therefore displeased the Lord: but he will now bring again to remembrance all their misdeeds, and punish all their sins. Ye, even thus said the Lord unto me: * jere. seven. ●. Esay. ●. ●. Thou shalt nat pray to do this people good. For though they fast, I will nat hear their prayers. And though they offer burnt offerings and sacrifices, yet will nat I accept them. For I will destroy them with the sword, hunger and pestilence. Then answered I: O Lord God, * jere. v. ●. Soph. ●. the prophets say unto them: Tush, ye shall ‡ ●. jere. xi●. ● and. xxiii. ●. need to fear no sword, and no hunger shall come upon you, but the Lord shall give you continual rest in this place. And the Lord said unto me: The prophets preach lies in my name, where as I have not * jere. xx●●●. ● sent them, nether gave I them any charge, neither did I speak unto them: yet they preach unto you false visions, charming, vanity/ and deceitfulness of their own heart. Therefore, thus saith the Lord: As for those prophets that preach in my my name (whom I nevertheless have nat sent) and that say: Tush, there shall no sword nor hunger be in this land. * ●●●ha. ●3. ●. With sword and with hunger shall those prophets perish, and the people to whom they preach shallbe cast out of jerusalem, die of hunger, and be slain with the sword, * jere. xv●. ●. (and there shallbe no man to bury them) both they and their wives, their sons & their daughters. For thus will I pour their wickedness upon them. This shalt y● say also unto them. * Treno. i. ●. and. two. ●. Mine eyes shall weep without ceasing day and night. For my people shall be destroyed with great harm/ and shall perish with a great plague. For if I go into the field, lo; it lieth all full of slain men. If I come into the city, lo, they be all famyshed of hunger. Ye, their prophets also and priests shall be led into an unknown land. Haste thou then utterly forsaken juda? plagued us, that we can be healed no more? * jere. viii. ● We looked for peace, and there cometh no good: for the time of health, and lo, here is nothing but trouble. We knowledge (O Lord (all our misdeeds, and the sins of our fathers, that we have offended the. Be not displeased, (O Lord) for thy name's sake * 〈…〉. xlix. ● forget not thy loving kindness. Remember the throne of thine honour, break not the covenant, that thou hast made with us. * jere. v. d Are there any among the Gods of the Gentiles, that send rain or give the showers of heaven? Dost not thou it, O Lord our God in whom we trust? Ye Lord, thou dost all these things. ¶ The Lord will not hear Moses or Aaron, if they pray for the people, but will wrap them in many miseries. The ●●use of such great miseries. CAPI. XV. THAN spoke the Lord unto me: * jere. 7. b. 11 1. and. 14. b Ezec. xi●ii. ● Though Moses & Samuel stood before me, yet have I no heart to this people. drive them away, that they may go out of my sight. And if they say unto thee: Why there shall we go? then tell them: The Lord giveth you this answer. * Ezech. v. ● Some unto death, some the sword, some to hunger/ some into captivity. For I will bring four plagues upon them, sayeth the Lord. The sword shall strangle them, the dogs shall devour them, * jere. xvi. a the fowls of the air/ and beasts of the earth shall eat them up, and destroy them. I will scatre them about also in all kingdoms and lands to be plagued because of * 4. Re. 21. a Manasseh the son of Hezekia king of juda, for the things that he did in jerusalem. Who shall then have pity upon thee/ O jerusalem? Who shall be sorry for thee? Or who shall make intercession, to obtain peace for thee? saying thou goest fro me and turnest backward, sayeth the Lord? Therefore I did stretch out mine hand against thee, to destroy thee/ and I will not be entreated. I have scattered them abroad with the fan on every side of the land. ‡ jere. seven. ● I have wasted my people & destroyed them. Yet they have had no lust to turn from their own ways I have made their widows more in number, than the sands, of the see. Upon the mothers of their children did I bring a destroyer in the none day. * 1. Tess. 5. a Suddenly & unawares did I send a fear upon their cities, She that hath borne seven children, hath none, her heart is full of sorrow. ‡ 〈…〉. b The Son doth fail her in the clear day, she is confounded and faint for very heaviness. As for those that cemayne, I will deliver them unto the sword before their enemies, sayeth the Lord. * jere. xx. d O mother, alas that ever thou diddest bear me/ a enemy & hated of the whole land: Though I never lent nor received upon usury/ yet all men speak evil upon me. And the Lord answered me: lead not I y● then unto good? Come not I to thee, when thou art in trouble: and help thee, when thine enemy oppresseth thee? Doth one iron hurt another/ or one metell that cometh from the North/ another. * jere. xvii. ● and. xx. ● As for thy richesse and treasure, I will give them out into a pray not for any money, but because of all thy sins, that thou hast done in all thy costs. * Deute. 32. ● And I will bring the with thine enemies into a land, that thou knowest not/ for the fire that is kindled in my indignation shall hurne you up. O Lord, thou knowest: therefore remember me, and visit me, deliver me fro my persecutors. receive not my cause in thy long wrath, yet thou knowest, that for thy sake I suffer rebuke. * Psal. ●ix. ● Ezec. iii. a When I had found thy words/ I did eat them up greedily: they have made my heart joyful and glad. For I call upon thy name/ O Lord God of Hosts. I dwell not among the scorners, neither is my delight therein: but I dwell only in the fear of thy hand, for thou haste filled me with bitterness. Shall my heaviness endure for ever? Are my plagues then so great/ that they may never be healed● Wilt thou be as a water/ that falleth, and can nat continue? Upon these words, thus said the Lord unto me: If thou wilt turn again/ I shall set the in my service: and if thou wilt take out the things that is precious from the vile, thou shalt be even as myve own mouth. * jere. xxi. a They shall convert unto thee, but turn not thou unto them: & so shall I make the a strong brazen wall against this people. * Jere▪ ●. ●. They shall fight against thee/ but they shall not prevail: For I myself will be with thee, to help thee/ and deliver the sayeth the Lord. And I will rid the out of the hands of the wicked, and deliver the out of the hand of Tiraun●es. ¶ He prophesieth the misery of the jews. He showeth, that the worshipping of Idols: the contempt of God's law, is the cause of their misery. He prophesieth the captivity of Babylon, and their delyu●raunce from thence again. The calling of the gentiles. CAPI. XVI. THUS said the Lord unto me▪ Thou shalt take the no wife, norbeget children in this place. For of the children that are borne in this place/ of their mothers that have borne them, and of their fathers that have begotten them in this land thus sayeth the Lord. ⚜ They shall die an horrible death, * levit. r. d Jere, xiiii. c no man shall mourn for them, nor bury them, but they shall lie as dung upon the earth. They shall perish thorough the sword and hunger, * Psal. ●9. a jere xv. a and their bodies shallbe meat for the fowls of the air, and beasts of the earth. For thus saith the Lord: Go not thou in unto them nor come to mourn and weep for them, for I have taken my peace from this people (sayeth the Lord) ye, my favour & my mercy. And in this land shall they die, old and young, and shall not be buried: no man shall be weep them, no man shall clip or shave himself for them. There shall not one viset another, to mourn with them for their dead, or to comfort them. One shall not offer another the cup of consolation, to forget their heaviness for father and mother. ‡ 1. Cor. xv. b Thou shalt not go into their feast house, to sit down, to eat or drink with them. For thus sayeth the Lord of Hosts the God of Israel: * jere. seven. d and. xv. b. Behold, I shall take away out of this place, the voice of mirth and gladness, the voice of the bridegroom & of the bride: ye, and that in your days, that ye may see it. Now when thou showest this people all these words/ and they say unto the. * jere. v. d Wherefore hath the Lord devised all this great plague for us? Or what is the offence and sin/ that we have done against the Lord our God? Then make thou them this answer: * Deut iiii. d ●ire. seven. d Because your fathers have forsaken me (sayeth the Lord) and have walked after strange Gods, whom they have honoured and worshipped: but me have they forsaken, and have not kept my law. * jere. seven. d. And ye with your shameful blasphemies/ have exceeded the wickedness of your fathers. For every one of you hath followed the froward and evil imagination of his own heart, and is not obedient unto me. * Deut. 28. ●. Therefore will I cast you out of this land, into a land that ye and your fathers know not: and there shall ye serve strange god's day and night, there will I show you no favour. * jere. xxiii. b Behold therefore (sayeth the Lord) the days are come, that it shall no more be said: The Lord liveth, which brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypte: but, it shall be said, the Lord liveth, that brought the children of Israel from the North, and from all lands where he had scattered them. For I will bring them again into the land/ that I gave unto their fathers. Behold (sayeth the Lord) * Math. 4. c I will send out many fishers to take them, and after that will I send out many hunters to hunt them out, from all mountains and hills and out of the caves of stone. For mine eyes behold all their ways, and they can not be hid fro my face, neither can their wicked deeds be kept close out of my sight. But first will I sufficiently reward their shameful blasphemies and sins/ because they have defiled my land: Namely with their stinking Idols and abominations, wherewith they have filled mine heritage. * jere. xiiii. a and. xvii O Lord, my strength, my power/ & refuge in time of trouble. The gentiles shall come unto the from the ends of the world, and say: verily, our fathers have cleaved unto lies, their Idols are but vain & unprofitable. How can a man make those his gods, which are not able to be gods? And therefore I will once teach them, sayeth the Lord, I will show them my hand and my power, that they may know/ that my name is the Lord. ¶ The frowardness of the jews. Cursed be those that put their confidence in man, and those blessed that trust to God. Man's heart is wicked. God is the searcher of the heart. The living waters are forsaken. The hallowing of the Sabbath is commanded. CAPI. XVII. your sin (O ye of the tribe of juda) is written in the table of your hearts, and graven so upon the edges of your altars with a pen of iron and with an adamant claw: that your children also may think upon your altars, woods/ thick trees, high hills, mountains and fields. * jere. xv. ● and. xx. ● Wherefore, I will make all your substance and treasure be spoiled, for the great sin that ye have done upon your high places thorough out all the costs of your land. Ye shall be cast out also from the heritage, that I gave you. And I will subdue you under the heavy bondage of your enemies, in a land that ye know not. For ye have ministered fire to my indignation, which shall burn ever more. Thus sayeth the Lord. * Psal. 〈◊〉 Prove. x●. ● jere. ●ivi. ● and. 48. a▪ Eze. xxix. a Cursed be the man that putteth his trust in man, and that taketh flesh for his arm: & he/ whose heart departeth from the Lord. He shall be like the heath, that groweth in the wilderness. As for the good thing that is for to come, he shall not see it: but dwell in a dry place of the wilderness, in a salt and unoccupied land. ‡ Psal. two. b and. 39 ● Prou. x●●●. ● O blessed is the man, that putteth his trust in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord himself. ‡ Psal. i. a. Prou. xi. d For he shall be as a tre, that is planted by the water side: which spreadeth out the rote unto moistness, whom the heat can nat harm, whenit cometh, but his lief shallbe green. And though there grow but little fruit because of drought yet is he nat careful, but he never leaveth of to bring forth fruit. Among all things, man bathe the most deceitful and unsexcheable heart. Who shall then know it? * Iere xi. d. ●poca. two d Psal. seven. b Even I the Lord search out the ground of the heart, and try the reins, * Rom. 〈◊〉. ●. and reward every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his works. ☞ * Pro 〈◊〉 a Psal iii. b. Luk. xiii. b. The partriche maketh a nest of eggs, but bringeth forth no young. He cometh by riches, but nat righteously. In the midst of his life must he leave them behind him, and at the last be found a very fool. But thou (O Lord) whose throne is most glorious, excellent and of most antyquite, which dwellest in the place of our holy rest: Thou art the comfort of Israel. All they that forsake thee, shallbe confounded: all they that depart from thee, ☞ shallbe written in earth * jere. iii. d. Eze. 36 d. john 〈◊〉. b for they have forsaken the Lord the very conduit of the waters of life. heal me, O Lord, and I shall be hole: save thou me, and I shall be saved, for thou art my praise. Behold, these men say unto me. Where is the word of the Lord (Let it come now) where as I nevertheless leading the flock in thy ways, have compelled none by violence. For I never desired any man's death, this knowest thou well. My words also were right before the. Be nat no we terrible unto me, O Lord * Iere xi●i●. a and. xvi. c. for thou art he in whom I hope, when I am in apparel. Let my persecutors be confounded, but nat me: let them be afraid, and nat me. Thou shalt bring upon them the time of their plague, and shalt destroy them right sore. Thus hath the Lord said unto me: * jere. seven. a. and. xxvi. a Go and stand under the gate, where thorough the people and the kings of juda go out and in, ye, under all the gates of jerusalem, and say unto them. Hear the word of the Lord, ye kings of juda, & all thou people of juda, and all ye citizens of jerusalem, that go thorough this gate Thus the Lord commandeth. * Exod. 23. b. Deut. v. b. Take heed for your lives, that ye carry no burden upon you in the Sabbath, to bring it thorough the gates of jerusalem: ye shall bear no burden also out of your houses in the Sabbath Ye shall do no labour therein, but ☞ hallow the Sabbath, * Exod. xx. b. as I commanded your fathers. How be it, they obeyed me not neither hearkened they unto me: but were obstinate & stubborn, and neither obeyed me: nor received my correction. Nevertheless, if ye will hear me (sayeth the Lord) & bear no burden in to the city thorough this gate upon the Sabbath: If ye will hallow the Sabbath, so that ye do no work therein: then shall there go thorough the gates of this city, kings and princes, that shall sit upon the stool of David: They shall be carried upon charettes, and ride upon horses, both they and their princes. Ye, whole juda and all the citizens of jerusalem shall go here thorough, and this city shall ever be the more and more inhabited. There shall come men also from the cities of juda, from about jerusalem, and from the land of Benjamin, from the plain fields, from the mountains and from the wilderness: which shall bring burnt offerings, sacrifices, oblations, and incense/ and offer up thanksgiving in the house of the Lord. But if ye will nat be obedient unto me, to allow the Sabbath, so that ye will bear your burdens, thorough the gates of jerusalem upon the Sabbath. Then shall I set fire upon the gates of jerusalem, and it shall burn up the houses of jerusalem/ and no man shall be able to quench it. ¶ God showeth, by the example of a potter, that it is in his power to destroy the despisers of his word, and to help them again when they amend. The conspira●ye of the jews against jeremy. His prayer against his adversaries. CAPI. XVIII. THIS is another communication, that God had with jeremy/ saying: Arise/ and go down into the Potter's house/ and there shall I tell the more of my mind. Now when I came to the Potter's house, I found him making his work upon a wheel. The vessel that the Potter made of clay, broke among his hands: So he began a new, and made another vessel, according to his mind. Then said the Lord thus unto me. * Esa. xlv. b. jere. nineteen. ●. Roma. ix. ● May nat I do with you, as this Potter doth, O ye house of Israel, sayeth the Lord? Be hold, ye house of Israel: ye are in my hand, even as the clay in the Potter's hand. * Eze. xviii. ● and. 33. ●. Luke. xv. a. When I take in hand to rote out, to destroy, or to waste away any people or kingdom ‡ Iona●. 3. b. if that people (against whom I have thus devised) convert from their wickedness: I repent of the plague, that I devised to bring upon them. * ●. Reg. xv. f Again, when I take in hand, to build/ or to plant a people or a kingdom: if the same people do evil before me, and hear nat my voice: I repent of the good: that I devise to do for them. Speak now therefore unto whole juda: and to them that dwell at jerusalem. Thus sayeth the Lord: Behold, I am devising a plague for you, and am taking a thing in hand against you. * jer. xxv. a. and xxxv. c jona. iii. b Therefore let every man turn from his evil way, take upon you the thing that is good, and do right. But they said. no more of this * jer. xiii. a. we will follow our own imaginations, and do every man according to the wilfulness of his own mind. Therefore thus sayeth the Lord. Ask among the Heathen, if any man hath hard such horrible things, as the daughter of Zion hath done. Shall nat the snow (that melteth upon the stony rocks of Libanus) moisten the fields? Or may the springs of waters be so graven away, that they run no more, give moistness/ nor make fruit full? But my people hath so forgotten me, that they have made sacrifice unto vain Gods. And while they followed their own ways they are come out of the high street and gone into a foot way nat used to betroden. Where thorough they have brought their land into an everlasting wilderness and scorn. * jere. nineteen. b. and. xlix. c. So that whosoever travaileth thereby, shallbe abashed, and wag their heads with an east wind will I scatter them, before their enemy. And when their destruction cometh, I will turn my back upon them, but nat my face. Then said they: * jere. xi. b. come, let us imagine something against this jeremy. For ☞ the priests shall nat be destitute of the law: nether shall the wiseman be destitute of council, nor the prophets destitute of the word of. God Come, and ☞ let us smite him with the tongue, and let us make all his words. consider me, O Lord, and hear the voice of mine enemies * Psal. cix. a. shall they recompense evil for god? for they have digged a pit for my soul * jere. x. d. Remember, how that I stood before thee, to speak good for them, and to turn away thy wrath from them. * Psal. cix. b ●hren. iii. f Therefore let their children die of hunger, and let them be oppressed with the sword. Let their wives be rob of their children, and become widows: let their husbaundes be slain, let their young men be killed with the sword in the field. Let the noise be herd out of their houses, when the murderer cometh suddenly upon them. * jere. xi. d. For they have digged a pit to take me, and laid snares for my feet. Yet Lord, thou knowest all their council, that they have devised, to slay me. forgive nat their wickedness/ and let nat their sin be put out of thy sight: but let them be judged before the as the guilty: This shalt thou do unto them in the time of thy indignation. ¶ He prophesieth the destruction of jerusalem, for the contempt and despising of the word of God. CAPI. XIX. THUS said the Lord: Go thy way and buy the an earthen pitcher/ and bring forth the Senators and chief preastes into the valley of the children of Hennom, which lieth before the door that is made of brick/ and show them there the words, that I shall tell thee, and say thus unto them. Hear the word of the Lord, ye kings of juda/ and ye citizens of jerusalem. ‡ 3. Reg. 21. ●. Ieremi. 6. c Thus sayeth the Lord of Hosts the God of Israel: ‡ Deut. xii d and. 28. b. Psal. ●vi. ● Eze. xvi. c. and. xx. d. Behold I will bring such a plague upon this place/ that the ears of all that hear it, shall glow. And that because they have forsaken me/ and unhallowed this place, and have offered in it unto strange gods: whom neither they/ their fathers, nor the kings of juda have known. They have filled this place also with the blood of innocentes * jere. seven. d. for they have set up an altar unto Baal, to burn their children for a burnt offering unto Baal, which I neither commanded/ nor charged them, neither thought once there upon. Behold therefore * 3. Reg. 9 b. jer. xviii. b and. xxix. c. and. ●. b. the time cometh (sayeth the Lord) that this place shall no more be called Topheth, nor the valley of the children of Hennon, but the valley of slaughter: For in this place will I slay the Senators of juda and jerusalem/ and kill them down with the sword in the sight of their enemies, and of them that seek their lives. And their deed carcases will I give to be meat for the fowls of the air, and beasts of the field. And I will make this city so desolate, and despised: that who so goeth there by, shall be abashed and ●east upon her/ because of all her plagues. * Three. iiii. b I will feed them also with the flesh of their sons & their daughters. ‡ Deut. 28. c. 4. Reg. vi. ● Ye, every one shall eat up another in the besieging and straightness, wherewith their enemies (that seek their lives) shall keep them in. And the pitcher shalt thou break in the sight of the men, that shallbe with thee, and say unto them: Thus sayeth the Lord of Hosts: * ●●●. xviii. ● Even so will I destroy this people and city: as a man breaketh an earthen vessel, that cannot be made whole again. * jere. seven. d. In Topheth shall they be buried, for they shall have none other place. Thus will I do unto this place also, sayeth the Lord, and to them that dwell therein: ye, I will do to this city as unto Topheth (For the houses of Ireusalem and the houses of the kings of juda shallbe defiled, like as Topheth) because of all the houses, in whose parlours they did sacrifice unto all the host of heaven and powered drink offerings unto strange gods. And so jeremy ca● from Topheth, where the Lord had sent him to prophecy, and stood in the court of the house of the Lord, and spoke to all the people: Thus sayeth the Lord of Hosts the God of Israel: Behold, I will bring upon this city & upon every town about it, all the plagues that I have devised again them: * jere. seven. c. and. xiii. b. for they have been obstinate, and would nat obey my warnings. ¶ jeremy is smitten and east into preson, for preaching of the word of God. He prophesieth the captyuyi●e of Babylon. He complaineth that he is a mocking stoche for the word of God. He is compelled by the spirit to preach the word. CAPI. XX. WHen Phashur the pressed, the son of Emer, chief in the house of the Lord, hard jeremy preach so stead fastly: * job xv●ii. c 〈◊〉 xxiii. a. he smote jeremy & put him in the stocks, that are by the high gate of Ben jamin, in the house of the Lord. The next day following Phashur brought jeremy out of the stocks again. Then said jeremy unto him. The Lord shall call the no more Phashur (that is excellent and increasing) but Mogul (that is fearful and afraid) every where. For thus sayeth the Lord: behold, I will make the afraid, even thyself, and all that favour thee: which shall perish with the sword of their enemies, even before thy face. And I will give whole juda under the power of the king of Babylon, which shall carry some unto Babylon presoners, and slay some with the sword. * 4. Reg. ix. c jere. xv. c. and. xvii. a Moreover, all the substance of this land, all their precious and gorgeous works, all costliness, and all the treasure of the Kings of juda: will I give into the hands of their enemies, which shall spoil them, & carry them unto Babylon. But as for thee (O Phashur) thou shalt be carried unto Babylon with all thine household, and to Babylon shalt thou come, where thou shalt die, and be buried, thou and all thy favourers, to whom thou hast preached lies. O Lord. If I am deceived, them hast thou deceived me: thou haste dealt strongly, and hast prevailed, and makest me strong again. * Three. i●i. b All the day long am I despised, and laughen to scorn of every man: because I have now preached long against malicious Tyranny, & showed them of destruction. * jere. vi. b. For the which cause they cast the word of the Lord: in my teeth, and take me ever to the worst. Wherefore, I thought from hence forth/ nat to speak of him, nor to preach any more in his name. But the word of the Lord was a very burning fire in my heart and in my bones, which when I would have stopped, I might nat. For why * Psa. ●xxi. b I hard so many derisions & blasphemies, ye, even of mine own companions, and of such as were conversant with me: which went about to make me afraid, saying, upon him, let us go upon him, to fear him, and make him hold his tongue: that we may overcome him, and be avenged of him. But the Lord stood by me, like a mighty giant: therefore my persecutors fell, and could do no thing. They shall be sore confounded, for they have done unwisely/ they shall have an everlasting shame. * jere. xi. d. And now, O Lord of Hosts, thou righteous searcher (which knowest the reins and the very hearts:) let me see them punished, for unto the I commit my cause. Sing unto the Lord, and praise him, for he hath delivered the soul of the oppressed, from the hand of the violent. * job. iii. a. jere. xv. b. Cursed be the day, wherein I was borne, unhappy be the day wherein my mother brought me forth. Cursed be the man, that brought my father the tidings, to make him glad/ saying: thou haste gotten a son. Let it happen unto that man, as to the cities * Gene. nineteen. c which the Lord turned up side down (when he had heard long the wicked rumour of them) because he slew me nat/ as soon as I came out of my mother's womb/ and because my mother was nat my grave herself, that the birth might nat have come out but remained still in her. * job. x. c. Wherefore came I forth of my mother's womb? To have experience of labour and sorrow? and to lead my life with shame? CAPI. XXI. He ꝓphecieth that zadekiah shall be taken, ● the city burned. THESE are the words that the Lord spoke unto jeremy * jere. 37. a. what time as king Zedekiah sent unto him Phashur the son of Melchias, and Sophonias, the son of Maasias pressed, saying. * 4. Re. ●2. b. 2. Par. 1●. a jer. xlii. a. Ask council at the Lord (we pray thee) of our behalf, for Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon besiegeth us, if the Lord (peradventure) will deal with us, according to his marvelous power, & take him from us. Then spoke jeremy, give Zedekias this answer. Thus sayeth the Lord God of Israel: behold, I will turn back the weapons that ye have in your hands, wherewith ye fight against the king of Babylon & the Caldees, which besiege you round about the walls, and I will bring them together into the midst of this cyrie, and I myself will fight against you, with an outstretched hand, & with a mighty arm, in great displeasure and terrible wrath: & will smite them, that dwell in this city: ye, both men and cattles shall die of a great pestilence. * jere. 39 a And after this (sayeth the Lord) I shall deliver Zedekias the king of juda, and his servants, his people (and such as are escaped in the city, from the pestilence, sword, and hunger (into the power of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon: Ye, into the hands of their enemies into the hands of those that follow upon their lives, which shall smite them which the sword, they shall nat pity them, they shall nat spare them, they shall have no mercy upon them. And unto this people thou shalt say. Thus sayeth the Lord: * Deu. thirty ●. behold, I lay before you the way of life and death. ‡ jere. 27. a. and. 38. a. Who so abideth in this city, shall perish: either with the sword, with hunger, or with pestilence. But who so goeth out to hold on the Chaldees part, that besiege it, he shall save his life, and shall win his soul for a pray. * Ie●. xxxii. a For I have set my face against this city (sayeth the Lord) to plague it, and to do it no good. It must be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and be brent with fire. And unto the house of the king of juda, say thus: Hear the word of the lord (O thou house of David) for thus saith the Lord: * Isaiah. i. ●. jer. xxii. a. zacha. seven. b Ministre righteousness and that soon, deliver the oppressed from violente power ‡ jere. iiii. a or ever my terrible wrath break out like a fire, and burn so, that no man may quench it, because of the wickedness of your imaginations * jere. 48. a. Behold (sayeth the Lord) I will come upon you, that dwell in the valleys, rocks and fields, and say. * Deu. xx●x. ● jere. v. b. 12. a. 14. b and. 23. c. Sophi. ●▪ c. Tush: who will make us afraid? or who will come into our houses? For I will visit you (sayeth the Lord) because of the wickedness of your inventions, & will kindle, such a fire in your wood, as shall consume all that is about you. ¶ He exhorteth the King of juda to judgement and righteousness. Why jerusalem to brought into captivity. The death of Selum the son of josua is prophesied. CAPI. XXII. THus said the Lord, Go down into the house of the king of juda, and speak there these words, and say: Hear the word of the Lord, thou king of juda that sittest in the kingly seat of David: thou and thy servants and thy people that go in and out at this gate. Thus the Lord commandeth: * Isaiah. ●. t. jere. xxi. ●. zacha. seven. d keep equity and righteousness, deliver the oppressed from the power of the violent: do nat grieve nor oppress the stranger, the fatherless nor the widow, & shed no innocent blood in this place. And if ye keep these things faithfully, then shall there come in at the door of this house kings, to sit upon David's seat: they shall be carried in Chariots and ride upon horses both they and their servants, and their people. But if ye will nat be obedient unto these commandments, * Isaiah. i. ●. jere. 51. ●. Hebr. vi. b. I swear by mine own self (sayeth the Lord) this house shall be waste For thus hath the Lord spoken upon the kings house of juda. Thou Gilead art unto me the head of Libanus. Shall I nat make the so waste (and thy cities also) that no man shall dwell therein? I will prepare a destroyer with his weapons for thee, to hew down thy special cedar trees, and to cast them in the fire. And all the people that go by this city/ shall speak one to another. * Deu. ●9. ●. 3. Reg. ix. b Wherefore hath the Lord done thus unto this noble city. Then shall it be answered: * Deut. 29. ●. 3. Reg. 9 b. 4. Re. ●3. b. 2. Pat. 7. d because they have broken the covenant of the Lord their God/ and have worshipped and served strange Gods. * 4. Reg. 23. ● Mourn not over the deed, and be not woe for them, but be sorry for him that departeth away: for he cometh not again, and seeth his native country no more. For thus sayeth the Lord, as touching. * two. Pa. iii. ● Selum the son of josias king of juda which reigned after his father/ and is carried out of this place. He shall never come hither again, for he shall die in the place, whereunto he is led captive, and shall see this land no more. * Esay●. v. c Agge. i a. woe worth him, that buildeth his house with unrighteousness, & his parlours with the good that he hath gotten by violence: which never recompenseth his neighbour's labour, nor payeth him his hire. He thinketh in himself. I will build me a wide house, & gorgeous parlours. He causeth windows to be hewn therein, and the sylynges and joists maketh he of cedar, and painteth them with Smaper. thinkest thou to reign, now that thou provokest me to wrath with the cedar trees. Did not thy father eat and drink, and prosper well, as long as he dealt with equity and righteousness? Ye, when he helped the oppressed and poor to their right, then prospered he well. From whence came this/ but only because he had me before his eyes, sayeth the Lord? Nevertheless, as for thine eyes and thine heart, they look upon covetousness, to shed innocent blood, to do wrong & violence. * 4. Reg. 23. c and. 24. a jere. 36. d And therefore, thus sayeth the Lord against jehoakim, the son of josias king of juda. They shall not mourn for him (as they use to do) alas brother, alas sister. Nether shall they say unto him. Alas sir/ alas for that noble prince. But as an Ass shall he be buried, corrupt and be cast without the gates of jerusalem. Climb up the hill of Libanus (O thou daughter Zion) life up thy voice upon Basan, cry from all parts: for all thy lovers are destroyed. I gave the warning, while thou waste yet in prosperity. But thou saidest: I will not here. And this manner hast thou used from thy youth, that thou wouldest never hear my voice. All thy herdsmen shall be driven with the wind, and thy darlings shallbe carried away into captivity. Then shalt thou be brought to shame & confusion, because of all thy wickedness: thou y● dwellest upon Libanus/ and makest thy nest in the cedar trees * Isaiah. 13. ● and. x●●i. a jere. xii. b and. thirty. a O how great shall thy mourning be, when thy sorrows come upon the as a woman travailing with child. ‡ 4. Re. 24. b As truly as I live (sayeth the Lord) Though Conanias the son of jehoakim king of juda were the signet of my right hand, yet will I pluck him of. And I will give the into the power of them that seek to slay thee, and into the power of them that thou fearest: into the power of Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon, and into the power of the Caldees. Moreover, I will send thee, and thy mother that bore thee, into a strange land, where ye were not borne/ and there shall ye die. But as for the land that ye will desire to return unto, ye shall never come at it again. This man Conanias shall be like an image rob & torn in pieces, which pleaseth no man, for all his appparell. Wherefore both he and his seed shallbe sent away, and cast out into a land that they know not. O thou earth/ earth/ earth, hear the word of the Lord. Thus sayeth the Lord: write this man among the outlaws, for no prosperity shall this man have all his life long, Neither shall any of his seed be so happy/ as to sit upon the seat of david, and to bear rule in juda. ¶ He speaketh against evil Curates that make havoc of the flock of the Lord. Of the co●u●rsyon of the remnant of the jews to the faith. The coming of the true shepherd christ is prophesied. Against false Prophets. When a Prophet preacheth the word of God, God converteth the hearts of the hearers. Against Prophets that preach lies under the name of God. The Miracles of false Prophets. CAPI. XXIII. WOE BE * Ezec. 34. a unto the shepherds that destroy, and scatre my flock sayeth the Lord. Wherefore, this is the commandment of the Lord God of Israel/ unto the shepherds that feed my people: Ye scatre and thrust out my flock, & look not upon them. Therefore now will I beset the wickedness of your imaginations/ sayeth the Lord. And will gather together the remnant of my flock/ from all lands that I had driven them unto, and will bring them again to their pastures, that they may grow and increase. I will set shepherds also over them/ which shall feed them. They shall no more fear and dread/ for there shall none of them be lost, saith the lord. ‡ jere. 33. c Behold the time cometh saith the Lord/ that I will raise up the ⚜ righteous branch of david/ * Esay. xi. ● which shall bear rule/ and discuss matters with wisdom, and shall set up equity & righteousness again in the earth In his time shall juda be saved/ & Israel shall dwell without fear. And this is the name that they shall call him, * Deut. 33. c even the Lord our righteousness. * 1. Corin. i. d And therefore jere. xvi. c behold/ the time cometh, sayeth the Lord, that it shall no more be said: the Lord liveth/ which brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypte: But the Lord liveth/ which brought forth/ & led the seed of the house of Israel, out of the North land and from all countries where I had scattered them, and they shall dwell in their own land again. My heart breaketh in my body because of the false prophets/ all my bones shake: I am become like a drunken man (that by the reason of wine can take no rest) for very fear of the Lord, & of his holy words: Because the laud is full of advoulterers & thorough swearing it mourneth * jere. xiiii. a & the pleasant pastures of the desert are dried up. Ye, the way that men take, is wicked, & their governance is nothing like the holy word of the Lord For Prophets & the priests themselves are polluted hypocrites, & their wickedness have I found in my house, sayeth the Lord. Wherefore, their way shallbe slippery in the darkness, wherein they may stacker & fall. For I will bring a plague upon them, even the year of their visitation sayeth the Lord. I have seve folly among the Prophets of Samaria, that they preached for Baal, & deceived my people of Israel. I have seen also among the Prophets of jerusalem foul adultery, & presumptuous lies. They take the most shameful men by the hand, flattering them, so that they can not return from their wickedness. All these with their citesyns are unto me, as Sodom, and as the inhabitors of Gomorre. Therefore thus sayeth the Lord of Hosts concerning the Prophets: * jere. ix. b Behold/ I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall. For from the Prophets of jerusalem is hypocrisy come into all the land. And therefore the Lord of Hosts giveth you this warning. * jere. 27. b and. xxix. b Hear not the words of the Prophets, that preach unto you/ & deceive you, for they speak the meaning of their own heart, & not out of the mouth of the Lord. * jere. xii. a And. xiiii. b Sopho. i. c They say unto them, that despise me: The Lord hath spoken it: Tush: ye shall prosper right well. And unto all them, that walk after the lust of their own heart, they say: Tush, there shall no misfortune happen you. For who hath sitten in the council of the Lord, that he hath herd and understand, what he is about to do? Who hath marked his devise, and heard it? * jere. thirty. d. Behold/ the stormy wether of the Lord (that is, his indignation) shall go forth, and shall fall down upon the head of the ungodly. And the wrath of the Lord shall not turn again, until he perform and fulfil the thought of his heart. * jere. thirty. d. And in the latter days ye shall know his meaning. I have not sent these Prophets (sayeth the Lord) and yet they ran. * jere. xiiii. b I have not spoken to them/ and yet they preached. But if they had continued in my counsel and heard my words: they had turned my people from their evil ways and wicked imaginations. * Psal. 139. a Ezech. 8. b Am I then God that saith but the thing/ which is nigh at hand, and not that is far of? sayeth the Lord. ‡ Psal. 139. a Amos. ix. a May any man hide himself so/ that I shall not see him? sayeth the Lord. * Esay. 66. a Acts. seven. ● and. xvii. d Do not I fulfil heaven and earth? sayeth the Lord. I have herd well enough, what the Prophets say/ that preach lies in my name, saying: I have dreamt/ I have dreamt. How long will this continue in the Prophets heart/ to tell lies/ and to preach the crafty sotyltye of their own heart? Whose purpose is (with the dreams that every one tell) to make my people forget my name/ as their forefathers did/ when Baal came up. The Prophet that hath a dream/ let him tell it ‡ 2. Lori. 4. a 1. Petr. 4. ● and he that understandeth my word/ let him show it faithfully. For what hath chaff and wheat to do together? sayeth the Lord. Is not my word like a fire/ sayeth the Lord/ and like an hammer, that breaketh the hard stone? Therefore thus sayeth the Lord: behold, I will upon the prophets/ that steal my word privily from every man: Behold, here am I (sayeth the Lord) against the prophets/ that take upon their tongues to speak: The Lord hath said it. Behold, here am I (sayeth the Lord) against those prophets/ that dare prophecy lies, and deceive my people with their vanities, and miracles, whom I never sent/ nor commanded them. They shall do this people great harm sayeth the Lord. If this people, other any prophet or priest ask the and say: what is ☞ the burden of the Lord? Thou shalt say unto them. What burden? Therefore will I cast you fro me (sayeth the Lord) because ye yourselves are a burden. And the Prophet, priest or people that useth this term (the burden of the Lord) him will I visit, and his house also But thus shall ye say, every one to another. ☞ What answer hath the Lord given? or what is the lords commandment? And as for the burden of the Lord, ye shall speak no more of it: for every man's own word is his burden, because ye have altered the words of the living God the Lord of Hosts our God. Thus shall every man say to the Prophets: what answer hath the Lord given thee? Or/ what sayeth the Lord? And not once to name the burden of the Lord. Therefore thus sayeth the Lord. For so much as ye have used this term (the burden of the Lord) where as I not withstanding sent unto you, and forbade you to speak of the lords burden. Behold therefore, I will repute you as a burden, and will cast you out of my presence: ye, and the city also, that I gave you and your fathers: and will bring you to an everlasting confusion, & into such a shame/ as shall never be forgotten. ¶ The vision of the two pannyers of figs. The first vision signifieth that part of the people should be brought again from captivity. The second, that zedekyas and the rest of the people should be destroyed. CAPI. XXIIII. THE Lord showed me a vision: Behold, there stood two maundes of figs before the Temple of the Lord/ afterthat * 4. Re. 24. d Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon had led away captive jechonias the son of jehoakim king of juda/ the mighty men also of juda, with the work masters, and cunning men of jerusalem/ unto Babylon. In the one mand were very good figs/ even like as those that be first ripe In the other mand were very naughty figs, which might not be eaten, they were so evil. Then said the Lord unto me: what sayst thou jeremy? I said * Osee. ix. b figs, whereof some be very good, and some so evil/ that no man may eat them. Then came the word of the Lord unto me/ after this manner: Thus sayeth the Lord the God of Israel: like as thou knowest the good figs/ so shall I know the menled a way, whom I have sent out of this place in to the land of the Caldees, for their profit and I will set mine eyes upon them for the best, for I will bring them again into this land: I will build them up, and not break them down: I will plant them, and not rote them out. * Deut. 29 〈◊〉 jure. thirty. d 31, f. 1. 32. e And I will give them an heart to know, how that I am the Lord. They shallbe my people, and I will be their God, for they shall return unto me with their whole heart. * 〈◊〉 xxix. c And like as thou knowest the naughty figs, which may not be eaten, they are so evil: Even so will I (sayeth the Lord) let Zebekias the King of juda, (ye and all his princes, and the residue of Jerusalem that remain over in this land, and them also that dwell in Egypte) to be vexed and plagued in all kingdoms and lands. And will make them to be a * Psal. 79. ●●atuc. 3. a reproof, a comen by word a laughing stock & shame/ in all the places where I shall scatre them. I will send the sword, hunger, and pestilence among them/ until I have clean consumed them out of the land/ that I gave unto them/ and their fathers. ¶ jeremy prophesieth that they shallbe in capituyte. lxx. years, because they cont●iuned and despised the word of God He showeth that after. lxx. years the Babeloni●ris should be destroyed. The destruction of all ●aryone to propheried. He moveth the Preastes of the nations to wailings. CAPI. XXV. A SERMON that was given unto jeremy, upon all the people of juda. In the fourth year of jehoakun the son of josias King of juda/ that was in the first year of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon. Which Sermon/ jeremy the Prophet made unto all the people of juda, and to all the inhabitors of jerusalem, on this manner. From the thirteen year of josias the son of Amon King of juda, unto this present day (that is even. xxii●. year) the word of the Lord hath been committed unto me. * jere. xxix. c and ●5 c. ● xxxviii. ● And so I have spoken to you, I have risen up early/ I have given you warning in season/ but ye would not hear me. * 2. Par. 36. ● Though the Lord hath sent his servants, all the Prophets unto you in season. Yet would ye not obey, ye would not incline your ears to hear. He said ‡ 4. Reg 17. ● turn again every man from his evil way/ and from your wicked imaginations/ and so shall ye dwell for ever in the land/ that the Lord promised you and your forefathers. And go not after strange Gods, serve them not/ worship them nat, and anger me nat with the works of your hands: then will not I punish you. Nevertheless/ ye would not hear me (sayeth the Lord) but have defied me with the works of your hands/ to your own great harm. Wherefore thus sayeth the Lord of hostis: * jeremy. ●. b Because/ ye have not hearkened unto my word, lo/ I will send out, & call for all the people/ that dwell in the North, sayeth the Lord, and will prepare Nabuchodonosor the king of * Esay. ●. ● jere. xvii. ● Babylon my servant/ and will bring them upon this land, & upon all that dwell therein/ and upon all the people that are about them/ and will utterly rote them out. I will make of them a wilderness a morkage, and a continual desert. * Iere lvii, b. and. xvi. b. Moreover, I will take from them the voice of gladness and solace▪ the voice of the bride groom and the bride/ the voice of the anointed/ with the cresshettes: and this whole land shall become a wilderness, and they shall serve the said people and the king of Babylon, threescore years and ten. * 2. ●a. 36 d 1. Esd. 1. a jere. v. c and. ●9. b Dani. ix. ●. zotha. 1. b When the. ixx. years are expired, I will visit also the wickedness of the King of Babylon and his people sayeth the Lord: ye/ and the land of the Caldees/ and will make it a perpetual wilderness, & will fulfil all my words upon that land/ which I have devised against it: ye, all that is written in this book/ which jeremy hath prophesied of all people: so that they also shallbe subdued unto diverse nations and great kings * job. 34. b for I will recompense them according to their deeds and works of their own hands. For thus hath the Lord God of Israel spoken unto me: Take this * Esay li d Psal. 75. b wine cup of indignation fro my hand/ that thou mayest cause all the people, to whom I send y●/ for to drink of it: that when they have drunken thereof/ they may be mad/ and out of their wits, when the sword cometh/ that I will send among them. Then took I the cup from the lords hand, and made all the people drink thereof/ unto whom the Lord had sent me. But first the city of jerusalem/ and all the cities of juda, their kings and Princes: to make them desolate/ waste/ despised and cursed/ according as it is come to pass this day. Ye/ and Pharaoh the king of Egypte/ his servants/ his princes & his people all together one with another and all kings of the land of Hus/ all kings of the Philistines land/ Ascalon/ Azah/ Accaron and the remnant of Asdod/ the Edomites, the Moabites and the Ammonites all the kings of Tirus & Sidon: the kings of the Isles/ that are beyond the see: Dedan/ Thema, Buz and all them that dwell in the utter most parts of the world: all the kings of Araby/ and (generally) all the kings that dwell in the desert: all the kings of Zamri, all the Kings of Elam/ all the kings of the Medees'/ all kings toward the North/ whether they be far or nigh/ every one with his neighbours: Ye, and all the kingdoms that are upon the whole earth. The king of Sezach said he/ shall drink with them also Therefore say thou unto them: This is the commandment of the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: Drink and be drunken spew and fall/ that ye never rise/ and that thorough the sword/ which I will send among you. But if they will not receive the cup of thy hand/ and drink it, then tell them: Thus doth the Lord of Hosts threaten you: drink it ye shall/ and that shortly. For lo, * Iere xlix b Ezech. ix. b 1. Petr, 4. ● I begin to plague the city/ that my name is given unto: think ye then/ that I will leave you unpunished? Ye shall not go quite. For why, I call for a sword upon all the inhabitors of the earth, saith the Lord of hosts. Therefore tell them all these words, and say unto them. * joel. iiii. c ●mos. i. a The Lord shall cry from above, and let his voice be herd from his holy habitation. With a great noise shall he cry from his court regal, He shall give a great voice (like the grape gatherers) & the sound thereof shallbe herd unto the ends of the world. For the Lord hath a judgement to give upon all people. and will hold his court of justice with all flesh, and punish the ungodly/ sayeth the Lord. For thus sayeth the Lord of hosts. * jere. thirty. d Behold/ a miserable plague shall go from one people to another, and a great stormy water shall arise from all the ends of the earth. And the same day shall the Lord himself slay them, from one end of the earth to another. There shall no moan be made for any of them/ none gathered up/ none buried: but shall lie as dung upon the ground. Mourn (O ye shepherds) & cry: sprinkle yourselves with ashes/ O ye Rams of the flock: for the time of your slaughter is fulfilled, & ye shall fall like vessels cunningly made for pleasure. * Psa. 142● The shepherds shall have no way to fly, and the Rams of the flock shall not escape. Then shall the shepherds cry horribly/ and the Rams of the flock shall mourn? for the Lord hath consumed their pasture/ and their best fields lie dead because of the horrible wrath of the Lord. They have forsaken their folds like as a Lyon. For their land is waste/ because of his fearful indignation. ¶ jeremy moveth the people to amendment. He is taken of the Prophets and priests, and brought to judgement. Uryah the Prophet is killed of joachim, contrary to the will of God. CAPI. XXVI. IN THE beginning of the reign of jehoakim the son of josiah king of JUDA/ came this word from the Lord/ saying: Thus sayeth the Lord: * jere. seven. ● and. xvii. ● Stand in the court of the lords house/ & speak unto all them which (out of the cities of juda (come to do worship in the lords house, all the words that I command the to say. * Deu. iiii. a. and. xii. b. Look that thou keep not one word back/ if (peradventure) they will hearken, and turn every man from his wicked way: * jere. 18 a. john. iii. b that I may also repent of the plague, which I have determined to bring upon them, because of their wicked inventions. And after this manner shalt thou speak unto them: Thus sayeth the Lord: if ye will not obey me, to walk in my laws, which I have given you, and to hear the words of my servants the prophets whom I sent unto you, rising up timely, and still sending: If ye will not follow them (I say) then will I do to this house * jere. seven. a. ☜ as I did unto Siloh, and will make this city to be abhorred of all the people of the earth. And the preastes, the prophets and all the people heard jeremy preach these words, in the house of the Lord. Now when he had spoken out all the words, that the Lord commanded him to preach unto the people, than the priests, the prophets and all the people took hold upon him, and said: thou shalt die. How darest thou be so bold, as to say in the name of the Lord: it shall happen to this house as it did unto Siloh: and this city shallbe so waste/ that no man shall dwell therein? And when all the people were gathered about jeremy in the house of the Lord, the princes of juda heard of this rumour, and they came soon out of the kings Palace into the house of the Lord/ and sat them down before the * 4. Re. xv g jere. ●6. b. new door of the Lord. Then spoke the priests and the prophets unto the rulers and to all the people/ these words: * john. nineteen. a M●t. 26. g. This man is worthy to die, for he hath preached against this city, as ye yourselves have herd with your ears. Then said jeremy unto the rulers and to all the people: The Lord hath sent me to preach against this house and against this city all the words that ye have herd. Therefore amend your ways, and your advisements, and be obedient unto the voice of the Lord your God: so shall the Lord repent of the plague/ that he had devised against you. Now as for me: I am in your hands do with me, as ye think expedient & good. But this shall ye know: if ye put me to death/ * Math. 23. 3 ye shall make yourselves, this city and all the inhabitors thereof/ guilty of innocent blood. For this is of a truth: that the Lord hath sent me unto you, to speak all these words in your ears. Then said the rulers and the people unto the priests and prophets. This man may not be condemned to death, for he hath preached unto us in the name of the Lord our God. The Elders also of the land stood up▪ and said thus unto all the people: Micheah the Morasthite, * Mich. ●. a. which was a prophet under Ezekiah king of juda, spoke to all the people of juda: Thus sayeth the Lord of Hosts: * Mich. iii, ● Zion shallbe ploughed like a field, jerusalem shallbe an heap of stones/ & the hill of the lords house shallbe turned to an high wood. Did Ezekiah the king of juda & the people of juda put him to death for this: No verily, * jonas. 3. ● but rather feared the Lord, & made their prayer unto him. For the which cause also the Lord repent of the plague, that he had devised against them. Should we then do such a shameful deed against our souls: There was a prophet also, that preached stiffly in the name of the Lord/ called Uriah the son of Semeiah of Caryathyarym, this man preached also against this city and against this land, according to all as jeremy sayeth. Now when * 3. Reg. 22. d jehoakim the king with all the estates and princes had heard his words, the king went about to slay him. * 3. Reg. 19 ● Math. 1●. c. When Uriah perceived that, he was afraid and fled, and departed into Egypte. Then jehoakim the king sent servants into the land of Egypte, Namely: Elnathan the son of Achbor and certain men with him into Egypte, which fetched Uriah out of Egypt, & brought him unto king jehoakim, that slew him with the sword, and cast his deed body into the comen people's grave. But Ahikam the son of Saphan helped jeremy/ that he came not into the hands of the people to be slain. jeremy, at the commandment of the Lord/ sendeth bonds to the king of juda/ and to the other kings that were nigh, whereby they are monished to become subjects unto Nabuchodonosor. He warneth the people and the kings and rulers, that they believe not false Prophets. CAPI. XXVII. IN THE beginning of the reign of jehoakim the son of josiah king of juda/ came this word unto jeremy from the Lord, which spoke thus unto me: Make the bonds and chains, and put them about thy neck/ and send them to the king of Edom, to the king of Moab/ to the king of Ammon, to the king of Tyrus, and to the king of Sidon: and that by the messaungers, which shall come to Jerusalem unto Zedekiah the king of juda, and bid them say unto their masters: Thus sayeth the Lord of Hosts the God of Israel, speak thus unto your masters: * Deut. x. t. I am he that made the earth, the me●, and the cattles that are upon the ground, with my great power and outstretched arm, and have given it unto whom it pleased me. * ●rcl●. x. ●. jubit. xi. d. je. xxxii. ●. And now will I deliver all these lands into the power of Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon ‡ Da●i, iiii. ● jere. xxv. d my sernaunte. The beasts also of the field shall I give him to do him service. * jere. xxi. ●. 38. a. 42. c, And all people shall serve him, and his son, and his childers children/ until the time of the same land be come also: ye, many people and great kings shall serve him. Moreover, that people and kingdom which will not▪ serve Nabuchodonosor/ and that will not put their necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon: the same people will I visit with the sword, with hunger, with pestilence, until I have consumed them in his hands, sayeth the Lord. * je 23 c. 29d And therefore follow not your Prophets, soothsayers expounders of dreams/ charme●s and wytches/ which say unto you: ye shall not serve the king of Babylon. For they preach you lies: to bring you far from your land, and that I might cast you out, and destroy you. But the people that put their necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him, those I will let remain still in their own land (sayeth the Lord) and they shall occoupye it/ and dwell therein. All these things told I Zedekiah the king of juda, and said: * jere. 38. ●. Put your necks, under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, that ye may live. Why wilt thou and thy people perish with the sword, with hunger, with pestilence: like as the Lord hath devised forall people, that will not serve the king of Babylon? * jere. xxii. c jere. 39 d. Therefore give no ear unto those Prophets (that tell you: Ye shall not serve the king of Babylon (for they preach you lies, neither have I sent them/ sayeth the Lord: howbeit they are bold, falsely to prophesy in my name: that I might the sooner drive you out/ and that ye might perish with your preachers. I spoke to the priests also, and to all the people: Thus sayeth the Lord: Hear not the words of those Prophets that preach unto you, and say: Behold, * jere. 28. ●. ☞ the vessels of the lords house shall shortly be brought hither again from Babylon: For they prophecy lies unto you. Hear them nat, but serve the king of Babylon, that ye may live. Wherefore will ye make this city to be destroyed? But if they be true Prophets in very deed, and if the word of the Lord be committed unto them, then let them pray the Lord of hosts, that the remnant of the ornaments (which are in the house of the Lord, and remain yet in the house of the King of juda and at jerusalem) be not carried to Babylon also. For thus hath the Lord of hosts spoken concerning the pillars, the laver, the seat and the residue of the ornaments that yet remain in this city/ which Nabuchodonosor the King of Babylon took not, * 4. ●e. 24. ●. when he carried away jechoniah the son of johoakim King of juda, with all the power of juda, and jerusalem/ from jerusalem, unto Babylon/ captive. Ye/ thus hath the Lord of hosts the God of Israel spoken, as touching the residue of the Ornametes of the lords house of the king of judaes' house, and of jerusalem: * 4. ●e●. 25. ● They shallbe carried unto Babylon, and there they shall remain ☞ until I visit them saith the Lord. * ●. ●●d. i. ●. Then will I bring them hither again. And this was done in the same year, even in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah▪ king of juda. ¶ The false prophecy of Hananiah the Prophet. jeremy showeth that the prophecy of hananiah is false, by the example of the other Prophets. He being inspired of the Lord reproveth Hananiah, prophesying ●y● death. CAPI. XXVIII. BUT in the fourth year of the reign of Zedekiah king of juda, in the fifth month, It happened, that Hananiah the son of Assur the prophet of Gybeon, spoke to me in the house of the Lord/ in the presence of the priests and of all the people/ and said: Thus sayeth the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon, * ●●●●. 〈◊〉. ●. and after two year Will I bring again into this place/ all the ornaments of the lords house/ that Nabuchodonosor king of babylon carried away from this place unto Babylon. Ye, I will bring again je choniah the son of jehoakim the king of juda himself, with all the presoners of juda (that are carried unto Babylon (even into this place, sayeth the Lord, for I will break the yoke of the king of Babylon. Then the prophet jeremy gave answer unto the prophet Hananiah, before the priests and before all the people that were present in the house of the Lord. * 〈…〉. three ●, And the prophet jeremy said: Amen, the Lord do that/ and grant the thing which thou haste prophesied: that he may bring again all the ornaments of the lords house, and restore all the presoners from Babylon in to this place. Nevertheless/ hearken thou also/ what I will say, that thou and all the people may hear: The prophets that were before us in times passed/ which prophesied of war/ or trouble/ or pestilence/ either of peace/ upon many nations & great kingdoms/ were proved by this (if God had send them in very deed) * Deut. ●8. d. 〈◊〉, xvi. ●. when the thing came to pass: which that prophet told before And Hananiah the prophet took the chain from the prophet jeremyes' neck/ and broke it/ and with that said Hananiah/ that all the people might hear: Thus hath the Lord spoken: Even so will I break the yoke of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon/ from the neck of all nations/ ye/ and that within this two year. And so the prophet jeremy went his way. Now after that Hananiah the prophet had taken the chain from the prophet jeremyes' neck/ and broken it. The word of the Lord came unto the prophet jeremy saying: Go and tell Hananiah these words: Thus sayeth the Lord. Thou haste broken the chain of wood/ but in stead of would thou shalt muke chains of iron. For this sayeth the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: I will put a yoke of iron upon the neck of all this people/ that they may serve Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon/ ye/ and so shall they do. And I will give him the beasts in the field. Then said the prophet jeremy unto the prophet Hananiah: * jere. xxix. ● Hear me Hananiah: The Lord hath not sent thee/ but thou bringest this people into a false belief. And therefore thus sayeth the Lord: behold/ I will send the out of the land/ and within a year thou shalt die, because thou hast falsely spoken against the Lord. So Hananiah the prophet died the same year in the seventh month. ¶ The pistle of jeremy/ sent unto them that were in captivity in Babylon. He prophesieth their return from captyvyties a●ter. ixx. yearc●. He prophesieth the destruction of the king and of the people that remained in jerusalem. He threateneth. two. Prophets that seduced the people. The death of Semeiah the Nehelamyte i● prophesied. CAPI. XXIX. THESE are the words of the book/ that jeremy the prophet sent from Jerusalem unto the presoners: the Senators/ priests/ prophets/ and all the people whom Nabuchodonosor had led from jerusalem unto Babylon: after that time that king jechoniah/ and his Queen/ his chamberlains, the princes of juda and jerusalem the workmasters of jerusalem were departed thither. Which book Elasah the son of Saphan and Gamariah the son of Helkiah did bear, whom Zedekiah the king of juda sent unto Babylon to Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon: these were the words of jeremyes' book. Thus hath the Lord of hosts the God of Israel spoken unto all the presoners that were led from jerusalem unto Babylon: * je. xxxv. d. build you houses to dwell therein: plant you gardens, that ye may enjoy the fruits thereof: * Gene. i d. and. ix. a. take you wives, to bear you sons & daughters, provide wives for your sons & husbands for your daughter's that they may get sons & daughters, and that ye may multiply there. Labour not to be few, but seek after peace & prosperity of the city, wherein ye be presoners, * Baruc. i. c. i. Ei●o. ●. ● and pray unto the Lord for it. For in the peace thereof, shall your peace be. For thus sayeth the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: * jer. xxiii. f. and. xxvii. d Let not those prophets & soothsayers that be among you deceive you: and believe not your own dreams. For why, ‡ jere. xiiii. d they preach you lies in my name, and I have not sent them, sayeth the Lord. But thus sayeth the Lord: * ●. ●ar. 36. d jere. xxv. d i. E●dr. i a. When ye have fulfilled. lxx. years at Babylon, I will bring you home, & of mine own goodness I will carry you hither again unto this place. For I know what I have devised for you, saith the Lord. My thoughts are to give you peace, and not trouble (which I give you all ready) and that ye might have hope again. * Deu iiii. c. and▪ thirty. ●. Ye shall cry unto me, ye shall go and call upon me, and I shall hear you. ‡ john. seven d Ye shall seek me and find me/ ye/ if so be that ye seek me with your whole heart, I will be found of you (sayeth the Lord) and will deliver you out of prison/ and gather you together again out of all places, where in I have scattered you, saith the Lord: and will bring you again to the same place/ from whence I caused you to be carried away captive. But where as ye say/ that God hath raised you up prophets at Babylon: Thus hath the Lord spoken to the king that sitteth in the stole of David, and to all the people that dwell in this city, your brethren * 4. ●e. 24. d that are not gone with you in to captivity. Thus (I speaketh the Lord of hosts: Behold * jere. 14. b. I will send a sword, hunger and pestilence upon them, and will make them like untimely figs, that may not be eaten for bitterness. And I will persecute them with the sword, with hunger and death. I will deliver them up to be vexed of all kingdoms, to be cursed, aborted, laughed to scorn, and put to confusion of all the people, among whom I have scattered them: and that because they have not been obedient unto my commandments (sayeth the Lord) which I sent unto them by my servants the prophets. * jere. xxv. a and. 44. n. I stood up early, & sent unto them/ but they would not hear/ sayeth the Lord. Hear therefore the word of the Lord/ all ye presoners/ whom I sent from jerusalem unto Babylon: Thus hath the Lord of hosts the God of Israel spoken of Ahab the son of Colaiah, and of Zedekiah the son of Maasiah/ which prophecy lies unto you in my name: Behold/ I will deliver them into the hand of Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon/ that he may slay them before your eyes. And all the presoners of juda that are in Babylon, shall take upon this term of cursing, and say: Now God do unto thee, as he did unto Zedekiah and Ahab/ whom the King of Babylon roasted in the fire/ because they sinned shamefully in Israel. For they have not only defiled their neighbour's wives, but also preached lying words in my name/ which I have not commanded them. This I testify/ and assure/ sayeth the Lord. But as for Semeiah the Nehelamyte thou shalt speak unto him: Thus sayeth the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: Because thou haste sealed letters under thy name/ unto all the people that is at jerusalem/ and to Sophoniah the son of Maasiah the pressed/ ye/ and sent them to all the priests: where in thou wryteste thus unto him: The Lord hath ordained the to be pressed in stead of * 4. Reg. xi▪ a ●▪ Pa. 23. a. jehoiada the pressed/ that thou shouldst be the chief in the house of the Lord above all prophets/ and preachers, and that thou mightest put them in preson, or in the stocks. How happeneth it then, that thou hast not reproved jeremy of Anathoth/ which never leaveth of his prophecyige. And beside all this/ he hath sent us word * jere. 29. c. unto Babylon/ and told us plainly/ that our captivity shall long endure: that we should build us houses to dwell therein, and to plant us gardens that we might enjoy the fruits thereof. Which letter Sophoniah the priest did read, and let jeremy the prophet hear it. Then came the word of the Lord unto jeremy, saying: Send word to all them that be in captivity/ on this manner: Thus hath the Lord spoken concerning Semeiah the Nehelamite: * jer. 28. c. Because that Semeiah hath prophesied unto you without my commission, and brought you in to a false hope/ therefore thus the Lord doth certify you: Behold/ I will visit Semeiah the Nehelamite, and his seed: so that none of his shall remain among this people, and none of them shall see the good, that I will do for this people/ sayeth the Lord. For he hath preached falsely of the Lord. ¶ The return of the people from Babylon. God by his chastening the showeth that the people so sinful. The destruction of the enemies of Israel. CAPI. XXX. THESE are the words, that the Lord showed unto jeremy, saying. Thus sayeth the Lord God of Israel: * jere. thirty. ● Write up diligently all the words, that I have spoken unto thee, in a book. For, io, the time cometh (sayeth the Lord) that I will bring again the presoners of my people of Israel and juda, sayeth the Lord: For I will restore them unto the land/ that I gave to their father's/ and they shall have it in possession▪ Again/ these words spoke the Lord/ concerning Israel and juda: Thus sayeth the Lord: We have heard a terrible erye/ fear & dysquietnes. For what else doth this signify/ that I se? Namely/ that all strong men smite, every man his hand upon his loins, * jere. xlii. ● as a woman in the pain of her travail. Who ever saw a man travail with child? inquire theafter, and se. Ye/ all their faces are marvelous pale. Alas for this day, which is so dreadful/ that none may be likened unto it: and alas for the time of jacob's trouble, from the which he shall yet be delivered. For in the day sayeth the Lord of hosts, I will take his yoke from thy neck, and break thy bonds. They shall no more serve strange Gods under him, but they shall do service unto God their Lord, and to▪ * E●e. 34. d. david their king/ whom I will raise up unto them. ‡ jere. 46. ●. And as for though/ O my servant jacob/ fear not (sayeth the Lord) and be not afraid/ O Israel. For lo I will help the also from far/ and thy seed from the land of their captivity. And jacob shall turn again/ he shall be in rest, and have a prosperous life & no man shall make him afraid. For I am with thee, to help thee, sayeth the Lord. * ●●●●. ix. b And though I shall destroy all the people, among whom I have scattered thee,, yet will I not destroy thee, but correct thee, * jere. ●. ● and that with discretion. For I know, that thou art in no wise * Exod. 34. ● Nah●●●. i ● without fau●e. Therefore thus sayeth the Lord. I am sorry for thy hurt and wounds. There is no man to meddle with thy cause/ or to bind up thy wounds/ there may no man help the. All thy lovers have forgotten thee/ and care nothing for the. For I have given the a cruel stroke/ and chastened thee roughly/ and that for the multitude of thy misdeeds for thy sins have had the over hand. Why makest thou moon for thy harm? I myself have pity of thy sorrow, * jere. xiii. ● but for the multitude of thy misdeeds and sins/ I have done this unto the. * jere. two. ●●. 1▪ ● And therefore all they that devour thee/ shallbe devoured, and all thine enemies shall be led into captivity. All they that make the waste, shallbe wasted themselves, and all those that rob thee, will I make also to be rob. For I will give the thy health again and make thy wounds whole, sayeth the Lord: because they reviled thee, as one cast away and despised, O Zion. For thus sayeth the Lord: Behold, * ●●. 24. a I will set up jacob's tents again, and defend his dwelling place. The city shallbe builded in her old estate, & the houses shall have their right foundation. And out of them shall go thanksgiving, and the voice of joy. I will multiple them/ and they shall not be few. I shall endue them with honour/ & no man shall subdue them. Their children shallbe as a fore time, and their congregation shall continue in my sight. And all those that vex them, will I visit. * Mith. v. a. A captain also shall come of them, and a prince shall spring out from the midst of them: him will I challenge to myself, and he shall come unto me. * john. vi. ● For what is he, that giveth over his heart to come unto me? saith the Lord. * jere. xiii. b ●4. b. ●1 ● Ye shallbe my people also/ and I willbe your God. * jere. xxiii▪ ●●nd. xxv. d Behold, on the other side shall the wrath of the Lord break out as a stormy water as a mighty whirl wind: and shall fall upon the heads of the ungodly. The terrible displeasure of the Lord shall not leave of/ until he have done, & performed the intent of his heart/ * jere. 23. ● Which in the latter days ye shall understand. At the same time (sayeth the Lord) shall I be the God of all the generations of Israel, & they shallbe my people. CAPI. XXXI. ¶ He prophetyeth that the people of Israel shallbe restored again unto their prosperity. To be turned from sin is the gift of God. The birth of Christ is prophesied. All the wicked shall die in their wickedness. The new testament and covenant so prophesied. The christian art taught and instruct of the Lord. Out sins shall so be remitted, that they shall not once be thought on. God promiseth that he will cast of the jews. The building again of jerusalem. THUS sayeth the Lord: * Nume. 13. c The people of Israel which escaped in the wilderness from the sword, found grace to come into their rest. Even so shall the Lord now also appear unto me from far, and say: I love the with an everlasting love, therefore do I spread my mercy before the. I will repair the again (O thou daughter of Israel) that thou mayest be fast & sure, Thou shalt take thy tabrets again, & go forth with them/ that lead the dance. Thou shalt plant wines again upon the hills of Samaria/ and the grape gatherers shall plant/ and sing. And when it is time/ the watchmen upon the mount of Ephraim shall cry: * Isaiah. two. ● Arise, let us go up unto Zion to our Lord God/ for thus sayeth the Lord: Rejoice with gladness because of jacob, cry unto the head of the gentiles: speak out/ sing, and say: The Lord shall deliver his people, the renaunt of Israel, and make them whole. Behold, I will bring them again from out of the North land, and gather them from the ends of the world, with the blind and l● me that are among them, with the women that be great with child, and such as be also delivered: and the company of them that come again, shallbe great. They departed from hence in heaviness/ but with joy will I bring them hither again. I will lead them to the rivers of water in a straight way/ where they shall not stumble: * Deut, 33. a For I am Israel's father/ and * Gene. 47. ● Ephraim is my first borne. Hear the word of the Lord, O ye Gentiles, preach in the Isles, that lie far of, and say: he that hath scattered Israel, shall gather him together again, & shall keep him as a shepherd doth his flock. For the Lord hath redeemed jacob, and rid him from the hand of the violent. And they shall come/ and rejoice upon the hill of Zion/ and shall have plenteousness of goods/ which the Lord shall give them: Namely/ wheat/ wine/ oil, young sheep and calves. And their conscience shall be as a well watered garden, for they shall no more be hungry. Then shall the maid rejoice in the dance, ye/ both young and old folks. For I will turn their sorrow into gladness, and will comfort them and make them joyful, even from their hearts. I will pour plenteousness upon the hearts of the priests/ and my people shallbe satisfied with my goodness/ sayeth the Lord. Thus sayeth the Lord, ☜ * jere. iii. ● Math. iii ● The voice of heaviness/ weeping, and lamentation was herd on high: even of Rachel mourning for her children, and would not be comforted, be cause they were away. But now sayeth the Lord: leave of from weeping and crying, withhold thine eyes from tears, for ☜ thy labour shall be rewarded/ sayeth the Lord. And they shall come again out of the land of their enemies: Ye/ even thy posterity shall have consolation in this (sayeth the Lord) that thy chyldrenn shall come again in to their own land. Moreover I heard Ephraim (that was led away captive) complain on this manner: * Eze●. xx. ● O Lord, thou hast correct me, & thy chastening have I received, ☜ as an untamed calf. * ●ren●. ●. ● z●tha. 1. a Convert thou me/ and I shallbe converted, for thou art my Lord God: Ye/ as soon as y● turnest me/ I shall reform myself: and when I understand, I shall smite upon my thigh. For verily I have committed shameful things: O let my youth bear this reproof and confusion. Upon this complaint, I thought thus by myself/ * G●n●. 4●. b is not Ephraim my dear son Is he not the child/ with whom I have had all mirth and pastime? For sense the time that I first commened with him/ I have him ever in remembrance: therefore my very heart driveth me unto him, gladly and lovingly will I have mercy upon him saith the Lord. Get the watchmen, provide teachers for thee/ set thine heart upon the right way, that thou shouldest walk/ and turn again. O thou daughter of Israel turn again to these cities of thine. How long wilt thou go astray. O thou shrinking daughter? For the Lord will work a new thing upon earth. A woman shall compass a man. For thus saith the Lord of hosts the God of Israel/ It will come thereto/ that when I have brought juda out of captivity, these words shallbe herd in the land, and in his cities: The Lord/ which is the fair ‡ Esay. 42. a bride groom of righteousness, make the fruitful O thou holy hill: And there shall dwell juda/ and all her cities, the shepherds and husband men: For * Math. v. a and. xi. ● I shall feed the hungry soul, and refresh all faint hearts. When I heard this I came again to myself, I mused, like as I had been waked out of a sweet sleep. Behold (sayeth the Lord) the days come that I will sow the house of Israel and the house of juda, with men and with cattle. ‡ Deut. 28. ● jere. 32. ● zacha. 8. ●. Ye/ it shall come thereto/ that like as I have gone about in times passed to rote them out, to scatre them/ to break them ●●wne/ to destroy them and chasten them: Even so will I also go diligently abonte, to build them up again and to plant them/ sayeth the Lord. ‡ Ezec. 18. ● Then shall it no more be said: the fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children's teeth are set on edge: for every one shall die for his own misdeed, so that who so eateth a sour grape, his teeth shallbe set on edge * Hebr. viii. b Behold, the days come (sayeth the Lord) that I will make ☞ a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of juda: not after the covenant that I made with their fathers, when I took them by the hand/ and led them out of the land of Egypte: which covenant they broke/ ye, even when I as an husband had rule over them, sayeth the Lord: * Hebre. x. b But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days/ sayeth the Lord. * Esays. li. b. I will plant my law in the inward parts of them, and write it in their hearts, * jere. 24. b and. thirty. d and will be their God/ and they shallbe my people. And from thence forth shall no man teach his neighbour or his brother, and say: know the Lord: But they shall all know me, from the lowest unto the highest, sayeth the Lord. For I will forgive their misdeeds/ and will never remember their sins any more. Thus sayeth the Lord which gave the * ●●ne. ●. b. son to be a light for the day/ and the Moon and Stars to shine in the night: which moveth the see, so that the flou des thereof wax fierce: his name is the Lord of hosts. Like as this ordinance shall never be taken out of my sight, saith the Lord: So shall the seed of Israel never cease, but always be a people before me. Moreover, thus sayeth the Lord: like as the heaven above can nat be measured, & as the foundations of the earth beneath may not be sought out: ‡ Roma. xi. ● So will I also nat cast out the whole seed of Israel, for that they have committed, sayeth the Lord. Behold the days come sayeth the Lord, that the city of that Lord shall be enlarged from the * ●. Esor. 3. n. zacha. 14. b tower of Hananeel, unto the gate of the corner wall. From thence shall the right measure be taken before her unto the hylltoppe of * jere. nineteen. b. Gareb, and shall come about Gaath, and the whole valley of the dead carcases, and of the ashes, and all the fields unto the broke of Cedron: and unto the corner of the horse-gate toward the East/ where as the Saintuarye of the Lord also shall be set. And when it is now builded/ and set up of this fashion it shall never be broken, nor cast down any more. ¶ jeremy is cast in to preson, because he prophesied that the city should be taken of the King of Babylon, By the field that jeremy bought at the commandment of the Lord, is signified, that the people should come again to their own possession. The people of God are his servants, and he is their Lord. To fear God is Gods gift, to th'intent that sins may be eschewed. CAPI. XXXII. THESE words spoke the Lord unto jeremy, in the tenth year of Zedekiah king of juda, which was the. xviii. year of Nabuchodonosor, what time as the king of Babylon's Host laid siege unto jerusalem. But jeremy the Prophet lay bound in the court of the preson, which was in the king of judaes' house: where Zedekiah the king of juda caused him to be laid, because he had prophesied of this manner: Thus sayeth the Lord: * jere. 34. a. and. 38. ●. xxxix. a Behold: I will deliver this city in to the hands of the king of Babylon, which shall take it. As for Zedekiah the king of juda, he shall not be able to escape the Caldees, but surely he shall come into the hands of the king of Babylon: which shall speak with him mouth to mouth, & one of them shall look another in the face. And Zedekiah shallbe carried unto Babylon, and there shall he be, until the time that I viset him sayeth the Lord. But if thou takest in hand to fight against the Caldees, thou shalt not prosper. And jeremy said: thus hath the Lord spoken unto me: Behold, Hananeel the son of Selum thine Uncle's son shall come unto thee/ & require the to redeem the land/ that lieth in Anathoth unto thyself/ * Ie●y. 25. d. Num. 27. ● xxxxi. d. ●uth iiii. a for by reason of kindred it is thy right to redeem it, and to buy it out. And so Hananeell mine uncles son came to me in the court of the prison (according to the word of the Lord) and said unto me, Buy my land (I pray thee) that lieth in Anathoth in the country of Ben jamin: for by heritage thou hast right to louse it out for thyself/ therefore redeem it. Then I perceived, that this was the commandment of the Lord, and so I bought the land from Hananeel of Anathoth, mine Uncle's son/ and weighed him there the money: even seven sycles, and ten silver pens. I caused him also to make me a writing and to seal it, and called record thereby, and weighed him there the money upon the weights. So I took the evidence with the copy (when it was orderly sealed and read over) & I gave the evidence unto Baruch the son of Neriah the son of Maasiah in the sight of Hananeel my cousin, and in the presence of the witnesses, that be named in the evidence and before all the jews that were thereby in the court of the preson. I charged Baruch also before them: saying The Lord of Hosts the God of Israel commandeth thee, to take this sealed evidence with the copy, and to lay it in an earthen vessel, that it may long continue. For the Lord of hosts the God of Israel hath determined, that houses, fields & vineyards shallbe possessed again in this land. Now when I had delivered the evidence unto Baruch the son of Neriah, I besought the Lord, saying: O Lord god, * Gene. i. ●. jere. 1●. b It is thou that hast made heaven and earth with thy great power and high arm, and there is nothing hid from thee: * Exo. 34. ●. Thou showest mercy upon thousands, thou recompencest the wickedness of the fathers, into the bosom of the children that come after them. Thou art the great and mighty God/ whose name is the Lord of Hosts: great in council, and excellent in work. Thine eyes look upon all the ways of men's children, * Roma. two. a to reward every one after his ways, and according to the fruits of his inventions: * Exo. seven. unto the. 1● chapter Thou hast done great tokens and wonders in the land of Egypt (as we see this day) upon the people of Israel and upon those men to make thy name great, as it is come to pass this day: Thou hast brought thy people of Israel out of the land of Egypte, with tokens, with wonders, with a mighty hand, with a stretched out arm and with great terryblenes: and hast given them this land, like as thou hadst promised unto their fathers: Namely, that y● wouldest give them a land, that floweth with milk and honey. * jud. two. iii. iiii. vi. seven. Now when they came therein, & possessed it/ they followed not thy voice, and walked not in thy law, * Hist. v. b but all that thou commaundedest them to do, that have they not done, and therefore come all these plagues upon them. Behold, there are bulwarks made now against the city, to take it: and it shall be won of the Caldees that besiege it, with sword/ with hunger and death, and look what thou hast spoken, that same shall come upon them. For lo, all things are present unto the Yet sayest thou unto me (O Lord God) and commandest me, that I shall louse a piece of land unto myself, & take witnesses thereto: and yet in the mean season the city is delivered into the power of the Caldees. Then came the word of the Lord unto me saying: Behold, I am the Lord God of all flesh, is there any thing then to hard for me? Therefore thus sayeth the Lord: * jere. xxv. b 〈◊〉. ●. ● be hold, I shall deliver this city into the power of the Caldees, and into the power of Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon/ they shall take it. For the Caldees shall come, and win this city, and set fire upon it/ and burn it: with the gorgeous houses, in whose parlours they have made sacrifice unto Baal, and poured drink offerings unto strange Gods, to provoke me unto wrath. For saying the children of Israel, and the children of juda have wrought wickedness before me ever from their youth up, what have they else done, but provoked me with the works of their own hands? sayeth the Lord. Or, what hath this city been else, but a provoking of my wrath, ever ☜ sense the day that they builded it, unto this hour? wherein I cast it out of my sight, because of the great blasphemies of the children of Israel & juda, which they have done to provoke 〈…〉 me: ye, they, their kings, their princes/ their priests, their Prophets, the men of juda, and the citizens of jerusalem. * jere. two. d When I stood up early, and taught them and instructed them, they turned their backs to me, and not their faces. They would not hear, to be reformed and correct * jere. seven. d but set their Idols in the house/ that is hallowed unto my name, to defile it. They have builded high places for Baal in the valley of the children of Hennom, to bow their sons and daughters unto Moloch: which I never commanded them, neither came it ever in my thought, to make juda sin with such abomination. And now therefore/ thus hath the Lord God of Israel spoken, concerning this city, which (as ye yourselves confess (shallbe delivered in to the hand of the king of Babylon, when it is won with the sword/ with hunger and with pestilence: * Deut. xx●● Behold I will gather them together from all lands wherein I have scattered them in my wrath in my fearful and great displeasure: and will bring them again unto this place, where they shall dwell safely. And they shall be my people, and I will be their God. * Psal. ●●●● And I will give them one heart & one way, that they may fear me all the days of their life, that they and their children after them may prosper. * Ezec. 36. ● And I will set up an everlasting covenant with them. Namely, that I will never cease to do them good and that I will put my fear in their hearts so that they shall not run away from me. * Deut. 33. ● jere. xx●●. ● Ye, I will have a lust and pleasure to do them good, and faithfully to plant them in this land, with my whole heart, & with all my soul. For thus sayeth the Lord: like as I have brought all this great plague upon this people: so will I also bring upon them all the good, that I have promised them. And men shall have their possessions in this land whereof ye say now, that it shall neither be inhabited of people nor of cattle, but be delivered into the hands of the Caldees: Ye, land shallbe bought for money, and evidences made thereupon and sealed before witnesses in the country of Ben jamin, and round about jerusalem: in the cities of juda/ in the cities that are upon the mountains, and in them that lie beneath/ ye/ and in the cities that are in the south. For I will bring their presoners hither again, sayeth the Lord. ¶ The Prophet is monished of the Lord, to pray for the deliverance of the people, which the Lord promiseth. God forgiveth sins and doth graciously to the people, for his own renown. Of the birth of Christ. The kingdom of Christ in the Church shall never be ended. CAPI. XXXIII. MORE OVERDO the word of the Lord ●ame unto jeremy on this manner, * jere. 〈◊〉. ● xxxii. a when he was yet bound in the court of the preson: Thus sayeth the Lord/ which fulfilleth the thing that he speaketh/ the Lord which performeth the thing that he taketh in hand: even he, whose name is the Lord: * E●●. xiiii. ● 1. Reg. seven ● cry unto me/ & I will answer: and show the great and high things/ which were unknown unto the. Thus (I say) spoke the Lord God of Israel, concerning the houses of this city, and the houses of the kings of juda: that they shallbe broken thorough the ordinance and weapons/ when the Caldees come to besiege them: and they shallbe filled with the deed carcases of men/ whom I will stay in my wrath and displeasure: when I turn my face from this city, because of all her wickedness. Behold, (sayeth the Lord) I will heal their wounds and make them whole: I will open them the treasure of peace and truth. And I will return the captivity of juda and Israel: and will set them up again: as they were afore. * Esa. xiiii. ● From all misdeeds (wherein they have offended against me) I will cleanse them: And all their blasphemies which they have done against me, when they regarded me nat, I will forgive them. And this shall get me a name, a praise and honour, among all people of the earth, which shall hear all the good/ that I will show unto them: ye, they shall be afraid and a stonnyed at all the good deeds and benefits/ that I will do for them. Moreover, thus sayeth the Lord: * jere. seven. d In this place, whereof ye say that it shall be a wilderness/ wherein neither people nor cattles shall dwell: in like manner in the cities of juda and without jerusalem (which also shallbe so void/ that nether people nor cattles shall dwell there) Shall the voice of gladness be hard again, the voice of the Bridegroom and of the bride, the voice of them that shall sing (: * Psal. 118. a 1. Mat. 4▪ d Praise the Lord of Hosts/ for he is loving and his mercy endureth for ever) and the voice of them that shall offer up gifts in the house of the Lord. For I will restore the captivity of this land, as it was afore/ sayeth the Lord. Thus sayeth the Lord of Hosts It shall come yet thereto/ that in this land, which is void from men and cattles/ and in all the cities of the land, there shall be set up shepherds cottages: in the cities upon the mountains: and in the cities that lie upon the plain/ and in the cities of the south. In the land of Ben jamin/ in the fields of jerusalem/ and in the cities of juda shall the sheep be numbered again/ under the hand of him/ that telleth them/ sayeth the Lord. * jer. xxiii. ● Behold, the time cometh/ sayeth the Lord/ that I will perform that good thing/ which I have promised unto the house of Israel & to the house of juda. In those days & at the same time, I will bring forth unto David, the branch of righteousness, and he shall do equity & righteousness in the land. In those days shall juda be helped * Esa xxxii. c and jerusalem shall dwell safe, and he that shall call her is even God our righteousness. For thus the Lord promeseth: * 2. Reg seven. c David shall never want one, to sit upon the stole of the house of Israel: * 1. Reg. two. ●. neither shall the priests and levities want one to offer all way before me burned offerings, to kindle the meatofferynges, and to prepare the sacrifices. And the word of the Lord came unto jeremy after this manner: Thus sayeth the Lord: may the covenant * Gene viii d which I have made with day and night be broken, that there should nat be day and night in due season? Then may my covenant also be broken, which I made with David my servant, & so he nat to have a son to reign in his Throne, ‡ 1. Pet. two. a. so shall also the priests and levities never fail, but serve me. * Gene. xv. b and. xxii. c. For like as the stars of heaven may nat be numbered, neither the sand of the see measured: so will I multiply the seed of David my servant, & the Levites my ministers. Moreover, the word of the Lord came to jeremy, saying: Consydrest thou nat what this people speaketh? Two kindreds (say they) had the Lord chosen, and those same two hath he cast away. For so far is my people come, that they have no hope to come together any more/ and to be one people again. Therefore thus sayeth the Lord: If I have made no covenant with day and night, and give no statute unto heaven and earth: them will I also cast away the seed of David my servant: so that I will take no prince out of his seed, to rule the posterity of Abraham, Isaac and jacob. But yet I will turn again their captivity, and be merciful unto them. ¶ He threateneth that the city, and the king zedekiah also, shall be given into the hands of the king of Babylon. He rebuketh them that brought such of their brethren into captivity, as were pardoned to go at their liberty. CAPI. XXXIIII. THESE are the words which the Lord spoke unto jeremy * jer. xxxix. ● what time as Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon, and all his Hosts (out of all the kingdoms that were under his power) and all his people, fought against jerusalem and all the cities thereof. Thus sayeth the Lord God of Israel: Go, & speak to Zedekiah the king of juda, and tell him. The Lord sendeth the this word: Behold, * 4. Re. 25. a. jer. xxxi● a. and xxxix. a I will deliver this city in to the hand of the king of Babylon, he shall burn it, & thou shalt nat escape his hands, but shalt be led away prisoner, and delivered into his power. Thou shalt look the king of Babylon in the face, and he shall speak with the mouth to mouth, and then shalt thou go to Babylon. Yet hear the word of the Lord, O Zedekiah thou king of juda: Thus sayeth the Lord unto thee: Thou shalt nat be slain with the sword, but shalt die in peace. * i Re. xxxi. c Like as thy fore fathers the kings, thy progenitors, were brent: so shalt thou be brent also, and in the mourning they shall say: Oh Lord. For thus have I determined, sayeth the Lord. Then spoke jeremy the prophet all these words unto Zedekiah king of juda in jerusalem: what time as the king of Basilius bylons host besieged jerusalem, and the remnant of the cities: Namely, Lachis & Azecach, which yet remained of the * 2. Dat. xi. a strong defensed cities of juda. These are the words that the Lord spoke unto jeremy the prophet, when Zedekiah was agreed with all the people at jerusalem, that there should be proclaimed * Exo. xxi. a. ●eui. xxv. f. Deu. xv. b. a liberty: so that every man should let his servant and handmaid go free, Hebrew and Hebruesse, and no jew to hold his brother as a bond man. Now as they had conseted, even so they were obedient, and let them go free. But afterward they repented, and took again the servants and haude maidens, whom they had let go free & so made them bond again. For the which cause the word of the Lord came unto jeremy from the Lord himself, saying: Thus sayeth the Lord God of Israel: * Deut xv c ● Exo. 21. a I made a covenant with your fathers, when I brought the out of Egypte, (that they should no more be bondmen) saying: When seven years are out, every man shall let his bought servant an Hebrye gofre, if he have served him two years. But your fathers obeyed me not & herkened not unto me. As for you ye were now turned, & did right before me, in that ye proclaimed, every man to let his veyghboure go free/ and in that ye made a covenant before me/ in the temple that my name: But yet ye have turned yourselves again, and blasphemed my name: In this that every man hath required his servant and handmaiden again, whom ye had let go quite and free, and compelled them to serve you again/ & to be your bond men. And therefore thus sayeth the Lord ye have nat obeyed me/ every man to proclaim freedom unto his brother & neighbour: wherefore, ☞ I will call you unto a freedom/ sayeth the Lord: even unto the sweared/ to the pestilence/ and to hunger/ & will make you to be plagued in all the Kyngedomes of the earth. Ye/ those men that have broken my covenant/ and nat kept the words of the appointment/ which they made before me: * Gene. xv. b ☞ when they hewed the calf in two and when there went thorough the two halves thereof The Princes of juda, the Princes of jerusalem, the gelded men, the Priests and all the people of the land, which went thorough the two sides of the calf. Those men will I give into the power of their enemies, and in to the hands of them that follow upon their lives. * Psa. 79. ●. jerc. seven. d. And their deed bodies shallbe meat for the fowls of the air, and beasts of the field. As for Zedekiah the king of juda and his Princes, I will deliver them into the power of their enemies, and of them that desire to slay them, and in to the hand of the king of Babylous host * jeve. 37. c. ☞ which now is departed from you: But thorough my commandment (sayeth the Lord) they shall come again before this city, they shall fight against it, win it, and burn it. Moreover, I will lay the cities of juda so waste, that no manshall dwell therein. CAPI. XXXV. ¶ He propoundeth the obedsente of the Rechabites, & there by confoundeth the pride of the jews. The commandment of jonandab, the father of the Rechavites. He threateneth punishment unto the rebellious jews. He ꝓmiseth prosperity unto Rechabi●ꝭ for their obedience unto their father. THE words which the Lord spoke unto jeremy, in the rain of jehoakim the son of josiah king of juda, are these: Go unto the house of * 4. ●●eg. x. ●. the Rechabytes, and call them out, and bring them to the house of the Lord into some commody oiis place/ and give then wine to drink. Then took I jazaniah the son of jeremy the son of Habaziniah, & his brethren, and all his sons, and the whole houshulde, of the Rechabytes: & brought them to the house of the Lord in to the closet of the children of Hanan the son of jegebaliah the man of God: which was by the closet of the Princes, that is above the closet of Maasiah the son of Selum, which is the treasures. And before the sons of the kindred of the Rechabites, I ser pots full of wine, and cups, and said unto them: Drink wine. But they said: we will drink no wine/ for jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying: ye and your sons shall never drink wine * jer. xxix. b. build no houses, sow no seed, plant no wines, ye, ye shall have no vineyards, but for all your time ye shall dwell in tents, that ye may live long in the land wherein ye be strangers. Thus we have obeyed the commandment of jonadab the son of Rechab our father, in all that he hath charged us, and so we drink no wine all our life long: we, nor our wives, our sons and our daughters. Nether build we any house to dwell therein, we have also among us neither vineyards, nor corn land to sow: but we dwell in tents, we obey, and do according unto all, that jonadab our father commanded us. But now that Nabuchonosor the king of Babylon came up into the land/ we said, come let us go to jerusalem, that we may escape the host of the Caldees and the Assyrians: and so we dwell now at Jerusalem. Then came the word of the Lord unto jeremy saying: Thus sayeth the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: Go and tell the men of juda and the inhabitors of jerusalem: Will ye not be reformed, to obey my words sayeth the Lord? The words which jonadah the son of Rechab commanded his sons, that they should drink no wine, are fast and surely kept: for unto this day they drink no wine, but obey their father's commandment. But as for me, * je. xviii. a. and. xxv. a. I have stand up early, I have spoken unto you, and given you earnest warning: and yet have ye nat been obedient unto me. Ye, I have sent my servants, all the prophets unto you, I rose up early, and sent you word, saying: O turn you, now every man from his wicked way: amend your lives, and go nat after strange gods, to worship them: that ye may continue in the land, which I have given unto you and your fathers, but ye would neither hear me, nor follow me. The children of jonadab Rechabs' son have steadfastly kept their father's commandment, that he gave thee, but this people is nat obedient unto me. And therefore thus saith the Lord of boostes the God of Israel: Behold, I will bring upon juda and upon every one that dwelleth in jerusalen, all the trouble that I have devised against them. * prover. i. ● Esa. lxv. b. jere. seven. b. for I have spoken unto them, but they would nat follow: I have called unto them, never theles they would give me no answer. jeremy also spoke unto the household of the Rechabites: Thus sayeth the Lord of Hosts the God of Israel: For so much as ye have obeyed the commandment of jonadab your father: & kept all his precepts, & done according unto all that he had bidden you: Therefore thus sayeth the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel: * Ie jonadab the son of Rechab shall nat fail, but have one out of his stock, to stand alway before me. CAPI. XXXVI. ¶ Baruch writeth (as jeremy endyteth) the book of the curses against juda and Israel He is sent with the book unto the people, and readeth it before them all. He is colled before the rulers, and readeth it before them also. The rulars show unto the King the words of the book jehuti taketh the book, and readeth a little of it, and after casteth it in the fire. There is another written, at the commandment of the Lord. IN the fourth year of jehoakim the son of josiah King of juda, came the word of the Lord unto jeremy, saying. * jet Take a book, and write therein all the words, that I have spoken to y●/ against Israel against juda/ and against all the people/ from the time that I began for to speak unto thee (in the reign of josiah) unto this day. That when the house of juda heareth of the plague, which I have devised for them, they may peradventure * jet. turn/ every man from his wicked way/ that I may forgive their offences and sins. Then did jeremy call Baruch the son of Neriah, * Iet● and Baruch wrote in the book at the mouth of jeremy/ all the words of the Lord, which he had spoken unto him. And jeremy commanded Baruch, saying: I am in preson, so that I may nat come into the house of the Lord: therefore go thou thither, and read the book, that thou hast written at my mouth: Namely, the words of the Lord, and read them in the lords house upon the fasting day, that the people, whole juda, & all they that come out of the cities, may hear: Peradventure they will pray meekly before the face of the Lord, & turn every one from his wicked way. For great is the wrath & displeasure, that the Lord hath taken against this people. So Baruch the son of Neriah did, according unto all that jeremy the prophet commanded him, reading the words of the Lord out of the book in the lords house. And this was done in the life year of Iehoakim the son of josiah king of juda, in the. ix. mouth * Io●● when it was commanded, that all the people of Jerusalem should fast before the Lord, & they also that were come from the cities of juda unto jerusalem. Then red Baruch the words of jeremy out of the book with in the house of the Lord, out of the treasury of Gamariah the son of Saphan the Scribe, which is beside the higher loft of the * jere. xxvi. ● new door of the lords house: that all the people might hear. Now when Micheah the son Gamariah the son of Saphan had hard all the words of the Lord out of the book, he went down to the kings palace in to the scribes chambre, for there all the Princes were set: Elysama the Scribe, Dalaiah the son of Semei, Elnathan the son of Achbor/ Gamariah the son of Saphan, Zedekiah the son of Hananiah, with all the Princes. And Mischeah told them all the words, that he hard Baruch read out of the book before the people. Then all the princes scent jehudi the son of Nathaniah, the son of Selamiah the son of Chusi, unto Baruch, saying: Take in thine hand the book, whereout thou haste read before all the people, and come. So Baruch the son of Neriah took the book in his hand, and came unto them. And they said unto him: Sit down, and read the book that we may hear also. So Baruch red that they might here. Now when they had heard all the words, they were abashed one upon another, and said unto Baruch: We will certify the king of all these words. And they examined Baruch, saying: tell us, how didst thou write all these words out of his mouth? Then Baruch answered them: He spoke all these words unto me with his mouth, and I wrote them in the book. Then said the Princes unto Baruch: Go thy way, and hide the with jeremy, so that no man know where ye be. And they went in to the king to the court. But they kept the book in the chambre of Elisama the Scribe, and told the king all the words that he might hear. So the king sent jehudi to fetch him the book, which he brought out of Elisama the▪ scribes chambre. And jehudi red in it, that the king and all the princes, which were about him, might hear. Now the king satan the winter house, for it was in the. ix. month, and there was a fire before him. And when jeiudi had red three or four leaves thereof, he cut the book in pieces with a pen knife/ and * i Mat. 3. ●. cast it into the fire upon the hearth/ until the book was all brent in the fire upon the hearth. Yet no man was abashed thereof, or rent his clothes: neither the king himself/ nor his servants/ though they heard all these words. Nevertheless Elnathan, Dalaiah, and Gamariah besought the king/ that he would nat burn the book: nat withstanding the king would nat hear them/ but commanded jerahmael the son of Amalech. Saraiah the son of Ezriel and Selamiah the son of Abdiel/ to lay hands upon Baruch the Scribe/ and upon jeremy the Prophet: but the Lord kept them out of sight. After now that the king had brent the book/ and the sermons which Baruch wrote at the mouth of jeremy: The word of the Lord came unto jeremy/ saying: Take another book/ and ☞ write in it all the foresaid sermons: that were written in the first book/ which jehoakim the king of juda hath brent. And tell jeoakim the king of juda: thus sayeth the Lord thou hast brent the book, and thoughtest within thyself: Why hast thou written there in, that the king of Babylon shall come, & make this land waste: so that he shall make both people and cattle to be out of it? There fore thus the Lord sayeth of jehoakim the king of juda: * 4. Re. 24. b. jere. xxii. ●. There shall none of his generation sit upon the throne of David. His deed corpse shallbe cast out, that the heat of the day, and the frost of the night may come upon him. And I will beset the wickedness of him, of his seed and of his servants. More over, all the evil that I have promised them (though they heard me nat) will I bring upon them, upon the inhabitors of jerusalem, & upon all juda. Then took jeremy another book, and gave it Baruch the Scribe the son Neriah, which wrote therein out of the mouth of jeremy: all the sermons that were in the first book, which jehoakim the king of juda did burn. And there were added unto them many more sermons, than before. Zedekiah succeedeth Cononiah. He sendeth unto jeremy to pray for him. jeremy going into the land of Ben jamin, is taken. He is beaten, and put in preson. He is delivered by kynge zedekiah. CAPI. XXXVII. ZEdekiah the son of josiah * 4. Re. 24. ●. which was made king throw Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon, reigned in the land of juda, in the stead of Cononiah 〈…〉 the son of jehoakim. But neither he, nor his servants, nor the people in the land would obey the words of the Lord which he spoke by the Porphet jeremy. Nevertheless, Zedekiah the king sent jehucal the son of Selemiah and Sophoniah the son of Maasiah the Priest to the Prophet jeremy/ saying: O pray thou unto the Lord our God for us. Now jeremy walked free among the people at that time/ and was not put in preson as yet. * jere. xxi. a and. xlii. a pharao's host also was come out of Eze. xvii. b Egypte: which when the Caldees that besieged jerusalem perceived, they departed from thence. Then came the word of the Lord unto jeremy the Prophet, saying: Thus sayeth the Lord God of Israel, this answer shall ye give to the king of juda, that sent you unto me for council: * jere. xlvi. a Behold, pharao's host which is come forth to help you, shall return to Egypte into his own land: but the Caldees shall come again, and fight against this city, win it/ and set fire upon it. For thus sayeth the Lord/ dysceave not your own minds, thinking on this manner: tush, the Caldees go now their way from us. No, they shall not go their way For though ye had slain the whole host of the Caldees, that besiege you, and every one of the slain lay in his tent, yet should they stand up, and set fire upon this city. Now when the Host of the Caldees was broken up from jerusalem, for fear of the Egyptians army, jeremy went out of jerusalem toward the land of Ben jamin/ to get him from among the people. And when he came under Ben jamyns port/ there was a porter/ called jeriah, the son of Selemiah the son of * jere. 28. b Hananiah, which fell upon him/ and took him saying: thy mind is to run to the Calbees'. Then said jeremy: It is not so, I go not to the Caldees. Nevertheless, jeriah would not believe him/ but brought jeremy bound before the Princes. Wherefore the Princes were angry with jeremy/ and smote him, and laid him in preson in the house of jonathas the scribe. For he was the ruler of the prison. Thus was jeremy put into the dungeon and prison, and so lay there a long tyme. * jere. 38▪ c Then Zedekiah the king sent for him, and called him, & asked him quietly in his own house, saying: thinkest thou this business (that now is in hand) cometh of the Lord? jeremy answered: ye, that it doth: and thou (said he) shalt be delivered into the king of Babylon's power. Moreover, jeremy said unto king Zedekiah: What have I offended against thee, against thy servants, or against this people, that ye have put me in prison? * jere. 27. c. Where are your prophets which have prophesied unto you, & said, that the king of Babylon should not come against you and this land? And therefore here now, O my Lord the king: let my prayer be accept before thee, and send me no more into the house of jonathas the scribe, that I die not there. Then Zedekiah the king commanded to put jeremy in the fore entry of the preson/ and daily to be given him a cake of bread, until all the bread in the city was eaten up. Thus jeremy remained in the fore entry in the preson. ¶ By the motion of the rulers jeremy is put in to a Dungeon. At the requrste of Abedmelech the Chamberlain, the king commandeth jeremy to be brought for the of the Dungeon. jeremy showeth the King how he might escape death. CAPI. XXXVIII. SAphatiah the son of Mathan, Godoliah the son of Phasphur/ jucall the son of Semeliah, and Phashur the son of Melchiah perceived the words, that jeremy had spoken unto all the people, namely on this manner: Thus saith the Lord: * jere. xxi. b ●▪ xxvii. a Who so remaineth in this city, shall perish, either with the sword, with hunger or with the pestilence: But who so falleth unto the Caldees/ shall escape winning his soul for a pray, and shall live. * jere. xxii. a For thus sayeth the Lord: This city (no doubt) must be delivered into the power of the king of Babylon/ and he also shall win it. Then said the Princes unto the king: Sir, we beseech you let this man be put to death. For thus he discourageth the hands of the ●oudyours that be in this city, and the hands of all the people, when be speaketh such words unto them. This man verily laboureth not for peace of the people/ but mischief. Zedekiah the king answered and said: lo, he is in your hands, for the king may deny you nothing. Then took they jeremy, & cast him into the dungeon of Melchiah the son of Hamelech that dwelled in the fore entry of the preson. And they let down jeremy with cords into a dungeon/ where there was no water/ but mire. So jeremy stack fast in the mire. Now when Abedmelech the Morian being a chamberlain in the kings court, understood, that they had cast jeremy into the dungeon: he went out of the kings house, & spoke to the king/ (which then sat under the port of Ben jamin) these words: My Lord the king, where as these men meddle with jeremy the Prophet, they do him wrong: Namely, in that they have put him in preson, there to die of hunger, for there is no more bread in the city. Then the king commanded Abedmelech the Morian and said: Take from hence. thirty. men whom thou wilt, and draw up jeremy the prophet out of the dungeon, before he die. So Abedmelech took the men with him, and went to the house of the king, & there under an almery he got old rags & worn clouts/ & let them down by a cord/ into the dungeon to jeremy. And Abedmelech the Morian said unto the Prophet jeremy: O, put these rags & clouts under thine arm holes, betwixt them and the cords: and jeremy did so. So they drew up jeremy with cords and took him out of the dungeon, and he remained in the fore entry of the preson. Then * jere. 37. c Zedekiah the king sent and caused jeremy the prophet to be called unto high, into the third entry, that is in the house of the Lord. And the king said unto jeremy: I will ask the some what but hide nothing fro me▪ Then jeremy answered Zedekiah: if I be plain unto thee, thou wilt cause me to suffer death: If I give the council, thou wilt not follow me. So the king swore an oath secretly unto jeremy, saying: As truly as the Lord lyneth, that made us these souls, I will not slay thee, nor give the into the hands of them that seek after thy life. Then said jeremy unto Zedekiah: Thus sayeth the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: * jere. ●7. c If case be, that thou wilt go forth unto the king of Babylon's princes, thou shalt save thy life, and this city shall not be brent/ ye, both thou and thy household shall escape with your lives. But if thou wilt not go forth to the king of Babylon's princes/ then shall this city be delivered into the hands of the Caldees, which shall set fire upon it, and thou shalt not be able to escape them. And the king Zedekiah said unto jeremy. I am afraid for the jews, that are fled unto the Caldees/ least I come in their hands, and so they, to have me in derision. But jeremy answered: No, they shall not betray thee: O hearken unto the voice of the Lord (I beseech thee) which I speak unto thee, so shalt thou be well, and save thy life. But if thou wilt not go forth, the Lord hath told me this plainly: Behold, all the women that are left in the king of judaes' house/ shall go out to the king of Babylon's Princes. For they think/ that thou art deceived: and that the men in whom thou didst put thy trust, have gotten the under, and set thy feet fast in the mire, and gone their way from the. Therefore all thywives which their children shall i'll unto the Caldees, and thou shalt not escape their hands, but shalt be the king of Babylon's prisoner, and this city shalt thou cause be brent Then said Zedekiah unto jeremy: look that no body know of these words, & thou shalt not die. But if the princes perceive, that I have talked with thee, and come unto thee, saying: O speak, what saidest thou to the king? hide it not from us, and we will not put the to death. Tell us (we pray thee) what said the king to thee? See thou give them this answer: I have humbly besought the king, that he will let me lie no more in jehonathans' house, that I die not there? Then came all the princes unto jeremy, & asked him. And he told them/ after the manner as the king bade him. Then they held their peace, for they perceyaved nothing. * jere. 39 c So jeremy abode still in the fore entry of the preson, until the day that jerusalem was won. ¶ Nabuchodonosor besiegeth jerusalem. zedekiah flieth. He 〈◊〉 taken of the L●●dces. His sons are slain. His eyes are thrust out. jeremy is provided for. Abedmelech is delivered from captivity, because of the confidence that he hath in God. CAPI. XXXIX. Now * jere. 32. ● 4. Reg. ●5. ● when the city of jerusalem was taken (for in the. ix. year of Zedekiah King of juda in the tenth month/ came Nabuchodonosor the King of Babylon and all his Host, and besieged jerusalem. And in the. xi. year of Zedekiah in the fourth month the. ix. day of the month, he broke into the city. Then all the princes of the king of Babylon, came in/ and sat them down under the port: Neregel, Sarezer/ Samegarnabo, Sarsachim/ Rabsaris Neregel, Sarezer, Rabmag, with all the other Princes of the King of Babylon. * jere. 34. ● And when Zedekiah the king of juda with his soldiers saw them, they fled/ and departed out of the city by night thorough the kings garden, and thorough the porce that is between the two walls, and so they went toward the wilderness. But the Caldees Host followed fast after them/ and took Zedekiah in the field of jericho, and brought him prisoner to Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon unto Reblath/ that lieth in the land of Hemath where he gave judgement upon him. So the King of Babylon caused the children of Zedekiah and all the nobles of juda to be slain/ before his face at Reblath. And made Zedekias eyes to be put out/ and bound him with chains/ and sent him to Babylon. * 4. Reg. 25. b jere. 32. d Moreover/ the Caldees brent up the kings palace/ with the other houses of the people, and broke down the walls of jerusalem. As for the remnant of the people that were in the city/ and such as were come to help them (what soever was left of the comen sort) Nabuzaradan the chief capitain carried them to Babylon. But Nabuzaradan the chief captain let the ●ascal people (and those that had nothing) dwell still in the land of juda, and gave them vineyards and corn fields at the same time Nabuchodonosor also the king of Babylon gave Nabuzaradan the chief captain a charge/ concerning jeremy/ saying: take and cherish him, and make much of him: see thou do him no harm, but entreat him after his own desire. So Nabuzaradan the chief, captain/ Nabusasban the chief chamberlain, Nergalsarezer the treasurer and all the king of Babylon's lords/ sent for jeremy * ●●●●. 38. d & caused him to be fet out of the fore entry of the preson, and committed him unto Godoliah the son of Ahicam the son of Saphan: that he should carry him home, * jere. xl. b and so he dwelt among the people. Now while jeremy lay yet bound in the fore entry of the prison/ the word of the Lord came unto him, saying: Go and tell Abedmelech the Morian: Thus sayeth the Lord of Hosts the God of Israel: Behold/ the cruel & sharp plague that I have devised for this city, will I bring upon them/ that thou shall see it: but I will deliver thee (sayeth the Lord) and thou shalt not come in the hands of those men/ whom thou fearest. For douceles I will save thee, so that thou shalt not perish with the sword: but thy life shallbe saved, and that because thou hast put thy trust in me/ sayeth the Lord. ¶ jeremy hath licence to go whether he will. He dwelleth with the people that remaineth at jerusalem, over whom Godoliah ruleth. johanan prophesieth death unto Godoliah CAPI. XL. THIS is the manner how the Lord in treated jeremy, * jere. xli●●. a when Nabuzaradan the chief Captain had let him go free from * joshua. 18. d Ramah, whither he had led him bound among all the presoners, that were carried from jerusalem and juda unto Babylon. The chief captane called for jeremy, & said unto him: The Lord thy God spoke mygh te before of the misery upon this place: Now the Lord hath sent it, and performed it as he had promised. For ye have sinned against the Lord, and have not been obedient unto his voice, therefore cometh this plague upon you. Behold, I louse the bonds from thy hands this day: if thou wilt now go with me unto Babylon/ up then: for I will see to thee/ and provide for thee: But if thou wilt not go with me to Babylon, then remain here. * ●●● xi●i. b Tobi. ●. b Behold, all the land is at thy will, look where thou thinkest convenient and good for the to abide/ there dwell. If thou canst not be content to dwell alone/ then remain with Godoliah the son of Ahicam/ the son of Saphan: * 4. Reg. 25. c whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of juda, and dwell with him among the people, or remain where soever it pleaseth the So the chief capitain gave him his expenses with a reward/ and let him go. * jere. 〈◊〉. ●. Then went jeremy unto Godoliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpa, and dwelled there with him among the people that were left in the land. Now when the captains of the Host of juda (which with their fellows were scattered abroad on every side in the land) understood that the king of Babylon had made Godoliah, the son of Ahicam governor in the land, and that man, wife and child/ ye/ and the poor men in the land (that were not led captive to Babylon) should be under his jurisdiction: They came to Godoliah unto Mizpa: Namely, Ishmael the son of Nathaniah, johanan & jonathan the sons of Careah, Sareah the son of Thanhometh, the sons of Ophai the Netophathite/ jesaniah the son of Maachati, with their companions. And Godoliah the son of Ahicam/ the son of Saphan, swore unto them and their fellows in this manner: * 4. Reg. 25. c Be nat afraid to serve the Caldees, dwell in the land/ & do the king of Babylon service/ so shall ye prosper. Behold/ I dwell at Mizpa to be an officer in the Caldees behalf/ & to satisfy such as come to us. Therefore gather you wine/ corn and oil/ and keep them in your aware houses, and dwell in your cities that ye have in keeping. Ye, all the jews also that dwelled in Moab under the Ammonites, in Idumea & in all the countries/ when they heard, that the king of Babylon had made Godoliah the son of Ahicam the son of Saphan, governor upon them that were left in juda. All the jews (I say) returned out of all places where they were fled unto: and came into the land of juda to Godoliah unto Mizpa, & gathered wine and other fruits, & that very much. Moreover, johanan the son of Careah and all the captains of the host, that were scattered on every side in the land, came to Godoliah in Mizpa, and said unto him: knowest thou not that Baalis king of the Ammonites hath sent Ishmael the son of Nathaniah, to slay there But Godoliah the son of Ahicam believed them not. Then said johanan the son of Careah unto Godoliah in Mizpa these words secretly: Let me go, I pray thee, and I will slay Ishmael the son of Nathaniah, so that no body shall know it. Wherefore will he kill thee, that all the jews which resort unto thee/ might be scattered, and the remnant in juda perish? johanan the son of Careah: Thou shalt not do it, for they are but lies/ that thou sayest/ of Ishmael. ¶ Ishmael killeth Godoliah guilefully, and many other with him. johanan followeth after Ishmael. CAPI. XLI. BUt in the seventh month it happened that * 4. Re. 25. ● Ishmael the son of Nathaniah the son of Elisama (one of the kings blood) came with them that were greatest about the king/ and ten men that were sworn with him: unto Godoliah the son of Ahicam to Mizpa, and they did eat together. And Ishmael the son of Nathaniah with those ten men that were sworn to him, start up, and smote Godoliah the son of Ahicam the Son of Saphan with the sword/ and slew him/ whom the king of Babylon had made governor of the land. Ishmael also slew all the jews that were with Godoliah at Mizpa/ and all the Caldees that he found there waiting upon him. The next day after that he had slain Godoliah (the matter was yet unknown) there came certain men from Sichem, from Siloh & Samaria/ to the number of. lxxx. which had shaven their beards, rent their clothes, & were all heavy, bringing meat offerings, and incense in their hands ☜ to offer it in the house of the Lord. And Ishmael the son of Nathaniah went forth of Mizpa * Eccle. xii. c weeping, to meet them. Now when he met them he said: Go your way to Godoliah the son of Ahicam. And when they came in the midst of the city, Ishmael the son of Nathaniah (with them that were sworn unto him) slew them, even at the midst of the pit. Among these. lxxx. men there were ten/ that said unto Ishmael: Oh slay us nat/ for we have yet a great treasure in the field, of wheat/ bar lie/ oil/ and honey. So he spared them, and slew them not with their brethren. Noew the pit wherein Ishmael did cast the dead bodies of the men (whom he slew because of Godoliah) had king Asa caused to be made, for fear of Bassa the king of Israel/ and the sa●e pit did Ishmael fill with slain men. ●s for the remnant of the people/ the kings daughters and all the people that were yet left at Mizpa, upon whom * 3. Reg. 25. Nabusaradan the chief capitain had made Godoliah the son of Ahicam governor: Ishmael the son Nathaniah carried them away presoners toward the Ammonites. But when johanan the son of Careah and all they which had been captains over the kings host with him/ heard of all the wickedness that Ishmael Gene. 14▪ ● 1. Re. thirty. ● the son of Nathaniah had done: ‡ 4. Reg. 25▪ ● they took their companions/ and went out for to fight with Ishmael the son of Nathaniah and found him by the great waters that are in Gibeon. Now when all the people/ whom Ishmael led captive, saw johanan the son of Careah and all the other capitains of the Host, they were glad. So all the people that Ishmael had carried away from Mizpa, were brought again. And when they returned, they came to johanan the son of Careah. But Ishmael the son of Nathaniah fled from johanan with eight of his sworn companions, and went to the Ammonytes. Then johanan the son of Careah and all the captains of the Host that were with him, took all the remnant of the people, whom Ishmael the son of Nathaniah had led away (when he had slain Godoliah the son of Ahicam) whom they also had rescued from him: fighting men/ women and children, and gelded men, whom they brought again from Gibeon: and went from thence, and sat them down at Geruth Camaam, which lieth beside Bethlehem * jere. xlii▪ ● that they might go into Egypte for fear of the Caldees: of whom they were afraid/ because that Ishmael the son of Nathaniah had slain Godoliah Ahikams' son * jere. ● whom the king of Babylon had made governor in the land. CAPI. XLII. ¶ The Captains ask council of jeremy what they ought to do. jeremy monysheih the remnant of the people not to go into Egypte. SOLE the captains, and johanan the son of Kareah/ jezaniah the son of Osayah came with all the people from the least unto the most/ and said unto jeremy the prophet. * I●●●. xxi▪ a▪ ●●d. 37. a. O hear our petition/ that thou mayest pray for us unto the Lord thy God/ namely/ for all the remnant, where of there be very few of us left of many/ as thou seest us: that the Lord/ thy God may show us a way to go in, and tell us/ what we should do. Then jeremy the Prophet said unto them: I have heard you. Behold, I will pray unto God your Lord/ as ye have required me: and look what answer the Lord giveth you/ I shall certify you thereof/ and keep nothing back from you. And they said unto jeremy. * Ios●●. i e. i▪ Math 2▪ ● I●●●▪ xliii. ● The Lord of truth and faithfulness be our record, that we will do all that the Lord thy god commandeth us, whether it be good or evil. We will hearken unto the voice of our Lord God to whom wesende thee, that we may prosper, when we have followed the voice of the Lord our God. And after ten days came the word of the Lord unto jeremy. Then called he johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the people that were with him: ye, & all the people from the least to the most/ and said unto them: Thus sayeth the Lord God of Israel unto whom ye sent me/ to lay forth your prayers before him: * I●●●. xxi. b. If ye will dwell in this land, I shall build you up, and not break you down: I shall plant you, and not rote you out: for ☜ I repent, as concerning the trouble that I have done to you. Fear not the king of Babylon/ of whom ye stand in awe: O, be nat afraid of him, sayeth the Lord: for I will be with you, to help you, and deliver you from his hand. I will pardon you, I will have mercy upon you, and bring you again into your own land. Nevertheless, if ye purpose not to dwell in this land, nor to follow the voice of the Lord your God: but will say thus/ we will not dwell here/ but go into Egypte: where we shall neither see war, hear the noise of the trump/ nor suffer hunger/ there will we dwell. Wherefore, hear now the word of the Lord O ye remnant of juda. * I●●e▪ 17▪ ●. Thus sayeth the Lord of hosts the god of Israel: If ye be wholly purposed to go into Egypt, and to be there as strangers: * jere. xli▪ c. the sword that ye feared, shall over take you i. Egypt: and the hunger whereof ye be here afraid shall hang upon you and follow you into Egypte/ and there ye shall die. And all they, that of set purpose undertake to go in to Egypte/ to sogeourne there/ shall perish with the sword/ with hunger and pestilence: not one of them shall remain/ there shall none escape the plague, that I will bring upon them. For thus sayeth the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: like as my wrath and indignation is moved against the inhabitors of Jerusalem, so shall my displeasure be kindled against you also, if ye go into Egypte: & there ye shallbe reviled/ aborted, brought to shame and confusion: and as for this place ye shall never see it more. The Lord forbiddeth you (O ye remnant of juda) that ye shall not go into Egypte. And forget not that I have warned you earnestly this day, for ye have dissembled with me. * jere. xlii. ●. For ye sent me unto the Lord your God, and said: O pray thou the Lord our God for us: and look what answer the Lord our God giveth thee, that bring us again, and we shall do there after. Now have I showed/ & declared unto you the voice of the Lord your God/ for the which cause he hath sent me to you. Now therefore, * Deut. 〈◊〉. ●. If ye will not follow it/ be sure, that ye shall perish with the swear●●, with hunger & pestilence: even in the same place, where your lust is to go, and dwell. ¶ johanan carrieth the remnant of the pro●l● into Egypte/ contrary to the mind of jeremy. jeremy prophesieth the desiruceyon of Egypte. CAPI. XLIII. Now when jeremy had ended all the words of the Lord his god unto the people (for their sakes to whom God had sent him) Azariah the son of Osaiah/ and johanan the son of Kareah with all the proud personnes/ said unto jeremy. * jere. xlii. a. Thou liest, the Lord our God hath not sent the to speak unto us, that we should not go into Egypte/ and dwell there: But Baruch the son of Neriah provoketh the against us, that he might bring us in to the captivity of the Caldees: that they might fleye us, and carry us away presoners unto Babylon. So johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the host, and all the people followed nat the commandment of the Lord: Namely/ to dwell in the land of juda: But johanan the son of Kareah & all the captains of the host, carried away all the remnant in juda, * jere. lxi. c. that were come together again from all the heathen (among whom they had been scattered) to dwell in the land of juda: Men/ women/ children/ the kings daughters: all those that Nabuzaradan the chief captain had left with Godoliah the son of Ahikam/ the son of Saphan. They carried away also the prophet jeremy/ Baruch the son of Neriah/ and so came into Egypte: for they were not obedient/ unto the commandment of god. Thus came they to Thaphnis. And in Taphnis the word of the Lord happened unto jeremy/ saying: Take great stones in thine hand, and hide them in the brick wall/ under the door of pharao's house in Thaphnis/ that all the men of juda may/ see & say unto them: Thus sayeth the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: * jere. xlvi. c Behold, I will send and call for Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon my servant/ and will set his seat upon these stones that I have hid, and he shall spread his tent over them. And when he cometh/ he shall smite the land of Egypte, some with slaughter, some with prisonment, and some with the swearde. He shall set fire upon the temples of the Egyptians gods/ and burn them up/ and take themselves presoners. Moreover, he shall array himself with the land of Egypte, like as a shepherd putteth on his ●ore/ and shall depart his way from thence in peace. The pilers also of the ☞ temple of the Sun that is in Egypte: shall he break in pieces/ and burn the temples of the Egyptians gods. ¶ He reproveth the people for their Idolatry. They that set light by, the threating of the Lord, are chastenad. The desteruition of Egypt and the jews therein, is prophesied. CAPI. XLIIII. THIS is the word that was showed to jeremy concerning all the jews/ which dwelt in Egypte: at Mygdol/ at Thaphnis, at Noph; and in the land of Patures. Thus sayeth the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: ye have seen all the misery, that I have brought upon jerusalem and upon all the cities of juda: so that this day they are desolate and no man dwelling therein: and that because of the great blasphemies which they committed, to provoke me unto anger. In that they went back to do sacrifice, and worship unto strange gods: whom neither they/ nor ye/ nor your fathers have known. Howbeit I sent unto them my servants, all the prophets ‡ jere. xxv. ● and. xxix. ●. I rose up early, I sent unto them, and gave them warning. O do no such abominable things, and things that I hate. But they would not follow nor hearken, to turn from their wickedness, and to do no more sacrifice unto strange gods. Wherefore mine indignation and wrath was kindled, and it brent up the cities of juda/ the fields with the streets of jerusalem, so that they were made waste and desolate, as it is come to pass this day. Now therefore thus sayeth the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: How happeneth it/ that ye do so great evil unto your own souls thus to destroy the men and women, children and babes of juda? so that none of you is left because ye provoke me unto wrath with the works of your own hands: when ye offer unto strange gods in the land of Egypt, where as ye be gone to dwell. That ye might utterly perish, and that ye might be reviled and shamefully entreated of all nations. Or have ye now forgotten the wickedness of your forefathers, the wickedness of the kings of juda and their wives, the wickedness that ye yourselves and your wives have done in the land of juda, and in the streets of jerusalem? Yet are ye not sorry this day, ye fear not nether walk ye in my law and in my commandments, that I have given unto you and your forefathers. Therefore thus sayeth the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: I am steadfastly advised and determined, to punish you, and to rote out all juda. As for the remnant of juda that purposely went into Egypte, there to dwell, I will take them * jere. xiii. c. and. x●●●. ●. and they shall all be destrayed. In the land of Egipte shall they perish being consumed with the sword and with hunger. For from the least with the most, they shall perish with the sword and with hunger. Moreover/ they shallbe reviled/ abhorred/ shamed and confounded. For I will visit them that dwell in Egypt, * je. xxxix. ●. as I have visited jerusalem: with the sword, with hunger and with pestilence. So that none of the remnant of juda/ which are gone to dwell in Egypte: shall be left to con●e again into the land of juda, all though they think to come thither again, and to dwell there. For none shall come again/ but such as are fled away. Then all the men which knew that their wives had offered unto strange gods/ & a great sort of wives that stood there, ye/ and all the people that dwelled there in Egypt in the city of Patures/ answered jeremy, and said. As for the words that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the Lord we will in no wise hear them: but what soever goeth out of our own mouth, that will we do. We will do sacrifice, and offer oblations unto the Queen of heaven, ‡ jere. seven. b. like as we and our forefathers, our Kings and our heads have done in the cities of juda, and in the streets and fields of jerusalem. For than had we plenteousness of victuals, than were we in prosperity/ and no misfortune came upon us. * ●. Mac. i b. But since we left, to offer/ and to do sacrifice unto the Queen of heaven, we have had scarceness of all things, and perish with the sword and hunger. last of all/ when we women did sacrifice and offered unto the Queen of heaven, did we make her cakes & pour unto her drinkoffringes, to do her service, without our husbands wills? Then said jeremy unto all the people, to the men, to the women and to all the folk, which had given him that answer. Did not the Lord remember the sacrifices that ye, your forefathers, your kings and rulers (with all the people) have offered in the cities of juda in the streets and land of jerusalem? and hath he not considered this in his mid? In so much, that the Lord might no longer suffer the wickedness of your inventions/ and the abominable things which ye did? * Esay. i. ●. Is not your land desolate and void, ye and abhorred, so that no man dwelleth therein any more, as it is come to pass this day? * 3. Reg. 18. b. jeremis. 2. ●. and, 3 c ●. 5 e Did not all this happen unto you, because ye made such sacrifice/ and sinned against the Lord, ‡ Baruc iii, a Ye have not followed his voice, to walk in his law, in his ordinances and statutes. Ye, this is the cause, that all misfortune happened unto you, as it is come to pass this day. Moreover, jeremy spoke unto all the people and to all the women. Hear the word of the Lord all juda, ye that be in the land of Egypte. Thus sayeth the Lord of Hosts the God of Israel. Ye and your wives have spoken with your own mouth/ the thing that ye have fulfilled in deed. * jere. 44. c. Ye, thus have ye said: we will not fail/ but perform the vows that we have vowed, we will do sacrifice and power out drink offerings to the Queen of heaven. Purposely will ye set up your own meanings, and perform your vows. And therefore, hear the word of the Lord all juda, ye that dwell in the land of Egypte. Behold, * Gen. xxii. c. I have sworn by my great name, sayeth the Lord, that my name shall not be rehearsed thorough any man's mouth of juda, in all the land of Egypte: to say: The Lord God liveth, For I will watch/ to plague them, and not for their wealth. * jere. xiii. c. And all the men of juda that be in the land of Egypte/ shall perish with the sword and with hunger, until they be utterly destroyed. Nevertheless, those that fled away for the sword, shall come again into the land of juda/ but there shall be very few of them. And all the remnant of juda/ that are gone into Egypte, there to dwell, shall know whose words shallbe found true: theirs or mine. Take this for a token that I will visit you in this place/ sayeth the Lord/ and that ye may know/ how that I (without doubt) will perform my purpose upon you to punish you. Behold, saith the Lord, I will deliver Pharaoh Hophrea King of Egypte into the hands of his enemies, that seek after his life: * 4. Reg. 25▪ ● jere. 39 b. even as I gave Zedekias the king of juda into the hands of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon his enemy which sought after his life. ¶ Baruch is reproved of jeremy. CAPI. XLV. THESE are the words that jeremy the prophet spoke unto Baruch the son of Neriah/ * jere. 36. ●. after that he had written these Sermons in a book at the mouth of jeremy, In the fourth year of jehohakim the son of josias king of juda saying. Thus sayeth the Lord God of Israel unto thee, O Baruch: In so much as thou thoughtest thus (when thou wast writing) woe is me, the Lord hath given me pain for my travail. I have wearied myself with sighing/ and have found no rest. Therefore tell him, O jeremy, that the Lord sayeth thus: Behold, The thing that I have builded, will I break down again and rote out the thing, that I have planted ye, this whole land. And seekest thou yet promotion? Look not for it/ & desire it not. For I will bring a miserable plague upon all flesh, sayeth the Lord. * jere. xxi. b But thy life will I give the for a pray in a places, where so ever thou goest. ¶ He prophesieth the destruction of Egypte. Delyu●●aunce is promised to Israel. CAPI. XLVI. HERE follow the words of the Lord to the Prophet jeremy, which he spoke against all the gentiles. These words following preached he to * Esai. nineteen. a. and. xx. 〈◊〉 the Egyptians concerning the Host of Pharaoh Necho King of Egypte, * Eze. 29. a. 30. and. 31. 4. Re. 24. b. when he was in Charcamis beside the water of Euphrates: what time as Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon slew him. In the fourth year of jehohakim the son of josias king of juda. * jer. xxxi. a. Make ready buckler and shield/ and go forth to fight: harness your horses, and set yourselves upon them: set your salads fast on, bring forth spears/ scour your swords and put on your breast plates. But alas, how happeneth it, that I see you so afraid? why shryncke ye back? Their worthies are slain. Ye, they run so fast away, that none of them looketh behind him. Fearfulness is fallen upon everichone of them sayeth the Lord. The lyghteste of foot shall not i'll away/ and the worthies shall not escape. Toward the north by the water of Euphrates, they did stumble and fall. But what is he this, that swelleth up, as it were a flood roaring and raging like the streams of water? It is Egypte that riseth up like the flood, and casteth out the waters with so great noise. And he said I will go up, and will cover the earth: I will destroy the city, with them that are therein. Get you up ye horses/ roll for the ye Chariots/ come for the worthies▪ ye Morions, ye Lybeans with your bucklers, ye Lydea●s with your bows: This day of the Lord God of hosts, a day of vengeance/ that he may avenge him of his enemies. The sword shall devour, it shall besatysfyed and bathed in their blood. For the Lord God of hosts shall have a slain offering toward the north, by the water of Euphrates, Go up (O Gilead) and bring treacle unto the daughter of Egypte. But in vain shalt thou go to surgery/ for thy wound shall not be stopped. The heathen have heard of thy shaine, and the land is full of thy confusion: for one strong man did stumble upon another/ and they are fallen both together. ‡ jer. xliii. b. These are the words that the Lord spoke to the prophet jeremy, concerning the coming of Nabuchodonosor the King of Babylon, which was sent to destroy the land of Egypte: Preach out thorough the land of Egypte/ and cause it to be proclaimed at Mygool/ Noph and Taphnis, and say: Stand still/ make the ready/ for the sword shall consume the round about. How happeneth it that thy mighty worthies are fallen? why stood they not fast. Even because the Lord thrust them down? The slaughter was great: for one fell ever still upon another. One cried upon another. Up/ let us go again to our own people/ and to our own natural country, from the cruel sword▪ They did cry even there: O Pharaoh king of Egypte, the time will bring sedition. As truly as I live (sayeth the King * Es●. 4●● and. li. ●. whose name is the Lord of hosts) it shall come as the mount of Thabor, and as Lybanus if it stood in the see. O thou daughter of Egypte make ready thy gear to flit. For Noph shallbe voide and desolate, so that no man shall dwell therein. The land of Egypt is like a goodly fair calf, but one shall come out of the north to prick her forward. Her wagied soldiers that be with her, are like fat calves. They also shall i'll away together, and not abide: for the day of their slaughter and the time of their visitation shall come upon them. The cry of them shall make a noise as the blast of a trompete. For they shall enter in with their hosts, & come with axes/ as it were hewers down of wood. And they shall cut down her wood, sayeth the Lord. For they shall be more in number then the grasshoppers, so that no man shallbe able to tell them. The daughter of Egypte is confounded, and delivered into the hands of the people of the north: Thus sayeth the Lord of hosts the God of Israel. Behold, I will visit that restless people of Alexandria. Pharaoh and Egypte, ye/ both their Gods and their Kings, even Pharaoh/ and all them that put their trust in him. Ye, I will deliver them into the hands of those/ that seek after their lives. Namely/ into the power of Nabuchodonosor the King of Babylon/ and into the power of his servants. And after all these things it shallbe inhabited as afore time saith the Lord. But be not thou afraid (O my servant jacob) fear not thou, O Israel. For lo/ I will help the from far, and thy seed from the land of their captivity. jacob also shall come again, and be in rest, he shall prosper and no man shall do him ha●●e. Fear thou not (O jacob my servant) saith the Lord/ for I am with the● and will destroy all nations/ among whom I have scattered the. Nevertheless/ I will not consume thee/ but chasten the & correct thee: ye, and that with discretion: neither will I spare the as one that were faultless. ¶ The word of the Lord against the Philistirles. CAPI. XLVII. THESE are the words, that the Lord spoke unto jeremy the Prophet against the Philistines, before that Pharaoh smote the cite of Azah. Thus saith the Lord Behold/ there shall waters arise out of the North: and shall grow to a great flood/ running over and covering the land/ the cities/ and them that dwell therein. And the men shall cry, and all they that dwell in the land, shall mourn at the noise and stamping of their strong barbed horses/ at the shaking of their charettes, and at the rambling of the wheels. The fathers shall not look to their children, so feeble and weary shall their hands be: at the same time when he shallbe there, to destroy the whole land of the philistines. He shall make waste both Tyrus/ Sydon and all other that are sworn unto them. For the Lord will destroy the Philistines / the remnant of the isle of Caphtor ☜ Baldness is come upon Azah, Ascalon with her other valleys shall keep her peace. How long wilt thou slay/ O thou sword of the Lord? When wilt thou cease? Turn again into thy sweet rest/ and leave of. But how can it cease, when the Lord himself hath given him a charge against Ascalon/ and raised it up against the cities of the see cost? ¶ The word of the Lord against the Moabites. CAPI. XLVIII. THus sayeth the Lord of hosts the God of Israel against * Esay. xv. ● and. ●vi. a & 〈◊〉. b Ezec. xxv▪ b 〈◊〉 eph. two. b Moab: woe be to the city of Nebo/ for it is laid waste, brought to confusion, and Kariathia●im is taken/ Mysgab is brought to shame/ and afraid: Moab can boast no more of Hesebon for they have devised against it. Come (shall they say) let us rote them out, that they may be no more among the number of the Gentiles/ and that thou Madmen may no more be thought upon: and the sword shall persecute thee: A voice shall cry from Horonaim: With great wasting and destruction/ is Moab made desolate. Children could tell of the cry thereof: For at the going up unto Luyth hearese with lamentation and mourning/ & down toward Horonaim/ they heard a cruel and a deadly cry: Get you away/ save your lives/ and be like unto the heeth in the wilderness. * Esay. 〈◊〉. b Jere▪ xvii. b Ezec. xxix. ● For because thou hast trusted in chine own works and treasure/ thou shalt be taken. Chamos with his priests and princes shall go away into captivity. The destroyet shall come upon all cities none shall escape. The valleys shallbe destroyed/ and the fields shallbe laid waste: like as the Lord hath spoken. Make a token unto Moab/ that she get her away speedily: for her cities shallbe made so desolate/ that no man shall dwell therein. Cursed be he that doth the work of the Lord negligently/ and cursed be he that keepeth back his * jere. 47. b sword from shedding of blood. Moab hath ever been rich and careless from her youth up/ she hath sitten and taken her ease with her treasure. She was never yet put out of one vessel into another (that is) she never went away into captivice, therefore her taste remaineth, and her savour is not yet changed. But lo, the time cometh, sayeth the Lord that I shall send her trussers to truss her up, to prepare and season her vessels: ye: her tanckerdes tatell and shake to and ●ro. And Moab shallbe ashamed of Chamos/ like as Israel was ashamed of * 3. Re, ●xi. ●. Bethel, wherein she put her trust. Wherefore do ye think thus: we are mighty/ and strong men of war? Moab is destroyed, and her cities brent up: her chosen young men be slain, sayeth the king, whose name is the Lord of hosts. The destruction of Moab cometh on a pace/ and her fall is at hand. Al her neighbours shall mourn for her/ and all they that know her name/ shall say. O how happeneth it, that the strong staff & the goodly rod is thus broken? And thou daughter Dibon, come down from thy glory and sit in poverty. For he that destroyeth Moab, shall come up to the also/ and break down thy strong holds. And thou that dwellest in Aroer, get the to the street, and look about thee: ask them that are fled & escaped/ and say: what thing is happened? O, Moab is confounded and overcome▪ Mourn and cry/ tell it out at Arnon/ that Moab is destroyed. For misery shall come upon the plain land. Namely/ upon Holon, & jahazah: upon Mephaath & Dibon, upon Nabo and the house of Deblathaim/ upon Cariathiarim and upon the house Gamul, upon the house Maon and Carioth/ upon Bozrah and all the cities in the land of Moab, whether they lie far or near. ⚜ The horn of Moab is smitten down & her arm broken, sayeth the Lord. Make her drunken, for she magnyfieth herself about the Lord, that men may clap their hands at her vomit, and that she also may be laughed to scorn: O Israel, shalt thou not laugh him to scorn, when he is taken a 'mong thieves. * Ye, because of thy words that thou hast spoken against him, thou shalt be driven away. Ye Moabites shall leave the cities, and dwell in rocks of stone and become like doves, that make their nests in holes. * Nun 25 a As for Moabs' pride/ we have herd of it/ she is very high minded. I know her stoutness/ her boasting/ her arrogancy and the pride of her stomach/ sayeth the Lord. For her furtousnesse may neither uphold her with strength nor deed. Therefore shall their mourning be made for Moab, and every man shall cry for Moabs' sake: a lamentation shallbe made to the men that stand upon the wall. So will I mourn for the also/ O jazar/ and for thee/ O thou vineyard of Sabamah. Thy wine branches shall come over Esai. xvi. b jere. x●ix. c. the see/ and the branches of jazer but unto the see: the destroyer shall break into thy harvest and grape gathering: Mirth and cheer shallbe taken away from the tymbre field/ and from the whole land of Moab. There shall be no sweet wine in the press, the treader shall have no stomach to cry ye/ there shallbe none to cry unto him: which afore time were herd from Hesebon to Eleale and jahaz, which lifted up their voice from Zoar unto Horonaim, that ☜ bullock of three year old. The waters also of Mem●im shallbe dried up. Moreover/ I will make Moab cease (sayeth the Lord) from the offerings and censinge that she hath made unto her Gods in high places. Wherefore my heart mourneth for Moab, like a crowd playing an heavy song: & for the men's sake of the bryck wall my heart mourneth also/ even as a pipe that pypyth a doleful song: for they shallbe very few/ and destroyed. * Esay. xv. d All heads shallbe shaven/ and all beerdes clipped of: all hands bound, and loins girded about with sack cloth. Upon all the house tops and streets of Moab/ there shallbe mourning: For I will break Moab like an unprofitable vessel, sayeth the Lord. Ohowe is she destroyed? O/ how mourneth she? O/ how doth Moab hang down her head/ & is ashamed? Thus shall Moab be a laughing stock/ & had in derision of all them, that be round about her. For thus sayeth the Lord. Behold, the Deut. 〈◊〉. ● jere. 49. ●. enemy shall come flying as an Eagle: and spread his wings upon Moab. They shall climb over the walls, & win the strong holds. Then the mighty men's hearts in Moab shallbe like the heart of a woman traveling with child. And Moab shallbe made so desolate, that she shall no more be a people, because she hath set up herself against the Lord. * Esay. 24. ●. Fear pit/ and snare/ shall come upon thee (O Moab) saith the Lord. Who so escapeth the fear/ shall fall in the pit/ and who so getteth out of the pit/ shall be taken in the snare For I will bring a year of visitation upon Moab/ saith the Lord. They that are able to fly/ shall stand under the shadow of Hesebon. For there shall go a fire out of Hesebon/ and a flame from Zion/ & shall burn up that proud people of Moab both before and behind. Woe be unto thee (O Moab) for thou people of Chamos shalt perish: Ye thy sons and daughters shall be led away captive. Yet at the last will I bring Moab out of captivity again/ saith the Lord. Thus far is of the plague of Moab. ¶ The word of the Lord against the Ammonytes/ against Idumea/ Damascus/ Cedar▪ and Elam. CAPI. XLIX. AS concerning the Ammonytes/ Ez●. xx●. ●. and. xx●. ●. Amo●. ●. ●. thus the Lord saith: Hath Israel no children/ or is he without an heir? Why hath your king then taken Gad in? wherefore doth his people dwell in his cities? Behold therefore/ the time cometh (saith the Lord) that I will bring a noise of war into Rabah of the Ammonytes. Lahel shallbe desolate/ and her cities brent up, and the israelites/ shall be lords over▪ those that had them in possession afore, saith the Lord Hesebon shall mourn/ for it shall be rooted out of the ground, saith the Lord. The cities of ☞ Rabah shall cry out, & gird themselves with sack cloth: they shall mourn, and run about the walls, for their kings shall be led away prisoner: ye his priests and princes with him. Wherefore trustest thou in the water streams that flow to and fro●, O thou fierce daughter: and thinkest thou art so safe (by reason of thy treasure) that no man shall come to thee? Behold, I will bring a fear upon thee, saith the Lord God of hosts, from all those that be about thee: so that ye shall be scattered every man from another, and no man shall gather them together again that be fled. But after that/ I will bring the Ammonytes also out of cap●●uite again. * Esay. xxi. b 〈◊〉 xxv. b and. xxxii. ● and. xxxv. a Upon the Edomites hath the Lord of hosts spoken on this manner. Is there no more wisdom in Theman? Is there no more good council among his people? Is their wisdom then turned clean to nought? Get you hence, turn your backs, creep down into the deep, O ye citizens of Dedan. For I will bring destruction upon Esau, ye, and the day of his visitation. If the grape gatherers came upon thee, should they not leave some grapes? If the night robbers came upon thee, should they not take so much as they thought were enough? But I will make Esau bare, and discover her secrets, so that he shall not be able to hide them. His seed shallbe wasted away/ ye/ his brethren and his neighbours, and he himself shall not be left behind. Thou shalt leave thy fatherless children behind the and I will keep them, and thy widows shall take their comfort in me. For thus hath the Lord spoken. * jere. xxv. b E●cc●●. ix b 1. P●●●●. 4. c Behold, they that men thought were unmere to drink of the cup, have droken with the first: and thinkest thou then to be free? No, no, thou shalt neither be quite nor fire but thou must drink also. For why, I have sworn by myself (sayeth the Lord) that Bozrah shall become a wilderness, an open shame, a laughing stock and cursing: and all her cities shallbe a continual desert. For I am perfectly informed of the Lord, that he hath sent a message all ready unto the Heathen. Gather you together, and go forth against them: make you ready to the battle, for lo. * ●●●●●. a I will make the but small among the Heathen, and little regarded among men. * Esay. 4●. b 〈◊〉. 48. b Thy high stomach & the pride of thy heart hath deceived thee, because thou wilt dwell in the holes of stony rockꝭ, and have the high mountains in possession. Nevertheless, though thy nest were as high as the eagles, yet will I cast the down, sayeth the Lord. Moreover, I dumea shall be a wilderness: * 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. b 〈◊〉. 19 b. ●. ●. b Who so goeth by it, shallbe abashed, & wonder at her miserable plagues, * 〈◊〉. nineteen. c Like as Sodom, Gomor, and the cities that lay there about, were turned up side down (sayeth the Lord) so shall no body dwell in Idumea, and no man shall have his habitation there. Behold, like as the Lion cometh up from the pleasant meadows of jordane unto the green pastures of Etham, so will I drive him, and make him run against her. But who is the young man that I will ordain thereto? Who is like unto me? What is he that will strive with me? What shepherd may stand in my hands? * Psal. 37. b Therefore, hear the council of the Lord, that he hath taken upon Idumea: & his purpose, that he hath devised upon the citizens of Theman: The least of the flock shall tear them in pieces/ and look what fair thing they have/ they shall make it waste, and themselves also. At the noise of their fall, the earth shall quake, the cry of their voice shallbe herd unto the red see. Behold, * jere. 48. ● the enemy shall come and i'll up hither/ like as it were an Eagle, and spread his wings upon Bozrah. Then shall the hearts of the worthies in Edom be as the heart of a woman travailing of child. * E●●▪ ●vii ●●m●●. ●. ● Upon Damascus, ☞ He math & Arphad shall come confusion/ for they shall hear evil tidings: they shallbe tossed to and fro like the see that can not stand still. Damascus shallbe sore afraid, and shall fly, trembling shall come upon her. Sorrow and pain shall over take her as a woman travailing of child. But how shalde so worshipful and glorious a city be forsaken? Hear therefore: her young men shall fall in the streets/ and all her men of war shall be taken away in that time/ sayeth the Lord of Hosts I will kindle a fire in the walls of Damascus, which shall consume the place of Benhadad. * Esay. xxi. ● As for Cedar and the kingdom of Hazor/ whom Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon smote down/ the Lord hath spoken thus upon them: Arise, and get you up unto Cedar, and destroy the people toward the east. Their tents and their flocks shall they take away/ ye their hangings & their vessel. Their Camels also shall they carry away with them. They shall come about them on every side with a fearful cry. flee, get you soon away/ ●repe into caves, that ye may dwell there: O ye/ inhabitors of Hazor sayeth the Lord: for Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon hath holden a council concerning you, and concluded his devise against you. Arise, and get you up against yonder rich and careless people (sayeth the Lord) which have neither gatis nor door bars, but dwell alone. Their Camels shallbe stolen, and the droves of their cattle driven away. Moreover, these that be shaven will Iscater toward all the winds, and bring them to destruction: ye, and that thorough their own familiars, sayeth the Lord. Hazor also shallbe a dwelling for Dragons, and an everlasting wilderness: so that no body shall dwell there, and no man shall have there his habitation. These are the words, that the Lord spoke to the Prophet jeremy concerning * Ezec. 32. d. Dani. 8. a Elan, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah king of juda. Thus sayeth the Lord of hosts: Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, and take away their strength: and upon Elam I will bring the four winds from the four quarters of heaven, and will scatre them against the same four winds. And there shallbe no people, but some of Elan shall ●lie unto them. For I will cause Elam to be afraid of their enemies, and of them that seek their lives and will bring upon them the indignation of my wrath, sayeth the Lord. And I will persecute them with the sword/ so long till I have brought them to nought. I will set my stole in Elam, I will destroy both the king and the princes from thence, sayeth the Lord. But in process of time I will bring Elam out of captivity again/ sayeth the Lord. ¶ He prohecyeth the destruction of Babylon, and the deliverance of Israel, which was in captivity. CAPI. L. THE words that the Lord spoke unto the Prophet jeremy, concerning Babylon▪ & the land of the Caldees: * Esay. xiii a and▪ xlvii. a jere. x●v. b and. li. a. preach among the gentiles, let your voice be heard, make a token: cry out keep no silence, but say: Babylon is won. * Esa. xlvi. a Bel is confounded, and Merodach is overcome * Dani. v. a Ye, their gods be brought to shame and their images stand in fear. For out of the north ☞ there doth come a people against her/ which make her land so waste that no body dwell therein, neither man nor beast/ for they fly and depart from thence * 1. Es●●. ●. a In those days and at that time sayeth the Lord, the Children of Israel shall come they and the children of juda, weeping and making haste, and shall seek the Lord 〈…〉 God. They shall ask the way to 〈…〉 yther shall they turn their faces, an 〈…〉 & hang upon thee, in a covenant that never shallbe broken. My people hath been a lost * jer. xx●ii. ● Ezech. 36▪ ● flock/ ☞ my shepherds have deceived them, and have made them go astray upon the hills, They have gone from the mountain to the little hill, and forgotten their fold. Al they that came upon them, have devoured them: and their enemies said. We have made no fault against them: for they have displeased the Lord, ye, even the Lord which is the beauty of their righteousness, and that defended theirs fathers. Yet shall ye i'll from Babylon, and depart out of the land of the Caldees/ and ☞ be ye as the rams that go before the flock. * jere. l. ● For ●o, I will wake up an host of people from the Northern land, and bring them upon Babylon: these shall lay siege to it, and win it. Their arrows shall not miss/ like as a cunning archer shooteth not wrong. And the Caldees shall be spoiled/ and all they that spoil them shallbe satisfied, sayeth the Lord * Esay. 47● because ye were so cheerful and glad, to tread down mine heritage▪ and fulfilled your pleasures, as the calves in the grass, and triumphed over them like the bulls, when ye had gotten the victory. Your mothers shallbe sore confounded/ and they that bore you/ shall come to shame. She shallbe the least set by among the nations/ void, wasted and dried up: No man shall be able to dwell there, for the fear of the Lord, but she shall be whole desolate. * jere. 18. ● 19 b. 49. ● All they that go by Babylon, shall stand still, and be abashed, and shall wonder at her plagues. Go forth in your array against Babylon round about, all ye that can handle bows shoot at her, spare no arrows, for she hath sinned against the Lord. Cry out: upon her, upon her, against her round about: she shall yield herself/ her foundations shall fall/ and her walls shall come down/ for it shallbe the vengeance of the Lord. * Exo. xx●. ● Levi. ●4. ● Io●●●. ●● Ye vengeance shallbe taken of her/ and as she hath done/ so shall she be dealt withal. They shall rote out the sour from Babylon/ and him that handleth the sickle in harvest. For fear of the sword of the enemy, every man shall get him to his own people/ and every man shall fly to his own land. Israel is a scattered flock the Lions have dispersed them. * 4. Reg. 〈…〉 Esay ●. ● first the king of the Assyrians devoured them/ * 3. Reg. 〈…〉 last of all this Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon hath brosed all their bones. Therefore/ thus sayeth the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: Behold, I will visit the saying of Babylon and his kingdom * 〈…〉. I have visited the king of the Assyrians and will bring▪ Israel again to his pleasant pasture, that he may ●ede upon Charmel and Bas●u, and be satisfied upon the mount of Ep●raim and Galaad. * 〈…〉. c In those days and at the same time (sayeth the Lord) ☞ if the offence of Israel besought for, there shall none be found: If men inquire for the sin of juda, there shallbe none: for I will be merciful unto them, whom I suffer to remain over. Go down (O thou avenger) into the enemy's land, and viset them that dwell therein: down with them, and smite them upon the backs, sayeth the Lord: do according to all, that I have commanded the. There is gone about the land a cry of a slaughter & ●reat murder, namely on this manner. How happeneth it, that the hammer of the whole world is thus broken and brosed insunder? How chanceth it, that Babylon is become a wilderness among the Heathen on this manner? I myself have laid wait for thee, and thou art taken unawares: art thou trapped & snared: for why, thou haste provoked the Lord unto anger: The Lord hath opened his house of ordinance, & brought forth the weapons of his wrath. For the thing that is done in the land of the Caldees, it is the Lord of hosts work. These things shall come upon her at the last, they shall break into her privy chambres, they shall leave her as bare as stones, that be laid together upon heaps. They shall so destroy her, that nothing shallbe left▪ They shall slay all their mighty soldiers, and put them to death. Woe be unto them, for the day and time of their visitation is at hand. Me think I hear all ready a cry, of them that be fled and escaped out of the land of Babylon, which show in Zion the vengeance of the Lord our God/ the vengeance of his temple: ye, a voice of them, cry against Babylon: Call up all the archers against Babylon, pitch your tents round about her, that none escape. * 〈◊〉. ●. ●. Apo xviii. ● Recompense her/ as she hath deserved: and according as she hath done, so deal with her again/ for she hath * 2. 〈◊〉. ●. a set up herself against the Lord, against the holy one of Israel: Therefore shall her young men fall down in the streets/ and all her men of war shallbe rooted out in that day, sayeth the Lord. Behold/ I speak unto thee (O thou pro●de) sayeth the Lord God of Hosts: for thy day shall come/ even the time of thy visitation. And the proud shall stumble and fall, and no man shall help him up. I will burn up his cities with fire/ and it shall consume all that is round about him. Thus sayeth the Lord of Hosts: The chyldred of Israel and juda suffer violence together. All they that have them in captivity, keep them fast, and will nat let them go, but their avenger and redeemer is mighty, whose name is the Lord of Hosts: he shall maintain their cause, he shall make the land shake, and judge them that dwell therein, one with another. The sword shall come upon the Caldees, sayeth the Lord, upon them that dwell in Babylon, upon their princes, and upon their wise men: The sword upon their soothsayers/ as for those (they shall become fools.) The sword upon their worthies, so that they shall stand in fear: The sword upon their horsemen and charettes, and upon all the comen people that dwell under them: so that they shall all become like women. The sword upon their treasure, so that it shall be stolen away. The sword upon their waters, so that they shallbe dried up. For the land worshippeth images, & delighteth in strange wonderful things. Therefore shall wild beasts, Apes, and Ostriches dwell therein/ for there shall never man dwell there, neither shall any man have his habitation there for evermore. Like as God destroyed * Gene. nineteen. ●. Sodom and Gomorre, with the cities that lay there about, sayeth the Lord: So shall no man dwell there also/ neither shall any man have there his habitation * 〈◊〉 l. b. Deut. 28. c. Behold, there shall come a people from the North with a great bond of men, and many kings shall stand up from the ends of the earth: They bear bows and buclers, cruel are they and unmerciful. Their voice roareth like the raging see, they ride upon horses, & come weaponed to fight against thee: O Babylon. As soon as the king of Babylon heareth tell of them, his hands shall wax feeble: Soro ●ee and heaviness shall come upon him, as on a woman traveling with child. Behold, * jere. xlix. ● like as the Lion cometh up from the pleasant meadows of jordane unto the green pastures of Ethan, so will I drive them forth, & make them ru●●e against her. But whom shall I choose out/ & ordain to such a thing? * job. xli. a. For who is like me/ or who will stryne with me? or what shepherd may stand against me? Therefore, hear the council that the Lord hath given upon Babylon, and the device that he hath taken upon the land of the Caldees. The least among the people shall tear them in pieces, and look what pleasant thing they have: they shall lay it waist. The noise at the winning of Babylon shall move the earth, and the cry shallbe herd among the gentiles. ¶ How Babylon should be overthrown: jeremy giveth his book to Saraias. CAPI. LI. THUS hath the Lord said: * jere. xxv. b and▪ l a. behold I will raise up a perilous wind against Babylon and her cytezens, that bear evil will against me. I will fiend also in to Babylon fanners, to fan her out, and to destroy her land, for in the day of her trouble they shallbe about her on every side: Moreover, the Lord hath said unto the bow men, and to them that clime over the walls in breast plates: Ye shall nat spare her young men, kill down all her host. Thus the slay shall fall down in the land of the Caldees, and the wounded in the streets. * I●●●●i. l. d. As for Israel and juda, they shall nat be forsaken of their God, of the Lord of Hosts, of the holyone of Israel: no, though they have filled all their land full of sin. * Esay. 48. d Fly away from Babylon, every man save his life Let no man hold his tongue to her wickedness, for the time of the lords vengeance is come, ye, he shall reward her again. Babylon hath been in the Lords hand ☞ * jere. xxv. c a golden cup, that maketh all lands droncken. Of her wine have all people drunken/ therefore are they out of their wits. * Esay xxi. b Apo●. 18. a. But suddenly is Babylon fallen, and destroyed. Mourn for her, bring plasters for her wounds/ if she may peradventure be healed again. We would have made Babylon (whole sayeth they) but she is nat recovered. Therefore will we let her alone/ and go every man into his own country. For her judgement is come into heaven/ and is gone up to the clouds. And therefore come on/ we will show Zion the work of the Lord our God. Make sharp the arrows/ and fill the quivers: * Iudit. two. c ●. ●●g. xi. c. for the Lodre shall raise up the spirit of the king of the Meeades/ which hath all ready a desire to destroy Babylon. This shallbe the vengeance of the Lord/ and the vengeance of his temple. Set up tokens upon the walls of Babylon/ make your watch strong, set your watch men in array/ ye, hold privy watches, and yet for all that shall the Lord go forth with the device, which he hath taken upon them that dwell in Babylon. O thou that dwellest by the great waters, O thou that hast so great treasure and riches, thine end is come, & the reckoning of thy wynninges. * Amos. vi. ● Jere▪ xxli. ● The Lord of hosts hath sworn by himself, that he will over whelm the with men, like grasshoppers in number, which with a courage shall cry Alarum Alarum against the. * jere. 135. b. Ye, even the Lord of hosts, that with is power made the earth, with his wisdom prepared the round world, and with his discretion spread out the heavens. As soon as he letteth his voice be herd, the waters in the air wax fierce: * Psa. ●35. ●. He draweth up the clouds from the ends of the earth. He turneth the lightenings to rain, he bringeth the winds out of their secret places. By the reason of wisdom, all men are become fools. * Esa. 44. c. Bar●. vi. ● Confounded be all the casters of images: for the thing that they make is but deceit, and hath no breath. Uayne is it and worthy to be laughed at: and in the time of visitation it shall perish. Nevertheless/ the portion of jacob is none such: but he that made all things/ whose name is the Lord of hosts/ he is the rod of his inheritance. Thou breakest my weapons of war/ and yet thorough the I have scattered the nations and kingdoms: Thorough the have I scattered horse and horse man, ye, the charrectes/ and such as sat upon them. Thorough the I have scattered man & woman, old and young, bachelor & maiden. Thorough the I have scattered the shepherd and his flock/ the husband man & his cattles/ the princes & the rulers. Therefore will I reward the city of Babylon & all her citizens, the Caldees with all the evil which they have done unto Zion, ye, that ye yourselves shall see it, sayeth the Lord. Behold, I come upon the ☞ (thou noisome hill) sayeth the Lord, thou that destroyest all lands: I will stretch out my hand over thee, and cast the down from the stony rocks: and will make the a brent hill so that neither corner stones/ nor pinnacles, nor foundation stones shallbe taken any more out of thee/ but waste and desolate shalt thou lie for ever more, sayeth the Lord. Set up a token in the land: blow the trumpets among the heathen, provoke the nations against her/ call the kingdoms of Ararat, Meum, and Ascanes against her. Set the prince against her/ bring as great a sort of horses against her, as if they were grasshoppers. Prepare against them the people of the Medes with their kings/ princes and all their chief rulers, ye, and the wheel land that is under them. The land also shall shake & be afraid, when the device of the Lord shall come forth against Babylon: to make the land of Babylon so waste, that no man shall dwell any more therein. The worthies of Babylon shall leave the battle, and keep themselves in strong holds/ their strength hath failed them, they shallbe like women. Their dwelling places shallbe brent up, their bars shallbe broken. One pursuivant shall meat another, ye, one post shall come by another, to bring the king of Babylon tidings: that his city is taken in on every side, the fords occupied, the fens brent up: and the soldiers sore afraid. For thus sayeth the Lord of hosts the God of Israel: the daughter of Babylon hath been in her time like as a threshing floor/ but shortly shall her harvest come. Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon hath devoured and destroyed me, he hath made mean empty vessel. He swallowed me up like a dragon/ and filled his belly with my delicates: he hath cast me out, he hath taken my substance away/ and the thing that was left me hath he carried unto Babylon, sayeth the daughter that dwelleth in Zion: ye, and my blood also unto the Caldees/ sayeth jerusalem. Therefore thus sayeth the Lord: Behold, I will defend thy cause/ & avenge thee: I will drink up her see, and dry up her water springs. * Eso. xii. c. Babylon shall become an heap of stones a dwelling place for dragons/ a fearfulness and wondering/ because no man dwelleth there. They shall roar together like lions, and as the young lions when they be angry/ so shall they bend them selves. In their heat I shall set drink before thee/ and they shallbe drunken for joy. * jere. two. b. Then shall they sleep an everlasting sleep, and never wake/ sayeth the Lord. I shall carry them down to be slain like sheep, like wethers and goats. O, how was ☞ Sesach won? O, how was the glory of the whole land taken? how happeneth it/ that Babylon is so wondered at among the Heathen? The see is risen over Babylon, and hath covered her with his great waves. Her cities are laid waste, the land lieth unbuilded and void it is a land where no man dwelleth/ and where no man travaileth thorough. Moreover, * Iere i a. Esa. lxvi. ● Dan. 14. d. I will visit Bell at Babylon: and the thing that he hath swallowed up▪ that same shall I pluck out of his mouth. The gentiles also shall run no more unto him, ye, and the walls of Babylon shall fall. O my people, * Esa. lii. b. 2. Cor. vi. c. come out of Babylon/ that every man may save his life/ from the fearful wrath of the Lord: Be nat faint hearted/ and ☞ feat nat at every rumour that shallbe herd in the land, for every year bringeth new tidings, ye, strange wickedness and lordship. And lo/ the time cometh/ that I will visit the images of Babylon/ and the whole land shallbe confounded, ye, and her slain shall lie in the midst of her. Heaven and earth with all that is therein, shall rejoice over Babylon, when the destroyers shall come upon, her from the North, sayeth the Lord. * jere. l. c. Like as Babylon hath beaten down and slain many out of Israel, so shall there fall many, & be slain in all her kingdom. Ye that have escaped the sword/ hast you, stand nat still, remember the Lord a far of: and think upon jerusalem, for we were ashamed to hear the blasphemies: our faces were covered with shame, because the strange alients came into the Sanctuary of the Lord. Wherefore, behold (sayeth the Lord) the time cometh, that I will visit the images of Babylon, and thorough the whole land they shall mourn & fall. * jere. xlix. d Though Babylon climbed up into heaven, and kept her power an high: yet shall I send her destroyers, sayeth the Lord. A piteous cry shallbe heard from Babylon, and a great misery from the land or the Caldees: when the Lord destroyeth them and when he driveth out the high stomach and proud boasting, wherewith they have been as furious as the waves of great water floods/ and made great cracks with their words. For the destroyers shall come upon her (even vopon Babylon (which shall take their worthies, and break their bows: for God is disposed to avenge himself upon them, and sufficiently to recompense them. Ye, (sayeth the Lord.) I will make their princes/ their wise men, their chief rulers, and all their worthies, drunken: so that they shall sleep an everlasting sleep, and never wake. Thus sayeth the King, whose name is the Lord of Hostes. Moreover, thus sayeth the Lord of Hosts: The thick wall of Babylon shallbe broken, and her high gates shallbe brent up. And the thing that the gentiles and the people have wrought with great travail and labour/ shall come to nought and be consumed in the fire. This is the charge that jeremy gave unto Saraiah the son of Neriah, the son of Maasiah, when he went toward Babylon with Zedekiah the king of juda, in the. iiij. year of his reign. Now this Saraiah was a peaceable prince. jeremy wrote in a book all the mesery that should come upon Babylon, ye, and all these sermons that be written against Babylon, and gave Saraiah this charge. When thou comest unto Babylon, see that thou read all these words, and say. O Lord, thou art determined to rote out this place so that neither people nor cattles shall dwell there any more, but to lie waist for ever: and when thou hast red out the book, bind a stone to it, and cast it in the midst of Euphrates, and say, Even thus shall Babylon sink, and be thrust down with the burden of trouble, that I will bring upon her: so that she shall never come up again, Thus far are the preachings of jeremy. ¶ He repeateth the taking of zedekiah. jerusalem is taken of the Chaldees, zedekeas sons are killed before his face, and his eyes put out. The city is burned. The temple spoiled and rob. They that were lafte in jerusalem are carried to Babylon. King jeoakyn is brought forth of preson, and fed like a king. CAPI. LII. ZEdekiah was * 4. Re. 24. d 2 Pat. 36. b one &. thirty. year old, when he was made king, and he reigned eleven year in jerusalem. His mother's name was Hamutall, jeremyes' daughter of lybna. He lived wickedly before the Lord even as jeoakin did. For the Lord was angry at jerusalem & juda, so long till he had cast them out of his presence. And Zedekiah fell from the king of Babylon. * jere. 39 a. 4. Re. 25. a. But in the ninth year of his reign, In the tenth month, the tenth day of the month it happened, that Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon with all his Host came before jerusalem, & besieged it/ and made them bulwark round about it. And this besieging of the city endured unto the eleventh year of king Zedekiah. * 4. Re. 25. a. jere. 38. b. xxxix. a. And in the fourth month, the. ix. day of the month, there was so great hunger in the city: that there were no more victuals for the people of the land. So all the soldiers bruke away, and fled out of the city by night thorough the way of the port between the two walls by the kings garden. Now the Chaldees had compassed the city round about, yet went these men their way toward the wilderness. And so the Caldees followed upon them, and took Zedekiah the king in the field of jericho, when his host was run from him. So they carried the king away prisoner to Reblath, unto the king of Babylon in the land of Hemath, * Jere, 3●. ●. where he gave judgement upon him. The king of Babylon also caused Zedekias sons to be slain before his face, ye, & put all the princes of juda to death at Reblath. Moreover, he put out the eyes of Zedekiah, caused him to be bound with chains, to be carried unto Babylon: and let him lie in preson, till he died. Now the tenth day of the fifth month in the ninth year of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon/ Nabusaradan the chief captain and the king of Babylon's servants came unto jerusalem, and brent up the house of the Lord. He brent up also the kings palace, all the houses & all the gorgeous buildings in jerusalem. And the whole host of the Chaldees that were with the chief captain, broke down all the walls of jerusalem round about. As for the poor people and such folk as yet was left in the city/ which also were fallen to the king of Babylon, ye, and what people as yet remained: Nabusaradan the chief captain carried them away presoners. But the poor people of the country, did Nabuzaradan the chief captain leave in the land, to occupy the vine ardes and fields. The Caldees also broke the brazen pillars that were in the house of the Lord, ye, the seat and the brazen laver that was in the house of the Lord: and carried all the metal of them unto Babylon. They took away also the Cauldrous/ shovels, flesh hooks, sprinklers, spoons, and all the brazen vessel that was occupied in the service: with the basins, colepannes/ sprynklers/ pots/ candelstyckes/ spoons, and cups: whereof some were of gold/ and some of silver. The chief captain took also the two pillars/ the laver/ the twelve brazen bullocks that stood under the seat, * 3. Re. ●●● which king Solomon made in the house of the Lord: and all the vessel contained so much metal, that it might nat be weighed. For every pillar was eighteen cupyres high: and the rope that went about it, was twelve cubytes/ & four fingers thick and round. Now upon the rope were brazen knoppes, & every knop was five cubytes high: and upon the knoppes were whopes, and pomegranates round about of clean brass. After this manner were both the pillars fashioned with the pomegranates, whereof there were an hundredth & xcuj. which hanged upon the whopes round about. The chief captain also took Sariah the high priest and Sophoniah that was chief next him, and the three keepers of the treasury. He took out of the city a chamberlain which was a captain of the soldiers, and seven men that were the kings servants, which were found in the city: and Sepher a captain that used to muster the men of war: with threescore men of the country that were taken in the city, These Nabuzaradan the chief captain took, and carried them to the king of Babylon unto Reblath: and the king of Babylon caused them to be put to death at Reblath in the land of Hemath. And thus juda was led away captive/ out of his own land. This is the some of the people, whom Nabuchodonosor led away captivie. In the seven year of his reign/ he carried away of the jews, three thousand and three and twenty. In the. xviij. year Nabuchodonosor carried away from jerusalem eight hundredth thirty and two persons. In the. twenty-three. year of Nabuchodonosor Nabuzaradan the chief captain, took away seven hundredth forty and five jews presoners. The whole sum of all the presoners, is four thousand and two hundredth * In the. xxxvij. year after that jehoacin the king of juda was carried away in the. xxv. day of the. xij. month, Euilmerodach king of Babylon (the same year that he reigned) gave jehoacin the king of juda his pardon, and let him out of preson/ and spoke lovingly to him. And set his throne above the trones of the other kings that were with him in Babylon. He changed also the clothes of his preson, ye, and he did eat with him all his life long. And he had a continual living given him of the king of Babylon, every day a certain thing allowed him all the days of his life until he died. ¶ The end of the Book of the Prophet jeremy. ❧ The lamentatyons of jeremy. ¶ It happened after Israel was brought into captivity, and jerusalem destroyed, that jeremy the Prophet sat weeping, and sorrowfully bewailed jerusalem and sighing and howling with an heavy and woeful heart, said: CAPIULO. I. ALas/ how sitteth the city so desolate, that sometime was full of people? How is she become like a widow, * 2. Reg. 4. d 4. Re. xv. a which was the Lady of all nations? How is she brought under tribute, ☞ that ruled all lands. She weepeth sore in the night, so that the tears run down her cheeks: for among all her lovers, there is none that giveth her any comfort: * job. vi. ● Ye her next friends abhor her, and are become her enemies. juda is taken prisoner, because she was defiled: and for serving so many strange god's/ she dwelleth now among the heathen. She findeth no rest, all they that persecuted her, took her, and so she dwelleth among her enemies. The streets of Zion mourn, because no man cometh no more to the solemn feasts, All her gates are desolate/ her Preestes make lamentation/ her maidens are careful, and she herself is in great heaviness. Her enemies are fallen upon her head/ and have put her to shame: because the Lord hath chastened her for her great wickedness: * jer ●. lii. her children are led away captive before their enemy. All the beauty of the daughter of Zion is away, her Princes are become like wethers that find no pasture. They are driven away before their enemy/ so that they have no more power. Now doth jerusalem remember the time of her misery and disobedience/ ye/ the joy and pleasure that she hath had in times passed: seeing her people is brought down thorough the power of their enemy, and there is no man for to help her: her enemies stand looking at her, & laugh her Sabbath days to scorn. jerusalem hath sinned ever/ more and more, therefore is she come in decay. All they that had her in honour/ despise her: for they have seen her filthiness, Ye/ she sigheth, and is ashamed of herself. ☞ Her skirts are defiled/ she remembered not what would follow/ therefore fore is her fall so great/ and there is no man to comfort her. O Lord, consider my trouble, for mine enemy hath the upperhand. The enemy hath put his hand to all the precious things that she had/ ye, even before her eyes came the Heythen in and out of the sanctuary: * Deute. 23. c whom thou (nevertheless) haste forbidden to come within thy congregation. * 4. Rer. vi. c Treno. 〈◊〉. c Al her people seek their bread with heaviness, and look what precious thing every man hath, that giveth he for meat, to save his life. Consydre, O Lord, & see, how vile I am become. O all ye that go fore by, be hold and see, if there be any sorrow like unto mine/ wherewith the Lord hath troubled me, in the day of his fearful wrath. ⚜ From above hath he sent down a fire into my bones and chastened me: he hath laid a net for my feet, & thorowen me wide open: he hath made me desolate, so that I must ever be mourning. The yoke of my transgression is come at the last, with his hand hath he taken it up, and put it about my neck. My strength is gone: the Lord hath delivered me into those hands, whereout I can not quite myself. The Lord hath destrroyed all the mighty men, that were in me. He hath proclaimed a feast, to slaughter all my best men. The Lord hath trodden down the daughter of juda, like as it were in a wine press. * jere. 4. ●. Treno. 〈◊〉. c Therefore do I weep, and mine eyes gush out of water: for the comfort that should quicken me, is far fro me. My children are driven away for why? the enemy hath gotten the overhand. Zion casteth out her hands, and there is no man to comfort her. The. Lord hath laid the enemies round about jacob, and Jerusalem is become abomination in the midst of them. * Dani. ●x a The Lord is righteous, for I have provoked his countenance unto anger. O take heed all ye people, and consider my heaviness. My maidens and my young men are led away into captivity. I called for my lovers (but they beguiled me) for my priests and counsellors, but they perished: even while they sought for meat, to save their lives. * Treno. 〈◊〉. c consider (O Lord) how I am troubled, my womb is disqueted, my heart turneth about in me, and I am full of heaviness. The sword hurteth me which out, and within I am like unto death. They hear my mourning, but there is none that will comfort me. All mine enemies have herd of my trouble? and are glad: there of, because thou hast done it. But thou shalt bring forth the time, when they also shallbe like unto me. From the shall come all their adversity: thou shalt pluck them away even as thou hast plucked me, because of all my wickedness. For my sorrow is very great, and my heart is heavy. CAPI. II. ALAS * Treno. 4. b how hath the Lord darkened the daughter of Zion so sore in his wrath? As for the honour of Israel/ he hath cast it down from heaven: How happeneth it, that he remembered not his own * 1. Pat. 29. a Psal. 8 8. ● foot stole when he was angry? The Lord hath cast down all the glory of jacob with out any favour: all the strong places of the daughter juda hath he broken in his wrath/ and thrown them down to the ground: her kingdom and her Princes hath he suspended. In the wrath of his indignation he hath broken all ☞ the horn of Israel: he hath with drawn his right hand from the enemy: ye/ a flame of fire is kyndgled in jacob, and hath consumed up all round about. He hath bend his bow like an enemy, he hath fastened his right hand as an adversary: and every thing that was pleasant to see, he hath smitten it down He hath poured out his wrath like a fire, in to the tabernacle of the daughter of Zion. The Lord is become like as it were an enemy, he hath cast down Israel and all his places: ye/ all his strong holds hath he destroyed, and filled the daughter of juda with much sorrow and heaviness. * jere. uli. ● Her tabernacle (which was like a garden of pleasure) hath he destroyed: her high so lempne feasts hath he put down. The Lord hath brought it so to pass, that the high solemn feasts and Sabbathes in Zion, are clean forgotten. In his heavy displeasure hath he made the king and priests to be despised. The Lord hath forsaken his own altar/ and is wroth with his own sanctuary, and hath given the walls of their towers into the hands of the enemy. There enemies made a noise in the house of the Lord, as it had been in a solemn feast day. The Lord thought to break down the walls of the daughter of Zion/ he spread out his line/ and drew not in his hand/ till he had destroyed them: Therefore mourn the turrettes and the broken walls together. Her ports are casten down to the ground, her bars are broken and smitten insunder * jere. 〈◊〉. ● her king and princes are carried away to the gentiles. They have neither la●● nor prophets, nor yet any vision from the Lord. The Senators of the daughter Zion sit upon the ground in silence: they have strawed asthes upon their heads, and girded themselves with sack cloth. The maidens of jerusalem hang down their heads to the ground. Mine eyes be begin to fail me thorough weeping, * Treno. ●. a my body is disquieted/ my liver is poured upon the earth, for the great hurt of my people, seeing the children and babes did swoon in the streets of the city. Even when they spoke to their mothers: where is meat and drink? for while they so said, they fell down in the streets of the city/ like as they had been wounded, and some died in their mother's bosom. What shall I say of thee, O thou daughter jerusalem, to whom shall I liken thee? To whom shall I compare the. O thou daughter Zion, to comfort the withal? Thy hurt is like a main see, who may heal thee? * jere. v. b 14. b. 23. c. 27. b. and 29. b Thy prophets have looked out vain & foolish things for thee, they have not showed the of thy wickedness, to keep the from captivity: but have overladen thee, and thorough falsehood scattered the abroad. Al they that go by thee, clap their hands at thee: hissing and wagging their heads upon the daughter jerusalem, and say: is this the city that men call so fair? wherein the whole land rejoiceth? All thine enemies gape upon thee: whispering and biting their teeth/ saying: let us devour, for the time that we looked for, is come: we have found and seen it. The Lord hath fulfilled the thing/ that he was purposed to do: and performed that he had devised long a go: he hath destroyed/ and not spared. He hath caused thin adversary to trump he over thee, and set up the horn of thine enemy. * D●ute. 4. c and thirty. ● jere. 29. ● Let thine heart cry unto the Lord, O thou city of the daughter Zion: let thy tears run down like a river day and night: rest not/ and let not the apple of thine cye leave of. Stand up and make thy prater in the first watch of the night, pour out thine heart like water before the Lord: lift up thine hands, for the lives of thy young children, that die of hunger in the streets. Behold, O Lord, and consider, why haste thou gathered me up so clean? Shall the women than eat their own fruit, even children of a span long? Shall the priests and Prophets be slain thus in the Sayntuary of the Lord? Young and old lie behind the streets upon the ground my maidens and young men are slain with the sword: whom thou in the day of thy wrathful indignation hast put to death: ye: even thou haste put them to death, and not spared them. My neighbours that are round about me/ haste thou called, as it were to a feast day: so that in the day of the lords wrath none escaped, neither was any left behind. Those that I had brought up and nourished, hath mine enemy destroyed. CAPI. 〈◊〉. JAM the man/ that (thorough the rod of his wrath) have experience of misery. He drove me forth/ and led me: ye/ into darkness/ but not in to light. Against me only he turneth his hand and layeth it ever upon me. My slesshe and my skin hath he made old/ & my bones hath he bruised. He hath builded round about me, and closed me in with gall and travail. He hath set me in darkness, as they that be dead for ever. He hath so hedged me in/ that I can not get out, and hath laid heavy links upon me. Though I cry and call piteously/ yet heareth he not my prayer. He hath stopped up my ways with four squared stones, and made my paths crooked. He layeth wait for me like a Bear, and as a lion in a hole. He hath marred my ways, and broken me in pieces, he hath laid me waste all together. He hath bent his bow, & made me as it were a mark to shut at. The arrows of his quiver hath he shot, even into my reins. * Iere xx. b I am laughed to scorn of all my people, they make songs upon me all the day long. He hath filled me with bitterness, and given me wormwood to drink. He hath smitten my teeth in pieces, & rolled me in the dust. He hath put my soul out of rest/ I forget all good things. I thought in myself: I am undone, there is no hope for me in the Lord. O Remember yet my misery and my trouble, the wormwood and the gall. Ye/ thou shalt remember them, for my soul melteth away in me. While I consider these things in my heart, I get a hope again. Namely/ that the mercies of the Lord are not clean gone, and that his loving kindness ceaseth not. His faithfulness is great, and reneweth itself as the morning. * Psal. xvi. a The Lord is my portion, sayeth my soul, therefore will I hope in him. O how good is the Lord unto them/ that put their trust in him, and to the soul that seeketh after him? O how good is it with stillness to wait and tarry/ for the health of the Lord? O how good is it for a man/ to take the yoke upon him from his youth up He sitteth alone/ he holdeth him still, and dwelleth quietly by himself. He layeth his face upon the earth, if (percase) there happen to be any hope. He offereth his cheek to the smiter/ he will be content with reproves. For the Lord will not forsake for ever. * 3. Reg. ●. d But though he do cast of yet according to the multitude of his mercies/ he receiveth to grace again. For he doth not plague/ and cast out the children of men from his heart. To tread all the prisoners of the earth under his feet. To move the judgement of man before the most highest. To condemn a man in his cause. The Lord hath not pleasure in such things. What is he then that saith/ there should something be done without the lords commandment. Out of the mouth of the most highest goeth not evil and good? Wherefore then murmureth the living man? let him murmur at his own sin. * job. xxxi. b Psal. 14. u Let us look well upon our own ways/ and remember ourselves/ and turn again to the Lord. Let us lift up our hearts with our hands unto the Lord that is in heaven. We have been dissemblers/ and have offended/ wilt thou therefore not be entreated? Thou haste covered us in thy wrath/ and persecuted us/ thou hast slain us without any favour. * Eccle. 35. d Thou hast hid thyself in a cloud, that our prayer should not go thorough Thou hast made us outcasts/ and to be despised among the people. All our enemies gape upon us. Fear and snare is come upon us, ye, despite and destruction: * whose'll rivers of water gusshe out of mine eyes, for the great hurt of my people. Mine eyes run, and can not cease, for there is no rest. O Lord, when wilt thou look down from heaven, and cousydre? Mine eye breaketh my heart: because of all the daughters of my city. Mine enemies hunted me out sharply, like a bird/ ye, and that without a cause. They have put down my life into a pit, and laid a stone upon me. They poured water upon my head, than thought I: now am I undone. I called upon thy name/ O Lord, out of the deep pit. Thou hast heard my voice: and hast not turned away thine ears fro my sighing and crying. Thou hast inclined thyself unto me, when I called upon thee/ and hast said: fear not. Thou (O Lord) hast mayntyened the cause of my soul, and hast redeemed my life. O Lord, thou hast seen my blasphemers take thou my cause upon the. Thou hast well considered how they go about to do me harm/ and that all their counsels are against me. Thou hast heard their despyteful words (O Lord) ye/ and all their imaginations against me. The lips of mine enemies/ and their devices that they take against me, all the day long. Thou sayst also their sitting down and their rising up/ they make their songs of nothing but of me. Reward them (O Lord) according to the works of their hands. give them the thing/ that their own heart is afraid of: even thy curse. Persecute them (O Lord) with thine indignation, and rote them out from under the heaven. CAPI. four O How is the gold become so dim? How is the goodly colour of it so sore changed? and the stones of the Sayntuary thus scattered in the corner of every street. The children of Zion that were always in honour/ and clothed with the most precious gold: how are they now become like the earthen vessels/ which be made with the potter's hand? The dragons give their young ones suck with bare breasts: but the daughter of my people is cruel/ and dwelleth in the wilderness: like the Ostriches. The tongues of the sucking children/ cleave to the roof of their mouths for very thriste. The young children ask bread/ but there is no man that giveth it them. They that were wont to far delicately perish in the streets: they that afore were brought up in purple, make now much of dung. The sin of the daughter of my people is become greater than * Gene. x●x. ● the wickedness of Sodom/ that suddenly was destroyed, and not taken with hands. Her abstainers (or Nazarees) were whiter then the snow or milk: their colour was fresh, reed as Coral, their beauty like the Sapphire. But now their faces very black. In so much, that thou shouldest not know them in the streets. * Psal. 〈◊〉. ● Their skin cleaveth to their bones▪ It is withered, & become like a dry stock, They that be slain with the sword are happier than such as die of hunger, and perish away, samyshing for the fruits of the field. * Deut. 〈◊〉. ● 4. Reg. vi. ● The women (which of nature are pitiful) have sodden their own c●dren with their hands; that they might be their meat, in the miserable destruction of the daughter of my peopye. * Exe●o. two. a The Lord hath performed his heavy wrath: he hath poured out the furiousness of his displeasure He hath kindled a fire in Sion, which hath consumed the foundations thereof. Nether the kings of the earth, nor all inhabetours of the world/ would have believed that the enemy and adversary should have come in at the gates of the City of jerusalem. Which nevertheless is come to pass: for the sin of the Prophets/ and for the wickedness of her priests/ that have shed * Gene. ix. a. innocentes blood within her. So that these blind men went stumbling in the streets, and stained themselves with blood/ which else would touch no bloody cloth. But they cried unto every man? slay the staining/ away/ get you hence/ touch it not. Ye (said they) ye must be brent/ ye must dwell among the gentiles, and bide no longer here. The countenance of the Lord hath banished them/ and shall never look more upon them. For they themselves nether regarded the priests/ nor pitied their elders. Wherefore yet our eyes fail us, while we look for vain help: saying we be ever waiting upon a people that can do us no good. They lay so sharp wait for us that we cannot go safe upon the streets: for our end is come/ our days are fulfilled, our end is here. * I●●●. ●ii●. b. Ab●c. ●. b. Our persecutors are swyfter than the Aegels of the air/ they followed upon us over the mountains, and laid wait for us in the wilderness. ☞ The very breath of our mouth: even the anointed Lord Gene. 〈◊〉. b. himself shall be taken in our sins/ of whom we say: Under his shadow we shall be preserved among the Heythen. And thou (O daughter Edom) that dwellest in the land of Huz, be glad and rejoice: for the cup shall come unto the also, which when thou suppest of, thou shalt be drunken: Thy sin is well punished, (O thou daughter Zion) he shall not suffer the to be carried away any more. But thy wickedness) O daughter Edom) shall he visit, and for thy sins sake, he shall lead the into captivity. ¶ The prayer of Ie●emye. CAPI. V CAll to remembrance (O Lord what we have suffered/ consydre/ and se our confusion. Our inheritance is turned to the strangers, and our houses to the alients. We are become careful and fatherless, and our mothers are as the widows. We are sayne to drink our own water for money, and our own wood must we buy with money. Our necks are under persecution, we are weighed, and have no rest. Afore time we yielded ourselves to the egyptians, and now to the Assyrians, only that we might have bred enough. * jer. xxxi. ●. Eze. xvii● a Our fathers (which now are gone) have syned, and we must bear their wickedness. Servants have the rule of us/ and no man delivereth us out of their hands. We must get our living with the parel of our lives, because of the drought of the wilderness. Our skin is as it had been brent in an oven, for very sore hunger. The wives are raveshed in Zion, and the maidens in the cities of juda. The princes are hanged up with the hand of the enemies, they have not spared the old sage men/ they have taken young men's lives from them, and the boys are hanged up upon trees. The elders sit no more under the gates and the young men use no more playing of music. The joy of our heart is gone, our merry queer is turned into mourning. The garland of our head is fallen: alas, that ever we sinned so sore. Therefore, our heart is full of heaviness and our eyes dim: because of the hill of Zion, that is destroyed. In so much, that the foxes run upon it. But thou, O Lord, that remayneste for evermore/ and thy seat world without end: wherefore wilt thou still forget us, and forsake us so long▪ * I. ●. xxxi. ●. O Lord turn thou us unto the and so shall we be turned. Renew our days as in old tunes for thou haste banished us now long enough and haste been sore dysple said at us. The end of the lamentations of jeremy. ❧ The Book of the Prophet Ezechyel. ¶ The time wherein Ezechyel prophesied, and in what place. His offpring and office. The vision of the ●oure beasts. The vision of the wheels. The vision of the throne/ and of the image above the throne. CAPITV. I. IT chanced in the. thirty. year/ the fifth day of the fourth month, that I was among the presoners by the river of Cobar ☞ where the heavens opened, & I saw a vision of God. Now y● v. day of the month made out the. v. year of king johacins captivity. At the same time came the word of the Lord unto Ezechyel th● son of Buzi the pressed/ in the land of the Chaldees by the water of Cobar. * Eze. x. a. where ⚜ the hand of the Lord came upon him And I looked, and behold a stormy wind came out of the North with a great cloud full of fire, which with his glystre lightened all round about. And in the midst of the fire it was all clear like the face of an angel, and as it were the likeness of four beasts, which were fashioned like a man: saving, that every one had four faces and four wings. Their legs were straight, but their feet were like bullocks feet, and they glystered, as it had been fair scoured metal. Under their wings upon all the four corners they had men's hands. Their faces and their wings were toward the four corners: yet were the wings so, that one ever touched, another. When they went, they turned them not about: but each one went straight forward. * Eze x. b. Upon the right side of these four, their faces were like the face of a man, & the face of a lion. But upon the left side they had the face of an ox/ and the face of an aegle. Their faces also and their wings were fired out above: so that two wings of one touched ever two wings of another/ and with the other they covered their body. Every one when it went, it went straight forward. Where as the sprite led them/ thither they went/ * Eze. x. ●. ● and turned not about in their going. The fashion and countenance of the beasts was like hoot coals of fire, even as though burning cressets had been among the beasts: ⚜ (this was the vision) and the fire gave a glystre, and out of the fire there went lightening. When the beasts went forward and backward, one would have thought it had lightened. Now when I had well considered the beasts, I saw a work of wheels upon the earth with four faces also nigh unto the beasts. The fashion and work of the wheels was like the see. The four wheels were joined and made (to look upon) as it had been one wheel in another. When one went forward, they went all four/ and turned them not about in their going. They were large, great and horrile to look upon. Their backs were full of eyes round about them all four. When the beasts went/ the wheels went also with them. And when the beasts lift themselves up from the earth, the wheels were lift up also. Whither soever the sprite went, thither went they also/ and the wheels were life up, and followed them: for the sprite of life was in the wheels. When the beasts went forth, stood still, or lift themselves from the earth, than the wheels also went, stood still, and were lift up, for the breath of life was in the wheels. Above, over the heads of the beasts there was a firmament, which was fashioned as it had been of the most pure Crystal and that was spread out above upon their heads: under the same firmament were their wings laid abroad, one toward another, and two wings covered the body of every beast And when they went forth, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, as it had been the voice of the great God, and a rushing together as it were of an host of men. And when they stood still, they let down their wings. Now when they stood still, and had let down their wings, it thundered in the firmament that was above their heads. Above the firmament that was over their heads, there was the fashion of a seat, as it had been made of Saphir. Upon the seat there sat one like a man. * E●e. viii. ● I beheld him, and he was like an angel, as it had been all of fire within from his loins upward. And beneath, when I looked upon him under the loins, me thought he was like a shining fire, that giveth light on every side. Ye, the shine & glystre that lightened round about, was like a rainbow, which in a rainy day appeareth in the clouds. Even so was the similitude/ wherein the glory of the Lord appeared. When I saw it/ I fell upon my face, and hearkened unto the voice of him that spoke. ¶ The prophet is send to call again the people from their error. CAPI. II. AND then said he unto me: Stand up upon thy feet (O thou son of man) and I will talk with the. * E●●. three d. And as he was communing with me/ the sprite came into me/ and set me up upon my feet: so that I marked the thing/ that he said unto me. And he said: Behold/ thou son of man: I will send the to the children of Israel/ to those runagates and obstinate people: for they have taken part against me/ and are run away fro me: * Exo. xxii. a. both they and their forefathers unto this day. Ye, I will send the unto a people that have rough visages and stiff stomachs: unto whom thou shalt say on this manner. This the Lord God himself hath spoken, that whether they be obedient or no (for it is a froward household) they may know yet that there hath been a Prophet among them. * jeremy. i. ● Therefore thou son of man) fear them not/ neither be afraid of their words: for they shall rebel against the and despise the. Ye/ thou dost dwell among scorpions: but fear not their words/ be not abashed at their looks, for it is a froward household. See that thou speak my words unto them, whether they be obedient or not/ for they are obstinate. Therefore, thou son of man, obey thou all things, that I say unto thee, and be not thou stiff-necked, like as they are a stiffnecked household, Open thy mouth, and eat that I give the. So as I was looking up, behold, there was sent unto me an hand/ wherein was closed * Apo●●. v. ●. a book: and the hand opened it before me/ and it was written within and without/ full of careful mournings: alas and wo. ¶ The prophet being said with the word of God and with the constant boldness of the sprite/ is sent unto the people that were in captivity. The punishment of a curate that showed not the people their sins. CAPI. III. AFTER this/ said he unto me: Thou son of man/ eat that/ whatsoever it be: ye/ * jere. xv. c. Apo x. b. 4. Esd 14. c eat that closed book/ and go thy way/ and speak unto the children of Israel So: I opened my mouth/ and he gave me the book for to eat/ and said unto me: Thou son of man/ thy belly shall eat/ and thy bowels shall be filled with the book/ that I give the. Then did I eat the book, * Psal. nineteen. b and▪ cxi●. ●, Apoc. 〈◊〉. ●. and it was in my mouth sweeter than honey. And he said unto me: thou son of man/ * Ierem●. 1. c. get the soon unto the house of Israel, and show them the words, that I command thee: for I send the not to the people that hath a strange/ unknown/ or hard speech, but unto the house of Israel: Not to many nations, which have diverse speeches and hard languages/ whose words thou understandest not. ‡ 〈◊〉. three a. Nevertheless/ if I sent the to those people/ they would follow the. But the house of Israel will not follow thee/ for they will not follow me: ye, all the house of Israel have stiff foreheads and hard hearts. * M●ch▪ iii. b Behold therefore/ I will make thy face prevail against their faces and harden thy forcheade against their foreheads: so that thy forehead shallbe harder than an * Esay. ● b. Adamant or ●ynt stone: that thou mayest fear them the less, and be less afraid of them/ for they are a froward household. He said moreover unto me: thou son of man/ take diligent heed with thine ears to the words that I speak unto thee/ fasten them in thine heart: and go to the presoners of thy people, speak unto them, and say on this manner. Thus the Lord God hath spoken, whether ye hear, or hear not. With that the sprite took me up. And I heard the noise of a great rushing and removing of the most blessed glory of the Lord out of his place. I heard also the noise of the wings of the beasts, that rushed one against another, ye, and the rattling of the wheels, that were by them, which rushing and noise was very great. * Eze 8 a 11 d Now when the sprite took me up, and carried me away, I went with an heavy and a sorrowful mind/ but the hand of the Lord comforted me right soon. And so in the beginning of the moveth Abib, I came to the presoners, * Psa. 137. a that dwelled by the water of Cobar/ & remained in that place/ where they were: And so continued I among them seven days being very sorry. And when the seven days were expired/ the Lord said unto me: * Eze. xxxiii b Thou son of man, I have made the a watchman unto the house of Israel: therefore take good heed to the words, and give them warning at my commandment. If I say unto thee, concerning the ungodly man/ that (without doubt) he must die and thou-geveste him not warning/ nor speakest unto him/ that he may turn from his evil way/ and so to live: Then shall the same ungodly man die in his own unrighteousness: but his blood will I require of thine hand. Nevertheless/ if thou give warning unto the wicked, and he yet forsake not his ungodliness: then shall he die in his own wickedness/ but thou hast discharged thy soul. Now if a righteous man go from * Eze. xvii a his righteousness: and do the thing that is evil I will lay a stumbling block before him/ and he shall die, because thou hast not given him warning: ye, die shall he in his own sin, so that the virtue, which he did before, shall not be thought upon: but his blood will I require of thine hand. Nevertheless, if thou exhortest the righteous, that he sin not/ and so the righteous do not sin: then shall he live, because he hath received thy warning, and thou hast discharged thy soul. And there came the hand of the Lord upon me/ and he said unto me: Stand up/ and go into the field/ that I may there talk with the. So when I had risen up, and gone forth into the field: Behold, the glory of the Lord stood there, * Ezec. i. a. like as I saw it afore, by the water of Cobar. * Ezec. two. a. Then fell I down upon my face, and the sprite came in to me, which set me up upon my feet, & said thus unto me: Go thy way, and spar thyself in thine house. Behold (O thou son of man) there shall chains be brought for thee/ to bind the withal/ so that thou shalt not escape out of them. And I will make thy tongue cleave so to the roof of thy mouth/ that thou shalt be dumb/ and not be as a chyder with them: for it is an obstinate household. But when I speak unto thee/ then open thy mouth, & say: Thus sayeth Lord God: who so heareth/ let him hear: who so will not, let him leave: for it is an obstinate household. ¶ The siege of the city of jerusalem is signified. The long continuance of the captyvyty of Israel. An hunger is prophesied to come in the captyvyty. CAPI. four thou son of man: take a tile stone, and lay it before thee/ and describe upon it the city of jerusalem/ how it is besieged/ how bulwerckes and strong dyches are graven on every side of it describe also tents/ and an host of men round about it. Moreover/ take an iron pan/ and set it betwixt the and the city, in stead of an iron wall. Then set thy face to ward it, besiege it, and lay ordinance against it to win it. This shall be a token unto the house of Israel. But thou shalt sleep upon thy left side: and lay the sin of the house of Israel upon the. Certain days appointed, thou shalt sleep upon that side, and bear their sins. * Dani. ix. ●. Nevertheless, I will appoint the a time (to put of their sins) & the number of the days: Three hundredth and. xc. days must thou bear the wickedness of the house of Israel. When thou hast fulfilled these days lie down again, and sleep upon thy right side. xl. days, and bear the sins of the house of juda. * Num. 14. ● A day for a year, a day (I say) for a year, will I ever lay upon the. Therefore set now thy face against that besieged jerusalem/ and discover thine arm/ that thou mayest prophecy against it. Behold I will lay chains upon thee, that thou shalt not turn the from one side to another, till thou hast ended the days of thy siege. Wherefore/ take unto the wheat barley/ beans, growell sede, Milium and fitches: and put these together in a vessel, and make the loaves of bred there of, according to the number of the days that thou must lie upon thy side: that thou mayest have bred to care/ for three hundredth and. xc. days. And the meat that thou eatest/ shall have a certain weight appointed: namely twenty sycles every day. This appointed meat shalt thou eat daily/ from the beginning to the end, Thou shalt drink also a certain measure of water: Namely, the sixth part of an Hin shalt thou drink daily from the beginning unto the end. Barley cakes shalt thou eat, yet shalt thou first struck them over which man's dung, that they mayese it. And with that said the Lord: Even thus shall the children of Israel eat their defiled bred in the midst of the Gentiles/ among whom I will scatre them. Then said I: Oh Lord God. Behold, my soul was yet never stained: for fro my youth up unto this hour/ I did never eat of a dead carcase, or of that which was slain of wild beasts, neither can there ever any unclean flesh in my mouth. Where unto he answered me, and said: well than, I will grant the to take cows dung, for the dung of a man, and to struck the breed over with all/ before them. And he said unto me: Behold thou son of man, * Ezech. v. d and. xiiii. d. ● Reg. 25. a I will minish all the provision of bred in jerusalem, so that they shall weigh their bread, and eat it with scarcenesss. But as for water, they shall have a very little measure there of, to drink. And when they have no more bred nor water, one shall be destroyed with another, & famish away for their wickedness. ¶ The riddle of the hearres, by which is signified the destruction of the people. The causes of the anger of God toward the people. The Lord discloseth the riddle of the hearres. CAPI. V O Thou son of man/ take the then a sharp knife/ namely/ a razor. Take that and shave the hair of thy head and beerd: Then take the scales and the weight and divide the hair asunder. And burn the third part there of in the fire in the midst of the city, after that the days of the besieging are fulfilled/ then cut the other third part in pieces with a knife. * ●ere. seven. d As for the third part that remaineth/ caste it in the wind, & I will draw out the sword after them Yet afterward/ take a little of the same/ and bind it in thy cote lap. Then take a courtesy of it/ and cast in it the midst of the fire: and burn it in the fire. Out of the same fire shall there go a flame/ upon the whole house of Israel. Moreover, thus sayeth the Lord God: This same is jerusalem. I set her in the midst of the Heathen & nations that are round about her, but she hath despised my judgements more than the Gentiles themselves, & broken my command mentes more than the nations, that lie round about her: For they have cast out mine ordinances/ and not walked in my laws. Therefore/ thus sayeth the Lord God: * Levi. 18. d For so much as ye with your wickedness far exceed the Heythen/ that dwell round about you: (For ye have nat walked in my laws neither have ye kept mine ordinances nor according to the righteousness of the gentiles/ which are about you/ ye have not dove.) Therefore thus sayeth the Lord God: I will also come upon thee/ for in the midst of thee/ will I sit in judgement/ in the sight of the Heathen/ and will handle the of such a fashion/ as I never did before, and as I never will do from that time for thee, and that because of all thine abominations For in thee, fathers * Deut. 28. ● Treno. 4. b 4. Reg. 16. f shall be fain to eat their own sons, & the sons their own fathers. Such a court will I keep in thee, and the whole remnant of the will I scatre into all the winds. Wherefore, as truly as I live (sayeth the Lord God) seeing thou hast defiled my Sanctuary, with all manner of abominations and with all thy shameful offences: For this cause will I also destroy the. Mine eye shall not oversee thee, neither will I spare thee, * ●ere. xv. a One third part within thee/ shall die of the pestilence and of hunger? Another third part shall be slain down round about thee/ with the sword: The other third part that remaineth/ will I scatre abroad toward all the winds, and draw out the sword after them. Thus I will perform my indignation/ and set my wrath against them/ and ease myself. So that when I have fulfilled mine anger against them/ they shall know that I am the Lord/ which with a fervent jealousy have spoken it. Moreover, I will make the waste and abhorred/ before all the Heathen that dwell about thee/ and in the sight of all them, that go by thee: so that when I punish the in my wrath, in mine anger/ and with the plague of my whole displeasure: thou shalt be a very abomination/ shame/ a gazing and wondering stock/ among the Heathen that lie about the. Even I the Lord have spoken it/ and it shall come to pass/ when I shoot among them the perilous darts of hunger, which shall be but death: ye, therefore shall I shoot them/ because I will destroy you: * Ezech. 4. e I will increase hunger/ and minish all the provision of bread among you. Plagues and misery will I send you, ye & wild beasts also to destroy you. Pestilence and blodsheding shall come upon you, & the sword will I bring over you. Even I the Lord, have said it. ¶ He showeth that the people shall be plagued for the sin of idolatry. He prophesieth the repentance of the remnant of the people, and their deliverance. The destruction of the froward is prophesied. CAPI. VI AND the word of the Lord came unto me, saying: Thou son of man, turn thy face to the * Ezec. 36. a mountains of Israel/ that thou mayst prophecy unto them/ and say: Hear the word of the Lord God, O ye mountains of Israel: Thus hath the Lord God spoken to the mountains, hills, valleys and dales. Behold. I will bring a sword over you/ and destroy your high places: I will cast down your altars, and break down your temples. Your slain men will I lay before your god's/ and the deed carcases of the children of Israel will I cast before their Idols/ your bones will I scatre round about your altars, and dwelling places. The cities shallbe desolate, the hylchapels laid waste: your altars destroyed/ and broken: your gods cast down/ and taken a way, your temples laid even with the ground, your own works clean rooted out. Your slain men shall lie among you/ that ye may learn to know, how that I am the Lord. Those that among you have escaped the sword/ will I leave among the gentiles/ for I will scatre you among the nations. And they that escape from you/ shall think upon me among the Heathen, where they shallbe in captivity. As for that whorish and unfaithful heart of theirs, wherewith they run away fro me/ I will break it: ye, and put out those eyes of theirs/ that commit forny cacyon with their Idols. Then shall they be ashamed/ and displea said with theirselves, for the wickednesses and abominations, which they have done and shall learn to know, how that it is not in vain, that I the Lord spoke, to bring such misery upon them. The Lord said moreover unto me: Smite thine hands together, and stamp with thy feet/ and say: woe worth all the abominations and wickedness of the house of Israel for because of them, they shall perish with the sword, with hunger & with pestilence. Who so is far of, shall die of the pestilence: he that is nigh at hand, shall perish with the sword: and the other that are besieged shall die of hunger. Thus will I satisfy my wrathful displeasure upon them. And so shall ye learn to know/ that I am the Lord, when your slain men lie among your Idols, and about your altars: upon all high hills and tops of mountains, among all green trees/ among all thick oaks: even in the places, where they did sacrifice to all their Idols. I will stretch my hand out upon them, and will make the land waste: So that it shall lie esolate and void, from the wilderness of ☞ Deblothah forth, thorough all their habitations: to learn them for to know, that I am the Lord. ¶ The end of all the land of Israel shall suddenly come. The cause of the destruction thereof. The Prophet is commanded to show the sum of the evils that are at hand. CAPI. VII. THE word of the Lord came unto me on this manner: The I call, O thou son of man. Thus sayeth Lord God unto the land of Israel: The end cometh/ ye, verily the end cometh upon all the four corners of the earth. But now shall the end come upon thee: for I will send my wrath upon thee/ & will punish the according to thy ways, and reward the after all thy abominations. * Ez●. 7. b. 9 ● Mine eye shall not oversee thee, neither will I spare thee: but reward thee, according to thy ways/ and declare thy abominations. Then shall ye know, that I am the Lord. Thus sayeth the Lord God: Behold, one misery and plague shall come after another: the end is here. The end (I say) that waiteth for thee, is come all ready, the hour is come against thee, that dwellest in the land. The time is at hand, the day of sedition is hard by, and no glad tidings upon the mountains. Therefore, I will shortly poute out my sore displeasure over thee, and fulfil my wrath upon the. I will judge the after thy ways, and recompense the all thy abominations. * Ez●. 7. b. 9● Mine eye shall not oversee thee, neither will I spare thee: but reward the after thy ways, and show thy abominations, to learn you for to know, how that I am the Lord that smiteth. Behold, the day is here the day is come, the hour is run out, the rod flourisheth, wilfulness waxeth green/ malicious violence is grown up, and the ungodly waxed to a staff. Yet shall there no complaint be made for them, nor for the trouble that shall come of these things. The time cometh, the day draweth nigh: * 1. Cor. ●. ● jere. xv. ●. Who so buyeth, let him not rejoice: he that selleth, let him not be sorry: for why. * 1 Thes. ●. ● Trouble shall come in the midst of all rest: so that the seller shall not come again to the bier, for neither of them both shall live. For the vision shall come so greatly overall, that it shall nat be hindered: No man also with his wickedness shall be able to save his own life. The trumpets shall blow, ye and make you all ready, but no man shall go to the battle/ for I am wroth with all the whole multitude. The sword shallbe without, pestilence and hunger within: so that who so is in the field, shallbe slain with the sword: and he that is in the city * Deu. xxii. d shall perish with hunger and pestilence. And such as escape and i'll from among them, shallbe upon the hills, like as the doves in the field: every one shallbe afraid, because of his own wickedness. All hands shallbe let down, & all knees shallbe weak as the water: they shall gird themselves with sack cloth/ fear shall fall upon them. Their faces shallbe confounded, * Esay●. xv. ● and their heads bald: their silver shall lie in the streets, and their gold shallbe despised: * S●pho i. d Ecclesi. v. b Prove. xi. u. Ye, their silver and gold may not deliver them, in the day of the fearful wrath of the Lord. They shall not satisfy their hungry souls, neither fill their empty bellies therewith: For it is become their own decay thorough their wickedness: because they * O●ie. v●●i. a made thereof not only costly jewels for their pomp and pride/ but also abominable images and Idols. For this cause will I make them to be abhorred. Moreover, I will give it into the hands of the strangers to be spoiled: and to the wicked/ for tobe rob, and they shall destroy it. My face will I turn from them/ my treasury shallbe defiled: for the thieves shall go in to it/ and suspend it. I will make clean riddance, for the land is whole defiled with untyghtueus' judgement of innocent blood/ and the cite is full of abominations. Wherefore I will bring the most cruel tyrants from among the Heathen, to take their houses in possession. I will make the pomp of the proud to cease, and they shall take in their Saynetuary. When this trouble cometh they shall seek peace, but they shall have none. One mischief and sorrow shall follow another, and one rumour shall come after another: * jere. 38. c Then shall they seek visions in vain at their Prophets. The law shallbe gone from the priests, and wisdom from the elders. The king shall mourn, the princes shallbe clothed with heaviness, and the hands of the people in the land shall tremble for fear. I will do unto them after their own ways, and according to their own judgements will I judge them: to learn them for to know, that I am the Lord. ¶ An apperaun●e of the similitude of God. Ezechiel is brought unto jerusalem in the spirit. The Lord showeth the Prophet the idolatries of the house of Israel, and the fely of the Preastes. CAPI. VIII. IT happened, that in the sixth year the fifth day of the sixth month I sat in my house, and the Lords of the council of juda with me: and the hand of the Lord God fell even there upon me. And as I looked up, * Ezechiel. i. c I saw as it were a likeness of fire from his loins downward, and from his loins upward it shined marvelous clear & like an angel to look upon. * Ezech. iii. b and. xi. d This similitude stretched out an hand, and took me by the hearrye locks of my head, and the spirit life me up betwixt heaven and earth: and brought me in a vision to jerusalem, into the entry of the inner port that lieth toward the north: there stood an image, which whom he that hath all things in his power was very wroth. And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was in the same place: even * Ezechi. ●. a as I had seen it afore in the field. And he said unto me: Thou son of man, O life up thine eyes, and look toward the North. Then life I up mine eyes toward the north, & beholde● beside the port Northward, there was an altar made unto the image of provocation in the very entering in. And he said further more unto me: Thou son of man, ●●●st thou what these do? sayst thou the great abhomytions that the house of Israel committeth in this place? which ought ●●t to be do●e 〈◊〉 my sanctuary? But turn the about, a th●● shalt see yet greater abhomyna●ions. And 〈◊〉 that brought he me to the cour● 〈◊〉 & when I looked, behold/ there was an hole in wall. Then said he unto me: Thou son of man, dig thorough the wall. And when I digged thorough the wall, behold, there was a door. And he said unto me: Go thy way in, and look what wicked abominations they do here. So I went in, and saw: and behold/ there were all manner images of worms & beasts, all Idols and abominations of the house of Israel painted every one round about the wall. There stood also before the images. * E●●d. 〈◊〉. d Nun. xi. d lxx. Lords of the council of the house of Israel: and in the midst of them stood jaazanth the son of Saphan: And every one of them had a censor in his hand/ and out of the incense, there went a smoke/ as it had been a cloud. Then said he unto me: Thou son of man, hast thou seen what the Senators of the house of Israel do secretly, every one in his chambrel * job xxii. d Esay. 29 c Jere 〈◊〉. d. Ezech. 〈◊〉. ● For they say: Tush, the Lord saith us not, the Lord regardeth nat the world. And he said unto me: Turn the yet again/ and thou shalt see the great abominations that they do. And with that he brought me to the door of the port of the lords house, toward the north. And behold, there sat women mourning for Thamus. Then said he unto me: haste thou seen this/ thou son of man? Turn the about, and thou shalt see yet greater abominations than these. And so he brought me in to the inward court of the lords house: and behold at the port of the lords house/ betwixt the fore entry and the altar/ there were five and twenty men/ that turned their backs upon the temple of the Lord/ and their faces toward the east, and these worshipped the son. And he said unto me: hast thou seen this thou son of man? thinketh the house of juda/ that it is but a trifle, to do these abominations here? Should they fill the land full of wickedness/ and undertake to provoke me unto anger? Ye, and purposely to cast up their noses upon me? Therefore will I also do some thing in my wrathful displeasure, so that mine eye shall not oversee them, neither will I spare them. * Prover i. ●. jere. 〈◊〉. ●. a●d ●iiii. b M●●●. three ● Ye, and though they cry in mine ears with loud voice/ yet will I not hear them. ¶ The destruction of idolatries, and the conversion of the righteous. They that shallbe saved are marched. They that are unmarcked are slain. A complaint of the Prophet for the destruction of the people. CAPI. IX. HE cried also with a loud voice in mine ears/ saying: Come here ye rulers of the city/ every man with his weaponed hand to the slaughter. Then came there six men out of the street of the upper port toward the north/ and every man a weapon in his hand to the slaughter. There was one amongst them/ that had on him a linen raiment/ and a writers ynckehorne by his side. These went in, & stood beside the brazen altar: for the glory of the Lord of Israel was gone away from the * Exo. xl. ●. Nun. ●x c 3. Regum. 8. b Cherub which was upon him, & was come down to the threshold of the house, and he called the man that had the linen raiment upon him, and the writers ynckehorne by his side, and the Lord said unto him: Go thy way thorough the city of jerusalem, and ☜ set a mark upon the foreheads of them, that mourn and are sorry for all the abominations, that be done therein. And to the other, he said that I might hear: * Iud●. two. ● Go ye after him thorough the city/ stay/ oversee none/ spare none: kill and destroy both old men and young, maidens/ children/ and wives. But as for those, that have the mark upon them: see that ye touch them nat, * jere. xx●. ● a●d. x●ix. b 1. P●●●. 4. ● and begin at my Sanctuary. Then they began at the elders, which were in the temple, for he had said unto them: When ye have defiled the temple/ and filled the cour●e with the slain, then go your way forth. So they went out, & slew down thorough the city. Now when they had done the slaughter, and I yet escaped: I fell down upon my face, & cried, saying: O Lord God wilt thou then destroy all the residue of Israel/ in thy sore displeasure/ that thou haste poured upon jerusalem? Then said he unto me: The wickedness of the house of Israel and juda is very great: so that the land is full of blood/ and the city full of unfaithfulness: For they say: * job. 22. b Esay. 29. ●. Eccle. 2●. ● Tush the Lord regardeth not the earth/ he saith us not. Therefore will I upon them/ * Ezec. v●i. ●. mine eye shall not oversee thee/ neither will I spare them/ but will recompense their wickedness upon their heads. And behold/ the man that had the linen raiment upon him/ and the writers ynckehorne by his side: told all the matter how it happened, and said: Lord/ as thou haste commanded me/ so have I done. ¶ Of the man that took hot burning coals out of the middle of the wheels and of the cherubins, in token of the burning of jerusalem. I rehearsal of the vision of wheels of the beasts, and of the cherubins. CAPI X. AND as I looked, behold/ in the fyrma meant that was above the cherubins there appeared the similitude of a stole of Saphyr upon them: * Ezech. ●x. ● Then said he that sat therein, to him that had the linen raiment upon him: Creep in between the wheels that are under the Cherubynes/ and take thine hand full of hot coals out from between the cherubins/ and cast them over the city And he crept in/ that I might se. Now the Cherubins stood upon the right side of the house, when the man went in, and the cloud filled the inner court. * 2. P●●. ●. ● But the glory of the Lord removed from the cherubins/ and came upon the threshold of the house: so that the temple was full of clouds, and the court was full of the shine of the lords glory. Ye/ and the sound of the Cherubynes wings was heard in to the fore court/ like as it had been the voice of the almighty God, when he speaketh. Now when he had bidden the man that was clothed in linen/ to go and take the hot coals from the midst of the wheels/ which were under the cherubins: he went and stood beside the wheels. Then the one Cherub reached forth his hand from under the cherubins/ unto the fire that was between the cherubins/ and took thereof/ and gave it unto him that had on the linen raiment in his hand/ which took it/ and went out. And under the wings of the cherubins/ there appeared the likeness of a man's hand: I saw also four wheels beside the cherubins/ so that by every Cherub there stood a wheel. And the wheels were (to look upon) after the fashion of the precious stone of Tharsys: yet (unto the sight) were they fashioned and like/ as if one wheel had been in another. When they went forth/ they went all four together, nat turning about in their going: But where the first went/ thither went they after also/ so that they turned nat about in their going. Their whole bodies, their backs/ their hands & wings/ ye, and the wheels also/ were all full of eyes round about them all four. And I heard him call the wheels. * Ezech. ●. ●. Every one of them had four faces: so that one face was the face of a Cherub, the second of a man/ the third of a lion/ the fourth of an Eagle, and they were lifted up above. This is the beast/ that I saw at the water of Cober. Now when the cherubins went/ the wheels went with them/ and when the Cerubyns shaken their wings to lift themselves upward, the wheels remained nat behind/ but were with them also. Shortly, when they stood/ these stood also. And when they were lift up, the wheels were lift up also with them, for the spirit of life was in the wheels. * Ezech. x●. ● 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. Then the glory of the Lord was lift up from the threshold of the temple/ & remained upon the Cherubins. And the cherubins flackred with their wings. & lift themselves up from the earth: so that I saw when they went, and the wheels with them. And they stood at the east side of the port that is in the house of the Lord. So the glory of the Lord was upon them. This is the beast that I saw under the God of Israel/ by the water of Cobar. And I perceived/ that it was the cherubins. Every one had four faces/ and every one four wings/ and under their wings/ as it were men's hands. Now the figure of their faces was, even as I had seen them, by the water of Cober, and so was the countenance of them: Every one in his going went straight forward. CAPI. XI. Who they were that seduced the people of Israel. Against these he prophesieth, showing them how they shallbe scattered abroad. The running of the heart of cometh God▪ otherwise can we nat walk in his commandments. He threateneth them that leave unto their own councils. Moreover, the spirit of the Lord lift me up, and brought me unto the east port of the lords house. And behold/ there were. xxv men under the door among whom I saw jaayaniah the son of Azure and Pheltiah the son of Bananiah, the rulers of the people. Then said the Lord unto me: Thou son of man: these men imagine mischief, and a wicked council take they in this city, saying: Tush, there is no destruction at hand, let us build houses: this jerusalem is the cauldron, and we be the flesh. Therefore shalt thou prophecy unto them, ye, prophecy shalt thou unto them, O son of man. And with that fell the spirit of the Lord upon me, and said unto me: Speak, thus sayeth the Lord: On this manner have ye spoken (O ye house of Israel) and I know the imaginations of your hearts. Many one have ye murdered in this city, and filled the streets full of the slain. Therefore/ thus sayeth the Lord God: The slay me● that ye have laid on the ground in this city, are the flesh, and this city is the cauldron: * Eze. 34. ●. But I will bring you out of it, ‡ Mat. 26. ●. ye have drawn out the sword, even so will I also bring a sword over you/ sayeth the Lord God. I will drive you out of this city and deliver you into your enemies hand, and will condemn you. Ye shallbe slain in all the coasts of Israel, I will be avenged of you, to learn you for to know, that I am the Lord. This city shall not be your cauldron, neither shall ye be the flesh therein: but in the coasts of Israel will I punish you, that ye may know/ that I am the Lord: in whose commandments ye have nat walked, not kept his laws: * Leu●. 〈◊〉. ●. D●●. xii. ●. but have done after the customs of the Heathen, that lie round about you. Now when I preached, Pheltiah the son of Bananiah died. Then fell I down upon my face, & cried with a loud voice: saying O Lord God, wilt thou then utterly destroy all the remaunt in Israel? And so the word of the Lord came to me on this manner: thou son of man: thy brethren/ thy knyffolke/ and the holy house of juda which dwell at jerusalem/ say. They be gone far from the Lord/ but the land is given us in possession. Therefore tell them/ thus sayeth the Lord God: I will send you far of among the gentiles, and skatre you among the nations, and I will hallow you but a little, in the lands where ye shall come. Tell them also/ thus sayeth the Lord God: I will gather you again out of the nations, and bring you from the countries where ye be scattered/ & will give you the land of Israel again: and thither shall ye come. And as for all impediments/ and all your abominations: I will take them away. * jer. xxxi ●. Eze xxxvi f And I will give you one heart/ and I will plant a new spirit within your bowels. That stony heart will I take out of your body, and give you ☞ a fleshy heart? that ye may walk in my commandments, and keep mine ordinances, and do them that ye may be my people, and I your God. But look whose hearts are disposed to follow their abominations and wicked lyvenges: those men's deeds will I bring upon their own heads/ sayeth the Lord God. After this did the cherubins lift up their wings, and the wheels went with them, and the glory of the Lord of Israel was upon them. * Ezechel. x. ● and. xliii. a So the glory of the Lord went from the midst of the city, and stood upon the mount of the city toward the east. * Ezech. iii. b and. viii. a. But the wind took me up, and in a vision (which came by the spirit of God) it brought me again into Caldea among the presoners. Then the vision that I had seen vanished away fro me. So I spoke unto the presoners, all the words of the Lord, which he had showed me. ¶ The parable of the vessels of the captivity. The exposition of the parable, by which the taking of kings ●e●ikiah is signified. Another parable where by the distress of hunger and thirst is signified. CAPI. XII. THE word of the Lord came unto me/ saying, Thou son of man, thou dwellest in the midst of a froward household: * Esay. vi. b. Mat. xiii. b Mar. iiii. a Luk. viii. b Act. 28. d. Roma. xi. b which have eyes to see/ and yet see nat: ears have they to hear/ and yet hear they nat, for they are an obstinate household. Therefore (O thou son of man) make thy gear rydy to flit/ and go forth by fair day light/ that they may se. Ye, even in their sight shalt thou go from thy place to another place: if peradventure they will consider, that they be an unobedient household. Thy gear that thou haste made ready to flit withal, shalt thou bear out by fair day light, that they may see: and thou thyself shalt go forth also at even in their sight, as a man doth when he flitteth. Dig thorough the wall/ that they may se/ and bear thorough it the same thing/ that thou tokeste up in their sight. As for thyself/ thou shalt go forth in the dark. Hide thy face that thou see not the earth/ for I have made the a shewtoken unto the house of Israel. Now as the Lord commanded me, so I did: the gear that I had made ready/ brought I out by day. At even I broke down an hole thorough the wall with my hand: and when it was dark, I took the gear upon my shoulders/ and bore them out in their sight. And in the mourning, came the word of the Lord unto me, saying: Thou son of man/ if Israel that froward household ask thee/ and say: what dost thou there? Then tell them. Thus sayeth the Lord God: This punishment toucheth the chief rulers at jerusalem/ & all the house of Israel, that dwell among them: Tell them: I am your show token: like as I have done/ so shall it happen unto you: Flit shall ye also/ and go into captivity. * jere. xx●. ●, xxiii. b. 〈◊〉 xxxii. b. The chiefest that is among you/ shall lad his shoulders in the dark/ and get him away. He shall break down the wall/ to carry stuff ther-thorowe: He shall cover his face/ that he see nat the ground, with his eyes. * Ex●. xvii. ● and. xxxii. ● My line will I spread out upon him/ and catch him in my net, and carry him to Babylon, in the land of the Caldees: which he shall nat see/ and yet shall he die there. As for all his helpers, and all his Hosts/ that be about him, I will scatter them toward all the winds, and draw out a sword after them. * Ezec. xv. ● and. xx●●. ● So when I have scattered them among the Heathen/ and strewed them in the lands, they shall know, that I am the Lord. But, I will leave a little number of them from the sword, hunger and pestilence: to tell all their abominations among the Heathen, where they come: that they may know, how that I am the Lord. Moreover/ the word of the Lord came unto me saying: Thou son of man: with a fearful trembling shalt thou eat thy bred/ with carefulness & sorrow shalt thou drink thy water. And unto the people of the land, speak thou on this manner: Thus sayeth the Lord God, to them that dwell in jerusalem, and to the land of Israel: Ye shall eat your bread with sorrow, and drink your water with heaviness: Ye, the land with the fullness thereof shallbe laid waste/ for the wickedness of them that dwell therein. And the cities that now be well occupied, shall be void, and the land desolate: that ye may know how that I am the Lord. Yet came the word of the Lord unto me again, saying: Thou son of man, what manner of by word is that, which ye use in the land of Israel, saying: Tush, * 1. Pet. 3. b. saying that the days are so slack in coming, all the visions are of none effect: Tell them therefore, thus sayeth the Lord God: I will make that by word to cease, so that it shall no more be commonly used in Israel. But say this unto them: The days are at hand/ that every thing which hath been prophesied, shallbe fulfilled. There shall no vision be in wain, nether any prophecy fail among the children of Israel: For it is I the Lord, that speak it: & whatsoever I the Lord speak, it shall be performed, and nat be slack in coming. Ye, even in your days (O ye froward household) will I devise some thing, and bring it to pass, sayeth the Lord God. And the word of the Lord came unto me saying Behold/ thou son of man: The house of Israel say in this manner: Tush, as for the vision that he hath seen/ it will be many a day or it come to pass: It is far of yet, the thing that he prophesieth. Therefore say unto them: Thus sayeth the Lord God: All my words shall no more be slack: Look what I speak, that same shall come to pass/ sayeth the Lord God: ¶ The word of the Lord against false prophets, which teach the people the councils of their own hearts. CAPI. XIII. THE word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Thou son of man. Speak prophecy against those prophets/ that preach in Israel: and say thou unto them that prophecy out of their own hearts: Hear the word of the Lord, thus sayeth the Lord God? * Ezec. ●4. a. Woe be it unto those foolish prophets, that follow their own spirit and speak where they se nothing. O Israel, thy prophets are like the foxes upon the dry telde: For they stand nat in the gaps, nether make they an hedge for the house of Israel, that men might abide the parel in the day of the Lord, vain things they se/ and tell lies/ to * jer. xxvi●. ● maintain their preachings with al. The Lord (say they) hath spoken it, when in very deed the Lord hath nat sent them. vain visions have ye seen, and spoken false prophecies/ when ye say the Lord hath spoken it/ where as I never said it. Therefore, thus sayeth the Lord God: Because your words be vain/ and ye seek out lies: Behold, I will upon you, sayeth the Lord God. Mine hands shall come upon the prophets that look out vain things, and preach lies: they shall nat be in the council of my people, nor written in the book of the house of Israel, neither shall they come in the land of Israel: that ye may know, how that I am the Lord God. And that for this cause: they have deceived my people, * jere. viii b and told them of peace, where no peace was. One setteth up a wall/ and they daub it with louse clay. Therefore tell them which daub it with untempered mortar: that it shall fall. * Mat. seven. c. For there shall come a great shower of rain, great stones shall fall upon it/ and a sore storm of wind shall break it/ so shall the wall come down. shall it nat then be said unto you: where is now the mortar, that ye daubed it withal? Therefore thus sayeth the Lord God: I will break out in my wrathful displeasure with a stormy wind, so that in mine anger there shall come a mighty shower of rain/ & hail stones in my wrath, to destroy withal. As for the wall/ that ye have daubed with untempered mortar/ I will break it down, make it even with the ground/ so that the: foundation thereof shall remove/ and it shall fall, ye, and ye yourselves shall perish in the midst thereof: to learn you for to know, that I am the Lord. Thus will I perform my wrath upon this wall, and upon them that have daubed it with untempered mortar, and then will I say unto you: The wall is gone/ and the daubers are away. These are the prophets of Israel, which prophecy unto the city of jerusalem, and look out visions of peace for them, where as no peace is, saith the Lord God. Wherefore (O thou son of man) set thy face against the daughters of thy people, which prophecy out of their own hearts, and speak thou prophecy against them, and say. Thus sayeth the Lord God. Woe be unto you, that so we pylowes under all arm holes and bolsters under the heads both of young and old●/ to catch souls with all. * ●●oye. v. c. Math. ii●. ● For when ye have gotten the souls of my people in your captivity, ye promise them life, and dishonour me to my people, for an hand full of barley, and for a piece of bread: when ye kill the souls of them, that die nat, and promise life to them, that live not: Thus ye dissemble with my people/ that believeth your lies. Wherefore, thus sayeth the Lord God Be hold/ I will also upon the pillows, where with ye catch the soul's in flying: them will I take from your arms, and let the souls go/ that ye catch in flying. your bolsters also will I tear in pieces, and deliver my people out of your hands so that they shall come no more in your hands to be spoiled/ and ye shall know, that I am the Lord. saying that with your lies ye disconforte the heart of the righteous, whom I have nat discomforted: Again: For so much * Os●●. 4. ●. as ye courage the hand of the wicked so that he may nat turn from his wicked way, & live: therefore shall ye spy out no more vanity, nor pro phecye your own gessynges: for I wild liver my people out of your hand, that ye may know, how that I am the Lord. ¶ The Lord denieth his word to the people for their sins sake. The dis●ysers of the word doth the Lord sometime deceive by false prophets. A comfort of them that fled unto Babylon. CAPI. XIIII. THERE resorted * Ezech xx. ●. unto me certain of the elders of Israel/ and sat down by me. Then came the word of the Lord unto me, saying: Thou son of man, these men bear their Idols in their hearts/ and go purposely upon the stomb●nge block of their own wickedness: how dare they then ask council at me? Therefore speak unto them/ and say, thus sayeth the Lord God: Every man of the house of Israel that be ar his Idols in his heart/ purposing to stumble in his own wickedness/ and cometh to a prophet/ to inquire any thing at me by him: unto that man will I the Lord myself give answer, according to the multitude of his Idols: that the house of Israel may be snared in their own hearts/ because they be clean gone fro me/ for their abominations sakes. Wherefore/ tell the house of Israel: thus sayeth the Lord God. * Ezech. xx. c. Be converted/ forsake your Idols, and turn your faces from all your abominations. For every man, (whether he be of the house of Israel or a stranger, that so geourneth in Israel) which departeth fro me, and carrieth Idols in his heart/ purposing to go still stumbling in his own wickedness/ and cometh to a Prophet, for to ask council at me thorough him: unto that man, will I the Lord give answer, by mine own self. I will set my face against that man/ and will make him to be an example for other, ye, and a comen by word: and will rote him out of my people, that ye may know, how that I am the Lord. * 3. Reg. 22● job. xii. ●. And if that Prophet be deceived/ when he telleth him a word: then I the Lord myself have dyfceaved that Prophet, and will stretch forth mine hand upon him/ to rote him out of my people of Israel, and they both shallbe punished for their wickedness. According to the sin of him that asketh/ shall the sin of the Prophet be: that the house of Israel be led no more fro me thorough error, & be no more defiled in their wyekednesse: but that they may be my people/ & I their God, sayeth the Lord God. And the word of the Lord came unto me/ saying: Thou son of man/ when the land sinneth against me/ and goeth forth in wickedness: I will stretch out mine hand upon it, * Ezech. iii. d and. iiii. d. and destroy all the provision of their bread/ and send dearth upon them, to destroy man and beast in the land. ‡ Ier●. ●v. ●. And though No/ Daniel & job, these three men were among them/ yet shall they in their right● ousnesse deliver but their own souls, saith the Lord God. If I bring noisome beasts into the land, to waste it up, and it be so desolate/ that no man may go therein for beasts: if these three men also were in the land/ as truly as I live (sayeth the Lord God (they shall save neither sons nor daughters, but be only delivered themselves: and as for the land/ it shall be waist. Or if I bring a sword into the land/ and charge it to go thorough the land: so that I slay down man and beast in it/ and if these thremen were therein: As truly as I live (sayeth the Lord God) they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters/ but only be saved themselves, If I send a pestilence into the land/ and pour out my sore indignation upno it in blood/ so that I rote out of it both man and beast. And if Noah, Daniel and job were therein, as truly as I live (sayeth the Lord God) they shall deliver nether sons nor daughters: but save their own souls in their righteousness. Moreover, thus sayeth the Lord God: Though I send my * I●r. 〈◊〉. ● four troublous plagues upon jerusalem: the sword hunger/ perilous beasts, & pestilence, to destroy man and beast out of it: yet shall there be a tennaunt saved therein, which shall bring forth their sons and daughters. Behold, they shall come forth unto you, & ye shall see their way, & what they take in hand, & ye shallbe comforted, as touching all the plagues that I have brought upon Jerusalem. They shall comfort you, when ye see their way and works: and ye shall known, how that it is not without a cause, that I have done so against jerusalem, as I did, sayeth the Lord God. ¶ As the unprofitable wood of the vine tree is cast in to the sire, so sayeth he that jerusalem shallbe brent. CAPI. XV. THE word of the Lord came unto me, saying: Thou son of man: What▪ cometh of the vine among all other trees? and of the vine stock among all other timber of the grove? Do men take wood of it, to make any work with all? Or may there a nail be made of it, to hang any thing upon? Behold, it is cast in the fire to be brent, the fire consumeth both the ends of it/ the midst is brent to ashes. Is it meet then for any work? No. saying then, that it was meet for no work, being whole: much less may there any thing be made of it, when the fire hath consumed and brent it. And therefore thus sayeth the Lord God: Like as I cast the vine into fire for to be brent, as other trees of the wood: Even so will I do with them that dwell in jerusalem, and set my face against them: they shall go out from the fire, and yet the fire shall consume them. * E●●t. xi●. ● and▪ xxii. b. Then shall ye know/ that I am the Lord, when I set my face against them, and make the land waste: because they have so sore offended/ sayeth the Lord God. ¶ The Prophet intending to speak of the abhomyncryons of jerusalem▪ doth first show the benefits of God toward i●. jerusalem is reproved of unkindness, for her fornication with Idols. He justfieth the wickedness of other people in comparison of the sins of jerusalem. The cause of the abominations into which the ●odomytes fell. Mercy is promised to the repentant. CAPI. XVI. Again, the word of the Lord spoke unto me, saying: Thou son of man/ show the city of jerusalem their abominations, and say: thus sayeth the Lord God unto jerusalem: Thy progeny and kindred came out of the land of Canaan * thy father was an Amoryte/ thy mother a Cethyte. In the day of thy birth when thou wast borne/ the string of thy navel was not cut of: that waste not bathed in water to make the clean: Thou waste neither rubbed with salt, nor swaddled in clouts: No man regarded the so much, as to do any of these things for thee, or to show the such favour, but thou wast utterly cast out upon the field, ye, despised wast thou in the day of thy birth. Then came I by thee, and saw the trodden down in thine own blood, & said unto thee: thou shalt be purged from thine own blood, from thine own blood (I say) shalt thou be cleansed. * Esay. v. a Icre. x●. c So I planted thee/ as the blossom of thy field, thou art grown up/ and waxed great: thou hast gotten a marvelous pleasant beauty, thy breasts are come up/ thy hair is goodly grown, where as thou wast naked and bare afore. Now when I went by thee/ and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was come/ ye/ even the time to woo the. Then spread I my clothes over thee, to cover thy dishonesty: ye I made an oath unto thee, * jere. iii. ● 〈◊〉. xx●. ● and married myself with thee (sayeth the Lord God) and so thou becamest mine own. Then washed I the with water, and purged thy blood from the. I anointed the with oil. I gave the change of ra●●entes, I made the shues of Taxus leather: I girded the about with white silk I clothed the with kerchefes, I decked the with costly apparel, I put tynges upon thy fingers: a chain about thy neck spangs upon thy fore head/ ear rings upon thine ears, and set a beautiful crown upon thine head. Thus wast thou decked with silver and gold, and thy raiment was of fine white silk/ of needle work and of diverse colours. Thou didst eat nothing but symnels, honey & oil: marvelous goodly waste thou and beautiful/ ye, even a very Queen wast thou: In so much, that thy beauty was spoken of among the Nethen, for thou wast excellent in my beauty, which I put upon the sayeth the Lord God. But thou hast put confidence in thine own beauty, and played the harlot/ when thou hadst gotten the● name. Thou hast committed whoredom/ with all that went by thee/ and haste fulfilled their desires: ye/ thou hast taken thy garments of divers colours, and decked thy●e aulteres therewith/ where upon thou mightest fulfil thine whoredom/ * jere. i. iii. and. ●. h. Esay. 46. a of such a fashion, as never was done/ nor shal●e. * O●●. 〈◊〉. ● and. 〈◊〉. a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. d. ●. xx. d The goodly ornaments and jewels which I gave the of mine own gold and silver/ ha●r thou taken, and made the men's images there of, and committed whoredom withal. Thy garments of diverse colours hast thou taken, and decked them therewith: mine oil and incense haste thou set before them. My meat which I gave thee/ as symnels, oil and honey: (to feed the withal) that hast thou set before them, for a sweet savour. And this came also to pass, sayeth the Lord God * levit. 18. ● and xx. a Deut. 18. b ● xxxii. ● jere. seven. d Ezech. xx. d Psal. cv. a Thou haste taken thine own sons and daughters, whom thou hadst begotten unto me: and these hast thou offered up unto them, to be their meat. Is this but a small whorewme of thine (thinkest thou) that thou sleyest my children, and givest them over, to be brent unto them? And yet in all thy abominations and whoredom, thou hast notre membered the days of thy youth, how naked & bare thou wast at that time, and trodden down in thine own blood. After all these thy wickednesses (woe woe unto thee, sayeth the Lord God) thou haste builded thy stews and brodel houses in every place: ye at the head of every street hast thou builded the an altar. Thou hast made thy beauty to be abhorred/ thou haste laid out thy legs to every one that came by, and multiplied thine whoredom. * Ezech. 23. b Thou hast committed fornication with the Egyptians thy neighbours, which had much flesh: and thus hast y● used thine whoredom, to anger me. Behold, I did stretch out mine hand over thee, and will * Ezech. 〈◊〉. d ●. ●. 〈◊〉. c minish thy store of food, and deliver the over into the wills of the Philistines thine enemies, which are ashamed of thy abominable way. * Ezer. 23. ●. Thou hast played the whore also with the assyrians/ which might not satisfy thee: Ye, thou hast played the harlot, & not had enough. Thus hast thou still committed thy fornication from the land of Canaan unto the Caldees, and yet thy lust not satisfied. How should I cir cumcyse thine heart (sayeth the Lord God) saying thou dost all these things, thou precious whore: building thy stews at the head of every street, and thy brothel houses in all places? Thou hast not been as an other whore, that maketh booste of her mynning but was a wife that breaketh wedlock/ and taketh other in stead of her husband. Gifts are given to all other whores/ but thou givest rewards unto all thy lovers: and offerest them gifts, to come unto the out of all places, and to commit fornication with the. It is come to pass with the in thy whoredoms contrary to the use of other women: ye/ there hath no such fornication been committed after thee, saying that thou profrest gifts unto other/ and no reward is given thee: this is a contrary thing. Therefore hear the word of the Lord '/ O thou harlot: thus sayeth the Lord God: For so much as thou hast spent thy money, and discovered thy shame/ thorough thy whore doom with all thy lovers/ and with all the Idols of thy abhommations in the blood of thy children, * 4. Reg. 〈◊〉 and. 17. ● whom thou hast given them? Behold therefore. I will gather together all thy lovers, unto whom thou haste made thyself comen: ye, and all them whom thou favourest, and every one that thou hatest: and * Esay. 47. ● N●●●. 〈◊〉. ● will discover thy shame before them/ that they may see all thy filthiness. * Ezech. 〈◊〉. ● Moreover, I will judge the as a breaker of wedlock and a murderer, and recompeuce the thine own blood in wrath and jealousy. I will give the over into their power, that shall break down thy stews, and destroy thy brothel houses: they shall stripe the out of thy clothes, all thy fair and beautiful jewels shall they take from thee, & so let the sit naked and bare: * Levi. 〈◊〉. ● ye, they shall bring the comen people upon thee, which shall stone the and slay the down with their swords. * 4. Reg. 〈◊〉. ● They shall burn up thy houses, and punish the in the sight of many women. Thus will I make thy whoredom to cease, so that y● shalt give out no more rewards. Should I make my wrath to be still, take my jealousy from thee, be content, & no more to be displeased? seeing thou remember'st not the days of my youth, but haste provoked me to wrath in all these things? Behold therefore, I will bring thine own ways upon thine head, sayeth the Lord God: howbeit, I never did unto thee, according to thy wickedness and all thy abhomynactions. Behold/ all they that use comen proverbs, shall use this proverb also against thee: such a mother, such a daughter. Thou art even thy mothers own daughter/ that hath cast of her husband and her children: Ye, thou art the sister of thy sisters/ which forsook their husbands and their children. * Eze●. ●●●● Your mother is a Cethyte and your father an Amoryte. Thine eldest sister is Samaria/ she and her daughters that dwell upon thy left hand. But thy youngest sister that dwelleth on thy right hand, is Sodoma & her daughters. Yet haste thou not walked after their ways/ nor done after their adhomynacyo●s: but in all thy ways thou haste been more corrupt than they. As truly as I live/ sayeth the Lord God: Sodoma thy sister with her daughter's/ hath not done so evil/ as thou and thy daughters. Behold, * Gene. x●ii. ● 1. 18. ●. ●. 19 b. ●. the sins of thy sister Sodoma were these: Pride/ fullness of meat/ abundance and Idylnesse: these things had she and he● daughters. Besides that/ they reached not their hand to the poor and needy/ but were proud, and did abominable things before me: therefore I took them away/ when I had seen it. Neither hath Samaria done half of thy sins/ * jere. ●i●. ●. ye, thou haste exceeded them in wickedness: In so much that in comparysyon of all the abominations which thou haste done/ thou haste made thy sisters good women. Therefore bear thine own shame/ thou that in sin haste overcome thy sisters: saying thou haste done so abominably/ that they were better than thou. Be ashamed therefore (I say) and bear thine own confusion/ thou that makest thy sisters good women. As for their captivity/ namely the captivity of Sodoma & her daughters: the captivity of Samaria and her daughters: I will bring them again/ so will I also bring again thy captivity among them that thou mayest take thine own confusion upon thee, and be ashamed of all that thou hast done, and to comfort them. Thus thy sisters (namely) Sodoma and her daughters: Samaria and her daughters, with thyself and thy daughters, shallbe brought again to your old estate. When thou wast in thy pride/ & before thy wickedness came to light: thou wouldest not hear speak of thy sister Sodoma, until the time that the Spryans with all their towns, & the Phylystines withal that lie round about them brought the to shame and confusion: that thou mightest bear thine own filthiness and abomination, sayeth the Lord. For thus sayeth the Lord God: I should (by right) deal with thee, as thou hast done Thou haste despised the oath, and broken the covenant. Nevertheless, I will remember my covenant that I made with the in thy youth, in so much that it shallbe an everlasting covenant: so that thou also remember thy ways, and be ashamed of them: then shalt thou receive of me thy elder and younger sisters, whom I will make thy daughters, and that beside thy covenant. * jere. xxi. ● 〈◊〉. vi●●. ● And so I will renew my covenant with thee, that thou mayest know that I am the Lord, that thou mayst think upon it, be ashamed and excuse thine own confusion no more, when I have forgiven thee, all that thou haste done, sayeth the Lord God. ¶ The parable of the two eagles signifieth that zedekiah, which contrary to his oath had forsaken the friendship of Nabuchodonosor, turneth himself to the King of Egypte, and therefore perished. An exposition of the parable. A prophecy of Chryst. CAPI. XVII. THE word of the Lord unto me, say enge, Thou son of man, put forth * Ezech. 24. a a dark speaking and a parable, unto the house of Israel, and say. Thus sayeth the Lord God. There came a great * Dani. seven. a Eagle with great wings, ye, with mighty long wings, and full of feathers of diverse colours, upon the mount of Libanus, and took a branch from a Cedretre, and broke of the top of his twig, and carried it into the land of Canaan, and set it in a city of merchants. He took also a branch of the land, and planted it in a fruitful ground, he brought it unto great waters, and set it as a willow tree thereby. Then did it grow/ and was a great vynestock/ out low by the ground: whose branches bowed toward him, and the roots thereof were under him. Thus there came of it a vine, and it brought forth blossoms, and spread out branches. But there was another Eagle, a great one, which had great wings and many fathers: and behold, the roots of this vine had an hunger after him, and spread out his branches toward him, to water his frut●● Nevertheless, it was planted upon a go●d ground beside great waters: so that (by reason) it should have brought out branches and fruit/ and have been a goodly ●yne. Speak thou therefore/ thus sayeth the Lord God: Shall this vine prosper? shall not his roots be pluck out/ his fruit be broken of, his green branches/ wither and fade away? ye/ without either strong arm or many people, shall it be plucked up by the roots. Behold, it was planted▪ shall it prosper therefore? Shall it not be dried up and withered, yes, even in the shuring out of his blossoms/ as soon as the east wind bloweth? Moreover, the word of the Lord came unto me saying: Speak to that froward household: know ye not, what these things do signify? Tell them: Behold, & the king 4. Re. 24. c. of Babylon came to Jerusalem, and took the king and his Princes, and led them to Babylon. He took of the kings seed, and made a covenant with him/ and took an oath of him: The Princes of the land took he with him also/ that the land might be holden in subjection, and not to rebel, but keep the covenant/ and fulfil it. But he fell from him and sent his ambassadors into Egypt that he might have horses & much people. Should that prosper? Should he be kept safe/ that doth such things? Or should he escape/ that breaketh his covenant? As truly as I live sayeth the Lord God: He shall die at Babylon/ in the place where the king dwelleth, that made him king: whose oath he hath despised/ and whose covenant he hath broken. Neither shall Pharaoh with his great host and multitude of people/ maintain him in the war: when they cast up ditches, and set up bulwark to destroy much people. For seeing he hath despised the oath/ and broken the covenant (where as he yet gave his hand there upon) and done all these things/ he shall not escape. Therefore thus sayeth the Lord God: As truly as I live/ I will bring mine oath that he hath despised/ and my covenant that he hath broken/ upon his own head. * 〈…〉 I will cast my net about him/ and catch him in my yarn. To Babylon will I ●arye him/ there will I punish him/ because of the great offence that he made me. As for those that fly from him out of the host/ they shallbe slain with the sword. The residue shallbe scatted toward all the winds: and ye shall know/ that I the Lord have spoken it. Thus sayeth the Lord God: I will also take a branch from an high cedar tre, and will set it, & take the uppermost twyg/ that yet is but tender/ and plant it upon an high hill: Namely, upon the hyehyll of Israel will I plant ●●: that it may bring forth twigs, and give fruit/ and be a great cedar tree: so that all manner of fowls may build in it/ and make their nests under the shadow of his branches. And all the trees of the field shall know that I the Lord have brought down the high tree, & set the low tree up: that I have dried up the green tree/ and made the dry tree to flourish: Even I the Lord that spoke it/ have also brought it to pass. ¶ He showeth that every man shall beat his own sin. To him that amendeth, is salua●yon promised. Death is prophesied to the ryhgtuous, which ●●●●e●h back from the right way. CAPI. XVIII. THE word of the Lord came unto me, on this manner: what mean ye by this comen proverb/ that ye use in the land of Israel/ saying: * jere. xxxi. ● The fathers have eaten sour grapes, & the children's teeth are set on edge: As truly as I live, sayeth the Lord God, ye shall use this byword no more in Israel. Behold * Psal. ●. ● all souls are mine. Like as the father is mine, so is the son mine also. The soul that sinneth, shall die: ‡ ●●●●. 〈◊〉. ●. If a man be godly, and do the thing that is equal and right/ he eateth not upon the hills: he lifteth not his eyes up to the foul Idols of Israel he defileth nat his neighbours wife: he meddleth with no menstruous woman: he grieveth no body: he giveth his debtor his pledge again, he taketh none other man's good by violence: * Mat. 〈◊〉. he parteth his meet with the hungry: he clotheth the naked: * Psal. 〈◊〉. ● he dareth nothing upon usury: he taketh nothing over: he withdraweth his hand from doing wrong he handleth faithfully betwixt mā● man: he walketh in my commandments and keepeth my laws, and performeth them faithfully: * Rom●. ●▪ ●. This is a righteous man/ he shall surely live sayeth the Lord God. If he now get a son, that is a murderer/ a sheder of blood: if he do one of these things * jaco. two. ●. (though he do not all) he eateth upon the hills: he defileth his neighbours wife: he grieveth the poor and needy: he robbeth and spoileth: he giveth nat the debtor his pledge again/ he lifteth up his eyes unto Idols, and meddleth with abominable things: he dareth upon usury, and taketh more over. Shall this man live? He shall not live. saying he hath done all these abominations/ he shall die/ his blood shallbe upon him. Now if this man get a son also, that saith all his father's sins, which he hath done: and feareth/ neither doth such like: Namely/ he eateth not up the mountains: he lifteth not his eyes up to the Idols of Israel: he defileth not his neighbours wife: he vexeth no man: he keepeth no man's pledge▪ he neither spoileth, nor robbeth any man: he dealeth his meat with the hungry: he clotheth the naked: he oppresseth not the poor: he receiveth no usury/ nor any thing over: he keepeth my laws/ and walcketh in my commandments: This man shall not die in his father's sin, but shall live without fail. As for his father: because he oppressed and spo●led his brother, and did wickedly among his people: lo, he is deed in his own sin. And yet say ye: Wherefore then should not this son bear his father's ●ynne? Therefore: because the son hath done equity and right, hath kept all my commandments, and done them: therefore shall he live in deed. The same soul that sinneth, shall die. * Deut▪ 24. ●▪ ●▪ ●c. 14. a▪ ●▪ 〈◊〉. 25. d The son shall not bear the father's offence/ neither shall the father bear the sons offence. The righteousness of the righteous shallbe upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shallbe upon himself also. * ●●●. xviii. a▪ ●zech. 33. c. But if the ungoly will turn away from all his sins that he hath done/ and keep all my commandments/ and do the thing that is equal and right, doubtless he shall live, and not die. As for all his sins that he did before, they shall not be thought upon but in his righteousness that he hath done/ he shall live. * ●. ●●it. 3. b. For have I any pleasure in death of a sinner, saith the Lord God, but rather that he convert, from his ways & live? Again, if the righteous turn away from his righteousness, and do iniquity, according to all the abominations, that the wicked man doth: shall he live? All the righteousness that he hath done, shall not be thought upon: but in the fault that he hath offended withal/ and in the sin that he he hath done/ he shall die. And yet ye say: Tush * Ezech. 33 d. the way of the Lord is not indifferent. Hear therefore ye house of Israel: Is not my way right? Or, are not your ways rather wicked: * Ezech. 33. c. When a righteous man turneth away from his righteousness, and meddleth with ungodliness: he must die therein: ye/ for the unrighteousness that he hath done/ must he die. Again: * Esay. ●v. b. when the wicked man turneth away from his wickedness/ that he hath done/ and doth the thing which is equal and right: he shall save his soul alive. For in so much as he remembreth himself/ and turneth him from all the ungodliness that he hath used, he shall live and not die. And yet sayeth the house of Israel: Tush/ the way of the Lord is not equal. Are my ways unright? O ye house of Israel: Are not your ways rather unequal? As for me, I will judge every man, according to his ways, O ye house of Israel sayeth the Lord God. * ●●●●. 〈◊〉. b. Mat. iii. ●. Wherefore/ be converted, & turn you clean from all your wickedness/ so shall there no sin do you harm. Cast away from you all your ungodliness that ye have done: * Ezech. xi. ● and. 3●. 8. make you new hearts and a new sprite. Wherefore will ye die, O ye house of Israel? saying I have no pleasure in the death of him that dieth/ sayeth the Lord God. Turn you then, and ye shall live. ¶ The captyvyiye of jehoahaz ● of jehoacin is signified by the lions whelped, and by the ●●om. He setteth out the prosperity of the city of jerusalem that is passed/ and the 〈◊〉 serye thereof that is present. CAPI. XIX. BUT mourn thou for the princes of Israel/ and say: Wherefore lay thy mother that lioness among the lions/ and nourished her young ones among the lions whelps? One of her whelps she brought up, and it became a lion: it learned to spoil, and to devour folk. The Heathen herd of him/ and took him in their nets/ & brought him in chains unto the land of Egypte. Now when the dam saw/ that all her hope and comfort was away/ she took another of her whelps/ and made a lion of him: which went among the lions/ and became a fierce lion: learned to spoil and to devour folk, he destroyed their palaces/ and made their cities waste. In so much that the whole land and every thing therein/ were utterly desolate/ thorough the very voice of his roaring. Then came the Heathen together on every side out of all countries against him/ laid their nets for him/ and took him in their pit. * 4. Reg. 〈◊〉. ● Jere 〈◊〉. ●. and. 〈◊〉▪ ●. So they bound him with chains, and brought him to the king of Babylon: which put him in preson, that his voice should no more be herd upon the mountains of Israel. As for thy mother, she is like a vine in thy blood/ planted by the water side: her fruits and branches are grown out of many waters, her stalks were so strong that men might have made staves thereof for officers: she grew so high in her stalks. So when men saw that she exceeded the height and multitude of her branches/ she was rooted out in displeasure/ and cast down to the ground. The east wind dried up her fruit, her strong stalks were broken of/ withered and brent in the fire. But now she is planted in the wilderness/ in a dry and thrustye ground. And there is a fire gone out of her stalckes/ which hath brent up her branches and her fruit: so that she hath no more strong stalckes/ to be staves for officers. This is a piteous and miserable thing. ¶ The Lord denieth that he will answer them when they pray/ for the offence of unkindness which he here objecteth. He promeseth that his people shall return from captivyty. By the wood that should be brent is signified the burning of jerusalem. CAPI. XX. IN THE. seven. year the. x. day of the v. month, * Ezec. xiiii. a it happened/ that certain of the elders of Israel came unto me/ for to ask council at the Lord/ and sat them down by me. Then came the word of the Lord unto me on this manner: Thou son of man: speak unto the elders of Israel/ and say unto them: Thus sayeth the Lord God. Are ye come hither to ask any thing at me? As truly as I live (saith the Lord) I will give you no answer. Wilt thou not reprove them (thou son of man) wilt thou not reprove them? Show them the abhomy nations of their fore fathers, and tell them. Thus sayeth the Lord God: * Exod. iii. b In the day when I chose Israel/ and lift up mine hand upon the seed of the house of jacob/ and showed myself unto them in the land of Egipte: Ye, when I lift up mine hand over them/ and said: I am the Lord your God/ even in the day that I lift up mine hand over them/ to bring them out of the land of Egypte/ into a land that I had provided for them/ which floweth with milk and honey/ and is a pleasant land among all other. Then said I unto them: * Deu. seven a. Cast away every man the abominations that he hath before him/ and defile not yourselves with the Idols of Egypte/ for I am the Lord your God. But they rebelled against me, and would not follow me: to cast away every man the abominations of his eyes, and to forsake the Idols of Egypte. Then I made me to pour my indignation over them, and to satisfy my wrath upon them: ye, even in the midst of the land of Egypte. But I would not do it/ for my name's sake: that it should not be unhallowed before the Heathen/ among whom they dwelt/ and among whom I showed myself unto them, that I would bring them out of the land of Egypte. Now when I had carried them out of the land of Egypte/ and brought them into the wilderness: I gave them my commandments, and showed them my laws, * Deu. iiii. b. Gala. iii. b. Luite. 18. a. Exo. xvi. c. 31 c. 32. c. which woso keepeth shall live in them. I gave them also my holy days, to be a token betwixt me and them/ and thereby to know, that I am the Lord, which hallow them. And yet the house of Israel rebelled against me in the wilderness/ they would not wallke in my commandments, they have cast away my laws (which whoso keepeth shall live in them) and my Sabbath days have they greatly unhallowed. * Nu. xiiii. ● Psa. xiv. ● Then I made me to pour out my indignation upon them/ and to consume them in the wilderness. Yet I would not do it/ for my name's sake: lest it should be dishonoured before the Heathen, from the which I had carried them away. But I swore unto them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them in to the land, which I gave them: a land that floweth with milk and honey/ and is a pleasure of all lands: and that because they refused my laws/ and walked not in my commandments but had unhallowed my Sabbathes/ for their heart was gone after their idols. Nevertheless/ mine eye spared them/ so that I woled not utterly slay them/ and consume them in the wilderness. moreover, I said unto their sons in the wilderness: * Exod. 1●. ●. walk not in the statutes of your forefathers/ keep not their ordinances/ and defile not yourselves with their idols/ for I am the Lord your God. But walk in my statutes/ keep my laws and do them hallow my Sabbathes: * Ex. 1●●●●● for they are a token betwixt me and you/ that ye may know how that I am the Lord your God. notwithstanding, their sons * Nun. 〈◊〉 Leu. xviii. ● Gala. three ●. 〈…〉 rebelled against me also: they walked not in my statutes they kept not my laws to fulfil them (which he that doth shall live in them) neither hallowed they my Sabbath days. Then I made me again to pour out my indignation over them/ and satisfy my wrath upon them in the wilderness. Nevertheless/ I withdrew my hand for my name's sake/ lest it should be unhallowed among the Heathen/ before whom I had brought them forth. I life up mine hand over them also in the wilderness/ that I would scatre them among the Heathen, and straw them among the nations/ because they had not kept my laws, but cast aside my commandments, unhallowed my Sabbathes, and lift up their eyes to their father's Idols. Wherefore I gave them also commandments not good, and laws thorough the which they should not live, and I unhallowed them in their own gifts * Exo. xiii. ● (when I appointed for myself all their first borne) to make them desolate: that they might know, how that I am the Lord. Therefore (O thou son of man, tell the house of Israel, thus saith the Lord God) Beside all this/ your forefathers have yet blasphemed me more, and greatly offended against me: For after I had brought them in to the land/ that I promised to give them, when they saw every high hill and all the thick trees: they made there their offerings/ and provoked me with their oblations, making sweet savours there/ and poured out their drynck offerings. Then I asked them: what have ye to do withal that ye go thither? And therefore is it called the high place unto this day. Wherefore, speak unto the house of Israel: Thus sayeth the Lord God: ye are even as unclean as your fore fathers, and commit whoredom also with their abominations. In all your Idols, where unto ye bring your oblations * jere. nineteen. a. Deut. xii. d xviii. b. Ezec. nineteen. c. 4. Reg. 18. c xxi. a. 2 Par. 28. a and to whose honour ye burn your children: ye/ defile yourselves/ even unto this day: how dare ye then come, and ask any question at me? O ye household of Israel? As truly as I live (sayeth the Lord God) ye get no answer of me: & as for the thing that ye go about/ it shall not come to pass/ where as ye say: we will be as the Heathen and do as other people in the land/ would and stone will we worship. As truly as I live/ sayeth the Lord God/ I myself will rule you with a mighty hand, with a stretched out arm, & with indignation poured out over you: & will bring you out of the nations & lands/ wherein ye are scattered and gather you together with a mighty hand, with a stretched out arm & with indignation poured out upon you & will bring you into the wilderness of the people/ & there I will reason with you face to face. Like as I punished your forefathers in the wilderness of Egypt, so will I punish you also, saith the Lord God. I will bring you under my jurisdiction & under the bond of the covenant The forsakers also and the transgressors will I take from among you & bring them out of the land of your habitation: as for the land of Israel, they shall not come in it: that they may know/ how that I am the Lord. Go to now then (sayeth the Lord God) ye house of Israel * Isaiah. two. c. thirty. d. Eze. xiiii. a cast away/ and destroy every man his Idols: then shall ye hear me, and no more blaspheme my holy name with your offerings and Idols. But upon my holy hill/ even upon the high hill of Israel saith the Lord god, shall all the house of Israel and all that is in the land, worship me: * Deut. xii. a xiiii. b. and in the same place will I favour them, and there will I require your heave offerings and the firstlynges of your oblations, with all your holy things. I will accept your sweet savour, when I bring you from the nations/ and gather you together out of the lands, wherein ye be scattered: that I may be hallowed in you before the Heathen/ and that ye may know/ that I am the Lord, which have brought you into the land of Israel: ye, into the same land, that I swore to give unto your forefathers. There shall ye call to remembrance your own ways and all your imaginations/ wherein ye have been defiled: * jere. viii. a 18. and. 31. c and ye shall be disposed with your own selves/ for all your wickedness/ that ye have done. And ye shall know/ that I am the Lord: when I entreat you after my name not after your wicked ways/ nor according to your corrupt works: O ye house of Israel. sayeth the Lord God. Moreover, the word of the Lord came unto me, saying: Thou son of man set thy face toward the South/ and speak to the south wind/ and say to the wood toward the south: Hear the word of the Lord, thus saith the Lord God: Behold I will kindle a fire in thee, that shall consume the green trees with the dry. No man shallbe able to quench his flame, but all that looketh from the south to the north, shallbe brent therein: and all flesh shall see, that I the Lord have kindled it, so that no man may quench it. Then said I: O Lord God/ they will say of me: * jere. xx. ●. Tush, they are but fables, that he telleth. ¶ He threateneth the sword, that is to say/ destruction to the city of jerusalem. He showeth the fall of King zedekiah He is commanded to prophesy the destruction of the children of Ammon. After the slaughter of other/ at the last the Lord threateneth death unto Nabuchodonosor himself. CAPI. XXI. THE word of the Lord came to me saying: Thou son of man/ set thy face toward jerusalem/ speak against the Sanctuary, and prophecy against the land of Israel, say to the land of Israel: Thus sayeth the Lord: Behold, I will upon thee/ & will draw my sword out of the sheath and rote out of the both the righteous and the wicked. seeing then that I will rote out of the both the righteous and wicked, therefore shall my sword go out of his sheath against all flesh from the north to the south: that all flesh may know/ how that I the Lord have drawn my sword out of the sheath, and it shall not be put in again. Mourn therefore (O thou son of man) that thy loins crack withal, ye mourn bitterly for them: And if they say, wherefore mournest thou? Then tell them: for the tidings that cometh, at the which all hearts shall melt, all hands shallbe let down, all stomachs shall faint, & all knees shall wax feeble. Behold, it cometh and shallbe fulfilled, sayeth the Lord God. Again the word of the Lord came unto me, saying. Thou son of man, prophecy/ & speak: Thus sayeth the Lord God: speak/ the sword is sharpened and well scoured. Sharpened it is for the slaughter/ and scoured that it may bebryghte. O/ the destroying * staff of my son, shall bring down all wood. He hath puthꝭ sword to the dighting, the good hold may be taken of it. This sword is sharpened and dight, that it may be given into the hand of the man slayer Cry (O thou son of man/ and howl/ for this sword shall smite my people/ & all the rulers in Israel) which with my people shall be slain down to the ground thorough this sword. Smite thou upon thy thigh, for wherefore should not the plague and staff of judgement come? prophecy thou son of man, and smite thine hands together: make the sword two edged, ye make it three edged, the manslayers sword, the sword of the great slaughter/ which shall smite them even in their prevychambers: to make them abashed and faint at the hertex, and in all gates to make some of them fall. O how bright and sharp is it, how well dyghte and met for the slaughter. Get the some place alone either upon the right hand or on the left/ whither so ever thy face turneth/ I will smite my hands together also and satisfy my wrathful indignation: Even I the Lord have said it. The word of the Lord came yet unto me again saying: Thou son of man, make the two streets, that the sword of the king of Babylon may come. Both these streets shall go out of one land. He shall set him up a place, at the heed of the street shall he choose him out a corner. Make the a street that the sword may come toward Rabath of the Ammonites: & to the strong city of jerusalem. For the king of Babylon shall stand in the turning of the way/ at the head of the two streets: * Leul. nineteen. f. and xx. ●. Deut. 18. b. to ask council at the sooth sayers/ casting the lots with his arrows, to ask council at the Idol, and to look in the liver. But the sothesaing shall point to the right side upon Jerusalem, that he may set men of war/ to smite it with a great noise, to cry out Alarm/ to set battle rams against the gates, to grave up dyches/ and to make bulwark. Nevertheless, as for the sothesayenge, they shall hold it but for vanity, even as though a jest were told them: ye, and they themselves remember their wickedness, so that by right they must be taken and won. Therefore sateth the lord God: For so much as ye yourselves show your offence, & have opened your wickedness, so that in all your works men may see your sins: ye, in so much (I say) that ye yourselves have made mention thereof/ ye shall be taken by violence. O thou shameful wicked guide of Israel whose day is come: even the time that wic kednes shall have an end: Thus sayeth the Lord God: take away the garland, & put of the crown, and so is it away: the humble is exalted, and the proud brought low. punish/ punish/ ye/ punish them will I, and destroy them: and that shall not be fulfilled until he come, to whom the judgement belongeth/ and to whom I have given it. And thou (O son of man) prophecy, and speak: Thus sayeth the Lord God to the children of * Ier●. x●●●. ●. Exech. xx●. ● Amo●. ●. ●. Ammon/ and to their blasphemy, speak thou: The sword, the sword is drawn forth already to the slaughter & scoured that it glistreth (because y● hast looked y● out vanities, & prophesied lies) that it may come upon thy neck like as upon that other ungodly which be slame: whose day came when their wickedness was full. Though it were put up again into the sheath, yet will I punish thee, in the land where thou waste nourished & borne, & pour my indignation upon y● and will blow upon the in the fire of my wrath, & deliver y● unto cruel people, which are learned to destroy. Thou shalt feed the fire & thy blood shallbe shed in the land, that thou mayest be put out of remembrance. Even I the Lord have spoken it. ¶ The word of the Lord against Jerusalem for man slaughter, & denying due honour unto their fathers & mother's/ & other wychednesses. Of the wicked doctrine of the false prophets & priests, & of their unsutiable covetousness. The Tyranny of rulers. The wickedness of the people. CAP XXII. moreover, the word of the Lord came unto me, & said: thou son of man, wilt thou not reprove this bloudthrusty city? Show them their abominations: & tell them: Thus saith the Lord God: O thou city, y● shedst blood in the midst of y●, that thy time may come also & makest the Idols to defile y withal. Thou hast made thyself guilty, in the blood that thou haste shed: and defiled the in the Idols, which thou hast made. Thou hast caused the days to draw nigh, & made the time of thy years to come. Therefore will I make the to be confounded among the Hea them, & to be despised in all the lands, whether they be nigh or far from thee: they shall laugh the to scorn, thou that hast gotten the so foul a name, and art full of mischief. Behold/ the rulers of Israel have brought every man his power/ to shed blood in the. * duty. v. c and. xxvii. c In the have they despised father and mother/ in the have they oppressed the stranger/ in the have they vexed the widow and the fatherless. Thou hast despised my Sanctuary, and unhallowed my sabbath. Murthe rers are there in thee, that shed blood/ and eat upon the hills/ and in the they use unhappiness. * Levi. 18. a In y● have they discovered their father's shame, in the have they vexed women in their sickness. Every man hath dealt shamefully with his neighbours wife, & abominably defiled his daughter in law. In the hath every man forced his own sister, even his fathers daughter: ye, * Deut. 27. c. ●zet. xiii. d. gifts have been received in y●, to shed blood. ‡ Exod. 22. c. Thou hast taken usury and increase, thou hast oppressed thy neighbours by extortion, and forgotten me, sayeth the Lord God. Behold, I have smitten my hands upon thy covetousness, that thou hast used, and upon the blood which hath been shed in thee, Is thy heart able to endure it/ or may thy hands defend them selves/ in the time that I shall bring upon y●? Even I the Lord that speak it/ will bring it also to pass. * E●ech. xii. c and. xv. b I will scatre the among the Heathen/ & strow the about in the lands/ & will cause thy filthiness to cease out of thee: ye, and I will have the in possession in the sight of the Heathen/ that thou mayest know, that I am the Lord. And the word of the Lord came unto me/ saying: Thou son of man, * Esay. ●. ● the house of Israel is turned to dross. All they that should be brass/ tin/ iron/ and lead, are in the fire become dross. Therefore, thus sayeth the Lord God: For so much as ye all are turned into dross/ behold: I will bring you together unto jerusalem, like as silver/ brass, iron/ tin and lead are put together in the furnace/ and the fire blown there under to melt them: Even so will I gather you/ put you in together, and melre you in my wrath and indignation. I will bring you together, and kindle the fire of my cruel displeasure under you, that ye may be melted therein. Like as the silver is melted in the fire, so shall ye also be melted therein: that ye may know, how that I the Lord have powered my wrath upon you. And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying: Thou son of man, tell her: Thou art an unclean land, which is not rained upon in the day of thou cruel wrath: * Mich. iii. thy Prophets that are in thee, are sworn together to devour souls, like as a roaring Lion, that liveth by his pray. They receive riches and good, & make many widows in the. Thy priests break my law, and defile my Sanctuary. * Leviti x. ●. They put no difference between the holy & unholy, neither discern between the clean & unclean: they turn their eyes fro my sabbaths, & I am unhallowed among them. Thy rulers in the are like ravishing wolves, to shed blood, and to destroy souls, for their own covetous lucre. * Mich. iii. ● So●n. three ● Eze●h. 13. ● As for thy Prophets, they daub with untempe red clay, they see vanities, and prophecy lies unto them, saying: the Lord God sayeth so, where as the Lord hath not spoken. The people in the land useth wicked extortion & robbery. They vex the poor & needy and * E●odi. 22. ● oppress the stranger against right. And I sought in the land for a man, that would make up the hedge, and set himself in the gap before me in the lands behalf, that I should not utterly destroy it: but I could find none. Therefore/ will I pour out my cruel displeasure upon them, and burn them in the fire of my wrath: their own ways will I recompense upon their heads saith the Lord God. ¶ Of the fornication, that is to say, of the Idolat●ye of Samaria and jerusalem, under the names of Dholah and Dholivah. In comparison of Samaria he showeth that the fornication of jerusalem is the fylthyer. The destrucryon of jerusalem so prophesied. The adultery of both the who res to found out. Their destruction. CAPI. XXIII. THE word of the Lord came unto me saying: Thou son of man, there were two women/ that had one mother. These (when they were young) began to play the harlots * Ezech. xx. a in Egypt. There were their breasts brosed/ and the paps of their maiden head destroyed. The eldest of them was call led Dholah and her youngest sister Dholibah These two were mine/ and bare sons and daughters. Their names were Samaria, & that was Dholah: and jerusalem, that was Dholibah. As for Dholah she began to go a whoring, when I had taken her to me. * 4. Reg. 15. d She was set on fire upon her lovers the assyrians which had to do with her: even the Princes and Lords that were decked in costly array: fair young men/ lusty riders of horses. Thus thorough her whoredom, she cleaved unto all the young men of Assiria. Ye, she was mad upon them, and defiled herself with all their Idols. Nether ceased she from the formation, that she used with the Egyptians: for in her youth they lay with her/ they brosed the breasts of her maidenhead, & poured their whoredom upon her. Wherefore * 4. Re. 17. c I delivered her into the hands of her lovers, even the assyrians, whom she so loved These discovered her shame, took her sons and daughters, & siewe her with the sword: An evil name got she of all people, and they punished her. * jere. iii. b Her sister Oholibah saw this/ and destroyed herself with inordynate love, more than she, & exceeded her sister in whoredom * 4. Re. 16. b Ezec. 〈◊〉. ● she loved the Assyrtans (which also lay with her namely/ the princes and great Lords/ that were clothed with all manner of gorgeous apparel, all lusty horsemen and fair young persons. Then I saw, that they both were defiled a like. But she increased still in whoredom/ for when she saw men painted upon the wall, the images of the Caldees set forth with fresh colours/ with fair girdles about them, and goodly bonnets upon their heads, looking all like Princes (after the manner of the Babylontans and Caldees in their own land (where they be borne) immediately/ as soon as she saw them, she brent in love upon them/ & sent messaungers for them into the land of the Caldees. Now when the Babylonyans came to her/ they lay with her, and defiled her with their whoredom, and so was she polluted with them. And when her lust was abated from them/ * Esay. 4●. ● 〈◊〉 3. d Ezec. 〈◊〉. d her whoredom and shame was discovered and seen: then my heart forsook her, like as my heart was gone from her sister also. Nevertheless/ she used her whoredom ever the longer the more/ and remembered the days of her youth, wherein she had played the harlot in the land of Egypt: * Ezec. x●●. c she brent in lust upon them, whose flesh was like the flesh of Asses/ and their seed like the seed of horses. Thus thou hast renewed the filthiness of thy youth/ when thy lovers brosed thy paps/ and marred thy breasts in Egypte. Therefore (O Oholibah) thus sayeth the Lord God: I will raise up thy lovers) with whom thou hast satisfied thy lust) against thee/ and gather them together roude about thee: namely/ the Babylonians/ and all the Caldees/ ruler's/ mighty men & tyrants/ with all the assyrians: all young and fair lovers: Princes and Lords/ knights and gentlemen/ which be all good horsemen. These shall come upon the with horses/ charettes/ and a great multitude of people: which shallbe harnessed about the on every side with breastplates/ sheldes and helmets. I will punish the before them/ ye/ they themselves shall punish the according to their own judgement. I will put my jealousy upon thee, so that they shall deal cruelly with the. They shall cut of thy nose & thine ears/ and the remnant shall fall thorough the sword. They shall carry away thy sons and daughters/ and the residue shallbe brent in the fire. They shall stripe the out of thy clothes, and carry thy costly jewels away with them. Thus will I make an end of thy filthiness and whoredom, which thou haste brought out of the land of Egypte: so that thou shalt turn thine eyes no more after them/ and cast thy mind no more upon Egypte. For thus sayeth the Lord God/ behold, I will deliver the into the hands of them, whom thou hatest, ye, even into the hands of them, with whom thou haste fulfilled thy lust, which shall deal cruelly which the. All thy labour shall they take with them/ and leave the naked and bare, and thus the shame of thy filthy whoredom shall come to light. All these things shall hap unto thee, because of thy whoredom, which thou hast used among the gentiles/ with whose Idols thou hast defiled thyself. Thou hast walked in the way of thy sister, therefore will I give the her cup in thy hand. Thus sayeth the Lord God: Thou shalt drink of thy sisters cup, how deep and far so ever it be to the bottom. Thou shalt be laughed to scorn, and had as greatly in derision, as is possible. Thou shalt be full of dronckenes and sorrow, for the cup of thy sister Samaria is a cup of destruction & wasting: the same shalt thou drink, and sup it out even to the dregs, ye/ thou shalt eat up the broken pieces of it, and so tear thine own breasts: For even I have spoken it sayeth the Lord God. Therefore, thus sayeth the Lord God: For so much as thou hast forgotten me, and cast me aside, so bear now thine own filthiness & whoredom. The Lord said moreover unto me: Thou son of man, wilt thou not reprove Oholah & Oholibah? Show them their abominations: namely that they have broken their wedlock, and stained their hands with blood: ye, even with their idols have they committed adultery, * 4. ●●●e. 21. a Ezec. xvi. c. and offered them their own children (to be devoured) whom they had borne unto me. Ye, and this have they done unto me also: they have defiled my Sanctuary in that same day, and have unhallowed my Sabbath. For when they had slain their children for their Idols, they came the same day into my Sanctuary to defile it. Lo, this have they done in my house: Beside all this, thou hast sent thy messaungers for men out of far countries and when they came, thou hast bathed, trimmed and set forth thyself of the best fashion: thou sattest upon a goodly bed, and a table spread before thee: whereupon thou hast set mine * Exo. thirty. d. incense and mine oil. Then was there great cheer with her, and the men that were sent from far countries over the desert, unto these they gave bracelets upon their hands, and set glorious crowns upon their hedes: then though I: no doubt, these will use their harlotry also with her. And they went into her as unto a comen harlot. Even so went they, also to Ohalah and Oholibah those filthy women. O all ye that love virtue and righteousness, judge them, punish them: * Levi xx. b. Ezec. xvi. d as adulterers and murderers ought to be judged & punished. For they are brekers of wedlock, and the blood is in their hands. Wherefore thus sayeth the Lord God: bring a great multitude of people upon them, and make them be scattered and spoiled: these shall stone them, and gore them with their swords. They shall slay their sons and daughters/ and burn up their houses with fire: Thus will I destroy all such filthiness out of the land: that all women may learn not to do after your uncleanness. And so they shall lay your filthiness upon your own selves, and ye shallbe punished for the sins that ye have committed with your Idols: and ye shall know that I am the Lord God. ¶ He proveth the fyring of jerusalem by a parable of a seething pot. The parable of Ezechi●lo wife being deed, which he after expoundeth. CAPI. XXIIII. IN THE ninth year, in the tenth month/ the tenth day of the month/ came the word of the LORD unto me/ saying. O thou son of man/ write up the name of this day/ ye/ even the hour of this present day: when the king of Babylon set himself against▪ jerusalem ● Show that obstinate household * Ezec. 17. a. a parable, and speak unto them: Thus sayeth the Ezech. xi. b Lord God: Get the a pot, set it on/ and pour water into it: put all the pieces together in it/ all the good pieces: the loin & the shoulder, and fill it with the best bones. Take one of the best sheep, and an heap of bones with all: let it boil well, and let the bones seeth well therein. With that said the Lord God on this manner. * Naum. 3. ●●ba●. 11. b Woe be unto the bloody city of the pot, whereupon the rustynes hangeth, and is not yet scoured away. Take out the pieces that are in it/ one after another▪ there need not lots be cast therefore, for the blood is yet in it. Upon a plain dry stone hath she poured it, and not upon the ground, that it might be covered with dust. And therefore have I let her pour her blood upon a plain dry stony rock/ because it should not be hid, and that I might bring my wrothful indignation and vengeance upon her. Wherefore, thus sayeth the Lord God: O woe be unto the blood thirsty city, for whom I will prepare a heap of wood: bear thou the bones together/ kindle thou the fire, seeth the flesh/ let all be well sodden/ that the bones may be sucked out. Moreover, set the pot empty upon the coals, that it may be warm and the metal hot: that the fifth and rustynes may be consumed. But it will not go of, there is so much of it: the rustiness must be brent out. Thy filthiness is abominable/ for I would have cleansed thee/ but thou wouldest not be cleansed. Thou canst not be purged from thine unclenuesse/ till I poured my wrothefull indignation upon the. Even I the Lord have so devised. Ye, it is come thereto all ready/ that I will do it. I will not go back/ I will not spare/ I will not be entreated: but according to thy ways and imaginations/ thou shalt be punished, sayeth the Lord God. And the word of the Lord came unto me/ saying: Thou son of man/ behold/ I will take away the pleasure of thine eyes with a plague: yet shalt thou neither mourn/ nor weep/ nor water thy cheeks therefore: thou mayest mourn by thyself alone/ but use no deadly lamentation. Hold on thy bonnet/ and put on thy shues upon thy fet●, cover not thy face, and eat no mourners bread. So I spoke unto the people by times in the morning/ and at even my wife died: then upon the next thorough/ I did as I was commanded. And the people said unto me/ wilt thou not tell us/ what that sygny fyeth/ which thou dost? I answered them/ the word of the Lord came unto me/ saying: Tell the house of Israel/ thus sayeth the Lord God: behold/ I will suspend my Sanctuary: even the glory of your power/ the pleasure of your eyes, and the thing that ye love: your sons & daughters whom ye have left/ shall fall thorough the sword. Like as I have done, so shall ye do also: Ye shall not hide your faces, ye shall eat no mournets' bread: your bonnets shall ye have upon your heads, and shues upon your feet. Ye shall neither mourn nor weep, but in your sins ye shallbe sorrowful/ and one reyente with another. Thus ezechiel is your show token. For look as he hath done, so (when this cometh) ye shall do also: that ye may learn to know/ that I am the Lord God. But behold/ O thou son of man: In the day when I take from them their power/ their joy and honour/ the lust of their eyes/ the burden of their bodies: namely/ their sons and daughters: Then shall there one escape/ and come unto thee/ for to show the. In that day shall thy mouth be opened to him/ which is escaped/ that thou mayest speak/ and be no more dumb. Ye/ and thou shalt be their show token/ that they may know, how that I am the Lord. ¶ The word of the Lord upon the sons of Ammon which rejoiced at the fall of jerusalem. Against Moab and Seyr. Against Idume●. Agoynst the philistines. CAPI. XXV. THe word of the Lord came unto me/ saying. Thou son of man/ set thy face against the * E●●. xxi. d. Jere xlix. a Ammonytes/ prophecy upon them/ and say unto the Ammonytes: hear the word of the Lord God. Thus sayeth the Lord God. For so much as thou speakest over my Sanctuary. A/ ha/ I trow it be now suspended: and over the land of Israel/ I trow it be now desolate: ye, and over the house of juda/ I trow they be now led away presoners: Behold, I will deliver the to the people of the east/ that they may have the in possession: these shall set their castles and houses in the. They shall eat thy fruit, & drink up thy milk. As for Rabath, I will make of it a stall for camels/ and of Ammon a sheepfold: and ye shall know that I am the Lord. For thus sayeth the Lord God: In so much as thou hast clapped with thine hands, and stamped with thy feet, ye/ rejoiced in thine heart over the land of Israel with despite/ behold/ I will stretch out my hand over the also, and deliver thee/ to be spoiled of the Heathen, and rote the out from among the people/ and cause the to be destroyed out of all lands: ye/ I will make the to be laid waste/ that thou mayest know, that I am the Lord. Thus sayeth the Lord God: For so much as * Esay. 15. 16 and. 48. ● Sopho. 2. ● Moab and Seir do say: As for the house of juda/ it is but like as all other Gentiles be. Therefore behold/ I will make the cities of Moab weapenelesse/ and take away their strength: their cities and chief coasts of their land, which are the pleasures of the country. As namely, Bethiesimoth/ Baalmeon & Cariathaim: these will I open unto them of the east/ that they may tall upon the Ammonytes: and will give it them in possession/ so that the Ammonytes shall no more be had in remembrance among the Heathen. Even thus will I punish Moab also/ that they may know/ how that I am the Lord. Moreover/ thus sayeth the Lord God: Because that * Esay. 34. ● jere. xlix. b Ezec. 〈◊〉. ●. ● xxxv. ●. Psal. 137. b Gen. xxv. ● Edom hath avenged and eased himself upon the house of juda, therefore/ thus sayeth the Lord: I will reach out mine hand upon Edom/ and take away man and beast out of it. From Theman unto Dedan will I make it desolate, they shall be slain with the sword. * 2. M●t. v. ● Thorough my people of Israel will I avenge me again upon Edom: they shall handle him/ according to my wrath and indignation/ so that they shall know my vengeance, sayeth the Lord God. Thus sayeth the Lord God: For so much as the * Esay. 14. ● jere. 47. ● Sopho. ●● Philistines have done this: namely taken vengeance with despiteful stomachs/ and of an old evil will set them sel●●es to destroy. Therefore/ thus sayeth the Lord God: Behold, I will stretch out mine hand over the Philistines, & destroy the destroyer, and cause all the remnant of the see coast to perish. A great vengeance will I take upon them, & punish them cruelly: that they may know, how that I am the Lord, which have avenged me of them. ¶ He prophesieth that Tyrus shallbe overthrown because it rejoiced at the destruction of jerusalem. The wondering and astonyshement of the merchants, for the desol●ryon of Tyrus. CAPI, XXVI. I Thappened, that in the eleventh year, the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came unto me saying: Thou son of man, * Esa. xxiii. a jer. xlvii b Eze. xxxii. and. xxviii. because that tire hath spoken upon jerusalem: A, ha● now I trow the ports of the people be broken, and she turned unto me, for I have destroyed my belyfull. Ye, therefore, sayeth the Lord God: Behold, O tire, I will upon thee, I will bring a great multitude of people against thee, like as when the see ariseth with his waves: These shall break the walls of tire, and cast down her towers: I will scrape the ground from her and make her a bare stone: ye, as the drying place, where the fishers hang up their nets by the see side. Even I have spoken it, sayeth the Lord God. The gentiles shall spoil her: her daughters upon the field shall perish with the sword, that they may know how that I am the Lord. For thus sayeth the Lord God: Behold, I will bring hither Nabuchodonosor (which is the king of Babylon, & a king of kings) from the North upon tire, with horses, charettes, horsemen, and with a great multitude of people. Thy daughters that are in the land/ shall be slain with the sword: but against thee, he shall make bull works and grave up ditches about thee, and lift up his shield against the. His slings and batelrammes shall he prepare for thy walls, & with his weapons break down thy to wr●s. The dust of his horses shall cover thee/ they shallbe so many: thy walls shall shake at the noise of the horsemen/ charettes and wheels: when he cometh to thy ports, as men do into an open city. With the hoffes of his horse feet, shall he tread down all the streets. He shall stay the people with the sword, & break down the pilers of thy strength. They shall waste away thy riches, and spoil thy merchandise. Thy walls shall they break down/ & destroy thy houses of pleasure. Thy stones, thy tymbre and foundations shall they cast in the water. * jere. seven. b. Thus will I bring the melody of thy songs/ & the voice of thy mynistrelsy to an end/ so that they shall no more be herd. I will make a bare stone of thee, ye, a drying place for nets/ and thou shalt never be builded again: For even I the Lord have spoken it/ sayeth the Lord God: thus hath the Lord God spoken concerning tire. The Isles shall be moved at the noise of thy fall/ and at the cry of the slain/ that shall be murdered in the. All kings of the see shall come down from their seats regal: they shall lay away their robes/ and put of their costly clothing. Ye, with trem bling shall they be clothed/ they shall sit upon the ground: they shallbe afraid at thy sudden fall/ and be abaysshed at the. They shall mourn for thee, and say unto the. * Treno. ●. a. Apo. xviii. ● O thou noble city/ that haste been so greatly occupied of old/ thou that haste been the strongest upon the see with thine inhabytonrs/ of whom all men stood in fear. How art thou now so utterly destroyed? Now at the time of thy fall the inhabitors of the Isles/ ye, and the Isle's themselves, shall stand in fear at thine end. For thus sayeth the Lord God: when I make the desolate city (as other cities be/ that no man dwell in) and when I bring the deep upon thee/ that great waters may coverthe. Then will I cast the down unto them/ that descend into the pit: unto a people that hath been long deed, and set the in a land that is beneath/ like the old wilderness, with them which go down to their graves, so that no man shall dwell more in the. And I will make the to be no more in honour/ in the land of the living. I will make an end of thee/ and thou shalt be gone. Though thou be sought for, yet shalt thou nat be found for ever more, sayeth the Lord God. ¶ The prophet is moved to bewail the desolation of Tyrus. He seateth our the pr●yse of Tyrus for the 〈◊〉 of marchaunt●o thereto. CAPI. XXVII. THE word of the Lord came unto me/ saying: O thou son of man/ make a lamentable compl●●●te upon * Eze. 2●. 28. tire, and say unto tire, whic●●●s a port of the see, that occupieth with much people/ and many Isles: thus speaketh the Lord God: O tire, thou haste said: what, I am a noble city: thy borders are in the midst of the see, & thy builders have made the marvelous goodly. All thy tables have they made of Cypre trees of the mount Sanyr. From Libanus have they taken cedar tre●s, to make the masts: and the Oaks of Basan to make the owers. Thy boards have they made of ivory, and of costly would out of the isle of Cethim. Thy sail was of white small needle work out of the land of Egypt to hang upon thy mast: and thy hangings of yellow silk purple, out of the Isles of Elisah. They of Sydon and Arnad were thy mariners/ and the wisest in tire were thy shypmasters. The eldest and wisest at ☞ Gebal were they/ that mended and stopped thy ships. All ships of the see with their shipmen occupied their merchandise in the. The Perses, Lidian's and Lybians were in thine host, and helped the to fight: these hanged up their shields and helmets with thee, these set forth thy beauty. They of Atnad were with thine host round about thy walls, and were thy watchmen upon thy towers, these hanged up their shields round about thy walls, and made the marvelous goodly. Tharsis occupied with the in all manner of wares, in silver/ iron/ tin and lead/ and made thy market great. jovan, Tubal/ and Mesech were thy merchants which brought the men, and ornaments of metal for thy occupying. They of the house of Thogarma brought unto the at the time of thy mart/ horse/ horsemen and mules. They of * E●c●. xxv. c dedan were thy merchants: and many other Isles that occupied with thee/ brought the weathers/ elephant bones & Peacocks for a present. The Syrians occupied with the, because of thy diverse works, and increased thy merchaundyes/ with Smaragdes, with scarlet/ with needle work/ with white linen cloth/ with silk/ and with crystal. juda and the land of Israel occupied with the, and brought unto thy markets/ wheat balm, honey/ oil/ & treacle. Damascus also used marchaundyes with thee, in the best wine and whit will: be cause thy occupying was so great, and thy wares so many. Dan, javan, and Meusall have brought unto thy markets, iron ready made, with Cassia and Calamus/ according to thy●● occupying. Dedan occupied with th●●n fair tapestry work and quoshyns. Arabia and all the princes of Cedar have occupied with thee/ in sheep/ weathers and goats. The merchants of Seba and Rema have occupied also with thee/ in all costly spices/ in all precious stones and gold, which they brought unto thy markets. Haran, Chene and Eden, the merchants of Saba, Assiria, and Chelmad, were all doers with thee, and occupied with the. In costly raiment, of yellow silk and needle work (very precious/ and therefore packte and bound together with ropes.) Ye, and in cedar wood, at the time of thy markets. The ships of Tharsis were the chief of thy occupying. Thus thou art full/ and in great worship, even in the midst of the see. Thy mariners were ever bringing unto the out of many waters. But the east wind shall overbear the into the midst of the see: so that thy wares, thy marchaundyes/ thy riches/ thy mariners/ thy shypmasters'/ thy helpers thy occupiers (that brought the things necessary) the men of war that are in thee: ye, and all thy comens shall perish in the midst of the see, in the day of thy fall. The suburbs shall shake at the loud cry of thy shipmen. All whyry men/ and all mariners upon the see/ shall leap out of their boats/ and set themselves upon the land. They shall lift up their voice because of thee/ and make a lamentable cry. They shall cast dust upon their heads/ and lie down in the ashes. They shall shave themselves/ and put sack cloth upon them for thy sake. They shall mourn for the with hertfull sorrow/ and heavy lamentation, ye, their children also shall weep for the. Alas/ what city hath so been destroyed in the see/ as tire is? When thy wares and marchaundyes came from the sees, thou gavest all people enough. The kings of the earth hast thou made rich/ thorough the multitude of thy waters and occupying. But thou art now cast down in to the deep of the see, all thy resort of people is perished with the. All they that dwell in the Isles are abashed at thee, and all their kings are afraid, ye, their faces have changed colour. The merchants of the nations wondre at the. In that thou art so clean brought to nought, and cometh no more up. ¶ The word of God against the king of Tyr● for his pride Daniel. The prophet is moved to bewalk the king of Tyrus. The word of the Lord against Sydon. The Lord pro miseth that he will gather together the children of Israel. THE word of the Lord came unto me saying: Thou son of man, tell the prince of * Eze. 26. 7. tire: Thus sayeth the Lord God, because thou hast a proud heart & haste said * Esai▪ xiii● I am a God: I have my seat in the midst of the see like a God: where as thou art but a man & not God, & yet standest in thine own conceit, that thou art God: Behold, thou thinkest thyself ☞ wiser than * Do●i. 〈◊〉. Daniel/ that there is no secrets hid from the. With thy wisdom and thy understanding/ that hast gotten the great wealthiness/ and gathered treasure of silver and gold. With thy great wisdom and occupying/ hast thou increased thy power, and because of thy great richesse/ thy heart is proud. Therefore/ thus sayeth the Lord God: For so much as thou hast life up thine heart/ as though thou were God: Behold, I will bring enemies upon thee, even the tyrants of the Heathen: these shall draw out their swords upon thy beauty and wisdom, & shall defile thy glory. They shall cast the down to the pit, so that thou shalt die in the midst of the see, as they that be slain. Let se, if thou wilt say then (before them that slay thee) I am God: where as thou art but a man and not God, in the hands of them that slay the. Dye shalt thou, even as the uncircumcised in the hands of the enemies: for I myself have spoken it, sayeth the Lord God. Moreover, the word of the Lord came unto me, saying: Thou son of man, make a lamentable complaint over the king of tire, and tell him: Thus sayeth the Lord God: Thou art a seal of a likeness, full of wisdom and excellent beauty. Thou hast been in the pleasant garden of God: thou art decte with all manner of precious stones: with Ruby, Topas, Crystal, hyacinth, Onyx, jaspis, Saphyr, smaragd, Carbouncle, and gold. Thy beauty and the holes that be in thee, were set forth in the day of thy creation. ⚜ Thou art a fair Cherub, stretched wide out for to cover. I have set the upon the holy mount of God, there haste thou been, and walked among the fair glistering stones. From the time of thy creation thou haste been right excellent/ till wickedness was found in the. * Isaiah. two. b Because of thy great merchandise/ thy heart is full of wickedness/ and thou haste offended. Therefore/ will I cast the from the mount of God (O thou covering Cherub) and destroy the among the glistering stones. Thy heart was pronde in thy fair beauty, and thorough thy beauty thou haste destroyed thy wisdom I will cast the down to the ground, and that in the sight of kings. Thou hast defiled thy Sanctuary, with the great wickedness of thy unrighteous occupying. I will bring a fire from the midst of thee, to consume thee: and will make the to ashes, in the sight of all them that look upon the. All they that have been acquainted with the among the Heathen shallbe abashed at thee, seeing: thou art so clean brought to nought, and comest no more up. And the word of the Lord came unto me, saying: Thou son of man, set thy face against Sydon. * Io●. three a. botha. ix. ●. prophecy upon it, and speak: Thus sayeth the Lord God: Behold, O Sydon, I will upon thee, and get me honour in thee: that it may be known/ how that I am the Lord: when I punish her, and get me honour in her. For I will send pestilence and blood shedding into her streets, so that those which be slain with the sword, shall lie round about in the midst of her: and they shall know, that I am the Lord. She shall no more be a pricking thorn, and an hurting breer unto the house of Israel, nor unto them that lie round about her: and hate her, & they shall know, that I am the Lord. Thus sayeth the Lord God: when I gather the household of Israel together again from the nations among whom they be scattered: then shall I be sanctified in them: in the sight of the gentiles/ and they shall dwell in that land, that I gave to my servant jacob. They shall dwell safely therein, build houses/ & plant vine yards: ye, safely * Deut. 〈◊〉. ●. Esa. lxv. ●. shall they dwell therein: when I have punished at those, that despise them round about: and then shall they know, that I am the Lord their God. ¶ He prophesieth against Phardo. He prophe●yeth the ●●sola●yō of Egypte, and the sparkling abroad of the Egyptians. The Lord promiseth that he will restore Egypte again after. xl. years. Egypte is the reward of king Nabu●hodonosor for the labour, which he took aghast Tyruis. CAPI XXIX. IN the tenth year, upon the twelfth day of the tenth month, the word of the the Lord came unto me, saying: * Esay. nineteen. a. x●. a. jere. 46. a. E●●●. 3●. 31, and xxx●● a O thou son of man (set now thy face against Pharaoh the king of Egypte) prophecy against him, and against the whole land of Egypte. Speak, and tell him, thus sayeth the Lord God: behold, O Pharaoh thou king of Egypte, I will upon thee, ☞ thou great dragon, that liest in the waters: thou that sayest: the water is mine. I have made it myself. I will put an hook in thy chaws and hang all the fish in thy waters upon thy scales: after that I will draweth out of thy waters, ye, and all the fish of thy waters that hang upon thy scales. ☞ I will cast the out upon the dry land with the fish of thy waters, so that thou shalt lie upon the field. Thou shalt nat be gathered nor taken up but shalt be meat for the beasts of the field, and for the fowls of the air: that all they which dwell in Egypt, may know, that I am the Lord: because ☞ thou hast been a * 4. Re. 18. d. E●●y. thirty. ● 31. a 36. a. s●a●fe of read to the house of Israel. When they took hold of the with their hand thou broke it and pryckedst them on every side: and if they leaned upon thee, thou brakest and hurtest the reins of their backs. Therefore/ thus saith the Lord God: behold, I will bring a sword upon thee, and rote out of the both man and beast. Ye, the land of Egypte shallbe desolate and waste/ and they shall know, that I am the Lord. Because he said: the water is mine, I myself have made it. Behold therefore, I will upon thee, and upon thy waters, I will make the land of Egypte waist and desolate, from the tower of Syenes unto the borders of the Morions land: so that in forty years there shall no foot of man walk there, neither foot of cattles go there, neither shall it be inhabited. I will make the land of Egypte to be desolate, among other waste countries, and her cities to lie void. xl. years, among other void cities. And I will scatre the Egyptians among the Heathen and nations, and strow them in the lands about. Again, thus sayeth the Lord God: * jere. xlvi. ● when the. xl. years are expired, I will gather the egyptians together again, out of the nations, among whom they were scattered/ & will bring the presoners of Egypt again into the land of Patures their own native country, that they may be there a lowly small kingdom: ye, they shallbe the smallest among other kingdoms, lest they exalt themselves above the Heathen: for I will so monish them that they shall no more rule the Heathen. They shall no more be an hope unto the house of Israel, neither provoke them any more to wickedness/ to cause than turn back, and to follow them: & they shall know that I am the Lord God. In the. xxvij. year, the first day of the first month/ came the word of the Lord unto me saying: Thou son of man, Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon hath made his host/ with great travail and labour to come before tire: that every head may be bald and every shoulder bare. Yet hath tire given neither him nor his host any reward, for the great travail that he hath taken there. Therefore/ thus sayeth the Lord God: behold, I will give the land of Egypte unto Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon, that he may take away all her substance/ rob her robberies/ and spoil her spoils/ to pay his host their wagyes withal. I will give him the land of Egypt for his labour, that he took for me before tire. At the same time will I cause the horn of the house of Israel to grow forth, and open thy mouth again among them: that they may know, how that I am the Lord. ¶ though destruction of Egypt and of his cities is bewailed. CAPI. XXX. THE word of the Lord came more over unto me, saying: thou son of man/ prophecy and speak: thus sayeth the Lord God: Mourn/ woe worth this day, for the day is here/ the day of the Lord is come: ☞ the dark day of the Heathen, the hour is at hand, the sword cometh upon Egypte. When the wounded men fall down in Egypte, when her people are taken away/ and when her foundations are destroyed, the Morions land shall be afraid, ye, the Morions land, Libya and Lydia, all their comen people/ and Chu●, and all that be confederate unto them, shall fall with them thorough the sword. Thus sayeth the Lord: The maintainers of the land of Egypte shall fall/ the pride of her power shall come down even unto the tower of Syenes shall they be slain down with the sword/ sayeth the Lord God: among other desolate countries they shallbe made desolate, & among other waste cities they shallbe wasted. And they shall know/ that I am the Lord/ when I kindle a fire in Egypte/ and when all her helpers are destroyed. At that time/ shall their messaungers go forth from me in ships/ to make the careless Morions afraid and sorrow shall come upon them in the day of Egypte/ for doubtless it shall come. Thus sayeth the Lord God: I will make an end of the people of Egypte thorough the hand of Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon. He and his people with him, ye, and the cruel tyrants of the Heathen shallbe brought to destroy the land. They shall draw out their swords upon Egypte/ and fill the land full of slain men. I will dry up their floods of water/ and sell the land into the hands of wicked people. The land and all that is therein/ will I destroy thorough the enemies. Even I the Lord have said it. And thus sayeth the Lord God: * zoch● 〈…〉 I will destroy the Idols/ and bring the images of ☞ Noph to an end. There shall no more be a prince of Egypte/ and a fearfulness will I send into the Egipcians land. As for Pathures/ I will make it desolate, and kindle a fire in Zoan. Alexandria will I punish, and pour my wrathful indygnacion upon Sin, which is the strength of Egypte. All the substance of Alexandria will I destroy, and kindle a fire in Egypte. Sin shallbe in great heaviness, Alexandria shallbe rooted out, and Noph shall have bailie sorrow. The best men of Helyopolys and Bubasto shall be slain with the swearbe/ and carried away captive. At Caphnis the day shallbe dark/ when I break there the sceptre of the land of Egypt/ and when the pomp of her power shall have an end. ☜ A cloud shall cover her, and her daughters shallbe led away into captivity. Thus will I punish Egypt, that they may know how that I am the Lord. It happened in the eleventh year, upon the seventh day of the first month, that the lords word came unto me, saying: Behold, thou son of man, I will break the arm of Pharaoh king of Egypte: and lo it shall not be bound up to be healed, neither shall any plaster be laid upon it, for to ease it/ or to make it so strong, as to hold a sword. Therefore, thus sayeth the Lord God: Behold/ I will upon Pharaoh the king of Egypte, and bruise his strong arm (yet is it but a broken one) and will smite the sword out of his hands. As for the egyptians, I will seatre them among the Heathen, and strow them in the lands about. Again I will strength the arm of the king of Babylon, and give him a sword in his hand: but I will break pharao's arm so that he shall hold it before him piteously/ like a wounded man. Ye/ I will stablish the king of Babylon's arm/ and the arms of Pharaoh shall fall down: that it may be known/ that I am the Lord/ which give the king of Balyon my sword in his hand, that he may draw it out upon the land of Egypte, and that when I scatre the egyptians among the gentiles/ and strow them in the lands about, they may know, that I am the Lord. ¶ A comparison of the prosperity of Pharaoh with the prosperity of the assyrians. He prophesieth a like destruction unto them both. CAPI. XXXI. MOREOVER it happened in the eleventh year, the first day of the third month, that the word of the Lord came unto me, saying: Thou son of man, speak unto Pharaoh the king of Egypte, and to all his people. Whom art thou like in thy greatness? Behold/ Assur was like a cedar tree upon the mount of Libanus with fair branches: so thick/ that he gave shadows and shot out very high. His top reached unto the Clouds. The waters made him great, and the deep set him up an high. Round about the roots of him ●anne there floods of water, he sent out his little rivers unto all the trees of the field. Therefore was he higher than all the trees of the field/ and thorough the multitude of waters that he sent from him/ he obtained many long branches. All fowls of the air made their nests in his branches/ under his bows gendered all the beasts of the field/ and under his shadow dwelt all people. Fair and beautiful was he in his greatness and in the length of his branches, for his rote stood beside great waters/ ☞ no cedar tree might hide him. In the pleasant garden of God/ there was no fir tree like his branches, the plain trees were not like the bows of him. All the trees in the garden of God might not be compared unto him in his beauty, so fair and goodly had I made him with the multitude of his branches. In so much that ⚜ all the trees in the pleasant garden of God, had envy at him Therefore, thus sayeth the Lord God: for so moche as he hath lift up himself so high/ and stretched his top in to the clouds, and saying his heart is proud in his highness. I will deliver him in to the hands of the mightiest among the Heathen/ which shall rote him out. According to his wickedness will I cast him away/ the enemies shall destroy him/ and the mighty men of the heathen shall so scatre him/ that his branches shall lie upon all mountains: and in all valleys/ his bows shallbe broken down to the ground thorough out the land. Then all the people of the land shall go from his shadow/ and forsake him. When he is fallen/ all the fowls of the air shall sit upon him/ and all wild beasts of the field shall go about ☞ among his branches, so that from hence forth, no tre in the water shall attain to his highness, nor reach his top unto the clouds, neither shall any tree of the water stand so high, as he hath done. For unto death shall they all be delivered under the earth, and go down to the grave/ like other men. Moreover, thus sayeth the Lord God: In the day when he goeth down to the grave, I will cause a lamentation to be made/ I will cover the deep upon him, I will staunch his floods, and the great waters shallbe restrained . I shall cause Lybanus to be sorrowful for his sake, and all the trees of the field shallbe smitten. I wyl●make the Heathen shake at the sound of his fall/ when I cast him down to * Esay. x●iii ● Ezech●. 32. ● Hell with them that descend into the pit. All the trees of Eden/ with all the chosen and best trees of Lybanus, ye, and all they that are planted upon the waters, shall mourn with him also in the lower habitations: for they shall go down to hell with him, unto them that be slain with the sword, which dwelt afore under the shadow of his arm among the Heathen. To whom shalt thou be lyckened, that art so glorious and great, among the trees of Eden▪ yet art thou cast down under the earth (among the trees of Eden) where thou must lie among uncircumcised, with them that be slain with the sword. Even thus is it with Pharaoh and all his people, sayeth the Lord God. ¶ The Prophet is commanded to bewail Pharaoh the ●ynge of Egypt. He prophesieth that destruction shall come unto Egypte thorough the King of Babylon. CAPI. XXXII. I ☜ N the twelfth year, the first day of the twelfth month/ the word of the Lord came unto me/ saying: Thou sonue of man, take up a lamentation upon * Earth xxix. thirty. xxxi. Pharaoh the King of Egypte/ and say unto him: Thou art reputed as a Lion of the Heathen, and as a whalefyshe in the See. Thou castest thy waters about thee/ thou troublest the waters with thy feet and stampest in their floods. Thus sayeth the Lord God: * Ezeth xii. b xvii. ● I will spread my net over thee, namely/ a great multitude of people: these shall drive the into my yarn, for I will cast the upon the land, and let the lie upon the field; that all the fowls of the air may sit upon the. I will give all the beasts of the field enough of the. Thy flesh will I cast upon the hills/ and fill the valleys with the highness. I will water the land with the abundance of the blood even to the mountains/ and the valleys shall be full of the. When thou art put out, I will cover the Heaven/ and make his Stars dim. * Esay. xiii. b I will spread ●loude over the Son/ and the Moon shall not give her light. All the lights of heaven will I put out over thee, and bring darkness upon thy land, sayeth the Lord God. I will trouble the hearts of many people, when I bring thy destruction among the Heathen and countries, whom thou knowest not. Ye, I will make many people with their kings so afraid thorough thee, that their hear shall stand up, when I shake my sword at their faces. Suddenly shall they be astonied, every man in himself, at the day of thy fall. For thus sayeth the Lord God: the king of Babylon's sword shall come upon thee/ with the swords of the worthies will I smytte down thy people. All they that be mighty among the gentiles, shall waste the proud pomp of Egypte, & bring down all her people. All the cattles also of Egypte will I destroy/ that they shall come no more upon the waters: so that neither man's foot nor beasts claw, shall steer them any more. Then will I make their waters clear, and cause their floods to run like oil, saith the Lord God. When I make the land of Egypte desolate, and when the country with all that is therein, shall be laid waste: and when I smite all them which dwell in it/ that they may know, that I am the Lord This is the mourning, that the daughters of the Heathen shall make: Ye, a sorrow and lamentation shall they take up, upon Egypt and all her people, sayeth the Lord God. In the. xij. year, the. xv. day of the month, came the word of the Lord unto me/ saying: Thou son of man. Take up alamentation upon the people of Egypte, and cast them down, ye, and the mighty people of the Heathen also, even with them, * Esay. 14 ●▪ Ezec. 〈◊〉▪ ● that dwell beneath: and with them that go down into the grave. Down (how fair so ever thou be) and lay the with the uncircumcised Among those that be slain with the sword, shall they lie. The sword is given all ready, he shall be drawn forth & all his people. The mighty worthies and his helpers, that be gone down and lie with the uncyrcumcised and with them that be slain with the sword: shall speak to him out of the hell. Assur is there also with his company, & their graves round about, which were slain and fell all with the sword, whose graves lie beside him in the low pit. His comens are buried round about his grave: all together wounded and slain with the sword, which men afore time brought fear into the land of the living. * jere. 〈◊〉 ● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 There is Elam also with all his people, and their graves round about: which all being wounded and slain with the sword/ are gone down uncircumcised under the earth, which nevertheless sometime brought fear in to the land of the living: for the which they bear their shame, with the other that be gove down to the grave. Their burial is given them and all their people, among them that be slain. Their graves are round about all them, which be uncircumcised/ and with them that be slain thorough the sword: for saying that in times past they made the land of the living afraid, they must now bear their own shame, with them that go down to the pit, and lie among them, that be slain. There is Mesech also and Tubal, and their people, & their graves round about. These all are among the uncircumcised/ and them that be slain with the sword be cause afore time they made the land of the living afraid. Should not they then lie also among the worthies/ and vucircumcysed Giants? which with their weapons are gone down to hell whose swords are laid under their heads, whose wyckenesse is upon their bones: because that as worthies, they have brought fear into the land of the living? Ye, among the uncircumcised shalt thou be destroyed, and sleep with them, that perished thorough the sword. There is the land of * jere. x●ix. b 〈◊〉. ●xv. b. and. xx●v. a Edom with her kings and princes also, which with their strength are laid by them that were slain with the sword, ye/ among the uncircumcised/ and them which are gone down into the pit. Moreover, there be all the princes of the North, with all the Sidovyans, which are gone down to the slain. With their fear and strength they are come to confusion/ and lie there uncircuncised among those that be slain with the sword: and bear their own shame/ with them that be gone down to the pit. Now when Pharaoh saith this/ he shallbe comforted over all his people/ that is slain with the sword: both Pharaoh and all his host, sayeth the Lord God. For I have given my fear in the land of the living. But Pharaoh and all his people shall lie among the uncircuncysed/ and among them that be slain with sword sayeth the Lord God. ¶ He setteth out the office of a Curate that preacheth the Gospel. He strengtheneth them that dys●n●re, and boldeneth them with the promise of mercy. The word of the Lord against the remnant of the people. Against the mockers of the words of the Prophet. CAPI. XXXIII. AGAIN the word of the Lord came unto me/ saying. Thou son of man/ Speak to the Children of thy people/ and tell them: When I seude a sword upon a land/ if the people of the land take a man of their country/ and set him to be their * 3. Reg. 9 ● watcheman: the same man (when he saith the sword come upon the land) shall blow the trumpet/ & warn the people. If a man now hear the noise of the trumpet and will not be warned/ and the sword come and take him away: his blood shall be upon his own head: for he heard the sound of the trumpet/ and would not take heed/ therefore his blood be upon him. But if he will receive warning/ he shall save his life. Again, if the watchman se the sword come and show it not with the trumpet, so that the people is not warned: if the sword come then, and take any man from among them: the same shall be taken away in his own sin, but his blood will I require of the watchman's hand. * Ezech. iii. ●. And now (O thou son of man) I have made the a watchman unto the house of Israel: that where as thou hearest any thing out of my mouth, thou mayest warn them on my behalf. If I say unto the wicked thou wicked/ thou shalt surely die, and thou givest him not warnyuge/ that he may beware of his ungodly way: then shall the wicked die in his own sin/ but his blood will I require of thy hand. Nevertheless, if thou warn the wicked of his way/ to turn from it, where as he yet will not be turned from it, then shall he die because of his sin, but thou hast delivered thy soul. Therefore (O thou son of man) speak unto the house of Israel. Ye say thus: Our offences and sins lie upon us, and we be corrupt in them: how should we then be restored unto life? Tell them: * Eze. xviii, ● As truly as I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but much rather that the wicked turn from his way & live. Turn you, turn you from your ungodly ways, O ye of the house of Israel, Oh, wherefore will ye die. Thou son of man/ tell the children of thy people: * Ezech. 〈◊〉. d The righteousness of the righteous shall not save him/ when soever he turneth away unfaithfully. Again, the wickedness of the wicked shall not hurt him/ when soever he converteth from his ungod lynesse. And the righteousness of the righteous shall not save his life, when soever he sinneth. If I say unto the righteous, that he shall surely live, and so he trust to his own righteousness, and do sin, then shall his righteousness be no more thought upon/ but in the wickedness that he hath done he shall die. * Esay. iv. ●. 〈◊〉. 18. ● Again, if I say unto the wicked: thou shalt surely die: and so he turn from his sins, and do the thing that is lawful and right: In so much that the same wicked man giveth the pledge again, restoreth that he had taken away by robbery walcketh in the commandments of life, and doth no wrong. Then shall he surely live, and not die. Ye/ the sins that he hath done, shall never be thought upon. For in so much as he doth now the thing that is lawful and right, he shall live. And yet the children of thy people say: Tush, the way of the Lord is not right, where as their own way is rather unright. When the righteous turneth from his righteousness and doth the thing that is wicked he shall die therefore. But if the wicked turn from his wickedness/ doing the thing that is lawful & right, he shall live therefore. Yet ye say: * E●●●●● 〈◊〉. ● the way of the Lord is not equal. O ye house of Israel * Rom●. two. ●. I will judge every one of you after his ways. In the. xij. year, the. v. day of the tenth month of our captivity, it happened, that one which was fled out of jerusalem, came unto me, and said: the city is destroyed. Now the hand of the Lord had been upon me, the evening afore this man (which was escaped) came unto me, and had ☜ opened my mouth, until the morning that he came to me: ye, he opened my mouth, so that I was no more dumb. Then came the word of the Lord unto me, and said. Thou son of man/ these that dwell in the wasted land of Israel, say: Abraham was but one man, and he had the land in possession: no we are we many and the land is given us to possess also. And therefore tell them. Thus sayeth the Lord God. * Leu●. xvii. d In the blood have ye eaten/ your eyes have ye lift up to Idols, * Deu●. iii. c and have shed blood: shall ye then have the land in possession? Yeleane upon your sweardes'/ ye work abominations, every one defileth▪ his neighbours wife: and shall ye then possess the land? say thou these words unto them. Thus sayeth Lord God. As truly as I live all ye that dwell in this wilderness/ shall be slain with the sword: what so ever is upon the field/ will I give unto the beasts to be devoured: those that be in strong holds and dens/ shall die of the pestilence. For I will make the land so desolate and waste/ and the pomp of her strength shall come to an end. The mountains in Israel shallbe so waste that no man shall travail thereby. * Ez●●. xxv. ● Then shall they learn to know, that I am the Lord, when I make the land waist and desolate, because of all their abominations cyons/ that they have wrought. And thou son of man, the children of thy people that talk of thee/ by the walls and in the doors of their houses, saying one to another: Come let us hear, what word is gone forth from the Lord. These come unto thee, after the manner of a great people: ye/ my people sit down before thee/ and hear thy words/ but they do not thereafter, * Es●●. 〈◊〉. ● Mat. xv. ●. for in their mouths they show themselves as though they were fervent/ but their heart goeth after their own covetous lucre. And as a balet that hath a sweet tune, and is pleasant to sing, so shalt thou be unto them: thy words shall they hear/ but they will not do thereafter. When this cometh to pass (for lo/ it cometh in deed) then shall they know/ that there hath been a prophet among them. ¶ Against bishops and curates that despise the flock of Chryst, and seek their own. The Lord sayeth that he will visit his dispersed flock, and gather them together. He reproveth the malice of certain of the flock. He promiseth the true shepherd Christ, and with him peace. CAPI. XXXIIII. AND the word of the Lord came unto me/ saying. Thou son of man prophecy against the shepherds of Israel/ prophecy and speak unto them. Thus sayeth the Lord God. * Ezec. ●iii ● jere. 14. 〈◊〉 xxiii. ● Woe be unto the shepherds of Israel, that feed themselves. Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? Ye have eaten up the fat, ye have clothed you with the will: the best fed have ye slain, but the flock have ye not nourished. The weak have ye not holden up * Luke. 〈◊〉▪ ● the sick have ye not healed: the broken have ye nat bound together, the out casts have ye not brought again: the lost have ye not sought: but churlysly and cruelly have ye 1. Pe●●●●● ruled them. Thus are they scattered here and there without a Shepherd: ye/ all the beasts of the field devour them, and they go astray. My sheep go wandering upon all mountains and upon every high hill. Ye/ they be scattered abroad in all fields/ and there is no man that careth for them, or seeketh after them/ Therefore, O ye shepherds, hear the word of the Lord. Thus sayeth the Lord God: As truly as I live, for so much as my sheep are rob/ and devoured of all the wild beasts of the field, having no shepherd: and seeing that my shepherds take no regard of my sheep, but seed themselves only, and not my sheep. Therefore/ hear the word of the Lord (O ye shepherds) Thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I myself will upon the shepherds/ and require my sheep from their hands, and make them cease from feeding of my shepe●yee, the shepherds shall feed themselves no more. For I will deliver my sheep out of their mouths, so that they shall not devour them after this: For thus sayeth the Lord God: * john. x. ●. Hebre. 13. d. 1. P●. 2. ●. 5 a Behold/ I will look to my sheep myself, and seek them. Like as a shepherd among the flock seeketh after the sheep that are scattered abroad even so will I seek after my sheep/ and gather them together out of all places/ where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. I will bring them out from all people, and gather them together out of all lands. I will bring them into their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel, by the rivers, and in all the places of the country. I will feed them in right good pastures and upon the high mountains of Israel shall there folds be. There shall they lie in a good fold/ and in a fat pasture shall they feed: even upon the mountains of Israel. I will feed my sheep myself, and bring them to their rest, sayeth the Lord God, * ●●●. iiii. b. john. x. a. Such as be lost, will I seek: such as go astray, will I bring again: such as be wounded, will I bind up: such as be weak, will I make strong: such as be fat & well liking those will I preserve, and feed them with the thing that is lawful. And as for you (O my sheep) sayeth the Lord God. * Mat. xxv. ● I will put a difference among the sheep, among the wethers and the goats. Was it not enough for you to eat up the good pasture but ye must tread down the residue of your pasture with your feet also? Was it not enough for you to drink clear water/ but ye must trouble the residue also with your feet? Thus my sheep must be fain to eat the thing, that ye have trodden down with your feet, and to drink it, that ye with your feet have defiled. Therefore, thus sateth the lord God unto them: Behold, I will sever the fat sheep from the lean: for so much as ye have shot the weak sheep upon the sides & shoulders, and run upon them with your horns, so long till ye have utterly scattered them abroad. I will help my sheep/ so that they shall no more be spoiled: ye/ I will discern one sheep from another. I will raise up unto them one only shepherd/ even ☞ my servant * jere. thirty. v. Acts. ●i. ●. Miche. v ●. David, he shall ‡ fede them and he shall be their shepherd. I the Lord will be their God, and my servant david shall be their prince: Even I the Lord have spoken it. Moreover, I will make a covenant of peace with them, and drive all evil beasts out of the land: so that they may dwell safely in the wilderness/ and sleep in the woods. Good fortune and prosperity will I give them, and unto all that be round about my hill. * Deut. xi. b. &. xxviii. b. A prosperous shower and rain will I send them in due season, that the trees in the wood may bring forth their fruits and the ground her increase. They shallbe sa●e in their land, and shall know, that I am the Lord, which have broken their yoke, and delivered them out of the hands of those, that held them in subjection. They shall no more be spoiled of the Heathen/ nor devoured with the beasts of the land: but safely shall they dwell, and no man shall fray them, I will set up an excellent plant for them, so that they shall suffer no more hunger in the land, neither bear the reproof of the Heathen any more. Thus shall they understand/ that I the Lord their God am with them, and that they (even the house of Israel) are my people sayeth the Lord God. Ye men are my flock * Psa. 〈◊〉. ● and. x●●●. ●. ye are the sheep of my pasture: and I am your God/ sayeth the Lord God. ¶ The destruction that shall come on the hill Seyr/ that is, on the Idumeans, because they troubled the people o● the Lord. CAPI. XXXV. MOREOVER, the word of the Lord came unto me/ saying/ Thou son of man/ turn thy face toward the mount * Esay. 34. ●. jere. x●●●. b. E●●●. xxv. ● and. xxxii. f. and. xxxv, a and xxxvi ● Seir/ prophecy upon it and say unto it: Thus sayeth the Lord God: Behold (O thou mount Seyr) I will upon thee/ I will reach out mine hand over thee/ ye/ waste and desolate will I make the. Thy cities will I break down/ and thou shalt lie void: that thou mayst know, how that I am the Lord. * Nun. xx. c duty. 〈◊〉. ●. For so much as thou beareste a old enemyce against the children of Israel/ and with a cruel hand hast made them afraid, what time as they were troubled & punished for their sin: Therefore, as truly as I live/ sateth the Lord god. I will prepare the unto blood, ye/ ☞ blood shall follow upon thee: * ●. Mac. v. ● seeing thou layeste wait for blood/ therefore shall blood persecute the. Thus will I make the mount Seyr desolate and waste and bring to pass/ that there shall no man go thither/ nor come from thence. His mountains will I fill with his slain men: thy hills/ dales and valleys shall lie full of thëm/ that are slain with the sword. I will make the a perpetual wilderness/ so that no man shall dwell in thy cities: that ye may know/ how that I am the Lord. And because thou haste said: what ☞ both these nations and both these lands must be mine/ and I will have them in possession * E●●. xxv. c. where as the Lord was there. Therefore, thus sayeth the Lord God: As truly as I live/ I will handle the according to thy wrath and jealous, like as thou hast dealt cruelly with them/ that I may be known among them how, I have punished the. Ye/ & that thou also mayest be sure/ that I the Lord have heard all thydespytefull words, which thou hast spoken against the mountains of Israel saying: Lo/ they are made waste/ & given us to devour. Thus with your mouths ye have made your boast against me, ye, and multiplied your proud words against me. which I have herd altogether. Where unto/ thus sayeth the Lord God when the whole world is in wealth/ then will I make the waste. * E●e. xxv. a. and. x. vi. ●. And like as thou (O mount Seyr) wast glad, because the heritage of the house of Israel was destroyed even so will I do unto the also/ that thou and whole Edom shall be destroyed/ and know/ that I am the Lord. ¶ He promiseth despueraunce from the gentiles unto Israel. The vencrytes done unto the jews are to be astrybed to the mercy of God/ not unto their deservings. God reneweth our hearts that we may walk in his commandments. CAPI. XXXVI. thou son of man, prophecy upon the mountains of Israel/ and speak: * Ezec. v●. ●. Hear the word of the Lord/ Oye mountains of Israel. Thus sayeth the Lord God. Because your enemy hath said upon you: ☞ A, ha, the high everlasting places are now become ours: prophecy therefore/ and speak: thus sayeth the Lord God. saying ye be wasted and trodden down on every side/ and become a possession unto the residue of the gentiles/ which have brought you into men's mouths and unto an evil name among the people. Therefore/ hear the word of the Lord God/ O ye mountains of Israel. Thus sayeth/ the Lord God unto the mountains and hills, valleys and dales, to the void wilderness and desolate cities/ which are spoiled/ and had in derision on every side/ among the residue of the Heathen. Ye, even thus sayeth the Lord God. In the fire of my jealousy have I taken a device/ against the residue of the gentiles, and against all * Ezech. 35. ● Edom: which have taken in my land unto themselves for a possession: which also rejoiced from their whole heart with a despiteful stomach, to waste it, and to spoil it: prophecy therefore upon the land of Israel, speak unto the mountains and hills to valleys and dales, thus sayeth the Lord God. Behold, this have I devised in my jealousy and terrible wrath. For so much as ye have suffered reproof of the Heathen/ therefore thus sayeth the Lord God ☞ I have sworn/ that the gentiles which lie about you/ shall bear your confusion themselves. And as for you (O mountains of Israel) ye shall shoot out your branches/ and bring for the your fruit to my people of Israel/ for it is hard by/ that it will come. Behold/ I come unto you/ and unto you will I turn me/ that ye may by tilled and sown. ☞ I will send you much people, which shallbe all of the house of Israel, the cities shall be inhabited, and the decayed places shallbe repaired again. I will provide you with much people and cattles/ which shall increase and bring fruit. I will restore you also to your old estate and show you more kindness than ever ye had before: whereby ye shall know, that I am the Lord. Ye, people will I send unto you (O my folk of Israel) which shall have the in possession, and thou shalt be their inheritance/ so that thou shalt no more be without them. Again/ thus sayeth the Lord God. For so much as they say unto you/ thou art an eater up of men, and a waster of thy people: therefore thou shalt eat no more men/ neither destroy thy people any more, sayeth the Lord God. And I will not suffer thee, for to hear thine own confusion among the gentiles from henceforth. Thou shalt not bear the reproof of the nations nor cast out thine own people any more, saith the Lord God. Moreover/ the word of the Lord came unto me, saying. O thou son of man, when the house of Israel owest upon their own ground/ they defiled themselves with their own ways & imaginations: so that in my sight their way was like the unclenues of a menstruous woman. Wherefore/ I poured my wrothful displeasure upon them/ ☞ because of the blood that they had shed in the land, because of their Idols/ wherewith they had defiled themselves. I scattered them also among the Heathen/ so that they were strewed about in the lands. According to their ways and after their own inventions, so did I punish them. * Esay. lii. v. Roma. two. c. Now/ when they were gone unto the Heathen, and come in among them, they dishonoured my holy name so that it was said of them. Are these the people of God, & must go out of their own land? Then spared I my holy name/ which the house of Israel had dishonoured among the gentiles/ to whom they came. Therefore tell the house of Israel: Thus saith the Lord God I do not this for your sakes (O house of Israel) but for my holy names sake, which ye dishonoured among the Heathen/ when ye came to them. Therefore, I will hallow my great name again/ which among the gentiles is evil spoken of: for ye yourselves have dishonoured it among them. And the gentiles shall know that I am the Lord when I am honoured in you before their eyes/ sayeth the Lord God. As for you/ I will take you from among the Heathen, and gather you together out of all countries, and bring you again into your own land. * Esai. 44. ●●ere xvii. ● Then will I pour clear water upon you/ and ye shallbe clean: ye, from all your uncleanness and from all your Idols shall I cleanse you. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put into you. As for that stony heart, I will take it out of your body/ and give you a fleshly heart. I will give my sprite among you * Deu. xiii. ● & cause you to walk in my commandments to keep my laws. and fulfil them. And so ye shall dwell in the land/ that I gave to your forefathers and ye shallbe my people, and I willbe your God. I will help you out of all your uncleanness. I will call for the corn/ and will increase it/ and let you have no hunger. I will multiply the fruits of the trees & the increase of the field for you so that ye shall bear no more reproof of hunger among the Heathen. Then shall ye remember your own wicked ways, & your imaginations, which were not good▪ so that ye shall take displeasure at your own selves by reason of your sins & abominations. But I will not do this for your sakes (saith the Lord God) be ye sure of it. Therefore/ O ye house of Israel, be ashamed of your sins. Moreover, thus sayeth the Lord God: what time as I shall cleanse you from all your offences, then will I make the cities to be occupied again/ and will repair the places that be decayed. The desolate land shallbe builded again/ which afore time lay waste in the sight of all them that went by. Then shall it be said: this waste land is become like a garden of pleasure/ and the void/ desolate and broken down cities are now strong/ and fenced again. Then the residue of of the Heathen that lie round about you/ shall know that I am the Lord/ which repair that was broken down, and plant again/ that was made waste. Even I the Lord have spoken it/ and will do it in deed. Thus sayeth the Lord God: I will yet once be found again of the house of Israel and do this for them: * jeremis. ●▪ ● I shall increase them as a flock of men. Like as the holy flock & the flock of Jerusalem are in the high solemn feasts: so shall also the wild wasted cities be filled with flocks of men: and they shall know that I am the Lord. ¶ He prophesieth the bringing again of the people being in captivity. He showeth the unyon of the ten tribes with the two. CAPI. XXXVII. THe hand of the Lord came upon me & carried me out in the sprite of the Lord & let me down in a plain field, that lay full of bones/ and he led me round about by them and behold, the bones that lay upon the field, were very many, and marvelous dry also. Then said he unto me. Thou son of man: thinkest thou these bones may live again? I answered: O Lord God/ thou knowest. And he said unto me. Prophecy thou upon these bones/ and speak unto them. Ye dry bones/ hear the word of the Lord. Thus sayeth the Lord God unto these bones: Behold, I will put breath into you, that ye may live: I will give you sinews, and make flesh grow upon you, and cover you over with skin: and so give you * Gene. two. ●. breath, that ye may live and know, that I am the Lord. So I prophesied, as he had commanded me. And as I was prophesying there came anoyse and a great motion, so that the bones can every one to another. Now when I had looked, behold, they had sinews, and 〈◊〉 grew upon them: and above they were covered with skin, but there was no breath in them. Then said he unto me. Thou son of man, prophecy thou toward the wind: prophecy/ and speak to the wind. Thus sayeth the Lord God. Come (O thou air) from the four winds, and ☞ blow upon these slain that they may be restored to life. So I prophesied, as he had commanded me: then came the breath into them, and they reccaved life, and stood up upon their feet/ a marvelous great sort. Moreover, he said unto me: Thou son of man/ these bones are the whole house of Israel. Behold, they say: Our bones dried up, our hope is gone, we are clean cut of. Therefore prophesy thou, & speak unto them: thus sayeth the Lord God. Behold/ I will open your graves (O my people) and take you out of your sepulchres/ and bring you into the land of Israel again. So shall ye know that I am the Lord when I open your graves, and bring you out of them. My sprite also will I put in you/ and ye shall live: I will set you again in your own land, and ye shall know/ that I am the Lord, which have said it, and fulfilled it in deed. The word of the Lord came unto me, saying: thou son of man, take a stick & write upon it. Unto juda and to the children of Israel his companions. Then take another stick, and write upon it: Unto joseph the stoke of Ephraim, and to all the household of Israel his companions. And than take both these together in thine hand, so shall there be one stick thereof. Now if the children of thy people say unto thee: wilt thou not show us, what thou mean by these? Then give them this answer: thus sayeth the Lord God: behold, * Os●e. ●. b. I will take the stock of joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim and of the tribes of Israel his fellows, and will put them to the stock of juda and make them one stock, and they shall be one in my hand. And the two sticks where upon thou wrytest/ shalt thou have in thine hand, that they may see/ and shalt say unto them▪ Thus sayeth the Lord God: behold/ I will take away the children of Israel from among the Heathen: unto whom they be gone, and will gather them together on every side, and bring them again into their own land: ye, I will make one people of them in the land, upon the mountains of Israel, and they all shall have but one king. They shall no more be two peoples from hence forth, neither be divided into two kigdomes they shall also defile themselves no more with their abominations, Idols, & all their wicked doings. I will help them out of all their dwelling places, wherein they have sinned: and will so cleanse them, that they shallbe my people, and I their God. David my servant shallbe their king and they all shall have one shepherd only. They shall walk in my laws, and my commandments shall they both keep and fulfil. They shall dwell in the land, that I gave unto jacob my servant, where as your fathers also have dwelled. Ye, even in the same land shall they, their children, and their childer's children dwell for evermore, and my servant David shallbe their everlasting price. Moreover/ I will make ☞ a bond of peace with them, which shall be unto them an everlasting covenant, I will settle them also and multiply them/ my Sanctuary will I set among them for evermore. * Levi. ●●● My dwelling shallbe with them: ye, I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Thus the Heathen also shall know, that I the Lord am the holy maker of Israel: when my Sanctuary shallbe among them for evermore. ¶ He prophesied that Gog and Magog shall come with an appoyneed haste into the land of promise. Their intent. He rehearseth that the conuring of Gog was before prophesied of the prophets. The destruction of him. CAPI. XXXVIII. AND THE word of the Lord came unto me saying. Thou son of man/ turn thy face ☞ toward Gog the land of Magog, which is the chief prince at Meseche and Tubal: prophecy against him/ and say. Thus sayeth the Lord God. * Ezec. 39 ● Apoca. ●●● O Gog thou chief prince Meseche and Tubal: behold/ I will upon thee/ and will turn the about and put a bit in thy chaws: I will bring the forth & all thine host/ both horse and horsemen/ which be all weaponed of the best fashion: a great people/ that handle altogether spears/ child's, and swords: the Perses, Morions and with them the Libyans/ which all bear child's and helmets: Gomar and all his hosts: the house of Thogorma out of the north quarters/ and all his hosts/ ye/ and much people with the. Therefore prepare thee, set thyself in array with all thy people/ that are come unto the by heaps/ and be thou their defence. After many days thou shalt be visited, and in the latter years thou shalt come into the land that hath been destroyed with the sword/ & now is replenished again with diverse people upon the mountayves of Israel, which have long lain waste. Ye, they be brought out of the nations, and dwell all safe. Thou shalt come up like a stormy wether, to cover the land, and as it were a dark cloud, thou with all thine hosts, and a great multitude of people with the. Moreover, thus sayeth the Lord God. At the same time shall many things come into thy mind, so that thou shalt imagine mischief/ and say: I will up to yonder plain land, seeing they sit at ease, and dwell so safely (for they dwell all without any walls/ they have neither bars nor doors) to spoil them/ to rob them, to lay hand upon their so well inhabited wildernesses: against that people/ that is gathered together, from among the Heathen, which have gotten cattles and good, and dwell in the midst of the land. Then shall Saba, and Dedan, and the mat chants of Tharsis with all their worthies say unto the. Art thou come to rob? Hast thou gathered thy people together/ because thou wilt spoil? to take silver and gold: to carry away cattles and good, and to have a great pray? Therefore/ O thou son of man/ thou shalt prophesy/ and say unto Gog. Thus sayeth the Lord God. In that day thou shalt know/ that my people of Israel dwelleth safe: and shalt come from thy place out of the North parts: thou and much people with the which ride upon horses, whereof there is a great multitude and an innumerable sort. Ye, thou shalt come upon my people of Israel, as a cloud to cover the land. This shall come to pass in the latter days: I will bring the up into my land, that the Heathen may know me, when I get me honour upon thee (O Gog) before their eyes. Thus sayeth the Lord God: Thou art he/ of whom I have spoken afore time/ by my servants the Propbetꝭ of Israel, which prophesied in those days and years/ that I should bring the upon them. At the same time, when Gog cometh up into the land of Israel (sayeth the Lord God) shall my indignation go forth in my wrath. For in my jealousy and hot displeasure I have devised * ●●ni. 12. a ●at. 24. b ●●ke. 21. ●. that there shallbe a great trouble in the land of Israel at that tyme. The very fishes in the set, the fowls of the air/ the beasts of the field/ and all the men that are upon the earth, shall tremble for fear of me. The hills also shall be turned up side down, the stairs of stone shall fall, & all walls shall sink to the ground. I will call for a sword upon them in all my mountains sayeth the Lord God: so that every man's sword shall be upon another. With pestilence and blood will I punish him: stormy rain and hail stones/ fire and brimstone, will I cause to rain upon him and all his heap, ye/ and upon all that great people that is with him. Thus will I be magnified/ honoured, and known among the Heathen: that they may be sure/ how that I am the Lord. ¶ He showeth the destruction of Gog and Magog. The grave of Gog and of his host. He prophesieth that Gog and his company shallbe devouted of birds and beasts. Wherefore the house of Israel is wasted. Their bringing again from capt●uite is promised. CAPI. XXXIX. Therefore O thou son of man, prophecy against Gog, and speak. Thus sayeth the Lord God: Behold * Ezech. 38. ● O Gog: thou chief prince at Mesech and Tubal, I will upon thee/ and ☞ punish the with six plagues, and lead the from the North parts and bring the up to the mountains of Israel. As for thy bow, I will smite it out of thy left hand, and cast thine arrows out of thy right hand. Thou with all thine heap & all the people that is with y●/ must fall upon the mountains of Israel. Then will I give the unto fowls and wild beasts of the field, to be devoured: there must thou lie upon the field: for even I the Lord have spoken it, sayeth the Lord God. Into Magog, and among those that sit so careless in the Isles: will I send a fire & they shall know, that I am the Lord, I will make also the name of my holiness to be known among my people of Israel: & I will not let my holy name be evil spoken of any more: but the very heathen also shall know, that I am the Lord, the holy one of Israel. Behold, it cometh, and shall be fulfilled in deed, sayeth the Lord God. This is the day whereof I have spoken. They that dwell in the cities of Israel, shall go forth and set fire upon the weapons, and burn them: shields and spears, bows and arrows, bills & clubs: seven years shall they be burning thereof, so that they shall else bring no sticks from the field, neither have need to hew down any out of the would. For they shall have weapons enough to burn. They shall rob those that rob them, and spoil those that spoiled them sayeth the Lord God. At the same time will I give unto Gog, a place to beburied in, in Israel: even the valley/ where thorough men go from the Eas● to shall abhor it. There shall Gog and all his people be buried: and it shallbe called the valley of the people of Gog. Seven months long shall the house of Israel be burying of them that they may cleanse the land. Ye, all the people of the land shall bury them. O/ it shallbe a glorious day, when I get me that honour/ sayeth the Lord God. They shall ordain men also to be deed buriers, ever going thorough the land, and appoint them certain places to bury those in, which remain upon the field/ that the land may be cleansed. From end to end shall they seek, and that seven months long. Now those that go thorough the land/ where they see a man's bone/ they shall set up a token by it/ till the deed buriers have buried it also/ in the valley of the people of Gog. And the name of the cite shallbe called/ Hamonah: Thus shall they make the land clean. And thou son of man: thus sayeth the Lord God. Speak unto all the fowls and every bird, ye, and to all the wild beasts of the field: heap you together and come/ gather you round about upon my slaughter/ that I have slain for you: even a great slaughter upon the mountains of Israel: eat flesh, and drink blood. Ye shall ‡ Apoc. nineteen. ● eat the flesh of the worthies/ & drynck the blood of the princes of the land: of the wethers of the lambs/ of the goats, and of the Oxen that be all slain at Basan. Eat the fat your belly full, and drink blood/ till ye be drunken of the slaughter/ which I have slain unto you. Fill you at my table/ with horses and strong horsemen: with captains and all men of war/ sayeth the Lord God. I will bring my glory also among the gentiles/ that all the Heathen may see my judgement/ that I have kept/ and my hand which I have laid upon them: that the house of Israel my know/ how that I am the Lord their God from that day forth. And the Heathen shall know/ that where as the house of Israel were led into captivity: it was for their wickedness sake, because they offended me. For the which cause I hid my face from them, and delivered them into the hands of their enemies/ that they might all be slain with the sword▪ According to their uncleanness and unfaithful dealings, so have I entreated them, and hid my face from them Therefore thus sayeth the Lord God: Now will I bring again the captives of jacob & have mercy upon the whole house of Israel/ and be ●●●ous for my holy names sake All their confusion & offence that they have done against me shall be taken away: and so safely shall they dwell in their land/ that no man shall make them afraid. And when I have brought them again from among the people/ when I have gathered them together out of their enemy's lands/ and am praised in them before many Heathen: then shall they know, that I am the Lord their God which suffered them to be led into captivity among the Heathen, but now have brought them again into their own land, and not left one of them yonder. After that, will I hide my face no more from than * E●●●. 36▪ ● but will pour out my spirit upon the house of Israel, sayeth the Lord God. ¶ The restoring of the cities and of the temple that was to come is showed unto the Prophet. CAPI. XL. IN the. xxv. year of our captivity/ in the beginning of the year/ the. x. day of the month: that is the. xiv. year, after that the city was smitten down: the same day came the hand of the Lord upon me/ and carried me forth: even into the land of Israel brought he me in the visions of God: & set me down upon a marvelous high mountain, whereupon there was a building (as it had been of a city) toward the North. Thither he carried me/ and behold, there was a man, whose similitude was like brass which had a thread of flax in his hand, and meterod also. He stood in the door, and said unto me: Thou son of man, mark well with thine eyes, hearken to with thine ears, & fasten it in thine heart, whatsoever I shall show thee, for to the intent that they might be showed thee, therefore art thou brought hither. And what soever thou sayst, thou shalt certify the house of Israel thereof. Behold, there was a wall on the out side round about the house: the meterode that he had in his hand, was two cubytes long and a span. So he measured the breadth of the building, which was a meterode/ and the height also a meterode. Then came he unto the east door/ and went up the stairs/ and measured the posts of the door whereof every one was a meaterodde thick. Every chaumbre was a meterod long and broad: between the chambers were five cubytes. The post of the door within the porch, was one meterod. He measured also the porch of the innermer door, which contained a meterod: Then measured he the entry of the door/ that contained eight cubytes/ and his pillars two cubytes: and this entry stood inward. The chamber doors Eastward/ were three on every side: a like broad and long. The pillars also that stood of both the sides were of one measure. After this, he measured the wideness of the door, which was. x. cubytes, and the height of the door. xiij. cubytes. The edge before the Chambers was one cubit broad upon both the sides and the Chambers six cubits wide of either side. He measured the door from the ridge of one Chamber to another, whose wideness was five and tweyntye cubytes, and one door stood against another. He made pillars also. lx. cubytes high/ round about the court door. Before the inward part unto the fore entry of the ynnermer door, were fifty cubytes. The chambers and their pilers within, round about unto the door/ had side windows. So had the fore entries also/ whose windows went round about within. And upon the pillars there stood date trees. Then brought he me into the fore court, where as were Chambers and paved works/ made in the fore court round about. thirty. Chambers upon one paved work. Now the paved work was a long beside the doors & that was the lower paved work After this he measured the breadth from the lower door/ unto the ynnermer court of the outside/ which had an. C. cubytes upon the east and the north part. And the door in the uttermost court toward the north/ measured he after the length and breadth: his three Chambers also on either side/ with his pilers and fore entries: which had even the measure of the first door. His height was fifty cubits, the breadth. xxv. cubytes: his windows and porches with his Date trees/ had even like measure as the door toward the east: there were. seven. steps to go up upon, & their porch before them. Now the door of the ynnermer court stood straight over against the door/ that was toward the north east. From one door to another/ he measured. C. cubytes. After that, he brought me to the southside/ where there stood a door toward the south: whose pilers and porches he measured, these had the first measure, and with their porches they had windows round about/ like the first windows. The height was. l. cubits/ the breadth. xxv. with steps to go up upon: his porch stood before with his pillars & date trees on either side. And the door of the ynnermer court stood toward the south, & he measured from one door to another an. C. cubytes. So he brought me into the innermer court/ thorough the door of the south side: which he measured, & it had the measure afore said. In like manner, his chambers, pilers/ and fore entries, had even the foresaid measure also. And he had with his porches round about, windows of. L. cubits height/ and, xxv. cubytes broad. The porches round about were. xxv. cubytes long/ and. v. cubits broad: and his porch reached unto the uttermost court: upon his pilers there were date trees, and. viij. steps to go up upon. He brought me also into the ynmost court upon the east side/ and measured the door/ according to the measure afore said. His chambers/ pilers/ and porches had even the same measure/ as the first had: and with his porches he had windows round about. The height was. l. cubytes. the breadth. xxv. cubytes: his porches reached unto the uttermost court: his pilers also had date trees on either side, and. viij. steps to go up upon And he brought me to the north door/ & measured it, which also had the foresaid measure. His chambres, pilers and porches had windows round about: whose height was. l. cubytes, and the breadth. xxv. His pilers stood toward the uttermost court/ and upon them both were date trees/ and. viij. steps to go up upon. There stood a chambre also, whose entrance was at the door pylers'/ and there the burnt offerings were washed. In the door porch, there stood on either side two tables for the slaughting: to slay the brent offerings, sin offerings & tresspace offerings thereupon. And on the out side as men go forth to the north door there stood two tables. Four tables stood on either side of the door/ that is. viij. tables, whereupon they slaughted. Four tables were of hewn stone for the burnt offerings/ of a cubit and a half long and broad/ and one cubit high: whereupon were laid the vessels and ornaments/ which were used to the burnt and slain offerings, when they were slaughted. And within there were hokes four fingers broad/ fastened round about, to hang flesh upon/ and upon the tables was laid the offering flesh. On the out side of the innermer door were the fingers chambers in the inward court beside the North door over against the South. There stood one also, beside the East door northward. And he said unto me: This chambre on the South side belongeth to the priests, that keep the habitation: and this toward the North, * ●. P●r. 25. ● is the priests that wait upon the altar: which be the sons of * ●. Reg. two. f. Sadoche/ that do service before the Lord instead of the children of Levi. So he measured the fore court/ which had in length an C. cubytes/ and as much in breadth by the four corners. Now the altar stood before the house: And he brought me to the fore entry of the house, and measured the walls by the entry door: which were five cubytes long on either side. The thickness also of the door on either side/ was three cubits. The length of the porch was. xx. cubytes'/ the breadth▪ xi. cubytes'/ & upon steps went men up to it: by the walls also were pilers/ on either side one. ¶ The disposy●yon and device of building again the ●●●ple, ● of the other things thereto belongy●e. CAPI. XLI. AFTER this he brought me to the temple/ and measured the posts: which were of both the sides. vj. cubytes thick/ according to the wideness of the tabernacle. The breadth of the door was. x. cubytes and the walls of the door on either side fine cubits. He measured the length thereof/ which contained. xl. Cubytes'/ and the breadth. xx. Then went he in/ and measured the door posts, which were two cubytes thick; but the door itself was two cubit and the breadth of the door was. seven. cubytes. He measured the length and breadth thereof/ which were every one. xx. cubytes'/ before the temple. And he said unto me: this is the holiest of al. He measured also the wall of the house which was two cubytes. The chambres that stood round about the house/ were every one four cubytes wide, and one stood hard upon another/ whereof there were. xxxiij. there stood posts beneath by the walls round about the house/ to bear them up: but in the wall of the house they were not fastened: The side chambers were/ the higher the wider/ and had steps thorough them round about the house. Thus was it wider above, that from the lowest, men might go to the highest and mid chambers. I saw also that the house was very high round about. The foundation of the side chambers was a meterod (that is six cubits broad.) The thickness of the side wall without/ contained five cubits, and so did the out wall of the chambers in the house. Between the chambers was the wideness. xx. cubytes round about the house. The chambre doors stood over against the outwal/ the one door was toward the north/ the other toward the South: and the thickness of the out-wall was. v. cubits round about. Now the building that was separated toward the West/ was. lxx. cubytes wide: the wall of the building was, v. cubytes thick round about/ and the length four score cubytes and ten. So he measured the house which was an. C. cubits long, and the separated building with the wall were an. C. cubits long also The wideness before the house and of it that was separated toward the East/ was an. C. cubytes. And he measured the length of the building before and behind with the chambers upon both the sides: and it contained an. C cubits. The ynnermer temple, the porch of the fore court/ the side posts, these three had side windows/ and pillars round about over against the posts, from the ground up to the windows: The windows themselves were syled over with boards: & thus was it above the door unto the in most house and without also: Ye the whole wall on every side both within and without was syled over with great boards. There were Cherubins and date trees made also, so that one date tre stood ever betwixt two Cherubins One Cherub had. ij. faces, the face of a man looking a side toward the date tre, and a lions face on the other side. Thus was it made round about in all the house: Ye, the cherubins & date trees were made from the ground up above the door, and so stood they also upon the wall of the temple. The by posts of the temple were four squared, and the fashion of the Sanctuary was * Ez●ch●. ●. ● even as it appeared unto me afore in the vision. * Exod●. 〈◊〉. ● The table was of wood, three cubits high and two cubits long: his corners, the length and the walls were of wood. And he said unto me: This is the table, that shall stand before the Lord. The temple & the holiest of all had either of them two doors & every door had two little wyckettes which were folden in one upon another/ on every side two. And upon the doors of the temple there were made Cherubins and date trees, like as upon the walls: and a great thick baulk of wood was before on the out side of the porch. Upon both the sides of the walls of the porch, there were made deep windows and date trees, having beams & balks/ like as the house had. ¶ Of the chambers of the temple for Preastes, and the holy things. CAPI, XLII. THAN carried he me out in to the fore court to ward the north, and brought me in to the chambre that stood over against the back building north ward, which had the length of an. C. cubytes, whose door turned toward the north. The wideness contained. L. cubytes: over against the. xx. cubytes of the ynnermer court, and against the paved work that was in the court, beside all these three/ there stood pylers'/ one over against another: And before this chambre there was a walking place of, x. cubytes wide/ and within was away of one cubit wide, and their doors toward the north. Thus the highest chambres were allway narrower than the lowest and myddelmost of the building: for they bare chambre upon chambre, and stood three together one upon another not having pilers like the forecourt: therefore were they smaller than those beneath and in the midst, to reckon from the ground upward. The wall without that stood by the chambers toward the uttermost court upon the fore side of the chambers, was. L. cubytes long: for the length of the uttermost chambres in the fore court was. L. cubits also: but the length thereof before the temple was an. C. cubytes. These chambres had under them an entrance of the east side whereby a man might go in to them out of the fore court, thorough the thick wall of the fore court toward the east, right over against the separated building. Before the same building upon this side there were chambers also which had away unto them, like as the chambers on the north side of the same length and wydnesse. Their entrance/ fashion and doors were also of the same manner. Ye, even like as the other chamber doors were▪ so were those also of the south side. And before the way toward the syngers steps on the east side, there stood a door to go in at. Then said he unto me: The chambers toward the north and the south which stand before the back building: those be holy habitations/ wherein the priests that do service before the Lord, must eat the most holy offerings: and there must they lay the most holy offerings: meatoffrynges, sin offerings and trespass ofrynges/ for it is an holy place. When the priests come therein/ they shall nat go out in to the fore court: but (saying they be holy) they shall leave the clothes of their ministra cyon, and put on other garments, when they have any thing to do with the people. Now when he had measured all the ynnermer house, he brought me forth thorough the east port, and measured the same round a bout. He measured the east side with the meterode, which round about contained v. C. meterodes. And the north side measured he, which contained round about, eu● so much. The other two sides also toward the south and the west (which he measured) contained either of them▪ v. C. meterodes. So he measured all the four sides where there went a wall round about. v. C. meterods long, and as broad also which separated the holy from the unholy. ¶ He saith the glory of God going into the Temple, from whence it had before departed He mentyoneth the Idolatry of the children of Israel, for which they were consumed and brought to nawght. He so commanded to call them again to repentance. CAPI. XLIII. SO he brought me to the door/ that turneth toward the east. Behold/ then came the glory of the God of Israel from out of the east, whose voice was like a great noise of warers/ and the earth was lightened with his glory. His sight to look upon was * Eze. x. ●. xi●. like the first, that I saw, when I went in, what time as the city should have been destroyed: * 〈◊〉. ●. ●●. ●. and. xi. ● and like the vision that I saw by the water of Cobar. Then fell I upon my face/ but the glory of the Lord came into the house thorough the east door. So a wind took me up, and brought me into the ynnermer court: and behold, the house was full of the glory of the Lord. I heard one speaking unto me out of the house/ and there stood one by me/ that said unto me: O thou son of man, & this room is my seat, and the Esay. vi. a. and. lxvi a. ●poc. xxi. a. place of my footsteps: where as I will dwell among the children of Israel for evermore: so that the house of Israel shall no more defile my holy name: neither they/ nor their kings, thorough their whoredom, thorough their high places/ and thorough the deed bodies of their kings: which have builded their thresholds in manner hard upon my thresholds/ and their posts almost at my posts: so that there is but a bare wall betwixt me and them. Thus have they defiled my holy name with their abominations, that they have committed. Wherefore, I have destroyed them in my wrath: But now they shall put away their whoredom and the deed bodies of their kings out of my sight, that I may dwell among them for evermore. * zacha. 〈◊〉. a. Therefore (O thou son of man) show thou the household of Israel a temple, that they may be ashamed of their wickedness, & measure themselves an example thereat. And when they be a shamed of all their works, then show them the form and fashion of the temple: the coming in, the going out/ all the manner and description thereof, ye, all the uses and ordinances of it/ that they may keep and fulfil all the fashions and customs thereof. This is the description of the house: Above, upon the mount round about all the corners/ it shallbe the holiest of all. Behold that is the description and fashion of the house This is the measure of the altar (after the true cubit: which is a span longer than another cubit) his bottom in the midst was a cubit long & wide, and the ledge that went round about it/ was a span broad. This is the height of the altar: From the ground to the lower steps the length is two cubytes, and the breadth one cubit: and from the lower steps to the higher are four cubytes, and the breadth but one cubit. * Exo xxvii ● The altar was four cubytes high, and from the altar upward stood four horns, and it was. xij. cubytes long and. xij. cubytes broad/ upon the four corners: the covering of the altar was. xiv. cubytes long and broad upon the four corners/ & the ledge that went round about/ had half a cubit: and the bottom thereof round about one cubit: his steps stood toward the East. And he said unto me: Thou son of man thus sayeth the Lord God: these are the ordinances and laws of the altar, in the day when it is made to offer burnt-offerings, & to sprynckle blood there upon. To the priests, to the Levites that be of the sede of * E●●●. 44. ●. an● 4●. b. Sadoch▪ and tread before me to do me service, sayeth, the Lord God: Unto these give thou a young bullock, for a sin-offering: and take the blood of him and sprynckle his four horns withal and the four corners of the altar covering/ with the ledge that goeth round about: here with shalt thou cleanse it, and reconcile it. * Levi. xvi. f. Thou shalt take the bullock also of the sin-offering, and burn him in a several place without the Sanctuary. The next day, take a goatbucke without blemish for a sin-offering, to reconcile that altar withal: like as it was reconciled with the bullock. Now when thou hast made it clean, then offer a young bullock * Levi. xxii▪ ●. without blemish, and a ram out of the flock without blemish also: Offer them before the Lord, and let the priest cast * Leviti two. ●. salt there upon/ and give them so unto the Lord for a burntoffering. Seven days shalt thou bring, every day a goatbucke for sin. A young bullock and a ram of the flock (both without blemish) shall they offer. Seven days shall they reconcile and cleanse the altar, and offer upon it. When these days are expired, then upon the. viij. day and so forth/ the priests shall offer their burnt-offerings and healthoffrynges upon the altar: so will I be merciful unto you, sayeth the Lord God. CAPI. XLIIII. ¶ He showeth what door of the temple is shut. He is commanded to upbraid the people with their offence. The uncyrcuncysed in heart and in the flesh, who are to be admitted to the service of the temple, and who to be refused. He showeth what priests he would have admitted into the holy place, and also their office. AFTER this/ he brought me again to the outward door of the Sanctuary on the East side/ and that was shut. Then said the Lord unto me: This door shall be still shut/ and nat opened for any man to go thorough it/ but only for the Lord God of Israel: ye, he shall go thorough it/ else shall it be shut still. The prince himself shall come thorough it/ that he may eat bread before the Lord. At the porch shall he come in/ and there shall he go out again. Then brought he me to the door/ upon the North side of the house. And as I looked about me/ behold, * Exod, ●4. ● and. x●. ●. Num●. 〈◊〉 4 Reg. 8. ●. 2. Pat. 7. ● the glory of the Lord filled the house: and I fell down upon my face. So the Lord spoke unto me: O thou son of man/ fasten this to thine heart/ behold/ and take diligent heed to all that I will say unto thee/ concerning all the ordinances of the Lord and all his laws: pondre well with thine heart the coming in of the house and the going forth of the Sanctuary, and tell that obstinate household of Israel: Thus sayeth the Lord God: O house of Israel/ ye have now done enough withal your abominations/ saying that ye have brought into my Sanctuary strangers/ having uncircuncysed hearts and flesh/ where thorough my Sanctuary is defiled/ when ye offer me bred, fat, and blood. Thus with all your abominations ye have broken my covenant/ and nat kept the holy ordinances of my Sanctuary: but set keepers of my Sanctuary/ even after your own mind. Therefore thus sayeth the Lord God: Of all the strangers that dwell among the children of Israel/ no stranger (whose heart and flesh is nat circumcised) shall come within my Sanctuary: No, nor the Levites that be gone back fro me, and have deceived the people of Israel with all errors/ going after their idols: therefore shall they bear their own wickedness. Should they be set and ordained to minister under the doors of the house of my Sanctuary? And to do service in the house: to slay burnt-offerings and sacrifices for the people: to stand before them/ and to serve them/ saying the service that they do them/ is before their Idols/ and cause the house of Israel to stumble thorough their wickedness? * ●. Reg. two. ●. For the which cause I have pluck out mine hand over them (sayeth the Lord God) so that now they must bear their own iniquity/ and nat to come nigh me/ to serve me with their priesthood/ in my Sanctuary, & most holiest of all: that they may bear their own shame & abominations, which they have done. Should I use them to be porters of the house, and to all the service that is done therein? But the priests the levities, the son of Sadoch, that kept ●●●. ●3. d. x●viii. b. the holy ordinances of my Sanctuary/ when the children of Israel were gone fro me: shall come to me, to do me service, to stand before me, and to offer me the fat and the blood/ sayeth the Lord God. They shall go into my Sanctuary/ and tread before my table/ to do me service, and to wait upon mine ordinances. Now when they go in at the doors of the innermer court they shall put on linen clothes, so that no wollyne come upon them: while they do service under the doors of the ynnermer court/ and within. They shall have fair linen bonnets upon their heads/ and linen breeches upon their loins/ which in their labour they shall nat put about them: And when they go forth to the people into the outward court, they shall put of the clothes/ wherein they have ministered, and lay them in the habitation of the Sanctuary, and put on other apparel/ lest they unhalowe the people with their clothes. * Levi. nineteen. ●. and. xxi. a. levit. x. ●. They shall nat shave their heads, nor nourish the bush of their hear but round their heads only. * All the priests that go into the Inmost court, shall drink no wine. ‡ Levi. xxi. b. Ose. 1. ●. 3 ● They shall marry no widow, neither one that is put from her husband: but a maid of the seed of the house of Israel, or a widow, that hath had a pressed before. * Deu. xvii. ● They shall show my people the difference between the holy and unholy, betwixt the clean and unclean. If any discord arise they shall discern it/ and give sentence after my judgements. My solemn feasts, my laws and ordinances shall they keep, and hallow my Sabbathes. ☞ * Levi. xxi. ●. Nun vi. ● They shall come at no deed person/ to defile themselves (except it be father or mother, son or daughter, brother or sister that hath had yet no husband) in such they may be defiled. And when he is cleansed/ there shall be reckoned unto him. seven. days: and if he go into the Sanctuary again to do service he, shall bring a sin-offering sayeth the Lord God. * De. xviii. ● Nume. ●8. c ●osu. x●●●. ● They shall have an heritage, ye, I myself willbe their heritage: else shall ye give them no possession in Israel, for I am their possession. The meat-offering sin-offering and treaspaceoffring shall they eat, & ☞ every dedicate thing in Israel, shallbe theirs. The firstlings of all the first fruits/ and all free wyloffrynges shall be the priests. Ye shall give unto the priest also the firstlings of your dough/ that God may prosper the residue. * Exo. xxii. d. Levi. xxii. ● But no deed carrion shall the pressed eat/ nor such as is devoured of wild beasts/ fowls or cattles. ¶ Out of all the land of promise are there separate. iiii. portions, of which the first is given to the priests and to the temple, the second to the Levites, the third to the ●ytie, the fourth to the prince. An exhortation to the heads of Israel. Of ●ust weights and measures. Of first fruits. etc. CAPI. XLV. WHen ye divide the land by the lot, ye shall put aside one * Ezec. 48. ●. part for the Lord, to be holy from other lands: namely. xxv. M. meterods long, and. x. M. broad. This shallbe holy, as wide as it is round about. Of this part there shall belong unto the Sanctuary. v. C. meterods in all the four corners, and. l. cubytes wide round about to the suburbs. And from this measure, namely of. xxv M. meterods long, &. x. M. broad, thou shalt measure, wherein the Sanctuary and the holiest of all may stand. The residue of that holy ground shall be the priests, which do service in the Sanctuary of the Lord, and go in before the Lord to serve him/ that they may have ●ome to dwell in. As for the Sanctuary, it shall stand for itself: and to the Levites that serve in the house, there shallbe given. xx. habitations, of the xxv. M. length and. x. M. breadth: ye shall give also unto the city a possession of. v. M. meterods broad, and. xxv. M. long, beside the part of the Sanctuary: that shallbe for the whole house of Israel. * ●●●●. 4●. d. Upon both the sides of the Sanctuaryes part, and by the city, there shallbe given unto the prince what soever lieth over against the city, as far as reacheth westward and eastward: which shallbe as long as one part/ from the west unto the east. This shallbe his own land in Israel, that my princes be no more chargeable unto my people. And such as remaineth yet over in the land, shallbe given to the house of Israel according to their tribes. Thus sayeth the Lord God: O ye princes: ye have now oppressed and destroyed enough: now leave of, handle now according to the thing, that is equal and lawful: and thrust out my people no more, sayeth the Lord God. * Levi. 〈…〉. x●. b Ye shall have a true weight, a true Ephah, and a true Bath. The Ephah and the Bath shallbe a like. One Bath shall contain the tenth part of an Homer, and so shall one Ephah do: their measure shall be after the Homer. * 〈…〉 iii. g One Sycle maketh. xx. Geras. So. xx. Sycles, and. xxv. and. xv. Sycles make a pound. This is the heaveoffring, that ye shall give to be heaved: namely/ the v●. part of an Ephah, out of an homer of wheat, and the. vj. part of an Ephah, out of an homer of barley. The oil shall be measured with the Bath: even the tenth part of one Bath out of a Cor. Ten Baths make one Homer: for one Homer filleth ten Baths. And one lamb from two hundredth sheep out of the pasture of Israel▪ for a meat-offering, burntoffering and healthoffring/ to reconcile them sayeth the Lord God. All the people of the land shall give this heaveoffringe with a free will for the prince of Israel Again, it shall be the princes part to offer burntoffrynges/ meatofferynges and drynckoffringes unto the Lord, in the holy days, new Moons, Sabbathes, and in all the high feasts of the house of Israel. The sin-offering/ meat-offering / burntoffering & healthoffring shall he give, to reconcile the house of Israel. Thus sayeth the Lord God: The first day of the first month thou sholt take a young bullock without blemish/ and clenle the Sanctuary. So the pressed shall take of the blood of the sin-offering, and sprinkle it unto the posts of the house/ and upon the four corners of the altar/ with the door posts of the ynnermar court. And thus shalt thou do also the seventh day of the month * Num. x●. ● (for such as have sinned of ignorance/ or being deceived) to reconcile the house withal. * Exod. xii ● levit. 〈◊〉. ● Deu. xvi. ● Upon the. xiv. day of the first month ye shall keep Easter. Seven days shall the feast continue, wherein there shall no sour nor leavened bread be eaten. Upon the same day shall the prince give for himself and all the people of the land, a bullock for a sin-offering And in the feast of the seven days he shall offer every day a bullock and a ram/ that are without blemish/ for a burntoffering unto the Lord: and an he goat daily for a sin-offering. For the meatoffrynges/ he shall give ever an Ephah to a bullock/ an Ephah to a ram and an Hyn of oil to an Ephah. Upon the. xv. day of the seventh month/ he shall keep the seven days holy/ one after another/ even as the other seven days: with the sin-offering/ burntoffering/ meat-offering/ and with the oil. ¶ The sacrifices of the Sabbath and of the new moans. Thorough which doors they must go in, or come out of the temple, ●c. CAPI. XLVI. THUS sayeth the Lord God: the door of the ynnermer court toward the east/ shall be shut the. vj. working days: but in the Sabbath and in the day of the new Moon, it shallbe opened. Then shall the prince come under the door porch/ and stand still without by the door cheek. So the priests shall offer up his burnt & healthofferynges. And he shall worship at the door post, and go his way forth again: but the door shall no more be shut till the evening. On the same manner shall the people of the land also do their worship before the Lord/ with out this door upon the Sabbathes and new/ moons. This is now the burntoffering/ that the prince shall bring unto the LORD upon the Sabbath: six lambs without blemish/ and a ram without blemish/ and an Ephah for a meat-offering/ with the ram. As for lambs/ he may give as many meatoffrynges to them/ as he will/ and an Hyn of oil to an Ephah. In the day of the new month/ it shall be a young bullock without blemish/ two lambs and a ram also without blemish. With the bullock he shall give an Ephah/ and with the ram an Ephah also for a meat offering: but to the lambs, what he may come by: And ever an Hin of oil to an Ephah. When the Prince cometh/ he shall go under the door porch/ and even there depart forth again. But when the people of the land come before the Lord in the high solemn feast, as many as come in by the North door to do worship/ shall go out again at the south door. And they that come in at the South door, shall go forth again at the north door. There shall none go out at the door where he came in, but shall go right forth over on the other side/ and the Prince shall go in and out among them. Upon the solemn and high feast days, this shallbe the meat offering: An Epha to a bullock and an Epha to a ram, and to the lambs: as many as he will, but ever an Hin of oil to an Epha. Now when the Prince bringeth a burnt offering or an healthoffering with a free will unto the Lord, the east door shallbe opened unto him, that he may do with his burnt and healthofferynges, as he doth upon the Sabbath, and when he goeth forth, the door shall be shut after him again. He shall daily bring unto the Lord a lamb of a year old without blemish for a burnt offering: this shall he do every morning. And for a meat-offering he shall give the sixth part of an Epha, and the third part of an Hin of oil (to mingle with the cakes) every morning. Ye, this shallbe a daily meateoffering unto the Lord, for an everlasting ordinance: & thus shall the lamb, the meat-offering & oil be given every morning, for a daily burntoffering. Moreover, thus sayeth the Lord God: If the Prince give a gift unto any of his sons, then shall it be his sons heritage perpetual, that he may possess it. But If he will give one of his servants some of his heritage, it shall be his ☜ to the * Levi. xxv. b Num. 36. ● free year, and then to return again unto the prince: for his heritage shallbe his sons only. * 3. Reg. 21. a ●. Reg. ix. b The Prince also shall take none of the people's inheritance, nor put them from their possession: but to his own sons shall he give his possession, that my people be not scattered abroad, but that every man may have his own. And he brought me thorough the entrance at the side of the door to the habitation of the Sanctuary, that belongeth to the preastes and stood toward the north, and behold, there was a place upon the west side, than said he unto me. This is the place/ where the priests shall dight the trespass and sin offerings/ and bake the meat offerings: that they need not bear them into the outward court/ and so to unhallow the people. So he brought me into the uttemoste court, round about all the four corners. Behold/ in every corner of the fore court, there was yet a little court. Ye/ in all the four corners of the court, there was made a little court of. xl. cubits long, and. thirty. cubytes broad: these four little courts were of one like measure, and there went a ridge wall round about them all four, under the which there were harthes' made round about. Then said he unto me: This is the kitchen/ where the ministers of the house shall dight the slain offerings of the people. ¶ The vision of the waters that come out of the Temple. The coasts of the land of promise, and the ●yuis●on thereof by tribes. CAPI, XLVII. AFTER this he brought me again before the door of the house: and behold/ there gushed out waters from under the posts of the house eastward (for the house stood toward the east) that ran down upon the right side of the house, which lieth to the altar southward. Then carried he me out to the north door, & brought me forth there round about by the uttermost door that turneth eastewarde. * zacha. 13. ● and. xiiii. ● Behold, there came forth the water upon the right side. Now when the man that had the meterode in his hand went unto the east door, he measured a. M. cubytes, and then he brought me thorough the water, even to the ankles: so he measured yet a thousand, and brought me thorough the water again unto the knees: yet measured he a thousand, & brought me thorough the water unto the loins. After this he measured a thousand again, then was it such a river, that I might not wade thorough it: The water was so deep, that it was needful to have swimmed, for it might not be waded over. And he said unto me: haste thou seen this/ O thou son of man? and with that/ he brought me to the river bank again. Now when I came there, there stood many trees upon either side of the river bank. Then said he unto me: This water that floweth out toward the east/ and runneth down into the plain field, cometh into the see: and from the see it runneth out, & maketh the waters whole. Ye, all that live and move, where unto this river cometh, shall recover. * Math. 4. ●. and. xiii. f And where this water cometh/ there shallbe much fish. For all that * Io●a. 4. ●. and. seven. d cometh to this water/ shallbe lusty and whole. By this river shall the fishers stand from Engaddy unto En Eglaim, and there spread out their nets: for there shallbe great heaps of fish, like as in the main see. As for his clay and pits, they shall not be whole/ for why/ it shall be occupied for salt. By this river upon both the sides of the shore/ there shall grow all manner of fruitful trees, whose leaves shall not fall of/ neither shall their fruit perish: but ever be ripe at their mouths, for their water runneth out of their Sanctuary. His fruit is good to eat/ and his leaf profitable for medicines. Thus sayeth the Lord God: Let this be the border, wherein ye shall divide the land unto the. xij. tribes of Israel/ with the line. part it indifferently unto one as unto another: * Gene. xxii. ● of the which land I swore unto your father's/ that it should fall to your inheritance. This is the border of the land upon the Northesyde/ from the main see/ as men go to Zadada: namely Hemath, Berotha, Sabarim: from the borders of Damascus and Hemath unto Hazar Tichon, and that lieth upon the coasts of Haveran. Thus the borders from the see forth/ shallbe Hazar evan/ the border of Damascus the North/ and the borders of Hemath: that is the north part. The east side shall ye measure from Haveran and Damascus, from Galead & the land of Israel by jordane and so forth, from the see coast/ that lieth east ward: and this is the east part. The south side is, from Thamar forth to the * Num. xx. b. Exo. xvii. b waters of strife unto Cades/ the river to the main see: & that is the south part. The west part: namely the great see from the borders thereof, till a man come unto Hemath: this is the west part. * Nume. 33. f This land shall ye part among you according to the tribes of Israel, and divide it to be an heritage for you, * levit nineteen. g Deu●e x. d xxiiii. ● and for the strangers that dwell among you, and beget children. For ye shall take them among the children of Israel, like as though they were of your own houshole & country/ and they shall have heritage with you among the children of Israel. Look in what tribe the stranger dwelleth in the same tribe shall ye give him his heritage, sayeth the Lord God. ¶ The lots of the. seven. tribes. The parts of the possession of the Preastes and of the temple, of the levities, of the city, of the Prince, are rehearsed. The lots of the other tribes. The gates of the city. CAPI. XLVIII. THese are the names of the tribes that lie upon the northside/ by the way of Hetlon, till thou comest unto Hemath and Hazar Euam, the borders of Damascus toward the north beside Hemath: Dan shall have his portion from the east quarter unto the west. Upon the borders of Dan from the east side unto the west, shall Asser have his portion. Upon the borders of Asser from the east part unto the west shall Nephthaly have his portion. Upon the borders of Nephthali from the east quarter unto the west, shall Manasses have his portion. Upon the borders of Manasses from the east side unto the west, shall Ephraim have his portion. Upon the borders of Ephraim from the east part unto the west, shall Reuben have his portion. Upon the borders of Reuben from the east quarter unto the west shall juda have his portion. Upon the borders of juda from the east part unto the west, ye shall set a side one portion of. xxv. M. meterods long and broad (like as another portion from the east side unto the west (wherein the Sanctuary shall stand. * Ezec. xiv. ● As for the portion, that ye shall separate out for the Lord, it shallbe. xxv. M. long and. x. M. broad. Which separated holy portion shall be long unto these: namely to the priests, toward the north. xxv. M. & toward the west. x. M. broad, toward the east. x. M. broad also, and toward the south xxv. M. long, wherein the Sanctuary of the Lord shall stand. Ye, this same place shallbe the priests, that are of the children of * Ezec. x●iii. ● and. xliiii. c Sadoch, and have kept my holy ordinance: which went not astray in the error of the children of Israel/ like as the levities are gone astray: and this separated piece that they have of the land shall be the most holy, hard upon the borders of the levities. And next unto the priests, shall the levities have. xxv. M. long and x. M. broad. This shallbe on every side. xxv. M. long, and. x. M. broad. Of this portion they shall sell nothing, nor make any permutation thereof, lest the chief of the land fall unto other, for it is hallowed unto the Lord. The other. v. M. after the breadth that lieth by the. xxv. M. shallbe comen: it shall belong to the city and to the suburbs for habytations, and the city shall stand in the midst thereof. Let this be the measure: toward the north part. v. C. &, iiij. M. toward the south part. v. C. &. iiij. M. toward the east part v. C. and. iiii. M. toward the west part, v. C. and. iiij. M. The suburbs hard upon the city, shall have toward the north. L. &. ij C. toward the south. L. and. ij. C. toward the east. L. & two C. toward the west also. L. & two. C. As for the residue of the length/ that lieth hard upon the separated holy ground: namely. x. thousand toward the east, and. x. M. toward the west, next unto the holy portion: it and the increase thereof shall serve for their meat/ that labour in the city. They that labour for the wealth of the city, shall maintain this also, out of what tribe soever they be in Israel. All that is separated of the. xxv. M long and. xxv. M. broad on the four parts, that shall ye put aside for the separated portion of the Sanctuary, & for the possession of the city. The residue upon both the sides of the Sanctuary and possession of the city/ shall belong to the Prince/ before the place, of the. xxv. M. unto the eastende, & before the place of the. xxv. M. west ward unto the borders of the city: this shallbe the princes portion. This shallbe the holy place, and the house of the Sanctuary shall stand in the midst. Moreover from the Levites and the cities possession/ that lie in the midst of the princes part: look what remaineth betwixt the border of juda & the border of Ben jamin, it shallbe the Princes. Now of the other tribes. From the east part unto the west/ shall Ben jamin have his portion. Upon the borders of Ben jamin from the east side unto the west, shall simeon have his portion. Upon the borders of simeon from the east part unto the west, shall Izakar have his portion. Upon the borders of Izakar from the east side unto the west, shall Sabulon have his portion. Upon the borders of Sabulon from the east part unto the west/ shall Gad have his portion. Upon the borders of Gad southward/ the coasts shall reach from Thamar forth unto the waters of strife to Cades, & to the flood/ even unto the main see. This is the land with his * Nun. 32. josu. 13. 14 portions/ which ye shall distribute unto the tribes of Israel, sayeth the LORD God. Thus wide shall the city reach: upon the north part five hundredth and four thousand measures. The Ports of the City, shall have the names of the tribes of Israel. Three Ports of the Northesyde: one Reuben, another juda, the third Levy. Upon the East side five hundret hand four thousand measures, with three Ports: the one joseph, another Ben jamin: the third Dan. Upon the southside five hundredth and four thousand measures, with the three Ports, the one simeon, another Izakar, the third Sabulon. And upon the west side five hundreth and four thousand measures, with three ports also, the one Gad another Asser, the third Nephthalye. Thus shall it have. xviij. M. measures round about. And from that time forth the name of the city shallbe: the Lord is there. ❧: Here endeth the Book of the Prophet ezechiel. ❧ The Book of the Prophet Daniel. ¶ The Prophet showeth the captivity of jehoakim King of juda. Of the sons that were in captivity, the King commandeth to those which of them should be taught the learning and language of Chaldees. They are allowed the kings feeding. Daniel abstaineth from the meat of the King of Babylon. CAPI. I. IN the third year of the reign of jehoakim King of juda, came Nabuchodonolor king of Babylon unto jerusalem, and besieged it * 4. Re. 24. a 2. Par. 3●. c and the Lord delivered jehoakim the king of juda in to his hand/ with certain ornaments of the house of God, which he carried away unto the land of Scnnar, to the house of his God and there he brought them into his god's treasury. And the king spoke unto Asphanaz the chief chamberlain, that he should bring him certain of the children of Israel, that were come of the kings seed and of princes, young springalds without any blemish, but fair & well-favoured, instruct in all wisdom, cunning and understanding: which were able to stand in the kings palace, to read and to learn for to speak Caldeysh. Unto these the king appointed a certain portion of his own meat, and of the wine which he drank himself, so to nourish them three year: that afterward they might stand before the king. Among these now were certain of the children of juda: namely Daniel/ Ananias/ Misael and Azarias. Unto these the chief chamberlain gave other names, and called Daniel/ Balthasar: Anamas/ Sidrach: Misael/ Misach: & Asarias'/ Abednago. But Daniel was at a point with himself/ * Gene. 43. c Toby. 1 b judie. 12 ● that he would not be defiled thorough the kings meat/ nor the wine which he drunk. And this he desired of the chief Chamberlain, left he should defile himself. So God gave Daniel favour and grace before the chief chamberlain, that he said unto him: I am afraid of my Lord the king/ which hath appointed you your meat & drink: lest he spy your faces to be worse liking than the other spryngaldes of your age, & so ye shall make me lose my head unto the king. Then Daniel answered Melassar, whom the chief chamberlain had set over Daniel, Ananias/ Misael and Asarias', and said: O prove but ten days with thy servants/ & let us have Pottage to eat, and Water to drynck: then look upon our faces, and theirs that eat of the Kings meat. And as thou sayst/ so deal with thy servants. So he consented to them in this matter/ and proved them ten days. And after the ten days, their faces were betterr liking and fatter/ then all the young spryngaldes'/ which did eat of the KINGS meat. Thus Melassar took a way their meat and wine/ and gave them pottage therefore. God gave now these four springaldes cunning and leruing in all scripture and wisdom: but unto Danyell specially/ he gave understanding of all visions and dreams. Now when the time was expired/ that the king had appointed to bring in these young springalds unto him: the chief chamberlain brought them before Nabuchodonosor/ and the king communed with them. But among them all were found none such as Daniel/ Ananias/ Misael/ and Asarias'. Therefore stood they before the king/ which in all wisdom and matters of understanding/ that he inquired of them, found them ten times better/ than all the soothsayers and charmers/ that were in all his realm. And Daniel abode still/ unto the first year of king Cyrus. CAPI. II. ¶ The dream of Nabuchodonosor. He calleth unto him soothsayers, and requireth of them both the dream ● the interpretation thereof. They answer that they cannot show it. The king commandeth all the wise men of Babylon to be slayve. Daniel requireth time to solute the question. The Lord openeth the mystery unto Danyel. Danyel is brought unto the King/ and showeth him his dream and the interpretation thereof. Of the everlasting kingdom of christ. IN THE second year of the reign of Nabuchodonosor/ had Nabuchodonosor a dream/ * job. seven. b Danie. 4. a and. v. a where thorough his Spirit was vexed/ and his sleep brake from him. Then the king commanded to call together all the soothsayers/ charmers/ wytches and Caldees/ for to show the king his dream. So they came/ and stood before the king. And the king said unto them: I have dreamt a dream, & my spirit was so troubled therewith/ that I have clean forgotten, what I dreamt. Upon this the Caldees answered the king ☞ in the Syryans' speech. O king. God save thy life for ever Show thy servants the dream/ and we shall show thee, what it meaneth. The king gave the Caldees their answer, & said: It is gone fro me: If ye will not make me understand the dream with the interpretation thereof, ye shall die, & your houses shallbe prised. But if ye tell me the dream & the meaning thereof, ye shall have of me gifts/ rewards & great honour: only, show me the dream and the signification of it. They answered again, and said: the king must show his servants the dream, and so shall we declare what it meaneth. Then the king answered, saying: I perceive of a truth, that ye do but prolong the time: for so much as ye see, that the thing is gone fro me. Therefore ye will not tell me the dream ye shall all have one judgement. But ye feign and dissemble with vain words, which ye speak before me, to put of the time. Therefore tell me the dream, & so shall I know, if ye can show me, what it meaneth. Upon this the Caldees gave answer befoe the King, and said: there is no man upon earth, that can tell the thing which the king speaketh of: ye, there is nether king prince nor Lord, that ever asked such things at a soothsayer charmer or Chaldee: for it is a very hard matter, that the king requireth. Neither is there any, that can certify the king thereof, except the gods, whose dwelling is not among the creatures. For the which cause the king was wroth with great indignation, and commanded to destroy all the wise men at Babylon: & the proclamation went forth/ that the wise men should be slain. They sought also to slay Daniel with his companions. Then Daniel inquired of Arioch the kings steward, of the judgement and sentence/ that was gone forth already to kill such as were wise at Babylon. He answered & said unto Arioch being then the kings debit: Why hath the king proclaimed so cruel a sentence So Arioch told Daniel the matter. Upon this went Daniel up/ and desired the king that he might have leisure/ to show the King the interpretation: and then came he home again and showed the thing unto Ananias, Misael and Asarias' his companions: that they should beseech the God of heaven for grace in this secret, that Daniel and his fellows with other such as were wise in Babylon, perished not. Then was the mystery showed unto Daniel in a vision by night. And Daniel praised the God of heaven. Daniel also cried loud/ & said: O that the name of God might be praised for ever and ever/ for wisdom and strength are his own: * Dan. seven. d Luke. ●. c. job. 34. e. jere. 27. a. Dani. iiii. c he changeth the times & ages: ‡ job xxxii b he putteth down kings/ he setteth up kings: * 1 Timo. ●. c he giveth wisdom unto the wise, & understanding/ to those that understand, he openeth the deep secrets: he knoweth the thing that lieth in darcnesse ‡ 1. john. ●. ●. for the light dwelleth with him. I thank thee, and praise thee (O thou God of my fathers) that thou haste lente me wisdom and strength, and hast showed me the thing that we desired of thee, for thou hast opened the kings matter unto me. Upon this went Daniel in unto Arioch, whom the king had ordained to destroy the wise at Babylon: he went unto him, & said, destroy not such as are wise in Babylon, but bring me in unto the king, & I shall show the king, the interpretation. Then Arioch brought Daniel into the king in all the haste, and said unto him: I have found a man among the presoners of juda that shall show the king the interpretation. Then answered the king, and said unto Daniel, whose name was Balthasar/ Arte thou he, that canst show me the dream/ which I have seen, and the interpretation thereof? Daniel answered the king to his face, and said. As for this secret/ for the which the king maketh inquisition, it is neither the wise, the sorcerer, the charmer nor the devil conjuror, that can certify the king of it. * Mat. xi. 8. Only God in heaven can open secrets, and he it is, that showeth the king Nabuchodonosor what is for to come in the latter days. Thy dream, and that which thou hast seen in thine head upon thy bed, is this: O king thou didst cast in thy mind, what should come hereafter: So he that is the opener of mysteries, telleth thee, what is for to come. As for me, this secret is not showed me, for any wisdom that I have, more than any other living: but only that I might show the king the interpretation, & that he might know the thoughts of his own heart. Thou king sawest, and behold: there stood before the a great Image whose figure was marvelous great, and his visage grim. The Image head was of fine gold, his breast & arms of silver, his body and loins were of copper, his legs were of iron/ his feet were part of iron/ and part of earth. * Mat xxi. c. Luke. xx. b. This thou sawest till the time that (without any hands) there was hewn of a stone which smote the Image upon the feet that were both of iron & earth, and broke them to powder: then was the iron/ the earth the copper/ the silver/ and gold/ broken all together in pieces/ and became like the chaff of corn/ that the wind bloweth away from the summer floors/ that they can no more be found. But the stone that smote the image became a great mountain/ which fulfilleth the whole earth. This is the dream And now will we show before the king: what it meaneth. * Dani. v. d O King/ thou art a king of Kings: For the God of heaven hath given the a kingdom/ riches, strength: and majesty/ and hath delivered the all things/ that are among the children of men: the beasts of the field/ and the fowls under the Heaven/ and given the dominion over them all▪ Thou art that golden head. After the there shall arise an other kingdom, which shall be less than thine. The third kingdom shall be like copper/ and have domination in all lands. The fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron. For like as iron broseth and breaketh all things. Ye, even as iron baeteth every thing down so shall it beat down and destroy. Where as thou sawest the feet and toes part of earth and part of iron: that is a divided kingdom, which nevertheless shall have some of the iron ground mixed with it, for so moche as thou haste seen the iron mixed with the clay. The toes of the feet that were part of iron: and part of clay/ signifieth that it shall be a Kingdom partly strong/ and partly weak. And where as thou sawest iron mixed with clay: they shall mingle themselves with the seed of simple people/ and yet not continue one with an other like as iron will not be soldered with a pot shared. In the days of these Kings, shall the God of heaven set up an * Isaiah. ix b everlasting kingdom which shall not perish, and his king doom shall not be given over to an other people: ye, the same shall break and destroy all these kingdoms/ but it shall endure forever. And where as thou sawest, that without any hands there was cut out of the * Hebr. xii ● mount * Mat. xxi. c a stone/ which broke the iron, the copper the earth/ the silver, and gold in pieces: by that hath the great God showed the king what will come after this. This is a true dream, & the interpretation of it is sure. Then the king Nabuchodonosor * Act. xilll. ●. fell down upon his face, and bowed himself unto Danyell/ and commanded that they should offer meatoffrynges and sweet odours unto him. The king answered Daniel. and said: ye/ of a truth your God is a God above all gods/ a Lord above all kings/ and an opener of secrets: saying thou canst discover this mystery. So the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many and great gifts. Gene. 4▪ ● He made him ruler of all the countries of Babylon, and lord of all the nobles, that were at Babylon. Now Danyel entreated the king for Sidrach, Mysach and Abednago/ so that he made them rulers over all the officers in the land of Babylon: But Danyel himself remained still in the court by the King. ¶ The king setteth up a golden Image, which he commandeth to be worshipped. Sydrach, Mysach, and Abednago are accused, because they despised the kings commandment They are brought unto the king and commanded to worship the image. They refuse to do it and are put into a burning oven. By belief in God they are delivered from the fire. Nabuchodonosor confesseth the power of God after the sight of the miracle. CAPI. III. NAbuchodonosor the King caused a golden Image to be made: which was lx. cubytes high/ and six cubits thick. This he made to be set up in the field of Dura in the land of Babylon and sent out together together the Dukes, Lords and nobles, the judges and officers/ the debits and shreves, with all the rulers of the land that they might come to the dedication of the Image which Nabuchodonosor the King had set up. So the Duke's/ lords and nobles/ the judges and officers/ debytes and shreves with all the rulers of the land gathered them together, and came unto the dedycating of the Image, that Nabuchodonosor the King had set up. Now when they stood before the Image, which Nabuchodonoror set up, the bedil cried out with all his might: O ye people, kindreds and tongues, to you be it said: that when ye hear the noise of the trumpets/ which shallbe blown/ with the haps/ shawms/ Psalteries, Symphonyes' and all manner of Music: ye fall down and worship the golden Image, that Nabuchodonosor the king hath set up. Whose then falleth not down and boweth himself/ shall even the same hour be cast into an hot burning oven. Therefore, when all the folk heard the noise of the trumpets that were blown, with the haps/ shawms/ Psalteryes/ Symphomes & all kind of Melody/ them all the people kynreddes & nations fell down, & bowed themselves unto the golden Image/ that Nabuchodonosor the king had set up. Now were there certain men of the Caldees / that went even then and accused the jews/ & said unto the king Nabuchodonosor: O king, god save thy life for ever. Thou being king hast given a commandment/ that all men when they hear the noise of the trumpets, haps/ shawms/ psalteryes/ symphonyes' and all the other melodies: shall fall down and bow themselves toward the golden Image: whoso then fell not down and worshipped not/ that he should be cast into an hot burning oven. Now are there certain jews/ * Davi. two. g. whom thou haste set over the offices of the land of Babylon: namely/ Sydrache/ Mysache and Abednago. These men (O King) regard not thy commandment/ ye/ they will not serve thy god's/ nor bow themselves to the golden Image that thou haste set up. Then Nabuchodonosor in a cruel wrath and displeasure, commanded, that Sidrach Misach and Abednago should be brought unto him. So these men were brought before the king. Then Nabuchodonosor spoke unto them/ and said: what? O Sydrach Mysache and Abednago/ will not ye serve my gods? nor bow yourselves to the golden Image, that I have set up: well, be ready hereafter when ye hear the noise of the trumpets blow with the haps/ shawms/ psalteries, symphonyes & all the other melodies: that ye fall down, & worship the Image which I have made. But if ye worship it not, ye shall be cast immediately into an hot burning oven. Let se/ what God is there, that may deliver you out of my hands? Sidrach, Misach and Abednago answered the king, and said: O Nabuchodonosor we ought not to consent unto the in this matter/ for why? our God whom we serve/ * Num. 16. g is able to keep us from the hot burning oven (O King) and can right well deliver us out of thy hands. And though he will not/ yet shalt thou know (O King) that we will not serve thy gods, nor do reverence to the Image/ which thou haste set up. Then was Nabuchodonosor full of indignation, so that the countenance of his face changed upon Sidrach, Misach, and Abednago. Therefore he charged and commanded, that the oven should be made seven times hotter, than it wâs wont to be: & spoke unto the strongest worthies that were in his host, for to bind Sidrach, Misach and Abednago, & to cast them into the hot burning oven. So these men were bound in their coats hosen/ shues' with their other garments/ and cast into the hot burning oven: for the kings commandment was so straight, and the oven was exceeding hot. As for the men that put in Sidrach/ Misach and Abednago/ the flame of the fire destroyed them. And these three men Sidrach Misach and Abednago fell down in the hot burning oven, being fast bound. Then Nabuchodonosor the king marveled and stood up in all haste: he spoke unto his council and said: did not ye cast these three men bound into the fire? They answered/ and said unto the king: Ye/ O king. He answered and said: lo for all that/ yet do I see four men going low●e in the midst of the fire/ and nothing corrupt: and the fourth is ☞ like an angel to look upon. Upon this went Nabuchodonosor unto the mouth of the hot burning oven: he spoke also and said: O Sidrache/ Misache and Abednago/ ye servants of the high God: go forth, and come hither. And so Sidrach, Misache and Abednago went out of the fire. Then the duke's Lords, and nobles/ and the kings council came together to see these men, ‡ Esa. xliii. a upon whom the fire had no manner of power in their bodies: In so much that the very hear of their head was not burnt, and their clothes unchanged: Ye/ there was no smell of fire felt upon them. Then spoke Nabuchodonosor, and said: Blessed be the God of Sidrach, Misach & Abednago: * Psal. 34. a. Dani. vi. d. Acts. xii. f. which hath sent his Angel/ and defended his servants, that put their trust in him: that altered the kings commandment, and jeopardy their bodies thereupon: rather than they would serve or worship any other God, except their own God only. Therefore I will and command, that all people, kindreds and tongues/ which speak any blasphemy against the God of Sidrach, Misach & Abednago shall die, and their houses shall be praised: Because, * Esai. 44 ● Ose. xiii. ●. there is no God that may save, as this. So the king promoted Sydrach, Mysache/ and Abdenago/ in the land of Babylon. CAPI. four ¶ Nabuchodonosor dreameth again. Daniel interpreteth it. Nabuchodonosor is put out of his realm, and eateth with beasts. He confesseth the power of God, and is restored into his kingdom. N * Dani. vi. c Abuchodonosor King unto all people, kindreds and tongues that dwell upon the whole earth: peace be multiplied among you. I thought it good to show the tokens and marvelous works/ that the buy God hath wrought upon me. O/ how great are his tokens/ and how mighty are his wonders? * Psal. xiv. b Dam. seven. ● Luke. ●. c. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his power lasteth for ever and ever. I Nabuchodonosor being at rest in mine house, and flourishing in my palace/ saw a dream/ which made me afraid: and the thoughts that I had upon my bed, with the visions of mine head/ troubled me. * Dani. two. a. Then sent I out a commission/ that all they which were of wisdom at Babylon should be brought before me, to tell me the interpretation of the dream. So there came the soothsayers/ charmers/ Caldees and conjurers of devils: to whom I told the dream but what it betokened/ they could not show me: till at the last/ there came one Daniel) otherwise called Balthasar/ according to the name of my God) which hath the spirit of the holy god's/ in him: to whom I told the dream, saying: O Balthasar/ thou prince of soothsayers: For so much as I know, that thou hast the sprite of the holy Gods and no secret is hid from thee: tell me therefore, what the vision of my dream) that I have seen) may signify. I saw a vision in my head upon my bed: and behold/ there stood a tre upon the ground which was very high/ great and mighty/ the heyghthe reached unto the heaven/ and the bredthe extended to all the ends of the earth: his leaves were fair/ he had very much fruit, so that every man had enough to eat therein. The beasts of the field had shadows under it, and the fowls of the air dwelled in the bows thereof. Shortly/ all creatures fed of it. I saw in my head a vision upon my bed & behold/ a watcher came down from heaven, & cried mightily, saying. Hew down the ire, break of his branches/ shake of his leaves/ and scatre his fruit abroad: that all the beasts may get them away from under him, and the fowls from his branches. Nevertheless, leave the ground of his rote still in the earth, and bind him upon the plain field, with chains of iron and steel. With the dew of heaven shall he be wet, & he shall have his part in the herbs of the ground with other wild beasts. That man's heart of his shall be taken from him, and a beasts heart shall be given him till seven year be come & gone upon him. This erande of the watcher, is a commandment grounded and sought out in the council of him/ that is most holy: to learn men for to understand, that the highest hath power over the kyndomes of men/ and giveth them, to whom it liketh him, and bringeth the very out casts of men over them. this is the dream, that I King Nabuchodonosor have seen. Therefore O Balthasar/ tell thou me what it signifieth: for so much as all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to show me/ what it meaneth. But thou canst do it/ for the sprite of the holy Gods is in the. Then Daniel (whose name was Balthasar) held his peace by the space of an hour and his thoughts troubled him. So the king spoke, & said: O Balthasar, let neither the dream nor the interpretation thereof fear y●. Balthazar, answered saying: O my Lord, this dream hap to thine enemies, & the interpretation to thine adversaries. As for the tre that thou sawest which was so great & mighty/ whose height reached unto the heaven, and his breadth into all the world: whose leaves were fair & the fruit much: under the which the beasts of the field had their habitation, and upon whose branches the fowls of the air did sit. Even thou (O king) art the tre/ great & strong. Thy greatness increaseth, and reacheth unto the heaven so doth thy power to the ends of the earth. But where as the king saw a watcher even an holy angel, that came down from heaven: and said: hew down the tre/ and destroy it: yet leave the ground of the rote in the earth: and bind him upon the plain field with chains of iron and steel: He shall be wet with the dew of heaven, and his part shall be with the beasts of the field/ till seven years become and gone upon him: This (O king) is the interpretation, ye, it is the very device of him, that is highest of all, and it toucheth my Lord the king. Thou shalt be cast out from men/ and thy dwelling shallbe with the beasts of the field: with grass shalt thou be fed like an ox. Thou must be wet with the dew of the heaven: ye, seven years shall come, & go upon thee, till thou know, * Daniel. 〈◊〉 jere. ●7. ● that the highest hath power upon the kingdoms of men, & giveth them to whom he list. Moreover, where as it was said, that the rote of the tree should be left still in the ground: it betokeneth, that thy kingdom shall remain whole unto thee, after thou hast learned to know, that the power cometh from heaven. Wherefore, O king, be content with my council, that thou mayest louse thy sins with righteousness, * Eccles. 19 b and thine offences with mercy to poor people: for such things shall prolong thy peace. All these things touch the King Nabuchodonosor. So after. xij. months, the king walked up & down in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon, and said: This is the great city of Babylon, which I myself (which my power & strength) have made a kings court, for the honour of my majesty. While these words were yet in the kings mouth, there fell a voice from heaven, saying: O king Nabuchodonosor, to that be it spoken: Thy kingdom shall depart from thee, thou shalt be cast out of men's company: thy dwelling shallbe with the beasts of the field, so that thou shalt eat grass like as an ox, till seven years be come & gone over thee: even until thou knowest/ that the highest hath power upon the kingdoms of men, & that he may give them, unto whom it pleaseth him. The very same hour was this matter fulfilled upon Nabuchodonosor: so that he was cast out of men's company, & did eat grass like an ox. His body was wet with the dew of heaven, till his hearres were as great as eagle's feathers, & his nails like birds claws. When this time was past, I Nabuchodonosor life up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding was restored unto me again. Then gave I thanks unto the highest. I magnified and praised him that liveth for evermore, * Dani. iii. ●. whose power endureth always, and his kingdom from one generation to another: in comparison of whom all they that dwell upon the earth/ are to be reputed as nothing. * Psal. 135. a He handleth according to his will among the powers of heaven and among the inhabitors of the earth: & there is none that may resist his hand/ or say: what dost y●? * Io●. xlii. b. At that same time was mine understanding given me again, and I was restored to the honour of my kingdom, to my dignity/ & to mine own shape again. My great estates and Princes sought unto me: and I was set in my kingdom again/ so that I had yet greater worship. Then did I Nabuchodonosor, love/ magnify and praise the king of heaven: for all his works are true/ and his ways right. As for those that go on proudly, he is able to bring them down. ¶ Balthasar King of Babylon, abusing the vessels of the Temple, saith an hand writing in the wall. The sooth sayers called of the King, can not expound the writing. Daniel is called, which readeth it, and interpreteth it also. Balthasar being slain, Darius succeedeth in his room. CAPI. V KING Balthasar made a great Banquet to his thousand Lords: with all these thousand he made great cheer/ and when he was drunken with wine, he commanded to bring him the golden & silver vessels * 2 Par. 36. ● which his father Nabuchodonosor had taken out of the temple at jerusalem: that the king and his Lords with his queen & concubines might drink thereout. So they brought the golden vessel, that was taken out of the temple of the lords house at Jerusalem. Then the King and his Lords with his queen & concubines drunk out of them. They drunk wine, and praised their Idols of gold, silver/ copper, iron wood and stone. In the very same hour there appeared fingers/ as it had been of a man's hand writing, right over against the candlestick upon the plain wall in the kings palace: & the king saw the palm of the hand th●● wrote. * 〈…〉 Then changed the king his countenance/ and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his body shaken/ and his knees smote one against the other. Wherefore 〈…〉 the King cried mightily/ that they should bring him the Charmers/ Caldees and Conjurers of devils. The King spoke also to the wise men of Babylon, and said: Who so can read this writing/ and show me the plain meaning thereof: shallbe clothed with purple, have a chain of gold about his neck/ and rule the third part of my kingdom. Upon this/ came all the kings wise men: but they could neither read the writing/ nor show the king what it signified. Then was the king sore afraid, in so much, that his colour changed/ & his Lords were sore vexed So by reason of this matter, that had happened to the king and his Lords, the Queen went up herself into the banquet house/ and spoke unto the king, saying: O King/ God save thy life for ever: Let not thy thoughts trouble the and let not thy countenance be changed. For why? there is a man in thy kingdom, that hath the spirit of the holy gods within him, * Daniel. 2 a as it was seen in thy father's days. He hath understanding & wisdom like the god. Ye the king Nabuchodonosor thy father made this man chief of the soothsayers/ charmers, Caldees and devil conjurers: because that such an abundant spirit, knowledge & wisdom (to expound dreams, to open secrets, & to declare hard dowtes) was found in him: ye, even in Daniel, whom the king named Balthasar. Let this same Daniel be sent for/ and he shall tell what it meaneth. Then was Daniel brought before the king. So the king spoke unto Daniel, and said: Art thou that Daniel/ one of the prisoners of juda, whom my father the King brought out of jewry? I have herd speak of thee/ that thou hast the spirit of the holy gods, experience and understanding, and that there hath been great wisdom found in y●. Now have there been brought me, wise & cunning charmers/ to read this writing and to show me the meaning thereof: But they could not tell me/ what this matter signified. Then heard I say, that thou canst expound dark things, and declare hard doubts. Well than/ if thou canst read this writing, and show me the meaning there of: thou shalt be clothed with purple, have a chain of gold about thy neck/ and rule the third part of my kingdom. Daniel answered, & said before the king: * 4 Reg. v. d Math. x. a As for thy rewards, keep them to thyself, or give thy rich gifts to another: yet not the lesse, I will read the writing unto the king/ and show him the interpretation thereof. * Daniel. 2. c O king, God the highest gave unto Nabuchodonosor thy father, the dignity of a King/ with worship & honour: so that all people kindreds & tongues stood in awe, & fear of him, by reason of the high estate, that he had lent him. For why/ he slew whom he would, he smote, whom it pleased him. Again: whom he would, he set up: and whom he list, he put down. * Dani. 4. d. But because his heart was so proud and his stomach set so fast unto wilfulness: he was deposed from his kingly throne/ and his majesty was taken from him. He was shut out from among men, his heart was like a beasts heart, and his dwelling was with the wild Asses: he was fain to eat grass like an ox/ and his body was wet with the dew of the heaven: till he knew, that the highest God had power upon the kingdoms of men and setteth over them, whom he list. And thou his son (O Balthasar) for all this, hast not submitted thine heart, though thou knewest all these things: but hast magnified thyself above the Lord of heaven/ so that the vessels of his house were brought before thee: that thou, & thy Lords with thy queen and concubines, might drink wine thereout: And hast praised the Idols of silver and gold, copper and iron, of wood and stone which neither see, hear nor understand: As for the God * Acts. 17. ● in whose hand consisteth the breadth and all thy ways: thou haste not loved him. Therefore is the palm of this hand sent hither from him, to token up this writing. And this is the scripture, that is written up: Mane, Thetel, Phares. Now the interpretation of the thing is this: Mane, God hath numbered the kingdom, and brought it to an end: Thetell, thou art weighed in the balance, and art found to light: Phares/ thy kingdom is dealt in parts, and given to the Medes and Perses. Then commanded Balthasar, to cloth Daniel with purple, to hang a chain of gold about his neck, and to make a proclamation concerning him: that he should be the ruler of the third part of his kingdom: * Esay. 47. ● The very same night was Balthasar the king of the Caldees stain/ and * Dani. ix. ●. Darius out of Media took in the kingdom, being, lxij. year of age. ¶ Daniel is made ruler over the Lords. The imagination of an art against Daniel. The proclamation of the art, whereof Daniel is accused unto the king as a transgressor He is put into a den of Lions by the commandment of the king. He is delivered by faith in god. daniel's accusers are put unto the Lions to be corn insunder. Darius by the proclamation of a decree, magnifieth the God of Daniel. CAPI. VI IT pleased Darius so set over his kingdom an. C. &. xx. Lords, which should be in all his kingdom about. Above these he set three Princes (of whom Daniel was one) the the Lords might give accounts unto them & the king to be undiseased. But Daniel exceeded all these Princes & lords, for the spirit of God was plenteous in him: so that the king was minded to set him over the whole realm. Wherefore the Princes and Lords sought, to pick out in Daniel some quarrel against the kingdom yet could they find none occasion nor fault upon him. For why? he was so faithful, that there was no blame nor dyshonesty found in him. Then said these men: we can get no quarrel against this Daniel, except it be in the law of his God. Upon this went the Princes and Lords together unto the king, & said thus unto him: king Darius/ God save thy life forever. All the great estatis of the realm as the Princes, Dukes, Senators & judges, are determined to put out a commandment of the king, and to make a sure statute: namely, that who so desireth any petition, either of any God or man (within this. thirty. days) except it be only of thee, O king: the same person may be cast into the lions den. Wherefore, O king, confirm thou this statute/ and make a writing: that the thing which the Medes and Perses have ordained be not altered nor broken. So Darius made the writing, and confirmed it. Now when Daniel understood that the writing was made/ he went into his house: and the windows of his wall toward jerusalem stood open. There kneeled he down upon his knees, three times a day: there he made his petition/ and praised his God/ like as his manner was to do afore tyme. Then these men made search/ & found Daniel making his petition, & praying unto his God. So they came to the king, & spoke before him concerning his commandment/ saying: O king/ hast thou not subscribed the statute/ that within. thirty. days who so requireth his petition of any God or man but only of thyself/ O king: he shallbe cast into the den of the Lions? The king an sweared. & said: ye/ it is true. It must be as a law of the Medes and Perses, that may not be broken. Then answered they, and said unto the king: Daniel one of the prisoners of juda O king/ regardeth nether the nor thy statute, that thou haste made, but maketh his petition three times a day. When the king heard these words/ he was sore grieved/ and would have excused Daniel/ to deliver him, & put of the matter/ unto the Sun went down/ to the intent that he might save him. These men perceiving the kings mind said unto him: know this (O king) that the law of the Medes and Perses is/ that the commandment & statute which the king maketh/ may not be altered. ‡ ●●●. ●. Then the king bade them bring Daniel/ and they cast him into the lions den. The king also spoke unto Daniel, and said: thy God, whom thou alway servest/ even he shall defendeth. And there was brought a stone, and laid upon the hole of the den: this the king sealed with his own ring/ & with the signet of his princes, that the kings commandment concerning Daniel/ should not be broken, So the king went into his palace/ and kept him sober all night/ so that there was no table spread before him, neither could he take any sleep. But by times in the morning at the break of the day/ the king arose/ and went in all haste unto the den of the Lions. Now as he came nigh unto the den, he cried with a piteous voice unto Daniel, ye the king spoke/ and said unto Daniel: O Daniel/ thou servant of the living God/ is not thy God (whom thou alway servest) able to deliver the from the lions? Daniel said unto the king. O King/ God save thy life forever. * Daniel. 3. ● My God hath sent his angel, ‡ Acts. 〈◊〉. c judic. 14. c 1. Reg 17. e Hebre. xi f. which hath shut the lions mouths so that they might not hurt me. For why? mine unguiltiness is found out before him. And as for y●, O king, I never offended y●. Then was the king exceeding glad & commanded to take Daniel out of the den So Daniel was brought out of the den▪ & no manner of hurt was found upon him. For he put his trust in his God. And as for those men which had accused Daniel, the king commanded to bring them, & to cast them in the lions den, them, their children & their wives. So the lions had the mastery Dani. 14. a. of them, and broke all their bones asunder/ or ever they came at the ground. * Daniel. 3. ● After this/ wrote king Darius unto all people/ kynceddes'/ and tongues, that dwelled in all lands: peace be multiplied with you: My commandment is/ in all my dominion & kingdom, that men fear & stand in awe of daniel's God. * Dani. 14. ●. For he is the living God, which abideth ever: his kingdom shall not fail, and his power is everlasting. ‡ Esay. 14. ● Oser. xiii. ● Daniel. 3. ●. It is he that delivereth, and saveth: he doth wonders and marvelous works, in heaven and earth: he hath preserved Daniel from the power of the Lions. This Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and Cirus of Persia. ¶ A vision of. iiii. beasts is showed unto Daniel. The vision is interpreted of. iiii. kingdoms of the world. Of the power and increase of antichrist. Of the everlasting kingdom of christ. CAPI. VII. IN the first year of Balthasar King of Babylon/ saw Danyell a dream/ and a vision was in his head upon his bed. Which dream he wrote/ and the some of the matter is this Daniel spoke/ and said: I saw in my vision by night/ and behold: the four winds of the heaven strove upon the see/ and four great beasts came up from the see one unlike another. The first was as * jere. 4. a. b Ezech. 1. b. and. x. b. a lion, and yet had he * Ezech. 17. a eagle's wings. I saw, that his wings were plucte from him, and he taken away from the earth: that he stood upon his feet as a man, and that there was given him a man's heart. Behold, the second beast was like a * Prou. 28. c. bear & stood upon the one side. Among his teeth in his mouth he had. iij. great long teeth/ & it was said unto him. Arise, eat up much flesh. Then I looked, and behold, there was another like unto a leopard: this had wings as a foul, * Daniel. 8. b &. xi. a 1. Mat. 1. a. even four upon the back. This beast had four heads, and there was power given him. After this I saw in a vision by night, and behold/ the fourth beast was grim and horrible/ and marvelous strong. It had great iron teeth, it devoured and destroyed, & stamped the residue under his feet. It was far unlike the other beasts that were before it: for it had * Apoda ●3. a c ten horns/ whereof I took good heed. And behold, there came up among them, another like horn, before whom there were three of the first horns pluck away. Behold, this horn had eyes like a man, and a mouth speaking presumptuous things. * ●pe●a. ●. ●. 〈…〉. ●. xx. b Daniel. x. a I looked till the seats were prepared, and till thou old aged sat him down. His clothing was as white as snow, and the hearres of his head like the pure will. His throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as the burning fire. There drew forth a fiery stream, & went out from him. * ●poca. v. b A thousand times a thousand served him. x. M. times ten thousand stood before him. The judgement was set/ and the books opened. Then took I heed there unto, because of the voice of the proud worde●, which the horn spoke I beheld/ till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, ‡ Math. 25. d Apoca. 19 d xx. c. & given over to be brent in the fire. As for the power of the other beasts also it was taken away/ but their lives were prolonged for a time and season. I saw in a vision by night, and behold, * Mat. xiii. ● Acts. i b Apo●a▪ i. a there came one in the clouds of heaven like the son of a man, which went unto the old aged/ before whom they brought him: Then gave he him ‡ Phillip. 2. a power & dignity regal, that all people tribes and tongues should serve him. ‡ Math. 28 c john. xii. d His power is an everlasting power, which shall never be put down: & his kingdom endureth uncorrupt. My heart was vexed, * Dani. 14. f & I Daniel had a troubled spirit within me, & the visions of my head made me afraid: till I got me unto ‡ Devit. ix. ● one of them that stood by, to know the truth, concerning all these things. So he told me, & made me understand the interpretation of these things. These four great beasts/ are four kings which shall arise out of the earth. These shall take in the kingdom of the saintis of the most highest/ and possess it still more & more for a long season. After this I required diligently to know the truth, concerning the fourth beast, which was so far unlike the other beasts, & so horrible: whose teeth were of iron/ and his nails of brass: which devoured and destroyed, & stamped the residue under his feet. I desire also to know the truth/ as touching the ‡ Apoca. 13. 13 ●. xvii. ●. ten horns that he had upon his head, & this other which came up afterward/ before whose face there fell down three: which horn had eyes and mouth that spoke presumptuous things/ and looked with a grymmer visage then his fellows. I beheld, & the same horn made battle against the saints, ye and got the victory of them: until the time that the old aged came/ that the judgement was given to the chiefest saints: and till the time that the saints had the kingdom in possession. He gave me this answer: That fourth beast shallbe the fourth kingdom upon earth it shallbe more than all other kingdoms, it shall devour/ tread down, and destroy all other lands. * zacha. i. c The ten horns/ are ten kings, the shall arise out of the kingdom, after whom there shall stand up another, which shallbe greater than the first. He shall subdue three kings, and shall speak words against the highest of all: he shall destroy the Saints of the most highest, ‡ Daniel. ●. ● and think that he may change times and laws. They shallbe given under his power/ ‡ Apoca. xii. ● until a time/ two times, and half a tyme. But the judgement shallbe kept/ so that his power shallbe taken from him, for he shall be destroyed/ and perish at the last. As for the kingdom/ power/ and all might that is under the heaven: it shallbe given to the holy people of the most highest, ‡ Luke. i. c Dani. 14. ● whose kingdom is everlasting: ye● all powers shall serve & obey him. Thus far extend the words. Nevertheless, I Danyel was so vexed in my thoughts/ that my countenance changed * Luke two ● but the words I kept still in my heart. ¶ A vision of a steyfe between a ra 〈…〉 e and an he goat. The understanding of the vision is of the battle between the king of Persia and the king of the Ere●yms. Of the shameless king Antichrist. CAPI. VIII. IN the third year of the reign of king Balthasar, there appeared a vision unto me Daniel, after that I had seen the * Dan. seven. a. first. I saw in a vision (& when I saw it, I was at Susis in the chief city, which lieth in the land of * jere. xlix. f. Ezech. 32. d Elam) and in the vision/ me thought I was by the river of Ulai. Then I looked up/ and saw: and behold there stood before the river, a ram, which had horns: and these horns were high/ but one was higher than another, & the highest came up last. I saw that this ram pushed with his horns against the west, against the north, and against the south: so that no beasts might stand before him, nor defend them from his power: but he did as him listed, and waxed greatly. I took heed unto this, and then came there an he goat from the west over the whole earth, and touched nat the ground. The goat had a marvelous goodly horn betwixt his eyes, & came unto the ram, that had the two horns (whom I had seen afore by thy river side) and ran fiercely upon him with his might. I saw him drawenye unto the ram, being very fierce upon him: ye, he gave him such a stroke, that he broke is two horns: Neither had the ramme so much strength as to stand before him: but he cast him down, croade him under his feet: & no man was able to deliver the ramme out of his power. The goat waxed exceeding great/ and when he was at the strongest, his great horn was broken also. * Dan. seven. a. 〈◊〉. a. ●ath. i. ●. Then grew there other four such like in the stead, toward the. iiij. winds of the heaven. Ye, out of one of the least of these horns, there came up yet another horn/ which waxed marvelous great: toward the south/ toward the east, and toward the fair pleasant land. It grew up to the host of heaven, whereof it did cast some down to the ground, and of the stars also/ and trod them under feet. Ye, it grew up unto the prince of the host, from whom the daylyeofferinge was taken, & the place of his Sanctuary casten down. And a certain season was given unto it, against the daylyeoffering (because of wickedness) that it might cast down the verity to the ground/ and so to prosper in all things, that it went about, Upon this I heard one of the saints speaking, which saint said unto one that asked this question. How long shall this vision of the daily sacrifice and of the wasting abomination endure: that the Sanctuary and the power shall so be trodden under foot? And he answered him: Unto the evening and the morning, even two thousand & three hundredth days: then shall the Sanctuary be cleansed again. Now when I Daniel had seen this vision, & sought for the understanding of it: behold, there stood before me a thing like unto a man. And I hard a man's voice in the river of Ulay, which cried, and said: O Gabriel, make this man understand the vision. So he came, & stood by me. But I was afraid at his coming, & fell down upon my face. Then said he unto me/ O thou son of man/ mark well/ for in the last time shall this vision be fulfilled. Now as he was speaking unto me I waxed faint, so that I sunk down to the ground. But he took hold upon me, and set me up again, saying: Behold, I will show thee/ what shall happen in the last wrath: for in the time appointed it shallbe fulfilled. The ram which thou sawest with the two horns/ is the king of the Medes and Perses: but the goat is the king of Greek land: the great horn that stood betwixt his eyes/ that is the principal king. But where as it broke, and four other rose up in the stead: it signifieth/ that out of this people shall stand up * i Mat. i. a. four kingdoms/ but not so mighty as it. After these kingdoms (while ungodliness is a growing) there shall arise a king of an unshamefast face/ which shallbe wise in dark speakings. He shallbe mighty and strong/ but nat in his own strength. He shall destroy above measure/ and all that he goeth about shall prosper: he shall slay the strong and holy people. And thorough his craftiness/ falsehood shall prosper in his hand, his heart shallbe proud, and many one shall he put to death in his wealthiness. He shall stand up against the Prince of Princes, * 2. Mat. 9 c 2. Thes. 2. b but he shallbe destroyed without hand. And this vision that is showed unto thee, is as sure as the evening and the morning. * Esa. viii. d Therefore write thou upon this sight, for it willbe ●onge or it come to pass. Upon this was I Daniel very faint, so that I lay sick certain days: but when I rose up, I went about the kings business, and marveled at the vision, nevertheless no man knew of it. ¶ Daniel desireth to have that performed of God which he had promised concerning the retourue of the people from their bannysh: meant in Babylon A true confession. daniel's prayer is heard. Gabriel the angel expoundeth unto him the vision of the lxx. weaks. The anoyntyuge of christ The building again of Jerusalem under Nehemiah. The death of christ. CAPI. IX. IN the first year of Darius the son of Ahalures, * Danie. v. t. which was of the seed of the Medes, & was made king over the realm of the Caldees: ye, even in the first year of his reign, I Daniel desired to know the yearly number out of the books/ whereof the Lord spoke unto * Ac●t. xxv. b. and. xxix. b. jeremy the Prophet: that Jerusalem should lie waist. lxx. years: & I turned me unto God the Lord, for to pray and make mine intercession, with fasting, sack cloth & ashes, I prayed before the Lord my God, and knowledged, saying. * two Esdr. i a. and. ix. c. O Lord, thou great and fearful God, thou that keepest covenant and mercy with them, which love thee/ and do thy commandments. Baruc. i. d We have sinned/ we have offended/ we have been disobedient and gone back: ye, we have departed from all thy precepts and judgements. We would never follow thy servants the Prophets/ that spoke in thy name to our kings and princes, to our forefathers, and to all the people of the land. * ●●eno. i. d O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee/ unto us pertaineth nothing but open shame: as it is come to pass this day unto every man of juda/ and to them that dwell at jerusalem. Ye, unto all Israel/ whether they be far or nigh: thorough out all lands: wherein thou haste strewed them/ because of the offences/ that they had done against the. Ye/ O Lord, unto us, to our kings and princes/ to our forefathers: even to us all * Psal. cvi a that have offended thee, belongeth open shame. But unto thee/ O Lord our God/ pertaineth mercy and forgiveness. As for us/ we are gone back from him/ and have nat obeyed the voice of the Lord our God/ to walk in his laws, * 2. Petri. i d. zacha. seven. b which he laid before us by his servants the Prophets: ye, all Israel have transgressed/ and gone back from my law/ so that they have nat hearkened unto thy voice. Wherefore/ the curse and oath * Deut. xxvii xxviii. Levi. xxvi. that is written in the law of Moses the servant of God/ and (against whom we have offended) is poured upon us. * Baruc. two. a And he hath performed his words, which he spoke against us/ and against our judges that judged us: to bring upon us such a great plague, as never was under heaven, like as it is now come to pass in Jerusalem. Ye, all this plague/ as it is written in the law of Moses/ is come upon us. Yet made we nat our prayer before the Lord our God, that we might turn again from our wickedness/ & to be learned in thy verity. Therefore hath the lord made haste/ to bring this plague upon us, for the Lord our God is righteous/ in all his works which he doth: for why? we would not hearken unto his voice. * Baruc. two. ● And now/ O Lord our God ‡ Exo. 12 〈◊〉. and. xiiii. ● thou that with a mighty hand hast brought thy people out of Egypt/ to get thyself a name which remaineth this day: we have sinned O Lord/ & done wickedly against all thy righteousness: yet let thy wrathful displeasure be turned away (I beseech thee) from thy city jerusalem thy holy hill. And why? for our sins sake, & for the wyekednesse of our forefathers, is jerusalem & thy people abhorred of all them that are about us. Now therefore, O our God/ hear the prayer of thy servant/ & his intercession. O let thy face shine over thy Sanctuary, that lieth waste. O my God/ incline thine ear/ and hearken (at the least for thine own sake) open thine eyes: behold how we be desolated/ ye/ and the city also/ which is called after thy name: for we do nat cast our prayers before the in our own righteousness, no: but only in thy great mercies. O Lord/ hear: O forgive Lord, O Lord consider, tarry nat over long: but for thine own sake do it. O my God: for thy city and thy people is called after thy name. As I was yet speaking at my prayers. knowledging mine own sins/ and the sins/ of my people Israel/ making so mine intercession before the Lord my God/ for the holy hills sake of my God: ye/ while I was yet speaking in my prayer/ behold the man Gabriel: ( * Dani. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. viii. ● whom I had seen afort in the vision) came flying to me/ & touched me about the offering time in the evening. He informed me/ & spoke unto me: O Danyel said he/ I am now come to make the understand it. For as soon as thou begannest to make thy prayer/ it was so devised, & therefore am I come to show the. And why? * 〈◊〉 For thou art a man greatly beloved. Wherefore/ pondre the matter well/ that thou mayest learn/ to understand the vision. Lxx. weeks are determined over thy people, and over thy holy city: that the wickedness may be consumed, that the sin may have an end, that the offence may be reconcyleo, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, to fulfil the visions and the Prophets/ & to anoint the most holy one. understand this then, and mark it well: that from the time it shallbe concluded * ●. pat. 36. d. 1. Esdr. i. a. to go & repair jerusalem again/ unto christ (or the anointed) prince: there shallbe seven weeks: Then shall the streets and walls be builded again. lxij. weeks, but with hard troublous tyme. After these. lxij. weeks, shall Chryst be slain, and they shall have no pleasure in him. Then shall there come a people with the Prince, and destroy the city and the Sanctuary: and his end shall come as the water flood. But the desolation shall continue till the end of the battle. He shall make a strong bond with many, for the space of a week: & when the week is half gone/ he shall put down the slain and meatoffringe, * Mat. ●4. b. Mat. xiii. b And in the temple there shallbe an abominable desolation, till it have destroyed all. And it is concluded that this wasting shall continue unto the end. CAPI, X. ¶ There appeareth unto Daniel a man clothed in linen, why the showeth him wherefore he is sent. IN the third year of King Cirus of Persia, there was showed unto Daniel (other wise called Balthasar) a matter, ye, a true matter, but it is yet a long time unto it. He understood the matter well, and petreaved what the vision was. At the same time/ I Daniel mourned for the space of three weeks, so that I had no lust to eat breed: as for flesh and wine there came none within my mouth: No, I did nat once anoint myself, till the whole three weeks were out. Upon the. xxiv. day of the first month, I was by the great flood/ called Tigris, * Dan. seven. b Apoca. i. c. I lift up mine eyes/ & looked: & behold/ a man clothed in linen/ whose loins were girded up with fine gold of Araby: his body was like the Chresolite stone, his face (to look upon) was like lightening, his eyes as the flame of fire, his arms & feet were like fair glistering metal, but the voice of his words was like the voice of a multitude. * Dani. iii. e. I Daniel alone saw this vision, ‡ 〈◊〉. ix. a. the men that were with me/ saw it nat: but a great fearfulness fell upon them, so that they fled away/ and hid themselves. I was left there myself alone, and saw this great vysyon/ so long till there remained no more strength within me: ye, I lost my colour clean/ I wasted away/ & my strength was gone. Yet heard I the voice of his words and as soon as I hard it/ faintness came upon me/ and I fell down flat to the ground upon my face. And behold, an hand touched me, which set me up upon my knees and upon the palms of my hands, saying unto me. * Dani. ix. ●. O Daniel/ thou well beloved man: take good heed of the words/ that I shall say unto thee, and stand right up, for unto the am I now sent. And when he had said these words/ I stood up trembling. Then said he unto me: fear nat Daniel: for why/ sense the first day that thou set thine heart to understand, and didst chasten thyself before thy God: thy words have been herd. And I had come unto thee, whem thou begannest to speak, had nat the prince over the kingdom of the Perses withstand me. xxj. days. But lo, * joshua. v. Dani. 〈◊〉 Michael one of the chief princes, came to help me/ him have I left by the king of persia/ and am come to show thee, what shall happen unto thy people in the latter days. For it willbe long yet or the vision be fulfilled. Now when he had spoken these words unto me, I cast down my head to the ground and held my tongue. Behold/ there touched my lips one very like unto a man. Then opened I my mouth, and said unto him/ that stood before me, O my Lord/ my joints are loosed in the vision/ and there is no more strength within me. How may my lords servant then talk with my Lord? seeing there is no strength in me/ so that I can nat take my breath? Upon this there touched me again/ one much like a man * Dani, ix. d. and comforted me/ saying. O thou man so well beloved/ fear nat: be content, take a good heart unto thee/ and be strong. So when he had spoken unto me, I recove red/ & said. Speak on my Lord/ for thou hast refreshed me. Then said he: knowest thou wherefore I am come unto the snow will I go again to fight with the prince of the Perses. As soon as I go forth, lo, the prince of Grekelande shall come. Nevertheless, I will show thee/ the thing/ that is fast noted in the scripture of truth. And as for all yonder matters/ there is none that helpeth me in them/ but Michael your prince. ¶ A prophecy of the kings of Persia. Of the kingdom of Grece. Of the kingdom of Egypt. and of the bond ever-of, and of the battle with the kingdom of Spirit. Of the jews that fly unto the King of Egypte, whom Antiochus the king of Syreya persicuted, which figureth unto us Antythryst. The pride of Antiochus. CAPI. XI. AND in the first year of Darius of Me dea, I stood by him, to comfort him, and to strength him, and now will I show the truth. Behold/ there shall stand up yet three kings in Persia, but the forth shallbe far richer than they all. And when he is in the chiefest power of his riches/ he shall provoke every man against the ream of Grekelande. * Dan. seven. ● Then shall there arise yet a mighty king/ that shall rule with great dominion/ and do what him list. * ●. Mab, ●. a. And as soon as his kingdom cometh up/ it shallbe destroyed/ & divided toward the four winds of the heaven. They that come after him, shall nat have such power and dominion as he: but his kingdom shallbe scattered, ye, even among other than those. And the king of the south shallbe mighty, them his other princes. Against him there shall one make himself strong, and shall rule his dominion with great power. But after certain years they shallbe joined together/ and the kings daughter of the south shall come to the king of the North, for to make friendship, but she shall nat o● ta'en the power of that arm/ neither shall she be able to endure thorough his might: but she, and such as brought her (ye and he that begather/ and comforted her for his time) shallbe delivered up. Out of the branches of her rote/ there shall one stand up in his stead: which with power of arms shall go thorough the kings land of the north/ and bandle him according to his strength. As for their Idols & princes/ with their costly jewels of gold & silver/ he shall carry them away captives into Egypte/ and he shall prevail against the king of the north certain years. And when he is come into the kings realm of the south/ he shallbe fain to turn again into his own land. Wherefore his sons shallbe displeased/ and shall gather together a mighty great host of people: and one of them shall come/ and go thorough like a water flowed: then shall he return/ and go forth with defyinge & boasting unto his own land. Then the king of the south shallbe angry and shall come forth to fight against the king of the north: ye, he shall bring a great multitude of people together, and a great heap shallbe given into his hand: these shall be carry away with great pride, for so much as he hath cast down so many thousands/ nevertheless/ he shall nat prevail. For the king of the north shall gather (of the new) a greater heap of people then afore/ and come forth (after a certain time and years) with a mighty host and exceeding great good. At the same time there shall many stand up against the king of the south/ so that the wicked children of thy people also shall exalt themselves (to fulfil the vision) and then fall. So the king of the north shall come to lay siege/ and to take the strong fenced cities: And the power of them of the south shall nat be able to abide him/ and the best men of the people shall nat be so strong, as to resist him. Shortly/ when he cometh/ he shall handle him as he list/ and no man shallbe so hardy as to stand against him. He shall stand in the pleasant country/ which thorough him shallbe destroyed. He shall set his face with all his power to obtain his kingdom/ and to be like it. Ye, that shall he do, and give him unto the daughters among women/ to destroy him, But he shall fail/ neither shall he obtain his purpose. After this shall he set his face unto the Isles/ and take many of them. A prince shall stop him, to do him a shame, beside the confusion that else shall come unto him. Thus shall he turn again to his own land, stumble and fall, and be no more found: so he that came upon him and did him violence/ shall stand in his place, and have a pleasant kingdom: and after few days he shallbe destroyed/ and that neither in wrath, nor in battle. In his stead there shall arise a vile person/ natholden worthy of a kings dignity: this shall come in craftily, & obtain the kingdom with fair words: he shall fight against the arms of the mighty (and destroy them) ye, and against the prince of the covenant. So after that he hath taken truce with him, he shall handle dysceatfully: that he may get up, and overcome him with a small flock: and so with craftiness to get him to the fattest place of the land, and to deal other wise, than either his fathers or grandfathers did. For he shall destroy the thing, that they had rob and spoiled, ye, and all their substance: imagining thoughts against the strong holds/ and that for a tyme. His power and heart shallbe stirred up with a great army against the king of the south where thorough the king of the south shallbe moved then unto battle, with a great & a mighty host also. Nevertheless, he shall nat be able to stand, for they shall conspire against him. Ye, they that eat of his meat shall hurt him: so that his host shall fall/ and many be slain down. These two kings shallbe minded to do mischief, and talk of disobeyed at one table: but they shall not prosper, for why/ the end shall not come yet, unto the time apaynted. * 2. Mat. v. a Then shall he go home again into his own land with great good, & set his heart against the holy covenant, he shallbe busy against it, & then return home. At the time appointed he shall come again, & go toward the South. So shall it happen otherwise then at the first, yet once again. And why? * ●●. 24. d the ships of Cithim shall come upon him that he may be smitten and turn again: that he may take indignacy on against the covenant of holiness, to meddle against it. Ye, he shall turn him/ and draw such unto him as leave the holy covenant. He shall set mighty men to unhallow the Sanctuary of strength, to put down the daily offering, and to set up the abominable desolation. And such as break the covenant shall he flattre with fair words. But the people that will know their God, shall have the overhand and prosper. Those also that have understanding among the people shall inform the multitude: and for a long season, they shallbe persecuted with sword, with fire, with captivity & with the taking away of their goods. Now when they fall, they shallbe set up with a little help: but many shall cleave unto them feignedly. Ye some of those which have understanding shall be persecuted also, that they may be tried,, purified and cleansed, till the time be out: for there is yet another time appointed. The king shall do what him list * 2. Thes. 2. a he shall exalt and magnify himself against all that is God. Ye, he shall speak marvelous things against the God of all gods wherein he shall prosper, so long till the * Ap●c. ●5. a wrath be fulfilled, for the conclusion is devised already. He shall not regard the God of his fathers, but his lust shallbe upon women. ye/ he shall not care for any God, for he shall magnify himself above all. In his place shall he worship the mighty Idols: and the God whom his fathers knew not/ shall he honour with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant jewels. This shall he do/ seeking help and succour at the mighty Idols and strange Gods. Such as wy● beceave him, & take him for God, he shall give them great worship and power: ●ee/ and make them Lords of the ●●i●●tude, and give them the land with 〈…〉. In the latter time shall the king of the south strive with him: & the king of the north in like manner shall come against him with charettes, horsemen & with a great navy of ships. He shall come into the lands, destroy and go thorough: he shall entre also into the fair pleasant land: Many cities and countries shall decay * Apoc. xii. ● except Edom, Moab and the best of the children of Ammon, which shall escape from his hand. He shall stretch forth his hands upon the countries, and the land of Egypte shall not escape him. For thorough his going in/ he shall have dominion over the treasures of silver and gold/ and over all the precious jewels of Egipte, Libya & Ethiopia. * Apoca. xi. ● Nevertheless, the tidings out of the East and the north shall trouble high, for the which cause he shall go forth to destroy and curse a great multitude. The tents of his palace shall be pitched betwixt the two sees/ upon the hill of the noble Sanctuary/ for he shall come to the end of it/ * Apoc. ●●e. v and x●. and than shall no man help him. ¶ He prophesieth the resurrection of the dead. The darkness of the prophecy of Daniel. CAPI. XII. THe time will come also/ that the great Prince ‡ Apoc. xi●. ●. Michael, whihce standeth on thy people's side, shall arise up, for * Mat. 425. there shall come a time of trouble, such as never was, since there began to be any people/ unto that same tyme. Then shall thy people be delivered/ ye/ all those that be found written in the book. * job. xv. c 1. Cor●. 15. a Many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth, shall awake: some to the everlasting life, some to perpetual shame & reproof. * Mat xiii. c Sapi. xiii. c The wise (such as have taught other) shall glister/ as the shining of heaven: and those that have instruct the multitude unto godliness, shallbe as the stars, world without end. And thou O Daniel, shut up these words, and seal the book till the last tyme. Many shall go abonte here and there, and then shall knowledge increase. So I Daniel looked, & behold, there stood?: (as it were) other two: one upon this shore of the water/ the other upon yonder side. And one of them said unto him, which was clothed in linen & stood above upon the waters of the flood. How long shall it be to the end of these wondrous works? * Apoca. x. a Then heard I the man with the linen clothes, which stood above upon the waters of the flood: when he held up his right and left hand unto heaven, and swore by him which lyucth for ever * Apoca. xi. c and. xii. ● that it shall tarry for a time, two times and half a time: & when the power of the holy people is clean scattered abroad, then shall all these things be fulfilled. I heard it well, but I understood it not. Then said I: O my Lord, what shall happen after that? He answered: Go thy way Daniel, for these words shallbe closed up & sealed/ till the last time: and many shall be purified/ cleansed and tried. ⚜ (as it were fire) But the ungodly shall live wickedly * Mat. xiii. b and those wicked (as many of them as they be) shall have no understanding. As for such as have understanding, they shall regard it And from the time forth that the daily offering shallbe put down and the abominable desolation set up, there shall be a thousand two hundredth. &. xc. days. * Math. x. ●. and. xxiiii● O well is him/ that waiteth/ and cometh to the thousand. iij. C. &. xxxv. days. Go thou thy way now till it be ended: take thy rest, & bide thy lot/ till the days have an end. ¶ The end of the prophecy of Daniel. ❧ The Book of the Prophet Oseas. ¶ The time wherein Oseas prophesied. Oseas by taking an hatior his wife, signifieth the idolatry of the people. The destruction of the offspring of jehu, and of the israelites, is prophesied. CAPI. I. THis is the word of the Lord, that came unto Oseas the son of Beery * 4. Re. 15. 16 and. xvii c. in the days of Oseas, joathan/ Ahas & jezekias kings of juda: & in the time of jeroboam the son of joas king of Israel. first, when the Lord spoke unto Oseas ☞ he said unto him. * ●●ui. xxi. ●. Ezec. 44. d. Go thy way/ take an harlot to thy wife/ and get children by her: for the land hath committed great whoredom against the Lord. So he went/ & took Gomer the daughter of Deblaim: which conceived, and brought forth a son. And the Lord said unto him: call his name jesraell, for * 4 Reg. 15 c ● 17. ●. 18. b. ☞ I will shortly avenge the blood of * 3 Reg xxi b jesrael upon the house of jehu, and will bring the kingdom of the house of Israel to an end. Then will I break the bow of Israel/ in the valley of jesrael. She conceived yet again, and bore a daughter. And he said unto him. Call her name. Loruhamah (that is/ not optayninge mercy) ‡ 4. Reg. 17. ●. for I will have no pity upon the house of Israel, but forget them/ & put them clean out of remembrance. ‡ Gen. 49. b. 4. Re. nineteen. ● Nevertheless/ I will have mercy upon the house of juda, & will save them, even thorough the Lord their God. But I will not deliver them thorough any bow, sword/ battle/ horses or horsemen. Now, when she had weaned Loruhamah she conceived again & bore a son. Then said he: call his name/ Lo amy. For why? ye are not my people/ therefore will not I be yours. And though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the see/ which can neither be measured nor told: yet in the place where it is said unto them ‡ Roma. ix. ●. ye been not my people: even there shall it be thus reported of them * john. i a. they be the children of the living God. ‡ Ezech. 37▪ ● Then shall the children of juda and the children of Israel be gathered together again & chose themselves one head and then depart out of the land: for great shallbe the day of Israel. ¶ The people is called unto repentance. CAPI. II. TEll your brethren, that they are my people: and your systerne, that they have obtained mercy. As for ☞ your mother/ ye shall chide with her/ & reprove her * jere. iii ● for she is not my wife, neither am I her husband/ unless she put away her whoredom out of my sight/ & her adultery from her breasts. If no I shall stripe her naked, & set her ‡ Ezec. xvi▪ ● even as she came into the world: ye I shall lay her waist, & make her like a wilderness/ and slay her for thirst. I shall have no pite also upon her children ‡ john. 8. d. for they be the children of fornication. Their mother hath broken her wedlock, & she that bore them * 4. Re. ●7. ● is come to confusion/ For she said: ☞ I will go after my lovers/ that give me my water & my bread, my will & flax/ my oil and my drink. But I will hedge her way with thorns/ and stop it/ that she shall not find her footsteps: and though she run after her lovers, yet shall she not get them: she shall seek them/ but not find them. * levit. xv. c. Then shall she say: well/ I will go turn again to my first husband/ for at that time was I better at ease, than now. But this would she not know/ where as I yet gave her corn/ wine, oil/ silver, & gold * Ezec. ●: vi. b which she hath hanged upon Baal. Wherefore, ☞ now will I go take my corn & wine again in their season, and set again my will and my flax/ which I gave her/ to cover her shame. ‡ jere. xiii. ●. And now will I discover her foolishness, even in the sight of her lovers, & no man shall deliver her out of my hands. Moreover, I will take away all her mirth ‡ ●●●. xvi. ●. her holy days, her vewmoones, her Sabbathes and all her solempue feasts: I will destroy her vineyards & fig trees, though she sayeth: lo, here are my rewards, that my lovers have given me. I will make it a wood, and the wild beasts shall eat it up. I will punish her also for the days of Baal, ‡ Iu●ic. two. b. and. x. b. wherein she censed him, decking him with her earrings and chains: when she followed her lovers/ and forgot me/ sayeth the Lord. Wherefore behold. I will call he● again bring her into a wilderness, & speak friendly unto her: there will I give her, her vineyards again, ye & the ‡ josu. seven. d valley of Anchor also to show her hope & comfort. Then shall she fing there, ‡ ●odic. v. a. as in the time of her youth and ‡ Exod. xv. a like as in the day, when she came out of the land of Egypt. Then (sayeth the Lord she shall say unto me: (O my husband & shall call me no more Baal/ for I will take away those names of Baal from her mouth/ ye/ she shall never remember their names any more. ‡ levit. ●6. a Then will I make a covenant with them, with the wild beasts, with the fowls of the air, & with every thing that creepeth upon the earth. ‡ Esay●. two. a As for bow, sword and battle/ I will destroy such out of the land, & will make them to sleep safely. ‡ Eze. xvi. b. Thus will I mary the unto mine own self for evermore: ye, even to myself will I marry thee/ in righteousness, in equity, in loving kindness and mercy. In faith also will I marry the unto myself and thou shalt know the Lord. At the same time will I show myself friendly and gracious unto the heavens, sayeth the Lord: & the heavens shall help the earth, & the earth shall help the corn/ wine/ and oil, & they shall help jesrael. ‡ i Pet. two. b. I will sow them upon earth, for a seed to mine own self, ‡ Roma. ix. c & will have mercy upon her, that was without mercy. And to them which were not my people/ I will say: thou art my people and he shall say: thou art my God. ¶ Of the love of God toward the people. CAPI. III. THen said the Lord to me: ‡ Ezec. 44. b. Go yet thy way and love an adulterous woman/ whom thy nyeghboure loveth/ as the Lord doth the children of Israel: how be it they have respect to strange gods, ‡ ●●ope. ●8. a ●mos. vi. a & love the wine cans. ☞ So I gather for. xv. silverlings, and for an Homer, & an half of barley, & said unto her: Thou shalt bide with me a long season, but see that thou playest not the harlot, & look the meddle with none other man, & then will I keep myself for the ‡ 2. Pa. xv. a. Thus the children of Israel shall sit a great while without king and prince, without offering and altar, without pressed & revelation. But afterward shall the children of Israel convert, and seek the Lord their God, & ‡ Ezec. 34. d. David their king: & in the latter days they shall worship the Lord, & his loving kindness. ¶ A complaint against the people & the priests of Israel. CAPI. four Hear the word of the Lord, O ye children of Israel. For the Lord must punish them, that dwell in the land. And why? There is no faithfulness, there is no mercy there is no knowledge of God in the land: but swearing, lying, manslaughter/ theft & adultery have gotten the overhand, & one bloudgilttines followeth another. Therefore shall the land be in a miserable case, & all they that dwell therein/ shall mourn. The beasts in the field, the fowls in the air/ & the fishes in the see shall die. Yet is there none/ that will chasten nor reprove another. * Mala. i. ●. The preastes which should reform other men/ are become like the people. Therefore stomblest thou in the day time & the prophet with the 〈◊〉 the night. I will bring thy mother to silence, and why? * 〈…〉 〈…〉 Es●●. 〈…〉 my people perish, because they have no knowledge. seeing then that thou hast refused understanding therefore will I refuse the also: so that thou shalt no more be my pressed. And for so much as thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children. The more they increased in the multitude, the more they sinned against me, therefore will I change their honour into shame. * Levi. vi. d Eze. xiii. d. They eat up the sins of my people, and courage them in their wickedness. * Esay. ●4. a Thus the priest is become like the people. Wherefore I will punish them for their wicked ways, and reward them according to their own imaginations. * Levi. 26. d, Mith. vi. ●. egg. i a. They shall eat, and not have enough. They have used whoredom, therefore shall they not prosper: and why? they have forsaken the lord and not regarded him. Whoredom, wine and dronckenesse taketh the heart away. * 4. Reg i. ●. My people ask council at their stocks, their staff must tell them. For an whorish mind hath deceived them/ so that they commit fornication against their God. * 4. 〈◊〉▪ 〈…〉 They make sacrifices upon the high mountains, and burn their incense upon the hills/ ye/ among the oaks/ groves and bushes, for there are good shadows. Therefore your daughters are become hariottes/ & your spouses have broken their weclocke I will not punish your daughters for being defiled, and your brides that became whores: * Nume. 25. c seeing the father's themselves have meddled with harlottꝭ, & offered with unthrifts: but the people that will not understand must be punished. Though thou Israel art disposed to play the harlot, yet shouldest not thou have offended/ O juda: thou shouldest not have run ☜ to Gilgal * 3. Reg xii. d nor have gone up to Bethaven, ‡ Deute. x▪ d nor have sworn/ the Lord liveth. For Israel is gone back like a wanton cow▪ The Lord therefore shall make her feed/ as the lamb that goeth astray. And where as Ephraim is become partaker of Idols, well/ let him go. Their drunkenness hath put them back, and brought them to whoredom. Their rulers love rewards/ bring (say they) to their own shame. A wind shall take hold of their feathers, and they shallbe confounded in their offerings. ¶ Against the priests and rulers of Israel. The help of man can do nothing against God. CAPI. V OYe Preastes: hear this/ take heed/ O thou household of Israel: give ear/ O thou kingly house/ for this punishment will come upon you, that are become a snare unto Myzphah/ and a spread net unto the mount of Thabor. They kill sacrifices by heaps/ to beguile the people therewith: therefore will I punish them all * Earth. 8. b. jere. 23. d I know Ephraim well enough, & Israel is not hid from: for Ephraim is now become an harlot: & Israel is defiled. They are not minded to turn unto their God, for they have an whorish heart, so that they can not know the Lord * Os●●. seven. b But the pride of Israel will be rewarded him in his face, ye, both Israel & Ephraim shall fall for their wickedness, & juda with them also. ‡ jere. iii. b. Deute. 4. ● They shall come with their sheep and bullocks ‡ Ezer. 14. a. to seek the Lord, but they shall not find him, for he is gone from them. As for the Lord, they have refused him, and brought up bastard children: a month therefore shall devour them with their portions: Blow with the shawms at Gabea, & with the trumpet in Ramah/ cry out at Bethaven upon the yonside of Benjamin. In the time of the plague shall Ephraim be laid waste/ therefore did I faithfully warn the tribes of Israel. Yet are the princes of juda become like them * Deut. 〈◊〉. ● and xxvii. ● that remove the landemarckes, therefore/ will I pour out my wrath upon them like water. Ephraim is oppressed, and can have no right of the law: for why? they follow the doctrines of men. Therefore will I be unto Ephraim as a moth, & to the house of juda as a caterpyller. When Ephraim saw his sickness, and juda his disease/ ‡ 4. Re. x●i. ● Ephraim went unto Assur, and sent unto king ●are●: yet could not he help you, nor ease you of your pain. I am unto Ephraim as a lion/ and as a lions whelp to the house of juda. Even/ I will spoil them/ and go my way. I will take them with me, and no man shall rescue them. I will go/ & return to my place, till they wax faint, and seek me. ¶ Afflyctyon causeth a man to return to God. The wickedness of the priests. CAPI. VI IN their adversity they shall seek me/ and say: come/ let us turn again to the Lord: ‡ job. v. b for he hath smitten us/ and he shall heal us: He hath wounded us, & he shall bind us up again: after two days shall he quicken us/ in the third day he shall raise us up, so that we shall live in his sight Then shall we have understanding, and endeavour ourselves to know the Lord. He shall go forth as the spring of the day/ and come unto us ‡ Pro. ●●●● as the evening and morning rain upon the earth. O Ephraim, what shall I do unto thee? O juda/ how shall I entreat thee? saying your love is like a morning cloud/ and like a dew that goeth early away. Therefore have I cut down the Prophets, and let them be slain for my words sake: so that thy punishment shall come to light. ‡ Math. 〈◊〉 and xii. ● For I have pleasure in loving kindness ‡ jere. vi●● and not in offering: ye/ in the knowledge of God/ more then in burntsacryfyce. But even like as * G●●●. ●●●● Adam did, so have they broken my covenant and set me at nought. ☞ Gilead is a city of wicked doers of malicious people & blood shedders. The multitude of the priests is like an heap of thieves/ murderers & bloudthurstye: for they have wrought abomination. * jere. 〈◊〉, ● horrible things have I seen in the house of Israel/ there playeth Ephrai the harlot, & Israel is defiled: but juda shall have an harvest for himself/ when I return the captivity of my people. ¶ Of the vices and wantonnnes of the people. CAPI. VII. WHen I undertake to make Israel whole/ then the ungraciousness of Ephraim and the wickedness of Samaria cometh to light: then go they about with lies. At home/ they be thieves: and without they fall to robbing. They consider not in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness. They go about with their own inventions, but I see them well enough. * Roma. i d. They make the king & the princes, to have pleasure in their wickedness & lies. All these burn in adultery, as it were an oven that the baker heateth, when he hath left kneading/ till the dough be leavened. Even so goeth it this day with our kings and princes/ for they begin to be wood drunken thorough wine: they use familiarity with such as deceive them. They with the imagination of their heart are like an oven, their sleep is all the night like the sleep of a baker, in the morning is he as hot as the flame of fire: they are all together as hot as an oven. They have devoured their own judges, all their kings are fallen: yet is there none of them that calleth upon me. ☞ Therefore must Ephraim be mixed among the Heathen. Ephraim is become like a cake, that no man turneth, strangers have devoured his strength, yet he regardeth it not: he waxeth full of grey hears yet will he not know it * O●●●. v. ●. & the pride of Israel is cast down before their face, yet will they not turn to the Lord their God/ nor seek him for all this. Ephraim is like a dove, that is beguiled/ and hath no heart. * ●. 〈◊〉. xvi▪ ● Now call they upon the egyptians, now go they to the Assyrians: but while they be going here and there/ I shall spread my net over them, & draw them down as the fowls of the air: & according as they have been warned, so will I punish them. * Isaiah, i. ●. Woe be unto them, for they have forsaken me. They must be destroyed for they have set me at nought, * ●●. P●i. two, ●. I am he that have redeemed them, and yet they dissemble with me. ‡ Mat. xv. a Isaiah. xx, ● Ezech. 33. ●. They call not upon me with their hearts but lie howling upon their beds. Where as they come together it is but for meat and drink/ and me will they not obey. I have taught them, and defended their arm, yet do they imagine mischief against me They turn themselves/ but not a right/ and are become as a broken bow. Their princes shall be slain with the sword/ for the malice of their tongues, such blasphemies have they learned in the land of Egypte. ¶ The destruction of juda and Israel, because of their idolatry. CAPI. VIII. SET the horn to thy mouth, and blow: get the swiftly (as an Eagle) unto the house of the Lord: for they have broken my * Deu xxxi. d. covenant/ and transgressed my law. Israel can say unto me: thou art my God, we know thee: but he hath refused the thing that is good, therefore shall the enemy follow upon him. * 3, Reg. xi●. ● They have ordained kings, but not thorough me: they have made princes/ and I must not know of it▪ * Ezer. seven. d. Of their silver and gold have they made them Images, to bring themselves to destruction. * 3. Reg. xii. d Thy calf/ O Samaria/ shallbe taken away, for my wrothful indignation is gone forth against the. How long will it be, or they can be cleansed. For the calf came from Israel/ the work man made it/ therefore can it be no God/ but even to a spiders web shall the calf of Samaria be turned ☞ They have sown wind, therefore shall they reap a storm. Their seed shall bear no corn, there shall no meal be made of their increase: though they reap, yet shall strangers devour it up. Israel shall perish, the gentiles shall entreat him as a foul vessel. Sense they went up to the assyrians/ they are become like a wild ass in the desert. * 4. Re ●vit. ● Ezce. xvi. ● Ephraim giveth rewards to get lovers therefore are they scattered among the Heathen there will I gather them up. They shall soon be weighed of the burden of kings & princes. Ephraim hath made many altars to do wickedness, therefore shall the altars turn to his sin. Though I show them my law never so much, they count it but strange doctrine. Where as they do sacrifice, offering the flesh and eating it: the Lord will have no pleasure therein: but will remember their wickedness, and punish their sins. ‡ D. ●. ●vii. ● 4. Reg. 17 ● Israel turneth again into Egipte, they have forgotten him that made them they build churches & juda maketh many strong cities: * 4. Re. ●●v. ● therefore will I send a fire into their cities/ and it shall consume their places. ¶ Of the hunger and captivity of Israel. CAPI. IX. DO ☞ not thou triumph/ O Israel/ make no boasting more than the Heathen, for thou haste committed adultery against thy God: strange rewards haste thou loved, more than all the cornefloures. * ●gg●●. two. ●. Therefore shall they no more enjoy the corn flowers and wine presses, and their sweet wine shall fail them. They will not dwell in the lords land * ●●●●. ii●●. c. but Ephraim turneth again into Egipte, and eateth unclean things among the Assyryans. They pour out no wine for a drinckoffering unto the Lord, neither give they him their slain offerings: but they be unto them as mourner's meats, wherein all they that eat them, are defiled. For the bred that they have such lust unto/ shall not come into the house of the Lord ☞ What will ye do then in the solemn days, and in the feast of the Lord? Lo/ they shall get them away for the destruc●yon: Egypte shall receive them/ and Noph shall bury them. The nettles shall overgrow their pleasant goods/ and burrs shall be in their tabernacles. Be ye sure (O Israel) the time of visitation is come, the days of recompensing are at hand. As for the prophet, ye hold him for a fool: and him that is rich in the spirit, for a mad man: so great is your wickedness and malice. Ephraim hath made himself a watchman of my God a prophet that is become a snare to do hurt in every street/ & abomination in the house of his God. They be gone to far and have destroyed themselves like as they did afore time * Iu●. nineteen. a. at Gabaa. ‡ ●. Reg ● c. 4. Reg. 〈◊〉 c Therefore their wickedness shall be remembered, and their sins. punished. I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness/ and saw their fathers as the first * jere. 24. a. figs in the top of the fig tre. ‡ Nun 25. b But they are gone to Baal Peor/ and run away fro me to that shameful Idol & are become as abominable as their lovers. ☞ Ephraim ●●ieth like a bird, so shall their glory also: In so much, that they shall neither beget, conceive nor bear●chyldren. And though they bring up any, yet will I make them chyldeles among men. Ye/ woe shall come to them/ when I depart from them. * Gene. 48. a Ephraim (as me think) is planted in wealthiness, like as Tyrus, but now must she bring her own children forth to the mansleyer. O Lord, thou shalt give them: what shalt thou give them? give them an unfruitful womb and dry breasts. All their wickedness is done at * Iosu i●●●. ●. Gylgal/ there do jabhorre them, For the ungraciousness of their own inventions/ I will drive them out of my house. I will love them no more, for all their princes are unfaithful. Ephraim is hewn down, their rote is dried up/ so that they shall bring no more fruit: ye/ and though they bring forth any yet will I sle●e even the best beloved fruit of their body. My God shall cast them away, for they have not been obedient unto him, therefore shall they go astray among the Heathen. ¶ Against Israel and his Idol●. CAPI. X. ISrael was a goodly * Isaiah. ●. ●. vine/ but he hath brought forth unprofitable fruit: ye/ the more fruit he had/ the more altars he made: the more good I did to their land, the more friendship showed they to their images. Their heart is divided/ therefore will they be destroyed. The Lord shall break down their images, he shall destroy their altars. Then shall they say: we have no king, for why: we have not feared the Lord. And what shall then the king do to us? They comen together, and swears vain oaths: they be confederate together, therefore groweth their punishment, as the weeds in the forowes of the land. They that dwell in Samaria have worshipped the calf of Bethaven: therefore shall the people mourn over them/ ye/ and the priests also/ that in their wealthiness rejoiced with them: and why? it shall pass away from them. It shall be brought to the Assyrian, for a present unto king jareb. Ephraim shall receive full punishment. Israel shallbe confounded for his own imaginations, Samaria with his king shall vanish away, as the foam of the water. ☞ The high places of Aven where Israel doth sin, shall be cast down thistles and thorns shall grow upon their altars. * Luk. 〈◊〉▪ ● Apoca. ●●● Then shall they say to the mountains: cover us, and to the hills, fall upon us. O Israel, thou hast sinned as * jud. 〈◊〉. ● Gabaa did afore time, where they remained: should not the battle then come upon the wicked children, as well as upon the Gabao●●tes? I will chasten them, even after mine own desire, the people shallbe gathered together over them, when I punish them for their great wickedness. Ephraim was unto me/ as a cow that is used to go to plough, therefore I loved him, and fell upon his fair neck. I drove Ephraim, juda ploughed, and jacob played the husband man: that they might sow unto righteousness, and reap the fruits of well-doing: that they might plough up their fresh land, and seek the Lord till he came/ and learned them righteousness. But now they have ploughed them wickedness/ therefore shall they reap sin, and eat the fruit of lies, saying thou puttest thy confidence in thine own ways: and ●eaneste to the multitude of thy worthies: there shall grow a sedition among thy people. Al thy strong cities shallbe laid waste/ even as Salmana was destroyed with his famylters, thorough him that was avenged of Arbell/ in the day of battle/ where the mother perished with her children. Even so shall it go with you (O bethel) because of your malicious wickedness. Like as the morning goeth away, so shall the King of Israel pass. CAPI. XI. ¶ Against the unkindness of Israel. WHEN Israel was young, I loved him: ☜ * E●o●. 〈◊〉. ● 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. b Math. 〈◊〉. c E●o●●. 32. b ●. and called my son out of the land of Egypte. But the more they were called/ the more they went back/ * Reg. xii, ●●. Reg. 16 c offering unto Idols and censing Images. ⚜ ☜ I learned Ephraim to go/ and bare them in mine arms/ but they regarded not me, that would have helped them. I led them with cords of friendship, & with bands of love: I was even he, that laid the yoke upon their necks. ‡ Exo. x●●, c. I gave their fodder myself that they should not go again into Egypt. And now is Assur their king. For they would not turn unto me. Therefore shall the sword begin in their cities, the store that they have laid up/ shall be destroyed and ea●en: and that because of their own imaginations. My people hath ●o lust to turn unto me/ ‡ E●o●●. x. ●. a. xx●iii. b. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. b Luke. xi. d. their prophets lay the yoke upon them, but they ●ase them not of their burden. What great things have I given thee, O Ephraim● how faithfully have I defended thee, O Israel? have I deal● with the as with * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. d Deut. 29, d Adama▪ or have I entreated the like Seb●im? No, my heart is otherwise minded. Ye, my mercy is to fervent▪ therefore have I not turned me to destroy Ephraim in my wrothful displeasure. For I am god and no man, I am even that holy one in the midst of thee/ though I came not within the ey●ye. The Lord roareth like a lion, that they may follow him: ye, * ●po● 4. ●. a as a lion roareth he/ that they may be afraid ●yke the children of the see: that they may be scattered away from Egypte▪ as men scatre birds: and frayed away (as do●es use to be) from the assyrians land: and that because I would have them tarry at home, sayeth the Lord. But Ephraim goeth about ●e with lies, and the house of Israel dissembleth. Only juda holdeth him with God/ and with the true holy things, ¶ Against the vain trust of the people. CAPI. XII. EPhraim ☜ is fed with air, and followeth after the east wind: he is ever increasing lies and destruction. They be confederate with the Assyrians▪ * ● Reg 16 d▪ Elay 〈◊〉 b their oil is carried into Egypte. The Lord hath a cour●e to hold with juda, and will punish jacob. After their own ways and according to their own inventions, shall he recompense them. * 〈◊〉 He took his brother by the he'll/ when he was yet in his mother's womb: and in his strength he wrestled with God. He * Gen. xxv. c. strove with the angel/ and got the victory: so that he prayed a●d G●▪ xxxv. ● desired him. * Gene. 32. d. He found him at Bathell/ and there he talketh with us. Ye the Lord God of hosts/ even the Lord himself remembered him. Then turn to thy God/ keep mercy and equity/ and hope still in thy God. But the merchant hath a false weight in his ●ande, he hath a pleasure to occupy extortion. Ephraim thinketh thus: * ●po●●. 〈◊〉. c Tush, I am ●yche, I have good enough: In all my works shall not one fault be found/ that I have offended. Yet am I the Lord thy God, even as when I brought the out of the land of Egypte/ and set the in thy tents/ and as in the high feast days. I have spoken thorough the prophets, and showed diverse visions and declared myself by the ministration of the prophets. But at Galaad is the abomination, they are ●●llen to vanity. At Gylgal they have s●ayne o●●●: as many hep●s of stones as they had ●●h●●r land forowes/ so many a●iters have they made. * Gene, ●8. ● jacob ●●ed into the land of S●●●a/ and Israel served for a wife/ and for a wife he kept sheep. By a proph●e the Lord brought them out of Egypt, and by a prophet he preserved them. But Ephraim hath provoked him ●o displeasure thorough his abominations/ therefore shall his blood be poured upon himself/ and the Lord his God shall reward him his blasphemies. ¶ Of the abomination of Israel. CAPI. XIII. TTE abomination of Ephraim is come also into Israel. He is gone back to Baal/ therefore must● he die. And now they sin more and more: * Esay. 46. a E●●●. x●●. ● O●●●. 〈◊〉. ●. and. 〈◊〉. a. of their silver/ they make them molten images/ like the Idols of the heaths/ and yet all is nothing but the work of the craftsman: notwithstanding they preach of the same: who so will kiss the calves, offereth to men. Therefore they shallbe as the morning cloud, and as the dew that early passeth away, and like as dust that the wind taketh away/ from the floor/ and as smoke that goeth out of the chimney. * Exod. xx. ●. I am the Lord God, which brought the out of the land of Egypt: that thou shouldest know no God but me only, and that thou shouldest have * Esa●. 43. b. no saviour but only me. I took vyligent heed of the in the wilderness that dry land, But when they were well ●●dde and had enough, they waxed proud, and forgot me. ‡ Exod. 4●. b. therefore will I ●e unto them as a lion/ and as a leopard in the way to the Assyrians. I will come upon them as a she bear, that is rob of her whelps/ & I will break that stubborn heart of theirs. There will I devour them as a lion: ye/ the wild beasts shall tear them. * job. x●ii. ●. O Israel, thou dost but destroy thyself. In me only is thy help. Where are thy kings now/ that should help the in all thy cities? Ye/ and thy judges/ of whom thou saidest: * 〈…〉. give me a king and princes? well, I gave the a king in my wrath, and in my displeasure will I take him from the again. The wickedness of Ephraim is bound together/ and his sin lieth hid. Therefore, shall sorrows come upon him/ as upon a woman that travaileth. An undiscrete son is he: for he considereth not/ that he should not have been able to have endured in the time of his birth/ had not I defended him from the grave/ and delivered him from death. * ●. Cor. xv. f. He●r●. ●. a. O death I will be thy death: O hell, I will be thy sting. Yet can I see no comfort/ for when he is now the goodliest among the brethren, the east wind (even the wind of the Lord) shall come down from the wilderness/ and dry up his conduit/ and dryricke up his wells: he shall spoil the treasure of all pleasant vessels. As for Samaria/ it shall be made waste, and why? they are dysobedyente unto their God. They shall perish with the sword/ their children shallbe slain, and their women great with child shallbe rypte up. ¶ The des●●u●●yon of Samaria. CAPI. XIIII. O Israel/ * I●. xviii▪ ●. E●● x●iii. ●. 〈◊〉 xxxii●▪ ● turn the now/ unto the Lord thy God/ * ● R●g. xii ● for thou hast taken a great fall thorough thy wickedness. ☜ Take these words with you/ when ye turn to the Lord/ and say unto him: O forgive us all our sins, receive us graciously, * Psa. x●ii. a. ●ebre. iii. d and then will we offer the bullocks of our lips unto the. Assur shallbe no more our helper/ neither will we ride upon horses any more. As for the works of our hands/ we will no more call upon them: For it is thou that art our God/ thou sheweste ever merry unto the fatherless. O (if they would do this) I should heal their sores: ye, withal my heart would I love them: so that my wrath should clean be turned away from them. Ye, I would be unto Israel as the dew, and he should grow as the lily, and his rote should break out as Lybanus. His branches should spread out abroad and be as fair as the olive tre and smell as Libanus. They that dwell under his shadow/ should come again/ and grow up as the corn, & flourish as the vine he should have as good a name, as the wine of Libanus. O Ephraim, what have I to do with Idols any more? I will graciously hear him, and lead him forth. I will be unto the as a green fir tre, upon me shalt thou find thy fruit. ‡ I●●●. i●▪ ●. Who so is wise shall understand this: and he that is right instruct, will regard it. * Psa x●●●● For the ways of the Lord are righteous, such as be Godly will walk in them. As for the wicked, they will stumble therein. ¶ The end of the prophecy of Oseas. ❧ The Book of the Prophet joel. ¶ A prophery against the jews. He exhorteth the priests to prayer and ●astynge for the misery that was coming at hand. CAPI. ●. THis is the word of the Lord/ that came unto joel the son of Phatuel. Hear/ O ye elders: ponder this well/ all ye that dwell in the land: if ever there happened such a thing in your days or in the days of your fathers. Tell your children of it/ & let themshewe it unto their children, & so they to certify their posterity thereof. Look what 〈◊〉 caterpillar hath left, that hath the gresshoper eaten up: what the greshoper left, that hath the locust eaten up, & what the locust hath left, that hath the blasting consumed. Wake up ye dronckardes, & weep: mourn all ye wine suppers, because of your sweet wine for it shall be taken away from your mouth. Ye/ a mighty & an innumerable people shall come up into my land: these have teeth like the teeth of lions & cha●tbones like the lionesses. * D●●ie. 32. d They shall make my vineyard waste, they shall pill of the barks of my ●ygtrees/ stripe them bare, cast them away/ & make the branches white. Make thy moan as a virgin doth that girdeth herself with sack/ because of her bride groom. For the meat & drink offering shallbe taken away from the house of the Lord, & the priests the lords ministtrs shall mourn. The field shallbe wasted/ the land shallbe in a miserable case: for the corn shallbe destroyed, the sweet wine shall come to confusion/ and the oil utterly desolate. The husbandmen and the wine gardeners shall look piteously & make lamentation, for the wheat, wine & barley/ and because the harvest upon the field is so clean destroyed. The grape gatherers shall make great moan/ when the vinyeard and fygtrees be so utterly wasted Ye/ all the pongarnettꝭ/ palmtrees/ apletrees and the other trees of the field shall wither away. Thus the merry cheer of the children of men/ shall come to confusion. Gyrden you/ and make your moon/ O ye priests/ mourn ye ministers of the altar: go your way in/ and steep in sack cloth/ O ye officers of my God: for the meat & drinckoffering shall be taken away from the house of your God. Proclaim a fasting/ call the congregation, gather the elders * Io●●. 2. d. and all the inhabitors of the land together into the house of the Lord your God, and cry unto the Lord: alas, alas for this day. And why? the day of the Lord is at hand, and cometh as a destroyer from the almighty. Shall not the meats be taken away before our eyes, ☜ the mirth also and joy from the house of our God? The seed shall perish in the ground the garners shall lie waist, the flores shallbe broken down: for the corn shall be destroyed. O what a sighing make the evil? the bullocks are very evil liking, because they have no pasture: and the sheep are samyshed away. O Lord, to the will I cry: for the fire hath consumed the goodly pastures of the wilderness, & the flame hath brent up all the trees of the field. Ye, the wild beasts cry also unto thee: for the water rivers are dried up, & the fire hath consumed the pastures of the wilderness. ¶ He propheryeth the coming and cru●●●ye of their enemies. An exhortation to move them to convert. CAPI. II. Blow out the trumpet in Zion, & cry upon my holy hill, that all such as dwell in the land, may tremble at it: ‡ Sopho. i. ● Amo●● for the day of the Lord tommeth, & is hard at hand: a dark day, a glooming day, a cloudy day, ye, & a stormy day, like as the morning spreadeth out upon the hills. Namely, a great & mighty people: such as have not been since the beginning: neither shall be after them for ever more. Before him shall be a consuming fire, & behind him a burning flame. The land shallbe as a garden of pleasure before him, but behind him shall it be a very wast wilderness, and there is no man, that shall escape him. They are to look upon like barbed horses, & run like horsemen. They skyp up upon the hills, as it were the sound of charettis as the flame of fire that consumeth the straw & as a mighty people ready to the battle. The tolke shallbe afraid of him, all faces shallbe as black as a pot: These shall run like giants, and leap over the walls like men of war. Every man in his going shall keep his array/ and not go out of his Path. There shall not one drive another, but each shall keep his own way. They shall break in at the windows: & not be hurt: They shall come into the cy●●e, & run upon the walls. They shall climb up upon the houses, and slip in at the windows like a thief. The earth shall quake before him/ ye, the heavens shallbe moved▪ * Io●l. i●●. ● Ma●. 24. ●. The sun & the moon shallbe darkened/ and the stars shall withdraw their shine. The Lord shall shall show his voice before his host/ for his host is great/ strong/ and mighty to fulfil his commandment. This is that great and marvelous fearful day of the Lord. * Apoc. vi. ●. And who is able to abide it? Now therefore sayeth the Lord. ‡ Deut. iiii. e and▪ thirty. a. Turn you unto me with all your hearts, with fa●ynge, weeping and mourning, rend your hearts, and not your clothes. Turn you unto the Lord your God: * Psal. 86. a. jone. iiii. a for he is gracious and merciful, long suffering and of great compassion: and ready to pardon wickedness. Then (no doubt) he also shall turn/ and forgive: and after his chastening, he shall let your increase remain▪ for meat and drinckoffringes unto the Lord your God? * Io●●. i c. Blow out with the trumpet in Zion, proclaim a fasting, call the congregation, and gather the people together: warn the congregation gather the elders, bring the children & sucklings together. Let the bridegroom go forth of his chamber, and the bride out of her rloset. Let the preastes serve the Lord betwixt the porch & the altar, weeping and saying: be favourable, O Lord, be favourable unto thy people: let not thine heritage be brought to such confusion, lest the heathen be Lords thereof. * Psal. 79. b Wherefore should they say among the heathen: where is now their God. Then shall the Lord be jealous over his land, and spare his people: ye/ the Lord shall answerre/ & say unto his people. Behold, I will send you corn, wine/ & oil/ so that ye shall have plenty of them: & I will no more give you over to be a reproof among the heathen. Again, as for him of the North, I shall drive him far from you: & shut him out into a dry & waste land, his face toward the east sce, & his hinder parts toward the utmost see. The stink of him shall go up/ & his filthy corruption shall fall upon himself/ because he hath dealt so proudly. Fear not (O land) but be glad & rejoice, for the Lord will do great things. Be not ye afraid neither (O ye beasts of the field) for the pastures shallbe green, & the trees shall bear their fruit: the fig trees & vineyards shall give their increase. Be glad then (O ye children of Zion) and rejoice in the Lord your god, for he hath given you a teacher of righteousness: * L●uit. 26. a Deu●e xi ●b ●. xxviii. b. & he it is that shall send you down showers of rain, early & late in the first month: so that the garners shallbe full of corn, & the presses plenteous in wine & oil. And as for the years that the greshoper, locust, blasting, & caterpyller (my grethost, which I sent among you) have eaten up, I shall restore them to you again, so that ye shall have enough to eat, & be satisfied: & praise the name of the Lord your God that so marvelously hath dealt with you, And my people shall never be confounded any more. Ye shall well know, that I am in the midst of Israel, & that I am the Lord your God: ye/ & that there is none other, & my people shall no more be brought to confusion. * Nun. ●i. ● Esay. 44. a Ezeth. 36. ● Acts. two. b. After this, will I pour out my spirit ☜ upon all flesh: & your sons & your daughters shall ꝓphecy: your old men shall d●●ame ☜ dreams, & your young men shall see vysions ye, in those days I will pour out my spirit upon servants and maidens. I will show wonters in heaven above and tokens in the earth beneath: blood & fire, and the vapour of smoke. The sun shallbe turned into darkness, and the Moon into blood: before the great & notable day of the Lord come. And the time shall conte, that ‡ Roma. x. b. whosoever calleth on the name of the Lord, shallbe saved. For upon the mount Zion and at jerusalem/ there shallbe a salvation/ like as the Lord hath promised. ●e●/ and among the other remnant, whom the Lord shall call, ¶ Of the judgement of God against the enemies of his people. CAPI. III. FOr take heed: in those days and at the same time, when I turn again the cap tyvite of juda and Jerusalem: I shall gather all people together, & bring them in the valley of josophat: & there will I reason which them: because of my people & my heritage of Israel: whom they have scattered about in the nations: & parted my land: ye, they have cast lots for my people/ the young men have they set in the bordel house, & sold the damsels for wine, that they might have to drink. ‡ E●●. 〈…〉 xxvii. 〈…〉 Amo●. i b. Thou Tirus and Sidon and all ye borders of the Philystynes: what have ye to do with me? Will ye defy me? well/ if ye will needs defy me/ I shall recompense you, even upon your head, & that right worthily: for ye have taken away my silver & gold, my fair and goodly jewels, and brought them into your god's houses. The children also of juda and jerusalem have ye sold unto the Greeks that ye might bring them far from the borders of their own countries. Behold therefore/ I will raise them out of the place, where ye have sold them, ‡ 〈…〉. & will reward you even upon your head. Your sons & your daughters will I sell thorough the hands of the children of juda, and so they shall give them forth to sell/ unto them of Saba a people of a far country: for the Lord himself hath said it. Cry out these things among the gentiles, proclaim war/ wake up the giants, let them draw nigh/ let them come up all the lusty warriors of them. Make you swords of your plowshares, and spears of your sycles and scythes. Let the weak man say: I am strong. Muster you: & come all ye Heathen round about: gather you together, there shall the Lord lay all thy Giants to the ground. Let the people arise, & get them to the valley of josaphat for there will I sit/ and judge all Heathen round about ‡ Esay. ●. ●. Lay to your scythes/ for ☞ the Harvest i● ●po●●. 〈…〉 ripe: come/ get you down: the wine press is full/ ye/ the wine presses rounne over, for their wickedness is waxed great. In the valley appointed/ there shallbe many, many people: for the day of Lord is nigh in the valley appointed. ‡ Io●● 〈◊〉. i Esay. 〈…〉. The sun & moon shallbe darkened/ & the stars shall with draw their light. ‡ jere. 〈…〉. The Lord shall roar out of Zion/ & cry out of jerusalem/ that the heavens and the earth shall quake withal. But the Lord shallbe a defence unto his own people/ and a refuge for the children of Israel. Thus shall ye know/ that I the Lord your God dwell upon my holy mount of Zion. Then shall jerusalem be holy, & there shall no strangers go thorough her any more. * ●●os. ix. c. ☞ Then shall the mountains drop sweet wine/ and the hills shall flow with milk. All the rivers of juda shall have water enough/ and out of the lords house there shall flow a spring/ to water the broke of * jere. x●vi. a Sitim: but Egypte shallbe laid waste, ‡ jere. x●ix. b and Edom shallbe desolate: because they have dealt so cruelly with the children of juda/ and shed innocent blood in their land. Again/ juda shallbe inhabited for evermore, and jerusalem from generation to generation: for I will not leave their blood unavenged. And the Lord shall dwell in Zion. ¶ The end of the Prophe cye of joel. ❧: The Book of the Prophet Amos. ¶ The time of the Propherye of Amos. The word of the Lord against ●●ah, egaynste tire, against Edom, and against the tons of Ammon. CAPI. I. THese are the sermons that were showed unto Amos/ (which was one of the phepherdes at Thecua (upon Israel, in the time of ‡ ●▪ ●●g. 15 a Osiah king of juda, and in the time of * ●. ●r. 14. ● Jeroboam the son of joah king of Israel, two year ☜ before the earth quake. And he said. * 〈…〉. 25. ● 〈…〉. 〈◊〉. ● The Lord shall roar out of Zion/ and show his voice from jerusalem: so that the pastu res of the shepherds shallbe in a miserable case, & the tope of Charmel dried up. Thus sayeth the Lord: for three and four wicked nesses of * Esay. 17. a 〈◊〉. x●●x. ● Damascus/ I will not spare her because they have threshed Galaad with iron flails. But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael, the same shall consume the palaces of Benadab. Thus will I break the bars of Damascus, and roce out the inhabyter from the field of Aven. And him that holdeth the sceptre, out of the pleasant house so that the people shallbe driven out of fair Syrya, sayeth the Lord. Thus saith that Lord For three & four wickednesses of ‡ zacha. ix. a Gaza, I will not spare her: because they make the prisoners yet more capcive, & have driven them into the land of Edom. Therefore will I send a fire into the walls of Gaza/ which shall devour her houses. I will rote out them that dwell at Asdod and him that holdeth the sceptre of Ascalon, & stretch out mine hand over Accaron, that the remmnaunt of the philistines shall perish/ sayeth the Lord. Thus sayeth the Lord: For three & four wickednesses of the city of ‡ Ioc●. iii. a tire/ I will not spare her: because they have increased the cap tyutte of the Edomites, & have not remembered the ‡ 3. Reg. v. ● brotherly covenant. Therefore/ will I seed a fire into the walls of tire/ that shall consume her palaces. Thus sayeth the Lord For three & four wickednesses of ‡ 〈…〉. i. ● Jere ●●●x. a Edom I will not spare him/ because * Gene. ●7. g he persecuted his brother with the sword/ destroyed his mother's wonde, bare hatred very long, & so kept indignation all way by him. Therefore will I send a fire in to Theman, which shall de t●oure the palaces of Bosra. Thus sayeth the Lord: For three & four wickednesses of the children of * 〈…〉 and. xxv. a A▪ n non/ I will not spare them: because they rypt up the women great with child in Galaad/ to make the borders of their lands the wider, Therefore, I will kindle a tire in the walls of Rabbath, that shall consume her palaces: with a great cry/ in the day of barayle, 〈◊〉 tempest and in the day of storm: so that their king shall go into captivity he & his Pryaces together, sayeth the Lord. ¶ Against Moab, juda, and Israel. CAPI. II. THus sayeth the Lord, For three & four wickednesses of * Esay 〈◊〉. a jere. 〈◊〉▪ ● Ezec. 48. a Moab/ I will not spare him: ☞ because he brent the bones of the king of Edom to ashes. Therefore wit I send a fire into Moab, which shall consume the palaces of Carioth: so that Moab shall perish with noise and the sound of a shaw me. I will rote out the judge from among them/ & slay all his princes with him, saith the Lord. Thus sayeth the Lord: for three and four wickednesses of ‡ M●ch i ● juda/ I will not spare him: because he hath cast a side the law of the Lord, and not kept his commandments: for why? ‡ jere. 44. ● Ezech. xx. ● they would needs be deceived with the lies that their forefathers followed. Therefore/ will I send a fire into juda/ which shall consume the palaces of jerusalem. Thus sayeth the Lord: For three and four wickednesses of Israel, I will not spare him: because he hath sold the righteous for money, & the poor for shoes. They tread upon poor men's heads, in the dust of the earth, & croak the ways of the meek. The son & the father go to the ha●●ot, to dishonour my holy name they lie beside every altar upon clothes take to pledge, and in the house of their gods they drink the wine of the oppressed. Yet destroyed I the Ammoryte before them, that was as Num. xiii. c high as the cedar trees, & as strong as the oaks: notwithstanding I destroyed his fruit from above and his rote from under. * Exod●. 14. c 〈◊〉. viiii, ●. Again, I brought you out of the land of Egypt, and led you forty years thorough the wilderness, that ye might have the Amorites lands in possession. I raised up prophets among your children, and abstainers among your young men. Is it not so/ O ye children of Israel, sayeth the Lord? ‡ 〈…〉. vi. a But ye gave the abstainers wine to drink, * 〈…〉. xi. d ye ye commanded the prophets, saying: Prophecy not. Behold, I will crash you in son der/ like as a wain crassheth/ that is full of sheaves: so that the swift shall not escape neither the strong be able to do any thing: no/ the gyaunte shall not save his own life The archer shall not abide, and the swift of foot shall not escape. The horsinan shall not save his life, & he that is as manly of stomach as a giant, shall in that day be fain to run his way naked, sayeth the Lord. ¶ He reproveth the house of Israel of wychednes. CAPI. III. Hear, what the Lord speaketh unto you (O ye children of Israel) namely/ unto all the tribes, whom I brought out of Egypt/ & said: * Deu. iiii c. und. xxii x● you only have I accepted from all the generations of the earth: therefore will I viset you in all your wickednesses. May twain walk together except they be agreed among themselves? Doth a Lion job. vi. ●. roar in the would/ except he have a prey? Or crieth a lion's whelp out of his den, except he have gotten some thing? Doth a bird fall in a snare upon the earth where no fouler is? Taketh a man his snare up from the ground afore he catch somewhat? Cry they out Alarun with the trumpet in the city, & the people not afraid? cometh there any plague in a cite without it be the Lords doing? Now doth the Lord God no manner of thing/ but he telleth his secret before unto his servants the prophets. When a lion roareth, who will not be afraid? saying then that the Lord God himself speaketh, ● who will not prophesy? Preach in the palaces at Asdod, and in the palaces of the land of Egypte, & say: gather you together upon the mountains of Samaria, so shall ye see great murder and violent oppression among them/ for why? they regard not the thing that is right/ sayeth the Lord: they gather together evil gotten goods, and lay up robbery in their houses. Therefore/ thus sayeth the Lord God: This land shallbe troubled & besieged round about/ thy strength shallbe plucte from the and thy palaces rob. Thus sayeth the Lord: like as an herdman taketh two legs or a piece of an ear out of the lion's mouth Even so the children of Israel (that dwell in Samaria/ having their couches in the corner/ and their beds at Damscus) shallbe plucte away. ‡ 4. Re. xvi. and. xvii. ☞ Hear/ & bear record in the house of jacob (sayeth the Lord God of hosts) that when I begin to visit the wickedness of Israel/ I will visit the altars at bethel also: so that the horns of the altar shallbe broken of/ and fall to the ground. As for the wynterhouse & summer house I will smite them down: and the houses of ivory: ye, and many other houses shall perish, and be destroyed, sayeth the Lord. ¶ Against the governors of Samarin. CAPI. four O Hear this word ☞ ye fat kine, that be upon the hill of Samaria: ye that do poor men wrong, and oppress the needy ye that say to your Lords: bring hither/ let us drink. Therefore, the Lord hath sworn by his holiness. The days shall come upon you/ that ye shallbe lift up upon spears/ and your posterity carried away in fishers pannyers. Ye shall get you out at y● gappꝭ one after another, & in Armon shall ye be cast away sayeth the Lord. Ye came to * Iosu xli. ● 3. ●●eg. ●d● Ose●. 〈◊〉 Bethel for to work ungraciousness, and have increased your sins at ‡ Osce. ix▪ ●. and▪ xii. ●. Galgal: ye brought your sacrifices in the morning, and your tithes unto the third day. Ye mand a thank offering of leaven/ Ye promised frewyloffrynges, and proclaimed them. Such lust had ye, O ye children of Israel, sayeth the Lord God. Therefore have I given you y●le teeth in all your cities/ and scarceness of bred in all your palaces: yet will ye not turn unto me sayeth the Lord. When there were but three months unto the harvest, * Deut. 〈◊〉. and. 28. ●. jere. 14. ●. joel. iii. ●. I withheld the rain from you: ye I rained upon one city: and not upon another one piece of ground was mostured with rain, and the ground that I rained not upon, was dry. Wherefore two, ye, three cities came unto one/ to drink water: but they were nat satisfied, yet will ye nat turn unto me, sayeth the Lord. I have smitten you with drought and blasting: and look how many orchards/ vineyards, fyggetrees and olyvetrees ye had: the caterpyller hath eaten them up. But yet will ye nat turn unto me, sayeth the Lord. Pestilence have I sent among you, * Exod. ix. b. as I did in Egypt: your young men have I slay with the sword, and caused your horses to be taken captive: I made the stinking savour of your tents to come up into your nostrils. Yet will ye not turn unto me, sayeth the Lord. Some of you have I overthrown, * Gene. nineteen f 〈◊〉. Pet. two. ● as I overthrew Sodom & Gomore: so that ye were as a brand plucte out of the fire. Yet will ye nat turn unto me, sayeth the Lord. Therefore, thus will I handle y● again, O Israel ye even thus will I handle the. Make the ready them to meet thy God, O Israel. For lo he maketh the mountains, he ordaineth the wind, he showeth man what he is about to do: the maketh the morning and the darkness he treadeth upon the high places of the earth: the Lord God of hosts is his name. ¶ A complain of the captivity of Israel. CAPI. V HEAR this word, O ye house of Israel, and why? I must make this moan for you. The virgin Israel shall fall, & never rise up again: she shallbe cast down upon her own ground, & no man shall help her up. For thus sayeth the Lord God: Where as there dwelled a. M. i one city, there shallbe left scarce an hundred therein, & where there dwelled an. C. there shall, scarce ten be left for the house of Israel. Nevertheless, thus saith the Lord unto the house of Israel: Seek after me, & ye shall live, but seek not after Bethel. Come nat at Galgal, & go nat to Bersaba: for Galgal shallbe carried away captive, and Bethel shall come to nought. Seek the Lord, that ye may live: lest the house of joseph be brent with fire and consumed, and lest there be none to quench bethel. Ye turn the law to wormwood/ & cast down righteousness unto the ground. * job. ix. a. The Lord maketh the. seven. stars & the Orion's, he turneth the night into day, & of the day he maketh darkness. * ●mos. ix. d He calleth the waters of the see, and poureth them out upon the plain ground: the Lord is his name. He raiseth destruction upon the mygntye people, & bringeth down the strong hold: but they own him evil will, that reproveth them openly: & who so telleth them the plain truth, they abhor hi. For so much then as ye oppress the poor, & rob him of his best sustenance: * Deut. 28. c, Sopho. ●. c therefore/ where as ye have builded houses of square stone/ ye shall not dwell in them. marvelous pleasant vineyards shall ye plant/ but the wine of them shall ye not drink: & why●as for the multitude of your wickedness & your stout sins/ I know them right well. Enemies are ye of the righteous, * Exo. xxiii a Mich. iii. c. ye take rewards/ ye oppress the poor in judgement. Therefore, the wise must now be fain to hold his tongue/ so wicked a time is it. Seek after the thing the is good/ & nat evil/ so shall ye live: ye/ the Lord God of hosts shallbe with you/ according to your own desire. * Psal. 97. b Rom. xii. b Hate the evil/ & love the good: ‡ Deu. xvii d sit up right again in the port: & (no doubt) the Lord God of hosts shallbe merciful unto the remnant of joseph. If no (sayeth the Lord God, the God of hosts) there shall be mourning in all streets, ye, they shall say in every street: alas, alas. They shall call the housbandeman to lamentation/ & such as can mourn to mourning. In all vineyards there shall be heaviness, for I will come among you/ sayeth the Lord. Woe be unto them that desire the day of the Lord. Wherefore would ye have it? As for the day of the Lord, it shall be dark & not clear. Ye, like as when a man runneth from a lion/ & a Bear meeteth with him: or when he cometh into the house/ & leaneth his hand upon the wall/ a serpent biteth him. Shall not the day of the Lord be dark, * joel. two. b Sopho. i. c isaiah ●, ●. and. lviii a and not clear? shall it not be cloudy/ and no shine in it? * Mich. vi. b Mala. i. a. I hate and abhor your holy days/ & where as ye cense me when ye come together I will not accept it. And though ye offer me brentoffrynges & meatoffringes/ yet have I no pleasure therein. As for your fat thank offerings/ I will not look upon them: Away with the noise of thy songs, I will nat hear thy plays of musyck, but se the equity flow as the water, & righteousness as a mighty stream. O ye house of Israel, * Ic●e. seven. c. ●●ces. seven. ● gave ye me offerings and sacrifices those forty years long in the wilder nies? yet have ye set up tabernacles to your * levit. xx. ● 3. Reg. xi. ●. Moloch, and images of your Idols, ye, and the star of your God Rempha, figures which ye made to worshyppethens. Therefore will I cause you to be carried away beyond Damascus, saith the Lord, whose name is the God of hosts. ¶ Against the princes of Israel living in pleasures. CAPI. VI * Luke. vi. c. OWo be to the proud wealthy in Zion to such as think them so sure upon the mount of Samaria? which hold themselves for the best of the world and rule the house of Israel/ even as they list. Go unto Calf, and see: and from thence get you to Hemath the great city/ & so go down to Gath of the Philystines: be they better at ease then these kingdoms, or the border of their land wider than yours? Ye are taken out for the evil day, even ye that sit in the stole of wickedness. Ye that lie upon beds of ivory/ and use your wantonness upon your couches: ye that eat the best lamb of the flock/ & the fattest calves of the drove: ye that sing to the lute/ and in playing of instruments compare yourselves unto job. xxi. b. Ela●●. v. ●. David: ye that drink wine out of goblets/ and anoint yourselves with the best oil, but noman is sorry for joseph's hurt▪ There fore/ now shall ye be the first of them/ that shall be led away captive/ & the lusty cheer of the wilful shall come to an end. * 〈…〉 The Lord God hath sworn even by himself (sayeth the Lord God of hosts) I hate the pride of jacob, & I abhor his palaces: & I will give over the city, withal that is therein: so that though there remain ten men in one house/ they shall die. So their next kyn●folkes & the deed buriers shall take them, & carry away their bones/ & say unto him, that is in the ynnermer house: is there yet any more by thee? And he shall answer: they are all gone, hold thy tongue (shall he say) * Deu. viii. d for ⚜ they would nat remember the name of the Lord. Behold, the Lord is minded to smite the great houses, so that they shall decay, & the little houses, that they shall cleave asunder. Who can run with horses/ or plough with oxen upon the hard rocks of stone? For why? ye have turned true judgement into bitterness & the fruit of ryghteusnesse into wormwood ye, even ye, the rejoice in vain things: ye that say: have not we obtained horns in our own strength? well, take heed, O ye house of Israel, sayeth the Lord God of hosts: I will bring a people up you, which shall trouble you, from the way that goeth to ward Hemath, unto the broke i the meadow ¶ Of the captivity of Israel and juda. CAPI. VII. THE Lord God showed me such a vysyou: behold/ there stood one that made grasshoppers, even when the corn was shuting forth/ after the king had clypte his sheep. Now when they undertook to eat up all the green things in the land, I said: O Lord God, be merciful, I beseech thee: who: should else help up jacob that is brought so low? So the Lord was gracious therein/ and the Lord said: well/ it shall not be. Again/ the Lord showed me this vision: behold/ the Lord God called the fire to punish withal/ and it devoured the great deep: ye, it consumed a part all ready. Then said I: O Lord God/ hold thine hand: for who should else help up jacob that is brought so low? So the Lord was merciful therein/ and the Lord God/ said: well/ it shall nat be. Moreover/ he showed me this vision: behold/ the Lord stood upon a plastered wall/ and a masons trowel in his hand. And the Lord said unto me: Amos, what seest thou? I answered: a masons trowel. Then said the Lord: behold, I will lay the trowel among my people of Israel, and will no more over see than, but the high hylchapels of Isaac must be laid waste/ and the churches of Israel made desolate, * 4. Re. 〈◊〉 and as for the house of Jeroboam, I will stand up against it with the sword, Upon this sent Amasyah the priest to Bethel unto jeroboam the king of Israel, saying. * ●. Reg. 〈◊〉. ●. Amos maketh the house of Israel to rebel against thee/ the land can nat away with his words. For Amos sayeth, Jeroboam shall die with the sword/ & Israel shall be led away captive out of their own land. And Amasiah said unto Amos, Get the hence * Esay. xx●● (thou that canst see so well) and i'll in to the land of juda: get the there thy living/ and prophecy there: and prophecy no more at bethel/ for it is the kings chapel, and the kings court. Amos answered, and said to Amasiah: * ●ath. xii. ● As for me I am neither prophet, nor prophets son: but a keeper of cattles. Now as I was breaking down mulberies, and going after the cattles the Lord took me/ and said unto me: Go thy way/ and prophecy unto my people of Israel. And therefore, hear thou now the word of the Lord: Thou sayest: prophesy nat aghast Israel, & speak nothing against the house of Isaac. Wherefore, thus sayeth the Lord: Thy wife shallbe defiled in the city, thy sons & daughters shall be slain with the sword, & thy land shallbe measured out with the line. Thou thyself shalt die in an unclean land, * 4. Re. 〈◊〉 & Israel shallbe driven out of his own country. ¶ Against the rulers of Israel. The Lord sweareth that he will fulfil the things which he hath determined against Israel. CAPI. VIII. THE Lord God showed me this vision: and behold, there was a mand with summer fruit. And he said: Amos what sayst thou? I answered: a mand with summer fruit. Then said the Lord unto me: the end cometh upon my people of Israel, I will no more oversee them. In that day shall the songs of the temple be turned into sorrow, saith the Lord God, many deed bodies shall lie in every place/ and be cast forth secretly. * Isaiah. v. b. Hear this, O ye the oppress the poor/ and destroy the needy in the land, saying: When will the new month be gone, that we may sell bytayle, & the Sabbath/ that we may have scarcenesss of corn: to make the bushel less/ and the Sycle greater? We shall set up false wayghtes/ that we may get the poor under us with their money/ and the needy also for shoes: ye, let us sell the chaff for corn. * Amos. vi. b. The Lord hath sworn against the pride of jacob: these works of theirs will I never forget. Shall nat the land tremble/ and all they that dwell therein, mourn for this? Shall nat their destruction come upon them like a water stream, and flow over them, as the flood of Egypte? * jere. xv. b. At the same time (sayeth the Lord God) ☞ I shall cause the Sun to go down at none/ and the land to be dark in the clear day. * Tobi. two. a. your high feasts will I turn to sorrow/ and your songs to mourning: I will bring sack cloth upon all backs, & baldness upon every head: ye, such a mourning will I send them, * jere. vi. d. as is made upon an only begotten son, and they shall have a miserable end. Behold/ the time cometh (sayeth the Lord God) that I shall send an hunger in to the earth: ☞ nat the hunger of breed, nor the thirst of water: but an hunger to hear the word of the Lord: so that they shall go from the one see to the other, ye, from the north unto the east, running about to seek the word of the Lord, and shall nat find it ☞ In that time/ shall the tayre virgins and the young men perish for thirst, ye, even they that swear in the offence of Samaria/ & say: as truly as thy God liveth at Dan, and as truly as thy God liveth at Bersaba. These shalt fall, and never rise up again. ¶ threatenings against Israel. No man can escape the hand of God. CAPI. XI. I Saw the Lord standing upon the altar, & he said: smite the door cheek/ that the posts may shake withal. For their covetousness shall fall upon all their heads, and their posterity shallbe slain with the sword. * Psal, 139. a They shall nat i'll away, there shall nat one of them escape/ nor be delivered. * Abdy. i a. Though they were buried in the hell, my hand shall fetch them from thence: though they climb up to heaven/ yet shall I cast them down: though they hide themselves upon the top of Carmel, yet shall I seek them out, and bring them from thence: though they creep down fro my sight into the deep of the see, I shall command the serpent/ even there to bite them. If they go away before their enemies into captivity, then shall I command the sword/ there to slay them. Thus will I set mine eyes upon them, for their harm & not for their wealth. For when the Lord God of hosts toucheth a land, it consumeth away/ and all they that dwell therein, must needs mourn: And why? their destruction shall arise as every stream and run over them/ as the flood in Egypt. * 3. Re. viii. g He that hath his dwelling in heaven/ and groundeth his tabernacle in the earth: * Amos. v. b. He that calleth the waters as the see, and poureth them out upon the plyane ground: his name is the Lord. O ye children of Israel, are ye nat unto me, even of the Moryans'/ saith the: Lord have not I brought Israel out of the land of Egypte, ‡ Gene, x. b. the philistines from Capthor, and the Syrtans from Cyr? Behold, the eyes of the Lord are upon the realm that sinneth, to rote it clean out of the earth: Nevertheless, ‡ jere. thirty. b. ●a●ua xiii b Roma. ix. c I will not utterly destroy the house of jacob, sayeth the Lord. Forlo, this I promise: though I sift the house of Israel among all nations (like as they use to sift in a sieve) yet shall nat the smallest gravel stone fall upon the earth: But all the wicked doers of my people, that say: Tush/ the plague is nat so nigh, to come so hastily upon us: those shall perish with the sword. * Acts. xv. c. Mith, 7. b. At that time will I build again the ☞ tabernacle of David, that is fallen down/ and hedge up his gaps: and look what is broken, I shall repair it: Ye, I shall build it again, as it was afore time, that they may possess the remnant of Edom, ye, and all such people as call upon my name with them/ sayeth the Lord, which doth these things. Behold/ the time cometh (sayeth the Lord) that the ploughman shall over take the mower & treader of grapes, him that soweth sede. ‡ joel. iii. c. The mountains shall drop sweet wine/ and the hills shall be fruitful, and I will turn the captivity of my people of Israel: they shall repair the waste cities/ and have them in possession: they shall plant vineyards, & drink the wine thereof: they shall make gardens/ & enjoy the fruits of them. And I will plant them upon their own ground/ so that I will never rote them out again from their land which I have given them sayeth the Lord thy God. ¶ The end of the prophecy of Amos. ¶ against Edom, and the trust that they had in riches. ¶ The book of the Prophet Abdy. This is the vision that was showed unto Abdy: Thus hath the Lord God spoken upon * Ezech. 28. b and xxxv a Amos. i. c. Edom: we have hard of the Lord that there is an embassage set among the Heathen: Up, let us arise/ & fight against them. Behold, * Ic●e. xlix. ●. I will make the small among the Heathen, so that thou shalt be utterly despised. The pride of thine heart hath lift y● up, thou y● dwellest in the strong holds of stone, & haste made y● an high seat: Thou sayest in thine heart: who shall cast me down to the ground? * Amon i● a. Ab●●●●. 2 ● But though thou wentest up as high as the Eagle, & madest thy ‡ nest above among the stars: yet would I pluck the down from thence sayeth the Lord. If the thieves & robbers came to that by night, thou taking thy rest: should they nat steal, till they had enough▪ If the grape gatherers came upon thee, would they nat leave that some grapes? But how shall they reap Esau, & seek out his treasures? Ye, the men that were sworn unto thee/ shall drive y● out of the borders of thine own land. They that be now at one with y●, shall deceive the & overcome thee: Even they that eat thy breed, shall betray thee/ or ever that perceive it. * Esa. xxix. c. i Lorin i ●. Shall nat I at the same time sayeth the Lord destroy the wise men of Edom, & those that have understanding/ from the mount of Esau? Thy giants (O Theman) shallbe afraid/ for thorough the slaughter they shallbe all overthorowen upon the mount of Esau. Shame shall come upon thee/ for the malice that thou showdest to thy * Gent. 27. ●. brother jacob: ye, for evermore shalt thou perish/ and that because of the time/ when thou didst set thyself against him, even when the enemies carried away his host/ and when the alients came in at his ports/ and cast lots upon jerusalem, & thou thyself waste as one of them. Thou shalt no more see the day of thy brother/ thou shalt no more behold the time of his captivity: thou shalt no more rejoice over the children of juda, in the day ●t their destruction, thou shalt triumph no more in the time of their trouble. Thou shalt no more come in at the gates of my people/ in the time of their decay: thou shalt nat see their misery in the day of their fall. Thou shalt send out no man against their host/ in the day of their adversity: neither shalt thou stand waiting any more at the corners of the streets/ to murder such as are fled, or to take them presoners/ that remain in the day of their trouble. For the day of the Lord is hard by upon all the Heathen. * I 〈…〉▪ ●o●l. 〈◊〉. ●. Like as thou hast done, so shalt thou be dealt wthal, ye, thou shalt be rewarded even upon thine head. For like wise as ye have drunken upon mine holy hill/ so shall all heathen drink continually: ye, drink shall they, and swallow up, ●o that ye shallbe as though ye had never been. But ☞ upon the mount Zion shall the salvation be, and holiness/ these shallbe holy/ and the house of jacob shall possess even those, * ●acha. 〈◊〉. ● that had themselves afore in possession. Moreover, ☜ the house of jacob shallbe a fire/ the house of joseph a flame/ and thee, * jerem. ●. ● house of Esau shallbe the straw, which they shall kindle and consume/ so that nothing shallbe left of the house of Esau, the Lord himself hath said it. They of the South shall have the mount of Esau in possession: and look what lieth upon the ground: that shall the Philystynes have: the plain fields shall Ephraim & Samaria possess: and the mountains of Galaad shall Ben jamin have: And this host shall be the children of Israel's prisoners: Now what so lieth from Canaan unto zareptah, & in Sepharad that shallbe under the subjection of jerusalem: and the cities of the south shall enheret it. Thus they that escape upon the hill of Zion/ shall go up to punish the mount of Esawe● * ●●ch. ●●Soan●●● and the kingdom shall be the Lords, ¶ The end of the book of the prophecy of Abdy. ❧: The Book of the Prophet jonas. ¶ The flight of jonas when he was sent to preach. A tempest ariseth, & casteth him in the see for his disobedience. CAPI. I. THe word of the Lord came unto * 4. ●t. 14. ●. jonas the son of Amythai, saying: ‡ jonas. 3. a Arise, & get y● ☜ to Ninive that ‡ Gene. x b great city: and preach unto them, how that ‡ Gene. 18. ● their wickedness is come up before me. And jonas made him ready to i'll ☞ unto Tharsis from the presence of the Lord, and got him down to joppa: where he found a ship ready for to go unto Tharsis. So he paid his fare, and went abroad/ that he might go with them unto Tharsis/ from the presence of the Lord. But the Lord hurled a great wind into the see/ and there was a mighty tempest in the see: so that the ship was in teoperdy of going in pieces. Then the mariners were afraid, and cried every man unto his God: and the goods that were in the ship, they cast into the see/ to lyghten it of them. But jonas got him under the hatches/ where he laid him down & slumbered. So the master of the ship came to him and said unto him: why slomberest thou? Up, call upon thy God: if God (happily) will think upon us/ that we perish not. And they said one to another: come/ let us cast lots: that we may know, for whose cause we are thus troubled. ‡ Iosne 7. c And so they cast lots, & the lot fell upon jonas. Then said they unto him: tell us/ for whose cause are we thus troubled? what is thine occupation? whence comest thou (and when there goest thou▪) what countryman art thou, & of what nation? He answered them: I am an Ebrue, & I fear the Lord God of heaven/ which made both the see, & dry land. Then were the men exceedingly afraid, & said unto him why didst thou so? (for they knew, that he was fled from the presence of the Lord, because he had told them) & said moreover unto him: What shall we do unto y●, that the see may cease from troubling us? (for the see wrought & was troublous) he answered them: Take me, and cast me into the see, so shall it let you be in rest for I wot/ it is for my sake, that this great tempest is come upon you. Nevertheless, the men assayed with rowing/ to bring the ship to land: but it would not be/ because the see wrought so/ & was so troublous against them. Wherefore they cried unto the Lord, & said: ‡ Deut. xxi. ● O Lord let us not perish for this man's death/ neither lay thou innocenc blood unto our charge: for thou, O lord, hast done, even as thy pleasure was. So they took jonas, and cast him into the see/ and the see left raging. And the men feared the Lord exceedingly, doing sacrifices and making vows unto the Lord. ¶ jonas is swallowed of a whale. The prayer of jonas. CAPI. II. BUt the Lord prepared a great fish/ to swallow up jonas ‡ Mat. xii. ● So was jonas in the belly of the fish, three days &. three nights. And jonas prayed unto the Lord his God, out of the fishes belly, & said. * Psal. 120. e In my trouble I called unto the Lord, and he heard me out of the belly of hell I cried, & thou heardest my voice. Thou hadst cast me down deep in the midst of the see, and the sloude compa sed me about: ye/ ‡ Psal. xlii. d all thy waves & rolls of water went over me, I thought that I had been cast away out of thy sight: but I will yet again look toward thy holy temple. The waters compassed me/ even to the very soul: the deep lay about me, & the weeds were wrappeth about mine head. I went down to the bottom of the hills, and was barred in with earth for ever. But thou/ O Lord my God, haste brought up my life again out of corruption. When my soul fainted within me/ I thought upon the Lord: & my prayer came in unto thee, even unto thy holy temple. ⚜ They that hold of vain vanities, will forsake his mercy. But I will do the sacrifice with the voice of thanksgiving, & will pay that I have vowed/ for why? salvation cometh of the Lord. And the Lord spoke unto the fish, and it cast out jonas again upon the dry land. ¶ jonas is sent again to Ninive. The repentance of the King of Ninyve. CAPI. III. THen came the word of the Lord unto jonas again, saying ‡ jonas. i. ● up/ and get the to Ninive ☞ that great City/ and preach unto them the preaching which I bade the. So jonas arose/ & went to Ninive at the lords commandment. Ninive was a great city unto God, namely/ of three days journey. And jonas went to, & entered into the city: even a days journey/ and cried, saying: There are yet. xl. days and then shall Ninive be overthrown. ☞ ‡ Esay. 37. ● And the people of Ninive believed God, &, p●laymed fasting, and arrayed themselves in sack cloth, as well the great as the small of them. And the ●y●in ges came unto the king of Ninive, which arose out of his seat, and did his apparel of/ & put on sack cloth, and sat him down in ashes. And it was cried and commanded in Ninive, by the authority of the king and his Lords, saying: * Mat. xii. d Luke. xi. c see that neither man or be'st, ox or sheep taste aught at all: and that they nether feed nor drink water: but put on sack clothe both man & beast, and cry mightily unto God: * jere. 18. a ye, see that every man turn from his evil way/ and from the wickedness/ that he hath in hand. Who can tell▪ God may turn, & repent, and cease from his fierce wrath, that we perish not. And when God saw their works how they turned from their wicked ways * Esay. 38. b he repent on the evil, which he said he would do unto them, and did it not. jonas is reproved of God. CAPI. four Therefore jonas was sore discontent & angry. And he prayed unto the Lord, & said: O Lord was not this my saying (I pray thee) when I was yet in my country? therefore I hasted rather to i'll unto Tharsis * 〈◊〉 ●. 〈◊〉. a ●. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. c for I know well enough that thou art a merciful God, full of compassion, long suffering & of great kindness & repentest when thou shouldest take punishment, ‡ ●▪ Reg. ●9 a And now O Lord take my life fro me (I beseech thee) for I had rather die then live. Then said the Lord: art thou so angry? And jonas got him out of the city & sat down on the east side there of: & there made him a both, & sat under it in the shadow, till he might see/ what should chance unto the city. And the Lord God prepared a wild vine, which sprang up over jonas, that he might have shadow above his head, to deliver him out of his pain. And jonas was exceeding glad of the wild vine. But upon the next morrow against the spring of the day. The lord ordained a worm which smote the wild vine, so that it weathered away. And when the sun was up, God prepared a fervent east wind: & the Sun bet over the head of jonas, that he fainted again & wished unto his soul/ that he might die & said: It is better for me to die/ than to live And God said unto jonas: Art y● so angry for the wild vine? And he said: ye, very angry am I, even unto the death. And the Lord said: y● haste compassion upon a wild vine/ whereon the bestowdest no labour, nor madest it grow which sprang up in one night and perished in another: And should not I then have compassion upon Ninive that great city wherein there are above an. C. &, xx. thousand personnes: that know not their right hand from the left, besides much cattles. ¶ The end of the prophecy of jonas. ❧: The Book of the Prophet Micheas. ¶ Of the destruction of Samaria because of their idolatry CAPI. I. This is the word of the Lord/ that came unto Micheas the Morastite, in the days of ‡ 4. Reg. ●5. ● 2. Par. 27. ● 4. Re. 16. ● 4. Reg. 18 ● and. nineteen. a Deut. ●2, a Esay. ●. a jothan ‡ Ahas & ‡ jehezekiah kings of juda: which was showed him upon Samaria & Jerusalem. Here all ye people, mark this well O earth, & all that therein is: Ye/ the Lord God himself be witness among you/ even the Lord from his holy temple. For why? * Isaiah. 26. ● behold, the Lord shall go out of his place, & come down, & tread upon the high things of the earth. The mountains shall consume under him, & the valleys shall cleave asunder: like as wax consumeth at the fire, & as the waters run downward And all this shallbe for the wickedness of jacob, & the sins of the house of Israel. But what is the wickedness of jacob? Is not * 3. Reg. 1●. ● 3 Reg 〈◊〉. a Samaria? Which are the high places of juda? Is not * 4. Re. 10, ● xxi. ● jerusalem? Therefore I shall make Samaria an heap of stones in the field/ to lay about the vineyard: her stones shall I cast into the valley, and discover her foundacious. All her images shall be broken down & all her winnings shall be brent in the fire: ye/ all her idols will I destroy: for why: ‡ Deute. 13. ● they are gathered out of the hire of an whore, & in to an whore's hire shall they be turned again. Wherefore I will mourn and make lamentation, bare & naked will I go: I must mourn like the dragon's/ and take sorrow as the Ostriches: for their wound is past remedy. And why? it is come into juda, & hath touched the port of my people at jerusalem already. ‡ 2. Reg. ●. ● Weep not, lest they at Geth perceive it. Thou at Betaphra, welter thyself in the dust & ashes. Thou y● dwellest at Sephyr/ get the hence with shame. The proud shall boast no more for very sorrow: and why? her neighbour shall take from her what she hath. The rebellious city hopeth, that it shall not be so evil: but for all y●/ the plague shall come from the Lord, even into the port of Jerusalem The great noise of the charettis shall fere them that dwell at * 4. Re. 17. c Lachis, which is an occasion of the sine of the daughter of Zion, for in y● came up the wickednesses of Israel. Ye, she sent her coursers into the land of Geth. The houses of lies will deceive the kings of Israel. And as for thee (O thou that dwell lest at Morassa) I shall bring a possessioner upon thee, & the plague of Israel shall reath unto Odolla. Make the bald/ & shave thee/ because of thy tender children: Make the clean bald as an Eagle/ for they shallbe carried away captive from the. ¶ Three at●ynges against the sinful people. CAPI. II. OWo unto them, that Imagine to do harm, & devise ungraciousness upon their beds, to perform it in the clear day: for there power is against God. When they covet to have land, ‡ ●. Reg. 21. a they take it by violence/ they rob men of their houses. Thus they oppress a man for his house, & every man for his heritage. Therefore thus sayeth the Lord: Behold ‡ Amos. v. b against this household have I devised a plague, whereout ye shall not pluck your necks: Ye shall no more go so proudly, for it will be a perilous time. In that day shall this term be used and a mourning shallbe made over you on this manner: We be utterly desolate/ the portion of my people is translated. When will he part unto us the land/ that he hath taken from us? Nevertheless * Nunie. 33 ● there shallbe no man to divide the thy portion in the congregation of the Lord. Tush, hold your tongue (say they) It shall not fall upon this people, we shall not come so to confusion, sayeth the house of jacob Is the spirit of the Lord so clean away? or is he so minded? Truth it is, my words are friendly unto them that live right: but my people doth contrary/ therefore must I take part against them: for they take away both cote & cloak from the simple. Ye have turned yourselves to fight/ the women of my people have ye shut out from their good houses, and taken away my excellent gyfres from their children. Up/ get you hence/ for here shall ye have no rest. Because of their idolatry they are corrupt, & shall miserably perish. If I were a fleshly fellow, & a preacher of lies, and told them that they might sit bybbing and bolling, & be drunken: O that were a Prophet for this people. But I will gather the in deed/ O jacob, & drive the remnant of Israel all together. I shall carry them one with another, as a flock in the fold/ and as the cattle in their stalls, that they may be disquieted of other men. Who so breaketh the gap/ he shall go before. They shall break up the port, & go in & out at it. Their king shall go before them, & the Lord shallbe upon the head of them. ¶ Against the tyranny of Princes, and false Prophets▪ CAPI. III. Hear/ O ye heads of the house of jacob, & ye leders of the house of Israel: * Deut. 17. ● jeremy. 5. ● Psal 82. ● Isaiah. v. c Should not ye know, what were lawful and right? But ye hate the good/ and love the evil: ye pluck of men's skins, and the flesh from their bones: ye eat the flesh of my people, & flay of their skin/ ye break their bones/ ye chop them in pieces as it were into a cauldron, & as flesh into a p●t. Now the time shall come/ * Isaiah 1. b Ezec. viii. c 1. Petr. 3. ● that when they call unto the Lord/ he shall not hear them but hide his face from them/ because that thorough their own Imaginations they have dealt so wickedly. And as concerning the Prophets that deceive my people, thus the Lord sayeth against them. ‡ Ezech. ●3. ● When they have any ching to bite upon, than they preach that all shallbe well: but if a man put not some thing into their mouths/ they preach of war against him. * Deut. 1●. ● Therefore your vision shallbe turned to night/ & your prohe●yenge to darkness. The Sun shall go down over those prophets/ & the day shallbe dark unto them. Then shall the vision seers be ashamed/ and the soothsayers confounded/ ye/ they shallbe fain all the pack of them/ to stop their mouths/ for they have not God's word. * jere. 1. ● Ezch. 〈◊〉. ● As for me/ I am full of strength, & of the spirit of the Lord, full of judgement, & boldness: to show the house of jacob their wickedness and the house of Israel their sin. O hear this ye rulers of the house of jacob, & ye judges of the house of Israel, ye that abhor the thing that is lawful, & wrest e aside the thing that is straight. * Abac●●. 〈◊〉 ● Ye that build up Zion with blood, and jerusalem with doing wrong. ‡ Ezech. 〈◊〉, ● O ye judges, ye give sentence for gifts: O ye preastes/ ye teach for lucre. * jere. vi. ● O ye Prophets, ye prophesy for money. Yet will they be taken as those that hold upon god, and say: Is not the Lord among us? Tush/ there can no misfortune happen us. Therefore shall Zion for your sakes) be ploughed like a field ‡ jere. ●6. ● Jere 〈◊〉▪ ● 3. Reg 9 ● and. xx●. ● Luk xxvi. ● jerusalem shall become an heap of stones/ and the hill of the temple shallbe turned to an high wood. ¶ Of the calling of the gentiles, and conu●●cyon of the jews. CAPI. four BUt * Levi. 26 g Esay. two a in the latter days it will come to pass, that the hill of the lords house shall be set up higher than any mountains or hills: Ye/ the people shall press unto it, & the multitude of the Gentiles shall hast them thither/ saying: Come, ‡ Esay. two. a Psal 122. ● let us go up to the hill of the Lord, and to the house of the God of jacob that he may teach us his ways, & that we may walk in his paths. * Psal▪ 49 ● Esay. two. a Luke. 24. ● For the law shall come out of Zion, & the word of God From jerusalem/ and shall give sentence among the multitude of the Heathen and reform the people of far countries: so that of their swords they shall make plowshares/ & scythes of their spears. * Esay. xi. b. and lxv. d One people shall not life up a sword against another, ye/ they shall no more learn to fight: but every man shall sit under his vineyard & under his fyg●re/ and no man to fray him away: for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it. Therefore, where as all the people have walked every man in the name of his own God, we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever & ever. ‡ Sopho. ●. At the same time, saith the Lord, will I gather up the lame & the outcasts/ & such as I have chastened: & will give issue unto the lame/ & make of the outcasts a great people, * Luke. i. ● & the Lord himself shallbe their king upon the mount Zion, from this time forth for evermore. And unto y●. (O thou tower of ‡ Gene. 35. ● Eder/ thou strong hold of the daughter Zion) unto the shall it come: even the Lordship & kingdom of the daughter Jerusalem. Why then art thou now so heavy? is there no king in thee? are thy counsellors away that thou art so pained, as a woman in her travail? And now (O thou daughter Zion) be sorry, let it grieve the as a wife labouring with child: for now must thou get the out of the city/ & dwell upon the plain field: Ye/ unto Babylon shalt thou go/ there shalt thou be delivered, Mith. v. ● & there the Lord shall louse the from the hand of thine enemies. Now also are there many people gathered together against thee/ saying: what, Sion is cursed, we shall see our lust upon her. But they know not ‡ Esay 14. d the thoughts of the Lord/ they understand not his council, that shall gather them together as the sheaves in the barn. Therefore get the up/ O thou daughter Zion/ and thresh out the corn: For I will make thy horn iron/ and thy claws brass/ that thou mayest grind many people: their goods shalt thou appropriate unto the Lord/ and their substance unto the ruler of the whole world. ¶ Of the destruction of jerusalem. CAPI. V AFter that shalt thou be rob thyself O thou robbers daughter: they shall lay siege against us, & smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek. ‡ Math. two. a ●oh. seven. ●. And thou Bethleem Ephrata, art little among the thousands of juda, Out of the shall come unto me, which shallbe the governor in Israel: whose out going hath been from the beginning, & from everlasting. In the mean while he plagueth them for a season/ until the time that she (which shall bear) have borne: then shall the remnant of his brethren be converted unto the children of Israel. He shall stand fast/ ‡ Ezech. 34. ● and give food in the ‡ ●oqu●. 〈◊〉 Roma. ●● strength of the Lord/ and in the victory of the name of the Lord his God: and when they be converted he shallbe magnified unto the farthest parts of the world. Then shall there be peace/ so that the Assyrian may come into our land, & tread in our houses. We shall bring up seven shepherds and. viii. princes upon them, these shall subdue the land of Assur with the sword and the land of ‡ Gene. ●. ● Nymrod with their naked weapons. * Mith. ●iii. Thus shall he deliver us from the Assyrian, when he cometh within our land/ and setteth his foot within our borders. And the remnant of jacob shallbe among the multitude of people/ as the dew of the Lord/ and as the drops upon the grass, that tarrieth for no man/ and waiteth of no body. Ye/ the residue of jacob shallbe among Gene. 4▪ ● the Gentiles and the multitude of people, as the lion among the beasts of the would/ and as the lions whelp among a flock of sheep which (when he goeth thorough) treadeth down teareth in pieces/ and there is no man that can help. Thine hand shallbe lift up upon thine enemies/ and all thine adversasaries shall perish. The time shall come also, sayeth the Lord/ that I will take thine horses from thee/ and destroy thy charettes. I will break down the cities of thy land/ and overthrow all thy strong holds. * Deut. 1ST All witchcrafts will I rote out of thine hand, there shall no more sooth sayings be within the. * Naum ●● Thine Idols and thine Images will I destroy out of that so that thou shalt no more bow thyself unto the works of thine own hands. Thy groves will I pluck up by the roots/ and break down the cities. Thus will I be avenged also, upon all the Heathen that will not hear, ¶ An exhortation to hear the judgement against Israel being unkind. What manner of sacrifices do please God. CAPI. VI hearken now what the Lord sayeth: * Esa. 58. a. Up, reprove the mountains/ & let the hills hear thy voice. O hear the punishment of the Lord/ ye mountains and ye mighty foundations of the earth: for the Lord will reporue his people, & reason with Israel: O my people, what have I done unto y●? or wherein have I hurt thee? give me answer. * Exod. 14. ●. Because I brought the from the land of Egypte, & delivered the out of the house of bondage? ‡ Nun 12 ● Because I made Moses, Aaron & Miriam to lead y●? Remember (O my people ‡ Nu. 22 23. ●iiii. xxv. what Balach the king of Moab had Imagined against thee/ and what answer that Balaam the son of Beor gave him, from Sethim unto Galgal/ that ye may know the loving kindnesses of the Lord. What acceptable thing shall I offer unto the Lord? shall I bow my knee to the high God? Shall I come before him with brent offerings/ and with calves of a year old? Hath the Lord a pleasure in many thousand rams/ or innumerable streams of oil? Or shall I give my first borne for mine offences / & the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? I will show thee, O man/ what is good/ & what the Lord requireth of thee: Namely, to do right, to have pleasure in loving kindness/ to be lowly/ & to walk with thy God: ‡ Isaiah. i d. that thou mayest be called a city of the Lord, & that thy name may be rightuousnesie. Hear (O ye tribes) who would else give you such warning? ‡ Levi. nineteen. g deut. 25. c. Prou. i● b. Eze ●. x●v. b Should I not be displeased, for the unrightuous good in the houses of the wicked, and because the measure his minished? Or should I justify the false balances and the bag of deceitful weights/ among those that be full of riches unrighteously gotten: where the cytesyus deal with falsehood, speak lies, & have deceitful tongues in their mouths? Therefore, I will take in hand to punish y●, and to make the desolate/ because of thy sins. Thou shalt eat, & not have enough: ye, thou shalt bring thyself downè. Thou shalt i'll, but not escape: & those that thou wouldest save, will I deliver to the ⚜ Levi, 26. d. Osee. iiii. ●●gg●ne. i a Deut. 28. t. sword. Thou shalt sow, but not reap: thou shalt press out olives/ but oil shalt y● not have to anoint thyself with all: thou shalt tread out sweet must/ but shalt dricke no wine. Ye keep the ordivaunces of * 3. Re. xvi. ● Amri/ & all the customs of the house of Ahab: ye follow their pleasures, therefore will I make the waist, and cause thy inhabiters to be aborted, O my people: and thus shalt thou bear thine own shame. CAPI. VII. ¶ ● complaint of the little number of the righteous Against the truth ought we not to hold with out greatest friends. WOE is me: I am become as one/ that goeth a gleaning i the harvest, There are no grapes to eat/ yet would I fain (with all my heart) have of the best fruit. * Rom. iii. ● There is not a godly man upon earth, there is not one righteous among men. They labour all to shed blood & every man hunteth his brother to death: yet they say they do well when they do evil. As the prince will, so saith the judge: that he may do him a pleasure again. The great man speaketh what his heart desireth: & the hearers allow him, The best of them is but as a thistle, & the most righteous of them is but as a breer i the hedge. But when the day of thy preachers cometh, that thou shalt be visited: them shall they be wasted away. * jercui. it. ● Let no man believe his friend, nor put his confidence in a price. Keep the port of thy mouth, from her that lieth in thy bosom: * Math. ●. c. Deu. ●iii. ●●. xxxiii. ●. Psal., 7. ●. and 〈◊〉. b. for the son shall put his father to dishonour, the daughter shall rise against her mother/ the daughter in law against her mother in law: & a man's foes shallbe even they of his own household. Nevertheless, I will look up unto the Lord/ I will patiently abide God my saviour: my God shall hear me. O thou enemy of mine, rejoice not at my fall, for I shall get up again: & though I sir in darkness, yet the Lord is my light. I will bear the punishment of the Lord (for why/ I have offended him) till he sit in judgement upon my cause, & see that I have right. He will bring me forth to the light, & I shall see his righteousness. She that is mine enemy shall look upon it/ & be confounded, which now saith. * Pro. xvii ● Where is thy Lord God? Mine eyes shall behold her, when she shallbe trodden down, as the clay Amos, ix. ● in the streets. * 4. Be. nineteen. a The time will come, that thy gaps shall be made up, & the law shall go abroad: & at that time shall they come unto thee, from Assur unto the strong cities, & from the strong cities unto the river: from the one see to that other, from the one mountain to y● other. notwithstanding, the land must be wasted/ because of them that dwell therein, and for the fruits of their own Imaginations Therefore feed thy people with thy rod/ the flock of thine heritage which dwell desolate in the wood: that they may be fed upon the mount of Charmel/ Basan and Galaad as afore time. marvelous things will I show them, * Exod. 14. a like as when they came out of Egypte. This shall the Heathen se, and be ashamed for all their power, * job. ●9. ●. so that they shall lay their hand upon their mouth, and stop their ears. * Gene. iii. ●. They shall lick the dust like a serpent, and as the worms of the earth, that tremble in their holes. They shallbe afraid of the Lord our God, and they shall fear the. Where is there such a God as thou? that pard●nest wickedness, and forgeveste the offences of the remnant of thine heritage? Hen keepeth not his wrath for ever. And why? his delight is to have compassion: * jere. ix. d. he shall turn again/ and be merciful to us: he shall put down our wickedness, and cast all our sins in to the bottom of the see. Thou shalt keep thy truth with jacob/ and thy mercy for Abraham/ like as thou have sworn unto our fathers long ago. ¶ The end of the prophecy of Mycheas. ❧: The book of the Prophet Naum. ¶ Of the destruction of Ninive and of the deliverance of Israel. CAPI. I. This is the heavy burden of Ninive/ which Naum of Elchos did write as he saw it. * Deut. v. b. The Lord is a jealous God, & a taker of vengeance is the Lord, and wrathful. * Rom. two. a, The lord taketh vengeance of his enemies, and reserveth displeasure for his adversaries. * Roma. i●. a. Exod. 34. a. The Lord suffereth long, he is of great power/ & so innocent ‡ jere. thirty. b. that he leaveth no man faultless before him. The Lord goeth forth in tempest & stormy wether, the clouds are the dust of his feet. When he reproveth the see, he drieth it up, & turneth all the floods to dry land. Basan is desolate, Charmel & the pleasure of Lybanus wasteth away. The mountains tremble for him, the hills consume. At the sight of him, the earth quaketh: ye, the whole world, and all that dwell therein. * jere. x. b. ●●ay. ●4. a. Adaru. iii. a Loph. iii. b Who may endure before his wrath? Or who is able to abide his gtyme displeasure? His anger taketh on like fire/ and the hard rocks burst in sunder before him. Full gracious is the Lord/ and a strong hold in the time of trouble, he knoweth them that put their trust in him: when the flood runneth over, and destroyeth the place/ and when the darkness followeth still upon his enemies. What do ye Imagine then against the Lord on this manner? (Tush, when he hath once made an end, there shall come no more trouble.) For like as the thorns that stick together, and as the dry straw, so shall the drunkards be consumed together/ even when they be full. There come out of the such as Imagine mischief/ & give ungracious council against the Lord. Therefore thus sayeth the Lord: Let them be as well prepared: ye, & as many as they can, yet shall they be hewn down, and pass away. And as for y●, I will vex y●/ but not utterly destroy the. And now will I break his rod from thy back, & burst thy bonds in bonder. But the Lord hath given a commandment concerning thee, that there shall come no more seed of thy name. * M●th● The carved & casten Images will I rote out of the house of thy God. Thy grave shall I prepare for thee/ and thou shalt be confounded. ¶ He deseribeth the victory of the Caldees against the Nynyvytes. CAPI. II. Behold/ * Esapt. 〈◊〉▪ Roma. 〈◊〉. upon the mountains come the feet of him/ that bringeth good tidings/ and preached peace. O juda/ keep thy holy days/ perform thy promises: for Be●ial shall come no more in thee/ he is utterly rooted out. The scaterer shall come up against thee, & lay siege to the castle. Look thou well to the streets/ make thy loins strong/ arm thyself with all thy might: for the Lord shall restore again the glory of jacob, like as the glory of Israel. The destroyers have broken them down, & marred the wine branches. The shield of his giants gly steereth/ his men of war are clothed in purple. His charettes are as fire, when he maketh him forward, his archers are well decked & trimmed The charettes rol upon the streets/ & welter in the high ways. They are to look upon like cressettes of fire, & go swiftly/ as the lightening. When he doth but warn his giants, they fall in their array, & hastily they climme up the walls: ye/ the engines of the war are prepared all ready. The water ports shall be opened/ and the kings palace shall fall. The queen herself shall be led away captive, and her gentylwemen shall mourn as the doves and groan within their hearts. ‡ ●ob● 14. ●▪ Soph. 〈◊〉▪ ●. Ninive is like a pole full of water, but then shall they be fain to i'll. Stand, stand, (shall they cry (& there shall not one turn back. Away which the silver, away with the gold: for here is no end of treasure. Theridamas shallbe a multitude of all manner of costly ornaments. Thus must she be spoiled/ emptied & clean striped out: that their hearts may be melted away, their knees tremble, all their loins be weak, and their faces black as a pot. where is now the dwelling of the lions, & the pasture of the lions whelps? where the lion and the liones went with the whelps, & no man frayed them away? But the lion spoiled enough for his young ones/ & devoured for his lioness: he filled his dens with his pray, & his dwelling places with that he had rodbeb. Behold/ I will upon thee, sayeth the Lord of hosts, & will set fire upon thy charettes/ that they shall smoke with all, & the sword shall devour the young lions. I will make an end of thy spoiling from out of the earth/ & the voice of thy messaungers shall no more be herd. ¶ The fall of Ninive. CAPI. III. woe to that bloudthrusty city which is all full of lies & robbery, & will not leave of from ravishing. There a man may hear scourging/ rushing, the noise of the wheels, the crying of the horses, & the rolling of the charettes. There the horsemen get up with naked swords/ and glistering spears: There lieth a multitude slain, and a great heap of deed bodies: There is no end of deed corpses: ye men fall upon their bodies: And that for the great and manifold whoredom/ of the fair & beautiful harlot: which is a masiresses of witch craft: ye, & selleth the people thorough her whoredom, and the nations thorough her witch craft.. * E●●. 24▪ a. ●bo●n. two. b Behold, I will upon Esai. 47. a Exec. xvi. d thee (saith the Lord of hosts (and will put thy clothes over thy head: that I may show thy nakedness among the Heathen/ and thy shame among the kingdoms. I will cast dirt upon y●/ to make the be aborted, and a gazing stock: Ye, all they that look upon thee, shall start back, and say: Ninive is destroyed Who will have pity upon thee: where shall I seek one to comfort thee? Art thou better than the great eyte of ‡ E●ec. thirty. c. Alexandria? that lay in the waters/ and had the waters round about it: which was strongly fenced & walled with the see? Ethiopa and Egypt were her strength, and the exceeding great above measure. Aphrica & Libya were her helpers, yet was she driven away/ & brought into captivity: her young children were smitten down at the head of every street/ the lots were cast for the most ancient men in her, & all her mighty men were bound in chains. Even so shalt thou also be drunken, & hy●e thyself, & seek some help against thine enemy. All thy strong cities shallbe like figetrees with ripe figes: which when a man shaketh: they shall fall into the mouth of the eater. Behold, thy people within thee/ be but women: the ports of thy land shallbe opened unto thine enemies/ and the fire shall devour thy bars. Draw water now against the be besieged, make up thy strong holds go into the clay, temper the mortar, make strong brick: * Esa. x. a. 30 f. xxxi. b. zacha. x. b. yet the fire shall consume thee, the sword shall destroy thee: ye, as the locust doth, so shall it eat y● up. It shall fall heavily upon y● as the locusts: ye, right heavily shall it fall upon thee, even as the grasshoppers. Thy merchants have been numbered with the stars of heaven: but now shall they spread abroad as the locusts, & i'll their way. Thy Lords are as the grasshoppers/ & thy captains as the multitude of grasshoppers: which when they be cold, remain in the hedges: but when the Sun is up they i'll away, & no man can tell where they are become. Thy shepherds are a sleep (O king of Assur) thy worthies are laid down: thy people is scared abroad upon the mountains, and no man gathereth them together again. Thy wound cannot be hid, thy plague is so sore. All they that hear this of thee, shall clap their hands over the. For what is he to whom thou hast not always been doing hurt. The end of the prophecy of Naum. ❧: The Book of the Prophet Abacuk. A complaint against Israel. CAPI. I. This is the heavy burden/ which the Prophet Abacuk did se. O Lord how long shall I cry, & thou wilt not hear? ‡ Psal, 2●. ●. How long shall I complain unto y●/ suffringe wrong, and y● wilt not help? why letrest thou me se wermes & labour ‡ job, nineteen. a. Tyranny Eccle. iiii. a. and violence are before me, power overgoeth right: for the law is toarue in pieces, & there can not right judgement go forth. And why? the ungodly is more set by then the righteous: this is the cause, that wrong judgement proceedeth. * Acts xiii. d Behold, among the Heathen, & look well, wondre at it, & be abashed for I will do a thing in your time/ which though it be told you, ye shall not believe. For lo/ I will raise up the Caldees/ that bitter and swift people: which shall go as wide as the land is, to take possession of dwelling places, that be not their own. A grim and boisterous people is it/ these shall sit in judgement & punish. Their horses are swifter than the cats of the mountain/ & bite sorer than * Deut. 28. ●. the wolves in the evening. Their horsemen come by great heaps from far/ they ●le hastily to devour as the Eagle. They come all to spoil: out of them cometh an east wind, which bloweth and gathereth their captives, like as the sand. They shall mock the kings, and laugh the princes to scorn. They shall not set by any strong hold, for they shall lay ordinance against 〈◊〉, and take it. Then shall they take a fresh courage unto them, to go forth & to do more evil, and so ascribe the power unto * Soph. iii. ● their God. But thou O Lord my God ‡ Esa xivi. a. 2. 〈◊〉 28. ● Psal ●9 c. Isaiah. ●. ●. my holy one, thou art from the beginning, therefore shall we not die. O Lord, thou hast ordained them for a punishment, and set them to reprove the mighty. Thine eyes are clean/ thou mayest not see evil, thou canst not behold the thing that is wicked. * Iere xii. ●. Ps●●●, 7. ●. Wherefore then dost thou look upon the ungodly/ and holdest thy tongue/ when the wicked devoureth the man that is better than himself? Thou makest men as the fish in the see/ and like as the creeping beasts/ that have no guide, they take up all with their angle they catch it in their net, & gather it in the yarn: whereof they rejoice and are glad. Therefore offer they unto their net/ and do sacryfyee unto their yarn: because that thorough it their poreyon is become so fat, & their meat so plenteous. Wherefore/ they cast out their net again/ and never cease to stay the people. ¶ Of the vision of the prophet. Against polling, covetousness, and I●ol●●tye CAPI. II. I STOOD upon my watch/ and set me upon my bull work/ to look and see what he would say unto me, and what answer. I should give him that reproved me. But the Lord answered me/ and said: Write the vision playvely upon thy tables/ that who so cometh by/ may read it for the vision is yet far of for a time/ but at the last it shall come to pass/ and not fail. * Da●i. ix. d. And though he tarry, yet wait thou for him, for in very deed he will come/ & not be slack. Behold, who so will not believe/ his soul shall not prosper: * Hebr●. ●● but the just shall live by his faith. Like as the wine deceiveth the dronckarde, even so the proud shall fail & not endure. He openeth his desire wide up as the hell/ * Roma. 〈◊〉 Gol●. 〈◊〉 Heb▪ ●. 〈◊〉 and is as vnse●yable Pro. thirty. ● as death. All Heathen gathereth he to him/ and heapeth unto him all people. But shall not all these take up a proverb against him, & mock him with a byword, & say: Woe unto him that heapeth up other men's goods? How long will he lad himself with thick clay? O how suddenly will they stand up, that shall bite, & awake, that shall tear y● in pieces? ye, thou shalt be their pray. * ●bdy. 〈◊〉. seeing y● hast spoiled many Heathen/ therefore shall the remnant of the people spoil thee: because of men's blood, & for the wrong done in the land/ in the city and unto all them that dwell therein. woe unto him, that covetously gathereth evil gotten goods into his house: that he may set his nest an high, to escape from the power of misfortune. Thou hast devised the shame of thine own house, for y● hast slain to much people, and hast wilfully offended: so that the very * Esay●. b. hobdy. ●. ●. stones of the wall shall cry out of it, and the timber that lieth betwixt the joints of the building shall answer. * Luk. xi●. ●. woe unto him, that buildeth the town with blood, & maintaineth the city with unrighteousness. Shall not the Lord of hosts bring this to pass, that the labours of the people shall be brent with a great fire, & that the thing where upon the people have werted themselves, shall be lost? * Ezec. 24, ● Naun. ●▪ ●● Mich. 〈◊〉. ● For the earth shallbe full of knowledge of the lords honour, like as the waters that cover the see. woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, to get him wrothful displeasure for his drunkenness: ‡ Exod. 〈◊〉 Num. 14 ● Isaiah. ●●● that he may see his prevityes. Therefore with shame shalt thou be filled, in stead of honour. Drink thou also/ ty● thou slumber with all: for the cup of the Lords right hand shall compass the about/ & shameful spewing i stead of thy worship. * Gene. ix. ● For the wrong that thou hast done in Lybanus, Ier●mi▪ ●▪ ●●●dy▪ ●▪ ●. shall overwhelm thee, & the wild beasts shall make the afraid because of men's blood, & for the wrong done in the land/ in the city, and unto all such as dwell therein. What help then will the image do. whom the worckman hath fashioned? Or the vain cast image/ wherein because the craftsman putteth his trust, therefore maketh he dumb Idols? woe unto him/ that sayeth to a piece of wood: arise, & to a dumb stone: stand up. For what istruction may such one give? Behold it is laid over with gold & silver, & there is no breath in it. * 〈◊〉. xi. ● But the Lord in his holy temple is he, whom all the world should fear. ¶ A prayer of the Prophet Aba●ue for the ignorant. CAPI. III. O Lord, when I heard speak of the I was afraid. The work that thou hast taken in hand, shalt thou perform in his time, O Lord & when thy time cometh, thou shalt declare it. In thy very wrath thou thinkest upon mercy. God cometh from Theman, & the holy one from the mount of Phatan. Selah. His glory covereth the heavens, & the earth is full of his praise. His shine is as the son, & beams of light go out of his hands/ there is power hid. Destruction goeth before him/ and burning cressettes go from his feet. * 〈◊〉. ix. ●. He standeth, and measureth the earth. He looketh and the people consume away/ the mountains of the world fall down to powder, and the hills are fain to bow themselves, for his goings are everlasting and sure. I saw, the the pavilions of the Morions and the tents of the land of Madian were vexed for weariness. Wast thou not angry, O Lord, in the waters? was not thy wrath in the stoudes and thy displeasure in the see? yes, when thou fattest upon thine horse, and when thy chare●tꝭ had the victory. Thou showest thy how openly/ like as y● hadst promised with an oath * 〈◊〉. 46. ● unto the tribes. Selah. Thou didst divide the waters of the earth. When the mountains saw thee/ they were afraid, the water stream went away: the deep made a noise at the lifting up of thine hand. * 〈◊〉. x. c. The sun and Move remained still in their habitation. Thine arrows went out glistering, and thy spears as the shine of the lightning. * 〈◊〉. xi. ● Thou trodest down the land in thine anger, and didst thressh the Heathen in thy displeasure. Thou camest forth to help thy people, to help anointed. Thou smotest down the head of the house of the ungodly, & discoveredst his foundations, even unto the neck of him. Selah. Thou cursest his sceptres/ the Captain of his men of war: which come as a stormy wind to scatre me abroad, & are glad when they may eat up the poor secretly. Thou makest away for thine horses in the see, even in the mud of great waters. When I hear this, my body is vexed, my lips triple at the voice thereof, my bones corrupt, I am afraid where I stand, O that I might rest in the day of trouble, that I might go up unto our people, which are already prepared For the fig trees shall not be green, & the wines shall bear no fruit. The labour of the olive shallbe 〈◊〉 lost, & the land shall bring no corn: th●●hepe shallbe taken out of the fold and there shallbe no cattle in the stalls. But as for me/ I will be glad in the Lord, and will rejoice in God my saviour. * Psa. xviii ● The Lord God is my strength, he shall make my feet as the feet of hearts: & he which giveth the victory, shall bring me to my high places sin ging upon my psalms. ¶ The end of the Prophe eye of Abacue. ❧: The Book of the Prophet Sophony. ¶ threatenings against juda and 〈…〉 their idolatry. CAPI. I. This is the word of the Lord, which came unto Sophony the son of Christ/ the son of Godoliah, the son of Amar●ah, the son of Hezekiah in the time * 4. R● 〈◊〉. 23. of josiah the son of * 4. Regum. ●●● Amon king of juda. I will gather up all things in the land (sayeth the Lord) I will gather up man & beast: I will gather up the fowls in the air & the fish in the see (to the great decay of the wicked) and will utterly destroy the men out of the land, sayeth the Lord. I will stretch out mine hand upon juda, & upon all such as dwell at jerusalem. Thus will I rote out the remnant of Baal from this place, & the names of the * 4. Re. 24. ● Deu. ●●●i b Remurius & priests: ye, & ‡ jere. v. d. such as upon their house cops worship and bow themselves unto the host of heaven: which swear by the Lord, & by their Malchom also: which start a back from the Lord, and neither seek after the Lord, nor regard him. * zacha. two. a. Be still at the presence of the Lord God, for the day of the Lord is at hand: ye, the Lord hath prepared a slain offering, and called his gests thereto. And thus shall it happen in the day of the Lords slain offering. I will visit the princes, ‡ 4. Re xxv. ● jere. 39 b. the kings children/ and all such as wear strange ●●o thing. In the same day also will I visit all those/ that tread over the threshold so proudly/ which fill their lords house with robbery and falsehood. At the same time (saith the Lord) there shallbe herd a great cry from the ‡ 〈…〉. a fish port and an howling from the other port, and a great m●●thur from y● belike. Howl ye that dwell in the mill/ for all the merchant people are gove/ & all they that were laden with silver, are rooted out. At the same time will I seek thorough jerusalem with lanterns, & visit them that continue in their dregs/ and say in their hearts: * Jere▪ v. c De●t. 2●. c jere. 23 Tush/ the Lord will do nether good nor evil. Their goods shallbe spoiled/ and their houses laid waste: ‡ Amos. v▪ b they shall build houses, & not dwell in them: they shall plant vineyards, but not drink the wine thereof. For the great * joel. two. a. day of the Lord is at hand it is herd by, & cometh on a pace. Horrible is the tidings of the lords day, then shall the grant cry out: for that day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and nevynysse/ a day of utter destruction, & misery, a dark and glooming day/ a cloudy and stormy day a day of the noise of trumpets and shawms against the strong cities & high towers. I will bring the people into such vexation/ that they shall go about like blind men/ because they have sinned against the Lord. Their blood shallbe shed as the dust, and their bodies as the mire. ‡ Ezec. seven. d Nether their silver nor their gold shallbe able to deliver them in that wroth full day of the Lord, but the ‡ Dopho. 3 b whole land shallbe consumed thorough the fire of his geiousy: for he shall sove make clean ryddaunce of all them that dwell in the land. ¶ He moveth to return to God, propheryeng unto the one destruction, and to the other deliverance. CAPI. II. COme together & gather you, O froward people: or the thing go forth that is concluded/ & or the time be passed away as the dust: or the fearful wrath of the Lord come upon you: yec/ or the day of the Lords sore displeasure come upon you. Seek the Lord all ye meek hearted upon earth, ye that work after his judgement: seek righteousness/ seek ‡ 4. R●. xx. a Ia●●●. ●. a E●●●▪ ●4. c jere. 47. a lowliness: that ye may be defended in the wrothful day of the Lord: * Ezech. ●5. c For Gaza shall be destroyed, & Ascalon shallbe laid waste. They shall cast out Asdod at the noon day, and Accaron shallbe plucked up by the roots. woe unto you that dwell upon the see coast/ ye murderous people: the word of the Lord shall come upon you. O Canaan thou land of the philistines, I will destroy thee, so that there shall no man dwell in the any more: & as for the see coast/ it shallbe herdemen cottages & sheep folds: ye, it shallbe a portion for such as remain of the house of juda, to feed thereupon. In the houses of Ascalon shall they rest toward night: for the Lord their God shall visit them, & turn away their captivity. ‡ Esay. 〈◊〉▪ ● jere. 4●. ● Ezec. 25. ● I have herd the despite of Moab/ & the blasphemies of the children of Ammon how they have shamefully entreated my people / & magnified themselves within the borders of their land. Therefore as truly as I live (sayeth the Lord of hosts the God of Israel) Moab shallbe as Sodom, & Ammon as Gomorra: even dry thorue hedges, salt pits & a perpetual wilderness. The residue of my folk shall spoil them/ the remnant of my people shall have them in possession. ‡ zacha▪ ●. This shall happen unto them for their pride/ because they have dealt so shamefully with the Lord of hosts people, & magnified them selves above them, The Lord shallbe grim upon them, ‡ Esay▪ ● & destroy all the goods in the land. And all the Isles of the Heathen shall worship him, every man in his place. Ye Moryans also shall perish which my sword / ye, he shall stretch out his hand over the north, & destroy Assur ‡ ●o●. 14. ● As for Ninive/ he shall make it desolate, dry & waste. The flocks & all the beasts of the people shall lie in the midst of it, pelicans & storckes shall abide in the upper posts of it/ fowls shall sing in the windows, and ravens shall sit upon the balckes, for the boards of cedar shall be riven down. This is the proud and careless city, that said in her heart. ‡ 4. Reg. 〈…〉 Esay. ●●● I am and there is else none. O how is she made so waste/ that the beastis lie therm? Who so goeth by, mocketh her/ and pointeth at her with his finger. ¶ Against the governors of jerusalem, of the calling of all the Gentiles. A comfort to the resyove of Israel. CAPI. III. woe to the abominable, filthy, & cruel city: which will not hear/ nor be reformed. Her trust is not in the Lord/ neither will she hold her to her God. Her rulers within her are as roaring * Eze. x●ii. ● Math▪ 〈◊〉 〈…〉. ●. ● lions: her judges are as ‡ wolves in the evening, which leave nothing behind them till the morrow, Her prophets are light persons and unfaithful men: her priests unhalowe the Sanctuary and do wrong under the precence of the law. But the just Lord that doth no unright, was among them every morning showing them his law clearly, & ceased it not. But the ungodly will not learn to be ashamed. Therefore will I rote out this people, and destroy their to wres: ye, and make their streets so void, that no man shall go therein. There cities shallbe broken down, so that no body shall be left, nor dwell there anymore. I said unto them: O fear me, and be content to be reform. That their dwelling should not be destroyed, & that there should happen unto them none of these things/ wherewith I shall visit them. But nevertheless, they stand up early, to follow the filthiness of their own imaginations. Therefore, ye shall watte upon me (saith the Lord) until the time that I stand up: for I am determined, to gather the people & to bring the kingdoms together, that I may pour out mine anger, ye all my wrothful * mautte. i a displeasure upon them. ‡ ●opho. 1. c For all the world shall be consumed with the fire of my gelousi. And then will I cleanse the lips of the people, that they may everichone call upn the name of the Lord & serve him with one shoulder. Such as I have subdued, and my children also whom I have scattered abroad shall bring me presents beyond the waters of Etheopia. In that time shalt thou no more be confounded, because of all thy imaginations, where thorough thou hadst offended me: for * jeremis. i. b I will take away the proud boosters of thine honour from thee, so that thou shalt no more triumph because of my holy hill. In y● also will I leave a small poor simple people, which shall trust in the name of the Lord. The remnant of Israel shall do no wickedness, nor speak lies: neither shall there any deceitful tongue be found in their mouths. For they shallbe fed, & take their rest, & no man shall make them afraid. give thanks, O daughter Zion, be joyful, O Israel: rejoice and be glad from thy whole heart, O daughter Jerusalem, for the Lord hath taken away thy punishment/ and turned back thine enemies. The king of Israel, even the Lord himself is with thee: so that thou needest no more to fear any misfortune. In that time it shallbe said to jerusalem: fear nat, & to Zion: let nat thine hands be slack/ for the Lord thy God is with thee/ it is he that hath power to save: he hath a special pleasure in thee, & a marvelous love toward thee: ye, he rejoiceth over the with gladness. Such as have been in heaviness, will I gather together/ and take out of thy congregation: as for the shame and reproof that hath been laid upon thee, it shallbe far from the. And lo in that time will I destroy all those that vex thee: * Mith. 4. b. I will help the lame/ and gather up the cast away: ye, I will get them praise and honour in all lands, where they have been put to shame. At the same time will I bring you in/ & at the same time will I gather you. I will get you a name and a good report: among all people of the earth/ when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, sayeth the Lord. ¶ The end of the prophecy of Sophony. ¶: The book of the Prophet Aggeus. ¶ The time of the prophecy of Aggeus. An exhortation to build the temple again. CAPI. I. IN the second year of king * 1. Esd●. vi. c Da●. c, ●. a Darins, in the. vj. month the first day of the month, came the word of the Lord (by the Prophet Aggeus unto * 1 Es. 234 b zorobabel the son of Salatyell the price of juda/ and to jesuathe son of josedech the high priest/ saying. Thus speaketh the Lord of hosts and sayeth. This people doth say. The time is nat yet come to build up the lords house. Then spoke the Lord that by prophet Aggeus, and said. * jere. xxii. a Ye yourselves can find time to dwell in syled houses/ & shall this lie waist? Considre now your ow●e ways for our hearts (sayeth the Lord of hosts) * Leu. xxvi. d Mich. vi. b Osee. iiii. b Mala. iii. b ye sow much, but ye bring little in: ye care, but ye have not enough ye drynck, but ye are nat filled: ye deck yourselves, but ye are nat warm: & he that earneth any wages, putteth it in a broken purse. Thus sayeth the Lord of hosts: consider your own ways in your hearts/ get you up to the mountain/ fetch would/ & build up the house ‡ 3. Re. viii. d that it may be acceptable unto me, & that I may show mine honour, sayeth the Lord. Ye looked for much/ & lo it is come to little/ & though ye bring it home/ yet do I blow it away. And why so sayeth the Lord of hosts? ‡ i Cor. iii. b and. ix ●. two. Cor. vi. c Even because that my house lieth so waste/ & ye run every man unto his own house. Wherefore/ the heaven is forbidden to give you any dew/ & the earth is forbidden to give you increase * Deut. 28. b I have called for a drought/ both upon the land & upon the mountains/ upon corn/ upon wine/ and upon oil/ upon every thing that the ground bringeth forth/ upon men and upon cattles/ ye, and upon all handy labour. Now when zorobabel the son of Salathiel, & jesua the son of josidech the high pressed with the remnant of the people, heard the voice of the Lord their God, and the words of the prophet Aggeus (like as the Lord their God had sent him) the people did fear the Lord Then Aggeus the lords angel said in the lords message unto the people, * Den. seven. d I am with you, saith the Lord. ‡ 〈◊〉. x●●● g. 〈…〉 gg●u 〈◊〉 a ●. E●er. ●. ● So the Lord waked up the spirit of zorobabel the son of Salathiel the prince of juda, & the spirit of jesua the son of josedech the high priest, & the spirit of the remnant of all the people: that they came & laboured, in the house of the Lord of hosts their God ¶ He showeth that the goodliness of the second temple shall exceed the first, be cause of the coming of christ. CAPI. II. UPON the. xxiv. day of the. vi. month, in the second year of king Darius, the. xxj. day of the seventh month/ came the word of that Lord by the prophet Aggeus, saying: speak to zorobabel that son of Salathiel prince of juda, & to jesua the son of josedech the high pressed, & to the residue of the people, & say. * 〈…〉 Who is left among you, that saw this house in her first beauty? But what think ye now by it? Is it not in your eyes, even as though it were nothing? Nevertheless, be of good ●●ere, O zorobabel sayeth the Lord) * 〈…〉 be of good comfort, O jesua the son of josedech high pressed: take good hearts unto you also all ye people of the land, sayeth the Lord of hosts/ & do according to the word ( * 〈…〉 for I am with you, sayeth the Lord of hosts) like as I agreed which you, when ye came out of the land of Egpt: & my spirit shallbe among you, fear ye not. For thus sayeth the Lord of hosts: * 〈…〉 yet once more will I shake heaven & earth, the see, and the dry land, ye, ‡ E●●y●. lx. ●. I will move all Heathen/ and the comfort of all Heathen shall come, and so will I fill this house with honour/ sayeth the Lord of hosts. ‡ Deu. viii. b The silver is mine/ & the gold is mine/ sayeth the Lord of hosts. Thus the glory of the last house shallbe greater than the first/ sayeth the Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace/ sayeth the Lord of hosts. The. xxiv. day of the ninth month in the second year of king Darius'/ came the word of the Lord unto the prophet Aggeus/ saying: Thus sayeth the Lord God of hosts: Ask the priests concerning the law/ and say: ‡ jerem. xi. b if one bear holy flesh in his cote lap/ & with his lap do touch the breed/ po●age/ wine/ oil/ or any other meat: shall he be holy also? The priests answered & said: No. Then said Aggeus: Now if one being defiled with a deed carcase/ touch any of these: shall it also be unclean? The priests gave answer/ & said: ‡ Le. ●. 〈…〉 Nu●. 〈…〉 ye, it shallbe unclean. Then Aggeus answered & said: even so is this people & this nation before me, sayeth the Lord: and so are all the works of their hands, ye, and all that they offer/ is unclean. And now (I pray you) consider from this day forth/ & how it hath gone with you afore or ever there was laid one stone upon another in the temple of the Lord: that when ye came to a corn heap of. xx. bushels/ there were scarce ten: ‡ Agg 〈…〉 & that when ye came to the wine press for to power out. l. pots of wine/ there were scarce. xx. For I smote you with heat/ blasting and hail stones in all the labours of your hands: yet was there none of you/ that would turn unto me/ sayeth the Lord. Consider then from this day forth and afore namely/ from the. xxiv. day of the ninth month/ unto the day that the foundation of the lords temple was laid: mark it well, ‡ zach▪ 〈…〉 is not the seed yet in the barn? have nat the wines/ the fyggetrees, the pomegranates/ and olive trees been yet unfruitful? but from this day forth/ I shall make them to prosper. Moreover, the. xxiv. day of the month came the word of the Lord unto Aggeus again/ saying: Speak to zorobabel the pryuce of juda/ and say: I will shake both heaven and earth, and over thorough the seat of the kingdoms/ ye/ & destroy the mighty kingdom of the Heathen. I will overthorowe the charettes, and those that sit upon them/ so that both horse and man shall fall down/ every man thorough his neighbours sword. And as for thee/ O zorobabel (sayeth the Lord of hosts) thou son of Salachiel my servant I will take thee (sayeth the Lord) at the same time/ and make the as a seal/ for I have chosen thee, sayeth the Lord of hosts. ¶ The end of the prophecy of Aggeus. ¶: The book of the Prophet zachary. ¶ He moveth the people to return to the Lord, and to eschew the wickedness of their fathers. He prefigureth Christ and the Apostles. CAPI. I. IN the eight month of the second year of king Darius, came the word of the Lord unto * ●at. 23. c. zachary the son of Barachias, the son of Addo, the prophet, saying: The Lord hath been sore displeased at your forefathers. And say thou unto them: thus sayeth the Lord of hosts: * ●●te. xxx●. ●●ala. iii b Turn you unto me (sayeth the Lord of hosts) and I will turn me unto you, sayeth the Lord of hosts. * jere. 44. a Psal. 78. a Be ye nat like your forefathers, unto whom the prophets cried afore time, saying. Thus sayeth the Lord God of hosts: * ●se. xiiii a ●●ob. xiii. b Turn you now from your evil ways, and from your wicked imaginations. ‡ ●●●e. 44. a But they would nat hear nor regard me, sayeth the Lord. What is now become of your forefathers and the prophets? are they yet still alive? But did nat my words and statutes (which I commanded by my servants the prophets) touch your forefathers? Upon this, they gave answer and said: like as the Lord of hosts devised to do unto us/ according to our own ways and imaginations, even so hath he dealt with us. Upon the. xxiiii. day of the. xi. month, which is the month Sebat, in the second year of Darius, came the word of the Lord unto zachary the son of Barachias/ the son of Addo the prophet, saying: I saw by night and lo, there sat one upon * zacha. vi. a. ●pora. vi. a a red horse/ and stood still among the myrretrees, that were beneath upon the ground: and behind him were there red, speckeled/ & white horses. Then said I. O my Lrode, what are these? And the angel that talked with me, said unto me: I will show the what these be. And the man that stood among the Myrretrees answered & said: These are they/ whom the Lord hath sent to go thorough the world. And they answered the angel of the Lord, that stood among the myrretrees, & said: We have gone thorough the world, and behold all the world dwell at ease, and are careless. Then the lords angel gave answer, and said: O Lord of hosts how long wilt thou be unmerciful to jerusalem and to the cities of juda, * jere. xxv. b xxxi●. b, ●. Esc●. ●. a with whom thou hast been displeased now these threescore & ●enne years. So the Lord gave a loving and a comfortable answer unto the angel that talked with me. And the angel that commoned with me, said unto me: Cry thou/ & speak Thus sayeth the Lord of hosts: I am exceeding jealous over Jerusalem and Zion, and sore displeased at the careless Heathen: for where as I was but a little angry, they did their best that I might destroy them. Therefore/ thus sayeth the Lord: * zach. viii. a I will turn me again in mercy toward jerusalem so that my house shallbe builded in it, sayeth the Lord of hosts: ye, & the plummet shallbe laid abroad in jerusalem. Cry also/ & speak: thus sayeth the Lord of hosts: My cities shallbe in good prosperity again, the Lord shall yet comfort Sion: and chose Jerusalem. Then lift I up mine eyees and saw/ and behold four horns. And I said unto the angel, that talked with me: what be these? he answered me: * Dan. seven. These are the horns, which have scattered juda, Israel and Jerusalem abroad. And the Lord showed me four carpenters. Then said I: what will these do? He answered, and said: Those are the horns, which have so strewed juda abroad, that no man durst lift up his head: But these are come to fray them away: and cast out the horns of the gentiles, which lift up their horn over the land of juda, to scatre it abroad. ¶ The renewing of jerusalem and juda. CAPI. II. I lift up mine eyes again, and looked: and behold, * Ezec. 43. ● Apo●. xxi. ● a man with a measure line in his hand. Then said I whether goest thou? And he said unto me: To measure jerusalem, that I may see how long and how broad it is. And behold, the angel that talked with me, went his way forth. Then went there out another angel to meet him/ and said unto him: Run/ speak to this young man/ & say: jerusalem shallbe inhabited without any wall/ for the very multitude of people and cattles, that shallbe therein: * Deu, iiii. d zacha. ix, ● Ye, I myself (sayeth the Lord) will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will behonoured in her. O get you forth, O i'll from the land of the north, sayeth the Lord, ye * jerem. 23 b whom I have scattered into the four winds under heaven, sayeth the Lord. Save thyself, O Zion: thou that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon/ for thus sayeth the Lord of hosts: With a glorious power hath he sent me out to the Heathen, which spoileth you, * jerem. two. a x●. d ● thirty, c Psa. xvii b for who so toucheth you/ shall touch the apple of his own eye. Behold/ I will life up mine hand over them, ‡ A●●●s. xi. ● Esaie. 14. ● so that they shallbe spoiled of those/ which afore served them: & ye shall know/ that the Lord of hosts hath sent me. Be glad/ & rejoice, O daughter of Syō● for lo, * Ex●. xxv. ● Ma●●. ●8, c I am come to dwell in the midst of thee/ sayeth the Lord. At the same time, there shall many Heathen cleave to the Lord, & shallbe my people. Thus will I dwell in the midst of thee/ & thou shalt know/ that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto the. The Lord shall have juda in possession for his part in the holy ground, & shall choose Jerusalem yet again. * Sopho. i, a Let all flesh be still before the Lord, for he is risen out of his holy place. ¶ Of the law and high estate of christ, under the figure of jesua the pressed. A prophetye of christ. CAPI. III. AND he showed me jesua the high pressed standing before the angel of the Lord, * Psal. cix. a M●t iiii. a jude. i, b. and Satan stood at his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said unto Satan. The Lord reprove thee (thou Satan) ye, the Lord that hath chosen jerusalem, reprove the. Is nat this a brand taken out of the fire? Now jesua was clothed in unclean raiment/ & stood before the angel/ which answered & said unto those, that stood before him: take away the foul clothes from him. And unto him he said: Behold, I have taken away thy sin from thee, & will deck the with change of raiment. He said moreover, set a fair mitre upon his head. So they set a fair mitre upon his head, & put on clothes upon him/ & the angel of the Lord stood there. Then the angel of the Lord testified unto jesua, and spoke, thus sayeth the Lord of hosts: If thou wilt walk in my ways, & keep my watch: thou shalt rule my house, & keep my courts/ and I will give the place among these that stand here. Hear (O jesua) the high pressed, thou & thy friends that dwell before thee, for they are wondrous people. Behold, I will bring forth * Esa. i●●● a. jere. 23. a. and xxxiii. ● zatha. vi. b. the branch of my servant: for lo, the stone that I have laid before jesua: upon ‡ Isaiah. 28. c i, Pe●r. two. a one stone shallbe. seven. eyes. Behold, I will hew him out (saith the Lord of hosts) and take away the sin of that land in one day. Then shall every man call for his neighbour, under the vine and under the fig tree sayeth the Lord of hosts. The vision of the golden candelstycke, & the exposition thereof. CAPI. four AND the angel that talked with me, came again, & waked me up, as a man that is raised out of his sleep/ & said unto me: What sayst thou? And I said: I have looked/ & behold: a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon it & is. seven. lamps therein/ and upon every lamp. seven. stalks. And * Apo●. xi. a. two olive trees thereby/ one upon the right side of the bowl/ & the other upon the left side. So I answered/ and spoke to the angel that talked with me/ saying: O my Lord what are these? The angel that talked with me answered and said unto me: knowest thou not what these be? And I said: No my Lord. He answered/ and said unto me. This the word of the Lord unto zorobabel, saying: * Esay●. ●● Neither thorough an host of men, nor thorough strength, but thorough my spirit/ sayeth the Lord of hosts. What art thou, thou great mountain/ before Zorobabel? thou must be made even. And he shall bring up the first ‡ Esay●. ●● stone/ so that man shall cry unto him/ good luck/ good luck. Moreover/ the word of the Lord came unto me/ saying: ‡ Phil. ●. The hands of Zorobabel have laid the foundation of this house/ his hands, shall also finish it: ‡ Deut. ●● that ye may know how that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you. For he that hath been despised a little season/ shall rejoice, when he saith the tin weight in Zorobabels' hand. The seven. eyes are the Lords, which go thorough the whole world. Then answered I, & said unto him: What are these. ij. olive trees upon the right & left side of the candle stick? I spoke moreover, & said unto him: what be these two olive branches (which thorough the two golden pipes) empty themselves into the gold? He answered me, & said: knowest thou not, what these be? And I said, no, my lord. Then said he: ‡ Apo●. 〈◊〉. ● These are the two olive branches, the stand before the ruler of the whole earth. ¶ The vision of the flying book, sygnyfienge the curse of thieves & such as abuse the name of God. By the vision of the measure, ye signified the bringing of juda to Babylon. CAPI. V SO I turned me/ lyftinge up mine eyes, and looked/ and behold/ a flying book. And he said unto me: what sayst thou? I answered: I see a flying book of. xx. cubytes long, and. x. cubytes broad. Then said he unto me: This is the curse/ that goeth forth over the whole earth: for all thieves shallbe judged after this book, & all swearers shallbe judged according to the same/ and I will bring it forth (sayeth the Lord of hosts) so that it shall come to the house of the thief, & to the house of him, that falsely sweareth by my name: & shall remain in his house/ and consume it, with the timber & stones thereof. Then the angel that talked with me/ went forth/ & said unto me: lift up thine eyes and see/ what is this that goeth forth. And I said: what is it? He answered: this is a measure going out. He said moreover: Even thus are they (the dwell upon the whole earth) to look upon. And behold, there was lift up a talon of lead: & lo a woman sat in the midst of the measure. And he said: this is ungodliness. So he cast her into the midst of the measure, and threw the lump of lead upon her mouth. Then lift I up mine eyes, and looked: & behold, there came out two women, and the wind was in their wings (for they had wings like the wings of a storcke) & they life up the measure betwixt the earth & the heaven. Then spoke I to the angel that talked with me: whither will these bear the measure? And he said unto me: into the land of ‡ Gene. x. b. Synear, to build them an house: which when it is prepared, the measure shall be set there in his place. ¶ By the four charettes, he describeth the prosperity of four kingdoms. CAPI. VI Moreover, I turned me, lifting up min eyes, & looked, & behold, there came four charettis out from betwixt. ij, hills, which hills were of brass. In the first chariot were * zacha. i b. Apo●a. vi. a red horse/ in the second chariot were black horse/ in the third chariot were white horse/ in the fourth chariot were horses of divers colours, and strong. Then spoke I, and said unto the angel that talked with me: O Lord what are these. The angel answered & said unto me: ‡ jere. iiii. b These are the. iiij. winds of the heaven, which be come forth to stand before the ruler of all the earth. That with the black horse went into the land of the north, & the white followed them, and the spekled horses went forth toward the south. These horses were very strong, and went out: and sought to go and take their journey over the whole earth. And he said: get you hence, & go thorough the world. So they went thorough out the world. Then cried he upon me, and spoke unto me, saying: behold, these that go toward the North, shall still my wrath in the North country. And the word of the Lord came unto me saying: Take of the presoners that are come from Babylon: namely, Heldai, Tobiah, & Idaia: & come thou the same day, and go into the house of josiah the son of Sophony. Then take gold & silver, & make crowns thereof, and set them upon the head of jesua the son of josedeh, the high pressed, & speak unto him Thus sayeth the Lord of hosts. Behold/ the man whose name is * ●acha iii. b the branch: and he that shall spring up after him, ‡ Psal. 127. a shall build up the temple of the Lord, ye/ even he shall build up the temple of the Lord. ‡ ●p. 4. b. 5. b He shall bear the praise, he shall sit upon the lords throne, & have the domination. * Psal. cx. b Hebr 5. 6. 7 8. 9▪ 10 A pressed shall he be also upon his throne and a peaceable council shallbe betwixt them both. And the crowns shallbe in the temple of the Lord, for a remembrance unto Helem/ Tobiah, Idaiah, and Hen the son of Sophony. And such as be far of, shall come and build the temple of the Lord/ that ye may know, how that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you. And this shall come to pass, if ye will hearken diligently unto the voice of the Lord your God. ¶ The estimation of fasting without mercy The despising of charity, and the obstyna●ye of the people. CAPI. VII. IT happened also in the fourth year of king Darius'/ that the word of the Lord came unto Zachary in the fourth day of the ninth month, which is called, Caste●: what time as Sarasar and Rogomelech and the men that were with them sent unto Bethel for to pray before the Lord: and that they should say unto the priests/ which were in the house of the Lord of hosts/ and to the Prophets. Should I weep in the ‡ ●. Reg. 25. b fifth month, & abstain as I have done now certain years? Then came the word of the Lord of hosts unto me saying: Speak unto all the people of the land/ and to the preastes/ and say: when ye fasted and mourned in the fifth ‡ jere. xli. a 4. Reg. 25. b & seventh month (now this. ixx. years) did ye fast unto me? When ye did eat also & drink, did ye not eat and drink for your own selves? Are not these the words/ which the Lord spoke by his Prophets afore time, when Jerusalem was yet inhabited & wealthy, she & the cities ro●de about her: when there dwelled men, both toward the south & in the plain countries? And the word of the Lord came unto Zachary/ saying: Thus sayeth the Lord of hosts: ‡ zachary 8. c Exodi. 22. c Levi. nineteen. a. job. 24. a jere. seven. a Execute true judgement: show mercy and loving kindness, every man to his brother. Do the widow, the fatherless, the stranger/ and poor no wrong: and let no man imagine evil against his brother in his heart. * jere. seven. c Nevertheless, they would not take heed, but turned their backs/ & stopped their ears, that they should not hear: ye/ they made their hearts as an Adamant stone lest they should hear the law and words/ * 2. Petr. i. d which the Lord of hosts sent in his holy spirit by the prophets afore tyme. Wherefore the Lord of hosts was very wroth at them. And thus is it come to pass: * jere. xi, b that like as he spoke and they would not hear: even so they cried, & I would not hear (sayeth the Lord of hosts) but scared them among all gentiles/ whom they 〈…〉 not. Thus the land was made so deso 〈…〉 that there travailed no man in it, neyth 〈…〉 nor fro, for that pleasant land was utt 〈…〉 laid waste. ¶ Of the return of the people unto jerusalem, and of the mercy of God toward them. Of good works. The calling of the gentiles. CAPI. VIII. SO the word of the Lord of hosts came unto me, saying: Thus sayeth the Lord of hosts: I was in a great jealousy over Zion/ ye, I have been very jealous over her in a great displeasure/ thus sayeth the Lord of hosts: I will turn me again unto Zion/ and will dwell in the midst of jerusalem: ‡ Esay. 1. d so that Jerusalem shallbe called a faithful and true city, the hill of the Lord of hosts, ye/ a holy hill. Thus sayeth the Lord of hosts: There shall yet old men & women dwell again in the streets of jerusalem: ye, & such as go with staves in their hands for very age. The streets of the city also shallbe full of young boys and damsels, playing upon the streets. Thus sayeth the Lord of hosts: if the residue of this people think it to be unpossible in these days, * Mat. nineteen. d should it therefore be unpossible in my sight, sayeth the Lord of hosts? Thus sayeth the Lord of hosts: Behold/ I will deliver my people from the land of the east and west/ and will bring them again, that they may dwell at jerusalem. ‡ jere. iii. f Apoc. xxi. c Hebr. viii. c They shallbe my people, and I will be their God, in truth and righteousness. Thus sayeth the Lord of hosts: let your hands be strong/ ye that now hear these words by the mouth of the prophets, which be in these days that the foundation is laid upon the Lord of hosts house, that the temple may be builded. For why? * Aggeus. i▪ ● before these days, neither men nor cattle could winue any thing, neither might any man come in & out in rest, for trouble: but I let every man go a 'gainst his neighbour. Nevertheless, I will now entreat the residue of this people no more as afore time/ sayeth the Lord of hosts, but they shallbe Agge. ●i. ● a seed of peace. The vinyeard shall give her fruit, the ground shall give her increase/ & the heavens shall give their dew: & I shall cause the remnant of this people, to have all these in possession. And it shall come to pass, the like as ye were a curse among that the Heathen (O ye house of juda, & ye house of Israel Even so will I deliver you, that ye shallbe a blessing: fear not, but let your hands be strong. For thus sayeth the Lord of hosts: like as I ●●●ysed to punish you/ what time as 〈…〉 provoked 〈◊〉 unto wrath/ sayeth the Lord of hosts, & spared not. Even ●o 〈◊〉 I 〈◊〉 now in these days, for to do w●● unto the house of juda & jerusalem/ theefore fear ye not. Now the things that ye shall do/ be these: * Ephe. 〈◊〉▪ ●●cha 〈◊〉▪ Ma●●. 〈◊〉. Speak every man the truth unto his neighbour/ execute judgement truly, and peaceably within your ports, none of you imagine evil in his heart against his neighbour/ & love no false oaths for all these are the things that I hate, sayeth the Lord. And the word of the Lord of hosts/ came unto me/ saying: thus sayeth the Lord of hosts: The fast of the fourth month/ the fast of the fifth/ the fast of the seventh, & the fast of the tenth, shallbe joy & gladness, & prosperous high feasts unto the house of juda, Only, love the truth & peace. Thus sayeth the Lord of hosts: There shall yet come people, and the inhabiters of many cities, and they that dwell in one city shall go to another, saying: * Esay two. ● Psal. iiij jere. 〈◊〉. ● Up, let us go, & pray before the Lord, let us seek the Lord of hosts/ I will go which you: ye/ much people and mighty Heathen shall come and seek the Lord of hosts at jerusalem, & to pray before the Lord. Thus sayeth the Lord of hosts. In the time shall ten men (out of all manner of languages of the gentiles) take one jew by the hem of his garment? & say: we will go with you, for we have heard/ the God is among you. ¶ The conversion of the gentiles. The coming of Chryst sitting on an Ass. CAPI. IX. THe word of the Lord shallbe received at Adrach/ and Damascus shallbe his offering: for the eyes of all men and of the tribes of Israel shall look up unto the Lord. The borders of Hemath shallbe heard thereby. Tirus also & Sidon, for they are very wise, Tirus shall make herself strong, heap up silver as the sand, & gold as the calies of the stretrs, Behold/ the Lord shall take her in/ & have her in possession: * I●r●▪ iii ● he shall smite down her power into the see, & she shallbe consumed with fire. This shall Ascalon see/ & be afraid. * Exod. ●● Gaza shallbe very sorry/ so shall Accaron I●●●. 47. Amo●●▪ ● also, because her hope is come to confusion. For the King of Gaza shall perish, and at Ascalon shall no man dwell. Strangers shall dwell at Asdod/ and as for the pride of the philistines/ I shall rote it out. * 〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉. 1. ●oy●● and x. ● Their blood will I take away from their mouth, & their abominations from among their teeth. Thus they shallbe left for our god, ye/ they shallbe as a prince in juda & Accaron like as a jebusy. And so will I compass my house round about with my men of war goying to and fro: that no oppressor come upon them any more. For that have I seen now with mine eyes. * ●●y. lxii. c ●at. xxi. a ●●n, xii. b Rejoice thou greatly, O daughter Zion be glad, O daughter Jerusalem. For lo, thy king cometh unto thee/ even the righteous & Saviour, Lowly & simple is he/ he rideth upon an ass, & upon the foal of an Ass. I will rote out the charettes from Ephraim, & the horse from Jerusalem, the battle bows shallbe destroyed. He shall give the doctrine of peace unto the Heathen, * ●al. 76. b and his dominion shall be from the one see to the other, & from the floods to the ends of the world. Thou also thorough the blood of thy covenaun: shalt let * thy prisoners out of the ‡ pit wherein is no water. Turn you now to the strong hold/ ye that be in prison, * ●ay. xlii. a ●o●a. ix. a ●ma. 8. c & long sore to be delivered. And this day I bring the word/ that I will reward the double again For juda have I bend out as a bow for me and Ephraim have I filled. Thy sons, O Sion, will I raise up against the Greeks, & make the as a giants sword: the Lord God shallbe seen above them, and his darts shall go forth as the lightning. The Lord God shall blow the trumpet/ and shall come forth as a storm out of the south. The Lord of hosts shall defend them/ they shall consume & devour, and subdue them with * ●ha. two. a ●●g. 17. f sling stones. They shall drink and rage's/ as it were thorough wine. They shallbe filled like the base's, & as the horns of the altar. The Lord their God shall deliver them in the day, as the flock of his people: for the stones of his Sayntuary shallbe set up in his land. O how prosperous & goodly a thing shall the be? The corn shall make the young men cheerful, and the new wine the maidens. ¶ The people is moved to require the doctrine of truth of the Lord. The Lord promiseth to vynet and comfort the house of Israel. CAPI. V PRay the Lord then bitymes to give you the latter rain * ●ut. 28. b so shall the Lord make clouds, and give you rain enough for all the increase of the field. For vain is the answer of Idols. The soothsayers see lies/ and tell but vain dreams: the comfort that they give/ is nothing worth. Therefore/ go they astray like a slocke of sheep, & are troubled because they have no * ●●ch. 13. a shepherd. My wroth full displeasure is moved at the shepherds, & I will visit the goats. For the Lord of hosts will graciously visit his flock/ the house of juda, and hold them as a goodly fair horse in the battle. Out of ‡ Gen. xlix. b. juda shall come the helmet ‡ Esay, 22. d the nail the batelbowe/ and all the princes together. They shallbe as the giants/ which in the battle tread down the mire upon the streets. They shall fight for the Lord shallbe with them, so that the horsemen shallbe confounded. I will comfort the house of juda/ and preserve the house of joseph. I will turn them also/ for I pity them: and they shallbe like as they were/ when I had not cast them of. For I the Lord am their God/ and will hear them. Ephraim shallbe as a giant/ & their heart shallbe cheerful as thorough wine: ye/ their children shall see it, and be glad and their heart shall rejoice in the Lord. I will blow for them and gather them together/ for I will redeem them. They shall increase as they increased afore. I will sow them among the people/ that they may think upon me in far countries: they shall live which their children, & turn again/ I will bring them again also from the land of Egypt/ and gather them out of Assyrya. I will carry them into the land of Galaad and to Libanus & they shall want nothing. He shall go upon the see of trouble, & smite the see waves: so that all the deep floods shallbe dried up. The proud boasting of Assur shall be cast down, and the sceptre of * Esay. x. a Ezec. 29. a. Egypte shallbe taken away. I will comfort them in the Lord/ that they may walk in his name/ sayeth the Lord. ¶ The destruction of the temple. The care of the faithful is committed to Christ by the father. A grievous vision against jerusalem and juda. CAPI. VI OPen thy doors, O Libanus/ that the fire may consume thy cedar trees. Howl ye Fir trees for the cedar is fallen ye/ all the poudre are wasted away. Howle● O ye oak trees of Baasan) for the mighty strong wood is cut down. Men may here the shepherds mourn, for their glory is destroyed. Men may here the lion's whelps roar, for the pride of jordane is wasted away Thus faith the Lord my God: Food the sheep of the slaughter, which shallbe slain of those that possess them: yet they take it for no sin, but they that sell them/ say. The Lord be thancked, I am rich: ye, their own shepherds spare them not. Therefore will I no more spare those that dwell in the land ●sayeth the Lord) but lo. I will deliver the people, every man into his neighbour's hand and into the hand of his king: that they may smite the land/ and out of their hands I will not deliver them. I myself fed the slaughter sheep (a poor flock verily) and took unto me two staves: the one I called loving meekness/ the other I called woe/ and so I kept the sheep. Three shepherds destroyed I in one month for I might not a way with them/ neither had they any delight in me. Then said I: I will feed you no more * ●po●. 〈◊〉. c. the thing that dieth let it die: and that will perish, let it perish/ and let the remnant eat/ every one the flesh of his neighbour. I took also my loving meek staff, and broke it/ that I might disannul the * ●s●●. li. ●. covenant, which I made with all people. And so it was broken in that day. Then the poor simple sheep that had a respect unto me/ knew thereby, that it was the word of the Lord. And I said unto them: if ye think it good/ bring hither my price: if no/ then leave. ‡ Math▪ 27. c So they weighed down. thirty. silver pens, the value that I was prised at. And the Lord said unto me: cast it unto the potter (a goodly price for me to be valued at of them) and I took the. thirty. silver pens/ and cast them to the potter in the house of the Lord. Then broke I my other staff also (namely woe) that I might louse the brotherhood betwixt juda & Israel. And the Lord said unto me. Take to the also the staff of a foolish shepherd: for lo/ I will raise up a shepherd in the land, which shall not seek after the things that be lost, nor care for such as go astray: he shall not heal the wounded, he shall not nourish the thing that is whole: but he shall eat the flesh of such as be fat, & tear their claws in pieces. O Idols shepherd, that leaveth the flock The sword shall come upon his arm & upon his right eye. His arm shallbe clean dried up & his right eye shallbe sore blinded. ¶ Of the destruction and building again of Jerusalem. CAPI. XII. THe heavy burden which the Lord hath devised for Israel. Thus sayeth the Lord ‡ ●●●●. 〈◊〉 c 44. 〈◊〉, 45 b which spread the heavens abroad/ laid the foundation of the earth * Gene. ●●. ● and giveth man the breath of life. Behold/ I will make jerusalem a cup of surfeit/ unto all the people that are round about her. ‡ ●●cha. 14. c Ye, juda himself also shallbe in the siege against jerusalem. At the same time will I make jerusalem an heavy stone for all people/ so that all such as lift it up/ shallbe torn and rent/ and all the people of the earth shallbe gathered together against it. ‡ Ab●●▪ 〈◊〉▪ 〈…〉. In that day/ sayeth the Lord/ I will make all horses abashed/ and those that ride upon them/ to be out of their wits. I will open mine eyes upon the house of juda/ and smite all the horses of the people with blindness. And the princes of juda shall say in their hearts. The inhabiters of jerusalem shall give me consolation in the Lord of hosts their God. In that time will I make the princes of juda like an hot burning oven with wood/ and like a cresset of fire among the straw: so that they shall consume all the people round about them, both upon the right hand and the left. jerusalem also shall be inhabited again: namely/ in the same place where jerusalem standeth. The Lord shall preserve the tents of juda like as a fore time: so that the glory of the house of david: & the glory of the citizens of jerusalem/ shallbe but little regarded/ in comparison of the glory of juda. In that day shall the Lord defend the citizens of jerusalem: so that the weakest then among them shallbe as * ●. 〈…〉. David: and the house of David shallbe like as God's house, & as the Angel of the Lord before them. At the same time will I go about to destroy all such people as come against jerusalem. Moreover, upon the house of David and upon the citizens of jerusalem, * 〈…〉 will I pour out the spirit of grace and prayer so that * 〈…〉 they shall look upon me (whom they have pierced: & they shall bewepehi as men mourn for their only begotten son: ye/ & be sorry for him, as men are sorry for their first child. ‡ 〈◊〉. Then shall there be a great mourning at jerusalem, * ●. 〈…〉. like as the lamentation at Adremnon in the field of Maggadon. And the land shall be wail every kindred by themselves. The kindred of the house of David themselves alone, & their wives by themselves The kindred of the house of ‡ 2. 〈…〉. Nathan them selves alone, & their wives by themselves. The kindred of the house of Levi themselves alone, & their wives by themselves. The kindred of the house of Semei themselves alone/ & their wives by themselves. In like manner, all the other generations, every eachone by them selves alone, and their wives by themselves. ¶ Of the well of grace and truth. Of the cleave ryddaunce of idolatry/ and of false prophets. CAPI. XIII. IN that time shall the house of david and the citizens of jerusalem have an open * 〈…〉. well/ to wash of sin and uncleanness. And then (sayeth the Lord of hosts. * 〈…〉. I will destroy the names of the Idols les out of the land: so that they shall no more be put in remembrance. ⚜ As for the false prophets also and the unclean spirit, I shall take them out of the land. So that if any of them prophecy any more, * 〈…〉. xiiii ● his own father & mother that begat him, shall say unto him. Thou shalt die for thou speakest lies under the name of the Lord: ye, his own father and mother that begat him, shall wound him, when he prophesieth. And then shall those prophets be confounded, every one of his vision when he prophesieth: nether shall they wear sackclothꝭ any more, to deceive men with all. But he shall be fain to say: * Deu, xiii. b. I am no Prophet: I am an husband man, for so am I taught ‡ 〈…〉. seven c. by Gene, ●i●. d. Adam fro my youth up. And if it be said unto him: how came these wounds then in thine hands? He shall answer, Thus am I wounded in the house of mine own friends. Arise, O thou sword, upon my shepherd, and upon the Prince of my people, sayeth the Lord of hosts. * Math. 26. ● Mat. 14. d Smite the shepherd and the sheep shall be scattered abroad, and so will I turn mine hand to the little ones. And it shall come to pass (sayeth the Lord) that in all the land two parts shallbe rooted out, * Amos. ix. b job. x●iii. a but the third part shall remain therein. ‡ Isaiah. 43. a Psa. xvii. a 〈◊〉, 46. ●●▪ Petri. i. b Pro. xvii. a Sapi. iii. a Eccle. two. a. And the same third part will I bring thorough the fire, & will cleanse them, as the silver is cleansed: ye, & try them like as gold is tried. Then shall they call upon my name/ and I will hear them: I will say: it is my people. And they shall say: Lord, my God: ¶ The wasting of the church under the figure of jerusalem. Of the king doom of the Lord. CAPI. XIIII. Behold/ the day of the Lord cometh/ that thou shalt be spoiled & rob, for I will gather together all the Heathen/ to fight against jerusalem: so that the city shallbe won/ the houses spoiled, and the women defiled. The half of the city shall go away into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be carried out of the city. After that shall the Lord go forth to fight against those Heathen, as men use to fight in the day of battle. Then shall his feet stand upon the mount oliuere, that lieth upon the east side of Jerusalem. And the mount olyuete shall cleave in two, Eastward & westward/ so that there shallbe a great valley/ and the half mount shall remove toward the north, & the other toward the south. And ye shall i'll unto the valley of my hills, for the valley of the hills shall reach unto Asal. Ye, i'll shall ye * Amos. i. a. like as ye fled for the earthquake in the days of Osiah king of juda. And the Lord my God shall come, & all saints which him. In that day shall it not be light, but cold & frost. ‡ Math. 24. c This shall be that special day which is known unto the Lord nether day nor night, but about the evening time it shallbe light. * zacha. xiii. ● Apoc. xxii. ● In that time shall there waters of life run out from jerusalem: the half part of them toward the east see/ & the other half toward the uttermost see, and shall continue both summer & winter. * ●●●●▪ ●. d. And the Lord himself shallbe king over all the earth. At that time shall there be one Lord only/ & his name shallbe but one. Men shall go about the whole earth, as upon a field, from Gibea to Remmon/ & from the south to Jerusalem. She shall be set up, & ihabyted i her place: from Ben jamyns' port, unto the place of the tyrst port, & unto the corner port: & from the tower of * 2. Esd. ●i●. ● 〈◊〉, xxx●. ● Hananeel/ unto the kings wine presses. There shall men dwell, & there shallbe no more cursing/ but Jerusalem shallbe safely inhabited. This shallbe the plague/ wherewith the Lord will smite all people/ that have fought against Jerusalem. Namely, their flesh shall consume away/ though they stand upon their feet, their eyes shallbe corrupt in their holes, and their tongue shall consume in their mouth. In that day shall the Lord make a great sedition among them, so that one man shall take another by the hand, & lay his hands upon the hands of his neighbour * zacha. xii. ●. juda shall fight also against jerusalem, and the goods of all the heathen shallbe gathered together round about: gold & silver and a very great multitude of clothes. And so shall this plague go over horses, mules, camels, asses & all the beasts that shall be in the host/ like as yonder plague was. Every one that remaineth then of all the people, which came against jerusalem, shall go up yearly/ to worship the king (even the Lord of hosts) * Leu. xxlii▪ ● Num. 29. ● 3. Esdr. v. ● 〈◊〉. Mac. ●. ● & to keep them feast of tabernacles. And look what generation upon earth goeth not up to jerusalem/ for to worship the king (even the Lord of hosts upon the same shall come no rain. If the kindred of Egypt go not up/ & come not, it shall not rain upon them nether. This shallbe the plague where with the Lord wit smite all the Heathen, that come not up to keep the feast of tabernacles: ye, this shallbe the sin plague of Egypt & the sine plague of all people y● go not up to keep the feast of tabernacles At that time shall the riding gear of the horses be holy unto the Lord/ & the kettles in the lords house shall be like the basins before the altar: ye, all the kettles in jerusalem and juda, shallbe holy unto the Lord of hosts: and all they that slay offerings/ shall come & take of them, & dight them there in. And at that time there shallbe no more Cananytes in the house of the Lord of Hostes. The end of the prophecy of zachary. ❧: The Book of the Prophet Malachy. ¶ A complaint against Israel and her priests, CAPI. I. THe heavy burden which the Lord showeth against Israel by Malachy. I have loved you/ sayeth the Lord: and yet ye say: wheri hast thou loved us? * Gene xxv. c was not Esau jacob's brother, saith the Lord? ‡ Rom. ix. d. josia▪ 23. a yet have I loved jacob, & hated Esau: ye I have made his hills waste, & his heritage a wilderness for dragons. And though Edom said: well/ we are destroyed/ we will go build up again the places, that be wasted yet (sayeth the Lord of hosts) * ●b●●. ●. a. what they builded, that broke I down: so that it was called a cursed land, & a people/ whom the Lord hath ever been angry withal. your eyes have seen it, & ye yourselves must confess, that the Lord hath brought the land of Israel to great honour. ‡ Exod. xx. a Should not a son honour his father, & a servant his master? * Deu. 32. a. If I be now a father where is mine honour? If I be the Lord, where am I feared? sayeth the Lord of hosts. Now to you priests that despise my name. And if ye say: wherein have we despised thy name? In this that ye offer unclean bred upon mine altar. And if ye will say: wherein have we offered any unclean thing unto y●? In this that ye say: the altar of the Lord is not to be regarded. If ye offer the blind, is not that evil? And if ye offer the lame & sick, is not that evil? * levit▪ 22. ●. Eze. xliii. c. Ye, offer it unto thy prince, shall he be content with thee/ or accept thy person, sayeth the Lord of hosts? And now make your prayer before God, that he may have mercy upon us: for such things have ye done. Shall he regard your personnes, think ye, saith the Lord of hosts? Ye, what is he among you that will do so much as to shut the doors, or to kindle the fire upon mine altar for nought? * Gene iiii. a I have no pleasure in you saith the Lord of hosts: ‡ Isaiah. i b. Psa. iiii. ●. & as for the meatoffringe. I will not accept it at your hand. ‡ For from the rising up of the sun unto the going down of the same, my name is great among the Gentiles: ye, in every place shall their sacryfyte be done, & a clean meat-offring offered up unto my name: for my name is great among the Heathen, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye have unhallowed it, in that ye say, the altar of the Lord is not to be regarded/ & the thing that is set thereupon, not worthy to be eaten. Now say ye: It is but labour and travail, & thus have ye thought scorn at it (saith the Lord of hosts (offering robbery. ye, the lame and the sick. Ye have brought me in a meat offering, should I accept it of your hand, saith the Lord? Cursed be the dissembler, which hath in his flock one that is male, & when he maketh a vow offereth a spotted one unto the Lord. For I am a great king (sayeth the lord of hosts) and my name is fearful among the Heathen. ¶ threatenings against the priests being seducers of the people. CAPI. II. ANd now (O ye priests (this commandment toucheth you: if ye will not hear it, nor regard it/ to give the glory unto my name, saith the Lord of hosts, ‡ Deut▪ 〈…〉. I will send a curse upon you, and will curse your blessings: ye, curse them will I if ye do not take heed. Behold, I shall corrupt your seed, and cast dung in your faces/ even the dung of your solemn feasts and it shall cleave fast upon you. And ye shall know, that I have sent this commandment unto you: that my * 〈…〉. covenant which I made with Levi/ might stand sayeth the Lord of hosts. I made a covenant of life & peace with him: this I gave him, that he might stand in awe of me: and so he did fear me, & had my name in reverence. The law of truth was in his mouth/ & there was no wickedness found in his lips. He walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many one away from their sins. * 〈…〉. For the priests lips should be sure knowledge/ that men may seek the law at his mouth/ for he is a messenger of the Lord of hosts. But as for you, ye are gone clean out of the way, & have caused the multitude to be offended at the law: * Deut. 〈…〉. ye have broken the covenant of Levi, sayeth the Lord of hosts. Therefore will I also make you to be despised, and to be of no reputation among all the people: because ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law. * Eph. iiii. ●. Have we not all one father (Hath not one God made us? * 〈…〉 seven ● 〈…〉▪ c. why doth every one of us then despise his own brother/ & so break the covenant of our fathers? Now hath juda offended: ye, the abomination is done in Israel & in Jerusalem ‡ ●. 〈◊〉. ix. a ●●ui. xxi. ●. for juda hath defi led the Sanctuary of the Lord, which he loved, and hath kept the daughter of a strange God, But the lord shall destroy the man that doth this: (ye, both the master & the scholar) out of the tabernacle of jacob, with him that offereth up meatoffring unto the Lord of hosts. Now have ye brought it to this point again, that the altar of the Lord is covered with tears, weeping & mourning so that I will no more regard the meat offering/ neither will I receive or accept any thing at your hands. And yet ye say: wherefore? Even because that where as the Lord made a cove naunt betwixt the and thy wife of thy youth, thou hast despised. * Gene. two. d. Yet is she thine own companion and married wife. So did not the one/ and yet had he an ex/ cellent sprite? What did then the one? He sought the seed promised of God. Therefore look well to your sprite/ and let no man despise the wife of his youth. If y● hatest her * P●nt. 24. ● 〈◊〉. three ●. put her away/ saith the Lord God of Israel and give her clothing for the scorn/ sayeth the Lord of hosts. Look well then to your spirit, and despise her not. Ye grieve the Lord with your words, & yet ye say: wherewith all have we grieved him? In this that ye say. All that do evil are good in the sight of God/ and such please him. Or else where is the God that punisheth? ¶ Of the messenger of the Lord john Baptyst●. Of the ●aye of the Lord, and of Eliah. CAPI. III. Behold/ ‡ Math. xi. b 〈◊〉. ●▪ ●, Luke▪ seven. c 〈…〉. ii●●. ●●. ●. I will send my messenger, which shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord * 〈…〉. 64. ● whom ye would have/ shall soon come to his temple/ ye, even the messenger of the covenant whom ye long for. Behold/ he cometh/ sayeth the Lord of hosts. But who may abide the day of his coming? Who shall be able to endure/ when he appeareth? For he is like a goldsmiths fire/ and like wasshers' soap. He shall sit him down to try and to cleanse the silver/ he shall purge the children of Levi, and purify them like as gold and silver: that they may bring meat-offerings unto the Lord in righteousness. Then shall the offering of juda and jerusalem be acceptable unto the Lord/ like as from the beginning and in the years, afore tyme. I will come and punish you, and I myself will be a swift witness against the witch's, against the adulterers, against false swearers: ye, & agaiste those/ that wrongously keep back the hirelings duty: which vex the widows and the fatherless/ and oppress the stranger and fear not me/ sayeth the Lord of Hostes. For I am the Lord that change not, & ye (O children of jacob) will not leave of * De●. 〈◊〉▪ ● 4. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. ●. ye are gone away fro mine ordinances/ and since the time of your forefathers have ye not kept them. * ●●●ha●i. ●. ● Turn you now unto me/ and I will turn me unto you/ saith the Lord of Hosts ye say. Wherein shall we turn? Should a man use falsehood and deceit with God as ye use falsehood and deceit with me? yet ye say wherein use we disceat with thee? In * levit. 27. d Tithes and heave offerings. ‡ ●gg●. ●●●. ●. Therefore are ye cursed with penury, because ye dissemble with me all the sort of you. * Pro. 〈◊〉. b. Bring every Tithe into my barn, that there may be meat in mine house: & prove me withal (sayeth the Lord of hosts) if I will not open the windows of heaven unto you/ & pour you out a blessing with plenteousness. Ye, I shall reprove the consumer for your sakes, so that he shall not eat up the fruit of your ground/ neither shall the vy●●rde be barren in the fold, saith the Lord of hosts: In so much that all people shall say/ that ye be blessed/ for ye shall be a pleasant land/ saith the Lord of hosts. Ye speak hard words against me/ saith the Lord. And yet ye say: what have we spoken against thee? ye have said. It is but lost labour/ to serve God * Io● xxi. 〈◊〉 P●●●. 〈◊〉. ●. What profit have we for keeping his commandments, & for walking humbly before the Lord of hosts? * ●●●. xxi. ●. 〈◊〉. xii. ●. Therefore may we say, that the proud are happy/ & that they which deal with ungodliness, are set up: for they tempt God, & yet escape. But they that fear god, say thus one to another: the Lord considereth and heareth it. Ye, it is before him a memory all book/ written for such as fear the Lord, & remember his name. And in the day that I will make (saith the Lord of hosts) they shallbe mine own possession: and I will favour them/ like as a man favoureth his own son/ that doth him ser uy●e. Turn you therefore/ and consydre what difference is betwixt the righteous & ungodly: betwixt him that serveth God, and him that serveth him not. CAPI. four * Psa. ●●iii ●. For mark, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven: and all the proud, ye, & all such as do wickedness/ shallbe straw: & the day that is for to come, shall burn them up (sayeth the Lord of hosts) so that it shall leave them nether rote nor branch. But unto you that fear my name/ shall that Son of righteousness arise/ and health shallbe under his wings: ye shall go forth, & multiply as the fat calves. Ye shall tread down the ungodly: * Psalm. i b. for they shall be like the ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall make/ sayeth the Lord of hosts. Remember the law of Moses my servant/ * Deu. 4. v a which I committed unto him in Oreb for all Israel/ with the statutes and ordinances. Behold/ I will send you, * Mat. xi. ●. xvii. b. Elias the prophet: before the coming of the day of the great and fearful Lorde● He shall turn the hearts of the fathers Luke. ●. ●. to their children, & the hearts of the children to their fathers, that I come not & smite the earth with cursing. ❧: The end of the prophecy of Malachy: and consequently of all the Prophets. To the Reader. IN consideration that the books before are found in th●●ebrue tongue/ received of all men: & that the other following/ which are called Hagriog ●apha (because they were wonre to be read/ not openly and in comen/ but as it were in secret and apart (a●e neither found in the Hebrew nor in the ●alde: in which tongues they have not of long been written (in less than it were haply the book of Sapience) where up on it were now very hard/ to repair & amend them: And that also they are not received nor taken as legyitymate & lawful/ as well of the hebrews of the whole Church/ as. S. Hierome showeth: we have separat them/ & set them aside/ that they may the better In the pro loge to the Prover. be known: to the intent that men may know of which ●oked witness aught to be received/ & of which not. For the said. S. Hierome speaking of the book of judith (which is Hagiogriphe) saith that the authority thereof is not esteemed worthy and sufficient to confirm and stablish the things that light in disput acyon. And generally of all the books called Hagiogriphas/ he saith/ that men may read them to the edifying of the people: but not to confirm & strengththen the doctrine of the Church. I leave out here the law (as they call it of Canon. c. Sancta Romana. xv distine. where he she w●th his judgement. Like wise the Blose of. c. Canon's. rvi. distin. which saith/ that men read them/ but in general: as though be should say/ that generally & thoroughly they are not allowed And not without a cause: For that they have been corrup●ch and faisy●yed in many places/ it appeateth sufficiently by Eusebius in his book called Historia Ecclesiastica: which thing is easy to be known even In the. iiii book the. 22 chap. now a days ● certain poites ● namely in the books of the Matrices: whose second book S. Hie. confesseth that he found not in the Hebrew▪ by the means whereof it is become unto us the more suspect and the less received. In like manner is it of the third & fourth book of Esdras/ which S. Hierome protesteth that In the 〈…〉. log of 〈…〉. he would not have translated/ esteaming them fordreames: where as josephus yet in his book of his Autyquy●yes declateth the sum of the matter after the manner of a story/ as well of the book of Maccabees In 〈…〉 13. o 〈…〉 t●qu 〈…〉 as of thee. ●ii. of Esdras: all though be esteem the books compiled from the reign of king Artaxerses unto his tyme. to be Agiogrtpha. Wherefore then/ when thou wilt maintain any thing for certem rendringe a reason of thy faith/ take head to proceed therein by the living and pithy Scriptures/ following S. Peter/ which i. Pet 〈…〉 i. Pe 〈…〉. ● two. P 〈…〉 saith: He that speaketh/ let him speak as though he spoke the word of God He saith the word of God/ as a thing most true & certs/ opened by Prophets & Apostles/ inspired with the holy ghost: of i Co●●. ●. Eph 〈…〉. whom we have witness more clear then the day. layers having great desire to confirm and stablish In the 〈◊〉. log 〈…〉 Ino●●●. their opinions by the law of man/ say that they shame to speak without law: How much more scare & dread than ought he tohave/ that saith be is a Christian/ the which holdeth not himself/ or resteth not in the laws of the living god: but in men's inventions/ iudgyi●ge In the 〈…〉 og● 〈…〉 Prou●●. of all things according to them/ & lening to an uncertain imagination & fantasy: Let us therefore that are builded on the foundatyan of the In the 〈…〉 log 〈…〉 the be 〈…〉 o● the 〈…〉 ge●. hely Prophets and Apostles/ & on the head corner stone (on which they themselves were founded/ and which they preached/ that is jesus Christ/ the su●e stone) leave the things that are ●ncerien to follow the certain: holding us & feasting us in them/ & fastening our ancre there/ as in azure place. For our Chriten In the 〈…〉 book 〈…〉. Appied. faith consisteth not in doubtetull things/ but in plain & most certain assurance/ & in most true per suasyon/ taken & confirmed by infallible verity. In which God grant us to walk perpetually/ to Eru 〈…〉 High 〈…〉 ge lo●●●. th'intent that according to 〈◊〉 (fulfilling his holy will in us/ and setting aside all mu●cyo●s contrary unto him) we may live to his honour/ & to the edifying of his Church. SO BE IT, ❧ The volume of the Books called Hagiographa. The third Book of Esdras. The fourth Book of Esdras. The Book of Tobiah. The Book of judith, The rest of the Book of Hester. The Book of wisdom. Ecclesiasticus. Baruch the Prophet. The song of the. iij. children in the oven. The story of Susanna. The story of Bel and of the Dragon. The prayer of Manasseh. The first Book of the Maccabees. The second Book of the Maccabees. The third Book of Esdras. ¶ josios holdeth passover. After his death is jechonias ●is son made King in his stead: whom the King of Egypte putteth out, and setteth in his brother joachim. jerusalein is destroyed, and Sedechis taken. CAPI. I. ANd josias held the feast of Easter in jerusalem unto the Lord, and dew the Passeover the. xiv oay of the first month. He set the priests also in order (according to their daily courses) being arrayed in long garments in the temple of the Lord. And he spoke unto the Levites the holy ministers of Israel, that they should hallow themselves unto the Lord, to set the holy ark of the Lord, in the house that king Solomon the son of David had buyl ded, & said: Ye shall no more bear the ark upon your shoulders. Now serve your Lord, & take the charge of his people of Israel, after your villages & your tribes: according as king David the king of Israel hath ordained, & according as Solomon his son hath honourably prepared: ye look that ye all do service in the temple, according to the ordering & destribution of the principal men which are appointed out of the tribes, to do service Exod. xii. ● for the children of Israel. * 〈…〉. 25. ● Reg. 23. ● Kyl the passover, & prepare offerings for your brethren & do according to the commandment of the Lord/ which was given unto Moses. And unto the people that was found josias gave. thirty, M. of sheep, lambs, kids, & Goats; & iij. M. oxen. These the king (of his kingly liberality) gave unto the people, according as he had promised: & to the priests for the Passeover) he gave. ij. M. sheep, & an. C. oxen. Moreover/ jechonias & Semetas, & Natha nael brethren, & Hasabias', jehiel, & josabao gave them to the Passeover. v. M. sheep and v. C. bullocks. And when these things were brought to pass, the priests & the Levites stood goodly in their order, & had the unleavened bred thorough out the tribes. And after the ordering of the principal men in the tribes, they offered unto the Lord in the sight of the people according ‡ Exod. xii. b as it is written in the book of Moses & so they roasted the Easter lamb as according was. As for the thank offerings & the other they dight than in kettles & pottis, and set them before the people with good will, & afterward before themselves, and the priests. For the priests offered the fat, until the time was expired, but the levities prepared for themselves & for their brethren the children of Aaron. The holy syngers also the children of Asaph stood in their order/ according as david devised So did Asaph Zachary & jouthun, which were appoyuted by the king. Moreover the porters and door keepers stood by the doors & that diligently, so that none went out of his standing and service: for their brethren (the Levites) prepared for them. Thus were all things performed, that belonged to the offering of the Lord. In that day they held the pass over, and offered thank offerings beside the sacrifice of the Lord, according to the commandment of king josias. So the children of Israel which were then present held an honourable Passeover, & the test of sweet bread. seven. days long. Ye such a Passeover was not kept in Israel, from the time of the Prophet Samuel. And all the kings of Israel held not such an Easter/ as this which king josias held, & the priests the Levites, the jews and all Israel, of all them that were at Jerusalem. And in the. xviij. year of the reign of josias was this Passeover kept. And with a perfect heart did king josyas order all his works/ before the lord and the things that were written of him in times passed, concerning those that sinned and were ungodly against the Lord: before all people/ and that sought no●▪ the word of the Lord upon Israel. * 4. Reg. 2●. ● 3, Pu●. ●5. ● After all these acts of King josyas Pharaoh the king of Egypte went up & came toward Carmis by Euphrates, and josyas went to meet him. Then sent the king of Egypt unto josias saying: what have I to do with thee/ O king of juda? I am not sent of the Lord to fight against the, for my war is upon Euphrates, go that thy way home again in all y● hast And josias would not turn again upon his chariot, but undertook to fight against him, & hearkened not unto the word of the prophet, which he told high out of the mouth of God, but pitched a battle against him in the field of Mageddo. And the prince's pressed to king josias. Then said the king unto his servants: Carry me away out of the battle, for I am sore wounded. And immediately his servants took him away out of the front of the battle. Then sat he up upon the second chariot, came to Jerusalem, died/ & was buried in his father's sepulchre. And in all jewry they mourned for josias/ ye the rulers also with their wives made lamentation for him unto this day: And this was done ever still in Israel. These things are written in the book of the stories of the kings of juda/ namely/ all the acts and works of king josias/ his kingly power & majesty, his understanding in the law of God, & what he did, ye things which are not written in the book of the kings of Israel & juda. * 3. Reg. 33. ● 2. Pa. 2●. a And the people took jechonias the son of josias and made him king in stead of josias his father/ when he was. xxxiij. year old. And he reigned over Israel three months. And the king of Egypt put him down, that he should not reign in jerusalem, & raised up a tax of the people: namely, an. C. talents of silver and one talent of gold. The king of Egypt also made joachim his brother king of juda and Jerusalem. As for them of the kings council with the king himself and Za ra●●●s his brother, he took than & carried them away presoners into Egypt. five & twenty year old was joachim, when he was made king in the land of juda and Jerusalem, & he did evil before the Lord. After this/ * 4. Re. 24. a Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon came up, and bound him with bands of iron, & carried him unto Babylon. Nabuchodonosor also took also the vessels that were hallowed in the temple of the Lord, and all the jewels and carried them unto Babylon, & brought them into his own temple at Babylon. Of his uncleanness and ungodliness, it is written in the book of the acts of the kings. And joachim his son reigned in his stead: He was made king being. xviij. year old, and reigned but three months and. x. days in Jerusalem & did evil before the Lord. So after a year Nabuchodonosor sent and caused him to be brought unto Babylon with the holy vessels of the Lord, & made Sedechias his brother king of juda & Jerusalem, when he was. xxj. year old: and he reigned. xi. year. And he did evil also in the sight of the Lord, and cared not for the words that were spoken unto high * I●●e. 36. ● by the prophet jeremy at the mouth of the Lord. And where he had made an oath unto king Nabuchodonosor, he forswore high self, and fell from him havig a styfneck & a heart, & trangressed all the statutes and ordinances of the Lord God of Israel. The rulers also & heads of the people of the Lord did much evil, & became ungodly, more than the Heathen, being defiled in all manner of abominations: Ye/ & defiled the holy temple of the Lord at Jerusalem. And the God of their fathers sent his messaungers unto them, to turn them back & to call them again from their sins: for he would fain have spared them for his holy tabernacles sake. Nevertheless, they had his messengers in derision: & look what god spoke unto them by his prophets, they made but a sport of it. This drew on so long, till the Lord was wroth with his people for their ungodliness/ and till he caused the kings of the Cal dees to come up, which slew their young men with the sword/ ye even in the compass of their holy temple/ & spared no body/ neither young nor old, nether maden nor young man: but they were all delivered into the power of the kings of the Caldees, and all the holy vessels of the Lord and the kings treasures took they/ and carried them unto Babylon * I●●●. ●9 ● and. 〈◊〉, ● As for the house of the Lord, they went up into it/ and brent it, & broke down the walls of jerusalem/ set fire upon her towers/ destroyed all her noble buyldiges & brought them to nought/ and the people that were not slain with the sword/ they carried unto Babylon. Thus became they presoners & bond men of the king of Babylon, till they were delivered & reigned for themselves/ * I●●●. 〈…〉. and. 〈…〉. when the words of the Lord were fulfilled, which he promised them by the mouth of the Prophet jeremy, and till the land had her rest namely/ all the time that it lay waste/ had it rest and quytnes. lxxvij, years. ¶ Cyru● giveth lyeence to the I●●●es to return to jerusalem, and restoreth them the vessel of the temple. After that a●e there letters send to Artaxerses, which accuse the jews for building of the city: and so is the building frauen of until the. 11. year of Darius. CAPI. II. N * ●. Pat. 36. d ●▪ Esdr, s. a. Own when the king Cyrus reigned over the Persians/ & when the Lord would perform the word that he had promised by the mouth of the prophet jeremy: the Lord raised up the spirit of Cyrus/ the king of Persians, so that he caused this writing to be proclaimed thorough out his whole realm, saying: Thus sayeth Cyrus the king of Persians: The Lord of Israel that high Lord hath made me king of the land, and commanded me to build him an house at Jerusalem in jewry. If there be any now of your people, the Lord be with him, and go up with him to jerusalem. And all they that dwell round about that place shall help them, whether it be with gold, with silver, with gifts, horses and necessary cattles, and all other things that are brought with a free will to the house of the Lord at jerusalem. Then the principal men out of the tribes and villages of juda and Benjamin stood up: so did the priests also and the Levites (whom the Lord had moved) to go up, and to build the house of the Lord at jerusalem. And they that were about them, helped them with all manner of gold, and silver, and cattles also and with many liberal gifts, and this did many one, whose mind was stired up there to. * ●. Esdr●. ●. ● King Cyrus also brought forth the vessels and ornaments, that were hallowed unto the Lord (which Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon had carried away from jerusalem/ and consecrated them to his Idol and image) & delivered them to Mithrid atus his treasurer, and by him they were delivered to Salmanasar the debit in jewry. And this was the number of them: Two thousand &. iiij. C. silver boulles. thirty. silver basins. thirty. basins of gold. ij. M. and. iiij. C. vessels of silver, and a thousand beside. All the vessels of gold and silver were. v. M. viij. C. and. lx. These were numbered unto Salmanasar, and to them that were come again with him to jerusalem out of the captivity of Babylon. * 〈…〉. iiii. ● Now in the time of king Artaxerses the king of Persia/ these men: Balemus and Mithridatus/ Sabellius/ Rathimus/ Balthemus, Semelius the Scribe, & other that dwelled in Samaria & in other places under the dominion thereof, wrote a letter unto king Artaxerses, wherein they complained unto the king of them in jewry and jerusalem The letter was made after this manner. Sir, thy servants Rathimus the story writer, Sabellius the Scribe, & other judges of the court in Celosyrya & Phenyces. Be it known & manifest to our Lord the king, that the jews which are come up from you unto us into jerusalem the rebellious and wicked city, begin to build it again, and the walls about it, and to set up the temple a new Now if this city & the walls thereof be set up again, they shall not only refuse to give tributes and taxes but also rebel utterly against the king. And for so much as they take this in hand now about the temple, we thought it reason to think no scorn of it, but to show it unto our Lord the king, and to certify him thereof: to th'intent that if it please the king he may cause it to be sought in the books of old: and thou shalt find such warning written, & shalt understand, that this city hath all way been rebelyous and disobedient that it hath subdued kings and cities, & that the jews which dwell therein, have ever been a rebellious, obstinate, unfaithful/ and fighting people/ for the which cause this city is wasted. Wherefore now we certify our Lord the King/ that if this city be builded & occupied again/ and the walls thereof set up a new▪ thou canst have no passage into Celosyria and Phenices. Then wrote the king to Rathimus the story writer/ to Balthemus/ to Sabelius the Scribe/ & to the other officers & dwellers in Syria and Phenices/ after this manner: I have read the epistle which thou sentest unto me, & have commanded to make diligent search/ & have found/ that the city hath even resisted kings/ that the same people are disobedient/ and have caused much war, and that mighty kings have reigned in jerusalem/ which also have raised up taxes of Syria and Phenices. Whereof/ I have commanded those people, that they shall nat build the city/ that they make no more in it/ and that they proceed no further with the building: for so much as it might be the cause of war/ and displeasure unto kings. Now when Rathymus and Sabellius the Scribe/ & the rulers in the land had ●e● the writing of king Artaxerses/ they got them together, and came in all the haste to jerusalem with an host of horsemen/ & with much people of foot, & forbade them to build. And so they left of from building of the temple of jerusalem unto the second year of the reign of Darius' king of persians. ¶ Dari●s maketh a feast. The three sentenses of the three young men, of which the first is declared. CAPI. III. King Darius made a great feast unto his servants, unto all his court, and to all the officers of Medea & Persia, ye to all the debits and rulers that were under him, from India unto Ethiopia/ an hundredth &. xxvij. countries. So when they had eaten and droucken being satisfied, & were gone home again/ Darius' the king went into his chambre/ laid him down to sleep, & so awaked. Then the three young men, that kept the kings person, and watched his body, commoned among themselves, & spoke one to another: let every one of us say some thing/ and look whose sentence is wiser & more excellent than the other, unto him shall king Darius give great gifts, and cloth him with purple. He shall give him vessels of gold to drink in/ clothes of gold and coverings: he shall make him a costly chariot and a bridle of gold/ he shall give him a bonnet of white silk, and a chain of gold about his neck: ye he shallbe the second & principal next unto king Datius/ & that because of his wisdom, & shallbe called the kings kinsman. So, every one wrote his meaning, sealed it/ and laid it under the kings pyllowe/ and said: when the king ariseth, we will give him our writings, and look whose word the king and his chief Lords judge to be the most wisely spoken/ the same shall have the victory. One wrote: Wine is a strong thing. The second wrote: The king is stronger. The third wrote: women have yet more strength/ but above all things the truth beareth away the victory. Now when the king was risen up/ they took their writings & delivered them unto him/ and so he read them. Then sent he forth to call all his chief lords, all the debits & rulers of the countries of Medea & Persia. And when they were set down in the council/ the wryttynges were red before them. And he commanded to call for the ponge men/ that they might declare their meanings themselves by mouth. So when they were sent for, & came in/ the king said unto them: show us & make us to understand what the things are that ye have written. Then began the first (which had speaken of the strength of wine) & said: O ye men * P●on. xx. ●. wine is marvelous strong and overcometh them that drink it: it deceiveth the mind. and bringeth both the poor man & the King to dotage & vanity. Thus doth it also with the bond man & with the free/ with the poor and rich: it taketh away their understanding, & maketh them careless & merry/ so that none of them remembreth any heaviness debt or duty: It causeth a man to think also that the thing which he doth/ is honest & good: and remembreth not that he is a king/ nor that he is in authority/ & that he ought not do such things. Moreover/ when men are drinking/ they forget all friendship/ all brotherly faith fullness & love: but as soon as they are drunken/ they draw out the sword and will fight: & when they are laid down from the wine, & so risen up again, they can nat tell what they did: judge ye now is nat wine the strongest? For who would else take in hand to do such things? And when he had spoken this/ he held his tongue. ¶ The declare ●●yon of the. two. last sentences of the young men, propounded in the Chapter before: of which the last, that to, the & velonye beareth the victory in all things is most commended and allowed. Durius writeth letters to all the rulers under him, tha● they should ●yde zobo ba●ell to the building of jerusalefn. CAPI. four THAN the second (which had said, that the King was stronger) began to speak/ saying: D ye men, are nat they the strongest & most excellent/ the conquer the land & the see, and all that is in the see and in the earth? Now is the king lord of all these things/ & hath dominion of them all: & look what he commandeth, it is done. If he send his men forth a warfare) they go, and break down hills/ walls and towers, They are slain/ and slay (other men) themselves/ & overpass nat the kyinge word. If they get the victory/ they bring the king all the spoil. Like wise, the other the meddle nat with wars and fighting, but till the ground: when they reap, they bring tribute unto the King. And if the king alone do but command to kill/ they kill: if he command to forgive, they forgive: if he command to smite, they smite: if he bid drive away, they drive away: if he command to build, they build: if he command to break down, they break down: if he command to plant, they plant. The comen people and the rulers are obedient unto him. And the king in the mean season sitteth him down, eateth, & drinketh, and taketh his test: then kept they watch round about the king/ and nat one of them dare get him out of the way to do his own business, but must be obedient unto the king at a word. judge ye now, D ye men, how should nat he go far above unto whom men are thus obedient? And when he had spoken this, he held his tongue. The third, whose name was Zorobabel, which had spoken of women and of truth, began to say after this manner: O ye men/ it is not the great king/ it is not the multitude of men/ neither is it wine that excelleth: who is it then that hath the Lordship over them Have not women borne the king/ and all the people that rule those things? Have not women borne them/ and brought them up, that plant the wines, whereout the wine cometh? They make garments for all men, they give honour unto all men, and without women cannot men live. If they gather gold and silver and all precious things, & see a fair well favoured woman, they leave all together, and turn their eyes only unto the woman, and gape upon her, & have more desire unto her, than unto the silver & gold, or any manner of precious thing. * E'en. it ●●●t. nineteen. ●●. ●o●. ●. b Ephe. v. ● A man leaveth his father that brought high up, leaveth his own natural country, & cleaveth unto the woman ye he ●eopardeth his life with the woman/ & remembreth nether father/ nor mother/ nor country. By this than ye must needs know, that women have the dominion over you. Doth it not grieve you? A man taketh his sword, and goeth his way to steal, to kill/ to murder, to sail upon the see, and saith a lion, and goeth in the darkness: & when he hath stolen, deceived and rob, he bringeth it unto his love. Again/ a man loveth his wife better than father and mother: ye many one there be/ that run out of their wits, and become bondmen for their wives sakes: many one also have perished, have been slain, & have sinned because of women. And now believe me/ I know a king which is great in his power, and all lands stand in awe of him, and no man dare lay hand upon him: yet did I see/ that Apame (the daughter of the great king Bartacus) the kings concubine/ sat beside the king upon the right hand/ & took of his crown from his head, & set it upon her own head, and smote the king with her left hand, Moreover, the king looked upon her with open mouth: if she laughed upon him/ he laughed also: but if she took any displeasure with him the king was fain to flatter her, & to give her good words, till he had gotten her favour again. O ye men/ are not women then stronger? Great is the earth, & high is the heaven. Who doth these things? Then the king & the Prince's looked one upon another. So he began to speak of the truth: O ye men, are not women stronger▪ Great is the earth, high is the heaven, swift is the course of the son▪ * Eccle, i. a he compasseth the heaven round about, and fetcheth his course again to his own place in one day. Is he not excellent that doth this▪ ye great is the truth, & stronger than all things. All the earth calleth upon the truth/ the heaven praiseth it/ all works shake and tremble at it/ and with it is no unrightuous thing. Wine is unrighteous: the King is unrighteous: women are unrighteous: all the children of men are unrighteous, ye all their works are unrighteous/ and there is no truth in them, in their unrighteousness also shall they be destroyed & perish. As for the truth, & it endureth, & is always strong: Isaiah. 〈◊〉 a Psal. 〈◊〉. a it liveth and conquereth for evermore world without end. The truth accepteth no persons, it putteth no difference betwixt the rich or poor, be twixt the mighty or simple, but doth right unto every man, whether they be evil or good and all men are lovingly dealt withal in the works of it. In the judgement of it there is no unrighteous thing, but strength kingdom and power and magtesty for evermore Blessed be thae God of truth. And with that he held his tongue, and all the people cried, & said: Great is the truth, and above all. Then said the king unto him: Ask what thou wilt/ more then is appointed in the writing, and I shall give it thee/ for thou art found wiser than thy companions: thou shalt sit next me, & be called my kinsman. Then said he unto the king: Remember thy promise and vow, which thou ha●● vowed and promised (in the day when thou camest to the kingdom) to build up Jerusalem, & to send again all the vessels and jewels, that were taken away out of jerusalem: which Cyrus separated, when he offered in Babylon, & would send them again. And thy mind was to build up the temple which the edomites brent, when jerusalem was destroyed by the Chaldees. This only (O king) is the thing that I require this is the majesty, which I desire and ask of thee: that thou perform the vow, which thou with thine own mouth hast made unto the king of heaven. Then Darius the king stood up/ and kissed him, * 2. Es●●. 2. b 3. Esor. 6. d & wrote a letter unto all the debits and Shreves/ to all the Lords and nobles/ that they should convey him forth, and at them that would go up with him to build jeru salem. He wrote a letter also unto all the shreves that were in Celosiria & Phenices, & unto Libanus, that they should draw ●●dretre●s from Lybanus unto Jerusalem, to build the city withal. Moreover he wrote unto all the jews that were gone out of his realm into jewry because of the freedom, that no officer no ruler/ nor shreve, should come to their doors/ and that all their land which they had conquered, should be free & not tributary: And that the Edomites should give over the cities and villages of the jews, which they had taken in: ye and that they should yearly give xx. talents to the building of the temple, until the time that it were finished/ and to the daily hallowing of the brent offerings (as it is commanded) ten talents yearly also And that all they which come from Babylon to build the city, should have free liberty/ they and their children, & all the priests. He wrote the greatness also, & commanded that the holy garment should be given them wherein they ministered: and wrote that commandments should be given to the Levites/ until the day/ that the house were fyny shed, and jerusalem builded up: and commanded that all they that watched the city should have their portions and wages. He gave over also all the vessels that Cyrus had separated from Babylon, & all that Cyrus had given in commandment/ the same charged he also/ that it should be done and sent unto jerusalem. Now when this young man was gone forth, he turned his face toward jerusalem/ and praised the king of heaven/ and said▪ * Of the cometh the victory/ of the cometh wisdom & clearness & I am thy servant. Blessed art thou/ which hast given me wisdom: the will I praise/ O Lord/ thou God of our fathers. And so he took the letters, and went unto Babylon: And when he came there, he told this unto all his brethren that were at Babylon/ and they praised the God of their fathers, that he had given them refreshing and liberty to go up, and to build Jerusalem & the temple (wherein the name of the Lord is called upon) & they rejoiced with instruments and gladness seven days long. ¶ They that return to jerusalem are numbered. They begin to lay the foundation of the temple, but are let by the means of enemies: and so is the building driven of by the space of two years. CAPI. V AFter this were the principal men of all the villages chosen in the tribes & kindreds/ that they should go up with their wives and children/ with their servants and maidens/ with all their cattle and substance. And Darius the king sent with them a thousand horsemen/ to convey them safely unto jerusalem: and their brethren were glad/ playing upon instruments/ and singing/ and he caused them to go together with them. And these are the names of the men/ which went up out of the villages, according to the tribes. Of the priests, the son of Phinehes, the son of Aaron: jesus the son of josedec, joachim the son of * Math. ●● Zorobabel the son of Salathiel (of the kindred of David, out of the kindred of Phares of the tribe of juda) which spoke wonderful things under Darius the King of Persia in the second year of his reign in the first month of Nisan. These also are they of jewry, which came up/ and turned again unto jerusalem/ out of the captivity that Nabuchodonosor the King of Babylon had brought unto Babylon. And every man sought his portion again in jewry, his city/ they that came with Zorobabel, and with jesus. Nehemias, Saraias/ Ra●laias, El●●eus, Emmanius, Mardocheus, Beelserus, Mechpsa Rochor, Oliorus, Emonias, one of their Princes. And the number of them according to their kindreds and rulers were. The children of Phares two thousand, an hundredth &. lxxij. The children of Ares. iij. M. an. C. and. lvij The children of Femo, an. C. &. xlij. The sons of jesus and joabes. a. M. iij. C. & two The sons of Beniu. ij. M. iiij. C. and. lxx. The sons of Choroba. ij. C. &. v. The sons of Banica, an. C. and. lxviij. The sons of Rebech. iiij. C. and three. The sons of Archad. iiij. C. and. xxvij. The sons of Cham xxxvij. The sons of Zoroar. ij. M. &. lxvij. The sons of Adinu. iiij. C. &. lxj. The sons of Adarectis an. C. and. viij. The sons of Ciaso and zelas an. C. and seven. The sons o● Azorec. iiij. C. and. xxxix. The sons of jedarbone, an. C. and. xxxij. The sons of Hananias an. C. and. thirty. The sons of Asoni. xc. The sons of Marsar. iiij. C. and. xxij. The sons of zabarus. xcv. The sons of Sepholemon an. C. and. xxiii. The sons of Nepopas. lv. The sons of Hechana●us an. C. and. lviij. The sons of zebethanus an. C. and. xxxij. The sons of Crearpratros (which is called also Enohadies & Modias.) iiij. C. and. twenty-three. Of them of Gramos and Gabea an. C. and. xxi. Of them of Besselon and ●eage. lxv. Of them of Bastarus, an. C. and xxii. Of them of Be chenobes. lv. Of the sons of Lyptis, there were an. C. and. lv. Of the sons of Labo●nus. iij. C. &. lvij. Of the sons of Sichem iij. C. and. lxx. Of the sons of Suadon and Elimon. iij. C. and. lxxviij. Of the sons of Ericus. ij. M. an. C. and. xlv. The sons of Anaas. iij. C. and. lxx. The priests: The sons of jeddus: The sons of Euther: the sons of El jasib. iij C. and. lxxij. The sons of En●erus. ij. C. and. lij. The sons of Fasurius. iij. C. &. lvij The sons of Carea. ij. C. and. xxvij. The levities: The sons of jesus in Ca●●hell and Banus, and Serebias'/ and Edeas'/ seventy and four. The whole number of these. from. xij. years was. thirty. M. iiij. C. and lxij. Of the sons/ daughter's & wives, the whole sum was xl. M. ij. C. &. xlij. The sons of the priests that praised God in the temple. The sons of Asaph. C. and. xxviij. But the door keepers were: The children of Esmenus: the children of Aser: the children of Amon: the children of Acuba, Toba the children of Tobi: an. C. & xxxix. in all. The priests that served in the temple: The sons of Sel, the sons of Gaspha/ the sons of Tobloch, the sons of Caria, the sons of Sub, the sons of Hel●u/ the sons of Sabana/ the sons of Armacha the sons of Acub, the sons of Utha/ the sons of Cetha/ the sons of Aggab/ the sons of Obey/ the sons of Anam/ the sons of Canna, the sons of Geddu/ the sons of ●n, the sons of Rad●/ the sons of Desanon/ the sons of Nechoba, the sons of Caseba, the sons of Goz●/ the sons of Ozui, the sons of S●●ona/ the sons of A●ra, the sons of Hasten, the sons of Asiana/ the sons of Manei/ the sons of Nasisin/ the sons of Accua/ the sons of Agista/ the sons of Azui/ the sons of Favon/ the sons of Phasalon/ the sons of Meeda/ the sons of Susa/ the sons of Cared/ the sons of Barcus/ the sons of Sarea/ the sons of Coesi/ the sons of Nasit, the sons of Agista/ the sons of Pedon: Solomon his sons/ the sons of Asophot, the sons of Phazida/ the sons of Cel●, the sons of Dedon/ the sons of Gaddahel/ the sons of Zapheus/ the sons of Aggia, the sons of Sacharet, the sons of Sabathem, the sons of Saroneth the sons of Malsit/ the sons of Ania, the sons of Sasus, the sons of Addus/ the sons of Suba, the sons of Eara/ the sons of Rabotis/ the sons of Phasphat, the sons of Malmon. All these ministered in the sanctuary, and were servants of Solomon: even. iiij. C. and. lxxxij. These following are they/ that went up from Chelmellat Thelarsa (whose Princes were Carmelan and Careth) and might not show forth their cities & kindreds, how they were of Israel: The sons of Dalarus the sons of Tuben, the sons of Nechodaicus. Of the priests that executed the office of the priesthood, and were not found: The sons of Obia/ the sons of Achisos the sons of Addyn, which married one of the daughters of Phargelen, and were named alter him. The writing of the same kindred was sought in the register of their generation, but it was not found: & therefore were they forbidden to execute the office of the priesthood. Unto them said Nehemias & As●haras, that they should have no portion in the Sanctuary/ till there rose up an high priest/ that were well instruct in the plain clearness and truth. Of all Israel (beside servants and maidens) there were. xlij. M. in. C. and xl. Now were there of servants and maidens, seven. M. iij. C. &. xxxuj. Of singing men and singing women there were two hundredth, & lxv. Four hundredth. and. xxxv. Camels, Seven thousand, and. xxxvi. horses. Two hundredth thousand and. xiv. mules. five. M. and. xxv. asses. Their heads also and the rulers in the tribes, when they came to jerusalem, & wo●●e build and set up the temple of God again in his place, they gave (after their avyl●●e/ unto the temple, to the treasure & to the service of the Sanctuary. xij. M. pounds of gold, five thousand of silver, & an hundredth priests garments. And so owelt the priests & the Levites, and the people that went out to jerusalem, & in the country there about, the syngers also & the porters, every one of Israel in his own land. * i. E●. ●iii. a. So when the seventh month came, and when the children of Israel were every man at his business, they came all with one consent in to the court, which was before the East door. And there stood jesua the son of josedec & his brethren the priests, & zorobabel the son of Salathiel, & his brethren, setting up an altar, to offer brent sacrifices upon it, as it is written in the law of Moses. There came people also of other countries and the Heathen out of all lands to see up the altar in his place, and offered sacrifices and brent offerings unto the Lord in the morning. And so they held the feast of tabernacles, * 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 ● Num. 〈…〉 as it is commanded in the law. And daily offered they as accordnge was, & made the sacrifices appointed, the offerings also of the Sabbathes and of the new moans, and all holy feasts. * 1. Esdr. 3. b And all they that vowed offerings unto the Lord, began at the new moan of the. seven, month to offer unto God/ for the temple of the Lord was not yet builded. And they gave unto the Mason's and Carpenters, money/ meat/ & drink with cheerfulness. Unto them of Sidon also and tire they gave carts, that they should carry cedar trees from Libanus to be toystes and beams, & that they should make ships in the haven of joppes, according as it was appointed and ordained by Cirus king of the persians. And in the second year they came into the temple of God at jerusalem. * Eccl. 29. b c In the second month began Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, and jesua the son of josedec and their brethren the priests and Levites, and all they that were come unto jerusalem out ot the captivity of Babylon, & laid the foundation of the temple, in the new moan of the second month in the second year that they were came into jewry & Jerusalem. And they appointed the Levites (that were above. xx. year old) unto the service of the Lord: so jesua & his sons & his brethren, all the Levites stood together, and performed the law & ordinance in the house of the Lord. And the priests stood, & had their garments and trumpets, and the levities, the sons of Asaph had Cymbals giving thanks and praises unto the Lord, according * 1. Par. 16 b as david the king of Israel had ordained. And the song that they did sing unto the Lord, was after this matter. * Psal. 135. a Esay. xii ● O sing unto the Lord for he is gracious, & his goodness upon Israel endureth forever. And all the people blew out with trumpets, and song with loud voice, praising the Lord together in the rearing up of the house of the Lord * 1. Esor. 3. d There came also from among the priests and Levites the rulers and elders, according to the tribes and kindreds (such as had seen the house afore) to the building of this temple with great cry and great mourning, many also with trumpets & great toy: In so much, that the trumpets might not well be heard for the weeping and mourning. For the comen people blewe goodly upon the trumpets, so that it might be hard far of. * 1. Esor. 4. a Then came the enemies of the tribes of juda and Bemamin, to know what that trompetting and noise of shawms might be. And they perceive that it was they which were come again out of captivity, & would build the temple up a new unto the Lord God of Israel. So they went to zorobabel and jesua, and to the rulers of the villages and said unto them. Shall we build with you also? For we like wise have heard your Lord, and we walk after the same manner, from the days of Asbazareth the king of Assiria, which brought us hither. Then Zorobabel and jesua and the rulers of the villages of Israel said unto them. It is not meet, that ye should build the temple of our God with us: we ourselves alone will build unto the Lord of Israel like * 1. Esdr. 〈…〉 as Cyrus the king of the Persyans hath commanded us. But the Heathen in the land laid themselves against those that were in jewry, held up the building from them, laid wait upon them privily/ stopped such as brought any thing to them, forbade them to build, and hidered those that made them passage, that the building should not be finished: & this continued so long as king Cyrus lived: & so they put of the building for the space of two years, until the reign of king Darius. ¶ Aggeus and zachary prophecy They build the temple without let or hindrance, by the commandment of Darius. CAPI. VI notwithstanding in the second year of the reign of Darius. Aggeus and Zachary the son of Addo prophesied upon them in jewry, and jerusalem, in the name Agg 〈…〉 of the God of Israel. * 1. Esdr▪ ● Then zorobabel the son of salathiel, and jesua the son of josedec stood up/ and began to build the house of the Lord at jerusalem, when the Prophets of the Lord helped them. At the same time came Sysennes the under Shreve in Syrya and Phenices/ with the land lords and his companions, and said unto them. Who hath bidden and commanded you to build this house, to make the roof and all other things again? And who are the work men/ that build them? Nevertheless the elders of the jews had such grace of the Lord/ that they would not be let (though they were provoked thereto) builded on still/ until that King▪ Darius were certified thereof, & an answered received from him. The letter that these men sent unto king Darius, was after this manner. Sysennes the under Shreve in Syrya and Phenyces, and the landlords which their companions, which are head rulers in Syrya and Phenices, send their salutation unto Darius the King. We certify the Lord the king, that we came into the land of jewry/ and went to Jerusalem; where we found the building and went to Jerusalem: where we found them building the great house of God and the ople, with great costly free stone & with goodly timber for the walls: ye they make great haste with the work/ & help one another/ and it goeth forth prosperously in their hands, and with great diligence and worship is it made. Then asked we the elders, who had commanded them to make up the house and the building, and this we did, to the intent that we might certify the perfectly/ & write unto thee, the names of those that were the rulers of the work. So they gave us this answer: we are the servants of the Lord, which made heaven and earth: and as for this house, ‡ 3. Reg. vi. a it hath been builded and set up afore time by the great & mighty King of Israel. But when our fathers provoked God unto wrath/ and sinned against the God of Israel, * ● Re. 24. 25 jere. 39 ●ii. he gave them over into the power of Nabuchodonosor King of Babylon the King of the Caldees/ which broke down the house/ & brent it/ & carried away the people presoners unto Babylon. * ● Esdr. ●, c. Nevertheless, in the first year that king Cyrus reigned at Babylon, Cyrus the king wrote & commanded to build up this house again: & all the holy vessels of gold & silver that Nabuchodonosor carried away from jerusalem unto Babylon, and appropriated unto his own temple: these brought Cyrusforth again, and delivered them to Zorobabel & to Salmanasar, the under Shreve, commanding them that they should bring those same vessels to jerusalem into the temple, & to begin from the time forth/ to build the temple again i his own place. Then Salmanasat laid the foundation of the Lords house at jerusalem/ & ever sense have they builded/ & yet is it not ended. And therefore O king, if thou thinkest it good/ let it be sought in the libraries and rolls of king Cyrus that are in Babylon, if it be found theu that the building of the house of the Lord at jerusalem was begun by the council & consent of king Cirus & if our lord the king be so minded let him write unto us thereof. * ● Esd. vi. c. ●i. Es. iiii. a Then commanded King Darius, to seek in the libraries: and so at Egbathanis in a little city in medea there was found such a writing: In the first year of the reign of Cyrus, the same King Cyrus commanded that the house of the Lord at Jerusalem should be builded again (and odours to be made there continually unto the Lord (whose height shallbe x. cubits, & the breedeth, three score cubits/ & four square with three hewn stones with a fit of timber of the same country/ ye which a new fit, & the expenses thereof to be given of the house of king Cyrus. And the ornaments of gold and silver/ that Nabuchodonosor took out of the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, shallbe set again in the temple at jerusalem, where they were afore. Sysennes also the under shreve i Syria & Phenices, the Princes & their companions, & the other that be head rulers in Syria & Phenices, shall not meddle nor have any thing to do with that place. I Cyrus have commanded also, that they shall build the house of the Lord whole up, and have ordained them, to help those that become out of captivity: till the house of the Lord be finished: and out of the tribute and taxing that is yearly raised up in Syria & Phenices, diligently to give the a certain sum to the offering of the Lord: and the same to be delivered unto Zorobabel the office, that he there withal may ordain oxen/ rams, lambs/ and corn, salt, wine and oil, and that continually every year: after the expenses * Esor. vi. b. which the priests that be at jerusalem, show to be made daily: this shallbe given unto them without delay/ that they may offer sacrifices daily to the highest God, for the king and for his servants, and to pray for their lives. Let it be proclaimed also on every side, that whosoever breaketh or despiseth this commandment of the king, shallbe hanged upon a gallows (made of his own good) and all his goods shallbe seasoned unto the king. The Lord therefore (whose name is there called upon) rote out and destroy all the kings and people/ that undertake by violence to hinder the same/ orto deal unturteously which the house of the Lord at jerusalem. I Daryus the King have ordained/ that these things shall be done with all diligence. ¶ The temple is finished and dedicated: and the feast of unleavened brebde is holden. CAPI. VII. THen Sysennes the under shreves in Celosyrya/ and Phenyces/ and the other landlords with their companions/ obeyed the things that King Daryus had ordained, and were diligent in the holy works, & were fellow helpers with the old rulers of the jews. And so the work of the Sanctuary went forth and prospeted, when Aggeus and Zachary prophesied. And they performed all things thorough the commandment of the Lord God of Israel, and after the device of Cyrus/ Darius and Artaxerses kings of Persia. And thus was our house finished unto the. xxiii. day of the month Add ni the. vi. year of king Darius. And the children of Israel the priests and the levities/ and the other that were come out of captivity/ and such as were joined unto them, did according as it is written in the book of Moses And in the dedication of the temple: they offered an hundred oxen two hundred rams, four hundred lambs/ and twelve goats for the sins of all the people of Israel/ after the number of the tribes of Israel. The priests also & the Levites stood arrayed in the prestly garments, after the tribes/ over all the works of the Lord God of Israel according to the book of Moses & the porters by all doors. And the children of Israel (with those the were come out of captivity (held the passover the fourteen day of the first month/ when the priests and the levities were sanctified. They the came out of captivity/ were not all sanctified together: but the levities were all sanctified together, and so all they that came out of captivity, killed the easter lamb/ for their brethren/ for the priests and for themselves. And the children of Israel that came out of captivity, and escaped from all the abhominacyos of the Heathen, sought the Lord, & kept the feast of unleaved bread seven days long, eating and drinking and were merry before the Lord: that the Lord had turned the devise of the king of Assyria, and comforted their hands to the works of the Lord God of Israel. ¶ Esdras causeth the people to assemble and come together, and then readeth them the law. They keep the feast of Tabernacles. CAPI. VIII. ANo after him * i. Esd. seven. d when artaxerses the king of the persians reigned, there went unto him Esdras the son of Saraias/ the son of Azarias/ the son of Helchiach/ the son of Sallum/ the son of Sadoch/ the son of Achitob/ the son of Amarias', the son of Azarias, the son of Boccus/ the son of Abysu/ the son of Phineas/ the son of Eleazar/ the son of Aaron the first pressed. This Esdras went up from babylon (for he had good understanding in the law of Moses, that was given of the Lord God of Israel, to be taught and done in deed.) And the king favoured him, and did him great worship and honour after all his desires. There went up with him also certain of the children of Israel, of the priests/ of the Levites/ of the syngers/ porters & ministers of the temple at jerusalem. In the seventh year of the reign of king Artaxerses/ in the fifth month that is in the seventh year of the reign, they went from Babylon in the new moon of the. v. month, and came the high way to Jerusalem after his commandment, like as the Lord had prospered their journey. For i these Esdras got great instruction that he should leave none of the things behind, which are in the law and commandments of God. And he taught whole Israel all righteousness and judgement. Then came the Secretaries of king Artaxerses, and delivered the writings (that were come from Artaxerses the king) to Esdras the pressed & reder of the law of the Lord And this is the copy of the letter: King Artaxerses sendeth his greeting unto Esdras the pressed and reder of the law of the Lord. Of friendship & good will I have ordained and charged/ if there be any of the jews/ of the priests & levities in my realm/ which desireth and is content to go with the unto jerusalem, that he may do it. Therefore/ if any be mided to bear the company, let them come together/ and go with y● (like as I am content and my seven friends/ my councelers) to see what they do at jerusalem & in jewry/ & keep the thinks according as thou hast in the law of the Lord: and to bring the gifts unto God the Lord of Israel/ that I and my friends have promised to jerusalem/ and all the silver and gold that is in the country of Babylon unto the Lord to jerusalem/ with the thing that is given for the people in the lords temple at jerusalem. Ye, that the same silver and gold may be gathered, and oxen, rams, sheep and goats & other that belong to these things: & that they may offer sacrifices unto the Lord, upon the altar of their Lord, which is at jerusalem. And whatsoever thou & thy brethren will do with the silver & gold, that do after thy mind/ according to the commandment of the Lord thy God, & likewise, which the holy vessels that are given thee, tor the service of the house of the Lord thy God: which is in jerusalem & other things what soever is necessary for y● to the work of the temple of thy god, that shall be given the of the kings treasure & look what thou with thy brethren will do with the gold & silver, that do after the will of the Lord. And I king Artaxerses have commanded the keepers of the treasures in Syria and Phenyces, that what soever Esdras the pressed and reder of the law of the Lord doth write it shallbe diligently given him: till an hundred talents of silver, and of gold in like manner. Of corn also an hundredth measures, and till an hundredth vessels of wine, & other plenteous things without number. Let all things be done after the law of God, unto the highest God that the wrath of God arise nat in the realm of the king, & of his sons. I command you also that ye require no tax nor tribute of the priests/ levities/ syngers, and ministers of the temple, nor of the writers: & that no man have authority to meddle any thing against them As for thee (O Esdras) set thou judges and arbyters in the whole land of Syria & Phenices'/ after the wisdom of God: & learn all such as are ignorant in the law of God thy Lord/ & let all them that offend against the law/ be diligently punished: whether it be with death/ with pain/ to be condemned in money, or to be banished. Then said Esdras the writer * 1. Esdr 7. a Blessed be the God of our fathers, that hath given so good a mind & will into the heart of the king to magnify his house that is at jerusalem and hath made me to be accepted in the sight of the king, of his council/ of his friends/ & of his nobles. And so I was steadfast in my mind/ according as the Lord my God helped me/ and I chose out men of Israel to go up with me. ‡ 1. Esdr. 8. b And these are the hedes, (after their kindreds and houses of their fathers) that went up with me from Babylon/ out of the kingdom of Artaxerses: Of the sons of Phares/ Gersonius. Of the sons of Siemarith/ Amenus. Of the sons of David/ Accus/ the son of Cecilia. Of the sons of Phares, Zachary: and which him turned again an hundredth and fifty men. Of the sons of the captain of Moabylon/ Zaraei, and with him. ij. C, and l. men. Of the sons of Zachnes', jechonias Zecholy, and with him two hundredth & fifty men. Of the sons of Salamasias/ Gotholy/ and. lxx. with him. Of the sons of Zaphacia. Zarias Mihely/ and with him four score. Of the sons of job/ Abdias jeheli, and with him two hundredth & twelve men. Of the sons of Ba●ia, Salimoth the sons of josapha/ and with him an hundredth an three score men. Of the sons of Beer Zachari Behei/ and with him two hundredth and. viij. men. Of the sons of Esead, johannes Ezecham, and with him an hundredth and ten men. Of the sons of Adoniram those that were the last, and these are their names. Eliphalam the son of Gebeil and Semeias/ and with him. lxx. men. All these called I together by the water Thia, where we pitched our tents three days, and there I mustered them. * 1. Esdr. 8. b As for the sons of the priests & Levites/ I found none there. Then sent I unto Eleazar/ and Eccelom/ and Masmam/ and Malobam/ and Enaathan/ and Samea/ & joribimathan/ Eunagan Zachary, Mosollamum (these were the leders & men of experience) and I sent them word/ that they should come unto Loddeus/ which was by the place of the treasury/ and commanded them that they should speak unto Loddeus and to his brethren and to those that were in the treasury, to send us such men as might execute the priests office in the house of the Lord our God. And with the mighty hand of our Lord God/ they brought unto us men of good experience, from among the sons of Moolius/ the son of Levi/ the son of Israel/ Sebebiam and the sons and his brethren Asbin and Anin/ of whom there were xviij. From among the children of the sons of Cananeus, and their sons were. xx. men. And of them that served in the temple/ whom David had ordained, and the principal men that ministered for the work unto the Levites in the temple two hundredth & twenty men/ whose names are all tokened up in writing. ‡ ●. Esdr. i. a Then commanded I a fasting unto the young men before the Lord/ that I might desire of him a prosperous journey and a good way for us/ ye for us, for our children and for the cattles, because of the layenges await/ & I durst not require of the king horsemen & foot men, to convey us safely against our enemies, for we had said unto the king that the power of the Lord our God should be with them/ that seek high with their whole heart. And therefore/ we besought God our Lord earnestly because of these things, & he was merciful unto us, and herd our prayer. And I separated from among the rulers of the people, & from the priests of the temple. xij. men and Sebebia & Asania, and ten men of their brethren which them. And I weighed them the gold and the silver & all the priestly ornaments of the house of our God, which the king/ and his council, and his Princes, and whole Israel had given. And when I had weighed it/ I gave them an hundredth and thirty talents in silver/ and an bundreth talents of silver vessel an hundredth talents of gold/ and of golden vessel seven times twenty/ and vessels of other metal (ye, of good metal) twelve, glistering as the gold, and said unto them: ye are holy unto the Lord/ and the Uessels are holy, & the gold and the silver is promised unto the Lord God of our fathers. Be diligent now and keep it/ until the time that ye deliver it to the Rulers of the people/ to the priests, to the levities/ and to the principal men of the cities of Israel in jerusalem/ & in the chamber of the house 1. Esdr. 8. d of our God. So the priests and the levities which received of me the gold/ the silver, and the vessel/ brought it into jerusalem into the temple of the lord. And from the river of Thyawe broke up the twelfth day of the first month/ till we came to jerusalem. And when the third day was past the weighed gold/ and silver was delivered in the house of the Lord our God the fourth day, unto Marimoth the son of jor the priest/ and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinees, and with them were josabdus the sons of jesnet, Medea's and the son of Banus, and certain of the Levites to the number and to the weight: & the weight of them was written up the same tyme. As for those that were come out of captivity, they offered sacrifice unto the Lord God of Israel: even twelve oxen for all Israel. lxxxuj. Ramines lxxij. sheep. xij, goats for sin, twelve kine for a thankoffering/ all to the sacrifice of the Lord. And the kings commission delivered they unto the stewards and debits of the king, & to the undershreves in Celosyria and Phenices, & they honoured the people & the temple of the Lord. ‡ 1. Esdr. ix. a Now, when these things were done, the rulers came unto me/ and said: The generation of Israel/ the Princes, the priests and Levites, the strange people & indwellers of the land/ have not put away their uncleanness, from the Canaanites/ Hethytes Pheresytes, from the Moabites, Egyptians, and edomites. For both they & their sons have mingled themselves with the daughters of them/ and the holy seed is mixed with the out landysh Heathen, & since the beginning of their reign have the rulers & heads been partakers of their wickedness. * 1. Esdr. ix. ● As soon as I had heard these things/ immediately I rend my holy garments, and pulled out the hear of my head & my beerd/ and sat me down sorrowful and heavy. So all they that were moved thorough the word of the Lord God of Israel, came unto me: be king sorrowful for this wickedness, and I sat still, full of heaviness until the evening sacrifice. Then stood I up from fasting/ having rent clothes & the holy garment, kneeled down upon my knees, held out my hands unto the Lord, and said: O Lord/ I am confounded and ashamed before thy fa●e for our sins are become many upon our heads, and our wickednesses are exalted unto the heaven: for since the time of our fathers we are in great sin unto this day. And for the sins of us and our father's/ we with our brethren and with our priests have been delivered unto the kings of the earth, into the sword/ and into captivity: & became a spoil with confusion and shame unto this day. And now, O Lord God/ how great is the mercy that we have gotten of the●in that thou hast left us a rote & a name i the place of thy sanctuary, to discover our light i the house of the Lord our God, & hast given us meat at all times of our ministration. And when we were in captivity, we were not forsaken of the Lord our God: but he made the kings of Persia gracious & favourable unto us, so that they gave us victuals and meat, ye and leave to build up the temple of our Lord God again, to repair the wasted places of Zion, and to dwell in jewry and jerusalem. And now, O Lord, what shall we say/ having all these things in possession? For we have broken thy commandments/ which thou gavest unto to us by the hands of thy servants the prophets/ saying: The land that ye go unto and that is given you for an heritage to have in possession, is defiled with the uncleanness and filthiness of the Heathen, and with their abomination have they polluted it all together. Therefore, shall ye not join your daughters, unto their sons, nor marry your sons unto their daughters. Moreover/ ye shall never seek to make peace with them that ye may increase and eat the best in the land, and that ye may divide the inheritance of the land unto your children for evermore. As for the thing that now happeneth unto us, it cometh all for our wicked works and great sins, yet hast thou given us such a rote, that we are come again into our own land/ and we are so wicked that we have broken thy statutes & commandments again and mingled ourselves with the uncleanness of the outlandysh Heathen. O Lord/ art y● angry with us? wilt thou rote us clean out? that our rote and name remain no more? O Lord God of Israel thou art true, for our rote endureth yet unto this present day. And behold, now are we before the in our sins, now can we not stand before the in them. * 1. 〈…〉 And when Esdras with this prayer had knoledged the sin, weeping, and dying stat upon the ground before the temple, there gathered unto him from Jerusalem a great multitude of men and women/ of young men and maidens, for there was a very great weeping & mourning in the congregation. So when jechonias the son of jehely one of the children of Israel cried, he said unto Esoras: we have sinned against the Lord, because we have married out landysh women of the Heathen. Now axt thou over all Israel. We will swear an oath therefore unto the Lord, that we shall put away all our wives, which we have taken of the Heathen, with their children: like as it is appointed the by our fore elders. Stand up then, open thou it/ & declare it plainly unto us, according to the law of the Lord: for the matter belongeth unto thee, & we will help thee, quite thyself manly. So Esdras arose, and took an oath of the rulers of the priests, and of the levities/ and of all Israel/ to do after these things: and they swore. ¶ After Esdras had read the law, the people put a way their strange wives: and then returneth every man merely unto his own dweylling. CAPI. IX. THAN Esdras stood up from the court of the temple without, & went in to the chamber of jonath as the son of Nasabus, ● Esdr. x. b. and remained there, & did eat no meat, nor drunk drink, for the multitude of the people. And there was made a proclamation in all jewry & at jerusalem, for all such as were gathered at Jerusalem out of captivity, that who soever came not to jerusalem within two or three days (according to the judgement of the old lords of council) his goods should be taken from him/ and be excluded from the congregation of the captivity. And in three days were all they of the tribe of juda and Benjamin gathered together at jerusalem, the twentieth day of the ninth month. And the whole multitude sat trem bling in the court of the temple, for it was winter. So Esdras arose up, & said unto them: ye have done unrighteously, in that ye have taken outlandysh wives to marriage, and so to in crease the sins of Israel. And now knowledge the same, and give praise unto the Lord God of our father's/ & perform his will/ departing from the Heathen of the land/ and from the outlandy she wives. Then cried the whole multitude with loud voice/ & said: like as y● hast spoken, so will we do: but for so much as the people are many/ and the winter here/ we may nat stand without the house: again, this work is nat a thing/ that can be finished in a day or two, for we be many that have sinned in these things. Ordain therefore that the rulers of the multitude & they that dwell with us, & as many as have outlandysh wives, the priests also and judges of every place may stand in the time appointed, tyi they suage the wrath of the Lord in this business. Then jonathas the son of Ezely, and Ozias and Thecan received the charge of this matter/ & Bozoramus, and Leius/ and Sabatheus helped them thereto. After this, all they stood up that were come out of captivity. And Esdras the priest chose unto him the principal men from among the father's according to their names/ & in the new moan of the tenth month they sat together, to examen this matter. And so the matter was a determining (concerning the men that had outlandysh wives) until the new moan of the first month. And of the priests that had mixed themselves with outlandysh wives/ there were found. * 1. Esdr x. ●. Of the sons of jesus the son of josedec and his brethren, Mazeas/ Eleazar/ joribus & joadeus/ which offered themselves to put away their wives/ and to offer a ram for their ignorance. And of the sons of Semmeri/ Masseas/ and Esses/ & I●elech Azarias. Of the sons of Fosera, Limosias, Hismaen/ Nathanea/ jussio, jeddus, and Talsas. And of the levities Iosabdus, Semeis/ and Colnis/ Caletas/ Fa●teas, Colnas/ & Elionas. Of the syngers of the Sanctuary/ Eliarib, Zackarus. Of the porters, Sallumus and Tolbanes. And of Israel/ of the children of Foro, Osi/ & Remias, & Geddias, & Melchias/ Michilus, Eleazarus/ jemmebias/ & Bannas. And the children of jolaman/ Chamas● Zachari/ jeizrelus/ joddius, Erimoth/ and Elias. And of the sons of jathoim/ Eliadas, Liasamus / & Zochias, Larimoth/ Sabdis/ and Tebedias. And of the sons of Zebes/ johannes/ Amanias'/ Zabdias/ & Emineus. And of the sons of Bannus/ Olammus/ Maluchus/ jeddus, jasub, Asabus/ and jerimoth. And of the sons of Addin, Naatus, & Moosias, & Caleus, and Raanas, Mansuas Mathathias/ Besel, Bannus, & Manasses. And of the sons of Nave, Nones, Afeas, Melchias, Sameas, Simon/ Benjamin, Malchus and Marras. And of the sons of Asom, Carianeus/ Mathathias, Ba●nus, Eliphalach, Manasses, Seme●. Of the sons of Bawes, jeremy, Moodias, Abramas, joel/ Baneas/ Peliaas/ jona/ Marimoth, Eliasib, Mathaneus, Eliasis, Ozias, Dielus/ Semedius, Zambris, & joseph. Of the sons of Nobeus, Idelus, Matha thias, Sabadus, Zecheda, Sedmi, jesseus, and Baneas. All these bad taken outlandysh women to marriage, and they put them a way with their children. The priests and Levites/ and all they that were of Israel, dwelled at jerusalem and throughout all the land, in the new moon of the seventh month, & the children of Israel were in their dwellings. And the whole multitude came together upon the floor at the East side of the holy port of the temple. And they spoke unto Esdras the high pressed and reader/ that he would bring the law of Moses, which was given of the Lord God of Israel. So Esdras the high priest brought the law unto the whole multitude of them/ to man & woman, & to all priests/ that they might hear the law, * two. Esd. iii. ●● Esdr. iii. n in the new moan of the. seven. month. And he red in the flore that is before the holy port of the temple/ from the morning early unto the evening before men and women. And they applied their mind all unto the law. And Esdras the priest and reader of the law stood up upon a pulpy● of wood, which was made therefore: and upon his right hand there stood by him Mathathias/ Samus/ Ananias/ Azarias/ Urias/ Ozechias, and Balsamus: Upon his left hand stood Faldeus/ Misael/ Malachias/ Abuschas/ Sabus/ Nabadias' and Zachary. Then took Esdras the book before the whole multitude/ for he was the principal/ & had in most honour of them all. And when he had red out the law/ they stood all straight upon their feet. So Esoras praised the Lord the most high God/ the almighty God of Hostes. And all the people answered: Amen: and held up their hands/ fell down flat upon the earth/ and praised the Lord. And jesus/ Eeneas, Sarebias/ jaddimus/ Accubus/ Sabbatheus/ Cal●●hes, Azarias/ joradus, Ananias, & Philias the Levites life their hands upward, & bowed their faces to the ground/ & praised the Lord: Those were they which taught the law of the Lord and red the law of the Lord/ in the congregation: & every man set them before that understood the law. Then spoke Atharates unto Esdras the high priest & reader/ & to the Levites that taught the multitude/ saying This day is holy unto the Lord: and all they that had heard the law/ wept. So Edsras said: * 2. Esdr. ●. ● Depart your way then/ and eat the best/ & drink the sweetest, & send gifts unto them that have nothing: for this day is holy unto the Lord and be nat ye sorry/ for the Lord will bring you to honour. And the levities showed it openly to them all, saying: This day is holy be ye not sorry. Then went they their way every eachone, and did eat and drink, and were merry, and sent rewards unto them that had nothing, that they also might eat with gladness: for they were exceedingly rejoiced, thorough the words that were red unto them in the law. And so they were all gathered together at jerusalem to hold the feast, according to the covenant of the Lord God of Israel. The end of the third book of Esdras. ❧ The. iiij. book of Esdras. ¶ The people is reproved for their unthankfulness. God will find another people if these will nat be informed. CAPI. I. THe second book of the Prophet * i. Esd▪ v●●●. Esdr. ●. ● Esdras (the son of Saraias, the son of Azarias, the son of, Helchia the son of Sallum, the son of Sado●, the Son of Achitob, the son of Achia, the son of Phinees thee, son of Hely the son of Amerias, the son of Azarias, the son of Maraioth, the son of Sarahias/ the son of Uzi, the son of Boccus the son of Abisu/ the son of Phinees/ the son of Elezar, the son of Aaron/ of the tribe of Live) which was prisoner in the land of Maids/ in the reign of Artaxerses King of Persia. * Esay. 〈…〉 And the word of the Lord came unto me/ saying: go thy way, & she we my people their sinful deeds/ and their children their wickednesses/ which they have done against me, that they may tell their childers children the same: for the sins of their fathers are increased in them. And why? they have forgotten me, and have offered unto strange gods. Am nat I even he that brought them out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage? But they have provoked me unto wrath, and despised my counsels. Pull thou out then the hair of thy head, and cast all evil over them, for they have nat been obedient unto my law. It is a people without learning & nurture. How long shall I forbear them, unto whom I have done so much good? * Num. 21. d. josu. 8. 10. and. xii. Many kings have I destroyed for their sakes: ‡ Exo. xiiii g. Pharaoh with his servants & all his power have I smitten down & slain: All the nations have I destroyed and rooted out before them, & in the East have I brought two lands & people to nought, even tire and Sydon, & have slain all their enemies. Speak thou therefore unto them, saying. Thus sayeth the Lord: * Exo. xiiii. ●. I led you thorough the see/ and have given you sure streets sense the beginning. ‡ Exo. iii. b. I gave you Moses to be your captain, and Aaron to be the priest: * ●●. xviii. a Exo. xiii. d. I gave you light in a pillar of fire, and great wonders have I done among you: yet have ye forgotten me, sayeth the Lord. Thus sayeth the almyghte Lord: I gave you quails to eat, & tents for your succour: Nevertheless ye murmured, and ascribed not the victory of your enemies unto my name: ye, this same day do ye yet mur moure. Where are the benefits, that I have done for you? When ye were hungry in the wilderness, * ●●. 〈◊〉. ●. did ye nat cry unto me saying: why hast thou brought us into this wilderness, to kill us? It had been better for us, to have served the Egyptians/ then to die in this wilderness. Then had I pity upon your mournings, and gave you Manna to eat. Ye did eat angels food. ‡ Sapi. xvi. ● Num. xx, b. When ye were thirsty, did I nat hew the hardestone/ & caused water to flow thereout? For the heat I covered you with the leaves of the trees. A good pleasant fat land gave I you: I cast out the Canaanites, the Pheresytes and Philystines before you. * Esa. v. ●. What shall I do more for you/ sayeth the Lord. Thus sayeth the almighty Lord: ‡ ●●●. xv. ●. When ye ware in the wilderness, in the water of the Amorytes, being a thirst, & blaspheming my name, I gave you nat fire for your blasphemies, but cast a tree into the water, and made the river sweet. What shall I do unto thee, O jacob? Thou juda wouldest nat obey me * Deut. 32. ●. I will turn me to another people/ & unto those. Wit I give my name that they may keep my statutes. saying ye have forsaken me. I will forsake you also. When ye desire me to be gracious unto you, I shall have no mercy upon you. * Esa. i. ●. When ye call upon me, I will nat hear you. For ye have defiled your hands with blood/ & your feet are swift to commit manstaughter. Ye have nat forsaken me (in a manner) but your own selves, sayeth the Lord. Thus sayeth the almighty Lord: have I nat prayed you, as a father his sons, as a mother her daughters/ and as a nurse her young babes/ that ye would be my people/ & I should be your God: that ye would be my children, & I should be your own fathers? * Math. 23. d. I gathered you together/ as an hen gathereth her chickens under her wings. But now what shall I do unto you? I shall cast you out fro my face? * Isaiah. ●●. and. lxv. a. When ye offer unto me/ I shall turn my face from you: for your solemn feast days, your new moons/ and your circumcysyons have I forsake. I sent unto you my servants the Prophets, whom ye have taken and stain, and torn their bodies in pieces/ whose blood I will reqire of your hands, sayeth the Lord. Thus sayeth the almighty Lord: your house must be desolate. I will cast you out as the wind doth the straw, your children shall nat be fruitful, for they have despised my commandment/ and done the thing that is evil before me. your houses will I give unto a people that shall come, & * Esa. ●xv. ●. R●ma▪ x. ●. they that never hard me/ shall believe in me: and they unto whom I never showed token, shall do the thing that I command them. They have seen no Prophets, yet shall they call their sins to remembrance/ and knowledge them. I report me unto the grace, that I will do for the people which is come/ whose children rejoice in gladness: & though they have not seen me with bodily eyes, yet in spirit they believe the thing that I say. And now brother, behold what great worship/ & see the people that cometh from the East/ unto whom I will give the dukedom * Esa. xli. d. Luke. xiii. f. Mat. viii. d of Abraham, Isaac and jacob, of Oseas, Amos, & Micheas, of joel, Abdy/ jonas/ Naum/ & Abacu●/ of Sophony● Aggeus, Zachary/ & Malachy, which is called also an angel (or messenger) of the Lord. CAPI. II. The synagogue syndeth fault with her own children. The Gentles are called. THUS sayeth the Lord: I brought this people out of bondage, I gave them my commandments by my seruairtes the Prophets/ which they wholde nat hear/ but despised my counsels. The mother that bore them/ sayeth unto them: Go your way ye children/ for I am a widow and forsaken: I brought you up with gladness/ but with sorrow and heaviness have I lost you: for ye have sinned before the Lord your God, and done the thing that is evil before him. But what shall I now do unto you? I am a widow and forsaken: go your way, O my children, and ask mercy of the Lord. As for me, O father/ I call upon the for a witness over the mother of these children, which would not keep my covenant, that thou bring them to confusion, and their mothers to spoil, that she bear no more. Let their names be scattered abroad among the Heathen, let them be put out of the earth, for they have thought scorn of my covenant. Woe be unto the Assur/ thou that hidest the unrighteous by the. Thou wicked people, remember * Gene. nineteen. ● what I did unto Sodom & Gomorre, whose land is turned to pitch and ashes. Even so also will I do unto all them/ that hear me not, sayeth the almighty Lord. Thus sayeth the Lord unto Esdras: Tell my people/ that I will give them the Kingdom of jesusalem, which I would have given unto Israel. Their glory also will I take unto me/ & give them the everlasting tabernacles/ which I had prepared for those. The tree of life shallbe unto them a sweet smelling ointment: they shall neither labour nor be weighed. Go ye your way/ and ye shall receive it. Pray for yourselves a few days/ that they may dwell therein. Now is the Kingdom prepared for you, therefore watch. Take heaven & earth to witness for I have broken the evil in pieces, & created the good/ for I live sayeth the Lord. Mother embrace thy children, & bring than up with gladness: make their foot as fast as a py●er/ for I have chosen thee, sayeth the Lord. And those that be dead will I raise up again from their places, and bring them out of the graves/ for I have known my name in Israel. Fear nat thou mother of the children/ for I have chosen thee, sayeth the Lord. And for thy help I shall send the my servants Esay and jeremy/ after whose council I have sanctified and prepared for the twelve trees loaded with diverse fruits/ and as many wells, flowing with milk & honey/ and seven mountains/ whereupon there grow roses and lilies/ wherein I will fill my children with joy. Execute justice for the widow, be judge for the fatherless: give to the poor: defend the comforteles: cloth the naked: heal the wounded and sick: laugh ●at a lame man to scorn: defend the crepel, and let the blind come into the sight of my clearness, keep the old & the young within thy walls. * Tobi. i. d. wheresoever thou findest the dead/ take them, and bury them/ & I shall give thee/ the ty●st place in my resurrection. Hold still (O my people) and take thy rest, for thy quietness is come. feed thy children. O thou good nurse/ stablish their feet: As for the servants whom I have given thee/ there shall nat one of them perish, for I will seek them from thy number, vex nat thyself. For when the day of trouble and heaviness cometh/ other shall weep and be sorrowful/ but thou shalt be merry and plenteous. The Heathen shallbe jealous, but they shallbe able to do nothing against thee/ sayeth the Lord. My hands shall cover thee/ so that thy children shall nat see the fire enerlasting. Be joyful, O thou mother with thy children/ for I will deliver thee/ sayeth the Lord. Remember thy deed children/ for I shall bring them out of the earth/ and show mercy unto them/ for I am merciful/ sayeth the Lord almighty. Embrace thy children/ until I come, and show mercy unto them/ for my wells run over/ and my grace shall nat fail. I Esdras received a charge of the Lord upon the mount Oreb/ that I should go unto Israel. But when I came unto Israel they set me at nought and despised the commandment of the Lord. And therefore I say unto you, O ye Heathen that hear and understand: Look for your shepherd/ he shall give you everlasting rest, for he is nigh at hand/ that shall come in the end of the world. Be ready to the reward of the kingdom, for the everlasting light shall shine upon you for evermore. flee the shadow of this world/ receive the joyfulness of your glory. I testify my saviour openly: O receive the gift that is given you/ & be glad, giving thanks unto him that hath called you to the heavenly kingdom. Arise up, and stand fast: behold the number of those that be sealed in the feast of the Lord, which are departed from the shadow of the world/ and have received glorious garments of the Lord. Take thy number O Zion/ and shut up thy puryfyed, which have fulfilled the law of the Lord. The number of thy children whom thou longedest for/ is fulfilled: beseech the power of the Lord, that thy people which have been called from the beginning/ may be hallowed. * 〈…〉 I Esdras saw upon the mount Zion a great people/ whom I could nat number, and they all prized the Lord with songs of thanksgiving. And in the midst of them there was a young man of an high stature, more excellent than all they, & upon every one of their heads he set a crown, & was ever higher and higher, which I marveled at greatly. So I asked the angel, and said: Sir, what are these? He answered and said unto me: These be they, that have put of the mortal clothing and put on the immortal, and have testified and knowledged the name of God. Now are they crowned, & receive the reward. Then said I unto the Angel: what young person is it, that crowneth them/ & giveth them the palms in their hands? So he answered, & said unto me: It is the son of God, whom they have knowledged in the world. Then began I greatly to commend them, that stood so stiffly for the name of the Lord And so the angel said unto me: Go thy way, & tell my people, what manner of things and how great wonders of the Lord thy God, thou hast seen. ¶ The wondrous works which God did for the people are recited. Esdras marveleth that God suffereth the babylonians▪ to have rule over his people, which yet are sinners also. CAPI. III. IN the thyrtyeth year of the fall of the city, I was at Babylon, and lay troubled upon my bed/ and my thoughts came up over my heart: for I saw the desolation of Zion, and the plenteous wealth of them that dwelt at Babylon: and my spirit was sore moved/ so that I began to speak fearful words to the most highest/ and said: O Lord Lord/ thou spakest at the beginning when thou plantedst the earth (and that thyself alone) and gavest commandment unto the people/ and a body unto Adam/ which was a creature of thy hands, & hast breathed in him the breathe of life: & so he lived before thee/ and thou leddeste him into Paradyse/ which garden of pleasure thy right hand had planted, or ever the earth was made. And unto him thou gavest commandment to love thy way/ which he transgressed, and immediately thou appoyntedst death in him/ and in his g●neracions. Of him came nations, tribes people and kindreds out of number. * ●●●●. vi. ●. And every people walked after their own will/ and did nice things before thee: & as for thy commandments, they despised them. * ●●ne. seven. ● But in process of time thou broughtest the water flood/ upon those that dwelt in the world, and destroyedst them. And like as the death was in Adam, so was the water flood also in these. Nevertheless one of them thou leftest: namely Noah with his house hold, of whom came all righteous men. And it happened that when they that dwelled upon the earth/ began to multiply, and had gotten many children, and were a great people/ they began to be more ungodly than the first. Now when they all lived so wickedly before thee/ * Gene. 12. 15. thou didst chose the a man from among them, whose name was Abraham. Him thou lovedst, and unto him only thou showedst thy will, and madest an everlasting covenant with him, promising him, that thou wouldest never forsake his seed. * 〈…〉 And unto him thou gavest Isaac, * unto Isaac also thou gavest jacob and Esau. As 〈◊〉 jacob thou didst chose him/ and put ba●●● Esau. * And so jacob became a great multitude. And it happened that when thou leddest his seed out of Egypt, * 〈…〉 thou broughtest them up to the mount Zion bowing down the heavens, setting fast the earth, moving the ground, making the depths to shake/ and troubling the world: And thy glory went thorough four parts of fire, and earthquakes, and winds/ and cold: that tho● mightest give the law unto the sede of jacob/ & diligence unto the generation of Israel. And yet tookest thou not away from them that wicked heart, that thy law might bring forth fruit in them. For the first Adam ●a●● a wicked heart/ transgressed, and was overcome, & so be all they that are borne of 〈◊〉 * 〈…〉 Thus remaineth wickedness with th' 〈…〉 in the heart of the people, which the wickedness of the rote: so that the good departed away and the evil abode still. So the times passed away/ and the years were brought to an end. * 1. 〈…〉 Then didst thou raise the up a servant called David, * 2. Reg. whom thou commaundedst to build a city unto thy name, and to offer up incense and sacrifice unto the therein. This was done now many years. Then the inhabiters of the city forsook the & in all things did even as Adam & all his generations had done: for they also had a wicked heart. And so thou gavest thy city over into the hands of thine enemies. Are they of Babylon then better and more righteous than thy people, that they shall therefore have the dominion of Zion? For when I came there/ and saw their ungodliness, and so great wickedness/ that it could not be nombred● ye/ when my soul saw so many evil do●●s (in the thirty year) my heart failed me for I saw, how thou suffered'st them in such ungodliness, and sparest the wicked doers: but thine own people hast thou rooted out/ and preserved thine enemies, and this hast thou not showed me. I cannot perceive how this happened. Do they of Babylon then better, than they of Zion? Or is there any other people/ that knoweth thee/ saving the people of Israel? Or what generation hath so believed thy covenants, as jacob? And yet their reward appeareth not, & their labour hath no fruit. For I have gone here & there thorough the Heathen, & I see that they be rich & wealthy, and think not upon thy commandments. Wey thou therefore our wickedness now in the balance, and theirs also that dwell in the world, & so shall thy name be no where found but in Israel. Or where is there a people upon earth/ that hath not sinned before thee? Or what people hath so kept thy commandments? Thou shalt find/ that Israel by name hath kept thy precepts/ but not the other people and Heathen. ¶ The angel reproveth Esoras because he seemed to enter into the profound judgements of God. CAPI. four AND the angel that was sent unto me (whose name was Urtell) gave me an answer, & said: Thy heart hath taken to much upon it in ti, is world, and thou thinkest to comprehend the way of the highest. Then said I: Ye my Lord. And he answered me, & said: I am sent to show the three ways, and to set forth three symylitudes, before thee: whereof if thou caused declare me one, I will show the also the way/ that thou desirest to see: and I shall show the from whence the wicked heart cometh. And I said: Tell on my Lord. Then said he unto me: Go thy way, weigh me the weight of the fire/ or measure me the blast of the wind/ or call me again the day that is past. Then answered I and said: What man borne is able to do that? Why requirest thou such of me? And he said unto me: If I should ask thee/ how deep dwellings are in the see? Or how great water springs are upon the firmament? Or how great water springs are in the beginning of the deep? Or which are the out goings of Paradyse? Peradventure thou wouldest say unto me: I never went down yet into the deep nor hell, neither did I ever climb up into heaven. Nevertheless/ now have I asked the but only of fire and wind and of the day, where thorough thou hast travailed/ and from the which thou canst not be separated: and yet canst thou give me no answree of them. He said moreover unto me: Thine own things, & such as are grown up with thee, canst thou not know: how should thy vessel then be able to comprehend the way of the highest/ and now outwardly in the corrupt world, to understand the corruption that is evident in my sight? Then said I unto him: It were better that we were not at all/ than that we should live in wickedness/ & to suffer/ & not to know wherefore. He answered me/ & said: I went in a wood, & * Iudi ix. ● 2. Pat. ● the trees took such a devise and said: Come let us go and fight against the see, that it may departed away before us, and that we may make us yet more woods. The floods of the see also in like manner took this devise, and said: Come let us go up/ and fight against the trees of the wood that we may make our land the wider. The thought & device of the wood was but vain & nothing worth, for the fire came and consumed the wood: The thought of the floods of the see came likewise to nought also, for the sand stood up and stopped them. If thou were judge now betwixt these two, whom wouldest thou justify, or whom wouldest thou condemn? I answered & said: verily it is a foolish thought that they both have devised. For the ground is given unto the wood, and the see also hath his place to here his floods. Then answered he me/ and said: Thou hast given a right judgement, why judgest thou not thyself also? For like as the ground is given unto the would/ and the see to his floods: even so * Eso●●. 〈◊〉 johan. ●▪ ● 1. Corin. ●● they that dwell upon earth, may understand nothing, but that which is upon earth: and he that dwelleth above the heavens, may only understand the things, that are above the heavens. Then answered I/ and said: I beseech y●, O Lord, let me have understanding: for it was not my mind to be curious of thy high things, but of such as we daily meddle withal/ namely, wherefore that Israel is blasphemed of the Heathen, and for what cause the people (whom thou ever hast loved) is given over/ to be punished of ungodly nations: & why the law of our fathers is brought to nought, and the written covenants come to none effect, and we pass away out of the world as the grasshoppers, & our life is a very fear and we are not worthy to obtain mercy. What will he do then unto his name/ which is called upon over us? Of these things have I asked a question. Then answered he me, & said: The more thou searchest/ the more thou shalt mar●●ile for the world hasteth fast to pass away/ & cannot comprehend the things that are promised for the righteous in time to come, for * ●. john. v. ● this world is full of unrighteousness and weakness. But as concerning the things whereof thou askest me/ I will tell the. The evil is sowed, but the destruction thereof is not yet come. If the evil now that is sowed, be not turned upside down, & if the place where the evil is sown, pass not away/ then cannot the thing come that is sown with good for the corn of evil seed hath been sown in the he●t of man from the beginning, and how much ungodliness hath he brought up unto this time? and how much shall he yet bring forth, until he come into the barn? Pondre now by thyself, when the corn of evil seed is cut down, how great a barn shall it fill? I answered and said. How & when shall these things come to pass? wherefore are your years few & evil? And he answered me, saying: Hast not thou to much upon the highest, for thy hastiness to be above him is but vain/ thou makest to much a do. Did not the souls also of the righteous ask question of these things in their holiness/ saying: * ●pora. 6. b How long shall I hope of this fashion? When cometh the fruit of my barn/ and my reward? And upon this jeremiel the Archangel gave them answer, and said: Even when the number of the sedes is filled in you/ for he hath weighed the world in the balance: in measure & number hath he measured the time, & moveth it not, until the same measure be fulfilled. Then answered I & said: O Lord, Lord, now are we all full of sine, & for our sake peradventure it is not/ that the barn of the righteous shall not be filled, because of the sins of them that dwell upon the earth. So he answered me, & said: Go thy way to a woman with child, and ask of her, when she hath fulfilled her nine months, if her chyldebed may keep the birth any longer with in her. Then said I: No Lord, that can she not. And he said unto me: In hell the secret places of souls are like the privy chambre of a woman. For like as a woman that travaileth, maketh haste/ when the time/ and necessity of the birth is at hand. Even so doth she haste to deliver it that is committed unto her. Look what thou desirest to see/ it shall be showed the from the beginning. Then answered I, & said: If I have found favour in thy sight/ and if it be possible/ and if it be meet therefore, show me then/ whether there be more to come then is passed/ or more paste than is for to come. What is passed/ I know: but what is for to come/ I know not. And he said unto me: Stand up upon the right side/ and I shall expound the similitude unto the. So I stood, and behold, an hot burning oven went over before me: and it happened that when the flame was gone by/ the smoke had the upper hand● After this there went over before me a watery cloud, and sent down much rain with a storm: & when the stormy rain was past the drops remained still. Then said he unto me: like as the rain is more than the drops/ and as the fire exceedeth the smoke/ even so the measure of the things that are past, hath the upperhand. Then went the drops and the smoke above: and I prayed and said: May I live (thinkest thou) until that time? Or what shall happen in those days? He answered me, and said: As for the tokens whereof thou askest me/ I may tell the of them in a part: but as touching thy life, I may not show thee/ for I am not sent therefore. ¶ Esdras and the Angel comen together. CAPI. V Nevertheless/ as concerning the tokens/ mark this: Behold/ the days shall come/ that they which dwell upon earth, shallbe taken in a great number/ and the way of the truth shallbe hid/ & the land shallbe barren from faith: but * Mat. 24. ● iniquity shall have the upperhand, like as thou hast seen now, & as thou hast heard long ago: And the land that thou sayst now to have rule, shalt thou shortly see waste. But if God grant the to live, thou shalt see after the third trumpet, that the sun shall suddenly shine again in the night, & the moan three times in the day, & blood shall drop out of wood, and the stone shall give his voice, & the people shallbe unquiet: and even he shall rule, whom they hope not/ that dwell upon earth/ & the fowls shall flit, & the Sodomytshe see shall cast out his fish, & make a noise in the night which many shall not know/ but they shall all hear the voice thereof. There shallbe a confusion also in many places, and the fire shallbe oft sent again/ and the wild beasts shall go their way/ and menstruous women shall bear monsters/ & salted waters shall be found in the sw●te●one friend shall fight against another: then shall all wit and understanding be hid and put aside into their secret places, & shallbe sought of many, and yet not be founde● then shall unrighteousness and voluptuousness have the upperhand upon earth. One land also shall ask another/ and say: Is righteousness gone thorough thee? And it shall say: No. At the same time shall men hope, but nothing obtain: they shall labour/ but their ways shall not prosper. To show the such tokens I have leave/ and if thou wilt pray again, & weep as now and fast seven days, thou shalt hear yet greater things. Then I awaked, and a fearfulness went thorough all my body/ and my mind was feeble and careful, so that I almost swooned withal. So the angel that was come to talk with me, held me/ comforted me/ and set me upon my feet. And in the second night it happened/ the Salathiel the captain of the people came unto me/ saying: Where hast thou been? and why is thy countenance so heavy? Knowest thou not, that Israel is committed unto thee, in the land of their captivity? Up then/ & eat, & forsake us not, as the shepherd that leaveth his flock in the hands of wicked wolves. Then said I unto him: Go thy way fro me, & come not nigh me, & he heard it/ as I said: so went he his way fro me. And so I fasted seven days, mourning & weeping, like as Uriell the angel commanded me. And after seven days it happened that the thoughts of my heart were very grievous unto me again/ & my soul received the spirit of understanding/ and I began to talk with the most highest again/ and said: O Lord, Lord/ of every wood of the earth and all the trees thereof ● thou hast chosen the one only vineyard: and of all lands of the whole world thou hast chosen one pit: and of all flowers of the ground thou hast chosen the one lily: and of all the depths of the see thou hast filled the one river: and of all builded cities thou hast hallowed Zion unto thyself: and of all the fowls that are created, thou hast named the one dove: & of all the cattles that are made thou hast provided the one sheep: and among all the multitudes of folks thou hast gotten the one people, & unto this people whom thou lovedst/ thou gavest a law/ that is proved of all. And now, O Lord, why haste thou given this one people over unto many? and upon the one rote thou hast prepared other, & why hast thou seat●ed thy one only people among many? which tread them down/ ye which have ever withstand thy promises, and never believed thy covenants? And though thou werest enemy unto thy people/ yet shouldest thou punish them with thine own hands. Now when I had spoken, these words the angel that came to me the night afore, was sent unto me, & snyde unto me: Hear me/ and hearken to the thing that I say, & I shall tell the more. And I said: Speke on my Lord. Then said he unto me. Thou art sore vexed & troubled for Israel's sake. Lovest thou that people better than him that made them? And I said to him: No Lord/ but of very grief & compassion have I spoken For my reins pain me every hour, because I would have experience of the way of the most highest, & to seek out part of his judgement. And he said unto me: that thou mayest not. And I said: Wherefore Lord? where unto was I borne then? Or why was not my mother's childbed then my grave? So had I not seen the misery & trouble of jacob, & the travail of my people of Israel. And he said unto me: Number the things that are not yet come: gather me together the drops, the are scattered abroad: make me the flowers green again, that are withered: open me the thing that is closed: & bring me forth the winds, the are shut up: Show me the image of a voice, and then shall I declare the thing, that thou labourest to know. And I said: O Lord/ Lord, who may know these things, but he that hath not his dwelling with men? As for me/ I am unwise, how may I then speak of these things whereof thou askest me? Then said he unto me: like as thou canst do none of these things that I have spoken of, even so canst thou not find out my judgement, or in the end the love that I have promised unto my people. And I said: Behold, O Lord/ yet art thou nigh unto them that have no end: and what shall they do/ that have been before me/ or we that be now/ or they that shall come after us? And he said unto me: I will liken my judgement unto a ring. Like as there is no slackness of the last, even so is there no swiftness of the first So I answered and said: couldst thou not make those (that have been made, & be now/ and that are for to come) in one, that thou mightest show thy judgement the sooner? Then answered he me/ and said: The creature may not haste above the maker, neither may the world hold them at once, that shallbe created. And I said: How hast thou said then unto thy servant, that thou living maker, hast made the creature living at once, and the creature bore it? even so might it now also bear them that be present, at once. And he said unto me: Ask the chyldebed of a woman, and say unto her: If thou bringest forth children, why dost thou it not together, but one after another? Pray her therefore/ to bring forth ten children at once. And I said: she cannot/ but must do it one after another. Then said he unto me: Even so have I given a chyldebed unto the earth, for those that be sown upon it by process of tyme. For like as a young child may not bring forth the things that belong to the aged: even so have I or dayned the world which I made. And I asked and said: Seeing thou hast now given me away. I will speak before thee: for our mother of whom thou hast told me/ is yet young/ and now she draweth nigh unto age: He answered me, and said. Ask a woman that beareth children, and she shall tell y●. Say unto her: wherefore are not they (whom thou haste now brought forth) like those that were before y●, but less of stature? And she shall answer thee: They that be borne in the youth of strength, are of one fashion and they that are borne in the time of age/ (when the chyldebed faileth) are other wise. consider now thyself, how that ye are less of stature, than those that were before you/ & so are they that come after you, less than you: as the creatures which now begin to be old, and have passed over the strength of youth. Then said I: Lord I beseech thee, if I have found favour in thy sight, show thy servant/ by whom dost thou visit thy creature? ¶ The Angel instructeth Esdras, and giveth him answer to his questions CAPI. VI AND he said unto me. In the beginning when the ground was made: before the world stood, or ever the winds blew before it thundered and syghtned, or ever the foundations of Paradyse were laid/ before the fair flowers were seen, or ever the movable powers were established/ before the innumerable multitude of Angels were gathered together, or ever the highnesses of the air were lifted up/ afore the measures of the firmament were named, or ever the chimneys in Zion were hot, & or the present years were sought out/ and or ever the inventions of them that now sin, were put aside, before they were sealed that now gather faith for a treasure: then did I consider and ponder all these things, and they all were made thorough me, and thorough none other: by me also they be ended, and by none other. Then answered I and said: which shall be the parting asunder of the times? Or when shallbe the end of the first and the beginning of it that followeth? And he said unto me: From Abraham unto Isaac, when jacob and Esau were borne of him. jacob's hand held first the heel of Esau: for Esau is the end of this world, and jacob is the beginning of it that followeth The hand of man betwixt the heel and the hand. Other question (Esdras) ask thou not. I answered then, & said: O Lord, Lord/ if I have found favour in thy sight/ I beseech thee, show thy servant the end of thy tokens, whereof thou showedst me part the last night. So he answered and said unto me: Stand up upon thy feet, and hear the perfect voice of sound. There shall come a great motion/ but the place where thou standest shall not be moved. And therefore when thou hearest the words, be not afraid: for of the end shall the word and foundation of the earth be understand. And why? the word thereof trembleth and quaketh for it knoweth, that it must be changed at the end. And it happened, that when I had heard it, I stood up upon my feet, and hearkened: & behold, there was a voice that spoke, & the sound of it was like the sound of many waters, and it said: Behold, the days come/ that I will begin to draw nigh, & to visit them that dwell upon earth, and will begin to make inquisytion of them/ what they be that have hurt equity with unrighteousness/ and when the low estate of Zion shallbe fulfilled: and when the world, that shall vanish away, shallbe oversealed, then will I do these tokens. The Books shallbe opened before the firmament, and they shall see all together, & the children of a year old shall speak with their voices: the women with child shall bring forth untimely children of three or four months old, and they shall live/ and be raised up: and suddenly shall the sown places appear as the unsown/ the full store houses shall suddenly be found empty: & the trumpet shall give a sound, which when every man heareth, they shallbe suddenly afraid. * Mich. seven. a Math. x. c At the time shall friends fight one against another like enemies, and the earth shall stand in fear with them. The springs of the wells shall stand still/ and in three hours they shall not run Whosoever remaineth from all these things that I have told thee/ shall escape, and see my salvation, and the end of your world. And the men that have received/ shall se it/ they that have not tasted death from their birth: and the heart of the in dwellers shall be changed, & turned into another meaning for evil shallbe put out/ and disobeyed shallbe quenched. As for faith, it shall flourish, corruption shallbe overcome: & the truth, which hath been so long without fruit, shallbe declared. And it happened when he talked with me, that I looked demurely upon him, before whom I stood/ and these words said he unto me: I am come to show thee/ the time of the night for to come. If thou wilt pray yet more, and fast seven days again, I shall tell the more things, and greater than before, for thy voice is heard before the highest: for why? the mighty hath seen thy righteous dealing/ he hath seen also thy chastity/ which thou hast had ever sense thy youth: and therefore hath he sent me to show the all these things, & to say unto thee: Be of good comfort, & fear not/ and hast not which the times that are passed to think vain things, & make not haste of the latter times. And it happened after this/ that I wept again/ and fasted seven days in like manner, that I might fulfil the three weeks: which he told me. In the eight night was my heart vexed withi me again, & I began to speak before the highest: for my spirit was greatly set on fire/ and my soul was in distress, & I said, O Lord, thou spakest unto thy creature from the beginning (even the first day) and saidest. ‡ e'en. i. a Let heaven & earth be made/ and thy word was a perfect work. And then was there the spirit, and the darckenesses were yet on every side/ and silence: there was no man's voice as yet from the. Then commanded thou a fair light to come forth out of thy treasures, that thy works might appear and be seen. Upon the second day thou made est the spirit of the firmament, and commandest it to part in sunder, and to make a division be betwixt the waters, that the one part might remain above/ and the other beneath. Upon the third day thou broughtest to pass, that the waters were gathered in the seventh part of the earth: Six parts hast thou dried up/ and kept them, to th'intent that men might sow & occupy husbandry therein. As soon as thy word went forth/ the work was made. For immediately there was great innumerable fruit/ and many diverse pleasures & desires of temptation, flowers of changeable colour and smell/ and this was done the third day. * Gen●. ● Upon the. iiij. day thou commaundedst that the Sun should give his shine, & the moan her light: the stars didst thou set in order & gavest them a charge: to do service even unto man/ that was for to be made. Upon the fifth day thou saidest unto the seventh part (where the * Deut▪ ●● waters were gathered) that Gene. ●. they should bring forth diverse beasts/ fowls and fishes. And so it came to pass, that the dumb water and without soul/ brought forth living beasts/ at the commandment of God, that all people might praise thy wondrous works. Then didst thou preserve two souls/ the one thou called'st Enoch and the other Leviathan, & diddest separate the one from the other: for the seventh part (namely, where the water was gathered together) might not hold them both. Unto Enoch thou gavest one part/ which was dried up the third day/ that he should dwell in the same part/ wherein are a thousand hills. But unto Leviathan thou gavest the seventh part, namely y● moist and haste kept him to devour what thou wilt, and when. Upon the sixth day thou gavest commandment unto the earth, that before thee/ it should bring forth beasts, caxell/ and all that creep, and (besides this) Adam also, whom thou madest Lord of all thy creatures. Of him come we all, and the people also, whom thou hast choose specially unto thyself. All this have I said now and spoken before the O Lord, that I might show how that the world is made for our sakes. As for the other people which also come of Adam thou hast said that they are nothing/ but be like a spittle, & hast lyckened the abundance of them unto a drop (that falleth) from the roof of the house: And now, O Lord/ the Heathen which have ever been reputed as nothing/ have begun to be Lords over us/ and to devour us: but we thy people (whom thou hast called the first borne, thy only begotten, & thy fervent lover (are given into their hands and power. If the world now be made for our sakes, why have we not the inheritance in possession with the world? How long shall this endure? ¶ The Angel showeth Esdras many things to come. CAPI. VII. AND it happened after that I had spoken out these words/ there was sent unto me an Angel, which had been by me also the nights afore, and he said unto me: Up Esdras/ and here the words that I am come to tell the. And I said: speak on Lord my God. Then said he unto me. The see is set in a wide place/ that it might be deep and great: but the entrance is narrow & small like a river. For who would go into the see/ to look upon it/ and to rule it? If he went not thorough the narrow, how might he come into the broad. Item another: A city is builded and set upon a broad field/ and is full of all goods, the entrance is narrow and sudden, like as if there were a fire at the right hand, and a deep water at the left, and as it were only one straight path betwixt them both, so small that there could but one man go there. If this city now were given to an heir/ & he never went thorough the perilous way/ how would he receive his inheritance? And I said: It is so Lord. Then said he to me: Even so is Israel also a portion. And why? for their sakes have I made the world: and when Adam transgressed my statutes, than was the thing judged that was done. Then were the entraunces of the world made narrow, full of sorrow & travail. They are but few ● evil, full of parels & labour. For the entrances of the fore world were wide & sure, and brought immortal fruit. If they now which are entered into this world, may not comprehend these straight and vain things, much less may they comprehend and understand the secret things: Why disquietest thou thyself them, seeing thou art but a corruptible man? And what wouldest thou know where as thou art but mortal? And why hast thou not received in to thine heart the thing that is for to come, but that is present? Then said I: O Lord Lord, * Deute. 8. a thou hast ordained in thy law, that the righteous should inherete these things, but that the unfaithful and ungodly should perish. Nevertheless, the righteous shall suffer straight things/ & hope for wide: for they that have lived ungodly and suffered straight things/ shall not see the wide. And he said unto me: There is no judge above God/ and none that hath understanding above the highest. For there be many the perish, because they despise the law of God that is set before them. For God hath given straight commandment to such as come, that they know what they do/ and how they should live: and if they kept this they should not be punished. Nevertheless, they were not obedient unto him, but spoke against him: imagined vain things/ and purposed to sin, and said moreover, that there was no God/ and that God regarded it not. His ways have they not known, his law have they despised/ and denied his promises: in his statutes & ordinances have they not been faith full and steadfast, and have not performed his works. And therefore Esdras: unto the full, plenty: and to the empty/ emptiness. Behold/ the time shall come/ that these tokens which I have told the shall come to pass/ and the bride shall appear/ and the earth that now passeth away/ shallbe showed: and whosoever is delivered from the foresaid evils, shall see my wonders. For my son jesus shallbe openly declared, with those that be with him. and they that remain, shallbe merry in four hundredth years. After these same years shall my son Christ die/ and all men that have life, and the world shallbe turned into the old silence seven days/ like as in the fore judgements, so that no man shall remain. And after seven days, the world that yet a waked not/ shallbe raised up/ and shall die corrupt. And the earth shall restore those that have slept ī●er and so shall the dust those that dwell in silence/ and the secret places shall deliver those that be committed unto them. And the most highest shallbe openly declared upon the seat of judgement, and all misery shall vanish away/ and long suffering shallbe gathered together But the judgement shall continued/ the truth shall remain/ and faith shall wax strong, the work shall follow, & the reward shall be showed: the righteousness shall watch/ & the unryghtuousnesses shall bear no rule. Then said I: * Gene. 18. d. Abraham prayed first for the Sodomites/ ‡ Exodi. ●2. & Moses for the father's that sinned in the wilderness, & he that came after him for Israel, in the time of Achas & Samuel: and ‡ 2. Reg. 2●● David for the destruction ‡ ●. Pa●● 3. Re● and Solomon for them that came into the sanctuary, * 〈…〉 and Helias for those that received rain, & for the dead, that he might live, & Ezechias for the people in the time of Se●●acherib: & diverse other in like manner which have prayed for many. Even so now, seeing the corrupt is grown up/ and wickedness increased, and the ●yg●teous have prayed for the ungodly, wherefore shall it not be so now also? He answered me/ and said: This present world is not the end/ there remaineth much honour in it, therefore have they prayed for the weak. But the day of doom shallbe the end of this time/ & the beginning of the immortality for to come, wherein all corruption vanished, all voluptuousness is loused, all misbelief taken away, righteousness grown & the verity sprung up. Then shall no man be able to save him that is destroyed, nor to oppress him that hath gotten the victory. I answered then, and said: This is my first and last saying: that it had been better/ not to have given the earth unto Adam: or else when it was given him, to keep him that he should not sin. For what profit is it for men now in this present time to live in heaviness, and after death to look for punishment. O thou Adam/ what hast thou done? For though it was thou that sinned, thou art not fallen alone, but we all that come of the. For what profit is it unto us, if there be promised us an immortal time, where as we meddle with deadly works? and that there is promised us an everlasting hope, where as ourselves are evil & vain, and that there are laid up for us dwellings of health & freedom, where as we have lived evil, & that the worship of the highest is kept to defend them, which have led a patient life, where as we have walked in the most wicked ways of all? And that there shallbe showed a paradise, whose fruit endureth for ever, wherein is freedom and medicine, where as we shall not go in? for we have walked in unpleasant places: And that the faces of them which have abstained, shall shine above the stars, where as our faces shall be black and dark? For while we lived & did unrighteously, we considered not, that we should suffer therefore after death? Then answered he me, and said: This is the consideration and thought of the battle, which man hath upon earth: that if he be over come, he shall suffer as thou haste said. But if he get the victory, he shall receive the thing that I say. For this is the life whereof Moses spoke unto the people, while he lived/ saying: * Deut. thirty. b Chose the life, that thou mayst live. Nevertheless/ they believed him not/ neither the Prophets after him. No nor me which have spoken unto them/ that heaviness should not reach unto them to their destruction, like as joy is for to come over those that have suffered themselves to be informed in salvation. I answered then, and said: I know Lord/ that the highest is merciful/ in that he hath mercy upon them/ which are not yet in the world/ and upon those also that walk in his law: and that * Roma. ● he is patient and long suffering toward those that have sinned in their works/ and that he is liberal to give where as it requireth: and that he is of great mercy/ for he multiplied his loving kindnesses toward those that are present/ and that are passed/ and to them which are for to come. For if he multiply not his mercies/ the world shall not be made living/ with those that dwell therein. He giveth also/ for if he gave not of his goodness, that they which have done evil/ might been eased, from their wickedness, the ten thousand part of men should not be made living. And if the judge forgave not those that be healed with his word, & if he would destroy the multitude that striveth, there should be very few left in an innumerable multitude. ¶ Esdras prayeth God rather to love upon his own mercy, then on the sins of the people. CAPI. VIII. ANd he answered me, saying: The most highest made this world for many, but the world to come for few. I will tell the a similitude/ Esdras: As when thou askest the earth/ it shall say unto thee/ that it giveth much mould/ where of earthen vessels are made, but little of it the gold cometh of. Even so is it with the work of this world. * Math●▪ 〈…〉 and 〈…〉 There be many created/ but few shall be saved. Then answered I and said: Then swalo we up the wit (thou soul) and devour the understanding/ for thou art agreed to hearken and to give ear, and willing to prophesy/ for thou hast no longer space given thee, but only to live. O Lord/ wilt thou not give thy servant leave, that we may pray before thee/ & that thou mayest give seed unto our heart, & tilling to our understanding, that there may come fruit of it: & that every one which is corrupt/ and beareth the state and place of a man/ may live? For thou art alone, & we all are one work manshyppe of thy hands, like as thou hast said/ and like as the body is fashioned now in the mother's womb/ & thou givest the members, and thy creature is preserved in fire & water: & ix months doth thy work suffer thy creature, which is fashioned in her: but the thing that preserveth/ and it that is preserved/ shall both be kept together: and when time is/ the womb delivereth the thing that is kept and grown in her. For thou hast commanded the breasts to give milk unto the fruit, that the thing which is created and fashioned, may be nourished for a time: and then thou dysposest & orderest it with thy mercy/ bringest it up with thy righteousness, nurturest it in thy law, & refourmest it with thy understanding, mortifiest it as thy creature, & makest it living as thy work. Seyunge then that thou destroyest him, which with so great labours is created and fashioned thorough thy commandment, thou couldst lightly ordain, also, that the thing which is made, might be preserved. And this I speak now of all men in general/ as thou knowest: but of thy people/ for whose sake I am sorry: & of thy inheritance: for whose cause I mourn: and of Israel/ for whom I am woeful: and for jacob/ for whose sake I am grieved/ therefore begin I to pray before thee, for myself & for them/ for I see the fall of us, even of us/ that dwell upon earth. But I have heard the swiftness of the judge, which is to come: therefore hear my voice, and understand my words, and I shall speak before the. This is the beginning of the words of Esdras/ before he was received. And I said, O Lord/ thou that dwellest in everlastignesse, whose eyes are lift up in the air, whose stool is exceeding high, whose glory & majesty may not be comprehended, before whom the Hosts of angels stand with trembling, whose keeping is turned in wind and fire/ whose word is true, whose talcking is steadfast, whose commandment is strong, whose ordinance is fearful, whose look drieth up the depths, whose wrath maketh the mountains to melt away/ and whose truth beareth witness: O hear the prayer of thy servant/ and mark with thine ears the petition of thy creature. For while I live, I will speak, and so long as I have understanding, I will answer. O look not upon the sins of thy people/ which serve the in truth. Have no respect unto the wicked studies of the Heathen, but to the desire of those that kept thy testimonies with sorrows. Think not upon those that have walked fame●ly before thee/ but upon them/ which with will have known thy fear. Let it not be thy will to destroy them, which have had beastly manners, but to look upon them that have clearly taught thy law. Take thou no indignation at them, which are worse than beasts: but love them/ that all way put their trust in thy righteousness & glory: for we & our fathers have all the same sickness and disease, but because of our sins thou shalt be called merciful. For if thou hast mercy upon us/ y● shalt be called merciful/ where as we have no works of righteousness: for the righteous which have said up many good works together, shall out of their deeds receive reward. For what is man, that thou shouldest take displeasure at him? Or what is the corruptible mortal generation, that thou shul dost be so rough toward him? ‡ 3. Pe viii. g 2. Pat. vi. f 1. john. 1. ● For of a truth there is no man among them that be borne, but he hath dealt wickedly: and among the faithful there is none which hath not done amiss. For in this (O Lord (thy righteousness and thy goodness shallbe praised and declared, if thou be merciful unto them, which are not rich in good works. Then answered he me and said: Some things hast thou spoken a right, and according unto thy words it shall be. For I will not verily consider the works of them/ which have sinned before death/ before the judgement, before destruction, but * Gen. iiii. a. I will rejoice over the work and thought of the righteous. I will remember also the pilgrimage the holy making and the reward. Like as I have spoken now, so shall it come to pass. For as the husband man soweth much seed upon the ground/ and planteth many trees, and yet alway the thing that is sown or planted is not all kept safe, nether doth it all take rote: Even so is it of them that are sown in the world/ they shall not all be salved. I answered then and said: If I have found grace, then let me speak. Like as the husband man's seed perisheth, if it receive not rain in dew season, or it there come to much rain upon it: Even so perisheth man also, which is created with thy hands, and is like unto thine own image and to thyself, for whose sake thou hast made all things/ and likened him unto the husband man's seed. Be not wroth at us/ O Lord/ but spare thy people/ and have mercy upon thine own inheritance: O be merciful unto thy creature. Then answered he me & said: Things present are for the present, & things to come for such as be to come. For thou lackeste yet much, saying thou mayest love my creature above me: I have oft times drawn me unto thee, but never to the unrighteous. In this also thou art marvelous before the Hieit in that thou hast humbled thyself as it becometh thee/ and haste not regarded thine own self/ that thou art had in such honour among the righteous. Therefore shall great wretchedness and misery come upon them, that in the latter time shall dwell in the world, because they have walked in great pride. But understand thou for thyself/ and seek out glory for such as be like thee: for unto you is paradise opened/ the tre of life is planted, the time to come is prepared, plenteousness made ready: a city is builded for you, & a rest is prepared, ye perfect goodness and wisdom. The rote of evil is marked from you/ the weakness & moth is hid from you, & into hell flieth corruption in forgetfulness. Sorrows are vanished away/ and in the end is showed the treasure of immortality. And therefore ask thou no more questions, concerning the multitude of them that perish. For they have taken liberty/ despised the high/ thought scorn of his law/ and forsaken his ways. moreover/ they have trodden down his righteous, and * Psa. xiiii. ● said in their heart/ that there is no God, ye and that wittingly, for they die. For like as the thige that I have spoken of, is made ready for you: Even so is thirst & pain prepared for them. For it was not his will that man should come to nought: but they which be created have defiled the name of him that made them, and are unthankful unto him/ which prepared life for them. And therefore is my judgement now at hand. These things have I not showed unto all men/ but unto few/ namely unto thee, and to such as be like the. Then answered I & said, Behold O Lord, now hast y● showed me the multitude of the tokens, which y● wilt begin to do at the last: but at what time & when, thou hast not showed me. ¶ Esdras hath visyon● unto him. CAPI. IX. HE answered me then & said: Measure thou the time diligently in itself/ when thou sayst that one part of the tokens come to pass/ which I have told the before: so shalt thou understand/ that it is the very same time/ wherein the highest will begin to visit the world, which he made. And when there shall be seen earth quake & uproar of the people in the world, them shalt thou well understand/ that the most highest spoke of those things/ from the days that were before thee, even from the beginning. For like as all that is made in the world hath a beginning and end/ and the end is manifest: Even so the times also of the highest have plain beginnings in wonders and signs, and the end in working and in tokens. And every one that shallbe saved/ and shall be able to escape by his works and by faith, wherein ye have believed▪ shallbe preserved from the said parels, and shall see my saviour in my land and within my borders, for I have hallowed me from the world. Then shall they be in carefulness, which now have abused my ways: & they that have cast them out despytefully, shall dwell in pains. For such as in their life have received benefits, and have not known me/ & they that have abhorred my law/ while they had yet freedom, and when they had yet open leisure of amendment and conversion, and understood not, but despised it: the same must know it after death in pain. And therefore be thou no more careful, how the ungodly shallbe punished, & how the righteous shall be saved, and whose the world is, & for whom the world/ and when it is. Then answered I and said: * 4. 〈…〉 I have talcked before & now I speak, and will speak also hereafter, that there be many more of them which perish/ them shallbe saved/ like as the flood is greater than the drops. And he answered me/ saying, like as the field is, so is also the seed: as the flowers be/ so are the colours also: such as the workman is, such is also the work: and as the husband man is himself, so is his husbandry also/ for it was the time of the world. And when I prepared for them that are now or ever the world was made/ where in they should dwell/ then was there no man that withstood me. Now when every one was/ and the maker also in the world which is now prepared/ & the month that ceaseth not/ and the law which is unsearchable, their manners were corrupt. So I considered the world/ & behold/ there was apparel/ because of the thoughts that were come into it. And I saw/ and spared them greatly/ and have kept me a wynebery of the grapes/ & a plant from among many generations. Let the multitude perish then/ which are grown up in vain/ and let my grape and wynebery be kept: even my plant: for with great labour have I made it up. Nevertheless, if thou wilt take upon the yet seven days more (but thou shalt not fast in them (go thy way then in to the field of flowers, where no house is builded, and eat only of the flowers of the field, taste not flesh, drink no wine, but eat flowers only. Pray unto the highest continually, so will I come/ and talk with the. So I went my way and came into the field which is called Ardath (like as he commanded me) and there I sat among the flowers, & did eat of the herbs of the field, and the meat of the same satisfied me. After seven days I sat upon the grass/ and my heart was vexed within me like as afore: & I opened my mouth/ and began to talk before the highest/ and said: O Lord/ thou that showest thyself unto us, * Exod. nineteen. d 〈…〉. xxiiii a Deu. iiii. b. thou haste declared and opened thyself unto our fathers in the wilderness, in a place where no man dwelleth/ in a barren place/ when they came out of Egygpt, and thou spakest, saying: Hear me O Israel, & mark my words thou seed of jacob. Behold, I sow my law in you/ and it shall bring fruit in you & ye shallbe honoured in it for ever. For our fathers which received the law/ kept it not and observed not thy ordinances and statutes, and the fruit of thy law was not declared: for it might not/ for why? it was thine. * Deute. 32. f. For they that receaeud it, perished, because they kept not the thing that was sown in them. It is a custom when the ground receiveth seed, or the see a ship, or a vessel meat and drink, that when it perisheth or is broken wherein a thing is sown, or wherein any thing is put: the things also perish and are broken, which are sown or put therein. But unto us it hath not happened so for we that have received the law, perish i sin, & our heart which also received the law: notwithstanding ‡ isaiah. xl a ●●mo ●● the law perisheth not/ but remaineth in his labour. And when I considered these things in my heart after this manner/ I looked about me with mine eyes, and upon the right side * 4. Esdr. x. d I saw a woman, which mourned sore/ made great lamentation/ and wept with loud voice: her clothes were rend in pieces, and she had ashes upon her head. Then let I my thoughts go, that I was in and turned me unto her, and said wherefore wepest thou? why art thou so sorry & discomforted? And she said unto me: Sir, let me bewail myself and take yet more sorrow: for I am sore vexed i my mind/ & brought very low. And I said unto her: what ay●eth y●? Or who hath done any thing to y●? tel me. She said: I thy hand maid have been unfruitful & barren, and have had an husband thirty years. And these, thirty. years I do nothing else day and night & all hours but make my prayer to the highest. After thirty years God heard me thy handmaiden, looked upon my humility. considered my trouble, and gave me a son, and I was glad of him, so was my husband also & all my neighbours, & we gave great honour unto the mighty. And I nourished him with great travail. So when he grew up, and came to the time, that he should have a wife/ I made a feast. ¶ Esdias and the woman that appeareth unto him comen together. CAPI. X. ANd it happened that when my son went into his chamber he fell down, & died: then overthrew we all the lights, & all my neighbours rose up to comfort me. Then took I my rest unto the second day at night: & when they had all rested, that they might comfort me/ I rested & also rose up by night, & fled/ and am come hither in to this field, as thou sayst: & am purposed not to return into the city, but to remain here, & neither to eat nor drink, but continually to mourn and to fast, until I die. Then let I my meditations & thoughts fall, that I was in, & spoke to her in displeasure: Thou most foolish woman, seist thou not our heaviness & mourning/ & what happeneth unto us? how Zion our mother is all woeful and sorry/ and how she is clean brought down and in misery? seeing we be all now in heaviness, & make our move (for we be all sorrowful.) As for the heaviness that thou takest, it is but for one son. Demand the earth, and she shall tell thee, that it is she which ought (by reason) to mourn/ for the fall of so many that grow upon her. For from the beginning all men are borne of her, and other shall come: and behold they walk almost all into destruction, and many of them shall be rooted out. Who should then (by reason) make more mourning/ than she, that hath lost so great a multitude? & not thou/ which art sorry, but for one. But if thou wouldst say unto me: My mourning is not like the mourning of the earth, for I have lost the fruit of my body, which I bore with heaviness & sorrow: but the earth is according to the manner of the earth, and the present multitude goeth again into her as it is come to pass: Then say I unto thee: like as thou hast borne with travail & sorrow/ even so the earth also from the beginning giveth her fruit unto man, for him that made her. And therfere withhold thy sorrow and heaviness by thyself * Hebr. xii. a. & look what happeneth unto thee, bear it strongly. For if thou ludgest the mark and end of God to be righteous and good, & receivest his councelin time, thou shalt be commended therein. Go thy way then into the city to thy husband. And she said unto me: that will I not do/ I will not go into the city, but hear will I die. So I commened more with her, and said: Do not so, but be counciled/ and follow me, for how many falls hath Ston? Be of good comfort because of the sorrow of jerusalem. For thou se●st that our Sanctuary is laid waste/ our altar broken/ our temple destroyed, our playing of instruments and singing laid down/ the thankesgeutnge put to silence, our myrthiss vanished away/ the light of our candelstick is quenched, the ark of the covenant is taken from us/ all our holy things are defiled/ and the name that is called upon over us, is dishonoured: our children are put to shame, our priests are brent, our levities are carried away into captivity, our virgins are defiled, and our wives ravished, our righteous men spoiled, and our children destroyed, our young men are brought in bondage/ and our strong worthies are become weak: and Zion (which seal is the greatest of all) is loosed up from her worship for she is delivered into the hands of them that hate us. And therefore shake of thy great heaviness/ and put away the multitude of sorrows: that the Mighty may be mercy full unto thee, and that the high may give the rest from thy labour and travail. And it happened/ that when I was talking with her, her face did shine and glister, so that I was afraid of her, & mused what it might be. And immediately she cast out a great voice/ very fearful/ so that the earth shaken at the noise of the woman: and I looked, and behold the woman appeared unto me no more but there was a city builded, & a place was showed from the ground & foundation. Then was I afraid/ and cried with loud voice/ and said: where is Uriel the angel, * 4. Esd 4. a which came to me at the first? For he hath caused me to come in many considerations and high thoughts, and mine end is turned to corruption, & my prayer to rebuke. And as I was speaking these words, he came unto me, and looked upon me, & I lay as one that had been deed, and mine understanding was altered, and he took me by the right hand, and comforted me, and set me upon my feet, and said unto me: what aileth thee? and why is thine understanding vexed? and the understanding of thy heart, & wherefore art thou sorry? And I said: Because thou hast forsaken me: & I have done * 4. Es●. ●. according unto thy words/ I went in to the fold, and there have I seen things, that I am not able to express. He said unto me: Stand up and be manly/ and I shall give the exhortation. Then said I: Speak on to me my Lord forsake me not, lest I die in vain: for I have seen that I knew not, and heard that I do not know. Or shall my understanding be deceived/ & my mind? But now I beseech thee, that thou wilt show thy servant of this wonder. He answered me then & said: hear me, and I shall inform thee, and tell the wherefore thou art afraid/ for the highest hath opened many secret things unto the. He hath seen that thy way is right, and that thou takest sorrow continually for thy people, and makest great lamentation for Zion: and therefore understand the vision which thou sawest a little while ago after this manner: Thou sawest a woman mourning, and thou hast comforted her. Nevertheless now sayst thou the likeness of the woman no more, but thou thoughtest there was a city builded: and like as she told the of the fall of her son, so is this the answer: The woman whom thou sawest/ is Zion/ and where as she told thee/ that she hath been thirty years unfruitful and barren, those are the. thirty. years, wherein there was no offering made in her. But after. thirty. years Solomon builded her/ & offered/ & then bare the barren a son. And where as she told y●: that she nourished him with labour, that was the dwelling of jerusalem. But where as she told the that her sonue died when he came into his chamber, that is the fall of jerusalem. And thou sawest her likeness/ how she mourned for her son: and what else happened unto her/ I have showed y●. And now God saith/ that thou art sorry in thy mind/ & sufferest from thy heart for her, & so hath he showed the her clearness, and the fairness of her beauty. And therefore I bade the remain in the field where no house is builded. For I knew that the highest would show this unto thee/ therefore I commanded the to go into the field/ where no foundation of building is. For in the place where the highest will show his city, there shall be no man's building. And therefore fear not/ and let not thine heart be afraid/ but go thy way in, and see the glorious and fair building, and how great it is, and how great thou thinkest it after the measure of thine eyes, and then shalt thou hear as much as thine ears may comprehend. For thou art blessed above many other, and art called with the highest, as the few. But to morrow at night thou shalt remain here, & so shall the highest show the vysions of high things, which he will do unto them, that dwell upon earth in the last days. So I slept the same night and the other like as he commanded me. ¶ In this Chapter & in the. two. next ensuing, he entreateth of certain visions and of the interpretations thereof. CAPI. XI. THAN saw I a dream: and behold, there came up from the see an Eagle, which had. xii. wings & three heads: And I saw, & behold, he spread his wings over all the earth, and all the winds of the air blewe in them, & so they were put together again. And I beheld, & out of his feathers there grew other little contrary feathers: the heads rested, the head in the midst was greater than that other, yet rested it with the residue. Moreover I saw, that the Eagle flew with his wings, & rained upon earth, and over all them that dwell upon the earth: & I saw that all things under heaven were subject unto him/ & no man spoke against him/ no not one creature upon earth. I saw also that the Eagle stood up upon his claws, & gave a sound with his feathers/ and a boyce saying after this manner: watch not all together, sleep every man in his own place, and watch for a time/ but let the heads be preserved at the last. Nevertheless I saw/ that the voice went nat out of his heads/ but from the midst of his body And I numbered his contrary feathers/ and be hold, there were eight of them. And I looked/ and behold upon the right side there arose one feather/ & rained over all the earth. And it happened/ that when it reigned, the end of it came, and the place thereof appeared no more. So the next following stood up, and reigned, and had a great time: and it happened, that when it reigned, the end of it came also like as the first, so that it appeared no more. Then came there a voice unto it, & said, Hear thou that haste kept in the earth so long this I say unto thee, before thou beginnest to appear no more: There shall none after the attain unto thy tyme. Then arose the third, & reigned as the other afore, and appeared no more also. So went it with all the residue one after another/ so that every one reigned/ and then appeared no more. Then I looked/ and behold/ inprocesse of time the feathers that followeth were set up upon the right side/ that they might rule also: and some of them ruled/ but within a while they appeared no more: for some of them were set up, but ruled not. After this I looked, and behold the. xij. feathers appeared no more/ and the two wings: and there was no more upon the eagle's body/ but two heads that rested, and two feathers. Then saw I also/ that the six feathers were parted in two/ and remained under the head, that was upon the right side, for the four continued in their place. So I looked, and behold, they that were under the wings, thought to set up themselves, & to have the rule. Then was there one set up, but shortly it appeared no more/ & the second was sooner away then the first. And I beheld and lo, the two thought also by themselves to reign: and when they so thought/ behold/ there waked one of the heads that were at rest, namely/ it that was in the midst, for that was the greater of the two heads. And then I saw, that the two heads were filled with him, & the head was turned with them that were by him, and did eat up the two under wings, that would have reigned. But this head put the whole earth in fear/ and bare rule in it/ over all those that dwelled upon earth with much labour/ and he had the governance of the world/ over all the fowls that have been. After this I looked, and behold/ the head that was in the midst, suddenly appeared no more, like as the wings: then came the two heads, which ruled upon earth/ & over those that dwell therein. And I beheld/ & lo, the head upon the right side, devoured it that was upon the left side. And I heard a voice, which said unto me, look before thee, and consider the tning that thou seyest. Then I saw and behold, as it were a lion that roareth, running hastily out of the would/ & he sent out a man's voice unto the Eagle/ & said: Hear thou/ I will talk with thee/ & the highest shall say unto y●: Is it nat thou y● hast the victory of the four beasts/ whom I made ro reign upon earth and in my world/ and that the end of their times might come thorough thee▪ And the fourtth came, and overwanne all the beasts that were passed/ and had power over the world with great fearfulness, and over the whole compass of the earth with the most wicked labour, & so long time ●welt he upon the earth with deceit/ & the earth hast thou judged nat with truth. For thou hast troubled the meek, thou haste hurt the peaceable & quiet, thou hast loved liars, & destroyed the dwellings of them that brought forth fruit, and hast cast down the walls of such as did y● no harm. Therefore is thy wrongeous dealing and blasphemy come up unto the highest, and thy pride unto the Mighty. The highest also hath looked upon the proud times, and behold/ they are ended, & their abominations are fulfilled. And therefore appear no more thou Eagle, & thy horrible wings, & thy wicked feathers, and thy ungracious heads, & thy sinful claws, and all thy vain body: that the earth may be refreshed/ and come again to herself/ when she is delivered from thy violence/ and that she may hope for the judgement & mercy of him that made her. CAPI. XII. AND it happened when the Lion spoke these words unto the Aegle, I saw/ & behold/ the head that afore had the upper hand appeared no more: nether did the four wings appear any more/ that came to him & were set up to reign: and their kingdom was small & full of uproar. And I saw, & behold, they appeared no more, & the whole body of the Aegle was brent, & the earth was in great fear. Then awaked I out of the trance of my mind, & from great tear, and said unto my spirit: Lo, this hast thou given me in that thou searchest out the ways of the highest: ●o, yet am I weighed in my mind, and very weak in my spirit, & little strength is there in me, for the great fear that I received this night. Therefore will I now beseech the ●yest that he will comfort me unto the end: and I said/ Lord Lord, if I have found grate before thy sight, ● if I am justified with the before many other/ & if my prayer become up before thy face, comfort me then, and show ●●e thy servant the interpretation and plain difference of this horrible sight/ that thou mayst perfectly comfort my soul: for thou haste judged me worthy, to show me the last of times And he said unto me: this is the interpretation of this sight. The Eagle whom thou sawest come up from the see, is the kingdom * Danie. 7. c. which was seen in the vision of thy brother Daniel, but it was not expounded unto him/ for now I declare it unto thee, Behold the days come y●, there shall rise up a kingdom upon earth/ & it shallbe feared above all the Kingdoms that were before it. In the same Kingdom shall. xij. Kings reign, one after another. For the second shall begin to reign/ and shall have more time than the other twelve: & this do the twelve wings signify/ which thou sawest. As for the voice that spoke/ & that thou sawest go out from the heads/ but not from the body/ it betokeneth/ that after the time of that Kingdom there shall arise great stryvynge/ & it shall stand in apparel of falling: nevertheless it shall nat yet fall/ but shallbe set into his beginning. And the eight underwynges which y● sawest hang unto the wings of him, betoken/ that in him there shall arise eight kings, whose time shallbe but small, and their years swift/ & two of them shall bear. But when the midst time, cometh, there shallbe four kept in the time/ when his time beginneth to come that it may be ended, but two shallbe kept unto the end. And where as thou sawest three heads resting/ this is the interpretation: In his last shall the highest raise up three kingdoms, & call many again into them/ & they shall have the dominion of the earth/ & of those that dwell therein, which much labour above all those that were before them. Therefore are they called the heads of the Aegle: for it is they that shall bring forth his wickedness again/ and that shall perform & finish his last. And where as thou sawest/ that the great head appeared no more/ it signifieth/ the one of them shall die upon his bed, and yet with pain/ for the two that remain/ shallbe slain with the sword. For the sword of y● one shall devour the other but at the last shall he fall thorough the sword himself. And where as y● sawest two underwynges upon the head that is on the right side, it signifieth that it is they/ whom the highest hath kept unto their end: this is a small Kingdom, and full of trouble. The Lion whom y● sawest rising up out of the wood, and roaring/ & speaking unto the Eagle, & rebuking him for his unrighteousness, is the wind, which the highest hath kept for them & for their wickedness unto the end: he shall reprove them, & rent them asunder before them. For he shall set them living before the judgement/ and shall rebuke them: for the residue of my people shall he deliver with trouble/ those that be preserved over mine ends: and he shall make them joyful until the coming of the day of judgement, whereof I have spoken unto the from the beginning. This is the dream that thou sawest & this is the interpretation. Thou only hast been meet to know the secret of the highest. Therefore write all these things that thou hast seen in a book, and hide them/ and teach them the wise in the people, whose hearts thou knowest may comprehend and keep these secrets. But wait thou here thyself yet seven days more, that it may be showed thee, whatsoever it pleaseth the highest to declare unto thee, and with that he went his way. And when all the people perceived/ that the seven days were passed/ and I nat come again into the city/ they gathered them all together from the least unto the most, & came unto me, and said: what have we offended the● & what evil have we done against thee, that thou forsakest us/ & sittest here in this place? For of all people thou only art left us/ as a grape of the vine, & as a candle in a dark place/ & as an haven and ship preserved from the tempest. Have we ●at else adversity enough, but thou must forsake us? Were it nat better for us/ that we had been brent with Zion? For we are nat better, than they that died there: & they wept which loud voice. Then answered I them I said: Be of good comfort O Israel/ & be nat heavy thou house of jacob: for the highest hath you in remembrance, & the mighty hath not forgotten you in temptation. As for me/ I have not forsaken you, neither am I departed from you: but am come into this place to pray, for the desolation of Zion, that I might seek mercy for the low estate of your Sanctuary. And now go your way home every man, and after these days will I come unto you. So the people went their way into the city/ like as I ●mom●unded them, but I remained still in the field seven days/ as the Angel bade me/ and did eat only of the flowers of the field/ and had my meat of the herbs in those days. CAPI. XIII. AND it happened after the seven days, that I dreamt a dream by night. And behold, there arose a wind from the see, that it moved all the flood thereof. And I looked/ & behold, the man was strong and increased with the clouds of heaven. And when he turned his countenance to consider, all the things trembled that were seen under him, and when the voice went out of his mouth, all they brent that heard him, like as the earth when it feeleth the fire. After these I saw/ & behold, there was gathered together a multitude of men out of number from the four winds of the heaven/ to fight against the man/ that came out from the see. And I looked/ and behold, he graved himself a great mountain, and flew up upon it. But I would have seen the border or place, whereout the hill was graved/ and I could not. I saw after these, that all they which came to fight against him, were sore afraid and yet burst they fight. Nevertheless, when he saw the fierceness and violence of the people/ he neither lift up his hand nor held sword, nor any weapon: but only (As I saw) he sent out of his mouth/ as it had been a blast of fire, & out of his lips the wind of the flame: and out of his tongue be cast out sparks and storms, and they were all mixed together: the blast of fire, the wind of the flames, & the great storm, and fell with a rush upon the people, which was prepared to fight and brent them up everichone: so that of the innumerable multitude there was nothing seen/ but only dust and smoke. When I saw this: I was afraid. afterward saw I the same man come down from the mountain, & calling unto him another peaceable people: & there came much people unto him: some were glad some were sorry/ some of them were bound, so that they were carried and broughr forth. Then was I sick thorough great fear, and I a waked, and said: thou hast showed thy servant all thy wonders from the beginning/ and haste counted me worthy, that thou mightest receive my prayer, show me now yet the interpretation of this dream. For thus I consider in my understanding: Woe unto them that shall be left in those days and much more woe unto than that are nat left behind: for they that were not left/ were in heaviness. Now understand I the things that are laid up in the latter days which shall happen unto them/ & to those that are left behind. Therefore are they, come into great parels/ & many necessities/ like as these dreams declare. Yet is it easier, that he which suffered hurt/ come in these, then to pass away as a cloud out of the world, & now to see the things that shall hap in the last Than answered he me/ & said: The interpretation of the sight shall I show thee, and I will open unto thee, the thing that thou hast required. For thou hast spoken of them that are left behind/ and this is the interpretation. He that taketh away the apparel in that time, hath kept himself. They that be fallen into harm, are such as have works & faith unto the Most mighty. know this therefore/ that they which be left behind, are more blessed, than they that be deed. This is the meaning of the vision. Where as thou sawest a man coming up from the deep of the see, the same is he whom God the highest hath kept a great season, which by his own self shall deliver his creature, and he shall ordre them that are left behind. And where as y● sawest, that out of his mouth there came a blast of wind, fire & storm, and how that he life up nether sword nor weapon/ but that the rushing in of him destroyed the whole multitude, that came to fight against him: it signifieth, that the days come, when God will deliver them that are upon earth, and in a trance of mind shall he come upon them/ that dwell in the earth. And one shall undertake to fight against another, one city against another, one place against another * Mat. 〈◊〉. ●. one people against another, and one realm against another, when this cometh to pass/ then shall the tokens come, that I showed the before: and then shall my son be declared, whom thou sawest climb up as a man. And when all the people, hear his voice, every man shall in their own land leave the battle that they have one against another/ & an innumerable multitude shallbe gathered together/ as they that be willing to come/ & to overcome him by fighting. But he shall stand upon the top of the mount Zion. Nevertheless Zion shall come, & shallbe showed, being prepared and builded for all men, like as thou sawest the hill graven forth without any hands. But my son shall rebuke the people the are come, for their wickedness, with the tempest, & for their evil imaginations: & their pains wherewith they shallbe punished, are lyckened unto the flame: and with out any labour/ shall he destroy them/ even by the law/ which is compared unto the fire. And where as thou sawest, that he gathered another peaceable people unto him: those are the ten tribes which were carried away presoners out of their own land, * 4. Re. 17. a. in the time of Oseas the king/ whom Salmanasar the king of Assyria took prisoner, and carried them over the water, & so came they into another land. But they gave them this council, that they should leave the multitude of the Heathen, and to go forth into a further country where never mankind dwelled: that they might there keep their statutes, which they never kept in their own land. And so they entered in at the narrow passages of the water of Euphrates/ & God showed tokens for them, * E●o. 〈◊〉. Iosu●. ●. 〈◊〉 and held still the flood till they were passed over: for thorough the country there was a great way, namely of a year and a half journey, for the same region is called Asareth. Then dwelled they there unto the latter time: & when they come forth again, the highest shall hold still the sprenges of the stream again, that they may go thorough, therefore sawest thou the multitude with peace. And they that he left behind of thy people, are those that be found within my border. Now when he destroyeth the multitude that is gathered together, he shall defend his people that remain, and then shall he show them great wonders. Then said I O Lord, Lord, show me this, wherefore have I seen the man coming up from the deep of the see? And he said unto me: Like as thou canst neither seek out nor know these things that are in the deep of the see, even so mayest thou not see my son, or those that be with him/ but in the time of the day. This is the interpretation of the dream which thou sawest, therefore thou only art here lightened: for thou haste forsaken thine own law, & applied thy diligence unto mine, and sought it. * 3. 〈◊〉 Thy life hast thou ordered in wisdom, and ‡ Pro●●. ●●. ● haste called understanding thy mother, & therefore have I showed thee, the treasure of the highest. After three days I will show the more, & talk with the at more large/ ye heavy and wondrous things will I declare unto the. Then went I forth into the field, giving praise & thanks greatly unto God, because of his wonders which he did in time/ and because he governeth the same/ and such as is in time/ and there I sat three days. ¶ God appeareth unto Esdras in the bush, and showeth him what he shall do. CAPI. XIIII. UPON the third day I sat under an oak tree/ then came there a voice unto me out of the bush/ and said: Esdras, Esdras? And I said: here am I Lord, and stood up upon my feet. Then spoke he unto me: * Exods. 〈◊〉. ● In the bush did I appear unto Moses/ and talked with him/ when my people served in Egypte/ and I sent him/ and led my people out of Egypt/ and brought him upon the mount Zion/ where I held him by me a long season, and told him my wondrous works/ and showed him the secrets of the times and the end, and commanded him, saying: These words shalt thou declare, & not hide them. And now I say unto thee, that thou lay up in thine heart the dreams that thou hast seen/ & the interpretations which I have showed thee: for thou shalt be received of all, thou shalt be turned and remain with my council, and with such as be like thee, until the times be ended. For the world hath lost his youth, and the times begin to wax old. For the time is divided into twelve parts/ and ten parts of it are gone all ready/ and half of the tenth part: yet remaineth there that which is after the half of the tenth part. Therefore, prepayre and order thy house/ and reform thy people: comfort such of them as be in trouble: and tell now of the destruction: let go from the mortal thoughts cast away the burdens of man: put of the weak nature: lay up in some places the thoughts that are most heavy unto thee, and haste the to flit from these times: for such evil and wickedness as thou hast now seen happen, shall they do yet much worse. * Mat. ●4. a 2 john. 2. c For the weaker that the world and the time is/ the more shall sin and wickedness increase in them that dwell upon earth. For the truth is fled far away, & losing is hard at hand. For now hasteth the vision to come/ that thou hast seen. Then answered I before thee, & said: Behold Lord, I will go as y● hast commanded me, & reform the people which are present But they that shall be borne afterward, who wylexhorte or rebuke them? Thus the world is set in darkness: & they that owel therein, are which out light: for thy law is kindled, because no man knoweth the things that are done of thee, or that shall be done. If I have found grace before thee, send the holy ghost into me, & I shall write all that hath been done in the world seus the beginning/ which was writ ten in thy law, that men may find the path, and that they which will live in the latter days, may live. And he answered me, saying: Go thy way gather the people together, & say unto them that they seek the not for forty days, but look thou gather the many box trees/ and take with the Sarea, Dabria, Selemia, Ecanus and Asiel/ these five/ which are ready to writ swiftly/ and come hither/ and I shall light a candle of understanding in thine heart, which shall not be put out/ till the things be performed which thou shalt begin to writ. And then shalt thou declare some things openly unto the perfect, and some things shalt thou show secretly unto the wise. tomorrow this hour shalt thou begin to write. Then went I forth (as he commanded me) and gathered all the people together, and said: Hear these words O Israel: Our fathers at the beginning were strangers in Egygte, from whence they were delivered and received the law of life * Deute. 4. d which they kept not/ which ye also have transgressed after them. Then was this land and the land of Zion parted among you by lot to possess. But your fathers and ye your selves also have done unrighteousness, and have not kept the ways which the highest commanded you. And for so much as he is a righteous judge, he took from you in time the thing that he had given you. And now are ye here and your brethren among you. Therefore if so be that ye will subdue your own understanding, and reform your heart, ye shallbe kept alive, and after death shall ye obtain mercy. For after death shall the judgement come/ when we shall live again: and then shall the names of the righteous be manifest, & the works of the ungodly shallbe declared. Let no man therefore come now unto me, nor ask any question at me these forty days. So I took the five men (as he commanded me) and we went into the field, and remained there. The next day a voice called me saying: Esdras * Ezech. 3. ●. Apoca. x. d open thy mouth, and drink that I give the. Then opened I my mouth, & behold, he reached me a full cup which was full as it were with water/ but the cou●er of it was like fire. And I took it and drank. And when I had drunk it/ my heart had understanding, & wisdom grew in my breast: for my spirit was kept in remembrance, and my mouth was opened & shut no more. The highest gave understanding unto the five men/ that they wrote the high things of the night/ which they understood not But in the night they did eat bread: as for me/ I spoke in the day and held my tongue by night. In. xl. days, they wrote two hundredth and four books. And it happened when the forty days were fulfilled/ that the highest spoke, saying: The first that thou hast written/ speak openly, the worthy & unworthy may read it. But keep the. lxx. last/ that thou mayst show it only to such as be wise among thy people. For in them is the spring of understanding, the fountain of wisdom, and the stream of knowledge. And I did so. ¶ The punishment that evil people shall have, which God commandeth Esdras to show unto them. CAPI. XV. Behold, speak thou in the ears of my people the words of prophecy which I will put in thy mouth, saith the Lord: and cause them to be written in a letter, for it is the truth. Fear not the imaginations against the. Let not the unfaithfulness of them trouble thee, that speak against the. For all the unfaithful shall die in their unfaithfulness. Behold sayeth the Lord/ I will bring plagues upon the world, the sword/ hungers/ death and destruction/ for wickedness hath the upper hand in all the earth, and their shameful works are fulfilled. Therefore sayeth the Lord: I will hold my tongue no more unto their wickedness/ which they do so ungodly: neither will I suffer them in the things/ that they deal with all so wickedly. Behold * Apoc. vi b. and. nineteen. a. the innocent blood of the troubled crieth unto me, and the soul's of the righteous complain continually: and therefore (sayeth the Lord) I will surely avenge, & receive unto me all the innocent blood from among them. * Psal. 44. c. Rom●, ● c 1. Cor. 4. b. Behold/ my people/ is led as a flock of sheep to be slain/ I will not suffer them now to dwell in Egypte/ but will bring them out with a mighty hand and a stretched out arm, and smite it with plagues as afore, and will destroy all the land of it. Egypte shall mourn, and the foundations of it shall be smitten with the plague and punishment, that God shall bring upon it. They that till the ground●, shall mourn: for their sedes shall be destroyed thorough the blasting and hail/ and an horrible star. woe worth the world and them that dwell therein/ for the sword and their destruction draweth nigh/ and one people shall stand up to fight against another/ & swords in their hands. For men shallbe unsteadfast, and some shall do violence unto other: they shall not regard their king and princes/ the ways of their doings and handlinges in their power A man shall besyre to go into the city/ & shall not be able. For because of their pride the cities shallbe brought in feat/ the houses shall shake/ and men shall be afraid. A man shall have no pity upon his neighbour/ but one shall provoke another unto battle to spoil their goods because of the hunger of bread, and because of the great trouble. Behold, I gather and call together all the Kings of the earth which are from the uprising, from the South, from the East & Lybanus to turn unto them, and restore the things that they have given them. Like as they do yet this day unto my chosen, so will I do also, and recompense them in their bosom. Thus sayeth the Lord God: My right hand shall not spare the sinners, & my sword shall not ●easse over them, that shed the innocent blood upon earth. The fire is gone out from his wrath, and hath consumed the foundacious of the earth, and the sinners like the straw that is kindled. woe worth them that sin, & keep not my commandments/ sayeth the Lord. I will not spare them. Go your way ye children from violence defile not my sanctuary: for the Lord knoweth all them that sin against him/ and therefore delivereth he them unto death & destruction. For now are the plagues come upon the world, and ye shall remain in them. For God shall not deliver you, because ye have sinned against him. Behold, an horrible vision cometh from the east, where generations of Dragons shall come out/ and the people of the Arabes with many charettes, and the multitude of them shall be as the wind upon earth/ that all they which hear them raging in their wrath, may fear and be afraid/ and as the wild bores out of the wood, so shall they go out, and with great power shall they come & stand fighting with them & shall waste the portion of the land of the Assyrians. And then shall the Dragons have the upper hand, not remembering their birth, and shall turn about swearing together in great power, to persecute them. But these shallbe afraid, & keep silence at their power and shall i'll: and one out of the land of the Assyrians shall besiege them, & consume one of them/ and in their host shallbe fear & dread, and strife among their kings. Behold clouds from the east, & from the North unto the South, and they are very horrible to look upon, full of wrath and storm. They shall smite one upon another and they shall smite at the great star upon earth and their star, and the blood shallbe from the sword unto the belly, and the smoke of man unto the Camel's litter: And there shallbe great ferefulnesse & trembling upon earth/ and they that see the wrath shall be afraid/ and a trembling shall come upon them. And then shall there come great rains from the South & from the north, & part from the West, and from the stormy wind from the East, and shall shut them up again and the cloud which he raised up in wrath, and the star to cause fear toward the East & west wind, shallbe destroyed: & the great clouds shallbe lift up, & the mighty clouds full of wrath/ and the star/ that they may make all the earth afraid and them that dwell therein▪ and that they may pour out over all places an horrible star/ fire and hail and flying swords/ and many waters: that all fields may be full, and all rivers/ and they shall break down the cities and walls, mountains and hills/ all trees, would/ and the grass of the meadows/ and all their fruit. And they shall go steadfast unto Babylon/ and make her afraid/ they shall come to her and besiege her/ the star & all wrath shall they pour out upon her. Then shall the dust & smoke go up unto the heaven, and all they that be about her. shall bewail her: and they that remain under her, shall do service unto them that have put her in fear? And thou Asia the comfortest thyself also upon the hope of Babylon/ and art a worship of her person: Woe be unto the thou wretch/ because thou hast made thyself like unto her, & hast decked thy daughters in whoredom/ that they might triumph and please thy lovers, which have alway desired to commit whoredom with thee: thou hast followed the abominable cite in all her works and inventions. Therefore saith God: I will send plagues upon the/ wyddowhode, poverty/ hungers, wars/ and pestilence/ to wast thy houses with destruction and death, and the glory of thy power shallbe dried up as a flower, when the heat riseth that is sent over thee: Thou shalt be sick as a poor wife that is plagued & beaten of women: so that the mighty and lover shall not be able to receive the. Would I so hate the sayeth the Lord? If thou hadst not alway slain my chosen, exalting the stroke of thy hands/ and said over their death/ when thou wast drunken: set forth the beauty of thy countenance. The reward of thy whoredom shallbe recompensed the in thy bosom/ therefore shalt tho● receive reward. Like as thou hast done unto my chosen (sayeth the Lord) even so shall God do unto thee/ and shall deliver the into the plague. Thy children shall die of hunger/ and thou shalt fall thorough the sword. Thy cities shallbe broken down, & all thine shall perish with the sword in the field. They that be in the mountains shall die of hunger/ and eat their own flesh, & drink their own blood for very hungers of bred and thirst of water. Thou unhappy shalt come thorough the see. and receive plagues again. In the passage they shall cast down the slain city, & shall rote out one part of thy land, & consume the portion of glory. They shall tread the down like stubble, & they shallbe thy fire & shall consume thee: thy cities & thy land, thy wood & thy fruitful ●rees shall they burn up which the fire. Thy children shall they carry away captive, & look what y● hast, they shall spoil it, & mar the beauty of thy face. ¶ The Heathen shallbe punished. CAPI. XVI. WOE be unto the Babylon & Asia, woe be unto the Egypt & Syrya: gird yourselves with clothes of sack & hair/ & mourn your children/ be sorry/ for your destruction is at hand. A sword is sent upon you, and who will turn it back? A fire is kindled among you, and who will quench it? Plagues are sent unto you & what is he that will drive them away? May any man drive away an hungry lion in the wood? Or may any man quench the fire in stubble, when it hath begun to burn? May one turn again the arrow that is shot of a strong archer: The mighty Lord sendeth the plagues, & what is he that will drive them away? The fire is kindled & gone forth in his wrath, & what is he that will quench it? He shall cast lightnings, & who shall not fere? He shall thondre, & who shall not be afraid: The Lord shall threaten, & who shall not utterly be beaten to powder at his presence? The earth quaketh, & the foundations thereof: the see ariseth up which waves from the deep, & the floods of it are unquiet & the fishes thereof also before the Lord/ & before the glory of his power. For strong is his right hand that holdeth the bow, his arrows that he shooteth, are sharp, & shall not miss/ when they begin to be shot into the ends of the world. Behold the plagues are sent, & shall not turn again/ till they come upon earth. The fire is kindled, and shall not be put out/ till it cosume the foundations of the earth. Like as an arrow which is shot of a mighty archer, returneth not back ward: even so the plagues that shall be sent upon earth/ shall not turn again. Woe is me, woe is me/ who will deliver me in those days? The beginning of sorrows and great mourning: the beginning of dearth and great death/ the beginning of wars/ and the powers shall stand in fear: the beginning of evils/ and they shall tremble every one. What shall I do in these things/ when the plagues come? Behold / hunger, and plague/ trouble and anguish are sent, as scourges for amendment. But for all these things they shall not turn from their wickedness, nor be always mind full of the scourges. Behold, victuals shallbe so good cheap upon erath, that they shall think themselves to be in good case: & even then shall mischief grow upon earth, wars, dearth and great disquietness. For many of them that dwell upon earth shall perish of hunger, & the other that escape the hunger, shall the sword destroy: & the deed shallbe cast out as dung, & there shall be no man to comfort them. For the earth shallbe wasted, & the cities shallbe cast down: there shallbe no man left to till the earth & to sow it. The trees shall give fruit, & who shall pluck them of & gather them? The grapes shall be ripe, & who shall tread them? For all places shallbe desolate of men, so y● one man shall desire to see another, or to here his voice. For of one whole city there shallbe ten left, & two in the field, which shall hide themselves in the thick bushes, and in the cliffs of stones: like as when there remain three or four olives upon the olive tree, oras when a vineyard is gathered, there are left some grapes, of them that diligently sought thorough the vineyard. Even so in those days there shallbe three or four left, for them that search their houses with the sword. And the earth shallbe left waste, and the fields thereof shall wax old: and her ways and all her paths shall grow full of thorns, because no man shall travail there thorough. The daughters shall mourn, having no bridegrooms: the women shall make lamentation, having no husbands/ their daughters shall mourn, having no help of their bridegroom. In the wars shall they be destroyed, and their husbands shall perish of hunger. O ye servants of the Lord, here these things/ and mark them. Behold/ the word of the Lord, O receive it: believe not the Gods of whom the Lord speaketh. Be hold/ the plagues draw nigh, & are not slack in tarrying. Like as a travayling woman/ which after the. ix. month bringeth forth a son, when the hour of the birth is come, an hour two or three afore that the pains come upon her body, and when the child cometh to the birth, they tarry not the twynckelynge of an eye: Even so shall not the plagues be slack to come upon earth, and the world shall mourn, & sorrows shall come upon it on every side. O my people, hear my word/ make you ready to the battle: and in all evil be even as pilgrims upon earth. * 1. Cor ● He that selleth/ let him be as he that flieth his way: and he that buyeth as one that will see. Whoso occupieth marchaundyes/ as he that winneth not: & he that buildeth/ as he that shall not dwell therein: he that soweth, as one that shall not reap: he that twysteth the vinyeard, as he that shall not gather the grapes: they that marry/ as they that shall get no children: and they that marry not: as the widows: and therefore * Psa. 〈◊〉 Prou 〈…〉 Eccle x. ● they that labour, labour in vain For strangers shall reap their fruits, and spoil their goods, overthrow their houses, & take their children captive, for in captivity and hungers shall they get children. And they that occupy their merchandise with robbery, how long deck they their cities/ their houses/ their possessions/ and personnes? the more will I punish them for their sins, sayeth the Lord. Like as an whore envieth an honest woman/ so shall righteousness hate iniquity, when she decketh herself/ and shall accuse her to her face, when he cometh that defendeth/ which shall make inquisition for all sin upon earth. And therefore be not ye like thereunto, nor to the works thereof: for or ever it be long, iniquity shallbe taken away out of the earth/ & righteousness shall reign among you. Let not the symer say/ that he hath not sinned: for coals of fire shall burn upon his head, which sayeth before the Lord God and his glory: I have not sinned. Behold/ the Lord knoweth all the works of men/ their imaginations, their thoughts and their hearts. * Gene. li For he spoke but the word: let the earth be made/ and it was made: let the heaven be made, and it was made. In his word were the statres made/ & he knoweth the number of them. He searcheth the ground of the deep, & the treasures thereof: he hath measured the see● and what it containeth. He hath shut the see in the midst of the waters▪ and with his word hath he hanged the earth upon the waters. He spreadeth out the heaven like a vault, upon the waters hath he founded it. In the desert and dry wilderness hath he made springs of water/ and poles upon the top of the mountains/ that the floods might pour down from the stony rocks to water the earth. He made man/ & put his heart in the midst of the body/ and gave him breath/ life and understanding, ye and the spirit of the almighty God, which made all things, and hath searched the ground of all the secrets of the earth. He knoweth your imaginations and inventions/ and what ye think when ye sin/ and would hide your sins. Therefore hath the Lord searched and sought out all your works/ and he shall bewray you all. And when your sins are brought forth/ ye shall be ashamed before men, & your own sins shallbe your own accusers in that day. What will ye do? Or how will ye hide your sins before God and his Angels? Behold/ God himself is the judge, fear him/ leave of from your sins, and forget your unrighteousness, & meddle no more with them: so shall God lead you forth, and deliver you from all trouble. For behold/ the heat of a great multitude is kindled over you, & they shall take away certain of you/ and fede the slain with Idols: & they that consent unto them, shallbe had in derision, laughed to scorn and trodden under foot. For unto the places there shallbe a place/ and in the next cities a great insurrection upon those that fear the Lord. They shall be like mad men/ they shall spare no man: they shall spoil & waste such as fear the Lord/ their goods shall they take from them, and shut them out of their houses. Then shall it be known who are my chosen, & they shallbe tried as the gold in the fire. Here O ye my beloved/ sayeth the Lord: behold/ the days of trouble are at hand/ but I will deliver you from the same. Be not ye afraid, despair not/ for God is your captain. Who so keepeth my commandments and precepts (sayeth the Lord God) let not your sins weigh you down/ and let not your unrighteousness be lift up. Woe be unto them that are subdued unto their sins/ and tangled in their wickedness: like as a field is hedged in with bushes/ and the path thereof covered with thorns, that no man may travail thorough: and so is he taken/ and cast in the fire/ and brent. ¶ The end of the. iiij. Book of Esdras. ❧ Here be ginneth the Book of Tobias. ¶ Tobias being taken prisoner, forsaketh not the law of truth. The mercy and charity of Tobias and the manners of him in his youth. He taketh Hannah to wife. by whom he hath a son named Tobias. He succoureth Gabel with money. He and his are fain to fly, but after the death of Dennaherib they return again. CAPI. I. TObias was of the try be & cite of Nepthali, which lieth in the high countries of Galilee above Naason the way toward the west, having the city of Sephet upon the left side. Though he was taken presonerin the days of Salmanasar king of the Assyryans nevertheless being in captivity, he forsook not the way of truth: In so much that what soever he might her/ he parted it daily with his fellows presoners & brethren/ that were of his kindred. And though he were younger than all in the tribe of Nepthali, yet did not he behave himself childeshly in his works And when all the other went to the golden calves, which jeroboam the king of Israel had made he himself alone fled all their companies & got him to jerusalem unto the temple of the Lord, & there worshipped the Lord God of Israel, faithfully offering of all his first fruits & tithes, so that in the third year he ministered all the tithes unto the strangers & converts. These & such like things did he observe according to the law of God, when he was yet but young. But when he was a man, he took out of his own tribe a wife called Anna, & of her he be got a son, whom he called after his own name, & taught him from his youth up/ to fear God, & to refrain from all sin. Now when he with his wife, his son and with all his kindred was come in captivity unto the city of Ninive/ what time as they all did eat of the meats of the Heathen/ he kept his his soul/ and was never defiled in their meats. And for so much as he was mindful of the Lord in all his heart. God gave him favour in the sight of Salmana far the king/ which gave him power to go where he would, and so had he liberty to do whatsoever him list. So went Tobias unto all them that were in preson, and comforted them and, gave them wholesome exhortations. And when he came to Rages a city of the Medes, having ten talents of silver (of the things where with the king had honoured him) & saw among a great company of people of his kindred/ one Gabelus (which was of his own tribe) being in necessity, he gave him the said weight of silver under an hand writing. After a long season when Salmanasar the king was deed, and Sennaherib his son reigned in his stead, which hated the children of Israel, Tobias went daily thorough out all his kindred/ and comforted them, & gave of his goods to every one of them/ as much as he might: he fed the hungry, clothed the naked, & buried the dead and slain and that diligently. And when Sennaherib the king came again and fled out of jewry (what time as God punished him for his blasphemy) and in his wrath slew many of the children of Israel. Tobias buried their bodies. But when it was told the king, he commannded to fleye him/ and took away all his goods. Nevertheless, Tobias with his son and with his wife fled his way and was hid naked/ for there were many that loved him. But after. xlv. days the king was slain of his own sons. Then came Tobias again to his house, & all his goods were restored unto him. ¶ Tobias biddeth such of his friends as fear God, to a Ban●quet or Feast. He is reproved of his friends He feareth God more than the King He becometh blind by the permission and sufferance of God, His kynsfolckes mock him. CAPI. II. AFter these things upon a solemn day of the Lord Tobias made a good feast in his house/ and said unto his son: Go thy way & bring hither some of our tribe such as fear God, that they may make merry with us. And when he was gone/ he came again/ and told his father/ that one of the children of Israel lay slain upon the street And immediately he leapt from his table/ left the feast/ came fasting to the deed coarse, took him & bore him privily into his house/ that when the Sun was down/ he might safely bury him. And when he had hid the coarse/ he did eat his meat with mourning and fear/ remembering the words/ that the Lord said by the Prophet Amos: your high feasts shallbe turned to sorrow and heaviness. But when the Sun was down, he went his way and buried him: Then all his neighbours reproved him saying: It is not long/ sens it was commanded to slay the because of this matter, and hast scarce escaped the danger of death/ and buriest thou the deed again? Nevertheless Tobias fearing God more than the king/ took the bodies of the slain/ and hid them in his house/ and buried them at midnight. It happened upon a day, that he had buried the deed, & was weary, came home, & laid him down by the wall & slept. And while he was a sleep/ there fell down upon his eyes warm dung out of the swallows nest/ so that he was blind. This temptation did God suffer to happen unto him/ that they which came after, might have an example of his patience, like as of holy job. For in so much as he ever feared God from his youth up/ & kept his commandments, he grudged not against God, that the plague of blindness chanced unto him/ but remained steadfast in the fear of God, & thanked God, all the days of his life. For like as blessed job was had in derision of kings, even so was he laughed to scorn of his elders and kynsfolckes, which said unto him: where is thy hope/ for the which thou hast done alms and buried the deed? But Tobias rebuked them/ & spoke: Say not so/ for we are the children of holy men/ and look for the life, which God shall give unto them/ that never turn their believe from him. Anna his wife went daily to the weeving work: & look what living she could get with the labour of her hands/ she brought it. And it happened that she took a kid and brought it home. And when her husband heard it cry/ he said: look that it be not stolen/ restore it again to the owners: for it is not lawful for us/ to eat or to touch any thing of theft. Then was his wife angry, and said: Now is thy hope become vain openly/ and thy alms deeds are manifest. With these & such like words did she cast him in the teeth. ¶ The prayer of Tobias. Sara the daughter of Raguel is slandered of her father's servant. The prayer and fasting of Sara. And also the innocency and chastity of her. The prayers of Tobias and of Sara are herd. CAPI. III. THen Tobias took it heavily/ and with tears began to make his prayer, saying: O Lord thou art righteous, and all thy judgements are true, ye all thy ways are mercy, faithfulness and judgement. And now O Lord be mindful of me, and take no vengeance of my sins, nether remember my misdeeds, nether the misdeeds of my elders For we have nat been obedient unto thy commandments, therefore are we spoiled brought into captivity, into death/ into derision & shame unto all nations, among whom thou hast scattered us. And now O Lord, thy judgements are great, for we have not done according to thy commandments, nether have we walked innocently before the. And now O Lord, deal with me according to thy will/ and command my spirit to be received in peace, for more expedyente were it for me to die/ then to live. At the same time it happened/ that Sara the daughter of Raguel at Rages a city of the Medes was slandered of one of her father's handmaids, namely/ that she should have had seven husbands, which as soon as they were gone in unto her, were slain of the devil called Asmodeus. Therefore, when she reproved the maiden for her fault/ she answered her/ saying: God let us never see son nor daughter of the more upon earth/ thou killer of thy husbands. Wilt thou slay me also, as thou hast slain seven men? At this voice went Sara into an high chambre of her house, and three days and three nights she neither eat nor drank, but continued in prayer, and besought God with tears/ that he would deliver her from this rebuke. Upon the third day it chanced, that when she had made an end of her prayer, she praised the Lord saying: Blessed be thy name O God of our father's/ which when thou art wroth, showest mercy, & in time of trouble thou forgivest the sins of them, that call upon the. Unto the O Lord turn I my face/ unto the life I up mine eyes. I beseech the O Lord/ lose me out of the bonds of this rebuke/ or else take me utterly away from of the earth. Thou knowest Lord/ that I never had desire unto man, and that I have kept my soul clean from all uncleanly lust. I have not kept company with those that pass their time in sport, neither have I made myself partaker with them that walk in light behaviour. Nevertheless an husband have I consented to take/ not for my pleasure but in thy fear. Now peradventure either I have been unworthy of them/ or else were they v●mete for me, for thou haply hast kept me to another husband. For why? thy council is not in the power of man. But whosoever loveth the & serveth the a right/ is sure of this/ that if his life be tempted and proved/ it standeth in the ●ryeng/ and if he endure in patience/ he shall have a reward and be highly crowned: and if he be in trouble/ that God (no doubt) shall deliver him: and if his life be in chastening, that he shall have leave to come unto thy mercy. For thou hast no pleasure in our damnation: and why? after a storm thou makest the wether fair and still: after weeping and heaviness thou givest great joy. Thy name O God of Israel be praised for ever. At the same time were both their prayers heard in the sight of the majesty of the highest god. And Raphael the holy Angel of the Lord was sent to help them both, whose prayers came at one time together before God. CAPI. four ¶ Tobias thinking to die giveth a goodly exhortation and monition to his son. SO when Tobias thought his prayer to be herd/ that he might die/ he called unto him his son Tobias and said unto him: My son, hear the words of my mouth and lay them in thine heart as a foundation When God taketh away my soul, bury thou my body and hold thy mother in honour all the days of her life. For thou oughtest to remember, what and how great parels she suffered for the in her womb. And when she also hath fulfilled the time of her life/ bury her beside me. Have god in thy thought all the days of thy life, and beware/ least at any time thou consent unto sin, and lest thou let slip the commandments of the Lord our God. give alms of thy goods, and turn never thy face from the poor: & so shall it come to pass, that the face of the Lord shall not be turned away from the. Be merciful after thy power. If thou hast much, give plenteously: if thou hast little/ do thy diligence, gladly to give of that little. For so gatherest y● thyself a good reward in the day of necessity. For mercy delivereth from all sin & from death, & suffereth not the soul to come in darkness. A great comfort is mercy before the high God/ unto all them that show it. My son/ keep the well from all whoredom, and (be side thy wife) see that no fault be known of y●. Let never pride have rule in thy mind nor in thy word/ for in pride began all destruction. Whosoever worketh any thing for thee/ immediately give him his hire, and look that thy hired servants wages remain not by the over night. Look that thou never do unto another man/ the thing that thou wouldest not another man should do unto y●. Eat thy bread with the hungry & poor/ & cover the naked with thy clothes. Set thy bred and wine upon the burial of the righteous▪ and do not thou eat & drink thereof which the synnees. Ask ever council at the wise. Be alway thankful unto God/ and beseech him/ that he will order thy ways/ & that whatsoever y● devysest or takest in hand/ it may remain in him. I certify the also my son, y● (when thou wast yet, but a babe) I delivered ten talents of silver unto Gabelus, at Rages a city of the Medes, & his hand writing have I by me. And therefore seek some means, how y● mayest come by him/ & receive of him the said weight of silver/ & give him his handwryting again. My son, be not afraid: truth it is we lead here a poor life: but great good shall we have/ it we fear God, and depart from all sin/ and do well: ¶ The obedience of young Tobias to his father, which is sent into Rages. An Angel accompanieth with him in his journey. CAPI. V THAN answered Tobias his father/ and said: father/ all that thou hast commanded me, will I do/ and that diligently But how I shall require this money I cannot tell? Neither both he know me, nor I him What token shall I give him? And as for the way thither/ I never knew it. Then his father answered him, and said: I have his hand writing by me, which when thou showest him, immediately he shall pay the But go thy way now/ and get the some faithful man to go with the for an hire/ that thou mayest receive the money/ while I am yet living. Then went Tobias out, and upon the street he found a fair young man standing, girded up/ and as it were one ready to take his journey. And he knew not that it was an Angel of God/ but saluted him/ and said: From whence art thou/ thou good young man? He answered: Of the children of Israel. And Tobias said unto him? knowest that the way, that leadeth unto the country of the Medes? He answered: I know it well/ and all those streets have I gone oft times, and have lodged with our brother Gabelus/ that dwelleth in Rages a city of the Medes/ which lieth upon the mount Egabthanis Tobias said unto him: I pray thee/ tarry for me, till I have told my father these things Than went Tobias in▪ & told his father all▪ At the which his father marveled/ & prayed that he would come in unto him. Now when the Angel came in/ he saluted him, and said: joy be with y● forever more. And old Tobias said: what joy can I have that sit here in darkness, & see not the light of heaven? The young man said unto him: Be of good cheer/ God shall help the shortly. And Tobias said unto him: Canst thou bring my son to Gabelus/ unto the city of Rages in Medea? And when y● comest again/ I shall pay the thy hire. And the Angel said unto him: I shall lead thy son/ and bring him to the again. Then Tobias answered him, tell me I pray y●/ of what house or of what tribe art thou? The Angel Raphael said unto him: Askest thou after the kindred of an hyreling/ or seekest thou a guide for thy son to go with him? But that I make the not careful, I am Azarias the son of great Hananias. And Tobias answered: thou art come of a great kindred: but I pray thee, be not displeased/ that I desired to know thy kindred. The Angel said unto him: thy son shall I lead forth safely, & bring him whole to the again. Then answered Tobias, and said: well, go on your way, & God be in your journey, & his angel bear you company. So when they had prepared all things, that they would take with them in their journey: Tobias bade his father & his mother farewell, and they went on their way both together. Now when they were gone: his mother began to weep, & said: The staff of our age hast thou taken away, & sent him from us. Would God that money had never been, for the which thou hast sent him away. If we had been content with our poverty, this had been great riches unto us/ that we saw our son here. Then said Tobias unto her: weep not, our son shall come to us again safe & sound, & thine eyes shall see him. For I trust, that the good Angel of God shall bear him company, & ordre well all the things that he doth: so that he shall come to us again which joy. At these words his mother left of from weeping, and held her tongue. ¶ young Tobias is delivered from the fish, by the angel The Angel exhorteth Tobias to take ●ar● to his wife. CAPI. VI SO Tobias went on his way/ & a dog followed him/ and the first night they abode by the water of Tigris. Then went he out to wash his feet/ & behold/ there came forth an horrible fish to devour him. Of whom Tobias was afraid, & cried with a loud voice/ saying: Lord/ he cometh upon me. And the Angel said unto him: Take him by the gyll/ and draw him to the. And he did so/ and drew him upon the land. And the fish began to leap at his feet. Then said the Angel unto him: take out the bowels of this fish/ and as for the heart/ the gall & the liver/ keep them by the. For these things are necessary and good for medicine. Tobias did so/ and roasted the fish/ and they took him with them in their journey: the residue they salted, as much as was sufficient for them/ till they came to Rages a city of the Medes. Then Tobias asked the angel/ & said unto him: I pray the brother Azaria, tell me, whereto are these things good of the fish that thou hast bidden me keep? The Angel answered him and said: If thou layeste a piece of the heart upon the coals/ the smoke thereof driveth away all manner of evil spirits/ whether it be from man or from woman, so that from thence forth the same shall come no more unto them. The gall is good to anoint or to strike the eyes withal/ where as there is any blemith in then, so that they shallbe whole. And Tobias said unto him: where wilt thou that we remain? The angel answered & said: Here is a nigh kinsman of thine, one raguel by name, which hath a daughter called Sara, and hath nether son nor daughter but her. All his good belongeth unto thee, and thou must marry her, and therefore desire her of her father, & he shall give her the to wife. Then answered Tobias and said: As I understand, she hath been married unto seven husbands, and they all are deed: and I have herd say, that the devil slew them. I am afraid therefore, lest such things happen unto me also: which if it came to pa●se (saying I am the only son of my father and my mother) I should bring them in their age with sorrow to their graves. Then said the angel Raphael unto him: Hear me, & I will tell the what they be, or whom the devil hath power Namely, they that receive marriage of such a fashion, that they shut God out from them & from their heart. & give themselves to their own lust, even as it were an horse & Mule, which have no understanding: upon such hath the devil power. But when thou takest her, and art come into the chamber, wytholde thyself from her three days, and give thy diligence unto nothing but unto prayer with her. And in the first night, roast the liver of the fish. & the devil shallbe driven away. The second night shalt thou be received into the company of the holy patriarchs. The third night shalt thou obtain the blessing of God so that whole children shallbe borne of you. After the third night take the maiden in the fear of God, and more for the desire of children, then for any fleshly lust: that in the sede of of Abraham thou mayest obtain the blessing in children. ¶ young Tobias and the Angel come to the house of raguel. He requyieth Raguels' daughter to wife and obtaineth her. CAPI. VII. THen went they into raguel, which received them joyfully. And when Raguel looked upon Tobias, he said unto Anna his wife: How like is this young man unto my sisters son? And when he had spoken this, he said: whence be ye good brethren? They said: Of the tribe of Nephthaly, out of the captivity of Nynive. Then said Raguel unto them know ye my brother Tobias? They said: ye, we know him well. And when he had spoken much good of him/ the Angel: said unto raguel. Tobias of whom thou askest,, is this young man's father. Then raguel bowed himself down and wept, took him about the neck, and kissed him, and said: Gods blessing have thou my son, for thou art the son of a good virtuous man. And Anna his wife & Sara his daughter wept also. Now when they had talked together, Raguel bade kill a wether, and to make a feste. And when he prayed them to sit down to dinner, Tobias said: I will neither eat nor drink here this day, except thou first grant me my petition, & promise me to give me thy daughter Sara. When Raguel herd this, he was astonished, for he knew, what had happened unto the other seven men, the went in unto her: and he began to fear, that it should chance unto him also in like manner. And while he stood so in doubt and gave the young man no answer, the angel said unto him: Fear not to give him thy daughter, for unto this man that feareth God, belongeth thy daughter to wife, therefore might none other have her. Then said raguel: I doubt not/ but God hath accepted my prayers and tears in his sight: & I trust he caused you to come unto me for the same intent, that this daughter of mine might be married in her own kindred/ according to the law of Moses. And now doubt thou not/ but I will give her unto thee: So he took the right hand of his daughter/ and gave her into the right hand of Tobias, and said: The God of Abraham/ the God of Isaac/ and the God of jacob be with you, join you together, and fulfil his blessing in you. And they took a letter, and made a writing of the marriage. And then made they merry, and praised God. And raguel called Anna his wife unto him/ and bad her prepare another chamber and thither he brought Sara his daughter and she wept. Then said be unto her: Be of good cheer my daughter/ the Lord of heaven give the joy, for the heaviness that thou hast suffered. ¶ The Angel bindeth the devil. Tobias exhorteth his wife to prater, & they pray three days before they lie together. CAPI. VIII. Now after that they had supped/ they brought the young man into her. Then thought Tobias upon the words of the Angel/ and took out of his bag a piece of the liver of the fish/ and laid it upon the hot coals. So the Angel raphael took hold of the devil/ and sent him away/ and bound him in the wilderness of the bier Egypt. Then spoke Tobias unto the virgin/ and said: Up Sara/ let us make our prayer unto God to day/ to morrow/ and overmorowe: for these three nights will we reconcile ourselves with God: and when the third night is passed/ we shall join together in duty of marriage. For we are the children of holy men and we may not come together as the Heathen/ that know not God. Then stood they up both together/ and besought God earnestly/ that he would preserve them. And Tobias said: O Lord God of our father's/ praised be thou of heaven and earth/ of the see/ wells/ & floods/ and of all thy creatures that be therein. Thou madest Adam of the * Gene. two. a. mould of the earth/ and gavest him Eva for an helper And now Lord thou knowest that it is not because of voluptuousness/ that I take this sister of mine to wife, but only for the love of children/ in whom thy name be blessed for ever. And Sara said: have mercy upon us (O Lord) have mercy upon us/ and let us both come whole and sound together to a good age. And about the cock crowing it happened/ that Raguel called his servants/ and they went with him, to make a grave. For he said: it is chanced now unto him peradventure/ as it did unto the other seven men, that went in unto her. Now when they had made the grave/ Raguel came again to his wife, and said unto her: send one of thy maidens, to look if he be deed, that I may bury him afore it be light day. So she sent a maiden to see, which when she came into the chamber, found them whole and sound, sleeping together. And so she came again, and brought good tidings. Then Raguel and Anna his wife praised the Lord and said: Praised be y●, O Lord God of Israel, for it is not happened unto us as we thought. For thou haste dealt mercifully with us, and put away from us the enemy that persecuted us, and hast showed mercy unto yonder two beloved. O Lord, cause them to magnify the more perfectly, and to offer the sacrifice of thy praise, and of their health: that all people may know/ that thou only art God in all the earth. And immediately Raguel commanded his servants/ to fill the grave/ that they had made/ with earth/ a fore it was light/ and bade his wife prepare a feast/ and to make ready all things that were necessary for meat/ to such as went by the way. He caused two fat kine also/ and four wethers to be slain, and meats to be prepared for all his neyhbours and friends. And Raguel charged Tobias to remain with him two weeks. As for all the good that he had, he gave Tobias the half of it, & made this writing, that the half which remained, should fall unto Tobias after their death. ¶ The angel goeth to gabelus, at the desire of Tobias which desyvereth the letter, and receiveth the ●uonye. CAPI. IX. THAN Tobias called unto him the Angel/ whom he thought to have been a man/ and said unto him: Brother Azarias/ I pray the hearken unto my words: If I should give myself to be thy servant/ I shall not deserve thy providence. Nevertheless I beseech thee/ that thou wilt take the beasts and the servants, and go unto Gabelus in rages the city of Medes/ and deliver him his hand writing/ and receive the money of him/ and pray him to come to my marriage. For thou knowest thy self, that my father doth number the days: and if I tarry one day to long, he willbe sorry in his mind. Now seist thou how earnestly raguel hath required me/ so that I cannot say him nay. Then took raphael four of Raguels' servants, and two Camels, and went unto Rages the city of the Medes: and when he had found Gabelus he gave him his handwriting, & received all the money. He told him also of Tobias the son of Tobi, how all things had happened/ and caused him to come with him to the marriage. Now when he came into the house of Raguel/ he found Tobias sitting at the table: and he leapt up, and they kissed one another, and Gabelus wept, and praised God, and said: the blessing of the God of Israel have thou for thou art the son of a right virtuous and just man, and of one that feareth God, and giveth great aims. And blessing have thy wife, & your elders, that ye may see your children & your childer's children, unto the third & fourth generation, & your seed be blessed of the god of Israel, which reigneth world without end. And when they all had said Amen, they went to the feast, but with the fear of the Lord held they the feast of the marriage. ¶ Tobias and his wife are sad for the tarriance of their son. Raguel seudeth again. Tobias with his wife. CAPI. X. NOw while young Tobias made long tarrying/ by reason of the marriage, his father was full of care and heaviness/ and thought: what should be the cause/ that my son tarrieth so long? Or why should he be kept so long there? Peradventure Gabelus is dead/ and no man will give him the money. Thus begamnne he to be very sorrowful, he and Anna his wife with him, & began to weep both together/ because their son was not come again unto them at the day appointed. As for his mother/ she wept with uncomfortable tears/ and said: Woe is me, my son: Oh what ailed us to send the away into a strange country the light of our eyes, thou staff of our age/ thou comfort of our life, thou hope of our generation? saying all the things that we have are only in thee/ we should not have sent the away from us. Then Tobias comforted her, and said: hold thy tongue and be not discomforted, our son is whole and sound: the man that we sent him with all; is faithful enough. Nevertheless she might in no wise be comforted: but daily went out looked about, and went about all the streets, whereby she thought he should come again. ●●at (if it were possible) she might le him coming a far of. But raguel said unto his son in law▪ O carry here, and I shall send a messenger unto thy father Tobias, to tell him that thou art in good health. Tobias said unto him: I am suce, that my father & my my mother count every day, and that their hearts are sorry. So when raguel prayed Tobias with many words, and would in no wise hear him/ he delivered Sara unto him, and the half part of all his good: in servants and handmaidens, in sheep, in Camels, and in kine, and much money, & so sent him away from him with peace and joy, and said: The holy angel of the Lord be with you in your journey, and bring you forth safe & sound, that ye may find all things i good case with your elders, & that mine eyes may see your children afore I die. So the parens embraced their daughter, kissed her, and let her go, exhorting her to honour her father & mother in law, to love her husband, to rule well her household, to keep her house in good order, and to show herself faultless. ¶ young Tobias leving his wife & household in the mydhe way/ cometh before with the angel The become of his mother looking after her sun. He is 〈…〉 received of his father and mother. Sar● cometh seven dares ●●t●r. CAPI. XI. AS they now were going home ward again, upon the. xi. day they came to Charra, which lieth in the half way toward Ninive. And the Angel said. Brother Tobias, thou knowest how thou haste left thy father: therefore if it please thee, we two will go before, and let the household with thy wife and the cattles come soft and fayrly after us. And when Tobias was content that they should go before, Raphael said unto him: Take of the gall of the fish with thee, for it shallbe necessary. So Tobias took of the gall, & they went their way. But Anna the mother of Tobias sat daily by the way side upon the top of an hill/ from whence she might see far about her. And while she was waiting there for his coming/ she looked a far of, and anon she perceived her son coming/ and ran and told her husband/ saying: Behold, thy son cometh. And Raphael said unto Tobias: As soon as thou comest into the house, immediately worship the Lord thy God, and give thanks unto him: then go to thy father: and kiss him, & strike his eyes over with the gall of the fish, that thou hast brought with y●. For be sure, that his eyes shall strait way be opened/ and thy father shall see the light of heaven, & shall rejoice at the sight of the. Then the dog that had been with them in their journey, ran before, and came as a messenger, and wagged with his tail for gladness. So the blind father arose and began to run, and stumbled with his feet/ and gave a servant his hand, ran to meet his son, received him, and kissed him, he and his wife/ and they began to weep for joy. Now when they had worshipped and thanked God/ they sat down. Then took Tobias of the fishes gall/ and anointed his father's eyes: and tarried helfe an hour and than began the blemish to go out of his eyes like as it had been the white skin of an egg: which Tobias took/ and drew from his eyes, and immediately he received his sight. Then they praised God, he and his wife, and all they that knew him. And Tobias said: O Lord God of Israel/ I give the praise and thanks for thou hast chastened me, and made me whole. And lo, now do I see my son Tobias. After seven days came Sara his sons wife also whole and sound with all the household & cattles, with camels and much money of his wives, and with the money that he had received of Gabelus: and he told his father and his mother all the benefits which God had done for him/ by the man that led him. Achior also and Nabath Tobias sister sons came, & were glad and rejoiced with him/ by reason of all the good that God had showed unto him. And so for the space of seven days they made merry/ and were right joyful everichone. ¶ young Tobias rechened by unto his father the pleasures that the angel did him. He offered unto the angel holfe the goods that he brought with him. CAPI. XII. THen Tobyas called his son unto him, and said: What may we give this holy man/ that went with thee? Tobias answered his father/ and said: Father/ what reward shall we give him? Or what thing can deserve his benefits? He hath been my guide, and brought me safe again: he received the money from Gabelus he caused me to get my wife/ he drove the evil sprite from her/ be hath been an occasion of gladness to her father and mother: he delivered me/ that I was not devoured of the fish, he hath made the to see the light of heaven, ye we all have received great good of him. How should we worthily deserve these things unto him? But I pray the my father, that thou wilt desire him/ if haply he will voutch safe/ to take with him the half of all that we have brought. So the father and the son called him/ took him aside/ and began to pray him, that he would be content to take in good worth/ the half part of all that they had brought. Then said he secretly unto them. Praise ye the god of heaven, and give thanks unto him before all men living/ for he hath showed his mercy unto us. It is good to hide the kings secret, but to show & to praise the works of god, it is an honourable thing. Prayer is good with fasting, and mercy is better, then to hoard up treasures of gold. For mercy delivereth from death/ cleanseth sin, and causeth to find everlasting life. But they that do sin & unrighteousness, are the enemies of their own soul. Wherefore I tell you the truth, and will hide nothing from you. When thou prayedst with tears, and buryedst the deed, and leftest thy dinner, and hiddest the deed in thy house upon the day time/ that thou mightest buryens them in the night/ I offered thy prayer before the Lord. And because thou wast accept and beloved of God, it was necessary that temptation should try the. And now hath the Lord sent me to heal thee, and to delyvet Sara thy sons wife from the evil sprite. For I am Raphael an angel, one of the seven that stand before God. When they heard this/ they were sore afraid/ and trembled/ and fell down upon their faces unto the ground. Then said the angel: Peace be with you, fear not. Where as I have been with you/ it is the will of God: give praise and thanks unto him. You thought that I did * G●. x●●●▪ ● Iudi, 〈◊〉. eat and drink with you/ but I use meat that is invisible/ and drink that cannot be seen of men, Now therefore is the time that I must rurne again, unto him that sent me: but be ye thankful unto God, and tell out all his wondrous works. And when he had spoken these words/ he was taken away out of their sight/ so that they saw him no more. Then tell they down flat upon their faces by the spaces of three hours, & praised God: when they rose up, they told all his wondrous works. ¶ Tobias the elder giveth thanks unto God. CAPI. XIII. THen old Tobias opened 〈◊〉 mouth and praised the Lord/ and said: Great art thou O Lord for evermore/ and thy kigdome world without end: for thou scourgest and healest: thou leadest unto hell, and bringest out again/ and there is none that may escape thine hand. O give thanks unto the Lord, ye children of Israel, and praise him in the sight of the heathen. For among the Heathen which know him not hath he scattered you, to the intent that ye should show forth his marvelous works: and cause them for to know, that there is none other God almighty but he. He hath chastened us for our misdeeds/ & for his own mercy sake shall he save us. consider then, how he hath dealt with you/ and praise him with fear & dread, and magnify the everlasting king in your works. I will pray him even in the land of my captivity/ for he hath showed his matestye unto sinful people. Turn you therefore O ye sinners, and do righteousness before God/ and be ye sure, that he will show his mercy upon you. As for me, & my soul, we will rejoice in God. O praise the Lord all ye his chosen, hold the days of gladness, and be thankful unto him. O jerusalem thou city of God/ the Lord hath punished the for the works of thine own hands. O praise the Lord in thy good things/ and give thanks to the everlasting God, that he may build up his tabernacle again in thee/ that he may call again unto thee, all such as be in captivity/ & that thou mayest have joy for evermore. With a fair light shalt thou shine/ and all the ends of the world shall honour the. The people shall come unto the from far/ they shall bring gifts, & worship the Lord in thee/ and thy laud shall they have for a Sanctuary/ for they shall call upon the great name in the. Cursed shall they be that despise thee/ & all that blaspheme thee/ shallbe condemned: but blessed shall they be that build the up. As for thee/ thou shalt rejoice in the children, for they all shallbe blessed/ and gathered together unto the Lord. Blessed are they all that love thee/ and that be glad of thy peace. Praise thou the Lord, O my soul, for the Lord our God hath delivered his city jerusalem from all her troubles. I will count myself happy/ if my seed remain to see the clearness of jerusalem. The gates of jerusalem shallbe builded with Sapphire and Smarage/ and all the compass of her walls with precious stones. All her streets shallbe paved with white marble stone/ and in all streets shall Alleluya be song. Praised be the Lord/ which hath exalted her/ that his kingdom may be upon her for evermore. Amen. And so Tobias made an end of his talking. ¶ Tobias prophesieth the destruction of Ninive His some returned to Raguel, altar the decease of h● father & mother. CAPI. XIIII. AND after that Tobias had gotten his sight again, he lived. xlii▪ years, & saw his childers children Now when he was. C, and. two. year old, he died: and was buried honourably in Ninive. For when he was six and fifty years of age he lost the sight of his eyes, and when he was three score year old he got his sight again. The residue of his life led he in joy/ and increased well in the fear of God/ & departed 〈◊〉 peace. But in the hour of his death he called unto him his son Tobias/ and seven young springaldes his sons children, and said unto them: The destruction of Ninive is at hand, for the word of the Lord can not fail, and our brethren that are scattered out of the land of Israel/ shall come thither again. And the whole land of it that hath been waste/ shallbe filled: & the huose of God that was brent in it/ shallbe builded again: and all such as fear God/ shall return thither: the Heathen also shall forsake their Idols, and come to jerusalem, and dwell there, & all the kings of the earth shallbe glad of her, and worship the Lord God of Israel. And therefore my children, hear your father: Serve the Lord in the truth, seek a● his will/ and do the thing that pleaseth him. Command your children that they do right/ give alms/ be mindful of God, and ever to be thankful unto him in truth and with all their power. Hear me now therefore my children/ & abide not here: but in what day soever ye have buried your mother beside me/ get you from hence. For I see, that the wickedness of it shall bring it to destruction and end. After the death of his mother, Tobyas departed away from Ninive, with his wife and children, and with his childer's children, and came again to his father & mother in law, and found them whole and in a good age, and took the care of them. And he closed their eyes, and was heir unto all Raguels' goods, and saw the fifth generation, and his childers children. And when he was. x●ix. year of age, he died in the fear the Lord, and his kynsfolkes buried him. And all his posterity continued in a good life, and holy conversation: so that they were loved and accepted both of God and men/ and of all the people of the land. ¶ The end of the book of Tobias. ❧: The book of judith. ¶ The buyiding of Egbathanis. The victory of Nabuchodonosor against Arphaxat. The messengers of Nabuchodonosor are despised. CAPI I. ARphaxat the King of the Medes subdued many people unto his dominion, & builded a noble strong city, which he called Egbathanis. The walls of it made he offer stone, four squared, seventy cubytes high/ and thrytye cubits broad. He made towers there upon an hundredth cubits high. But upon the four corners every side was twenty foot broad. He made the ports in the height, like as the towers. This King trusted in his mighty host/ and in his glorious charettes. So in the twelfth year of his reign it happened, the Nabuchodonosor the king of the Assyrians (which reigned in the great city of Ninive) fought against Arphaxat, and overcame him in the great field called Ragau, beside Euphrates & Tigris & Jadason in the field of Erioth the king of the Elykes. Then was the Kingdom of Nabuchodonosor exalted, & his heart was lift up & he sent unto all them that dwelled in Celicea, in Damascus, in Libanus, & unto the Heathen that dwelled in Carmel & Cedar, & to such as dwelled in Galtle in the great field of Esdrelon, to all them that were in Samaria, & beyond the water of jordane unto jerusalem and the whole land of jesse unto the mountains of Ethiopia. Unto all these did Nabuchodonosor the King of the Assyrians send messengers. But they all with one consent would nat agree unto him, & sent the messaungers' again empty, & put them away with out honour. Then Nabuchodonosor the king took indignation at those lands, & swore by his trove, and by his Kingdom, that he would be avenged of all those countries. ¶ Holoferne● is sent of Nabuchodonosor, to sub due all the world. The preparation and pursuit of Holofernes. CAPI. II. IN the thirteenth year of King Nabuchodonosor, upon the. xxii. day of the first month, it was devised in the court of Nabuchodonosor the King of the Assyrians, that he would detende himself. So he called unto him all the elders/ all his captains/ and men of war, and showed them his secret counsel, & told them that his purpose was/ to bring the whole earth under his dominion. Now when they were all content with this saying, Nabuchodonosor the king called Holofernes the chief captain of his wars, & said unto him: Go thy way forth against all the Kingdoms of the west, and specially against those that have despised my commandment. Thou shalt spare no realm, all strong cities shalt thou bring in subtection unto me. Then Holofernes called together all the captains & rulers of all the power in Assiria, & mustered the soldiers unto the host (like as the King commanded him (namely an hundred & twenty thousand fighting men upon foot, & twelve thousand archers upon horseback. All his ordinance sent he before which an inunmerable multitude of camels, so that the host was well provided for with oxen: and small cattles, & that without number. He caused corn to be prepared out of all Syria for his host. Much gold & silver also took he out of the Kings house. So he took his journey/ he and all his host, with charettes/ horsemen, & archers: of whom there were so many, that they covered the ground of the land, like the greshopers. And when he was gone past the borders of the Assyrians, he came toward the great mountains of Ange, which lie upon the left side of Celicia: & so he went up into all their castles, and wan every strong hold. As for the wealthy city of Melothus, he broke it down/ & spoiled all the children of Tharsis and the Ismaelites, which lay toward the wilderness, & upon the South side of the land of Chelon. He went over Euphrates also, & came into Mesopotamia and broke down all the high cities that were there, from the broke of Mambre till a man come to the see: and he took the borders in from Celicia unto the coasts of japhet toward the South. He carried away all the Madiates, & spoiled all their gods, & whosoever withstood him/ he slew them with the sword. After this he went down into the field of Damascus in the time of harvest/ & brent up all the corn & all the trees/ and caused the wines to be cut down. And the fear of him fell upon all them that dwelled in the earth. ¶ Kings become willingly subject to Holofernes The▪ tyranny and cruelty▪ of him. CAPI. III. SO the Kings and Princes of all cities and lands sent their Embassytoures: namely, they of Syrya and Mesopotamia, Syria Sobal, and Lybia, & Celicia, which came to Holofernes, & said: Let thy wrath cease toward us: It is better for us to serve the great king Nabuchdoonosor with our lives, and to be subject unto thee, then that we should die, & be slain, and receive greater hurt. All our cities & possessions, all mountains & hills, all fields, great & small cattle, sheep, goats, horses & camels, all our goods & households, be in thy power, under thy subjection be it all together. We ourselves also and our children willbe thyneowne, come unto us a peaceable Lord, and use our service at thy pleasure. Then came Holofernes down from the mountains with horsemen & great power, and conquered all strong fenced cities, and all that dwelled in the land. And out of all cities he took strong men, & such as were meet for the war, to help him. There came such a fear also upon those countries, that the indwellers of all the cities, the Princes and rulers/ and the people together/ went forth to meet him as he came/ and received him honourably with garlands and torches, with dances/ tabrets and pipes. Nevertheless, though they did this, yet might they nat suage his rigorious stomach: but he destroyed their cities, & hewed down their woods. For Nabuchodonosor the king had commanded him that he should root out all the Gods of the land: to the intent that he only might be called & taken for God, of the nations which Holofernes with his power brought under him. So went he thorough Syria Sabal, and thorough all Appamia, and all Mesopotamia, and came to the I●umeans/ in the land of Gabaa and Septopoly/ and took their cities/ and remained there thirty days, wherein he caused all the whole multitude of his Host to be gathered together. ¶ Israel required help of God, against Holofernes. They f●●t and pray. CAPI. four WHen the children of Israel that dwelled in jewry heard this/ they were sore afraid of him. There came trembling and fear upon them/ least he should do that unto the city of jerusalem/ and the temple of the Lord, that he had done to other cities & their temples. So they sent into all Samaria round about unto jericho, took in & occupied all the tops of the mountains, made fast the towns with walls/ & prepared corn for them against the battle. Eliachim also the pressed wrote unto all them that dwelt toward Esdrelon (which lieth over against the great field by Dothaim) and unto all those by whom men might have passage unto them, that they should take in the ways of the mountains/ whereby there might be any way & passage to Jerusalem/ and that they should hold diligent watch where any straight was betwixt the mountains. And the children of Israel did, as Eliachim the priest of the Lord had commanded them. And all the people cried unto the Lord earnestly/ & humbled their soul's with fastings & prayers, they and their wives The priests put on hearye clothes, & laid the young babes before the temple of the Lord, & covered the altar of the Lord with an hearye cloth. And with one accord they cried unto the Lord God of Israel, that their children should not be given into a pray, & their wives into a spoil/ that their cities should not be laid waist, & that their Sanctuary should not be unhallowed/ & so they to be a shame & rebuke unto the Heathen. Then Eliachim the high priest of the Lord went round about all Israel, & spoke unto them saying: Be ye sure/ that the Lord will hear your petitions/ if ye continue steadfast in fastings & prayers in the sight of the Lord. Remember Moses the servant of the Lord/ which overthrow the Amalechites (that trusted in their might & power, in their host/ in their shields in their charets & horsemen) not with weapons, but with holy prayers. Even so shall all the enemies of Israel be/ if ye continue in this work/ that ye have begun. So upon this exhortation they continued in prayer before the Lord. In so much that they which offered brent sacrifices unto the Lord/ offered the offerings unto the Lord/ being arrayed in hearye clothes & had ashes upon their heads. And they all be sought God from their whole heart/ that he would visit his people of Israel. ¶ Holofernes is discontent with the jews, jehior ●hewith unto Holofernes the m●ruelles of God done unto the jews, for which thing the ●●●ers under Holofernes were very angry with him. CAPI V. AND word came to Holofernes the Prince of the wars of the assyrians, that the children of Israel prepared them selves to make resistance, & how they had stopped the ways betwixt the mountains. Then was he exceeding wroth, & called all the Princes of Moab, & the Captains of Ammon, & said unto them. Tell me, what people is this, that keepeth in the mountains? Or what & how great are their cities? What is their power? Or what manner of host have they? who is their Captain? And why do they despise us (more than all those that dwell in the East) and come nat forth to meet us, that they might receive us with peace? Then Achior the Captain of all the Ammonites answered, & said: Sir, if it please the to hear, I will tell the truth before the concerning this people that dwell in the mountains, and there shall no lie go out of my mouth. This people is of the generation of the Caldees, they dwelled first in Mesopotamia, for they would not follow the god's of their fathers that were in the land of the Caldees, & so forsook they the coustomes of their fore fathers) which had many gods) and worshipped one God, that made heaven and earth: which also commanded them, that they should go from thence, & dwell at Haran. Now when there came a dearth into the whole land, they went down to Egypte, & there they dwells * Gene xv. ●. Acts. seven. a Exod. xii. f. Gala. iii. c. four hundredth years, in the which they multiplied so greatly, that their host might nat be numbered. And when the king of Egypte oppressed them, and subdued them in building of his cities with making of clay & bryck, they cried unto God their Lord, which punished the whole land of Egypt with diverse plagues. Now when the King of Egypte let them go their way, and the plague ceased, & then followed after them, to take them, & to bring them again into his service, while they were flying away, the God of heaven opened the see/ so that the waters stood fast upon both the sides as a wall, and these went thorough the bottom of the see dry shod. In the which place when an innumerable people of the Egyptians followed upon them, they were so over whelmed with the waters: that there remained nat one/ to tell them that came after/ how it happened. So when this people was passed thorough the reed see, they came into the wilderness of the mount Sinai/ where never man might dwell afore, and where the son of man had never rested. There were the bitter waters made sweet for them/ that they might drink, and forty years had they meat from heaven. Where soever they went (without bow & arrow, without buckler or sword) their God fought for them/ and caused them to have the victory. Ye, no man was able to hurt this people/ except it were so, that they departed unfaithfully from the worshipping of the Lord their God. But as oft as they worshipped any other beside their God, he gave them over to be spoiled/ to be slain/ and to be put to confusion. Nevertheless, as oft as they were sorry for departing from the worship of their God/ the same God of heaven gave them power and strength to with stand their enemies. Moreover/ they slew the King of the Canaanites/ jebusites/ Pheresites/ Hethites/ Euites/ and Amorites/ & all the mighty in Hesebon/ & took their lands and cities in possession: & so long as they sinned nat in the sight of their God/ it went well with them/ for their God hateth unrighteousness. For in times passed when they went out of the way/ which God had given them/ that they should walk in it, they were destroyed in diverse battles of many nations: and many of them were carried away presonners unto a strange country. But now lately they have turned themselves again unto the Lord their God/ and are come together again out of the countries where they were scaterd abroad: & thus have they conquered these mountains/ & dwell therein: and as for jerusalem where their Sanctuary is/ they have it again in possession. And therefore my Lord, make diligent inquysyon/ if this people have done wickedness in the sight of their God, then let us go up against them/ for doubtless their God shall deliver them into thy hands/ and subdue them unto thy power. But if this people have not displeased their God, we shall nat be able to withstand them, for their God shall defend them, and so shall we be a shame to all the world. Now when Achior had spoken out these words, all the great men of Holofernes were wroth, and thought to slay him/ and said one to another: what is he this/ which dare say, that the children of Israel are able to withstand Nabuchodhnosor the king and his host? where as they are an unwepened people/ without strength or understanding of the feats of war? That Achior therefore may know that he hath deceived us/ we will go up into the mountains: and when the mighty men of them are taken, that he also shallbe styckte with the sword, that all people may know, that Nabuchodonosor is the God of the earth, & that there is none other without him. ¶ Achior is committed into the hands of the jews by Holofernes. He is tied to a ●●●e, but is loosed of the jews The prayer of the people, Achior is comforted of the jews. CAPI. VI SO when they had left of speaking, Holo fernes took sore indignation/ and said unto Achior: For so much as thou hast prophesied unto us/ saying: that the people of Israel shallbe defended of their God, I wilt show thee/ that there is no God but Nabuchodonosor. Ye when we slay them all as one man/ thou also shalt perish with them thorough the sword of the Assyrians, & all Israel shall be destroyed with thee/ and then shalt thou feel/ that Nabuchodonosor is the Lord of the whole earth. Then shall the sword of my knighthood go thorough thy sides/ and thou shalt fall down styckte among the wounded of Israel/ and shalt not come to thyself again/ but be utterly destroyed with them. But if thou thinkest thy prophecy to be true, why dost thou then change thy colour? why art thou afraid? thinkest thou that my words are not able to be performed? But that thou mayest know, that thou shalt feel these things with them/ behold, from this hour forth will I send the unto yonder people/ that when the punishment of my sword (which they have worthily deserved) falleth upon them, thou mayest be punished with them. So Holofernes commanded his servants to take Achior, & to carry him unto Bethulia, & to deliver him into the hands of the children of Israel. Then Holofernes servants took him, & went thorough the plain field. But when they drew nigh unto the mountains, the sting casters came out against them: Nevertheless they got them away by the side of the mountain/ & bound Achior hand and foot to a tree/ & so left him bound with wythes/ and turned again unto their Lord. notwithstanding the children of Israel went down from Bethulia/ came unto him/ loosed him/ brought him into Bethulia/ set him in the midst of the people, and asked him what the matter was, that the Assyrians had left him bound? Osias the son of Micha of the tribe of simeon/ and Charmim (which is also called Gothoniel) were the principal rulers at the same tyme. Now when Achior stood in the midst of the Senators, and before them all he told them/ what answer be gave Holofernes/ to the thing that he asked him/ and how Holofernes people would have slain him for so saying/ and how Holofernes himself was wroth, and commanded him for the same cause to be delivered unto the Israelites: that when he overcame the children of Israel, he might command Achior also to be put to death with divers torments/ because he said: the God of heaven is their defender. And when Achior had plainly told out all these things, all the people fell down upon their faces, praising the Lord/ & poured out their prayers together unto the Lord, which a general complaint & weeping, and said: O Lord God of heaven & of earth, behold their pride/ & look upon our lowliness and consider how it standeth with thy saints/ and make it to be known/ that thou forsakest nat those/ which hold them fast by thee, and how that thou bringest them low/ that presume of themselves, and make their boast in their own strength. So when the weeping and prayer of the people (which they had made the whole day long) was ended/ they comforted Achior, saying: The God of our father's/ whose power and strength thou hast praised/ shall so reward thee/ that thou shalt rather see their destruction. When the Lord our God then shall give his servants this liberty/ God be also with the among us: so that if it please thee, thou with all thine mayest dwell with us. Now when Oseas had ended the council he took him into his house, and made a great supper, called the elders to it/ and so they refreshed themselves after the fasting. And afterward was all the people called together/ which made their prayers all the night long in the congregation/ and besought the God of Israel for help. ¶ Bethulia is besieged of Holofernes. The people requyteth help of God. They of Bethulia would give over the city for want of water. The prayer of the people with tears and lamentation. CAPI. VII. THe next day/ Holofernes commanded his host/ to go up against Bethulia. There were an hundred and twenty thousand fighting men on foot and two and twenty thousand horsemen/ beside the preparing of them that were won: and came to them on every side out of the countries and cities which he had taken. All these prepared themselves unto the battle against the Israelites/ and came on by the hill side/ unto the top that looketh over against Dothaim/ from the place which is called Belma/ unto Chelmon that lieth toward Esdrelon. Now when the children of Israel saw so great a multitude of the Assyrians/ they fell down flat upon the ground/ strawed ashes upon their heads, and prayed with one accord, that the God of Israel would show his mercy upon his people. And so they took their weapons, and sat betwixt the mountains in the naro we place, and kept the way day and night. But while Holofernes was going about/ he found the water spring/ which from the South side was conveyed into the city by a condit: this commanded he to be direct another way/ & to cut their condit in sunder. There were wells also not far from the walls/ which they used secretly/ more for pleasure then for necessity. Then went the Ammonites & the Moabytes unto Holofernes, & said: The children of Israel trust neither in spear nor arrow/ but keep and defend the mountains and hills. That thou mayest overcome them therefore without the striking of any battle/ set men to keep the wells that they draw no water out of them: so shalt thou destroy them without sword, or at the least they shall be so feeble, that they must be fain to give over the city: Which they think not able to be won, for so much as it lieth in the mountains. These words pleased Holofernes well & all his men of war, and he set an hundredth at every well round about. And when this watch had endured twenty days/ the Cisterns & all that had water, failed them that dwelled in the city of Bethulia, so that in the whole city they had not drink enough for one day/ for the people had water given them daily in a measure. Then came the men and women, young persons and children all unto Osias, & said all with one voice: God be●udge betwixt us and thee, for thou hast dealt evil with us: thou wouldest not speak peaceably with the King of the Assyrians, therefore hath God sold us in their hands/ and there is no man to help us where as we are brought down before their eyes in thirst and great destruction. Therefore gather now together all the people that be in the city/ that we may all yield ourselves willingly unto the people of Holofernes: for better it is that we be captive and praise the Lord with our lives/ then to be slain and perish, and to be laughed to scorn & shamed of every man/ when we see our wives and children die before our eyes. We take heaven and earth this day to record/ and the God of our fathers (which punished us according to the deserving of our sins) and gave you warning, that ye give up the city now into the power of Holofernes host/ that our end may be short with the sword/ which else shall endure long, for want of water and for thirst. When they had spoken out these words, there was a great weeping & howling in the whole congregation, and that of every man, and they cried an whole hour long unto God with one voice, saying: we have sinned with our fathers, we have done amiss/ we have dealt wickedly. Thou that art gracious, have mercy upon us, punish our unrighteousness with thine own scourge, & give not those over the knowledge thee/ unto a people which know the not/ least they say among the Heythen: where is their God. And when they were so weary with this crying and weeping, that they held their tongues/ Osias stood up with watery eyes/ and said: O take good hearts unto you/ (dear brethren) and be of good cheer/ and let us wait yet these five days for mercy of the Lord: peradventure he shall cut away his indignation, and give glory unto his name. But if he help us not when these five days are passed/ we shall do as ye have said. ¶ Of the virtuous woman judith, which reproveth the aunci●●t●s because they tempted the Lord. She also moveth them to encourage and hearten the people, and showeth her council against the enemies of the jews. CAPI. VIII. AND it happened when these words came to the ears of judith a widow, which was the daughter of Merari, the son of Idox, the son of joseph/ the son of Osia/ the son of Elai/ the son of jammor, the son of jedeon/ the son of Raphoim/ the son of Achitob, the son of Melchia/ the son of Euam/ the son of Nathania/ the son of Salathiel/ the son of Simeon, the son of Reuben. And her husband was called Manasses, which died in the days of the barley harvest. For while he was binding the sheves together in the field/ the heat came upon his head, and he died at Bethulia his city/ and there was he buried beside his fathers. Now was Judith his desolate widow three years and six months. And in the higher parts of her house she made herself a privy chambre, where she dwelled/ beyinge closed in with her maidens. She wore a smock of hair/ and fasted all the days of her life/ except the Sabbathes/ and new moans and the solemn days that the people of Israel kept. She was a very fair and beautiful person. Her husband also had left her great riches, a plenteous household/ great unmovable possessions and many cattles. This judith was a woman of a very good report with every one, for she feared the Lord greatly, and there was no body that spoke an evil word of her. When this judith herd, how Osias had promised the people, that after the fift day he would give up the city unto the Assyrians, she sent for the elders Chambri & Charmy, & when they came to her, she said: what thing is this, wherein Osias hath consented that if god help not within five days, he will give over the city to the Assyrians? What are ye, that ye tempt the Lord? This device obtaineth no mercy of God, but provoketh high unto wrath and displeasure. Will ye set the mercy of the Lord a time and appoyute him a day after your will? Nevertheless, for so much as the Lord is patient/ let us rather repent, pouring out tears, and beseeching him of grace. For God threateneth not as a man: neither will he be provoked unto wrath as the children of men. And therefore let us heartily fall down before him/ and serve him with a meek spirit and with weeping eyes say unto the Lord/ that he deal with us according to his own will and mercy: that like as our heart is now vexed/ and brought low thorough the pride of them/ it may so be comforted thorough his grace: in so much as we follow not the sins of our fathers, which forsook their God, and worshipped other Gods: for the which sin they perished with the sword/ were spoiled & brought to shame of all their enemies. As for us, we know none other God but only him, for whose comfort let us tarry with meekness. He shall require and make inquisition for our blood/ from the vexations of our enemies: he shall bring down all the Heythen/ that rise up against us, and put them to dishonour/ even the Lord our God. Therefore dear brethren, saying ye are the honourable & elders in the people of God/ unto whom all the people have respect, and upon whom the life of the people standeth/ life up their hearts with your exhortation/ that they may call to remembrance/ how our fathers also in times past were tempted, that they might be proved/ if they worshipped their God a right. They ought to remember, how * Gen. xxii. a. our father Abraham being tempted, and tried thorough many tribulations/ was found a lover and friend of God. So was Isaac/ so was jacob/ so was Moses/ and all they that pleased God/ being tried thorough many troubles/ were found steadfast in faith. Again/ they that received not their temptations with the fear of God, but put themselves forth with unpaciency and murmuring against God/ perished of the destroyer/ and were slain of serpents. And therefore should not we undertake to be avenged/ for the thing that is done unto us: but to consider/ that all these punishments are far less than our sins and misdeeds. believing also that this correction cometh unto us (as to the servants of God) for amendment/ and not for our destruction. Then said Osias & the elders unto judith: All that thou speakest/ is true/ and no man can reprove thy words. Pray thou for us now therefore unto God, for thou art an holy woman/ and fearest God. And judith said unto them: Seeing/ ye know that my words are of God, then prove my council and devise, if it be of God: & beseech God/ that he will bring my council to good end. Thus have I devised: Ye shall stand this night before the port/ and I will go forth which Abra my maiden. Pray ye therefore unto God/ that he will graciously remember his people of Israel within five days, as ye have said As for the thing that I go in hand withal/ ask ye no questions of it, till I open it unto you myself: do ye nothing else but pray unto the Lord our God for me. Then Osias the prince of the people of juda said unto her: Go thy way i peace, the Lord be with thee/ that we may be avenged of our enemies. And so they went from her again. ¶ The prayer of judith for the victory. CAPI. IX. Now when they were gone their way/ Judith went into her closet, put on an hearrye smock/ strawed ashes upon her head/ fell down before the Lord, and cried unto him/ saying: O Lord God of my father * Gene. 34. ● and. xlix. a simeon/ which gavest him a sword for a defence against the enemies/ that used violence and wilfulness and that ravished the virgin and put her to dyshonesty. Thou that gavest their wives into a pray/ & their daughters into captivity/ and all their pray for a spoil unto thy servants, which bore a zeal unto thee, help me widow, O Lord my God/ I beseech the. For thou hast done all things from the beginning: and look what thou hast taken in hand and devised, it came ever to pass. For all thy ways are prepared/ and thy judgements are done in thy everlasting for knowledge. O look now upon the armies of the Assyrians, like as it was thy pleasure sometime to look upon the host of the Egyptians, when they being weaponed: persecute thy servants, & put their trust in their charettes, horsemen/ & in the multitude of their men of war. But thou lookedst upon their host/ casting a thick darkness before them: & when they came into the deep/ the waters overwhelmed them. Even so Lord, let it go with these/ that trust in the power & multitude of their men of war in their charettes, arrows/ & spears/ and know not, that thou only art our God, which destroyest wars from the beginning/ and that thou art the Lord. O lift up thine arm now, like as ever from the beginning, & in thy power bring their power to nought/ cause their might to fall in thy wrath. They make their boast, that they will unhallow and defile thy Sanctuary/ and to wayst the tabernacle of thy name, & to cast down the horn of thine altar with their sword. Bring to pass (O Lord) that the pride of the enemy may be cut down with his own sword, that he may be taken with the snare of his eyes in me/ and that thou mayest smite high with the lips of my love. O give me a steadfast mind/ that I may despise him and his strength, & that I may destroy him. This shall bring thy name an everlasting remembrance, if the hand of a woman over throw him. For thy power (O Lord) standeth not in the power of men, neither haste thou any pleasure in the strength of horses. There was never proud person that pleased thee, but in the prayer of the humble and meek hath thy pleasure been evermore. O thou God of the heavens/ thou maker of the waters/ and Lord of all creatures/ hear me poor woman, calling upon thee, & putting my trust in thy mercy. Remember thy covenant/ O Lord, and minister words in my mouth, and stablish this device in my heart, that thy house may continue still in holiness/ and that all the heathen may know/ that thou art God/ and that there is none other but thou. ¶ judish decketh herself ●o go to Holofernes. The blessing that the Elders gave judith. Holofernes is in love with judith. CAPI. X. ANd when she had left of crying unto the Lord/ she rose up from the place, where she had lain flat before the Lord, & called her maiden/ went down into her house, laid the hearrye cloth from her/ put of the garmne●es of her wyddowhode/ washed her body/ anointed herself with precious things▪ of sweet savour/ broided and plaited her hair/ set an houve upon her head/ and put on such apparel as belongeth unto gladness, slippers upon her feet/ armellettꝭ, spanges, earrings, finger rings, and decked herself with all her best array. The Lord gave her also a special beauty and fairness (for all this decking of herself was not done for any voluptuousness and pleasure of the flesh, but of a right discretion and virtue, therefore did the Lord increase her beauty) so that she was exceeding amiable and well-favoured in all men's eyes. She gave her maid also a bottle of wine/ a pot with oil, pottage, cake bread & cheese/ and went her way. Now when she came to the port of the city/ she found Osias and the elders of the city waiting there. Which when they saw her, they were astonied, & marveled greatly at her vewty. Nevertheless/ they asked no question at her/ but let her go, saying: The god of our fathers give the his grace, & with his power perform all the devise of thy heart: y● Jerusalem may rejoice over thee, & that thy name may be in the number of the holy & righteous. And all they that were there, said with one voice: so be it, so be it. judith made her prayer unto the Lord, & went out at the port, she and her maid. And as she was going down the mountain/ it happened that about the spring of the day/ the spies of the Assyrians met with her/ & took her, saying: whence comest thou? Or whither goest thou? She answered: I am a daughter of the hebrews/ & am fled from them: for I know, that they shall be given unto you to be spoiled: because they thought scorn to yield themselves unto you/ that they might find mercy in your sight. Therefore/ have I devised by myself after this manner: I will go before the prince Holofernes, & tell him all their secrets, & will show him, how he may come by them, & win them, so that not one man of his host shall perish. And when these men had heard her words, and considered her fair face, they were astonied (for they wondered at her excellent beauty) & said unto her: Thou hast saved thy life by finding out this device, that thou wouldest come down to our Lord: and be thou sure/ that when thou comest unto him, he shall entreat the well/ and thou shalt please him at the heart. So they brought her into Holofernes pavilion/ and told him of her. Now when she came in before him, immediately he was overcome and taken with her beauty. Then said his servants to him: who would despise the people of the jews, that have so fair women? Should we not by reason fight against them for these? So when judith saw Holofernes sitting in a canapy▪ that was wrought of purple silk/ gold, smaragd, & precious stones, she looked fast upon him, and fell down upon the earth. And Holofernes servants took her up again/ at their lords commandment. ¶ Holofrenes requireth of judith the cause of her coming which giveth him a ●uttell answer. CAPI. X. THen said Holofernes unto her: Be of good cheer, and fear not in thine heart, for I never hurt man, that would serve Nabuchodonosor the King. As for thy people, if they had not despised me/ I should not have life up my spear against them. But tell me now/ what is the cause that thou art departed from them/ and wherefore art thou come unto us? And judith said unto him: Sir/ understand the words of thy hand maiden: for if thou wilt do after the words of thy hand maiden/ the Lord shall bring thy matter to a prosperous effect. As truly as Nabuchodonosor a Lord of the land liveth/ & as truly as his power liveth, which is in the to the punishment of all men that go wrong, all men shall not only be subdued unto him thorough thee/ but all the beasts also of the field obey him. For all people speak of thy prudent actyvite, & it hath ever been reported, how thou only art good & mighty in all his kingdom, & thy discretion is commended in all lands. The thing is manifest also, that Achior spoke, and it is well known, what thou commandest to do unto him. For this is plain and of a surety, that our God is so wroth with us (by reason of our sins) that he hath showed by his Prophets unto the people, how that for their sins he will deliver them over unto the enemy. And for so much as the children of Israel know that they have so displeased their God, they are sore afraid of the. They suffer great hungers also, and for want of water; they are dead now in a manner. Moreover, they are appointed to slay all their cattles, that they may dryucke the blood of them: and are purposed to spend all the holy ornaments of their God (which he hath forbidden them to touch) for corn, wine and oil. saying now, that they do these things, it is a plain case, that they must needs be destroyed. Which when I thy handmaids perceived, I fled from them, and the Lord hath sent me unto thee, to show the these things. For I thy handmaiden worship God even here now beside thee, and thy handmaiden shall go for thee, and I will make my prayer unto God, and he shall tell me, when he will reward them their sin, then shall I come and show the and bring the thorough the midst of Jerusalem, so that thou shalt have all the people of Israel, as the sheep without a shepherd: there shall not so much as one dog bark against thee, for these things are showed me by the providence of God: & for so much as God is displeased with them, he hath sent me to tell the the same. These words pleased Holofernes & all his servants, which marveled at the wisdom of her, and said one to another: there is not such a woman upon earth, in beauty and discretion of words. And Holofernes said unto her: God hath done well, that he hath sent the hither before thy people, that y● mayest give them into our hand●●. And for so much as thy promise is good, y 〈…〉 God perform it unto me, he shallbe my go 〈…〉 and thou shalt be excellent and great 〈…〉 court of Nabuchodonosor, & thy name shallbe spoken of in all the land. Holofernes commandeth that judith be well entreat ● Sh● desireth licence to go out in the night c●●●on to 〈…〉neth it. ●●ga● is set unto h●● to 〈◊〉 her to▪ come into Holofernes to a Banks, & the cometh. Holo●●●●es is 〈◊〉. CAPI. XI. THen commanded he her to go in, where his treasure lay/ and charged that she should have her dwelling there) and appointed what should be given her from his table. judith answered him, and said: As for the meat that thou haste commanded to give me/ I may not eat of it as now (lest I displease my God) but will eat of such as I have brought with me. Then said Holoferues unto her: If these things that thou haste brought with the fail/ what shall we do unto thee? And judith said: As truly as thou livest my Lord/ thy handmaiden shall not spend all this/ till God have brought to pass in my hand/ the things that I have devised. So his servants brought her into the tent, where as he had appointed. And as she was going in, she desired that she might have leave to go forth by night & before day, to her prayer & to make intercession unto the Lord Then commanded Holofernes his Chāberla●nes, that she should go out & in at her pleasure/ to pray unto God those three days. And so in the night season she went forth into the valley of Bethulia, and washed herself in the well water. Then went she up/ and besought the Lord God of Israel that he would prosper her way, for the deliverance of his people. And so she went in/ & remained clean in her tent, till she took her meat in the evening. Upon the fourth day it happened/ that Holofernes made a supper unto his servants, and said unto Uagao his chamberlain: Go thy way/ and council this Hebruesse/ that she may be willing to consent to keep company with me. For it were a shame unto all the assyrians, that a woman should so laugh a man to scorn, that she were come from him unmeddled withal. Then went Uagao unto judith, & said: Let not the good daughter be afraid, to come into my Lord, that she may be honoured before him/ that she may eat and drink wine and be merry with him. Unto whom judith answered: Who am I/ that I should say my Lord nay? whatsoever is good before his eyes/ I shall do it: and look what is his pleasure, that shall I think well done, as long as I live. So she stood up/ and decked herself with her apparel/ and went in/ and stood before him. And Holofernes heart was whole moved/ so that he brent in desire toward her. And Holofernes said unto her drink now and sit down/ and be merry/ for thou haste found favour before me. Then said judith: Sir/ I will drink/ for my mind is merrier to day/ then ever it was in all my life. And she took, and did eat/ and drank before him, the things that her maiden had prepared for her. And Holofernes was merry with her/ and drank more wine, than ever he did afore in his life. ¶ Holofernes slepet●● for very dronckēne●, and judith cut ●eth of his head, ●nd goeth there with to her own people of who●● she is r●●●yued with ●oy. They give thanks unto God 〈◊〉 their deliverance. judith speaketh unto Achior. Which maru●leth at her fe●●e done to Holofernes. CAPI. XIII. Now when it was late in the night, his servants made haste every man to his lodging. And Uagao shut the Chambre doors/ and went his way, for they were all overladen with wine. So was judith alone in the chambre. As for Holofernes he lay upon the bed all drunken, and of very drunkenness fell a sleep. Then commaunced judith her maiden, to stand without before the door, & to wait. And judith stood before the bed/ making her prayer with tearesses, & moved her lips secretly, & said: Strengthen me/ O Lord God of Israel, & have respect unto the works of my hands in this hour, that thou mayest set up thy city of jerusalem, like as y● haste promised: O grant that by the I may perform the thing, which I have devised thorough the believe that I have in the. And when she had spoken this, she went to the bedstead, & loosed the sword that hanged upon it, & drew it out. Then took she hold of the hearrye locks of his head, and said: Strengthen me, O Lord God in this hour & with that, she gave him two strokes upon the neck, and smote of his head. Then took she the canapy away, & rolled the deed body aside. Immediately she gather forth, & delivered the head of Holofernes unto her maiden, & bade her put it in her wallet. And so these two went forth together after their custom, as though they would pray & so passed by the host, & came thorough the valley unto the port of the city. And Judith cried a far of unto the watchmen upon the walls: Open the gates (said she) for God is with us, which hath showed his power ● Israel And when they heard her voice, they called the elders of the cite together. And they came a● to meet her, little & great, young & old, for they thought not that she should have come so soon. So they lighted candles, & gathered a bout her every ●hone: but she went up into an high place, and caused silence to be proclaimed. When every man now held his tongue/ judith said: O praise the Lord our God/ for he hath not despised) nor forsaken them, that put their trust in him/ & in me his handmaiden he hath performed his mercy, which he promised unto the house of Israel: ye in my hand this same night hath he slain the enemy of his people. And with that she took forth the head of Holofernes out of the wallet/ and showed it them/ saying. Behold the head of Holofernes the captain of the assyrians, and this is the canapy, wherein he lay in his drunkenness: where the Lord our God hath slain h● by the hand of a woman. But as truly as the Lord liveth/ his Angel hath kept me, going thither/ remaining there, & coming hither again from thence. And the Lord hath not suffered me his hand maiden to be defiled/ but without any filthiness of sine hath he brought me again unto you: & that with great victory, so that I am escaped, and ye delivered/ O give thanks unto him everichone, for he is gracious and his mercy endureth for ever. So they praised the Lord all together, & gave thanks unto him. And to her they said: The Lord hath blessed the in his power, for thorough the he hath brought our enemies to nought. And Ozias the chief ruler of the people of Israel, said unto her: Blessed art thou daughter of the Lord the high God, above all women upon earth. Blessed be the Lord, the maker of heaven & earth, which hath guided y● a right to wound and to smite of the head of the Captain of our enemies. For this day he hath made thy name so honourable, the thy praise shall never come out of the mouth of men/ which shall alway remember the power of the Lord/ saying: thou hast not spared thine own self, but put the in ●eopardy, considering the anguish and trouble of thy people, and so hast helped their fall before God our Lord. And all the people said. Amen. Amen. Achior also was called, & he came. Then said judith unto him: The God of Israel unto whom thou gavest witness, that he would be avenged of his enemies, even he hath this night thorough my hand smitten of the head of all the unfaithful. And that thou mayest see the it so is/ behold this is the head of Holofernes, which in his presumptuous pride despised the God of the people of Israel, & threatened the with destruceyon, saying: when the people of Israel is taken/ I shall cause y● also to be styck●e with the sword. When Achior saw Holofernes head/ he fell down upon his face to the ground for very anguish & fear, so that he swooned with all. But after that he was come again to himself, he fell down before her, and praised her saying: Blessed art thou of thy God in all the tabernacles of jacob: for all the people that here of thy name/ shall praise the God of Israel because of the. ¶ The council of judith. Achior being an Heathen man, turneth to God. The Assyrians are afraid of the jews. CAPI. XIIII. IUdith said unto all the people▪ Brethren, hear me. Styck up this head upon our walls, & when the sun ariseth, take every man his weapon/ & fall out violently: not as though ye would go beside them, but to run upon them/ with violence. When the spies ● the ●entes se this/ they shall of necessity be compelled to ●le backward, and to raise up their captain to the battle. So when their captains come into Holofernes pa●ylyon/ and find the dead body wrapped in the blood, fearfulness shall fall upon them: and when ye perceive that they fly, follow them without all care, for God shall deliver them unto you/ to be destroyed. Then Achior saying the power of God which he had showed unto the people of Israel, fell of from his Heathenish belief, & put his trust in God, & let himself be circumcised, & so was he numbered among the people of Israel, he & all his posterity unto this day. Now as soon as it was day, they styckt up Holofernes head upon the walls, and every man took his weapon, & so they went out with an horrible cry. When the spies saw that, they came unto Holofernes tent. And they that were within the tent, came before his chamber, and made a great rushing to wake him up, because they thought with the noise to have raised him. For there durst not one of the Assyrians knock, go in or open. But when the captains & princes & all the chief in the king of the Assyrians host came together, they said unto the Chamberlains. Go your way in & wake him up, for the mice are crept out of their holes, & dare provoke us unto battle. Then went Uagao into his chambre/ stood before the bed, and clapped with his hands, for he thought he had been sleeping with judith. But when he had hearkened perfectly with his ears/ and could perceive no steering, he went nigher to the bed/ and lift it up, and then saw he the deed body of Holofernes dying there without a head/ weltered in his blood upon the earth. Then cried he with loud voice/ and with weeping rent his clothes/ and went into judithes' tent, and found her not: And so he leapt out unto the people and said: one woman of the Jews, hath brought all Nabuchodonosors people to shame. For lo/ Holofernes lieth upon the ground and hath no head. When the chief of the Assyrians host heard that, they rent their clothes, and there fell an intolerable fear and trembling upon them, so that their minds were sore afraid. And there was an exceeding great cry in the whole host. ¶ The flight of the assyrians/ The ●●●su●● of Israel after 〈◊〉. Israel becometh ●●che, by the spoils of the Assyrians judith is praised of joachim and of the people. CAPI. XV. NOw when all the host herd that Holofernes was headed, their mind and council fell from them: and such a fear came upon them, that they undertook to defend them selves by flying away: one spoke not to another but hanged down their heads, left all behind them/ & made haste to escape from the hebrews: for they heard/ that they were hasting to come after with their weapons, and so they fled by the ways of the fields/ and thorough all the fo●e paths of the dales. And when the children of Israel saw that they fled/ they followed upon them/ and went down with trumpets/ blowing and making a great cry after them. As for the Assyrians, they had no ordre and kept not themselves together, but fled their way. Nevertheless, the cyldrens of Israel fell upon them with one company and order/ and discomfited as many as they might get. And Os●as sent messaungers unto all the cities and countries of Israel. So all the regions and every city sent out their best men after them in harness, and smote them with the sword/ till they came to the uttermost part of their borders. And the other that were in Bethulia came in to the tents of the Assyrians, & took all that they which were fled had left behind them, & so they found great good. And they that came again to Bethulia from the battle, took with them such things as had been theirs: there was no number of the cattle/ & of all costly jewels, so that from the lowest unto the highest/ they were all made ●iche of the spoils of them. And joachim the high pressed at Jerusalem, came to Bethulia with all the elders/ that they might see judith. Now when she came out unto them/ they began all to praise her with one voice, saying: thou worship of the city of Jerusalem, thou joy of Israel, thou honour of our people, thou hast done manly, & thy heart is comforted, because thou hast loved cleanliness & chastity, & hast known no man but thine own husband: therefore hath the hand of the Lord comforted thee, & blessed shalt thou be for ever. And all the people said: so be it, so be it. In thirty days could the people of Israel scarce gather up the spoils of the Assyrians. But all that belongeth unto Holofernes/ and had been his specially (whether it were of gold/ of silver, precious stones/ clothing, and all ornaments) they gave it unto judith. And all the people rejoiced/ both women/ maidens/ and young people/ with pipes and haps. ¶ The ●onge of judith for the victory. After the v●c●●●ye obtained, the people cometh to jerusalem, to worship and praise God. CAPI. XVI. THen song judith this song unto the Lord: Begin unto the Lord upon the tabrets, sing unto the Lord upon the cymbals. O sing unto him a new song of thanksgiving, be joyful & call upon his name. It is the Lord that destroyeth wars even the Lord in his name. Which hath pitched his tents in the midst of his people/ that he might deliver us from the hand of our enemies. Assur came out of the mountains of the North in the multitude of his strength. His people stopped the water brooks/ and their horses covered the valleys. He purposed to have brent up my land, & to ●●ey my young men which the sword. He would have carried away my children and virgins into captivity, but the almighty Lord hindered him/ and delivered him into the hands of a woman/ which brought him to confusion. For their mighty was not destroyed of the young men. It was not the sons of Titan that slew him/ neither have the great giants set themselves against him: but judith the daughter of Merari with her fair beauty hath discou●fited him/ and brought him to nought. For she laid away her widow's garment/ and put on the apparel of gladness to the rejoicing of the children of Israel. She anointed her face, and bound up her hair in an houve/ to beguile him. Her slippers ravished his eyes, her beauty captivated his mind, with the sword smote she of his neck. The Persians were astonied at her steadfastness and the Medes at her boldness. Then howled the armies of the Assyrians/ when my simple appeared, dry of thirst. The sons of the daughters have pierced them thorough and slain them as fugitive children: they perished in the battle, for the very fear of the Lord my God. Let us sing a song of thanksgiving unto the Lord, a new song of praise will we sing unto our God: Lord, Lord, thou art a great God, mighty in power, whom no man may overcome. All thy creatures should serve thee: for thou spakest but the word, and they were made: thou se●test thy spirit, and they were created/ and no man can withstand thy voice▪ The mountains shall move from the fo●●▪ dacyons with the waters/ the stony Rocks shall melt before the like wax. But they that fere thee: shallbe great with the in all things. woe unto the people that ●ise up against my generation, for the almighty Lord will avenge himself of them, and in the day of judgement wylhe visit them. For he shall give fire & worms into their flesh, that they may burn and feel it for evermore. After this it happened/ that after the victory, all the people came to jerusalem, to give praise and thanks unto the Lord. And when they were purified/ they offered all their brentsacryfyces and their promised offerings. And judith offered all Holofernes weapons, and all the jewels/ that the people had given her/ and the canapy that she took from his bed, and hanged them up unto the Lord. The people was joyful, as the use is: and this joy by reason of the victory, with judith, endured three months. So after these days/ every man went home again, and judith was in great reputation at Bethulia/ and right honourably taken in all the land of Israel. Unto her virtue also was chastity joined/ so that after her husband Manasses died/ she never knew man all the days of her life. Upon the high solemn days she went out with great worship. She dwelled in her husbands house an hundred and five year, & left her hand maiden fr●, and died, and was buried beside her husband in Bethulia. And all the people mourned for her seven days. So long as she lived/ there was none that troubled Israel/ & many years also after her death. The day wherein this victory was gotten/ was solemp●y holden, and reckoned of the jews in the nō●er of the holy days, and it is yet greatly holden of the Jews ever sense/ unto this day. ¶ The end of the Book of Judith. ❧: The rest of the Chapters of the book of Esther which are nether found in the Hebrew, nor in the Chalde. ¶ The dream of Mardocheus. ¶ The. xi. Chapter after the Latyn. MArdocheus the son of jair, the son Semei, the son of Cisei of the tribe of Bē●a●in, a jew: which had his dwell●ge in the cite of Susis, a man of great reputation, & excellent among all them that were in the kings court▪ (Nevertheless, he was one of the presoners/ whom Nabuchodonosor the king of Babylon had carried away from Jerusalem unto Babylon with jechonias the king of juda.) In the second year of the reign of great Artaxerses in the first day of the month Nisan, had this Mardocheus such a dream: He thought he heard a great tempest/ horrible thonderclappes, earthquakes, & great uproar in the land, and that he saw two great dragons/ ready to fight one against another. Their cry was great. At the which roaring and cry all Heathen were up, to fight against the righteous people. And the same day was full of darkness and very unclear full of trouble and anguish/ ye a great fearfulness was there in all the land. The righteous were amazed/ for they feared the plague and evil that was devised over them, and were at a point with themselves to die. So they cried unto God: and while they were crying, the little well grew into a great river & into many waters. And with that it was day/ & the sun rose up again. And the lowly were exalted/ & devoured the glorious & proud. Now when Mardocheus had seen this dream/ he awoke/ & mused steadfastly in his heart, what God would do: and so he desired to know all the matter/ ● his mind was thereupon until the night. ¶ Mardocheus v●●●●eth the ●reason devised against the King, and to therefore rewarded of him. CAPI. XII. AT the same time dwelled Mardocheus with Bagatha and tars in the kings court the kings Chamberlains & porters of the palace. But when he heard their device/ & had diligently considered their imaginations, he perceived that they went a▪ bout, to lay their cruel hands upon the king Artaxerses: and so he certified the king thereof. Then caused the King to examen the two gelded with torments. And when they had granted it, they were put to death. This the king caused to be put in the Chronicles for an everlasting remembrance/ and Mardocheus wrote up the same matter. So the king commanded that Mardocheus should remain in the court, & for this faithfulness of his, he gave him a reward. But Aman the son of Amadathu the Agagite/ which was holden in great honour & reputation in the kings court undertook to hurt Mardocheus & his people/ because of the two Chamberlains that were put to death. ¶ The copy of the letters of Artaxerses against the jews. The prayer of Mardocheus. CAPI. XIII. THe great king Artaxerses which reigneth from juda unto Ethiopia, over an h●dreth and seven & twenty lands, sendeth his fredly salutation unto all the Princes and debits of the countries/ which be subject unto his dominion. When I was ma●e lord over many people, & had subdued the whole earth unto my dominion/ my mind was not with cruelty and wrong to exalt myself by the reason of my power: but purposed with equity alway and gentleness/ to govern those that be under my jurisdiction/ and wholly to set them in a peceable life, and thereby to bring my Kingdom unto tranquillity, that men might safely go thorough on every side/ and to renew peace again/ which all men desire. Now when I asked my councelers how these things might be borough to a good end/ there was one by us/ excellent in wisdom, whose good will/ truth/ and faithfulness hath oft been showed and proved (which was also the principal and next unto the king) Aman by name: which certified us, how that in all lands there was scattered abroad a rebellious folk, that made statutes & laws against all other people/ and have alway despised the proclaimed commandments of Kings: and how that for this cause it were not to be suffered, that such rule should continue by you and not to be put down. saying: now we perceive the same, that this people alone are contrary unto every man/ using strange and other manner of laws/ & withstand our statutes and doings, and go about to stablish shrewd matters, that our kingdom should never come to good estate, and steadfastness: Therefore have we commanded/ that all they that are appointed in writing and showed unto you by Aman (which is ordained and set over all our lands) and the most principal next unto the king, and in manner as a father) shall with their wives and children be destroyed and rooted out with the sword of their enemies and adversaries: & that there shall be no mercy showed/ and no man spared. And this shallbe done the. xiv. day of the mo●leth (called Adar) of this year, that they which of old (and now also) have ever been rebellious/ may in one day with violence be thrust down into the hell, to the intent that after this manner/ our empire may have peace and tranquillity. But Mardocheus thought upon all the works and noble acts of the Lord, and made his prayer unto him, saying: O Lord Lord, thou valiant and almighty king (for all things are in thy power, and if thou wilt help & deliver Israel, there is no man that can withstand nor let thee: for thou hast made heaven and earth/ and what wondrous thing so ever is under the heaven: thou art Lord of all things, and there is no man that can resist thy majesty (O Lord) Thou knowest all things/ thou woteste Lord that it was nether of malice/ nor presumption/ nor for any desire of glory, that I would not vow down myself nor worship yonder proud presumptuous Aman (for I would have been content/ & that with good will/ if it might have done Israel any good, to have kissed even his fotsteppes) but that I did it, because I would not set the honour of a man in the stead of the glory of God/ and because I would worship none but only y● my Lord. And this have I done in no pride nor presumption. And therefore O Lord thou God & king, have mercy upon thy people for they imagine how they may bring us to nought, ye their mind & desire is to destroy and to overthrow the people/ that hath ever been thine inheritance of old. O despise not thy portion, which thou hast delivered & brought out of Egypte for thine own self. Hear my prayer/ and be merciful unto the people, whom thou hast chosen for an heritage unto thyself. Turn our complaint and sorrow into joy, that we may live O Lord/ & praise thy name. O Lord/ suffer not the mouths of them that praise thee, to be destroyed. All the people of Israel in like manner cried as earnestly as they could unto the Lord, for their death and destruction stood before their eyes. ¶ The prayer of Es●her for the deliverance of her au● her people. CAPI. XIIII. Queen Esther also being in the battle of death, resorted unto the lord, laid away her glorious apparel/ and put on the garments that served for sighthing and mourning. In the stead of precious ointment/ she scattered ashes and dung upon her head: and as for her body, she humbled it with fasting/ and brought it very low. All the places where she was wont to have joy afore, those filled she with the hear/ that she plucte out herself. She prayed also unto the Lord God of Israel with these words▪ O my Lord, thou only art our king/ help me desolate woman/ which have no helper but thee, for my misery & destruction is hard at my hand. Fro my youth up I have hetde out of the kindred of my father that thou tookest Israel from among all people (& so have our fathers of their fore elders) that they should be thy perpetual inheritance/ and look what thou diddest promise them, thou hast made it good unto them. Now well Lord, we have sinned before thee/ therefore hast thou given us into the hands of our enemies/ because we worshipped their gods. Lord, thou art righteous. Nevertheless it satisfieth them not/ that we are in bitter and heavy captivity and oppressed among them, but thou hast laid their hands upon the hands of their gods: so that they begin to take away/ the thing that thou with thy mouth hast ordained and appointed to destroy thine inheritance/ to shut and to stop the mouth of them that praise thee, to quench the glory & worship of thy house and thine altar, and to open the mouths of the Heathen, that they may praise the power and virtue of the gods, and to magnify the fleshly king for ever. O Lord, give not thy sceptre unto them that be nothing, lest they laugh us to scorn in our misery & fall: but turn their device upon themselves, and punish him, that hath begun the same over us and set him to an example. Think upon us O Lord/ and show thyself unto us in the time of our distress and of our trouble. Strength me O thou King of Gods/ thou Lord of all power, give me an cloquent & pleasant speech in my mouth before the Lyon. Turn his heart in to the hate of our enemy/ to destroy him, and all such as consent unto him. But deliver us with thy hade, and help me thy hand maid, which have no defence nor hell per put only thee: Lord/ thou knowest all things, thou wottest that I love not the glory and worship of the unrighteous, and that I hate and abhor the bed of the uncircum cysed and of all Heathen. Thou knowest my necessity/ that I hate the token of my pre-eminence and worship, which I bear upon my head/ what time as I must show myself and be seen, & that I abhor it as an unclean cloth, and that I wear it not when I am quiet and alone by myself. Thou knowest also that I thy hand maiden have not eaten at Amans table, and that I have had no pleasure nor delight in the Kings feast/ that I have not drunk the wine of the drinckoffringes, and that I thy hand maiden have no joy sense the day that I was brought hither/ unto this day/ but only in the O Lord. O thou God of Abraham, O thou mighty God above all, hear the voice of them, that have none other hope, & deliver us out of the hand of the wicked/ and deliver me out of my fear. ¶ Mardocheus moveth Hester to go into the King/ and make intercession for her people/ and she performeth his request. CAPI. XV. MArdocheus also bad Hester go in unto the king, and pray for her people and for her country. Remember (sayeth he) the days of thy low estate, how thou waste nourished under my hand: For Aman which is next unto the king, hath given sentence of death against us. Call thou therefore upon the Lord, & speak for us unto the king/ & deliver us from death And upon the third day it happened/ that Hester laid away the mourning garments/ and put on her glorious apparel/ & decked herself goodly (after that she had called upon God, which is the beholder and saviour of all things) took two maids with her: upon the one she leaned herself, as one that was tender: the other followed her/ and bare the train of her vesture. The shine of her beauty made her face rose coloured. The similitude of her face was cheerful & amiable/ but her heart was sorrowful for great fear. She went in thorough all the doors, and stood before the king, The king sat upon the throne of his kingdom, and was clothed in his goodly array/ all of gold, and set with precious stones, & he was very terrible. He lift up his face/ that shone in the clearness, and looked grily upon her. Then fell the Queen down/ was pale & faint, leaned herself upon the head of the maid that went with her. Nevertheless, God turned the kings mind that he was gentle/ that he leapt out of his seat for fear, and got her i his arms, and held her up till she came to herself again He gave her loving words also, and said unto her: Hester/ what is the matter? I am thy brother/ be of good cheer, thou shalt not die: for our commandment toucheth the commons & not y●. Come nigh. And with that he held up his golden rod/ and laid it upon her neck, and embraced her friendly/ & said: talk with me. Then said she: ‡ G● xx●●li. l● I saw y● (O Lord) as an Angel of God, & my heart was troubled for fear of thy majesty and cleanness: For excellent and wonderful art thou (O Lord) and thy face is full of amity. But as she was thus speaking unto him, she fell down again for faintness: for the which cause the king was afraid, and all his servants comforted her. ¶ The Copy of the letters of Arthaxerses, whereby he revoketh those which he first send forth. CAPI. XVI. THe great King Artaxerses/ which raineth from Iudia unto Ethiopia over an hundredth and. xxvij. lands/ sendeth unto the Prices and rulers of the same lands/ such as love him/ his friendly salutation. There be many that for the sundry friendships & benefits which are diversly done unto them for their worship/ be ever the more proud and high minded/ & undertake not only to hurt our subjects (for plenteous benefits may they not suffer/ and begin to imagine some thing against those that do them good/ and take not only all unthankfulness away from men) but in pride and presumption (as they that be unmindful and unthankful for the good deeds) they go about to escape the judgement of God, that saith all things/ which (judgement) hateth & punisheth all wickedness. It happeneth oft also, that they which be set in office by the higher power, & unto whom the business and causes of the subjects are committed to be handled, wax proud, and defile themselves with shedding of innocent blood/ which bringeth them to intolerable hurt. Which also with false & deceitful words and with lying tales, deceive & betray the innocent goodness of Princes. Now is it profitable and good/ that we take heed, make search thereafter/ and consider, not only what hath happened unto us of old: but the shameful, unhonest/ & noisome things, that the debits have now taken in hand before our eyes/ and thereby to beware in time to come/ that we may make the Kingdom quiet and peaceable for all men, and that we might some time draw it to change: and as for the thing that now is present before our eyes/ to withstand it, and to put it down, after the most friendly manner. What time now as Aman the son of Amadathu the Macedonian (a stranger verily of the persians blood/ and far from our goodness) was come in among us as an alient, and had obtained the friendship that we bear toward all people/ so that he was called our father/ and had in high honour of every man/ as the next and principal unto the King, he could not forbear himself from his pride, hath undertake not only to rob us of the kingdom/ but of our life. With manifold deceit also hath he desired to destroy Mardocheus our helper & preserver/ which hath done us good in all things: and innocent Hester the like partaker of our kingdom/ with all her people. For his mind was (when he had taken them out of the way/ and rob us of them) by this means to translate the kingdom of the Persians unto them of Mocedonia. But we find/ that the jews (which were accused of the wicked, that they might be destroyed) are no evil doers/ but use reasonable and right laws: and that they be the children of the most high living God/ by whom the kingdom of us & our progenitors hath been well ordered hitherto. Wherefore, as for the letters and commandments, that were put forth by Aman the son of Amadathu ye shall do well, if ye hold them of none effect: for he that set them up and invented them, hangeth at Susis before the port, with all his kynted, & God (which hath all things in his power) hath rewarded him after his deserving. And upon this ye shall puplysh and set up the copy of this letter in all places/ that the jews may freely and without hindrance hold themselves after their own statutes/ and that they may be helped/ and that upon the. xiij. day of the. xij. month. Adar/ they may be avenged of them, which in the time of their anguish and trouble/ would have oppressed them. For the God that governeth all things, hath turned to joy the day, where in the chosen people should have perished. Moreover, among the high solemn days that ye have ye shall hold this day also with all gladness: that ●ow and in time to come, this day may be a remembrance to good/ for all such as love the prosperity of the Persians: but a remembrance of destruction to those that be seditious unto us. All cities & lands that do not this, shall horribly perish and be destroyed with the sword and fire/ and shall not only be no more inhabited of men/ but be abhorred also of the wild beasts and fowls. The end of the rest of the book of Esther. ❧: The book of wisdom. ¶ How we ought to search and inquire after God, and who ●e those that find him. Of the holy ghost, we ought to fly from backbyting and murmuring. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. CAPI. I. O Set your affection upon righteousness, ye that be judges of the earth. Have a good opinion of the Lord, and seek him in the singleness of heart. For he will be found of them that tempt him not, and appeareth unto such as put their trust in him As for froward thoughts/ they separate from God/ but virtue) if it be allowed) reformeth the unwise. And why? wisdom shall not enter into a froward soul, nor dwell in the body that is subdued unto sin. For the holy ghost abhorreth feigned nurture/ and withdraweth himself from the thoughts that are without understanding: and where wickedness hath the upper hand, he flieth from thence. For the spirit of wisdom is loving, gentle and gracious/ & will have no pleasure in him that speaketh evil with his lips. For God is a witness of his reins, a true searcher out of his heart, and an hearer of his tongue. For the spirit of the Lord filleth the round compass of the world: and the same that upholdeth all things/ hath knowledge also of the voice: Therefore, he that speaketh unrighteous things, can not be hid, nether may he escape the judgement of reproof. And why? inquisition shallbe made for the thoughts of the ungodly, and the reprote of his words shall come unto God, so that his wickedness shallbe punished, for the ear of jealousy heareth all things, and the noise of the grudgings shall not be hid. Therefore, beware of murmuring, which is nothing worth, and refrain your tongue from slander. For there is no word so dark and secret, that it shall go for nought: and the mouth that speaketh lies, slayeth the soul. O seek nat your own death in the error of your life, destroy not yourselves thorough the works of your awne hands. For God hath not made death, nether hath he pleasure in the destruction of the living. For he created all things, that they might have their being: ye all the people of the earth hath he made that they should have health, that there should be no destruction in them, and that the kingdom of hell should not be upon earth (for righteousness is everlasting & immortal, but unrighteousness bringeth death.) Nevertheless, the ungodly call her unto them both with words and works: and while they think to have a friend of her, they come to nought: for the ungodly that are confederate with her and take her part, are worthy of death. ¶ The imaginations and desires of the wicked, and the●e council against the faithful. CAPI. II. FOR the ungodly talk and imagine thus among themselves (but not right:) The time of our life is but short & tedious, and when a man is once gone, he hath no more joy nor pleasure, neither know we any man that turneth again from death: for we are borne of nought, & we shall be hereafter as though we had never been. For our breath is as a smoke in our nosetre●s, & the words as a spark to move our heart. As for our body/ it shallbe very ashes that are quenched, and our soul shall vanish as the soft air. Our life shall pass away as the trace of a cloud, and come to nought as the mist that is driven away with the beams of the Son, and put down with the heat thereof. Our name also shallbe forgotten by little and little, and no man shall have our works in remembrance. For our time is a very shadow that passeth away/ & after our end there is no returning, for it is fast sealed, so that no man cometh again: Come on therefore/ let us enjoy the pleasures that there are, and let us soon use the creature like as in youth. Let us fill ourselves with good wine & ointment, and let there no flower of the time go by us. Let us crown ourselves with roses afore they be withered. Let there be no fair meadow/ but our lust go thorough it. Let every one of you be partake● of our voluptuousness. Let us leave some token of our pleasure in every place, for that is our portion, else get we nothing. Let us oppress the poor righteous/ let us nat spare the widow nor old man: let us nat regard the heads that are grey for age. Let the law of unrighteousness be our authority, for the thing that is feeble is nothing worth. Therefore let us defraud the righteous, & ●hy? he is not for our profit/ ye he is clean contarye to our doings. He checketh us for offending against the law/ & ●●landreth us as trangressours of all nurtou●. He maketh his boast to have the knowledge of God, ye he calleth himself Goddess son. He is the be wrayer of our thought. It grieveth us also to look upon him, for his light is not like other men's, his ways are of another fashion. He counteth us but vain persons, he withdraweth himself from our ways as from fylthyves: he commendeth greatly the latter end of the ivit, and maketh his boast that God is his father. Let us see then it his words be true, let us prove what shall come upon him: so shall we know what end he shall have. For if he be the true son of God, he will receive him, and deliver him from the hands of his enemies Let us examen him with despiteful rebuke aod tormenting, that we may know his dignity, and prove his patience. Let us condemn him with the most shameful death: for like as he hath spoken, so shall he be rewarded. Such things do the ungodly imagine, and go astray, for their own wickedness hath blinded them. As for the mysteries of God, they understand them not: they neither hope for the reward of righteousness, nor regard the worship that holy souls shall have. For God created man to be unde stroied: ye after the * Gene. i d. image of his own likeness made he him. Nevertheless thorough envy of the devil came death in to the world: & they that hold of his side, do as he doth. ¶ The conseruatyon and assurance of the righteous. The reward of the faithful. CAPI. III. BUT the souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and the pain of death shall not touch them. In the sight of the unwise they appeared to die, and their end is taken for very destruction. The way of the righteous is judged to be utter destruceyon, but they are in rest. And though they suffer pain before men, yet is their hope full of immbrtalyte. They are punished but in few things, nevertheless in many things shall they be well rewarded. For God proveth them, and findeth them me●e for himself: ye as the gold in the furnace doth he try thee, and receiveth them as a 〈…〉 offering, and when the time cometh they shallbe looked upon. The righteous shall shine as the sparks that run thorough the red bush. They shall judge the nations, and have dominion over the people, and their Lord shall reign for ever. They that ●u● their trust in him/ shall understand the truth, & such as be faithful; will agree unto him in love: for his choseu shall have gifts and peace. But the ungodly shallbe punished according to their own imaginations, for they have despised the righteous, and forsaken the Lord. Who so despiseth wisdom & vurtoure, he is unhappy, & as for the hope of such, it is but vain, their labours unfruitful, and their works unprofitable. Their wives are undisercte, and their children most ungodly. Their creature is cursed. Blessed is rather the barren and undefiled, which hath not knownethe sinful bed: she shall have fruit in the reward of the holy souls. And blessed is the gelded, which with his hands hath wrought no unrighteousness, nor imagined wicked things against God. For unto him shall be given the special gift of faith/ & the most acceptable portion in the temple of God. For glorious is the fruit of good labour/ & the rote of wisdom shall never fade away. As for the children of adulterers/ they shall come to an end/ & the seed of an unrighteous bed shall be rooted out. And though they live long/ yet shall they he nothing regarded/ & their last age shallbe without honour. If they die hastily they have no hope, nether shall they be spoken to in the day of knowledge. For horrible is the death and end of the unrighteous. ¶ Of the chaste generation of the faithful, and of them felicity. Of the death of the righteous, and of the condemn ●yon, of the unfaithful. CAPI. four O How fair is a chaste generation with virtue? The memorial thereof is immortal/ for it is known with God and with men. When it is present/ men take example there at: & if it go away/ yet they desire it. It is all way crowned & holden in honour, and winneth the reward of the undefiled batrayll. But the multitude of ungodly children is unprofitable/ and the things that are planted with whoredom/ shall take no deep rote, nor lay any fast foundation. Though they be green in the branches, for a time, yet shall they be shaken with the wind, for they stand not fast/ and thorough the vehemecye of the wind they shallbe rooted out. For the unperfect branches shallbe broken, their fruit shallbe unprofitable & sour to eat, ye meet for nothing. And whyeal the children that are borne of the wicked, must bear record of the wickedness against their fathers & mothers, when they be asked. But though the righteous be overtaken with death/ yet shall he be in rest. Age is an honourable thing: nevertheless it▪ standeth not only in the length of time, nor in the multitude of years: but a man's wisdom is the grey hair, and an undefiled life is the old age. He pleased God, & was beloved of him: so that where as he lived among sinners, he translated him * 〈…〉. v. s, Ye suddenly was he taken away, to the intent that wickedness should not alter his understanding, & that hypocrisy should nat be guile his soul. For the crafty bewitthing of lies make good things dark, the unsted fastness also and wickedness of bolupteous desyreturne aside the understanding of the simple. Though he was soon deed, yet fulfilled he much time: For his soul pleaseth God: therefore hasted he to take him away from among the wicked. This the people se, and understand it not: they lay not up such things in their hearts, how that the loving favour and mercy of God is upon his saints/ and that he hath respect unto his chosen. Thus the righteous that is deed, condemneth the ungodly which are living: & the youth that is soon brought to an end/ the long life of the unrighteous. For they see the end of the wise, but they understand not what God hath devised for him, and wherefore the Lord hath taken him away. And why? they se him & despise him, therefore shall God also laugh them to scorn: So that they themselves shall die here after (but without honour) ye in shame among the deed for evermore. For without any voice shall he burst those that be puffed up, & remove them from the foundations, so that they shallbe laid waste unto the highest. They shall mourn, & their memorial shall perish. So they being afraid shall remember their sins/ & their own wyckeduesse shall bewray them. ¶ The constantue● of the righteous before their persecutors. The hope or the unfaithful is undurable and vain. The blessedness of the saints and godly. CAPI. V THAN shall the righteous stand in great steadfastness against such as have dealt extremely with them/ and taken away their labours. When they see it, they shallbe vexed with horrible fear, and shall wonder at the hastiness of the sudden health: groaning for very distress of mind, and shall say within themselves, having in ward sorrow, and mourning for very anguish of mind. These are they, whom we sometime had in derisyon, & jested upon. We fools thought their life very madness, and their end to be with out honour. But lo/ how they are counted among the children of God, and their portion is among the saints. Therefore we have erred from the way of truth, the light of righteousness hath not shined unto us, & the sun of understanding rose nat up upon us. We have wearied ourselves in the way of wickedness & destruction. tedious ways have we gone: but as for the way of the Lord we have not known it. What good hath our pride done unto us? Or, what profit hath the pomp of riches brought us? All those things are passed away like a shadow, and as a messaunger renewing before: as a ship that passeth over the waves of the water, which when it is gone by, the trace thereof cannot be found nether the path of it in the floods. Or as a bird that flieth thorough in the air, and no man can see any token where she is flown, but only heareth the noise of her wings, beating the light wind, parting the air, thorough the vehemency of her going, and flieth on shaking her wings, where as afterward no token of her way can be found. Or like as when an arrow is short at a mark, it parteth the air/ which immediately cometh together again, so that a man can not know where it went thorough. Even to we in like manner as soon as we were borne, be gan immediately to draw so our end/ & have showed no token of virtue, but are consumed in our own wickedness. Such words shall they that have sinned speak in the hell, for the hope of the ungodly is like a dry thistle flower (or dust) that is blown away with the wind: like a thin foam that is scattered abroad with the storm: like as the smoke which is dispersed here & there with the wind, & as the remembrance of a stranger that tarrieth for a day, and then departeth. But the righteous shall live for evermore: their reward also is with the Lord: & their remembrance with the highest. Therefore, shall they receive a glorious Kingdom, and a beautiful crown of the lords hand: for which his right hand shall he cover them, and with his own holy arm shall he defend them, His jealousy also shall take away the harness/ & he shall weapon the creature to be avenged of the enemies. He shall put on righteousness for a breast plate, and take sure judgement in stead of an helmet. The invincible shield of equity shall he take, his cruel wrath shall he sharpen for a spear, & the whole compass of the world shall sight with him against the unwise. Then shall the thunder bolies go out of the lightenings/ & come out of the rainbow of the clouds to the place appointed: out of the hard stony indignation there, shall fall thick hails, and the water of the see shallbe wroth against them, and the floods shall run roughly together. Ye a mighty wind shall stand up against them, and a storm shall scatter them abroad. Thus the unrighteous dealing of them shall bring all the land to a wilderness, & wickedness shall overthrow the dwellings of the mighty. ¶ The calling of Kings, Princes, and judges: which are also exhorted to search wisdom. CAPI. VI wisdom is better than strength, & a man of understanding is more worth than one that is strong. Hear therefore (O ye Kings) & understanoc: O learn ye that be judges of the ends of the earth. give eare ye the rule the multitudes, & delight in much people. For the power is given you of the Lord, and the strength from the highest: which shall try your works and search out your imaginations: How that ye being officers of his kingdom, have nat executed true judgement/ have nat kept the law of righteousness, nor walked after the will of God. horrible and that right soon shall he appear unto you: for an hard judgement shall they have that bear rule. Mercy is gaunted unto the simple, but they that be in authority shallbe sore punished. For God which is lord over all, shall except no man's person, nether shall he stand in awe of any man's greatness. For he hath made the small & great, & careth for all a like. But the mighty shall have the sorer punishment. Unto you therefore (O ye Kings) do I speak/ that ye way learn wisdom and not go amiss. For they that keep his righteousness shallbe righteously judged/ & they that are learned in righteous things, shall find to make answer. Wherefore, set your lust upon my words, and love them, so shall ye come by nurture. wisdom is a noble thing seen & never fadeth away: ye she is easily of them that love her, and found of such as seek her. She preventeth them that desire her, that she may first show herself unto them. Who so awaketh unto her by times, shall have no great travail/ for he shall find her sitting ready at his doors. To think upon her, is perfect understanding: and who so watcheth for her, shallbe safe, & that soon. For she goeth about, seeking such as are meet for her, showeth herself cheerfully unto them in their goings, and meeteth them with all diligence. For the unfeigned desire of reformation is her beginning: to care for nurture is love/ & love is the keeping of her laws. Now the keeping of the laws is perfection and an uncorrupt life, and an uncorrupt life maketh a man familiar with God. And so the desire of wisdom leadeth to the Kingdom everlasting. If your delight be then in royal seats & cepters (O ye kings of the people) set your lust upon wisdom, that ye may reign for ever more. O love the light of wisdom/ all ye that be rulers of the people. As for wisdom what she is, and how she came up, I I will tell you, & will not hide the mysteries of God from you: but will seek her out from the beginning of the nativity, & bring the knowledge of her into light, & will not keep back the truth: Nether will I have to do with consuming envy, for such a man shall not be partaker of wisdom. But the multitude of the wise is the welfare of the world, and a wise king is the upholding of the people. O receive nurture then thorough my words/ and it shall do you good. ¶ wisdom aught to be preferred before all things. CAPI. VII. I Myself also am a mortal man like as all other, & am come of the earthy generation of him that was first made, and in my mother's womb was I fashioned to be flesh: In the time of ten months was I brought together in blood thorough the seed of man, and the commodious appetite of sleep. When I was borne, I received like air as other men/ & fell upon the earth (which is my nature) crying & weeping at the first, as all other do. I was wrapped in swaddling clothes, & brought up with great cares. For there is no king that hath had any other beginning of birth. All men than have one entrance unto life, & one going out in like manner. Wherefore I desired, and understanding was given me: I called, and the spirit of wisdom came in to me. I set more by her then by kingdoms & royal seats, & counted riches nothing in comparison of her. As for precious stone, I compared it not unto her: for all gold is but small gravel unto her, & silver shallbe counted but clay before her sight. I loved her above welfare and beauty, and purposed to take her for my light, for her light cannot be quenched. All good things came to me with her, & innumerable riches thorough her hands. I was glad in them all, for this wisdom went before me, and I knew not that she is the mother of all good things. Now as I myself learned unfeignedly, so do I make other men partakers of her, and hide her riches from no man: for she is an infinite treasure unto men, which who so use, become partakers of the love & friendship of God, & are accepted unto him for the gifts of wisdom. God hath granted me to talk wisely, and conveniently to handle the things that he hath graciously lent me. For it is he/ that leadeth unto wisdom/ and teacheth to use wisdom a right. In his hand are both we and our words: ye all our wisdom/ our understanding and knowledge of all our works. For he hath given me the true science of these things: so that I know how the world was made/ and the powers of the elements: the beginning/ ending and midst of the times: how the times alter/ how one goeth after another, and how they are fulfilled, the course of the year, the ordinances of the stars: the natures & kindness of beasts: the furiousness of beasts: the power of the winds: the imaginations of men: the diversities of young plants: the virtues of roots, and all such things as are secret and not looked for/ have I learned. For the worckmaster of all things hath taught me wisdom. In her is the spirit of understanding, which is holy/ manifold/ one only/ sutell/ courteous, discrete/ quick/ un defiled/ plain/ sweet/ loving the thing that is good, sharp/ which forbiddeth not to do well/ gentle/ kind/ steadfast/ sure/ free: having all virtues, circumspect in all things: receiving all spretes of understanding being clean and sharp. For wisdom is nymbler than all nimble things: she goeth thorough & attaineth to all things because of her clenues. For she is the breath of the power of God, and a pure clean expressing of the clearness of almighty God. Therefore can no undefiled thing come unto her: for she is the brightness of the everlasting light/ the undefiled mirror of the majesty of God, and the image of his goodness. And for so much as she is one, the may do all things: and being steadfast herself she reneweth all/ and among the people conveyeth she herself into the holy souls. She maketh Gods friends and prophets: for God loveth no man/ but him in whom wisdom dwelleth. For she is more beautyefull than the Sun, and giveth more light than the stars, and the day is not to be compared unto her: for upon the day cometh night. But wickedness cannot overcome wisdom, and foolishness may not be with her ¶ The effect of wisdom. CAPI. VIII. wisdom reacheth from one end to another mightily, & lovingly doth she ordre all things. I have loved her, & labour for her, even fro my youth up: I did my diligence to marry myself with her, such love had I unto her beauty. Who so hath the company of God, commendeth her nobility, ye the Lord of all things himself loveth her. For she is the scolemay stress of the nurture of God/ and the chooser out of his works. If a man would desire riches in this life, what is richer than wisdom, that worketh all things? Thou wilt say: understanding worketh. What is it among all things/ that worketh more than wisdom? If a man love virtue and righteousness, let him labour for wisdom, for she hath great virtues. And why? she teacheth soberness & prudence, righteousness and strength, which are such things as men can have nothing more profitable in their life. If a man desire much knowledge, she can tell the things that are passed/ and discern things for to come: she knoweth the soteltyes of words/ and can expound dark sentences. She can tell of tokens and wondrous things, or ever they come to pass, and the ends of all times and ages. So I purposed after this manner: I will take her unto my company, and comen lovingly with her: no doubt she shall give me good council/ and speak comfortably unto me in my carefulness and grief. For her sake shall I be well and honestly taken among the comens and Lords of the council. Though I be young, yet shall I have sharp understanding, so that I shallbe marvelous in the sight of great men/ and the faces of Princes shall wonder at me. When I hold my tongue, they shall bide my leisure: when I speak, they shall look upon me, and if I talk much, they shall lay their hands upon their mouth. Moreover/ by the means of her I shall obtain immortality/ and leave behind me an everlasting memorial among them that come after me. I shall set the people in order/ and the nations shall be subdued unto me. Horrible tyrants shallbe afraid, when they do but hear of me: among the multitude I shall be counted good/ and mighty in battle. When I come home/ I shall find rest with her for her company hath no bitterness, & her fellowship hath no tediousness/ but mirth and joy. Now when I considered these things by myself/ and pondered them in my heart, how that to be joined unto wisdom is immortality/ and great pleasure to have her friendship: how that in the works of her hands are infinite riches, how that, who so keepeth company with her shall be wise: and that he which talketh with her, shall come to honour: I went about seeking, together unto me. For I was a lad of a ripe wit/ and had a good understanding. But when I grew to more understanding, I came to an undefiled body. Nevertheless when I perceived that I could not keep myself chaste/ except God gave it me (and that was appoint of wisdom also/ to know whose gift it was) I stepped unto the Lord/ and besought him/ & with my whole heart I said after this manner. ¶ A prayer of Solomon to obtain wisdom. CAPI. IX. O God of my father's/ and Lord of mercies (thou that haste made all things with thy word, and ordained man thorough thy wisdom that he should have * Gene. ●. ● dominion over the creature which thou haste made: that he should order the world according to equity and righteousness/ and execute judgement with a true heart) give me wisdom, which is ever about thy seat, and put me not out from among thy children: for I thy servant and son of thy handmaiden, and a feeble person/ of a short time/ and to young to the understanding of judgement and the laws. And though a man be never so perfect among the children of men/ yet if thy wisdom be not with him/ he shallbe nothing regarded. But thou hast chosen me to be a king unto thy people/ and the judge of thy sons and daughters. Thou hast commanded me to build a temple upon thy holy mount, & an altar in the city wherein thou dwellest: a lickenesse of thy holy tabernacle which thou hast prepared from the beginning/ & thy wisdom with thee/ which knoweth thy works: which also was with thee/ when thou madest the world & knew what was acceptable in thy sight and right in thy commandments. O send her out of thy holy heavens and from the throne of thy majesty/ that she may be with me, and labour with me, that I may know, what is acceptable in thy sight. For she knoweth and understandeth all things: and she shall lead me soberly in my works/ and preserve me in her power. So shall my works be acceptable, and then shall I govern thy people righteously/ and be worthy to sit in my father's seat. For what man is he, that may know the council of God? Or, who can think what the will of God is? For the thoughts of mortal men are miserable/ and our forecasts are but uncertain. And why? a mortal and uncorruptible body is heavy unto the soul/ and the early mansion keepeth down that understanding that museth upon many things. Very hardly can we discern the things that are upon earth, and great labour have we/ or we can find the things which are before our eyes. Who will then/ seek out the ground of the things that are done in heaven? Oh Lord/ who can have knowledge of thy understanding and meaning, except thou give wisdom, and send thy holy ghost from above ● that the ways of them which are upon earth/ may be reformed: that men may learn the things that are pleasant unto thee, and be preserved thorough wisdom. ¶ The deliverance of the righteous cometh through wisdom. CAPI. X. wisdom preserved the first man, whom God made a Father of the world, when he was created alone brought him out of his offence took him out of the * Gene. 〈◊〉. ●. mould of the earth, & gave him power to rule all things. * Gene. 4. ● When the unrighteous went away in his wrath from this wisdom, the brotherhood perished thorough the wrath of murder. Again/ when the * Gene. v●●. water destroyed the whole world/ wisdom preserved the righteous thorough a poor tre, whereof she was governor herself. Moreover when wickedness had gotten the upper hand so that the nations were puffed up with pride she knew the righteous, preserved him faultless unto God, and laid up sure mercy for his children. She preserved the righteous/ * Gene. nineteen. ● when he fled from the ungodly that e●pyshed/ what time as the fire fell down upon the. v. cities: Like as yet this day the unfruitful waste/ and smoking land giveth testimony of their wickedness: ye the unripe & untimely fruits that grow upon the trees. And for a token of a remembrance of the unfaithful soul/ there standeth a pillar of salt. For all such as regarded not wisdom, got not only this hurt, that they knew not the things which were good, but also left behind them unto men/ a memorial of their foolishness: so that in the things wherein they sinned/ they could not be hid. But as for such as take heed unto wisdom, she shall deliver them from sorrow. * Gene. 2 ●▪ ● When the righteous fled because of his brother's wrath, wisdom led him the right way, showed him the Kingdom of God/ gave him knowledge of holy things, made him rich in his labours, & brought to pass the things that he went about. In the deceitfulness of such as defrauded high, she stood by him, & made him rich. She saved him from the enemies, & defended him from the deceivers. She made him strong in battle & gave him the victory/ that he might know, how that wisdom is stronger than all things. * Gent. 37. ● 〈◊〉. seven. b When the righteous was sold/ she forsook him not/ but delivered him from sinners. She went down with him into the dungeon, and failed him not in the bands: ‡ Gent. xii. s ●yll she had brought him the sceptre of the realm, and power against those that oppressed him▪ As for them that had accused him/ she declared them to be liars/ and brought him to perpetual worship. * Exodi. i b. 〈…〉. b She delivered the righteous people & faultless lead/ from the nations that oppressed them. She entered into the soul of the servant of God, and stood by him in wonders and tokens against the horrible kings. She gave the righteous the reward of their labours, and led them forth a marvelous way/ on the day time she was a shadow unto them, and a light of starts in the night season. ‡ Exodi. 13. f She brought them thorough the reed see/ & carried them thorough the great water. She drowned their enemies in the see, & brought them out of the deep. So the righteous took the spoils of the ungodly, ‡ Exod. xv. a and praised thy holy name, O Lord, and magnified thy victorious hand with one accord. ‡ Psa. viii. a Math. two. c For wisdom openeth the mouth of the dumb/ and maketh the tongues of babes to speak. ¶ The miracles done for Israel. The vengeance of sinners The great power and mercy of God. CAPI. XI. SHe ordered their works in the hands of the holy prophet: so that they went thorough the wilderness that was not inhabited, and pitched their tents in the waste desert. They stood against their enemy's/ and were Exod. 27. a Num. xx. a avenged of their adversaries. ‡ Exodi. 16. a When they were thirsty/ they called upon thee/ and water was given them out of the most high rock/ and their thirst was quenched out of the hard stone. For by the things/ where thorough their enemies were punished, were the children of Israel helped in their need/ to their comfort. For unto the enemies thou gavest man's blood in stead of living water. And where as they had scarcenesss in the rebuke, when the children were slain, thou gavest unto thine own a plenteous water unlooked for: declaring by the thirst that was at that time/ how thou wouldest bring thine own unto honour/ and slay their adversaries. ‡ Deute. 8. a For when they were tried and nurtured with fatherly mercy/ they knowledged how the ungodly were judged, and punished thorough the wrath of God. These hast thou exhorted as a father/ and proved them: but unto that other thou hast been a boisterous king, laid hard to their charge, & condemned them. Whether they were absent or present/ their punishment was alike. For their grief was double: namely, mourning/ and the remembrance of things past. But when they perceived that their punishments did them good, they thought upon the Lord/ and wondered at the end. For at the last they held much of him, of whom in the out casting they thought scorn, as of an object. Nevertheless/ the righteous did not so when they were thirsty: but even like as the thoughts of the foolish were, so was also the wickedness. ‡ Sapi. xii, ● Roma. ●. ● Where as certain men now (thorough error) did worship dumb serpents and vain beasts thou sendedst a multitude: of dumb beasts upon them for a vengeance: that they might know, the look where withal a man sinneth/ by the same also shall he be punished. ‡ levit.. 26. ● 〈…〉. 16. a jere. seven. c For unto thy almighty hand, that made the world of nought, it was not unpossible/ to send among them an heap of Beeres, or wood Lions, or cruel beasts of a strange kind/ such as are unknown/ or spou●e fire or cast out a smoking breath/ or shot horrible sparks out of their eyes/ which might not only destroy them with hurting/ but also kill them with their horrible sight. Ye without these beasts might they have been slain with one wind, being persecuted of there own works, and scattered abroad thorough the breath of thy power. Nevertheless, thou hast ordered all things in measure, number & weight. For thou haste ever had great strength & might, & who may with stand the power of thine arm? And why? like as the small thing that the balance weigheth so is the world before y●: ye as a drop of the morning dew, that falleth down upon the earth. Thou hast mercy upon all/ for thou hast power of all things: * Roma. two. a & makest the as though thou sawest not the sins of men/ because they should amend. For thou lovest all the things that are/ and hatest none of them whom thou hast made: neither didst thou ordain or make any thing, of evil will. How might any thing endure/ if it were not thy will? Or how could any thing be preserved/ except it were called of thee? But thou sparest all/ for all are thine (O Lord) thou lover of souls. ¶ The mercy of God toward sinners, the works of god are unreprovable. God giveth leisure to repent us. CAPI. XII. O Lord/ how gracious & sweet is thy spirit in all things? Therefore chastenest thou then measurably that go wrong, & warnest them concerning the things wherein they offend: y● speakest unto them (O Lord) & exhortest them to leave their wickedness/ and to put their trust in y●. * Deut. ix. a xii. d. xviii c As for those old inhabiters of thy holy land, thou mightest not away which them, for they committed abominable works against thee: as witch craft, sorcery and Idolatry, they slew their own children without mercy: they did eat up men's bowels/ & devoured the blood: ye because of such abominations, mysoelevers & offerings/ thou slewest the fathers of the desolate souls by the hands of our fathers: that the land which thou lovest above all other, might be a dwelling for the children of God. Nevertheless, thou sparedst them also (as men) & sendedst the forerunners of thine host even hornets to destroy them out by little & little. Not that thou wast unable to subdue the ungodly unto the righteous in battle/ or with cruel beasts/ or with one rough word to destroy them together: * Exodi 23 d Deut. seven. d But thy mind was to drive them out by little and little giving them time & place to amend: knowing well, that it was an unrighteous nation & wicked of nature, and that their thought might never be altered. For it was a cursed seed from the beginning/ and feared no man: Yet hast thou pardoned their sins. For who will say unto thee: why hast thou done that? Or who will stand against thy judgement? Or who will come before thy face an avenger of unrighteous men? Or who will blame y●, if the people perish, whom thou hast made? For there is ●. Petr. v. a none other god but thou, that carest for all things that thou mayest declare how that thy judgement is not unright. There dare nether king, nor tyrant in thy sight require accounts of them whom thou hast destroyed. For so much then as thou art righteous thyself, thou orderest all things ryghtuouslye * Io●. ix. a & punishest even him that hath not deserved to be punished, & takest him for a stranger and an aleaunt in the land of thy power. For thy power is the beginning of righteousness: and because thou art Lord of all things/ therefore art thou gracious unto al. When men think y● not to be of a full strength thou declarest thy power: and boldly deliverest thou them over that know the not. But thou Lord of power judgest quietly/ and orderest us with great worship/ for thou mayest do as thou wilt. By such works now hast thou taught thy people, that a man also should be just & loving: and hast made thy children to be of a good hope: for even when thou judgest/ thou givest room to amend from sins. For in so much as thou hast punished/ and with such diligence delivered the enemies of thy servants, which were worthy to die (where thorough thou gavest them time and place of amendment that they might turn from their wickedness) with how great diligence than punishest thou thine own children unto whose fathers thou hast sworn & made covenants of good promises? So where as thou dost but chasten us/ thou punishest our enemies diverse ways, to the intent that when we punish/ we should remember thy goodness: & when ourselves are punished, to put our trust in thy mercy. Wherefore, where as men have lived ignorantly & unrighteously thou hast punished thenfore/ even thorough the same things that they worshipped. * Sap 〈…〉 Roma. 〈…〉 For they went astray very long in the way of error, & held the beasts (which even their enemies despised) for gods/ living as children of no under standing. Therefore hast thou sent a scornful punishment among them, as among the children of ignorance. As for such as would not be reformed by those scorns and rebukes/ they felt the worthy punishment of God. For the things that they suffered, they bore them unpatiently, being not content in them, but unwilling. And when they perished by the same things that they took for gods, they knowledged then/ that there was, but one true God, whom afore they would not know: therefore came the end of their damnation upon them. ¶ At things be vain, except the knowledge of God. Idolaters and Idols are mocked. CAPI. XIII. Vain are all men, which have not knowledge of God: * Roma. ●● as were they that out of the good things which are seen, knew not him, that of himself is everlasting. Neither took they so much regard of the works that are made/ as to know, who was the craftsman of them but some took the fire/ some the wind or air, some the course of the stars/ some the water/ some took Sun and Moon/ or the lights of heaven which rule the earth/ for gods. But though they had such pleasure in their beauty/ that they thought them to have been gods: yet should they have known/ how much more fairer he is that made them. For the maker of beauty hath ordained all these things. Or if they marveled at the power and works of them/ they should have perceived thereby/ that he which made these things, is mightier than they. For by the greatness and beauty of the creatures, the maker thereof may plainly be known. notwithstanding/ they are the less to be blamed, that seek God, and would find him/ and yet miss. And why? for so much as they go about in his works and seek after them/ it is a token, that they regard and hold moche of his works that are seen: howbeit they are not wholly to be excused. For if their understanding & knowledge be so great, that they can discern the world and the creatures, why do they not rather find out the Lord thereof? But unhappy are they, and among the dead is their hope, that call them Gods which are but the works of men's hands: gold/ silver/ and the thing that is found out by cunning, the similitudes of beasts. or any vain stone that hath been made by hand of old. * Esay. 44. b Jere, x. a Or as when a carpenter cutteth down a tree out of the would/ and pareth of the bark of it cunningly: & so with the one part maketh a vessel to be used, & dresseth meat with the residue. As for the other part that is left/ which is profitable for nothing (for it is a crooked piece of wood & full of knobs) he carveth it diligently thorough his vanity, & according to the knowledge of his connning) he giveth it some proportion, fashyoneth it after the si militude of a man, or maketh it like some beast straketh it over with red/ and painteth it/ & look what foul spot is in it he casteth some colour upon it. Then maketh he a convenient tabernacle for it/ setteth it in the wall, & maketh it fast with iron, providing so for it/ least it happen to fall: for it is well known/ that it can not help itself: And why? it is but an image/ and must of necessity be helped. Then goeth he & offereth of his goods unto it, for his children and for his wife: he seeketh help at it, he asketh council at it: he is not ashamed to speak unto it that hath no soul: for health, he maketh his petition unto him that is sick: for life, he prayeth unto him that is deed: he calleth upon him for help, that is not able to help himself: & to send him a good journey/ he prayeth him that may not go. And in all the things that he taketh in hand (whether it be to obtain any thing or to work) he prayeth unto him/ that can do no manner of good. ¶ The detestation and abomination of images. A curse of them, and of him that maketh them. The evils that come of idolatry. CAPI. XIIII. Again/ another man/ purposing to sail/ and beginning to take his journey thorough the raging see, calleth for help unto a stock, that is far weaker/ then the tree that beareth him. For as for it/ covetousness of money hath found it out, and the craftsman made it with his cunning. But thy providence/ O Father/ governeth all things from the beginning: * Exod. 14. b for thou hast made away in the see/ and a sure path in the midst of the waves: declaring there by/ that thou haste power to help in all things, ye though a man went to the see without ship. Nevertheless/ that the works of thy wisdom should not be vain/ ‡ Gene. vi. b. thou hast caused an ark to be made: & therefore do men commit their lives to a small piece of wood, passing over the see in a ship/ and are saved. * Gene. seven. d For in the old time also when the proud grants perished/ he (in whom the hope was left to increase the world) went into the ship/ which was governed thorough thy hand/ and so left sede behind him unto the world. For happy is the tree, where thorough righteousness cometh: but cursed is the ydol that is made with hands/ * Psal. 115. a and. 135. c. Baru. vi. d ye both it and he that made it. He/ because he made it: and it/ because it was called God/ where as it is but a frail thing. ‡ Psal. seven. d For the ungodly & his ungodliness are both like abominable unto God. Even so the work and he that made it also, shall be punished together. Therefore shall there a plague come upon the idols of the Heythen: for out of the creature of God they are become an abomination/ a temptation unto the souls of men/ and a snare for the feet of the unwise. And why? the seeking out of idols is the beginning of whoredom/ and the bringing up of them is the destruction of life. For they were not from the beginning/ neither shall they continue for ever. The wealthy idleness of men hath found them out upon earth, therefore shall they come shortly to an end. When a father mourned for his son that was taken away from him/ he made him an image (in all y● haste) of his deed son: & so began to worship him as God, which was but a deed man, & ordained his saruauntes to offer unto him. Thus by process of time & thorough an ungracious custom, this error was kept: as law, and tyrants compelled men by violence to honour images. As for those that were so far of, that men might not worship them presently, their picture was brought from far (like the image of a King whom they would honour) to the intent that with great diligence they might worship him which was far of/ as though he had been present, Again/ the singular cunning of the cratesman gave the ignorant also a great occasion to worship images. For the workman willing to do him a pleasure that set him a work/ laboured with all his cunning to make the image of the best fashion And so (thorough the beauty of the work) the comen people was deceived, in so much that they took him now for a God/ which a little afore was but honoured as a man. And this was the error of man's life/ when men (either for to serve their own affection, or to do some pleasure unto kings) ascribed unto stones and stocks the name of god, which ought to be given unto no man. Moreover, this was not enough for them that they erred in the knowledge of God: but where as they lived in the great wars of ignorancy/ those many & great plagues called they peace. For either * Deut▪ ●8. b jere. seven. b and. nineteen. a they slew their own children, and offered them/ or did sacrifice in the night season/ or else held unreasonable watches: so that they kept neither life nor marriage clean: but either one slew another to death maliciously/ or else grieved his neighbour with adultery. And thus were all things mixed together: blood manslaughter/ theft/ dissimulation/ corruption/ unfaytfulnesse/ sedition/ perjury/ dis quyeting of good men/ unthanfulnes/ defyling of souls/ changing of birth, unsted fastness of marriage, misorder of avow try and uncleanness. And why? the honouring of abominable images is the cause, the beginning and end of all evil. For they that worship Idols, either they are mad when they be merry, or prophecy lies or live ungodly, or else lightly forswear themselves. Frr in so much as their trust is in the Idols (which have nether soul ner understanding) though they swear falsely, yet they think it shall not hurt them. Therefore cometh a great plague upon them, & that worthily: for they have an evil opinion of God/ giving heed unto Idols/ swearing unjustly to deceive, & despising righteousness. For their swearing is no virtue, but a plague of them that sine, & goeth ever with the offence of the ungodly. ¶ The voice of the faithful, praising the mercy of God, for whose graces sake they serve not Idols. CAPI. XV. BUt thou (O our God) art sweet, long suffering & true, & in mercy orderest thou all things. Though we sin, yet are we thine/ for we know thy strength. If we sin not/ then are we sure, that thou regardest us. For to know thee/ is perfect righteousness: Ye to know thy righteousness and power/ is the rote of immortality. As for the thing/ that men have found out thorough their evil science/ it hath not deceived us: as the painting of the picture (an unprofitable labour) and carved image, with diverse colours, whose sight enticed the ignorant: so that he honoureth and loveth the picture of a deed image that hath no soul. Nevertheless, they that love such evil things, are worthy of death: they that trust in them/ they that make them, they that love them, & they that honour them. The potter also taketh & tempereth soft earth, laboureth it, & giveth it the fashion of a vessel, whatsoever serveth for our use: & so of one piece of clay he maketh some clean vessel for service, & some contrary. But whereto every vessel serveth, that knoweth the potter himself. So with his vain labour he maketh a God of the same clay: this doth even he/ which a little afore was made of earth himself/ and within a little while after (when he dieth) turneth to earth again. notwithstanding, he careth not the more because he shall labour, nor because his life is short: but striveth to excel gold smiths, the silver smiths and copper smiths, and taketh it for an honour to make vain things. For his heart is ashes, his hope is but vain earth, & his life is more vile than clay: for so much as he knoweth not his own maker, that gave him his soul to work, & breathed in him the breath of life. They count our life but a pastime, & our conversation to be, but a market, & that men should ever be getting, & that by evil means. Now he that of earth maketh frail vessels & images, knoweth him self to offend above all other. All the enemies of thy people & that hold them in subjection, are unwise, unhappy, and exceeding proud unto their own souls/ for they judge all the Idols of the Heathen to be gods, which nether have eye sight to see, nor noses to smell, nor ears to hear/ nor fingers of hands for to grope: & as for their feet, they are to slow to go. For man made them/ & he that hath but a borrowed spirit/ fashioned them. But no man can make a God like unto him: for saying he is but mortal himself/ it is but mortal that he maketh with unrighteous hands. He himself is better than they whom he worshippeth, for helyved though he was mortal/ so did never they. Ye they worship beasts also/ which are most miserable: for compare things that cannot feel unto them/ and they are worse than those. Yet is there not one of these beasts/ that with his sight can behold any good thing/ neither have they given praise nor thanks unto God. ¶ The punishment of Idolaters, and the benefits done unto the faithful, CAPI. XVI. FOr these and such other things have they suffered worthy punishment and thorough the multitude of beasts are they rooted out. In stead of the which punishments thou hast graciously ordered thine own people/ and given their desire that they longed for: a new and strange tayst, * Nun. xi. ● preparing them quails to be their meat: to the intent that (by the things which were showed and sent unto them) they that were so greedy of meat/ might be withdrawn even from the desire that was necessary. But these with in shorce time were brought unto poverty/ and tasted a new meat. For it was requisite that (without any excuse) destruction should come upon those which used tyranny, and to show only unto the other, how their enemies were destroyed. ‡ Nume. 2●. b For when the cruel woodness of the beasts came upon them, they perished thorough the stings of the cruel Serpents. notwithstanding, thy wrath endured not perpetually/ but they were put in fear for a little season/ that they might be reformed, having a token of salvation, to remember the commandment of thy law. For he that converted/ was not healed by the thing that he saw/ but by thee/ O saviour of all. So in this thou showedst thine enemies/ that it is thou/ which delivered from all evil. As for them * Exodi. x. d. when they were bitten▪ with grasshoppers and flies, they died/ for they were worthy to perish by such: But neither the teeth of dragons nor of venomous worms overcame thy children, for thy mercy was ever by them & helped them. Therefore were they punished to remember thy words, but hastily were they healed again/ lest they should fall into so deep forgetfulness, that they might not use thy help. It was nether herb nor plaster that restored them to the health/ but thy word (O lord) which healeth all things. It is thou (O Lord) that hast the power of life and death ‡ Deute. 32. ● i. Regum. two. b : thou leadest unto deaths door/ and bringest up again. But man thorough wickedness slayeth his own soul, and when his spirit goeth forth/ it turneth not again, neither may he call again the soul that is taken away: It is not possible to escape thy hand. For the ungodly that would not know y●/ were punished by the strength of thine arm: with strange waters/ hails and rains were they persecuted, and thorough fire were they consumed. For it was a wondrous thing that fire might do more than water which quencheth all things: but the world is the avenger of the righteous. Sometime was the fire so tame/ that the beasts which were sent to punish the ungodly, brent not: and that because they should see and know/ that they were persecuted with the punishment of God. And some time brent the fire in the water on every side, that it might destroy the unrightuous nation of the earth. ‡ Exodi. 16. ● Again thou haste fed thine own people with Angels food, and sent the bread ready from Heaven (without their labour) being very pleasant and of good taste. And to show thy riches & sweetness unto thy children, thou gavest every one their desire, so that every man might take what liked him best. But the snow and ice abode the violence of the fire & melted not: that they might know/ that the fire burning in the hail and rain/ destroyed the fruit of the enemies: the fire also forgot his strength again/ that the rygh tuous might be nourished. For the creature that serveth thee (which art the maker) is fierce in punishing the unrighteous, but is easy & gentle to do good/ unto such as put their trust in the. Therefore did all things alter at the same time/ and were all obedient unto thy grace, which is the nurse of all things, according to the desire of them that had need thereof: that thy children (O Lord) whom thou lovest, might know, * Deute. 8. a. Math. 4. ● that it is not nature and the growing of fruits that feedeth men, but that it is thy word, which preserveth them that put their trust in the. For look what might not be destroyed with the fire/ as soon as it was warmed with a little sun beam/ it meltetd: that all men might know, that thanks ought to be given unto the before the Sun rise, and that thou oughtest to be worshipped before the day springe. For the hope of the unthankful shall melt away as the winter ice, & perish as water, that is not necessary. ¶ The judgements of God upon the Egyptions. CAPI. XVII. Great are * Roma ●●. c thy judgements (O Lord) and thy counsels can not be expressed: therefore men do err/ that will not be reformed with thy wisdom. * Exod●. x. c For when the unryghsuons thought to have thy holy people in subjection, they were bound with the bands of darkness & long night, shut under the roof, thinking to escape the everlasting wisdom And while they thought to be hid in the darkness of their sins/ they were scattered abroad in the very midst of the dark covering of forgetfulness/ put to horrible fear & wondrously vexed: for the corner where they might not keep them from fear (because the sound came down and vexed them) ye many terrible and strange visions made them afraid. No power of the fire might give them light, neither might the clear tlammes of the stars lighten that horrible night. For there appeared unto them a sudden fire/ very dreadful: At the which (when they saw nothing they were so afraid/ that they thought the thing which they saw/ to be the more fearful. * Exodi. 7. b. As for the sorcery & enchantment that they used/ it came to derision/ and the proud wisdom was brought to shame. For they that promised to drive away the fearfulness & dread from that weak souls, were sick for fear themselves/ and y● with scorn And though none of the wonders feared them/ yet were they afraid at the beasts which came upon them, & at the hissing of the serpents. In so much that with trembling they swooned, & said they sawnot the air, which no man yet may escape: For it is an heavy thing/ when a mans own conscience beareth record of his wickedness and condemneth him. And why●a vexed and wounded conscience, taketh ever cruel things in hand. * Psal. 46. a Fearfulness is nothing else/ but a declaring that a man seeketh help and defence/ to answer for himself. And look how much less the hope is within, the more is the uncertentye of the matter, for the which he is punished. But they that came in the mighty night: sleep the sleep that fell upon them from under and from above: sometime were they afraid thorough the fear of the wonders/ and sometime they were so weak that they swooned withal: for an hasty and sudden ferfulnes came upon them. afterward/ if any of them had fallen/ he was kept and shut in preson/ but without chains. But if any dwelled in a village/ if he had been an heyrde or husbandman he suffered intolerable necessity: for they were all bound with one chain of darkness. Whether it were a blazing wind/ or a sweet song of the birds among the thick branches of the trees/ or the vehemency of hasty running water/ or great noise of the falling down of Stones/ or the play enge and running of beasts whom they saw not/ or the mighty noise of roaring beasts/ or the sound that answereth again in the high Mountains: it made them swoon for very fear. For all the earth shined with clear light/ and no man was hindered in his labour. Only upon them there fell a heavy night/ an image of dareknesse that was to come upon them. Ye they were unto themselves the most heavy & horrible darkness. ¶ The Fire light that the israelites had in Egypte. The persecution of the faithful. The Lord smote all the first borne of Egypte. The sin of the people in the wilderness. Aaton stood betwyte the live and the deed, with his censor. CAPI. XVIII. Nevertheless/ thy saints had a very great light (and the enemies heard their voice/ but they saw not the figure of them.) And because they suffered not the same things/ they magnified thee: and they that were vexed afore (because they were not hurt now) thanked thee/ and besought thee (O God) that there might be a difference. * Exodi 〈…〉 Therefore had they a burning pillar of fire to lead them in the unknown way, and thou gavest them the Sun for a free gift without any hurt. Reason it was that they should want light, and be put in the preson of darkness/ which kept thy children in captivity/ by whom the uncorrupt light of the law of the world was for to be given. * Exodi 〈…〉 When they thought to slay the ba bes of the righteous (one being laid out, and preserved to be leader unto the other) * Exodi 〈…〉 thou broughtest out the whole multitude of the children/ and destroyedst these in the mighty water. Of that night were our fathers certified afore/ that they knowing unto what oaths they had given credence/ might be of good cheer, Thus thy people received the health of the righteous/ but the ungodly were destroyed. For like as thou hast hurt our enemies/ so hast thou promoted us whom thou calledest afore. For the righteous children of the good men offered secretly/ & ordered the law of righteousness unto unite: that the just should receive good and cuyll in like manner, singing praises unto the father of all men. Again/ there was herd an unconvenient voice of the enemies/ and a piteous cry for children that were bewailed. The master and the servant were punished in like manner. For they altogether had innumetable that died one death. * Exod, xii, c. Neither were the living sufficient to bury the deed, for in the twinkling of an eye/ the noblest nation of them was destroyed. As oft as God helped them afore/ yet would it not make them believe: but in the destruction of the first borne they knowledged/ that it was the people of God. For while all things were still/ and when the night was in the midst of her course, thy almighty word (O Lord) leapt down from heaven out of thy royal throne/ as a rough man of war, in the midst of the land that was destroyed: and the sharp sword performed their straight commandment, standing and filling all things with death: ye it stood upon the earth & reached unto the heaven. Then the sight of the evil dreams vexed them suddenly, and fearfulness came upon them unawares. Then lay there one here/ another there/ half deed, half quick, & showed the cause of his death. For the visions that vexed them showed them these things afore: so that they were not ignorant/ wherefore they perished. The tentation of death touched the righteous also, and among the multitude in the wilderness there was insurrection, but thy wrath endured not long. For the blameless man went in all the haste, and took the battle upon him, brought forth the weapon of his myny stracyon: even prayer and the censors of reconcyling, set himself against the wrath/ and so brought the misery to an end: declaring the chy, that he was thy servant. For he overcame not the multitude with bodily power/ nor with weapons of might: but with the word he sobdued him that vexed him/ putting them in remembrance of the oath and covenant made unto the fathers. For when the deed were fallen down by heaps one upon another he stood in the midst, pacified the wrath, and parted the way unto living. * Exo. 28. b. c And whyem his long garment was all the beauty/ and in the four rows of the stones was the glory of the fathers graven/ and thy majesty was written in the crown of his head. Unto these the destroyer gave place/ & was afraid of them: for it was only a temptation worthy of wrath. ¶ The death of the Egyptians, and the great joy of the hebrews. The meat that was given at the despre of the preople. The elements serut not only to the will of God/ but also to the will of man. CAPI. XIX. AS FOR the ungodly/ the wrath came upon them without mercy unto the end. For he knew before what should happen unto them: how that (when they had consented to let them go/ and had sent out with great diligence) they would repent, and follow upon them. * Exo xiiii a For when they were yet mourning and making lamentation by the graves of the dead, they devised another fooly shenes: so that they persecuted them in their flying. whom they had cast out afore with prayer. Worthy necessity also brought them unto this end, for they had clean forgotten the things that happened unto them afore. But the thing that was wanting of their punyshement/ was requisite so to be fulfilled upon them with torments/ that thy people might have a marvelous passage thorough, and that these might find a strange death. Then was every creature fashioned again of new, according to the will of their maker/ obeying thy commandments that thy children might be kept without hurt/ For the cloud overshadowed their tents/ and the dry earth appeared/ where afore was water: so that in the reed see there was away without unpediment, and the great deep became a green field: where thorough all the people went that were defended with thy hand, seeing thy wondrous and marvelous works. For as the horses, so were they fed, and leapt like lambs, praising thee (O Lord) which hadst delivered them. And whyethey were yet mindful of the things/ that happened while they dwelled in the land: how the ground brought for the flies in stead of cattles: & how the river scrauled with the multitude of frogs in stead of rythes. * Exo. ●vi c. Nam. xi. g But at the last they saw a new creation of birds/ what time as they were diceaved with lust/ and desired delicate meats. For when they were speaking of their appetite, the quails came up unto them from the see/ and punishments came upon the sinners, not without the tokens which came to pass afore by the vehemency of the streams: for they suffered worthily according to their wickednesses/ they dealt so abominably & churiyshly with strangers. Some received no unknown gests/ some brought the strangers into bondage that did them good. Beside all these things there were some/ that not only received no strangers with their wills/ but persecuted those also/ * iii. john. b, & did them much evil/ that received them gladly. Therefore were they punished with * Gene. nineteen. c. blindness/ like as they that were covered with sudden darkness at the doors of the righteous/ so that every one sought the entrance of bies door. Thus the elements turned into them selves/ like as when one time is changed upon an instrument of music, and yet all the residue keep their melody: which may easily be perceived, by the sight of the things that are come to pass. The dry land was turned into a watery/ and the thing that afore sw●mme in the water/ went now upon the dry ground. The fire had power in the water (contrary to his own virtue) and the water forgace his own kind to quench. Again, the flames of the noisome beasts hurt not the flesh of them that went with them/ neither melted they the ice/ which else melteth lightly. In all things hast thou promoted thy people (O Lord) and borough them to honour: thou hast not despised them, but always and i all places hast thou stand by them. ❧: Here endeth the Book of wisdom. ❧ The book of jesus the son of Syrach/ which is called in Latin/ Ecclesiasticus. ¶ The Prologue of jesus the son of Syrach unto his book. MAny and great men have declared wisdom unto us out of the law/ out of the Prophets and out of other that followed them. In the which things Israel ought to be commended/ by the reason of doctrine and wisdom: Therefore they that have it and read it/ should not only themselves be wise there thorough, but serve other also with teaching and writing. After that my grand father jesus had given diligent labour to read the law, the Prophets and other books that were left us of our fathers, and had well exercised himself therein: he purposed also to write some thing of wisdom and good manners, to the intent that they which were willing to learn and to be wise/ might have the more understanding/ and be the more apt to lead a good conversation. Wherefore/ I exhort you to receive it lovingly, to read it with diligence/ and to take it in good worth, though our words be not so eloquent as the famous orators. For the thing that is written in the Hebrew tongue/ soundeth not so well when it is translated into another speech. Not only this book of mine but also the law, the Prophets and other books sound far otherwise, than they do, when they are spoken in their own language. Now in the. xxxviii. year when I came into Egypt in the time of Prolomy Euerges & continueed there all my life/ I got liberty to read & write many good things. Wherefore/ I thought it good and necessary, to bestow my diligence and travail to interpret this book. And considering that I had time/ I laboured and did my best to perform this book, & to bring it unto light: that the strangers also which are disposed to learn/ might apply themselves unto good manners, & live according to the law of the Lord. ❧ Eccleciasticus. ¶ wisdom proceedeth and cometh of God. A praise o● the fear of God. Righteousness to a degree to come by wisdom. CAPI. I. ALL wisdom cometh of god the Lord/ and hath been ever with him/ and is before all tyme. Who hath numbered the sand of the see, the drops of the rain/ and the days of time? Who hath measured the height of heaven/ the breadth of the earth, & the ●epnesse of the see? Who hath sought out the ground of God's wisdom/ which hath been before all things? * Re. iii b 〈…〉. iiii, d. ●d. ●8, c. scob. 1. ●. wisdom hath been before all things 〈…〉. xi. c / and the understanding of prudence from everlasting. (God's word in the height is the well of wisdom, and the everlasting commandments are the entrance of her.) Unto whom hath the rote of wisdom been declared? Or who hath known her wit? Unto whom hath the doctrine of wisdom been discovered & showed? & who hath understand that many fold entrance of her? There is one: even the highest/ the maker of all things/ the almighty/ the king/ of power (of whom men ought to stand greatly in awe) which sitteth upon his throne/ being a God of dominion: He had created her thorough the holy ghost: he hath seen her: numbered her, and measured her: He hath poured her out upon all his works, and upon all flesh according to his gift: he giveth her richly unto them that love him: The fear of the Lord is worship and triumph/ gladness and a joyful crown: The fear of the Lord maketh a merry heart, giveth gladness, joy and long life. Who so feareth the Lord/ it shall go well with him at the last, and in the day of his death he shall be blessed. The love of God is honourable wisdom: look unto whom it appeareth, they love it, for they see what wondrous things it doth. * 〈…〉. ixi. b. ●ou●. ix. ● The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and was made with the faithful in the mother's womb: it shall go with the chosen women, and shall be known of the righteous and faithful. The fear of the Lord is the right God's service, that preserveth and justfieth the heart, and giveth mirth and gladness. Who so feareth the lord shall be happy: and when he hath need of comfort, he shall be blessed. To fear God is the wisdom that maketh rich, and bringeth all good with her. She filleth the whole house with her gifts/ and the garners with her treasure. The fear of the Lord is the crown of wisdom/ and giveth plenteous peace and health. He hath seen her & numbered her (both these are the gifts of God) knowledge and understanding of wisdom hath he poured out as rain/ and then that held her fast, hath he brought unto honour. The fear of the Lord is the rote of wisdom/ and her branches are long life. In the treasures of wisdom is understanding and devotion of knowledge/ but wisdom is abhorred of sinners. The fear of the Lord driveth out sin: for he that is without fear, cannot be made righteous, and his wilful boldness is his own destruction. A patient man will suffer unto the rhyme/ and than shall he have the reward of joy. A good understanding will hide his words for a time, & many mes lips shall speak of his wisdom. In the treasures of wisdom is the declaration of doctrine, but the sinner abhoreth the worship of God. My son/ it thou desire wisdom/ keep the commandment, and God shall give her unto thee: for the fear of the Lord is wisdom and nurture/ he hath pleasure in faith and loving meekness, and he shall fill the treasures thereof. Be not obstinate and unfaithful to the fear of the Lord/ and come not unto him with a double heart. Be not an ypocryce in the light of men, and take good heed what thou speakest. Mark well these things/ lest y● happen to fall and bring thy soul to dishonour/ and so god discover thy secrets, and cast the down in the midst of the congregacyo: because thou wouldest not ceceave the tear of God, and because thy heart is full of faynednes and decease. ¶ He exhorteth the servants of god to righteousness lo●e, understanding, and ● cyence/ ●●d exhorteth him that 〈◊〉, teth God/ to believe/ to hope, and to love because God ●●ither confoundeth nor forsaketh them/ that trust in him. A curse upon the sotell, fierce, and impatient of heart. CAPI. II. My son/ * Mar. iiii. a 2. Tim iii. ● if thou wilt come into the service of God/ stand fast in righteousness and fear/ and arm thy soul to temptation, settle thine heart, and be patient: bow down thine ear, receive the words of understanding, and shryncke not away, when thou art enticed. Hold the fast upon God, join thyself unto him, and suffer that thy life may increase at the last. Whatsoever happeneth unto y● receive it: suffer in heaviness/ and be patient in thy trouble. * Sapi. iii. a. Pro. xvii. a For like as gold & silver are tried in the fire/ even so are acceptable men in the furnace of adversity. Believe in God, & he shall help thee: order thy way a right, and put thy trust in him. Hold fast his fear and grow therein. O ye that fear the Lord, take sure hold of his mercy: shrink not a way from him, that ye fall not. O ye that fear the Lord, believe him, and your reward shall not be empty. O ye that fear the Lord: put your trust in him/ and mercy shall come unto you for pleasure. O ye that fear the Lord/ set your love upon him and you hearts shall be lightened. Consydre the old generations of men O ye children (& mark them well: * Ps. xxxi▪ a Esa. xxvi. b was there ever any one confounded, that put his trust in the Lord? Who ever continued in his fear and was forsaken? Or whom did he ever despise, that called faithfully upon him? For God is gracious & merciful/ he forgiveth sins in the time of trouble/ and is a defender for all them that seek him in the truth. Woe be unto him, that hath a double heart, wicked lips and evil occupied hands, and to the sinner that goeth two manner of ways. Woe be unto them that are lose of heart, which put not their trust in god, and therefore shall they not be defended of him. Woe be unto them that have lost patience, forsaken the right ways, and are turned back into froward ways. What will they do, when the Lord shall begin to visit them? They that fear the Lord, will not mistrust his word: and they that * john. 14. c. love him, will keep his commandment. They that fear the Lord, will seek out the things, that are pleasant unto him, * Roma. 13. c & they that love him: shall fulfil his law. They that fear the Lord, will prepare their hearts, and humble their souls in his sight. They that fear the Lord, keep his commandments, and will be patient till they see himself, saying: * ●. Reg 24. c Susan. d, better it is for us to fall into that hands of the Lord/ then into the hands of men: for his mercy is as great as himself. ¶ To our father and mother ought we to give double honour. Of the blessing and ruesse of the father and mother No man ought once curyously to searthe our the secrets of God. CAPI. III. THe children of wisdom are a congregation of the righteous/ and their extrcise is obedience and love. Hear me your father (O my dear children) and do there after, that ye may be safe. * Exod▪ Deu●▪ 〈…〉. For the Lord will have the father honoured of the children: and look what a mother commandeth her children to do/ he will have it kept. Who so honoureth his father his sins shall be forgiven him: * Ep●●. & he that honoureth his mother is like one that gathereth treasure together. Who so honoureth his father shall have joy of his own children: & when he maketh his prayer he shall be herd. He that honoureth his father, shall have a long life: and he that is obedient for the lords sake/ his mother shall have joy of him. He that feareth the Lord, honoureth his father and mother/ and doth than service, as it were unto the Lord himself. Honour thy father in deed, in word, and in all patience that thou mayest have God's blessing/ and his blessing shall abide with that at the last. * Gen▪ 〈…〉 The blessing of the father buildeth up the houses of the children/ but the mother's curse roteth out the foundations. Rejoice not when thy father is reproved, for it is not honour unto thee/ but a shame. For the worship of a man's father is his own worship/ & where the father is without honour, it is the dishonesty of the son. My son, make much of thy father in his age/ & grieve him not as long as he liveth. And if his understanding fail/ have patience with him/ and despise him not in thy strength. For the good deed that thou showest unto thy father/ shall not be forgotten: and when thou thyself wantest/ it shall be rewarded thee (& for thy mother's offence thou shalt be recompensed with good, ye it shall be founded for the in righteousness) and in the day of trouble y● shalt be remembered: the sins also shall melt away/ like as the ice in the fair warm water. He that forsaketh his father/ shall come to shame: and he that defieth his mother, is cursed of God. My son/ perform thy works with loving meekness/ so shalt thou be loved above other men. The greater thou art/ the more humble thyself (in all things) and thou shalt find favour in the sight of God. For great power belongeth only unto God/ and he is honoured of the lowly. * Ps●. 〈…〉 Prou. 〈…〉 Seek not out the things that are above thy capacyte/ and search not the ground of such things as are to mighty for thee: but look what God hath commanded thee: think upon that all way/ and be not curious in many of his works. For it is not needful for thee/ to see with thine eyes the things that are secret. Make not thou to much search in superssuous things, and be not curious in many of his works: for many things are showed unto the all ready, which be above the capacity of men. The meddling with such hath beguiled many a man/ and tangled their wits in vanity. An hard heart shall far evil at the last: (and he that loveth peril/ shall perish therm) an heart that goeth two ways/ shall not prosper: and he that is froward of heart will ever be worse and worse.) A wicked heart shallbe laden with sorrows, and the ungodly sinner will heap one sin upon another. The council of the proud hath no health for the plant of sin shall be rooted out in them/ & not known. The heart of him that hath understanding shall perceive high things, and a good ear will gladly hearken unto wisdom. An heart that is wise and hath understanding/ will abstain from sins, & increase in the works of righteousness Water quencheth burning fire, * Psal. xii. a. & mercy reconcileth sins. God hath respect unto him that is thanckeful: he thinketh upon him against the time to come: so that when he falleth/ he shall find a strong hold. ¶ Alme● must be done with all menkenes. The study of wisdom and her fruit. A judge ought to be merciful. An exhortation to eschew evil and to do good. CAPI. four MY son, * ●●●. xv. d. defraud nat the poor of his alms, and turn not away thine eyes from him that hath need. Despise not an hungry soul, & defy nat the poor in his necessity: grieve not the heart of him that is helpless, and withdraw nat the gift from the needful. Refuse nat the prayer of one that is in trouble turn nat away thy face from the needy. Cast nat thine eyes aside from the poor, for any evil will, that thou give him not occasion to speak evil of y●. For if he complain of the in the bitterness of his soul, his prayer shall be herd, even he that made him, shall hear him. Be courteous unto the company of the poor/ humble thy soul unto the elder. & bow down thy head to a man of worship. Let it not grieve the to bow down thine ear unto the poor/ but pay thy dett/ and give him a friendly answer, and that with meekness. * ●en●. 14. c. deliver him that suffereth wrong from the hand of the oppressor, and be nat faint hearted when thou sittest in judgement. Be merciful unto the fatherless as a father, & be in stead of an husband unto their mother: so shalt thou be as an obedient son of the highest, and he shall love the more than thy mother doth: wisdom breatheth life into her children, receiveth them that seek her, & will go before them in the way of righteousness. He that loveth her, loveth life, and they that seek her diligently, shall have great joy. They that keep her, shall have the heritage of life: for where she entereth in, there is the blessing of God. They the honour her shall be the servants of the holy one: & they that love her, are beloved of god. Who so giveth ear unto her/ shall judge the Heathen: & he that hath respect unto her/ shall dwele safely. He that believeth her, shall have her in possession & his generation shall endure: for when he falleth, she doth go with him/ & chooseth him among the best. Fear, dread & temptation shall she bring upon him/ & try him in her doctrine: till she have so proved him in his thoughts/ that he commit his soul unto her Than shall she stablish him/ bring the right way unto him, make him a glad man, show him her secrets, & heap upon him the treasures of knowledge, and understanding of righteousness. But if he go wrong, she shall forsake him/ and give him over into the hands of his enemy. My son, make much of the time, eschew the thing that is evil, & for thy life shame not to say the truth. For there is a shame that bringeth sin/ & there is a shame that bringeth worship & favour. * 〈…〉 Accept no person after thine own will/ that thou be nat confounded to thine own decay. Be not a shamed of thy neighbour in his adversity/ & keep not back thy counsel whom it may do good/ neither hide thy wisdom in her beauty. For in the tongue is wisdom known/ so is understanding knowledge/ and learning in the talking of the wise, and steadfastness in the works of righteousness. In no wise speak against the word of truth/ but be ashamed of the lies of thine own ignorance. Shame not to contesse thine error/ & submit not thyself unto every man because of sin. Withstand not the face of the mighty, & strive y● not against the stream. But for righteousness take pains with all thy soul, & for the truth strive thou unto death/ and God shall fight for the against thine enemies. Be not hasty in thy tongue/ neither slack and negligent in thy works. Be not as a lion in thine own house, destroying thy household folks, and oppressing them that are under the. * Act●●. xx. g. Let not thine hand be stretched out to receive, and shut when thou shouldest give. CAPI. V ¶ In ●ythc● may we nat put any confidence. The vengeance of God ought to be feared, and to repentance may we us● be slow. TRust not unto thy riches, * Luke. ●ii. ●. Eccle. xi. ●. & say not: tush, I have enough for my life (For it shall not help in the time of vengeance & temptation.) Follow not the lust of thine own heart in thy strength, and say nat: tush, how have I had strength or who will bring me under because of my works? for douties' God shall avenge ●t. And say nat. I have sinned and what evil hath happened me? For the almighty is a patient rewarder. * Rom. seven. ● Because thy sin is forgiven thee, be not therefore without fear, nether heap one sin upon another. * Eccl●. 〈◊〉. a. And say not rush the mercy of the Lord is great, he shall forgive me my sins, be they never so many. * Eccle. 16. b For like as he is merciful, so goeth wrath from him also, & his indignation cometh down upon sinners. Make no tarrying to turn unto the Lord, & put nat of from day to day: for suddenly shall his wrath come, and in the time of vengeance he shall destroy the. * Prou. 〈◊〉. a and. 〈◊〉. a. Exc. seven. d. soph. ●. ●. Trust not in wicked riches for they shall not help the in the day of punishment and wrath. Be not carried about to every wind, and go nat into every way: for so doth the sinner that hath a double tongue. Stand fast in the way of the Lord, be steadfast in thy understanding, abide by the word, and follow the word of peace & righteousness. Be gentle to hear the word of God, that thou mayest understand it, & make a true answer with wisdom. * James. ●. ●. Be swift to hear, but slow & patient in giving answer. If y● hast understanding/ shape thy neighbour an answer: If no, lay thine hand upon thy mouth: lest thou he trapped in an undiscrete word/ & so confounded. Honour & worship 〈◊〉 a man's wise talking, but the tongue of the undiscrese is his own destruction. * L●u●. 〈◊〉. d. Be nat a privy accuser as long as thou livest/ & use no slander with thy tongue. For shame & sorrow goeth over the these/ & an evil name over him that is double longed: but he that is a privy accuser of other men, shallbe hated, envy & confounded. See that thou justify the small & great alike. ¶ It is the property of a sinner to be evil longed. The 〈◊〉 and good council of the wise is to be embraced. 〈◊〉 should be searched for. The profit thereof. CAPI. VI BE not thy neighbours enemy for thy friend sake: for who so is evil shall be the heir of rebuke and dishonour/ & whosoever beareth envy and a double tongue offendeth. * Rom. 〈◊〉▪ P●●●●● Be not proud in the device of thine own understanding (left thy strength be hurt by foolishness/ and) left thy leaves wither/ and thy fruit be destroyed/ and so thou be left as a dry tree (in the wilderness.) For a wicked soul destroyeth him that hath it/ maketh him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies, (and bringeth him to the portion of the ungodly.) * Eccle. ●. A sweet word multiplieth friends/ and pacifie●h them that be at variance/ and a thankful tongue will be plenteous in a good man. Hold friendship with many/ nevertheless have but one counsellor of a thousand. If thou gettest a friend, * Deu. 1●. ●. and. 33. ●. M●●●●. ●▪ Math. 〈◊〉. prove him first, and be not hasty to give him credens. For some man is a friend/ but for a time/ & will not abide in the day of trouble. And there is some friend that turneth to enemyt●/ and taketh part against thee: and if he know any hurt by thee/ he telleth it out. * Eccl. 37● Again, some friend is but a companion at the table, ●nd in the day of need he continueth not. But a sure friend will be unto the even as thine own self, and deal faithfully with thy household folk. If thou suffer trouble and adversity, he is with thee, & hideth not himself from the. Depart from thine enemies, ye and beware of thy friends. A faithful friend is a strong defence: who so findeth such one, findeth a treasure, A faithful friend hath no peace, the weight of gold and silver is nat to be compared to the goodness of his faith. A faithful friend is a medicine of life/ and they that tear the Lord/ shall find him. Who so feareth the Lord/ shall prosper with friends: & as he is himself/ so shall his friend be also. My son/ receive doctrine from thy youth up/ so shalt thou find wisdom till thou be old. Go to her as one that pl●weth/ and soweth/ and wait patiently for her good fruits. For thou shalt have but little labour in her work/ but thou shalt eat of her fruits right soon. O how exceeding sharp is wisdom to unlearned men? an unstedstast body will nat remain in her. Unto such/ she is as it were a touch stone/ and he casteth her from him in all the haste: for wisdom is with him but in name, there be but few that have knowledge of her (● But with them that know her/ she abideth even unto the appearing of God.) give ear (my son) receive my doctrine, and refuse not my council. Put thy foot into her links, * Math ●●●● and take her yoke upon thy neck: bow down thy shoulder unto her, bear her patiently, and be not weary of her bands. Come unto her with thy whole heart/ & keep her ways with all thy power. Seek after her, and she shallbe showed thee: and when thou haste her/ forsake her not. For at the last thou shalt find rest in her, & that shall be turned to thy great toy. Then shall her fetters be a strong defence for thee, and her yoke a glorious raiment. For the beauty of life is in her, & her bands are the coupling together of salvation. Ye a glorious raiment is it, thou shalt put it on, and the same crown of toy shalt thou wear. My son, if thou wilt take heed, thou shalt have understanding, and if thou wilt apply thy mind/ thou shalt be wise. If thou wilt bow down thine ear/ thou shalt receive doctrine/ and if thou delight in hearing, thou shalt be wise. Stand with the multitude of such elders as have understanding, and consent unto their wisdom which thine heart: * Eccle. 8. a. that y● mayest hear all godly sermons/ & that the worthy sentences escape the not. And if thou sayst a man of discrete understanding, get the soon unto him, and let thy foot tread upon the steps of his doors. * Psal. ●. ●. Let thy mind be upon the commandments of God/ and be earnestly occupied in his laws: so shall he stablish thy heart, and give the wisdom at thine own desire. ¶ ●e must forsake evil, & yet not in●●●fy● ourselves. The behaviour of the wise toward his wife, his friend, his children, his servants, his father & mother, the priests it. CAPI. VII. DO no evil/ so shall ther no harm happen unto the. Depart away from the thing that is wicked/ and no misfortune shall meddle with the. My son/ sow no evil things in the forowes of unryghteonsnes/ so shalt thou nat reap them seven fold. Labour not unto man for any lordship, neither unto the king for the seat of honour. * Psa. 143. a Eccles. 7. ●. Io●. 〈◊〉. a. ●u●●. 18. b. justify not thyself before God (for he knoweth the heart) and desire not to be reputed wise in the presence of the king. Make no labour to be made a judge, except it so were, that thou couldst mightily put down wickedness: for if thou shouldest stand in awe of the presence of the mighty, thou shouldest fail in giving sentence. Offend not in the multitude of the city, & put not thyself among the people. * Eccle. 12. ●. Bind not two sins together, for in one sin shalt thou not be unpunished. say not: rush, God will look upon the multitude of my oblations, and when I offer to the highest God, he will accept it. Be not faint hearted when thou makest thy prayer, nether slack in giving of alms. Laugh no man to scorn in the heaviness of his soul, for God (which saith all things) is he * 1. Reg. 2. b. that can bring down/ and set up again. Accept no losing against thy brother/ neither do the same against thy friend. Use not to make any manner of lie/ for the custom thereof is not good. Make not many words, when thou art among the elders: * Mat. vi. a. and when y● prayest, make nat much babbling. * Rom. xii. b. Let no laboxyous work be tedious unto thee, nether the housbandrye which the almighty hath created. Make not thy boast in the multitude of thy wickedness/ but humble thyself even from thine heart: and remember that the wrath shall not belong in tarrying/ and that the vengeance of the flesh of the ungodly is a very fire and worm. give not over thy friend for any good, nor thy faithful brother for the best gold Depart not from a discrete and good woman/ that is fallen unto the for thy portion in the fear of the Lord, for the gift of her honesty is a 'bove gold. * Luke. nineteen. ●. Where as thy servant worketh truly/ entreat him not evil/ nor the hireling that is faithful unto thee, Love a discrete servant as thine own soul/ defraud him not of his liberty, neither leave him a poor man. * Deu. 2●. b. If y● have cattles/ look well to them: and if they be for thy profit, keep them. * Eccle. 30. ● If y● have sons, bring them up in nurture & learning, and hold them in awe from their youth up. If thou have daughters, keep their body, & show not thy face cheerful toward them. Marry thy daughter, and so shalt thou perform a weighty matter: but give her to a man of understanding. If thou have ● wife after thine own mind, forsake her not (● but commit not thyself to the hateful. * Eccles. 3. a. T●b●. 4. a. Honour thy father from thy whole heart, & forget not the sorrowful travail that thy mother had with thee: remember that thou wast borne thorough them, & how caused thou recompense them the things that they have done for thee? Fear the Lord with all thy soul/ & honour his ministers. love thy maker with all thy strength, * Deute. 12. ● ● forsake not his servants. Fear the Lord with all thy soul, & honour his priests. * Num. 18. b give them their portion of the first fruits and increase of the earth, like as it is commanded thee: (and reconcile thyself of thy negligence with the little flock) give them the shoulders, and appointed offerings and firstlings. Reach thine hand unto the poor, that God may bless the with plenteousness. * Gala. vi. a. Be liberal unto all men living, ‡ To●●●. d. yet let not but do good even to them that are deed. * Rom. 12. b. Let not them that weep, be without comfort/ but mourn with such as mourn, ‡ Math. 25. d Let it not grieve the to visit the sick/ for that shall make the to be beloved. Whatsoever thou takest in hand/ remember the end, and thou shalt never do amiss. ¶ Against thy better is no striving. Of the death of thine enemy mayest thou not rejoice, nor delpyse thy neighbours nor the wordc● of the wise. CAPI. VIII. strive not with a mighty man, lest thou chance to fall into his hands. * Math. v. d Make no variance with a rich man, lest he happen to bring up an hard quarrel against the. * Eccle. 3●. a. For gold and silver hath undone many a man, ye even the kertes of kings hath it made to fall. strive not with a man that is full of words, and lay no sticks upon his fire. Keep no company with the unlearned, lest he give thy kindred an evil report. * G●lo vi a. 2. Cor. 2. b Deipyse not a man that turneth himself away from sin, and cast him nat in the teeth withal: but remember that we are frail everichone. * Leu●t. 19 g. Think scorn of no man in his old age, for we wax old also. Be not glade of the death of thine enemy/ but remember that we must die all the sort of us (& feign would we come into joy.) * Eccle. 6. b. Despise not the sermons of such elders as have understanding/ but acquaint thyself with the wise sentences of thee: for of them thou shalt learn wisdom & the doctrine of understanding, and how to serve great men without complaint. Go not from the doctrine of the elders, for they have learned it of their fathers. For of them thou shalt learn understanding, so that thou mayest make answer in the time of need. Kindle not the coals of sinners, (when thou rebukest them) lest thou be bret in the fiery flames of their sins. resist not the ●ace of the blasphemer/ that he lay not wait for thy mouth. ‡ Eccle. 29. a. Lend not unto him that is myghtter than thyself: If thou lendest him, count it but lost. Be not surtye above thy power: if thou be, then think surely to pay it. Go not to law with the judge/ for he will judge according to his own honour. ‡ Gene. 4. b. travail not by the way with him that is brainless, lest he do the evil: for he followeth his own wilfulness, and so shalt thou perish thorough his folly. ‡ Prou. 22. d Esa. iii. a. strive not with him that is angry & cruel/ and go not with him into the wylderues: for blood is nothing in his sight, and where there is no help/ he shall murder the. * 〈…〉. xxx●●● Take no council at fools, for they love nothing but the things that please themselves. Make no council before a stranger/ for thou canst not tei what wyllcome of it. Open not thine heart unto every man/ lest he be unthankful to thee, and put the to reproof. ¶ The jeopardies of chastenes are to be eschewed. An old, tread is to be preferred before a new. The glery ● richesse o● sinners. Rightwes men should be bidden to gest. Labour is the chief thing in a work man, & wisdom in a prince. CAPI. IX. BE not jealous over the wife of thy bosom, that she show not some shrewd point of wicked doctrine upon the. * pro. 〈…〉 give not the power of thy life unto a woman, lest she come in thy strength/ and so thou be con founded: Look not upon a woman that is desirous of many men/ lest thou fall into her snares. Use not the company of a woman that is a player & a dancer/ & hear her not, lest thou perish thorough her enticing. Behold not a maiden/ that thou be not hurt in her bewry. * Prou. ● Cast not thy mind upon harlots in any manner of thing/ lest thou destroy both thyself and thine heritage. Go not about gazing in every lane of the city, nether wandre thou abroad in the streets thereof. * M●th. ●. Turn away thy face from a beautiful woman, & look not upon the fairness of other. Many a man hath perished thorough the 〈…〉 Ive 〈…〉. beauty of women, for thorough it the desire is kindled as it were afyre (. An adulterous woman shallbe trodden under foot as mire/ of every one that goeth by the way: Many a man wondering at the beauty of a strange woman/ hath been cast out/ for her words kyndie as a fire. Sit not with another man's wife by any means, lie not with her upon the bed/ make no words with her at the wine: lest thine heart consent unto her/ and so thou with thy blood fall into destruction. Forsake not an old friend. for the neve shall not be like him. A new friend is new wine: let him be old and thou shalt drink him with pleasure. Desire not the honour and riches of a sin ner, for thou knowest not what destruction is for to come upon him. Delight not thou in the thing that the ungodly have pleasure in, being sure, that the ungobly shall not be acceptend until their grave. Keep the from the man that hath power to slay, so needest thou not to be afraid of death. And if thou comest unto him, make no fault, lest he hap to take away thy life. Remember that thou goest in the midst of snares, and upon the bull works of thy city. Beware of thy neighbour as tie as thou canst, ‡ Eccl. viii. c ● xxxvii. a. & meddle with such as be wise & have understanding. Let just men be thy gests, let thy mirth be in the fear of God, let the remembrance of God be in thy mind, ‡ Deut. vi. b and. xi. c. and let all thy talking be in the commandments of the Highest. In the hands of craftsmen shall the works be commended, * ●●. Re. iii. c. so shall the Princes of the people in the wisdom of their talking. A man full of words is perilous in his city: and he that is rash in his talking shallbe abhorred. ¶ Of kings and judges. Pride, and covetousness are to be abhorred. Labour is praised. CAPI. X. A wise judge will ordre his people with discretion: and where a man of understanding beareth rule, there goeth it well. * ●●o. xxix. a As the judge of the people is himself, even so are his officers, and look what manner of man the ruler of the city is, such are they that dwell therein also. * ●●▪ Re. xi● a Prou. 28. b ●uz. xxix. a. An unwise king destroyeth his people, but where they that be in authority are men of understanding, there the city prospereth. The power of the earth is in the hand of God (and all iniquity of the people is to be abhorred) and when his time is/ he shall set a profitable ruler upon it. In the hand of God is the power of man, & upon the Scribes shall he lay his honour. * ●eui. nineteen. d Remember no wrong of thy neighbour/ and meddle thou with no unrighteous works. Pride is hateful before God and man, and all wickedness of the heathen is to be abhorred. ‡ jere. 27. a Daniel. 4. c Because of unrighteous dealing/ wrong/ blasphe myes & divers disobeyed, a realm shallbe translated from one people to another. There is nothing worse than a covetous man? Why art thou proud, O thou earth & ashes? There is not a more wicked thing, then to love money. And why? such one hath his soul to sell: yet is he but filthy dung while he liveth. And though the physician show his help never so long, yet in conclusion it goeth after this manner, to day a king, to morrow deed. For when a man dieth/ he is the heir of serpents/ beasts, and worms. The beginning of man's pride/ is to fall away from God: and why? his heart is gone from his maker, for pride is the original of all sin Who so taketh hold thereof, shall be filled with cursings, and at the last it shall overthrow him. Therefore hath the Lord brought the congregations of the wicked to dishonour, and destroyed them unto the end. * Sapi. vi. b Luk. 1. c. 14 c. and. 18. b God hath destroyed the seats of proud princes, and set up the meek in their stead. God hath withered the roots of the proud Heathen, & planted the lowly among them. * Gene. 29. c. God hath overthrown the lands of the Heythen, and destroyed the unto the ground. He hath caused them to wither away, he hath brought them to nought, & made the memorral of them to cease from out of the earth. (God hath destroyed the name of that proud, & left the name of the humble of mind.) Pride was not made for man, nether wrothfulnes for men's children. The seed of men that feareth God, shallbe brought to honour: but the seed which transgresseth the commandments of the Lord/ shallbe shamed. He that is the ruler among brethren, is holden in honour among them, & he that regardeth such as fear the Lord. The glory of the rich, of the honourable, & of the poor is the fear of God. Despise not that the just poor man, & magnify not the rich ungodly Great is the judge & mighty in honour, yet is there none greater, than he that feareth God. * Prou. 17. a Unto the servant that is discrete, shall the fire do service. ‡ 2. Reg. 12. ● He that is wise & well nurtoured, will not grudge when he is reformed, & an ignorant body shall not come to honour. Be not proud to do thy work, & despair not in time of adver site. * Pro. xii. b. Better is he that laboureth, & hath plen tuousnes of all things, than he that is gorgeous & wanteth bread. My son, keep thy soul in meekness, and give her her due honour. Who shall justify him, that sinneth against himself? Who will honour him/ that dyshonoureth his own soul? The poor is honoured for his faithfulness and truth, but the rich is had in reputation because of his goods. He that ordereth himself honestly in poverty, how much more shall he behave himself honestly in riches? And who so ordereth himself unhonestly in riches, how much more shall he behave himself unhonestly in poverty? ¶ The praise of humslite. After the outward appearance o●ght we not to judge Of heady and rash ivogement. The rich to not without offence All things rome of God. All men are not to be brought into thine house. CAPI. XI. THe wisdom of him that is brought low, shall lift up his head and shall make him to sit among great men. Commend not thou a man in his beauty, neither despise a man in his utter appearance. The Bee is but a small beast among the fowls, yet is her fruit exceeding sweet. Be not proud of thy raiment/ * Acts. xii. d & exalt not thyself in the day of thy honour: for the works of the highest only are wonderful: ye glorious, secret, and unknown are his works. Many tyrants have been fain to sit down upon the earth, ‡ ●. Reg. ●v. f ●etth. vi. a and the unlyckely hath worn the crown. Many mighty men have been brought low/ and the honourable have been delivered into other men's hands. * Deute. 13. d Condenne no man/ before thou have tried out the matter: and when thou hast made inquisition, then reform righteously. ‡ Prou. 18. c. give no sentence/ before thou hast heard the cause but first let men tell out their tales. strive not for a matter that toucheth not thyself/ and stand not in the judgement of sinners. My son, meddle not with many matters: * Ma● nineteen. c 〈…〉 and if thou wilt be rich, thou shalt not be without offence, for though thou follow ●est it, thou shalt not get it: and though y● renutst thy way afore, yet shalt y● not escape. ‡ ●rouer ●. c Psa. 127. ● There is some man that laboureth, & the more he weryeth himself, the less he hath. Again/ some man is slothful/ hath need of help: wanteth strength, and hath great pour●tye and God's eye looketh upon him to good, settech him up from his low estate/ * job. xlii. ● and lifteth up his heed: so that many men marvel at him, and give honour unto God. * job. i. c Ezech. 28. b prosperity and adversity/ life & death, poverty and rythes come all of the Lord. wisdom/ nurture and knowledge of the law are with God: love and the ways of good are with him. error and darkness are made for sinners (and they that exalt themselves levyll, wax old in evil. (The gift of God remaineth for the righteous/ and his good will shall give prosperity for ever. Some man is rich by living nygardly/ and that is the portion of his reward/ in that he sayeth: ‡ Luke. xii▪ c now have I gotten rest, & now will I eat and drink of my goods myself alone. And yet he considereth not/ that the time draweth nigh (& death approacheth) that he must leave all these things unto other men, and die himself. Stand thou fast in thy covenant/ and exercise thyself therein/ and remain in the work unto thy age. Continue not in the works of sinners, but put thy trust in God/ and bide in thine estate: for it is but an easy thing in the sight of God/ to make a poor man rich, and that suddenly/ The blessing of God hasteth to the reward of the righteous/ and maketh his fruits soon to flourish & prosper. say not: what helpeth it me? & what shall I have that while? Again, say not: I have enough, how can I want? ‡ Ezech 〈…〉 When thou art in welfare/ forget not adversity: and when it goeth not well which thee/ have a good hope, that it shall be better. For it is but a small thing unto God, in the day of death to reward every man according to his ways. The adversity of an hour maketh one to forget all pleasure: and when a man dieth/ his works are discovered. Praise no body before his death, for a man shall be known in his children. Bring not every man into thine house/ for the dysceatfull layeth wait diversly. Like as a partrych in a mand, so is the heart of the proud: and like as a spy, that looketh upon the fall of his neighbour. For he turneth good unto evil/ and slandereth the chosen. Of one spark is made a great fire (and of one deceitful man, is blood increased) & an ungodly man layeth wait for blood. Beware of the deceitful/ for be ymagynech wicked things, to bring the into a perpetual shame. If thou takest an alient unto thee, he shall destroy the in unquyenesse, and bryve the from thine own ways. ¶ Unto whom we ought to do good. Ehan●●es aught to be eschewed. CAPI. XII. WHen thou wilt do good, know to whom thou dost it, & so shalt thou be greatly thanked for thy benefits. * Gala 〈…〉 Do good unto the righteous and thou shalt find great reward though not of him/ yet (no doubt) the Lord himself shall reward the. He standeth not in a good case that is alway occupied in evil, and giveth no alms: for the highest hateth the sinners/ and hath mercy upon them that show the works of repentance. give thou unto such as fear God/ and receive not a sinner. As for the ungodly and sinners, he shall recompense vengeance unto them, & keep them to the day of wrath. give thou unto the good/ and receive not the sinner: do well unto him that is lowly, but give not to the ungodly. Let not the bred be given him/ that he be not mightier than thyself therein: For so shalt that receive twice as much evil/ in all the good that thou dost unto him: And why? the highest hateth sinners, and shall reward vengeance to the ungodly. In prosperity/ a friend shall not be known/ and in adversity an enemy shall not be hid. For when a man is in wealth/ it grieveth his enemies: but in heaviness and trouble a man shall know his friend. Trust never thine enemy, for like as an iron rusteth, so doth his wickedness. And though he make much crout thing & kneeling, yet keep well thy mind, & beware of hi. Set him not by y●, neither let him sit at thy right hand: lest he turn him, get into thy place, take thy room & seek thy seat/ & so thou at the last remember my words, & be pricked at my sayings. Who will have pity of the charmer, that is stinged of the serpent/ or of all such as come nigh the beasts? Even so is it with him that keepeth company with a wicked man, and lappeth himself in his sins. For a season will he bide with thee, but if thou stumble/ he tarrieth not. * ●●●●. xi●. b. An enemy is sweet in his lips and imagineth deceit in his heart, to throw the into the pit. Ye he can weep with his eyes, & if he may find opportunity, he will not be satisfied with blood. If adversity come upon y●/ thou shalt find him there first, & though he pretend to do the help, yet shall he under mine the. He shall shake his head, and clap his bands over y● for very gladness: & while he maketh many words, he shall disguise his countenance. ¶ The cō●anyes of the proud and of the rich 〈◊〉 to be eschewed. The love of God. Like do company with their life. CAPI. XIII. WHo so toucheth pitch, shallbe filed with all: and he that is familiar with the proud, shall clothe himself with pride. He taketh a burden upon him/ that accompanieth a more honourable man then himself. Therefore/ keep no famyliarite with one that is richer than thyself How agree the ketell and the pot together? for if the one be smitten against the other/ it shallbe broken. The rich dealeth unrighteously, and threateneth with all: but the poor being oppressed and wrongfully dealt with all/ suffereth scarnesse, and giveth fair words. If thou be for his protyte, he useth thee: but if thou have nothing/ he shall forsake the. As long as thou hast any thing of thine own/ he shall be a good fellow with thee: ye he shall make the a bare man/ and not be sorry for the. If he have need of thee/ he shall defraud thee: and (with a privy mock) shall he put the in an hope, and give the all good words/ and say: what wantest thou? Thus shall he shame the in his meat/ until he have supped the clean up twice or thrice/ and at the last shall he laugh the scorn. afterward/ when he saith that thou hast nothing/ he shall forsake the and shake his head at the. (submit thyself unto God/ and wait upon his hand. Beware/ that thou be not bysceyved and brought down in thy simpleness. Be not to humble in thy wisdom: lest when thou art brought low, thou be deceived thorough foolishness. If thou be called of a mighty man/ absent thyself, so shall he call the to him the more oft. Press not thou unto him, the thou be not shut out: but go not thou far of/ least he forget the. Withdraw not thyself from his speech, but believe not his many words. For with much communication shall he tempt thee/ & (with a privy mock) shall he question the of thy secrets. The unmerciful mind of his shall mark thy words, he shall not spare to do the hurt, and to put y● in preson. Beware, and take good heed to thyself/ for thou walkest in parel of thy overthrowing. Now when thou hearest his words/ make the as though thou werest in a dream, and wake up. Love God all thy life long, and call upon him in thy need. Every beast loveth his like, even so let every man love his neighbour. All flesh will resort to their like, and every man will keep company with such as he is himself. But as the wolf agreeth with the lamb, so doth the ungodly with the righteous. * 2. L●●. 〈◊〉. ● What fellowship should an holy man have with a dog? How can the rich & the poor agree together? The wild Ass is the lions pray in the wilderness, even so are poor men the meat of the rich. Like as the proud may not away with lowliness, even so doth the rich abhor the poor. If a rich man fall, his friends set him up again: but when the poor falleth his acquaintance forsake him. If a rich man fall into an error, he hath many helpers: he speaketh proud words, & yet men justify him. But if a poor man go wrong, he is punished: ye though he speak wisely, yet can it have no place. When the rich man speaketh/ every body holdeth his tongue: & look what he sayeth, they praise it unto the clouds. But if the poor man speak, they say: What fellow is this? & if he do amiss, they shall destroy him. Riches are good unto him the hath no sin in his conscience, & poverty is a wicked thing in the mouth of the ungodly. The heart of man changeth his countenance, whether it be in good or evil. A cheerful countenance is a token of a good heart, for else it is an hard thing to know the thought. ¶ The offence of the tongue. Man is but a vain thing. Happy is he that conepnurth in wisdom. CAPI. XIIII. BLessed is the man, that hath not fallen with the word of his mouth, & is not pricked with the confrience of syune. Happy is he that hath no heaviness in his mind/ & is not fallen from his hope. It becometh not a coverous man and a niggard to be rich: & what should a niggard do with gold? He that with all his carefulness heapeth together unrighteously, gathereth for other folks, & another man shall make good cheer with his goods. He that is wicked unto high self/ How should he be good unto other men? How can such one have any pleasure of his goods: There is nothing worse, than when one diffavoureth himself, & this is a reward of his wickedness. If he do any good/ he doth it not knowing thereof/ & against his will, & at the last he declareth his unrighteousness. A niggard hath a wicked eye, he turneth away his face, & despiseth his Prou. 17. c Eccles. i. a own soul. * Eccle. nineteen. c and. xxv. c jato, iii. a A covetous man's eye hath never enough in the portion of wickedness, until the time that he wither away, and have lost his own soul. A wicked eye spareth bread, and there is scarceness upon his table. My son, do good to thyself of that thou haste/ and give the Lord his due offerings. Remember that death tarteth not, & how that the covenant of the grave is showed unto thee: for the covenaune of this world shall die the death. * Eccles. 4 a Tobi. 4 b Luka. 16. b Do good unto thy friend before thou die/ & according to thy ability teach out thine hand/ & give unto the poor. Be not disappointed of the good day, & let not the portion of the good day over pass the. Shalt thou not leave thy travails & labours unto other men? In the dividing of the heritage give & take, & sanctify thy soul. Work thou righteousness before thy death for in the hell there is no meat to find. * Isaiah xl. a 1 Pritl. ● d Jacobi. ●. b All flesh shall fade away like grass, & like a flourishing leaf in a green tree. Some grow/ some are cast down: even so is the generation of flesh & blood: one cometh to an end, another is borne. All transitory things shall fail at the last, and the worker thereof shall go withal. Every thosen work shall be justified, and he that meddleth withal, shall have honour therein. Blessed is the man that keepeth him in wisdom, and exerciseth himself in understanding, and with diseretion shall he think upon the fore knowledge of God. Which considereth the ways of wisdom in his heart, hath understanding in her secrets/ goeth after her (as one that seeketh her out) and continueth in her ways. He looketh i at her windows, & harkeneth at her doors. He taketh his rest beside her house, & fasteneth his stake in the walls. He shall pitch his tent nigh unto her hand, & in his tent shall good things rest for evermore. He shall set his children under her covering/ & shall dwell under her branches. Under her covering, shall he be defended from the heat, and in her glory shall he rest ¶ The goodness that followeth him which f●raith God. God rejecteth and casteth of the sywer. God is not the avetor of evil. CAPI. XV. HE that feareth God, will do good: and who so keepeth the law/ shall obtain wisdom. As an honourable mother shall she meet him/ and as a virgin shall she receive him. * Mas●● With the bred of life and understanding shall she feed him, * Ioh●. ●● & give him the water of wholso me wisdom to drink. If he be constant in her/ he shall not be moved: and if he hold him fast by her/ he shall not come to confusion. She shall bring him to honour among his neighbours/ and in the midst of the congregation shall she open his mouth With the spirit of wisdom and understanding shall she fill him, and cloth him with the garment of glory. She shall heap the treasure of mirth and joy upon him/ and give him an everia sting name to heritage. Foolyth men will not take hold upon her: but such as have understanding, will meet her (Foolish men shall not see her) for she is far from pride and dysceat. Men that go about which lies/ will not remember her▪ but men of truth shallbe found in her, & shall prosper even unto the beholding of God Praise is not seemly in the mouth of the ungodly, for he is not sent of the Lord. For of God cometh wisdom, and the praise shall stand by the wisdom of God, & shallbe plenteous in a faithful mouth/ & the Lord shall give her unto him. say not y●: It is the Lords faute that I am gone by/ for y● shalt not do the thing that God hateth. say not y●: he hath caused me to do wrong, for he hath no need of the ungodly. God hateth all abomination of error, & they that fear God will love none such. ‡ 〈…〉 God made man from the beginning, & left him in the hand of his council. He gave him his commandments & precepts: if y● wilt observe the commandments, & keep acceptable faithfulness for ever/ they shall preserve the. * Iere ●●● He hath set water & fire before y●, reach out thine hand unto which thou wilt. Before man is life and death, good and evil: look what him liketh, shallbe given him. For the wisdom of God is great and mighty in power/ and beholdeth all men continually. The eyes of the Lord are upon them that fear him/ and he knoweth all the works of man. He hath commanded no man to do ungodly, nether hath he given any man space to sin. ¶ Of unhappy and wicked children. No man can hide himself from God. An exhortation to the receiving of instruction. CAPI. XVI. delight not thou i the multitude of ungodly chyldre/ and have no pleasure in them/ if they fear not God. Trust not y● to their life/ and regard not their labours: for one son that feareth God/ is better/ than a thousand ungodly. And better it is for a man to die without children then to leave behind him such children as are ungodly. For by one that hath understanding may a whole city be upholden/ but though the ungodly be many/ yet shall it be wasted thorough them. Many such things hath mine eye seen/ & greater things than these have I heard with mine ears. * Eccle. xxi. b In the congregation of the ungodly shall a fire burn, and among unfaithful people shall the wrath be kindled. * Gene. vi. a The old giants obtained no grace for their sins/ which were destroyed/ trusting to their own strength. Nether spared he them among whom Loth which was a * Gene. nineteen. e stranger/ but smote them and abhorred them because of the pride of their words. He had no pity upon them/ but destroyed all the people/ that were so stout in sin. ‡ Num. 14. ●●●d. xxvi. t And for so much as he oversaw not the six humbreth thousand/ that gathered themselves together in the hardness of their heart: it were marvel if one being hardnecked/ should be free. * Eccles. v. a For mercy and wrath is with him/ he is both mighty to forgive and to pour out displeasure. Like as his mercy is great, even so is his punishment also/ he judgeth a man according to his works. The ungodly shall not escape in his spoil/ and the long patience of him that showeth mercy, shall not bide behind. All mercy shall make place unto every man according to the worthiness of his works/ and after the understanding of his pilgrimage. say not thou: I will hide myself from God, for who will think upon me from above? I shall not be known in so great a heap of people/ for what is my soul among so many creatures? Behold/ the heaven/ ye the heaven of heavens/ the deep, the earth/ and all that therein is/ shallbe moved at his presence: the Mountains/ the hills/ and the foundaryons of the earth shall shake for fear/ when God visiteth them. These things doth no heart understand, but he understandeth every heart, and who understandeth his ways? No man saith his storms, and the most part of his works are secret. Who will declare the works of his righteousness? Or who shallbe able to abide them? For the covenant is far from some/ and trying out of men is in the end. He that is humble of heart/ thinketh upon such things: but an unwyso and erroneous man casteth his mind unto foolish things. My son, hearken thou unto me, and learn understanding, and mark my words with thine hearts. I will give the a sure doctrine, & plainly shall I instruct thee (mark my words then in thine here: for in righteousness of the spirit do I speak of the wonders that God hath showed among his works from the begynnning. And in the truth do I show the knowledge of him. (God hath set his works in good order from the beginning, and part of them hath he sundered from the other. He hath garnished his works from everlasting, and they? beginnings, according to their generations. None of them hindered another, nether was any of them disobedient unto his words. After this, God looked upon the earth/ and filled it with his goods. With all manner of living beasts hath he covered the ground & they all shall be turned unto earth again. CAPI. XVII. ¶ The creation of man, and the goodness that God haths done unto him. Of aulmes and repentance. GOd * Gene. ●. d shope man of the earth, and made him after his own image, and turned him unto earth again, and clothed him with his own strength. He gave him the number of days and certain time/ ye and gave him power of the things that are upon earth. He made all flesh to stand in awe of him/ so that he had the dominion of all beasts and fowls. * Gene. 〈◊〉. d. He made out of him an helper like unto himself/ and gave them discretion and tongue/ eyes and ears/ and a heart to understand, and filled them with instruceyon and understanding. He created for them also the knowledge of the spirit/ filled their hearts with understanding/ and showed them good & evil. He set his eye upon their hearts, declaring unto them his great and noble works: that they should praise his holy name together, rejoice of his wonders/ and be telling of his noble Acts. Beside this/ he gave them instruction, and the law of life Exodi. xx. a Deute. 4. ● and▪ ix. for an heritage. He made an everlasting covenant with them and showed them his righteousness and judgements. They saw his glory with their eyes/ and their ears heard the matesty of his voice. And he said unto them: beware of all unrighteous things. He gave every man also a commandment concerning his neighbour. Their w●●yes are ever before him, and are not hid from his eyes. * Roma. 1● a He hath set a ruler upon every people, * Deu●e. 4. c and x. c but Israel is the lords portion. All their works are as the Sun/ in sight of God, and his eyes are alway lo king upon their ways. All their unryghtuousnesses are manifest unto him, and all their wickednesses are open in his sight. * E●●●e. 29. b The mercy that a man showeth is as it were a purse with him, and the grace that is given to man preserveth him as the apple of an eye. * Math. 25. c At the last shall he awake, & reward every man upon his head, and shall turn them together into the nethermost parts of the earth: * Acts. iii. c But unto them that will repent, he hath geeven the way of righteousness. As for such as be weak, he comforted them, suffered them and sendeth them the portion of the verity. O turn then unto the Lord, forsake thy sins, make thy prayer before the Lord/ do the less offence, turn again unto the Lord, forsake thine unrighteousness/ be an utter enemy to abomination, learn to know the righteousness and judgements of God/ stand in the portion that is set forth for the and in the prayer of the most high god. Go in the portion of the holy world, with such as be living & give thanks unto God. * Psal. seven. ● Isaiah. 38. d Who will praise the Lord in the hell? Abide not thou in the error of the ungodly/ but give him thanks before death. As for the dead, thanckefulnesse perished from him as nothing. give thou thanks in thy life, ye while thou art living & whole shalt thou give thanks, and praise God, and rejoice in his mercy. O how great is the loving kindness of the Lord, & his merciful goodness unto such as turn unto him? For all things may not be in man: and why the son of man is not immortal, and he hath pleasure in the vanity of wickedness. What is more clear than the Sun? yet shall it fail. Or what is more wicked than the thing that flesh & blood hath imagined? & that same shallbe reproved. The Lord saith the power of the high heaven/ & all are but earth & ashes. ¶ The marvelous works of God▪ the ●nysetye and wretchedness of man. Against God ought we not to complaint. Pray must we continually. CAPI. XVIII. HE that liveth for evermore, * Gene. i. ● made all things together. God only is righteous, and remaineth a victorious king for ever. * Psal. two Eccle, ●● Who shall be able to express the works of him? Who will seek out the gronnde of his noble Acts? Who shall declare the power of his greatness? Or, who will take upon him to tell out his mercy? As for the wondrous works of the Lord, there may nothing be taken from them/ nothing may be put unto them/ neither may the ground of them be found out. But when a man hath done his best/ he must begyune again: and when he thinketh to become to an end/ he must go again to his labour. What is man? Whereto is he worth? What good or evil can he do? * Psal. ●●● If the number of a man's days be almost an hundredth year/ it is much. Like as the drops of rain are unto the see/ and as a gravel stone is in comparison of the sand: * 2. P●●●. so are these few years to the days of everlasting. Therefore is the Lord patient with them, and poureth out his mercy upon them. He saw and perceived the thoughts and imaginations of their heart, that they were evil, therefore heaped he up his merciful goodness upon them/ and showed them the way of righteousness. The mercy that a man hath/ reacheth to his neigh bower: but the mercy of God is upon all flesh He chasteneth/ he teacheth and nurtoureth: ye even as a shepherd turneth again his flock, so doth he all them that receive chastening, nurture and doctrine. * E●●●. 〈◊〉. merciful is he unto them, that stand in awe of his judgements. My son, when thou dost good, make no grudging at it: and whatsoever thou givest, speak no disconfortable words. Shall not the dew cowl the heat? even so is a word better than a gift. * P●ou. 〈◊〉 ● and, 〈◊〉. ● Is not a friendly word a good honest gift? but a gracious man giveth them both. * Eccle. ●●● A fool shall cast a man in the teeth, and that roughly/ and a gift of the niggard putteth out the eyes. Get the righteousness before thou come to judgement. Learn before thou speak/ and go to physic or ever thou be sick: * 1. Cro● examen judge thyself, before the judgement come, & so shalt thou find grace in the sight of God. Humble thyself afore thou be sick, & in time of thy disease she we thy conversation. * Luke. 〈◊〉. ●●. 〈…〉. ●● Let not to pray always and stand not in fear to be reformed unto death, for the reward of God endureth for ever. Before thou prayest/ prepare thy soul/ and be not as one that tempted God. Think upon the wrathful indignation, the shallbe at the end/ & the hour of vengeance, ●●●les. ●l. d when he shall turn away his face. When y● hast enough, remember the time of hunger: & when thou art rich, think upon the time of pover te and scarcenesss. From the morning until the evening the time is changed/ and all such things are soon done in the sight of God. A wise man feareth God in all things, & in the days of transgression he keepeth himself from s●●ne. A discrete man hath pleasure in wisdom/ and he that findeth her/ maketh much of her They the have had understanding, have dealt wisely in words, have understand the truth & righteousness, & have sought out wise sentences & judgements. ‡ 〈…〉. viv 〈…〉 xiii. ● Follow not thy lustis, but turn the from thine own will. For if y● givest thy soul her desires, it shall make thin enemies to laugh the to scorn. Take not thy pleasure in great voluptuousness, & meddle not to much withal. Make not to great cheer of the thing that thou hast won by advantage, lest thou fall into poverty, & have nothing in thy purse. ¶ Wine and whoredom bring men to poverty▪ In thy words must thou use discretion The difference of the wisdom of God and man. Whereby thou maye●i know what is in a man. Correc●yon must be used without ang●e. CAPI. XIX. A Labouring man that is given unto dron kennes, shall not be rich: & he that maketh not much of small things, shall fat by little & little. ‡ ●ere. 19 ● Wine & women ‡ ● Reg. two. a make wise men rennagates, & put men of understanding to reproof: and he that accompanieth aduo●iterers, shall become a wicked man. Moches & worms shall have him to heritage/ ye he shallbe set up to a greater example, and his soul shallbe roted out of the number. * I●sut. 22. c He that is hasty to give credence, is light minded, and doth against himself. Who so rejoiceth in wickedness, shallbe punished: he that hateth to be reformed his life shallbe shortened, & he that abhorreth babbling of words/ quencheth wickedness. He that offendeth against his own soul, shall repent it: and he that rejoiceth in wickedness/ shall be punished. Rehearse not a wicked & churlish word twice/ and thou shalt not be hidered. Show thy secrets; nether to friend nor foo: and if y● hast offended/ tell it not out. For he shall hearken unto the and mark thee: and when he findeth opportunity/ he shall hate y● (& so shall he be alway about y●. ( * Eccle. 22. b and. xxvii. c If y● hast heard a word against thy neighbour, let it be dead with in thee: & be sure thou shalt have no harm thereby. A fool travaileth with a word, like as a woman that is pained with bearing of a child. Like as an arrow shot in a dogs thigh, so is a word in a fools heart. * Levi. nineteen. d Math. 18. b Tell thy friend his fault, lest he be ignorant/ & say. I have not done it, or if he have spoken, that he do it no more. Reprove thy neighbour that he keep his tongue, & if he have spoken, that he say it no more. Tell thy neighbour his fault, for oft times an offence is made/ and give not credence to every word. A man falleth sometime with his tongue, but not with his will. For * Eccle. 14. a and. xxv. b jame. iii. c what is he/ that hath not offended in his tongue. give thy neighbour warning/ before thou threaten him/ and give place unto the law of the Lord. The fear of God is all wisdom/ & he that is a right wise man, keepeth the law. As for the doctrine of wickedness/ it is no wisdom/ and the prudence of sinners is no good understanding: it is but wickedness, & abomination & a blaspheming of wisdom. A simple man of small understanding that feareth God/ is better than one that hath much wisdom, and trangresseth the law of the highest. A crafty sotell man can be wise, but he is unrighteous, and with gifts he wresteth the open and manifest law. A wicked man can behave himself humbly, and can duck with his head/ and yet is he/ but a deceiver within. He hideth his ●ice, * Mat. vi. ● & disguiseth it: & because he should not be known, he preventeth the. And though he be so weak that he can do that no harm, yet when he may find opportunity/ he shall do some evil. A man may be known by his face, & one that hath understanding/ may be percyeved by the look of his countenance. * Eccles. 31. ● A man's garment, laughter, & going, declare what he is. ¶ Of correction and repentant. Of the gift of the wise man and of the fool. Of lineage. CAPI. XX. SOME man * Eccle. 31. d reproveth his neighbour oft times/ but not in due season: Again/ some man holdeth his tongue/ and he is wise and discrete. It is much better to give warning and to reprove/ then to bear evil will: for he that knoweledgeth himself openly/ shallbe preserved from hurt and destruction. Like as when a●gelded man thorough desire and lust defileth a may den/ even so is it with him that useth violence: & unrighteousness in the law. O how good a thing is it, a man that is reproved/ to show openly his repentance: for so shalt thou escape wilful sin. Some man keepeth silence/ and is found wise: but he that is not ashamed what he sayeth/ is hateful. Some man holdeth his tongue, because be hath not the understanding of the language: and some man keepeth silence waiting a conventent tyme. * Eccle iii. a Eccl●s. 32. a A wise man will hold his tongue till he see oporcunyte/ but a want on and undiscrete body shall regard no tyme. He that useth many words/ shall hurt his own soul: and he that taketh authority upon him unrighteously, shallbe hated. Some man hath oft times pro●peryte in wicked things: Again, some man getteth much, and hath harm and loss. There is some gift that is nothing worth: Again thece is some gift, whose reward is double. Some man getteth a fall for being to proud. and some cometh to worship from low estate. Some man buyeth much for a little price, and must pay for it seven fold. * Eccle. vi. d A wise man with his words maketh himself to be loved, but the favours of fools shallbe poured out. The gift of the unwise shall do the no good, for his eyes are sevenfold. * Eccle. 18. c He shall give little, and say he gave much: he openeth his mouth and crieth out/ as it were one that crieth out wind. To day he dareth, to morrow asketh he again and such a man is to be hated. The fool saith: I have no friend/ I have no thank for all my good deeds: ye even they that eat my bread, speak no good of me. O how oft, & of how many shall he be laughed to scorn? He taketh a more perilous fall by such words then if he fell upon the ground: even so shall the falses of wicked men come hastily. In the mouth of him that is vutaught, are many unconvenient and unmeet words. A wise sentcce shall not be allowed at the mouth of the fool for he speaketh it not in due season. Some man sinneth not/ because he hath not wherewithal, & in his rest he shallbe stinged. Some man there is that destroyeth his own soul with shame, ‡ & for an unwise body's sake destroyeth it/ and with accepting of persons shall he undo himself. Some man promiseth his friend a gift for very shame, & getteth an enemy of him for nought. A lie is a wicked shame in a man. yet shall it be ever in the mouth of the unwise. A thief is better, than a man that is accustomed to lie/ but they both shall have destruction to heritage. The conditions of liars are unbonest/ and their shame is ever with them. A wise man shall bring himself to honour with his words, * Gene 〈◊〉 Dan●●● & he that hath underitanding/ shall be set by among great men. * Prou. 〈◊〉 and. ●●● He that tilleth his land/ shall increase his heap of corn: he that worketh righteousness, shallbe exalted, & he that pleaseth great men, shall escape much evil. ‡ Eccle. ● Deut. ●● Rewards and gifts blind the eyes of the wise/ & make h●m dumb, that he can not tell men their faults. * Eccle. ●● wisdom that is hid, & treasure that is hoardward up, what pfyte is in them both? Better is he that keepeth his ignorance secret, than a man that hideth his wisdom. ¶ Of the repentance of sin. We in aye not heaye sin upon sin. The boldness of an hery tyhe. The end of sin near. Of the fool and of the wise man. Of him that curseth the devil. CAPI. XXI. My sone, if thou hast sinned, do it no more: * Eccl ●. ●. ●. and. 〈…〉 Psal 〈…〉 Luke. 〈◊〉. but pray for thy fore sins/ that they may be forgiven the. flee from sin/ even as from a serpent/ for if thou comest to nigh her, she will bite the. The teeth thereof are as the teeth of a lion, to slay the souls of men. The wickedness of man is as a sharp two edged sword, which maketh such wounds that they can not be healed. Scryfe and wrongeous dealing shall waste away a man's goods, and thorough pride a rich house shallbe brought to nought/ so the riches of the proud shallbe roared out. * Exod 〈…〉 and. 〈…〉 The prayer of the poor goeth out of the mouth, and cometh unto the ears, & his vengeance (or defence) shall come, and that hastily. Who so hateth to be reformed, it is a token of a ungodly person: but he that feareth God, will remember himself. A mighty man is known a far ot by his tongue/ but he that hath understanding/ perceiveth that he shall have a fall. Who so buildeth his house with other men's cost/ is like one that gathereth stones in winter. * Eccl xv. The congregation of the ungodly is like stubble gathered together/ their end is a flame of fire. The way of the ungodly is set with stones, but in their end is hell, darkness, and pains. He that keepeth the law. will hold fast the understanding thereof, and the end of the fear of God is wisdom & understanding. He that is not wise, will not be taught in good: but the unwise man aboundeth in wickedness: and where bitterness is, there is no understanding. The knowledge of the wise shall flow like water that runneth over, & his council is like a fountain of life. The heart of a fool is like a broken vessel, he can keep no wisdom. When a man of understanding beareth a wise word/ he shall commend it, and make much of it. But yfa voluptuous man hear it, he shall have no pleasure therein/ but cast it behind his back. The talcking of a fool is like an heavy burden by the way: but to hear a wife man speak/ it is a pleasure. Where a doubt is in the congregation/ it is asked at the mouth of the wise, and they shall pondre his words in their hearts. Like as is a house that is destroyed/ even so is wisdom unto a fool: As for the knowledge of the unwise/ it is but dark words. Doctrine is unto him that hath no understanding/ even as fetters about his feet, and like manacles upon his right hand. ‡ ●●●● 19 b. A fool lifteth up his voice with laughter/ but a wise man shall scarce laugh secretly. Leruing is unto a wise man a jewel of gold, & like as an armelet upon his right arm. A foolish man's foot is soon in his neyghbou●g house/ but one that hath experience, shall be ashamed at the person of the mighty. A fool will peep in at the window into the house, but he that is well nourtured will stand without: A folly she man standeth harkening at the door, but he that is wise, will be ashamed: The lips of the unwise willbe telling foolish things/ but the words of such as have understanding, shallbe weighed in the balance. The heart of fools is in their mouth, but the mouth of the wise is in their heart. When the ungodly curseth the blasphemer, he curseth his own soul. * ●●euit. nineteen. d A privy accuser of other men shall defile his own soul, & be hated of every man:) but he that keepeth his tongue & is discrete, shall come to honour.) ¶ The purgation of the slothful. Of the foolish son and dawghter, we must have discretion how & to whom we ought to preach, of sorrowing upon the dead. A fool is not to be much talked with all. Injuries & wrongs do brenke frendshypy and amity. CAPI. XXII. A Slothful body is moulded of a stone of cla●e, and every man will speak to his vysprayse. A slothful body is made of the dung of oxen and every one that toucheth him must wash his hands again. A mysnurtured son is the dishonour of the father. A foolish daughter shall be little regarded. A wise daughter is an heritage unto her husband: but she that cometh to dishonesty/ bringeth her father in heaviness. A daughter that is past shame, dishonoureth both her father & her husband, the ungodly shall regard her, but they both shall despise her. The playing of Music is not meet where heaviness is/ even so is the correction and doctrine of wisdom ever unpleasant unto fools. Who so teacheth a fool, is even as one that glueth a potshard together: as one that telleth a tale to him that heareth him not/ and as one that raiseth a man out of an heavy sleep. Who so telleth a fool of wisdom, is even as a man, which speaketh to one that is a sleep. When he hath told his tale/ he sayeth: what is the matter? When one dieth/ lamentation is made for him/ because the light faileth him: even so let men mourn over a fool: for he wanteh understanding. Make but little weeping because of the deed. for he is come to rest/ but the life of the fool is worse than the death. Seven dates do men mourn for him that is deed, but the lamentation over the unwise and ungodly should endure all the days of their life. Talk not much with a fool, and go not with him that hath no understanding. Beware of him, lest it turn y● to travail, and thou shalt not be defiled with his sin. Depart from him, and thou shalt find rest, and shalt not be drawn back into his foolishness. What is heavier than lead? And what should a fool be called else but lead? ‡ Pro●. ●7. a Sand, salt/ and a lump of iron is easier to bear then an unwise, foolish, and ungodly man, Like as the band of wood bound together in the foundation of the house cannot be loosed: even so it is with the heart that is established in the thought of council. The thought of the wise shall neither fear/ nor be offended at any tyme. Like as a fair playitred wall in a winter house, & an high building, may not abide the wind and storm: even so is a fool's heart afraid in his imagination/ he feareth at every thing, and cannot endure.) A wavering heart in the imagination of a fool will not ever stand in awe, but he that abideth i'th' commandments of God, will always fear.) He that nippeth a man's eye/ bringeth forth tears: & he that pricketh the heart, bringeth forth the meaning and thought, Who so casteth a stone at the birds, frayeth them away: and he that blasphemeth his friend, breaketh the friendship: though y● drewest a sl●●rde at thy friend yet despair not/ for thou mayest come again to thy friend. If he speak sourly, fear not, for ye may be agreed together again: except it be that thou blaspheme him, disdain him, open his secrets & wound him traitorously: for all such things shall drive away a friend. Be faithful unto thy neighbour in his poverty, that thou may est rejoice with him also in his prosperity. Abide steadfast unto him in the tune of his trouble, that y● matest be heir with him in his heritage. Like as the vapour and smoke goeth out at the oven before the fire, even so evil words, rebukes and threatenings go before bloodshedding. Be not a shamed to defend thy trende: as for me/ I will not hide my face from him/ though he should do me harm. Whosoever heareth it, shall beware of him. ‡ Psal. 141. b Who shall set a watch before my mouth/ and a sure seal upon my lips/ that I fall not with them, and that my tongue destroy me not? ¶ A proper against pride▪ lechery, and gluttony Of othrs', blasphemy, and of wise communication. Of the three ky●des of s●●nes. M●hy sins proceed of abuou●ry. Of the fear of God. CAPI. XXIII. O Lord/ father and governor of my life/ leave me not in their imagination and council. Oh let me not fall in such reproof. Who will keep my thought with the scourge/ and the doctrine of wisdom in mine heart? that he spare not mine ignorance/ that I fall not with them, lest mine ignorances increase/ that mine offences be not many in number/ and that my sins exceed not: lest I fall before mine enemies, and so my adversary rejoice: O Lord thou father and God of my life/ leave me not in their imagination. O let me not have a proud look, but turn away all volupte ousnes fro me. Take fro me the lusts of the body/ let not the desires of uncleanness take hold upon me, and give me not over into an unshamefast and obstinate mind. Hear me (O ye children.) I will give you a doctrine, how ye shall ordre your mouth: who so keepeth it, shall not perish thorough his lips, nor be hurt thorough wicked works As for the sinner/ he shall be taken in his own vanity: he that is proud and cursed, shall fall therein. * Exodi. xx. b Eccle. 27. d Ma●n. v. b Let not thy mouth be accustomed with swearing/ for in it there are many falls. Let not the naming of God be continually ithy mouth: (and meddle not which the names of saints/ for thou shalt not be excused of them) for like as a servant which is oft punished cannot be without some fore/ even so whatsoever he be y● swearest & nameth god shall not be clean purged from sin, A man that useth much swearing, shallbe filled with wic kednes/ & the plague shall never go from his house. If he beguile his brother/ his faure shallbe upon him: if he knowledge not his sine, he maketh a double offenre, & if he swear in vain/ he shall not be found righteous for his house shall be full of plagues▪ * 〈…〉 The words of the swearer bringeth death (God grant that it be not found in the house of jacob.) But they that fear God/ eschew all such, & lie not weltering in sin. * Eph 〈…〉 Use not thy mouth to unhonest and filthy talking, for in it is the word of sin. Remember thy father and thy mother/ when thou art set among great men: lest God forget the in their sight/ and lest thou doting in thy custom, suffer rebuke/ and wish not to have been borne, & so curse the day of thy naryvite. * ● 〈…〉 The man the is accustomed with the words of blasphemy, will never be reformed all the days of his life. To sin twice is to much, but the third bringeth wrath & destruction. An hot stomach cannot be quenched (even like a burning fire) till it have swallowed up something: even so an unchaste man hath no rest in his flesh, till he have kindled a fire. All bred is sweet to an whoremonger, he will not leave of/ till he have his purpose. A man that breaketh wedlock▪ and regardeth not his soul but sayeth: * Esa. 〈…〉 Tush, who saith me? I am compassed about with barcknes/ the walls cover me, nobody saith me: whom need I to fear? The highest will not remember my sins. He understandeth not that his eyes see all things/ for all such fear of men driveth away the fear of God from him: for he feareth only the eyes of men, and considereth not that the eyes of the Lord are much clearer than the sun, beholdig all the ways of men and the ground of the deep, and looking even to men's hearts in secret places. The Lord God knew all things or ever they were made/ and after they be brought to pass also he looketh upon them al. * Levi 〈…〉 The same man shallbe openly punished in the streets of the city: & shallbe chased abroad like a young horse foal: and when he thinketh lest upon it, he shallbe taken. Thus shall he be put to shame of every man, because he would not understand the fear of the Lord-And thus shall it go also with every wife/ that leaveth her husband/ and getteth inheritance by a strange marriage. * Exod. 〈…〉 First, she hath been unfaithful unto the law of the high: Secondly/ she hath forsaken her own husband. thirdly, she hath played the whore in adultery, and gotten her children by another man. She shall be brought out of the congregation/ and her children shall be looked upon Her children shall not take rote: & as for fruit, her branches shall bring forth none. A shameful report shall she leave behide her, and her dishonour shall not be put out. And they that remain, shall know/ that there is nothing better/ than the fear of God: and that there is nothing sweeter than to take heed unto the commandments of the Lord. A great worship is it to follow the Lord, for long life shallbe received of him. ¶ ● praise of wisdom proceeding forth of the mouth of God. Of her wo●ike● & place where she ceasteth. CAPI. XXIIII. wisdom shall praise herself/ and be honoured in God/ and rejoice in the midst of his people: In the congrgaetions of the high shall she open her mouth/ and triumph i the beholding of his power: In the midst of her people shall she be exalted, and wondered at in the holy fullness. In the multitude of the chosen she shallbe commended/ and among such as be blessed she shallbe praised, and shall say: I am come out of the mouth of the highest, first borne before all creatures. I caused the light that faileth not to arise in the heaven, and covered all the earth as a cloud. My dwelling is above in the height/ and my seat is in the piler of the cloud. I myself alone have gone round about the compass of heaven, and pierced the ground of the deep: I have walked in the floods of the see/ and have stand in all lands: my dominion is in every people and in every nation/ and with my power have I trodden down the hearts of all, both high & low. In all these things also I sought rest, and a dwelling in some inheritance. So the creator: of all things gave me a command dement: and he that made me, appointed me a tabernacle/ and said unto me: Let thy dwelling be i jacob, and thine inheritance in Israel, and rote thyself among my chosen. * 〈◊〉. viii. ●. I was created from the beginning and before the world, and shall not leave of unto the world to come. * 〈◊〉, xxxi. ● In the holy habitation have I served before him/ and so was I stablished in Sion. * Psal, 132. a In the holy city reited I in like manner: and in jerusalem was my power, I roke rote in an honourable people/ even in the portion of the Lord and in his heritage/ & kept me in the fullness of the saints. I am set up an high like a Cedar upon Libanus, and as a Cipers tre upon the mount Hermon. I am exalted like a palmetre in Ca des, & as a rose plant in jericho: As a fair Olive tre in the field, & am exalted like as a planteyne tre by the water side. I have given a smell in the streets, as the Cinnamon & Balm, that hath so good a savoue: ye a sweet odour have I given as it were Myrrh of the be'st. I have made my dwellings to smell as it were of rosm Galbanum, of Clowes, and Incense/ and as Lybanus when it is not hewn down, & mine odour is as the pure Balm. As the Terebinte have I stretched out my branches, and my branches are the branches of honour and loving favour. ✚ ‡ john. xv. a As the vine have I brought forth fruit of a sweeter savour/ & my flowers are the fruit of honour and riches. I am the mother of beauty/ of love/ of fear/ of knowledge and of holy hope. ‡ john. 1●▪ a In me is all grace of life and truth. In me is all hope of life and virtue. O come unto me all ye that be desirous of me, and fill yourselves with my fruits: for my sprite is sweeter than honey/ and so is my inheritance more than the honey comb: the remembrance of me endureth for evermore. They that eat me/ shall have the more ho●ger: and they that drink me, shall thirst the more. Who so harkeneth unto me/ shall not come to confusion: & they that work in me, shall not offend. They that make me to be known, shall have everlasting life. ⊢ All these things are the book of life, the covenant of the Highest/ and the knowledge of the truth. ‡ Exod 〈◊〉. ●. and. xxiiii. ● Moses commanded the law in the precepts of righteousness for an heritage unto the house of jacob, and committed the promises unto Israel. * Psal. 131. b. Ac●●s. 〈◊〉. d. (Out of David his servant he ordained to raise up a most might king/ sitting in the seat of honour for evermore). * Deut iiii, ● and. xxix. b. This filleth with wisdom like as the flood of Physon/ and as the flood of Tigris/ when the new fruits are a growing This bringeth a plenteous understanding like Euphrates: & filleth it up, as jor josus. three ● dane in the time of harvest. This maketh nurture to break forth as the light, & as the water Gyhon in the harvest. The first hath not known her perfectly/ no more shall the last seek out the ground of her. For her thought is fuller than the see, and her council is profounder than the great deep. I wisdom have cast out floods. I am as a great waterbroke out of the river I am as the river Dorix, and as a water conduit am I come out of the garden of pleasure. I said: I will water the garden of my young plants, and fill the fruit of my birth. So my waterbroke became exceeding great, and my river approached unto the see. For I make doctrine to be unto all men as sight as the fair morning, and I shall make it to be ever the clearer. I will pierce thorough all the lower parts of the earth/ I will look upon all such as be a sleep, and lighten all them that put their trust in the Lord. I shall yet your out doctrine/ like as prophecy/ and leave it unto such as seek after wisdom/ & their generations shall I never fail, unto the holy everlasting world. * Eccle. 33. b. Behold, how that I have not laboured for myself only/ but for all them that seek after the truth. ¶ Of three things which please god, and of three which he hateth. Of nine things that be not to be suspect, and of the tenth: the fely of the malice of a woman. CAPI. XXV. Three things there are/ that my sprite favoureth/ which be also allowed be-before God and men. * Gene. xiii. b. The unity of brethren/ * Ro●a. xi. a the love of neighbours, * Eccles. xi. d. and man and wife that agree well together. Three things there be which my soul hateth and I utterly abhor the life of them: A poor man that is proud. A rich man that is a liar/ * Goe xviii. b. and an old body that dotethe/ and is unchaste. If thou haste gathered nothing in thy youth/ what wilt thou find then in thine age. O how pleasant a thing is it, when grey headed men are discrete, ‡ & when the elders can give good council: O how comely a thing is wisdom unto aged men: ye understanding and council is a glorious thing. The crown of old men is to have much experience: & the fear of god is their worship. There be nine things/ which I have judged in my heart to be happy, and the tenth will I tell forth unto men with my tongue. A man that while he liveth/ hath joy of his children/ & sayeth the fall of his enemies. Well is him that dwelleth with an housewife of understanding, * Eccle. nineteen. c and xxiiii a ●●d●c iii. c. and that hath not fallen with his tongue, and that hath not been fain to serve such as are unmeet for him. Well is him, that findeth a faithful friend: and well is him which talketh of wisdom to an ear that heareth hi. O how great is he/ that findeth wisdom and knowledge? Yet is he not above him, that feareth the Lord. The fear of God hath set itself above all things. Blessed is the man, unto whom it is granted to have the fear of God. Unto whom shall he be lyckened, that keepeth it fast? The fear of God is the beginning of his love, and the beginning of faith is to cleave fast unto it. The heaviness of the heart is all the punishment, & the wickedness of a woman goeth above al. All punishment & plague is nothing in comparison of the plague of the heart, even so all wickedness is nothing to the wickedness of a woman. Whatsoever happeneth unto a man is nothing in comparison of it, that his evil willers do unto him: and all vengeance is nothing to the vengeance of the enemy. There is not a more wicked head than the head of the serpent/ & there is no wrath above the wrath of a woman. * Pr 〈…〉 I will rather dwell with a lion and dragon, then to keep house with a wicked wife. The wickedness of a woman changeth her face, she shall moffel her countenance as it were a Bear, & as a sack shall she show it among the neighbours. Her husband is brought to shame among his neighbours, and when he heareth it, it maketh him to sigh. All wickedness is but little to the wickedness of a woman/ the portion of the ungodly shall fall upon her: Like as to climb up a sandy way is to the feet of the aged/ even so is a wife full of words to a still quiet man. * Eccle ● 〈◊〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 〈…〉 Look not to narrowly upon the beauty of a woman, lest thou be provoked in desire toward her▪ The wrath of a woman is dishonour and great confusion. If a woman get the mastrey, then is she contrary to her husband. A wicked wife maketh a sorry heart/ a heavy countenance and a deed wound. * 〈…〉 ●. 〈…〉 (Weak hands and feeble knees is a woman that her husband is not the better for.) Of the woman came the beginning of sin/ & thorough her we all are deed. give thy water no passage/ no not a little, nether give a wicked woman her will. If she walk not after thy hand, she shall confound the in the syehgt of thy enemies. Cut her of then from thy flesh, that she do not alway abuse the. ¶ The paap see of good a woman. Of the fear of three things and of the fourth. Of the jelouze and drunken woman. Of two things that cause sorrow, and of the third which moveth wrath. CAPI. XXVI. Happy is the man that hath a virtuous wife, for the number of his years shallbe double. An honest woman maketh her husband a joyful man/ and she shall fill the years of his life in peace. A virtuous woman is a noble gift, which shallbe given for a good portion unto such as fear God: Whether a man be rich or poor, he may have ever a merry heart, and a cheerful countenance. There be three things that my heart feareth, and my face is afraid of the fourth. Treason in a city/ a seditious people/ and noisome tongues, all these are heavier than the death. But when one is jealous over his wife/ it bringeth pain and sorrow unto the heart: and a woman that telleth out all things/ is a scourge of the tongue. When one hath an evil wife/ it is even as when an unylke pair of oxen must draw together, * ●●. 16. a he that getteth her/ he getteth a scorpion. A drunken woman is a great plague, for she cannot cover her own shame. The whoredom of a woman may be known in the pride of her eyes and eye leddes. * ●●. 42. b If thy daughter be not shamefast, hold her straightly, lest she abuse herself thorough overmuch liberty. Beware of all the dishonesty of her eyes, and marvel not if she do against the. Like as one that goeth by the way and is thirsty, so shall she open her mouth and drink of every next water that she may get. By every hedge shall she set her down/ and open her quiver against every arrow. A loving wire rejoiceth her husband, and feedeth his bones with her wisdom. A woman of few words is a gift of God/ and to all well nurtured minds may nothing be compared. An honest and mannerly woman is a gift above other gifts/ and there is no weight to be compared/ unto a mind that can rule itself. Like as the Sun when it ariseth is an ornament in the high heaven of the lord so is a virtuous wife the beauty of all her house. Like as the clear light is upon the holy candlestick, so is the bewre of the face upon an honest body. * 〈…〉. v. d. Like as the golden puers are upon the sockettes of silver/ so are the fair legs unto a woman that hath a costant mind. Perpetual are the foundations that be laid upon a whole stony rock/ so are the commandments of God upon the her●e of an holy woman. There be two things that green my heart and in the third is a displeasure come upon me When an expert man of war suffereth scarceness a●d poverty. When men of understanding and wisdom are not sert by. And when one departeth from righteousness unto sin. Who so doth such/ the Lord hath prepared him unto the sword. There be two manner of things, which me think to be herd & perilous. A merchant can not lightly keep him from wrong, nether a taveruer himself from sin. ¶ Of the po●e that would be rich The probation of the man that feareth God The unconstantness of a fool. The ●●tretes of a trende are not to be uttered. The wicked imagineth evil, which ●. turneth upon himself. CAPI. XXVII. BEcause of poverty have many one offended: and he that seeketh to be rich/ turneth his eyes aside. Like as a nayie in the wall sticketh fast betwixt two stones, even so doth sin stick betwixt the bees and the seller. If he hold him not diligently in the fear of the Lord, his house shall soon be overthrown. Like as when one syfteth, the filthiness remaineth in the sieve: So, remaineth there some unclean thing in the thought of man: The oven proveth the potter's vessel, * S●●i. three a. so doth temptation of trouble try righteous men * S●●i. three a. The tre of the field is known by his fruit so is the thought of man's heart known by his words. Praise no man except thou have heard him, for a man is known by his words. If thou followest righteousness, thou shalt get her, and put her upon the as a fair garment. And thou shalt dwell with her, & she shall defend the for ever, and in the day of knowledge thou shalt find stead fastness. The birds resort unto their like, so doth the truth turn unto them that be occupied withal. The lion waiteth the pray: so doth sinners lurk upon the workers of wickedness. The talking of him that feareth God, is nothing but wisdom: as for a fool, he changeth as the Moon. If thou be among the undiscrete, keep thy wor●● to a convenient time/ but among such as be wise/ speak on hardly. The talking of fools is abomination/ and their sport is voluptuous and mysnurtoure. * Eccle. ●2. b. Much swearing maketh the hair to stand up: and to strive with such/ stoppeth the ears. The strife of the proud is bloudeshedding/ and their blaspheming is heavy to hear. * Eccle. 19 ●. 〈◊〉 xxii. d. Who so discovereth secrets, loseth his credence, and findeth no friend after his will. love thy friend, and bind thyself in faithfulness with him: but if the bewrayest his secrets, thou shalt not get him again For like as the man is that destroyeth his enemy, so is he also that dealeth falsely in the friendship of his neighbour. Like as one that letteth a bird go out of his hand, cannot take her again: Even to thou/ if thou give over thy friend, thou canst not get him again: Ye thou canst not come by him, for he is to far of. He is unto the as a roe escaped out of the snare/ for his soul is wounded. As for wounds, they may be bound up again, & an evil word may be reconciled: but who so bewrayeth the secres of a friend, there is no more hope to be had unto him. * Prove. x. b. He that wyncketh with the eyes, ymageneth some cuell, and no man shall take him from it when thou art present, he shall hylie commend and praise thy words: but at the last he shall turn his tail/ and scaunder thy saying. Many things have I hated, but nothing so evil/ for the Lord himself also abhorreth such a one. * Exodi. 21. b Who so casteth a stone on high, it shall fall upon his awne head: and he that smiteth with guile, woundeth himself. Who so diggeth a pit, shall fall therein: (& he that layeth a stone in his neighbours way, shall stumble thereon) & he that layeth a snare for another, shallbe taken in it himself. * Hester. 7. b. Psal. 7. ●. Prou. 20. c. Eccles. 10. a Who so giveth a wicked noisome council, it shall come upon himself, & he shall not know from whence. The proud blaspheme, and are scornful, but vengeance lurketh for them as a lion. They that rejoice at the fall of the righteous, shallbe taken in the snare, anguish of heart shall consume them before they die. Anger & rygorousnesse are two abominable things, & the ungodly hath them both upon him. We ought not to desire vengeance but to forgive the office, of the wyces of the tongue, and of the daughters thereof. CAPI. XXVIII. HE * D●n 32, c. Roma. 12. c. that seeketh vengeance, shall find vengeance of the Lord/ which shall surely keep him his sins. * Math 5. b. 6. b. 18. b. forgive thy neighbour the hurt that he hath done thee, and so shall thy sins be forgiven the also, which thou prayest. Aman that beareth hatred against another/ how dare he desire forgiveness of God? He that showeth no mercy to a man which is like himself, how dare he ask forgiveness of his sins? If he that is but flesh/ beareth hatred & keepeth it/ who will entreat for his sins? Remember the end/ and let enmity pass/ which seeketh death and destruction/ and abide thou in the commandments. Remember the commandment/ so shalt thou not be rigorous over thy neighbour. Think upon the covenant of the highest/ & forgive thy neighbours ignorance. * Eccle. 58. a. Beware of strife/ & thou shalt make thy sins fewer. For an angry man kindleth variance, and the ungodly disquyeteth friends, and putteth discord among them that be at peace. * Prou. 26. c The more would there is, the more vehement is the fire: and the mightier that men be/ the greater is the wrath: and the longer the strife endureth/ the more it burneth. An hasty brawling kynleth a fire, & an hasty stryte sheddeth blovoe: A tongue also that beareth false witness, bringeth death. If thou blow the spark: it shall burn. If y● spit upon it: it shall go forth, and both these out of the mouth. * Eccle. 〈…〉 The sclaūderet a double tongued is cursed, for many one that be friends setteth he at variance. The third tongue hath disquieted many one, and driven them from one land to another. Strong cities of the rich hath it broken down/ and overthrown the houses of great men. (The strength of the people hath it brought down and been the decay of mighty nations.) The third tongue hath cast out many an honest woman/ and rob them of their labours. Who so harkeneth unto such, shall never find rest/ and never dwell safely. The stroke of the rod maketh yedders/ but the stroke of the tongue smiteth the bones in sunder. Their be many that have perished with the sword/ but many more thorough the tongue. Well is him that is kept from an evil tongue/ and cometh not in the anger thereof, which draweth not the yoke of such, and is not bound in the bands of it. For the yock thereof is of iron, and the band of it of steel The death thereof is a very evil death: hell were better for one/ then such a tongue. But the fire of it may not oppress them that fear God/ and the flame thereof may not burn them. Such as forsake the Lord/ shall fall therein: and it shall burn them, and no man shallbe able to quench it. It shall fall upon them as a Lion, and devour them as a leopard. Thou hedgest thy goods with thorns: why dost thou not rather make doors and bars for thy mouth? Thou wcyest thy gold & silver: Why dost thou not weigh thy words also upon the the balance? Beware/ that thou slide not in thy tongue, & so fall before thyve enemies, that lay wait for thee, (& thy fall be incurable, even unto death.) ¶ How we ought to lend our money, and do alms. Of a faithful man answering for his friend. Of liberality and hospitality. CAPI. XXIX. WHo so will show mercy, * Deut. 〈…〉 Luce. 6. ●. let him lend unto his neighbour: and he that is able/ let him keep the commandment. Lend unto thy neighbour in time of his need, and pay thou thy neighbour again in due season. Keep thy word, and deal faithfully with him/ and thou shalt allway find the thing that is necessary for the. There have been many that when a thing was lent them, reckoned it to be found, and made them travail and labour, that helped them. While they receyne anything/ they kiss the hands of such as give them/ and for their neighbours good they humble their voice. But when they should pay again/ they keep it back, and give evil words/ and make many excuses by reason of the time: and though he be able/ yet giveth he scarce the half again, and reckoneth the other to be found. And if he with hold not his money yet hath he an enemy of him/ and that undeserved. He payeth him with cursing & rebuke, and giveth him evil words for his good deed. There be many one which are not glad for to lend, not because of evil, but they fear to lose the thing that they lend. Yet have thou patience with the simple/ and withhold not mercy from him. Help the poor for the commandments sake/ and let him not go empty from the because of his necessity. Lese thy money for thy brother and neighbours sake/ and bury it not under a stone/ where it rusteth & corrupteth. * Math. 6. ●. ●●ce. 12. d. Eim. 6. d. Gather thy treasure after the commandment of the highest, and so shall it bring the more profit than gold: * ●●no. 4. b Say up the alms in the heart of the poor and it shall keep the from all evil. * Dan. 4, d. 〈◊〉. 12. d. 〈◊〉. x. a A man's alms is as a purse with him/ and shall keep a man's favour as the apple of an eye: and after ward shall it arise/ and pay every man his reward upon his head. It shall fight for the against thine enemies/ better than the child of a gyaunte/ or spear of the mighty. A good honest man is surety for his neighbour/ but a wicked person letteth him come to shame. Forget not the petition of thy surety, for he hath given his soul for the. The ungodly despiseth the good deed of his surety, and the unthankful and ignorant leaveth his surety in danger. Some man promeseth for his neighbour: and when he hath lost his honest, he shall forsake him. Suertishyppe hath destroyed many a rich man/ and removed them as the waves in the see. mighty people hath it driven away, and caused them to wander in strange countries. An ungodly man transgressing the commandment of the Lord/ shall fall into an evil suertishyppe: and though he force himself to get out/ yet shall he fall into judgement. Help thy neighbour out after thy power/ and beware/ that thou thyself fall not into such debt. * ●●les. 39 c The chief thing that keepeth in the life/ is water/ and bred/ clothing and lodging/ to cover the shame. Better is it to have a poor living in a man's own house, then delicate fare among the strange. * Psal. 35. b. i Tim. vi. b Hebre 13. a. Be it little or much that thou hast, hold the content withal/ & thou shalt not be blamed as a vagabond: for a miserable life is it, to go from house to house: & where a man is fremde/ he dare not open his mouth. Though one be lodged, & have meat & drink, yet shall he be taken as unworthy/ & hear many bitter rough words, namely thus: Go thy way thou stranger, and prepare a table for thyself, and feed me also of that thou hast. A way thou stranger (so, that he regardeth his honour no more) my brother cometh into my house/ and so he telleth him the necessity of his house These things are heavy to a man that hath under standing: namely/ the forbidding of the house, & that the lenoer casteth him in the teeth. ¶ Of the correction of children. Of the commodity of health. Death is better than a sorrowful life Of hid wisdom. Of the joy and sorrow of the heart. CAPI. XXX. WHo so loveth his child, * Prou. 13. f. and. xxiii. ● holdeth him still under corection, that he may have joy of him after ward and that he grope not after his neighbours doors. * Deut. vi a. He that teacheth his son, shall have joy in him/ and need not to be ashamed of him among his acquaintance. Whose informeth and teacheth his son, grieveth the enemy: & before his friends he may have joy of him. Though the father die, yet is he as though he were not deed: for he hath left one behind him that is like him. In his life he saw him and had joy in him/ and was not sorry in his death/ neither was he ashamed before the enemies. For he left behind him an avenger against his enemies, & a good doer unto the friends. For the life of children he shall bind the wounds together, and his heart is grieved at every cry. An untamed horse willbe hard/ & a wanton child willbe wilful. If thou bring up thy son delicately, he shall make y● afayed: and if thou play with him, he shall bring the to heaviness. Laugh not with him/ lest thou weep with him also, and lest thy teeth be set on edge at the last. * Eccles. 7. c. give him no liberty in his youth/ & excuse not his folly. Bow down his neck while he is young/ it him upon the sides while he is yet but a child/ lest he wax stubborn/ and give no more force of thee/ & so shalt thou have heaviness of soul. Teach thy child/ and be diligent therein/ lest it be to thy shame. Better is the poor being whole and strong/ then a man to be rich, and not to have his health: Health and welfare is about all, gold, and a whole body above all treasure. There is no tyches above a sound body/ & no joy above the joy of the heart. Death is better than a wretched life, & eternal rest better than continual sickness. The good things that are put in a close mouth are like as when meat is laid upon the grave. What good doth the offering unto an Idol? * ●e●. b. For he can neither eat, taste, nor smell. Even so is he that is chased of the Lord/ & heareth the rewards of iniquytte. He saith with is eyes/ & groaneth like a gelded man, that lieth with a virgin & sigheth. * Prou 12. d. 15. ●. 17. d. give not over thy mind into heaviness, and vex not thyself in thine own council. ‡ Eccles. 〈◊〉. c ●rou. 14. ● The joy and cheerfulness of the heart is the life of man/ & a man's gladness is the prolonging of his days. love thine own soul, & comfort thine heart: as for sorrow & heaviness drive it far from y●, * 2, Cor, 7. b. for heaviness hath slain many a man/ & bringeth no profit, zeal & anger shorten the days of the life: carefulness and sorrow bring age before the tyme. Unto a merry heart every thing hath a good taste that he eateth ¶ We ought to give diligent heed to honesty. Of them that ●ake payve to gather riches. The praise of a rich man without a fault. We ought to i'll dronckenesse & follow so●●●nt●. CAPI. XXXI. Travail & carfulnes for * i Tim. vi. ● riches taketh away the sleep, & maketh the flesh to consume. When one lieth & taketh care, he waketh ever up, like as a great sickness breaketh the sleep. The rich hath great labour in gathering his riches together, and then with the pleasure of his riches he taketh his rest and is refreshed. But who so laboureth & prospereth not, he is poor: & though he leave of, yet is he a beggar. He that loveth riches, shall not be justified: & who so followeth corruption/ shall have enough thereof. * Eccles. ●. ●. Many one are come in great misfortune by the reason of gold/ and have found their destruction before them. It is a tre of falling unto them that offer it up, & all such as be foolish fall therein. Blessed is the rich/ which is found without blemish/ and hath not gone after gold/ nor hoped in money & treasures. Where is there such a one? and we shall commend him, and call him blessed, for great things doth he among his people. Who so is tried/ and found perfect in such things/ shallbe commended and praised. Who might offend, and hath not offended? Who could do evil, and hath not done it? Therefore shall his good be stablished, & the whole congregation shall declare his almesses. If thou sit at a great man's table/ open not thy mouth wide upon it/ and make not many words. Remember, that an evil eye is a shrew. What thing created is worse than a wicked eye? therefore weepeth it before every man's face? Say not thine hand upon every thing that thine eye saith/ & strive not with him in the dish. * Math. ● Ponder by thyself what thy neighbour would fain have, & be discrete in every point. Eat the thing that is set before the mannerly, as it becometh a man: and eat not to much/ lest thou be abhorred. Leave that of first of all/ because of nurture, lest thou be he whom no man may satisfy, which may turn to thy decay. When thou sittest among many men/ reach not thine hand out first of all. * Eccl. ●● Oho we well content is a wise man with a little wine? so that in sleep y● shalt not be sick thereof, nor feel any pain. A sweet whosome sleep shall such a one have/ & feel no inward grief. He riseth up by times in the morning/ & is well at ●ase in himself But an unsatiable eater sleepeth unquietly/ & hath ache & pain of the body. It y● feelest that y● hast eaten to moche, arise, go thy way, cast it of thy stomach/ and take thy rest: & it shall ease the so that thou shalt bring no sickness unto thy body. My son, hear me/ & despise me not: & at the last thou shalt find as I have told the. * 〈…〉 In all thy works be diligent & quick, so shall there no sickness hap unto y●. * Prou. ●● Who so is liberal in dealing out his meat many men shall bless him/ and praise him with their lips: and the same is a sure token of his love and faithfulness. But he that is unfaithful in meat/ the whole city shall complain of him: and that is a sure experience of his infidelity and wickedness. * Ephe. 〈◊〉. Iud●t. 〈◊〉. Be not thou a wine bybber, for wine hath destroyed many a man. The fire proveth the herd iron/ even so doth wine prove hearts of the proud/ when they be droncken. * Prou. 〈◊〉 ●. 〈…〉 ●. Wine soberly drunken/ queckeneth the life of man. If thou drynckest it measurably, thou shalt be temperate. What life is it that may continue without wine (● What taketh away the life? even death.) Wine was made from the beginning to make men glad (and not for drunkenness) Wine measurably drunken is a rejoicing of the soul & body. (A measurable drink is health to soul & body. But if it be drunken with excess, it maketh bitterness and sorrow unto the mind. Drunkenness filleth the mind of the foolish with shame and ruin, mynysheth the strength, and maketh wounds. * Eccle. xx. ● Rebuke not thy neighbour at the wine, and despise him not in his mirth. give him no despiteful words & press not upon him with contrary sayings. ¶ Of the discretion and praise of the preacher, and of the hearer. Of the fear, faith, and confidence of God. CAPI. XXXII. IF thou be made a ruler, * ●●u●e. 17. d pride not thy self therein/ but be thou as one of the people. * ●●ma. xii b Take diligent care for them and look well thereto: and when thou hast done all thy duty/ sit the down/ that thou mayest be merry with them/ and receive a crown of honour. Talk wisely and honestly/ for wisdom becometh the right well. hinder not music. Speak not, where there is no audience: * Eccles. iii. a Eccle. xx. ●. and pour not forth wisdom out of time/ at an importunity. Like as the Car buncle stone shineth that is set in gold/ so doth a song garnish the wine feast: and as the smaragd that is set in gold, so is the sweetness of music by the mirth of wine, (give ear, and be still/ and for thy good behaviour thou shalt be loved.) Thou young man/ speak that becometh thee, and that is profitable, & yet scarce when thou art twice asked. Comprehend much with few words. In many things be as one that is ignorant/ give ear, and hold thy tongue withal. If thou be among men of higher authority/ desire not to compare thyself unto them: and when an elder speaketh make not thou many words therein. Before the thunder goeth lightening/ and before nurture and shamefastness: goeth love and favour. Stand up by times/ and be not the last: but get the home soon, and there take thy pastime/ and do what thou wilt: so that thou do no evil/ and defy no man. But for all things give thanks, unto him that hath made thee/ & replenished the with his goods. Who so feareth the Lord/ will receive his doctrine: and they that get them to him by times/ shall find grace. He that seeketh the law shall be filled withal: As for him that is but feigned, he will be offended thereat They that fear the Lord/ shall find the judgement, and their righteousness shallbe kindled as a light. An ungodly man will not be reformed, but can help himself with the example of other in his purpose. A man of understanding despiseth no good council: but a wild and proud body hath no fear (Ye even when he hath dealt rashly with another man, but his own doings shall be his rebuke.) My son, do nothing without advisement, so shall it not repent the after the deed. Go not in the way where thou mayest fall/ nor where thou mayest stumble against the stone. give not thyself into a laborious slippery way, and beware of thine own children, (and take heed of them that be of thine own household.) In all thy works put thy trust in God from thy whole heart, for that is the keeping of the commandments. Who so believeth God's word/ taketh heed to the commandments: and he that putteth his trust in the Lord, shall want nothing. ¶ The deliverance of him that feareth God. The answer of the wise. The little discretion of a fool. Man is in the hand of God, as the earth is in the hand of the Potter. We ought not to dispose ourselves, to become subject to other. CAPI. XXXIII. THere shall no evil happen unto him that feareth God: but when he is in temptation, the Lord shall deliver him and keep him from evil. A wise man hateth not the law, but an hypocrite is as a ship in raging water. A man of understanding giveth credence unto the law of God/ and the law is faithful unto him. Be sure of the matter, then talk thereof: Be first well instruct, then mayest thou give answer. The herre of the foolish is like a cart wheel, and his thoughts run about like the axle tree. Like as a wild horse that neigheth under every one that sitteth upon him, so is it with a scornful friend Why doth one day excel another, seeing all the days of the year come of the Sun? The wisdom of the Lord hath so parted them asunder, & so hath he ordained the times & solemn feasts. Some of them hath he choose & hallowed before other days. And at men are made of the * Gene. two. a ground, and out of the earth of Adam. In the multitude of science hath the Lord sundered them, and made their ways of diverse fashions. Some of them hath he blessed, made much of them, hallowed them, and claimed them to himself. But some of them hath he cursed, brought them low, & put them out of their estate. * Roma. ix. ●. Like as the clay is in the potter's hand, and all the ordering thereof at his pleasure: so are men also in the hand of him that made them, so that he may give them as it liketh him best. * 1. Corin. 6. ● Against evil is good, and against death is life: so is the ungodly against such as fere God. Behold these are the works of the highest, and there are ever two against two, & one set against another. I am awaked up last of all, as one that gathereth after in harvest. In the giftis of God and in his blessing. I am increased, and have filled my wine press, like a grape gatherer. * Eccle. 24. b Behold, how I have not laboured only for myself, but for all such as love nurture and wisdom. Hear me, O ye great men of the people and hearken with your ears ye tulers of the congregation. give not thy son and wife/ thy brother and friend power over the while thou livest: and give not away thy substance and good to another, lest it repent thee/ and thou be fain to beg therefore thyself. As long as thou livest and haste breathe/ let no man change thee: For better it is thy children to pray thee/ than that thou shouldest be sayne to look in their hands. In all thy works be excellent, that thy honour be never stained. At the time when thou shalt end thy days, & finish thy life/ distribute thine inheritance. The fodder/ the whip/ and the burden be longed unto the Ass: Meat/ correction, & work unto the servant. If thou set thy servant to labour, thou shalt find rest. But if thou let him go idle/ he shall seek liberty. The yoke & the whip bow down the hard neck, but tame thou thy evil servant with bonds and correction. Send him to labour/ that he go not idle: For idleness bridgeth much evil. Set him to work, for that belongeth unto him/ and becometh him well. If he be not obedient/ bind his feet, but do not to much unto him in any wise/ and without discretion do nothing. * Eccle. seven. c If thou have a (faithful) servant let him be unto the as thine own soul: (intreade him as a brother) for in blood hast y● gotten him. If thou have a servant/ hold him as thyself, for thou hast need of him as of thyself. If thou entreatest him evil, and keepest him hard, & makest him to be proud and to run away from thee/ thou canst not tell what way thou shalt seek him. ¶ Of dreams, divinacyons, and euchauntementes. We ought to confute vain hope, and lying. The praise of them that fear God. Of divers works of men God doth not allow the works of an unfaithful man. CAPI. XXXIIII. Unwise people beguile themselves with vain and deceitful hope, and fools trust in dreams. Who so regardeth dreams/ is like him that will take hold of a shadow, and follow after the wind: Even so is it with the apperynges of dreams. Before the face is the likeness of a face. Who can be cleansed of the unclean? Or what truth can be spoken of a liar? Sothsayinge/ wytcrafte/ sorcery and dreaming is but vanity: like as when a woman travaileth with child and hath many fantasies in her heart. Where as such visions come not of God, set not thine heart upon them: For dreams have deceived many a man/ and they failed, that put their trust therein. The law shallbe fulfilled without lies/ & wisdom is sufficient to a faithful mouth. What knowledge hath he that is not tried? A wise man that is well instruct/ understandeth much: & he that hath good experience, can talk of wisdom. He that hath no experience/ knoweth little: and he that erreth, causeth much wyckedues. He that is not tried/ what things knoweth he? Who so followeth no rule/ is full of wickedness. When I was yet in error/ I learned much also: ye I was so learned, that I could not express it all/ and came oft in apparel of death thereover/ till I was delivered from it (thorough the grace of God.) Now I see/ that they which fear God, have the right spirit: for their hope standeth in him, that can help them And the eyes of the Lord are on them that love him. Who so feareth the Lord, standeth in awe of no man, and is not afraid, for the Lord is his hope and comfort. Blessed is the soul of him that feareth the Lord: In whom putteth he his trust? Who is his strength? * P●●. ●6 ● For the eyes of the Lord have respect unto them/ that love him. He is their mighty protection, and strong ground: A defence for the heat, and refuge for the hot none day/ a succore for stumbling, and an help for falling. He setteth up the soul/ & lighteneth the eyes: He giveth life/ and blessing. He that giveth an offering of unrygh tuous good, his offering is refused: and the scornful dealings of the unrighteous please not God (The Lord is theirs only/ that patiently abide him in the way of the truth & of righteousness. The highest doth not allow the gifts of the wicked.) And * Prou. x 〈…〉 God hath no delight in the offerings of the ungodly, nether may sin be reconciled in the multitude of oblations. Who so bringeth an offering out of the goods of the poor/ doth even as one that killeth the son before the father's eyes. The bred of the needful is the life of the poor: he that defraudeth him thereof, is a man of blood. Who so robbeth his neighbour of his living, doth as a great sine as though he s●e we him to death. * Deut. ●4● Eccle. 〈…〉 He that defraudeth the labourer of his hire, is a blood shedder. When one buildeth and another breaketh down/ what profit have they then but labour? When one prayeth & another curseth, whose voice will the Lord hear? ‡ Num. nineteen. b He that washeth high self because of a deed body, & then toucheth Prou. 26. b Pe●. two. b the deed again, what doth his washing? So is it with a man that fasteth for his sins, & doth them again: who will hear his prayer? Or what doth his fasting help him? ¶ It is well done to pray, and to do sacrifice. The prayer of the fall heels, and of the widow: and him that humbleth himself. CAPI. XXXV. WHo so keepeth the law, * 〈◊〉. seven. ● bringeth offerings enough. He that holdeth fast the commandment, offereth the right health offering. He that is thankful and recompenseth, offereth fine flower. * 〈◊〉. 13. 〈…〉. 4. c Who so is merciful and giveth alms/ that is the right thankeoffring. God hath pleasure/ when one departeth from sin, and to forsake unrighteousness reconcileth us with him. ‡ exod 34. 8 Thou shalt not appear empty before the Lord/ for all such is done because of the commandment. * Gene. 4. ● The offering of the righteous maketh the altar fat, & a sweet smell is it before the highest. The offering of the righteous is acceptable unto God, and shall never be forgotten. give God his honour with a cheerful heart, and keep not back the firstlings of thy hands. * 〈◊〉. ix. ● In all thy gifts show a merciful countenance, and hallow thy tithes unto God with gladness. give unto God, according as he hath enriched and prospered thee: * ●ob●. 4. b and look what thin hand is able, give with a cheerful eye: for the Lord recompenseth, and giveth the seven times as much again. give no unrighteous gifts, for such will he nat receive. Beware of wrongeous offerings, for the Lord is a righteous judge: and regarderh no man's person: He accepteth not the person of the poor, but he heareth the prayer of the oppressed. * Iudit. 4. b He despiseth not the desire of the fatherless/ nor the widow, when she poureth out her prayer before him. Doth not God see the tears, that run down the cheeks of the widow? Or heareth he not the complaint over such as make her to weep For from her cheeks do the tears go up unto heaven/ and the Lord which heareth them/ doth accept them? Who so serveth God after his pleasure, shallbe accepted, and his prayer reacheth unto the clouds. * ●●●no. iii d 〈◊〉. x. ● The prayer of him that humbleth him self, goeth thorough the clouds, till she come nigh. She will not be comforted, nor go her way, till the highest God have respect unto her, give true sentence, and perform the judgement. And the Lord will not be slack in coming: nor tarry long: till he have smitten in sunder the ba ckes of the unmerciful, and avenged himself of the Heathen till he have taken away the multitude of the cruel, and broken the sceptre of the unrighteous: till he give every man after his works/ and reward them after their doings: till he have delivered his people, maintained their cause, & rejoiced them in his mercy. O how fair a thing is mercy in the time of anguish & trouble? It is like a cloud of rain that cometh in the time of a drought. ¶ A prayer to God in the person of all faithful men: with the praise of a good woman. CAPI. XXXVI. Have mercy upon us/ O Lord/ thou God of all things. Have respect unto us/ show us the light of thy mercies, and send thy fear among the Heathen & strangers, which seek not after thee: that they may know, how that there is no God but thou/ and that they may show thy wondrous works. lift up thine hand over the outlandy she Heathen/ that they may learn to know thy might and power: Like as thou art hallowed in us before them, so bring to pass/ that thou mayest be magnified also in them before us: that they may know thee, like as we know the. For there is none other God, but only thou O Lord. Renew the tokens, and change the wondrous works. Show thine hand/ and thy right arm gloriously. Raise up thy indignation, & pour out thy wrath. Take away the adversary/ and smite the enemy. Make the time short/ remember thy covenant, that thy wondrous works may be praised. Let the wrath of the fire consume them that live so careless: and let them perish that do thy people hurt Smite in sunder the head of the princes/ that be our enemies/ and say: there is none other but we. Gather all the tribes of jacob together again, that they may know/ how that there is none other God but only thou, that they may show thy wondrous works/ and be thou thy people's heritage, like as from the begyynning. O Lord have merey upon the people that hath thy name, and upon Israel/ * Exodi. 4. e. whom thou hast lyckened to a first borne son. O be merciful unto jerusalem the city of thy Sanctuary, * 1. Per. 6. g the city of thy rest. Fill Zion with thy unspeakable virtues, & thy people with thy glory. give witness unto thy creature, whom thou madest from the beginning/ & raise up the prophecies that have been showed in thy name. Reward them that wait for thee/ that thy Prophets may be found faithful. O Lord hear the prayer of thy servants, according to the blessing of Aaron over thy people (& guide thou us in the way of righteousness) * Nume. 6. d that all they which dwell upon the earth, may know, that thou art the Lord the eternal God, which is from everlasting. The belly devoureth all meats, yet is one meat better than another. Like as the tongue tasteth venison, * ●. Cor●. 2. d so doth an heart of understanding mark false words. A froward heart giveth heaviness, but a man of experience lifteth him up again. The woman receiveth every man/ yet is one daughter better than another. A fair wife rejoiceth her husband/ & a man loveth nothing better. If she be loving & virtuous with all, then is not her husband like other men. He that hath gotten a virtuous woman/ hath a goodly possession: she is unto him an help/ and pillar whereupon he resteth. Where no hedge is, there the goods are spoiled: & where no housewife is/ there the friendless mourneth. Like as there is no credence given to a robber/ that goeth from one city to anoher: So is not the man believed/ that hath no nest, and must turn in/ where he may abide in the night. ¶ How a man should know friends and counsellors, and search the company of a holy man. CAPI. XXXVII. Every friend sayeth: I will be friendly unto him also. But there is some friend, which is only a friend in name. Remaineth there not heaviness unto death, when a companion and friend is turned to an enemy? O most wicked presumption: From whence art thou sprung up, to cover the earth with falsehood & deceit? * Eccle. vi. ● There is some companion which in prosperity rejoiceth with his friend: but in the time of trouble, he taketh part against him. There is some companion that mourneth with his friend for the belly sake: but when trouble cometh, he taketh hold of the shield. Forget not thy friend in thy mind/ and think upon him in thy riches. Seek no council at thy kyns men/ and hide thy council from such as bear the no good will. * Eccl. viii. ● and ix. ● Every counselor bringeth forth his council. Nevertheless, there is some that counseleth/ but for his own profit: Beware of the counsellor, and be advised afore whereto thou wilt use him, for he will council for himself. Lest he cast the lot upon thee, and say unto thee, Thy way & purpose is good, & after ward he stand against thee, and look what shall become of the. Ask no council at him/ that suspecteth y● for an enemy, and hide thy council from such as hate the. Ask no council at a woman, concerning the things that she longeth for: nor at a fearful and fain hearted body, in matters of war: or at a merchant, how dear he will cheap thy wares toward his: or at a bier of selling: Or at an envious man, of thanks giving: or at the unmerciful/ of loving kindness, (or at an unhonest man, of honesty.) Or at the slothful/ of working Or at an hireling which hath no house, or profit or wealth: (An idle body would not gladly hear speak of much labour.) Take no such folks to council, but be diligent to seek council at a virtuous man that feareth God/ such one as thou knowest to be kept of the commandments, which hath a mind after thine own mind/ and is sorry for the when thou stumblest. And hold thy council fast in thine heart: for there is no man more faithful to keep it: then thou thyself. For a man's mind is sometime more disposed to tell out/ then seven watchmen that sit above in an high place looking about them. And above all this pray the highest, that he will lead thy way in faithfulness and truth. Before all thy works ask council first: and or ever thou dost any thing/ be well advised. There be four things that declare a changed heart, whereout there springeth evil and good, death & life/ and a masterfull tongue that babbleth much. Some man is apt and well instruct in many things, and yet very unprofitable unto himself. Some man there is, that can give wise and prudent council/ and yet is he hated/ and continueth a beggar: for that grate is not given him of God/ to be accepted. Another is rob of all wisdom, yet is he wise unto himself, & the fruit of understanding is commendable in his mouth. A wise man maketh his people wise, & the fruits of his wisdom fail not. A wise man shall be plenteously blessed of God, & all they that see him, shall speak good of him. The life of a man standeth in the number of the days/ but the days of Israel are innumerable A wise man shall obtain fayfulnes and credence among his people/ and his name shall be perpetual. My son/ prove thy soul in thy life: & if thou see any evil thing, give it not unto her. * i Cor. vi, ● and. x. ●. For all things are not profitable for all men, nether hath every soul pleasure in every thing. Be not greedy in every eating, & be not to hasty upon all meats. * Eccle. thirty. ● For excess of meats bringeth sickness, and gluttony cometh at the last to an unmeasurable heat. Thorough surfeit have many one perished: but he that dyeteth himself temperately, prolongeth his life. ¶ A physician in sickness ought we to pray, and to find a physician which healeth by prayer. The ●ew●pynge of the deed. S●du●●. wisdom. Artificers or craftsmen. CAPI. XXXVIII. HOnour the Physician, honour him because of necessity. God hath created him (for of the highest cometh medicine) and he shall receive gifts of the king. The wisdom of the physician bringeth him to great worship, and in the sight of the great men of this world/ he shall be honourably taken. The Lord hath created medicine of the earth/ and he that is wise/ will not abhor it. * Exod. xv. d ●. Reg. 4. c Was not the bitter water made sweet with a tre? that men might learn to know the virtue thereof. The Lord hath given men wisdom/ and understanding, that he might be honoured in his wondrous works. With such doth he heal men/ & taketh away their pains, Of such doth the Apotecarye make a con●eccyon/ yet can no man perform all his works. For of the Lord cometh prosperous wealth over all the earth. My son, despise not this in thy sickness, but * ●. Pat. 16, d 〈◊〉 ●8. a pray unto the Lord/ & he shall make the whole. Leave of from sin/ and order thy hands a right/ cleanse thine heart from all wickedness. give a sweet savoured offering and the fine flower for a token of remembrance, make the offering fat/ as one that giveth the first fruits, and give room to the physician. For the Lord hath created him let him not go from thee/ for thou haste need of him. The hour may come, that the sick may be helped thorough them, when they pray unto the Lord, that he may recover/ and get health to live longer. He that sinneth before his maker shall fall into the hands of the physician. My son, * Eccle. 22. ● bring forth thy tears over the dead: and begin to mourn/ as it thou hadst suffered great harm thyself: & then cover his body after a convenient manner/ & despise not his burial. Enforce thyself to weep/ & provoke thyself to mourn, * 1. Ehe●. 4. and make lamentation expedientlye/ and that a day or two/ least thou be evil spoken of: and then comfort thyself because of the heaviness. * Prou. xii. d and. xviii. d Eccle. thirty. d For of heaviness cometh death/ the heaviness of the heart breaketh strength. heaviness and poverty grieveth the heart in temptation and offente. Take no heaviness to heart/ drive it away/ and remember the last things. Forget it not/ for there is no turning again. Thou shalt do him no good/ but hurt thyself. Remember his judgement, thine also shall be like wise: unto me yester day, unto the to day. * 2. Reg. xii. e Let the remembrance of the deed cease in his rest/ and comfort thyself again over him/ seeing his spirit is departed from him. The wisdom of the scribe is at convenient time of rest: & he that ceaseth from exercise and labour/ shall be wise. He that holdeth the plough, and hath pleasure in prodding/ and driving the oxen, and goeth about with such works/ he can speak of oxen: He setteth his heart to make forowes/ & is diligent to give the kine fodder. So is every carpenter also & workmaster, that laboureth still night and day: he carveth, graveth & cutteth out, and his desire is in sundry cunning things, his heart imagineth, how he may cunnyngly cast an image, his diligence also and watching performeth the work. The yronsmyth in like manner hideth by his stythye, and doth his diligence to labour the iron. The vapour of the fire brenneth his flesh, and he must fight with the hea● of the furnace. The noise of the hammer soundeth ever in his ears/ and his eyes look still upon the thing that he maketh. He hath set his mind thereupon/ that he will make out his work, and therefore he watcheth/ how he may set it out, and bringeth it to an end. So doth the potter sit by his work, he turneth the wheel about with his feet, he is diligent and careful in all doings, and his labour and work is without number. He fashioneth the clay with his arm, and with his feet he temporeth it. His heart imagineth how he may make it pleasant/ and his diligence is to cleanse the oven. All these hope in their hands/ and every one thinketh to be cunning in his work. Without these may not the cities be maintained/ inhabited nor occupied, and come not h●e in the congregation: in the council of the people/ they be not required, they understand not the covenant of the law: they cannot declare equity and judgement, they cannot find out the dark sentences, but thorough them shall the creature of the world be maintained, their prayer concerneth only the work and labour of cunning. ¶ A wise man. The works of God. Unto the good/ good things do profit: but unto the evil, even good things are evil. CAPI. XXXIX. HE that applieth his mind to understand the law of God, doth diligently seek out the wisdom of them of the old time, and exerciseth himself in the Prophets. He keepeth the sayings of famous men, and preseth to the to understanding of dark sentences of wisdom, He seeketh out the mystery of secret sayings/ & exerciseth himself there in continually. He doth service among great men, & appeareth before the prince: He goeth into a strange country, & travaileth thorough it: look what good or evil is among men, he proveth it & seeketh it out, He purposeth in his heart, to resort early unto the Lord that made him, & to pray before the highest God. He openeth his mouth in prayer, & prayeth for his sins. When the great Lord will, he shallbe filled with the spirit of understanding/ that he may then pour out wise sentences, & give thanks unto the Lord in his prayer. He shall order his device, and lead his knowledge a right, and give him understanding of secret things. He shall show forth the Eccle. 44 b science of his learning/ and rejoice in the covenant of the law of the Lord. The whole congregation shall commend his wisdom/ and it shall never be put out. The remembrance of him shall never be forgotten/ and his name shall continue from one generation to another. His wisdom shallbe spoken of/ among the people, and the whole congregation shall openly declare his praise. While he liveth, he hath a greater name than a thousand beside: & after his death, the same name remaineth unto him. Yet will I speak of more men of understanding/ for I am full as the Moon. hearken unto me (ye holy virtuous children) bring forth fruit/ as the rose that is planted by the brooks of the field/ and give ye a sweet smell as Libanus. flourish as the rose garden/ sing a song of praise. O give thanks unto God over all his works. give glory and honour unto the Lord, show his praise with your lips. Ye even with the ●onge of your lips/ with haps & playing and in giving thanks unto him/ say after this manner. * Gene. ●, d All the works of the Lord are exceeding good, and all his commandment are meet and convenient in due season. A man need not to say: what is that? what is that? for at time convenient they shall all be sought. At his commandment the water was as a wall, and at the word of his mouth the water stood still. * Gene. seven. b In his commandment is every thing acceptable and reconciled, and his health can not be minished. The works of all flesh are before him, and there is nothing hid from his eyes. He saith from everlasting to everlasting/ and there is nothing to wonderful or high unto him. A man need not to say then/ what is this/ or that? For he hath made all things to do good unto man. His blessing shall run over as the stream, and moisture the earth like a flood of water. Like as he maketh the water for drought/ so shall his wrath fall upon the Heathen. * Osce. 14. ● Rome. ●. ● His ways are plain and right unto the just/ but the ungodly stumble at them. For the good/ be good things created from the beginning, & evil things for the ungodly. * Eccles. 〈◊〉 ● All things necessary for the life of man are created from the beginning: water/ fire/ iron & salt, meel, wheat, and honey milk & wine, oil & clothing. * 1. Eim. ●. ● All these things are created for the best to the faithful: But to the ungodly shall all these things be turned to the hurt & harm. There be spretes that are created for vengeance, & in their rigorusnes have they fastened their torments. * Math. 〈…〉 In the time of the end they shall pour out their strength & pacify the wrath of him that made them. * Eccles. 〈◊〉. ● Fire hail/ hungers & death: all these things are created for vengeance. The teeth of wild noisome beasts, the scorpions, serpents, and the sword are created also for vengeance, to the destruction of the ungodly. They shall be glad to do his commandments: and when need is, they shall be ready upon earth: and when their hour is come, they shall not overpass the commandment of the Lord. Therefore have I taken a good courage unto me from the beginning/ and thought to put these things in writing/ & to leave them behind me. * Gene. ●. ● All the works of the Lord are good/ & he giveth every one in due season, & when need is/ so that a man need not to say: this is worse than that. For in due season they are all pleasant & good: And therefore praise the Lord with whole heart & mouth, and give thanks unto his name. ¶ Many miseries light in a man's life. All things pass away, but a firm and stablish faith remaineth. Of the blessing of the righteous, and prerogative of the fear of God. CAPI. XL. A GREAT travail is created for all men/ and an heavy yoke upon the children of Adam/ from the day that they go out of their mothers womb/ till they be buried in (the earth) the mother of all things: namely, their thoughts & imaginations/ fear of the heart, council, meditations/ longing & desire, the day of death: from the highest that sitteth upon the glorious seat/ unto the lowest and most simple upon the earth: from him that is gorgeously arrayed and weareth a crown/ until him that is/ but homely and simply clothed. There is nothing but wrath zeal/ fearfulness/ unquietness/ and fear of death/ rigorous, anger and strife. And in the night when one should rest and sleep upon his bed/ the sleep changeth his understanding and knowledge. A little or nothing is his rest, in the sleep as well as in the day of labour. He feareth and is disquieted in the vision of his heart, as one that runneth out of a battle: and in the time of health he awaketh and marveleth that the fear was nothing: Such things happen unto all flesh both man and beast: but seven fold to the ungodly. Moreover death, bloodshedding, strife & sword, oppression, hunger, destruction and punishment: * Eccle. 39 ● these things are all created against the ungodly, & for their sakes came the flood also. * Gene. seven. d and. iii. d All that is of the earth, shall turn to earth again: & all waters ebb again into the see. All bribes & unrighteousness shall be put away/ but faithfulness & truth shall endure for ever. The substance & goods of the ungodly shallbe dried up and sink away as a water flood, & they shall make a sound like a great thunder in the rain. Like as the righteous rejoiceth when he openeth his hand/ so shall the transgressors be faint/ when their goods vanish and consume away. * Eccle. 41. b The children of the ungodly shall not obtain many branches: and the unclean roots upon the high rocks shallbe rooted out before the grass by the water side and upon the river banks. friendliness and liberality in the increase and blessing of God/ is like a paradise and garden of pleasure: such mercy also and kindness endureth for ever. * ●. Eym. 6. b Philip. 4. b To labour & to be content with that a man hath, is a sweet pleasauntlyfe: and that is to find a treasure above all treasures. To beget children and to repair the city, maketh a perpetual name but an honest woman is more worth than they both. Wine and mynstrelsye rejoice the heart/ but the love of wisdom is above them both. Piping and harping make a sweet noise, but a friendly tongue goeth beyond them both. Thine eye desireth favour and beauty/ but a green sede time/ rather than they both. A friend and companion come together at opportunity, but above them both is a wife that agreeth with her husband. One brother helpeth another in the time of trouble, but alms shall deliver more than they both. Gold and silver fasten the feet/ but a good council is more pleasant than they both. Temporal substance and strength life up the mind: but the fear of the Lord more than they both. The fear of the Lord wanteth nothing, and needeth no help. The fear of the Lord is a pleasant garden of blessing, and nothing so beautiful as it is. My son, lead not a beggars life, for better it were to die then to beg. Who so look the to another man's table, taketh no thought for his own living how to uphold his life, for he feedeth himself with other men's meat But a wise and well nurtoured man will beware thereof. Begging is sweet in the mouth of the unshamefast, but in his belly there burneth a fire. ¶ Of the remembrance of death. Death is not to be feared A cuiffe upon them that forsake the law of God. Good name and fame, An exhortation to give heed unto wisdom. Of what things a man ought to be ashamed. CAPI. XLI. O Death/ how bitter is the remembrance of thee/ to a man that seeketh rest and comfort in his substance and riches/ unto the man that hath nothing to vex him, & that hath prosperity in all things, ye unto him that yet is able to receive meat? O death, how acceptable & good is thy judgement unto the needful/ & unto him whose strength faileth/ and that is now in his last age, and that in all things is full of care and fearfulness: unto him also that is in despair, and hath no hope nor patience? Be not thou afraid of death: remember them that have been before thee: and that come after thee: this is the judgement of the Lord over all flesh. * Gene. 8. d And why wouldest thou be against this pleasure of the highest? Whether it be ten, an hundredth/ or a thousand years: death asketh not how long one hath lived, The children of the ungodly are abominable children/ and so are they that keep company with the ungodly. * Eccles. xl. c The inheritance of ungodly children shall come to nought/ & their posterity shall have perpetual shame and confusion. The children complain of an ungodly father: and why? for his sake they are rebuked and despised. Woe be unto you (O ye ungodly) which have forsaken the law of the highest God: if ye be borne/ ye shall be borne to cursing/ if ye die, the curse shall be your portion. * Eccle. xi. b. All that is of the earth/ shall turn to earth again: so go the ungodly also out of the curse into destruction. The sorrow of men is in their body: but the name of the ungodly shall be put out. * Eccl. xxii. a Labour to get the a good name, for that shall continue su●er by thee/ then a thousand great treasures of gold. A good life hath a number of days/ but a good name endureth ever. * Eccle. xx. d. My children/ keep wisdom in peace: for wisdom that is hid and a treasure that is not seen, what profit is in them both? A man that hideth his foolishness, is better than a man that hideth his wisdom. Therefore be ye turned at my words: for it is not good/ in all things alway to be ashamed. True faith must prove and measure it. Be ashamed of whoredom, before father and mother: Be ashamed of losing, before the Prince and men of authority: Of sin, before the judge and ruler: Of offence before the congregation and people: Of unrighteousness, before a companion and friend: Of theft, before thy neighbours. ‡ Rome. i b. As for the truth of God and his covenant/ be not ashamed thereof. Be ashamed to lie with thine elbows upon the bred: Be ashamed to look upon harlots: Be ashamed to turn away thy face from thy friend: Be ashamed to take and not to give: Be ashamed also to look upon another man's wife/ and to make many trifling words with her maiden, or to stand by her bedsyde. Be ashamed to upbraid thy friend when thou givest any thing, cast him not in the te●he withal. ¶ Secrets may not be opened. The law of God must be taught. A daughter. A woman. God knoweth all things/ ye even the secrets of the he●●e. CAPI. XLII. REhearse not a thing twice, and disclose not the words/ that thou haste herd in secret. Be shamefast and well mannered in deed/ so shall every man favour the. Of these things be not thou ashamed/ and accept no person to offend. Namely, of these things be not ashamed: Of the law of God/ of the covenant, of judgement: to bring the ungodly from his ungodliness unto righteousness/ & to make him a good man: to deal faithfully with thy neighbour and companion: to destrybute the heritage unto thy friends: to be diligent to keep true measure and weight: to be content/ whether thou gettest much or little/ to deal truly with temporal goods/ in buying and selling: to bring up children with diligence: to correct an evil servant: to keep that thine is from an evil wife, to set a lock where many hands are, what thou deliverest and givest out to keep/ to tell it, and to weigh it: to write up all thy out giving and receiving: to inform the unlearned and unwise. Of the aged/ that are judged of the young. If thou be diligent in these things, truly thou shalt be learned and wise and accepted of all men. The daughter maketh the father to watch secretly: & the carefulness that he hath for her taketh away his sleep: ye in the youth, least she should overgrow him: And when she hath an husband: lest she should be hated: lest she should be defiled or ravished in her virginity, or gotten with child in her father's house: Or (when she cometh to the man) least she behave herself not right or continue unfruitful. * Eccle. 〈◊〉▪ ●. If thy daughter be wanton, keep her straightly, least she cause thine enemies to laugh y● to scorn, & the holy city to give the an evil report, & so that be fain to hear thy shame of every man, & be confounded before all the people. * Eccle. ●. ●. Behold not every bodies beauty, & have not much dwelling among women. For like as the worm and moth cometh out of clothing, so doth wickedness of women. Gene. ●▪ ●. It is better to be with an evil man, then with a friendly wife that putteth one to shame and rebuke. I will remember the works of the lord, & declare the thing that I have seen. In the words of the Lord are his works The Sun overloketh all things with his shine/ and all his works are full of the clearness thereof. Hath not the lord brought to pass that his saints should tell out all his wunderous works/ which the almighty Lord hath stably shed? All things endure in his glory. He seeketh out the ground of the deep and the heart of men, and he knoweth all their imagination & wisdom. For the Lord knoweth all science, and he looketh into the token of the tyme. He declareth the things that are past and for to come: and discloseth things that are secret. * Io●. 〈…〉 Esay 〈…〉 No thought may escape him/ neither may any word be hid from him. He hath garnished the high excellent works of his wisdom, & he is from everlasting to everlasting. Unto him may nothing be added neither can he be minished he hath no need also of any man's council. O how amiable are all his works, & as a spark to look upon? They live all/ and endure for ever: and when soever need is they are all obedient unto him. They are all double, one against another: he hath made nothing that hath fault or blemish. * 〈…〉. He hath stablished the goods of every one: and who may be satisfied with his glory, when he saith it. ¶ The sum of the creation of the works of God. CAPI. XLIII. THe glory of the height, is * ●sal. v●ii. ●. the fair and clear firmament, the beauty of the heaven is his glorious clearness. The sun when it appeareth declareth the day in the going out of it/ a marvelous work of the highest. At none it burneth the earth, and who may abide the heat thereof? Who so keepeth an oven when it is hot▪ ●hre times more doth the Sun burn upon the mountains, when it breatheth out the fiery beams and shynethe: with the brightness of it, it blindeth the eyes. Great is the Lord that made it, and in his commandment he causeth it to run hastily. * 〈…〉. i. ●. The moan also is in all, and at convenient season it showeth the times, and is a token of the tyme. * 〈…〉 The token of the solemn feast is taken of the Moon, a light that minisheth and increaseth again. The month is called after the Moon, it groweth wondrously in her changing. The army of heaven also is in the height in the firmament of heaven it giveth a clear and glorious shine, This is the clearness of the stars, the beautiful apparel of heaven, the apparel that the Lord lighteneth in the height. In his holy word they continue in their order, and not one of them faileth in his watch. * Gene. ix. d. Look upon the rainbow▪ and praise him that made it: very beautiful is it in his shine. He compasseth the heaven about with his clearness and glory, the hands of the Highest have bended it. Thorough his commandment he maketh the snow to fall, and the thunder of his judgement to smite hastily. Thorough his commandment the treasures are opened, and the clouds i'll as the fowls. In his power hath he strengthened the clouds, and broken the hail stones. The mountains melt at the sight of him, the wind bloweth according to his will. The sound of his thunder beateth the earth, & so doth the storm of the north: the whirl wind also lighteth down as a feathered foul, casteth out and spreadeth the snow abroad and as the grasshoppers that destroy all, so falleth it down. The eye marveleth at the beauty of the whiteness thereof/ and the heart is afraye at the rain of it. He poureth out the frost upon earth/ like salted/ and when it is frozen, it is as sharp as the prick of a thistle. When the cold Northwind bloweth, hard Crystal cometh of the water. He lighteth down upon all the gatherynges together of water/ & putteth on the waters as a breast plate. He devoureth the mountains, and burneth the wildernesses: and look what is green/ he putteth it out like fire. The medicine of all these is/ when a cloud cometh hastily: and when a dew cometh upon the heat, it shall be refreshed again. In his word he stilleth the wind: In his council he setteth the deep, & (the Lord) jesus planted it. They that sail over the see/ tell of the parels and harms thereof, and when we hear it with our ears/ we marvel thereat. For there be strange wondrous works/ diverse manner of nice beasts and wha●fyshes. Thorough him are all things set in good order and performed, and in his word all things endure. I speak much, but I can not sufficiently attain unto it, for he himself only is the perfection of all words. We should praise the Lord after all our power, for he is great in all his works. The Lord is to be feared, ye very great is he, * Psa. x●vi. ●. and marvelous is his power. Praise the Lord/ and magnify him as much as ye may/ yet doth he far exceed all praise. * Psal ●vi. ●. O magnify him with all your power/ and labour earnestly, yet are ye in no wise able sufficiently to praise him. Who hath seen him, that he might tell us? * Deute. v ●. Ihon. ●. ●. Who can magnify him so greatly as he is? For there are hid yet greater things than these be: as for us/ we have seen but few of his works. For the Lord hath made all things/ and given wisdom to such as fear God. CAPI. XLIIII. ¶ The praise of certain holy men▪ Hen●●●▪ No, Abr●ha●, Isaac, and jacob. LET US commend the noble famous men/ and the generation of our fore elders and fathers. Many more glorious acts hath the Lord done, and showed his great power ever since the beginning. The noble famous men reigned in their kingdoms/ and bare excellent rule. In their wisdom and understanding/ they followed the council showed in the prophecies. * Exodi. 18. ●. They led the ●ol●ke thorough the council & wisdom of the Scribes of the people. Wise sentences are found in their instruction. They sought the sweetness & melody of music & brought forth the pleasant songs in scripture. They were rich also, and could comfort and pacify those that dwelled with them. All these were very noble and honourable men in their generations/ and were well reported of in their times. These have left a name behind them, so that their praise shall alway be spoken of. afterward there were some/ whose remembrance is gone. ‡ Gen. seven. d. They came to naught & perished/ as though they had never been: & became as though they had never been borne/ ye and their children also with them. Nevertheless these are loving men, whose righteousness shall never be forgotten/ but continue by their posterity. Their children are an holy good heritage: Their seed endured fast in the covenant. For their sakes shall their children & seed continue for ever/ and their praise shall never be put down, Their bodies are buried in peace/ but their name liveth for evermore, The people can speak of their wisdom/ and the congregation can talk of their praise. * Eccl. 49. ●. Gene. v. t. Enoch walked right & acceptably before the Lord: therefore was he translated for an example of amendment to the generations, * Gene. vi. a ●. seven. viii. No was a steadfast and righteous man, and in the time of wrath he became a reconcyling. Therefore was he left a remnant unto the earth, when the flood came. An everlasting covenant was made with him, that all flesh should * Gene. ix. ●. perish no more with the water. Abraham was a * Gen xvii. ● great father of many people/ in glory was there none like unto him. He kept the law of the high, and came into a covenant with him. He set the covenant in his flesh, and when he * Gen. xxii. a was proved, he was found faithful. Therefore swore god unto him with an oath, that he would bless all people in his seed, that he would multiply and increase him as the dust of the earth, & to exalt his seed as the stars: ye and that his seed should have the possession, an inheritance of the land from see to see, and from the river unto the borders of the world. * Gen xxvi. a With Isaac did he stablish the same covenant, for Abraham his father's sake. Ye that gracious blessing and health of all men, and covenant did he stablish with Isaac, and made it to reit upon the head of jacob. He knew him * Gen. xxviii ●. xxi●. thirty. in that he prospered him so well and richly, and gave him an heritage, and sundered his portion by it ●elfe, * josul 〈…〉 and. ii●. & parted it among the twelve tribes. Merciful men brought he out of him, which found favour in the sight of all flesh. ¶ The praise of Moses, Aaton, and Phinehes. CAPI. XLV. MOses * Exod 〈…〉 A●t●●. 〈…〉 beloved of God & men, whose remembrance is in high praise: him that the Lord made like in the glory of the saints/ and magnified him/ so that the enemies stood in awe of him, thorough his words he did great wonders. He made him great in the sight of kings, gave him commandment before his people/ & showed him his glorious power. * Num 〈…〉 He stablished him with faithfulness & meekness, and chose him out of all men. For he heard his voice▪, and he led him in the dark cloud, * Exod. i 〈…〉 and there he gave him the commandments, ye the law of life and wisdom that he might teach jacob his covenant, and Israel his laws: He chose Aaron his brother also out of the tribe of Levi, exalted him, & made him such like. * Exod. 〈…〉 An everlasting cavenaunt made he with him, and gave him the priesthood in the people. He made him glorious i beautiful array, and clothed him with the garment of honour. He put perfect joy upon him, and girded him with strength. He decked him with side clothes, & a tunicle, with an overbody cote also and a girdle. Round about made he him bells of gold, and that many: * Exodi. 〈…〉 that when he went in, the sound might be herd, that they might make a noise in the Sanctuary, & give the people warning. The holy garment was wrought & broidered with gold, yellow silk and purple. And in the breastlap there was a goodly work, wherein was fastened light and perfectness. * Exod. 〈…〉 Upon the same also there was a work fastened, & set with costly precious stones, all bound with gold: and this he brought in his ministration. The stones were fastened for a remembrance, after the number of the twelve tribes of Israel. Upon his mitre there was a plate of pure gold, a graven image of holiness, a famous & noble work, garnished, and pleasant to look upon. Before him were there seen no such fair ornametes, & these it behoved him always to use: There might none other put than on, but only his children & his childer's children per petually. Daily performed he his offeriges two times. ‡ Levi. 〈…〉 Moses filled his hands, and anointed him with holy oil. This was now confirmed him with an everlasting covenant, and to his seed, as the days of heaven/ namely: that his children should always ministre before him/ and perform the office of the priesthood/ and wish the people good in his name. Before all men living chose he him/ that he should offer incense before the Lord, and make odours for a sweet savour and remembrance/ that he should reconcile the people of the Lord with him again. ‡ 〈◊〉. xvi● 〈…〉. xxi. a▪ Mala. two. ● He gave him authority also in his commandments & in the covenant, that he should teach jacob the statutes and testymonyes and to enfour me Israel in his law, * 〈◊〉. xvi. 〈◊〉. Therefore there stood up certain against him/ and had envy at him in the wilderness: namely/ they that were of Dathan and abiram's side, and the furious congregation of Chore. This the Lord saw, and it displeased him, and in his wrathful indignation were they consumed. A great wonder did he upon them/ and consumed them with the fire. * Nu. xvii. b Besides this/ he made Aaron yet more honourable and glorious. He gave him an heritage/ and parted the first fruits unto him. * 〈◊〉, xxv. ● levit. 24. ● Unto him specially he appointed the bred for sustenance/ (for the priests did eat of the offerings of the Lord) this gave he unto him and his seed. * D●●●. x●i. b and. xviii. Eze●. 44. d Else had he no heritage nor portion in the land and with the people. For the Lord himself is his portion and inheritance. The third noble & excellent man is * Num. xv▪ c. Phinehes the son of Eleazar, which pleased the God of Israel/ because he had the zeal and fear of the Lord. For when the people were turned back/ he put himself forth right soon, and that with a good will, to pacify the wrath of the Lord toward Israel. Therefore was there a covenant of peace made with him, that he should be the principal among the righteous in the people, that he and his posterity should have the office of the prsthode for ever) Like as there was made a covenant with David of the tribe of juda, that from among his sons only there should be a king:) And that Aaron also and his should be the heritage, to give us wisdom in our heart, to judge his people in righteousness: that his goods should not come in to forgetfulness, & that their honour might endure for ever. CAPI. XLVI. ¶ The praise of joshua, Caleb and Samuel. MAnly and strong in battle was jesus the son of Nave, which instead of Moses the Prophet was given to be captain of the people which according unto his name was a great saviour unto the elect of god, to punish the enemies that ●ose up against Israel, that Israel might obtain their inheritance. O how great, noble & excellent was he, when he life up his hand/ & drew out his sword against the cities? Who stood so manly before him? For the Lord himself brought in the enemies. * josut. xii ● Num. 27. d Stood not the sun still at his commandment/ and one day was as long as two? He called upon the highest and most mighty when the enemies pressed upon him on every side: and the Lord heard him with the hail stones. They smote the Heytheneshe people mightily/ & in falling down they slew all the adversaries/ so that the Heathen knew his host, and all his defence, that the Lord himself fought against them/ for he followed upon the mighty men of them. * Deut. 34. d joshua. ●. a. In the time of Moses also, he and Ca●ch the son of jephune/ did a good work/ which stood against the enemies/ with held the people from sin, & stilled the wicked murmuring. * josac. x. c. And of six hundredth thousand Nu. xxvi g people of foot, they two were preserved/ to brige them into the heritage, namely, a ●ande that floweth with milk and honey. * Nu. xiiii. a The josu xiiii c Lord gave strength also unto Caleb, which remained with him unto his age: so that he went up into the high places of the land, and his seed conquered the same for an heritage: that all the children of Israel might see, how good a thing it is, to be obedient unto the Lord. And the judges or rulers (every one after his name) whose heart went not a whoring, nor departed from the Lord, and that forsook not the Lord unfaithfully, whose remembrance hath a good report: ye their bones flourish out of their place, and their names shall never be changed, (but honour remaineth still with the children of those holy men) * 1. Reg. x. a. and. xvi. ●. Samuel the Prophet beloved of the Lord his God, * ordained a king, & anointed the princes over the people. In the law of the Lord he judged the congregation, and the Lord had respect unto jacob. The Prophet was found diligent in his faithfulness: and he is known faithful in his words. * i Reg. seven a He called upon the Lord the almighty, when the enemies pressed upon him on every side, what time as he offered the sucking lambs. And the Lord thondred from heaven and made his voice to be herd with a great noise, He discomfited the princes of Tire, & all the rulers of the Philistines. * two. Re. xii. a Before his last end he made protestation in the sight of the Lord/ and his anointed that he took neither substance nor good of any man/ no not so much as a sho/ and no man might accuse him. After this he told/ that his end was at hand/ and showed the king also his end and death/ and from the earth lift he up his voice in the prophecy, that the ungodly people should perish: ¶ The praise of Nathan, David, and Solomon. CAPI. XLVII. AFterward in the time of king David/ there rose up a prophet called Nathan: For like as the fat is taken away from the offering, so was David chosen out of the children of Israel. He took his pastime with the lions and as with kids/ and with bears like as with lambs. * 2. Reg. xii. ● Slew he not a giant when he was yet but young/ and took away the rebuke from his people? what time as he took the stone in his hand/ and smote down proud Goliath with the s●inge? For he called upon the highest Lord, which gave him strength in his right hand/ so that he overthrew the mighty giant in the battyll, that he might set up the horn of his people again. * ●. Re. xvii. f Thus brought he him to worshpype above all princes/ and made him to have a good report in the praise of the Lord/ that he should were a crown of glory, * 3. Reg. 18. b For he destroyed the enemies on every side, rooted out the Philystynes his adversaries/ and broke their horns in sunder/ like as it is broken yet this day. In all his works he praised the highest and Holiest/ and asc●ybed the honour unto him. With his whole heart did he praise the Lord and loved god that made 2. Pa. 26. a him. * 2. Reg. v. b. He set syngers also before the altar/ and in their tune he made sweet songs, He ordained to keep the holy days worshipfully/ and that the solemn feasts thorough the whose year should be honourably holden, with praising the name of the Lord, and with singing by times in the morning in the Sanctuary. * 2. Re. xii. o. The Lord took away his sins, and exalted his horn for ever. He gave him the covenant of the kingdom, and the throne of worship in Israel. * 3. Reg. iii. ● After him there rose up the wise son called Solomon, and for his sake he drove the enemies away far of. This Solomon reigned with peace in his time (for God gave him rest from his enemies on every side, that he myghe build him an house in his name, and prepare the Sanctuary for ever) like as he was well instruct in his youth/ & filled with wisdom and understanding, as it were with a water flood. He covered and filled the whole land with similitudes and wise prudent sentences. His name went abroad in the Isles, because of his peace he was beloved. All lands marveled at his songs, proverbs, similitudes, and at his peace, and at the name of the Lord God, which is called the God of Israel. * three Reg. He gathered gold as tin, & he had as much silver as lead. * 〈…〉 He was moved in inordynate love toward women/ & was overcome in affection. He stained his honour and worship/ ye his posterity defiled he also, in bringing the wrath of the Lord upon his children/ and sorrow after his joy: * three Re. xi. ● so that his kingdom was divided, & Ephraim became an unfaithful/ and an unconstant kingdom. * two. Re. 〈◊〉 ● Nevertheless God forsook not his mercy, neither was he utterly destroyed because of his works, that he should leave him no posterity. As for the sede that came upon him, which he loved, he brought it not utterly to nought but gave yet a remnaunte unto jacob, and a rote unto David out of him. Thus rested Solomon with his fathers, and out of his seed he left behind him a very foolishness of the people, and such one as had no under standing: * three Re. 〈◊〉 ● even, Roboam, which turned away the people thorough his council, and Jeroboam the son of Nabat, ‡ three Re. 〈◊〉▪ ● which caused Israel to sin, and showed Ephraim the way of ungodliness: In so much that their sins and misdeeds had the upper hand so sore, that at the last they were driven out of the land for the same: Ye he sought out and brought up all wickedness, till the vengeance came upon them. ¶ The praise of Eliah, Elizeas, Hezekiah, and Isaiah. CAPI. XLVIII. THAN stood up * 3. Re. xv●. ● Eliah the Prophet as a fire/ and his word brent like a creshet. He brought an hunger upon them/ and in his zeal he made them few in number. For they might not away with the commandments of the Lord. Thorough the word of the Lord he shut the heaven, * three Re. 〈◊〉▪ ● 4. Reg. ●. ● and three times brought he the fire down. Thus became Eliah honourable in his wondrous deeds. Who may make his boast to be like him? * 3. Re. x●●▪ ●. One that was deed raised he up from death, and i'th' word of the highest he brought him out of the grave again. * He cast down kings & destroyed them/ and the honourable from their seat. Upon the mount Syna he heard the punishment, and upon Horeb the judgement of the vengeance. He prophesied recompensing unto kings, * ●●. Re. 19 ● & ordained prophets after him. * ●. Reg. two. c. He was taken up in the storm of fire: in a chariot of horses of the Lord. He was ordaned in the reprovings in time to pacify the wrath of the Lord, * Luke. ●. ●. to turn the hearts of the fathers unto the children, and to set up the tribes of jacob again. Blessed were they that saw thee, and were garnished in love: for we live in life: (but after death we shall have no such name.) * ●●. Reg. two. 〈…〉 Elias was covered in the storm, but Helyseus was filled with his spirit. While he lived he was afraid of no prince/ and no man might overcome him. There could no word deceive him, * ●. Re. 13. ●. & after his death his body prophesied. ‡ ●. Reg. b. ● seven viii. He did wonders in his life, & in death were his works marvelous. For all this, the people amended not, neither departed they from their sins: * 4. Re. 1●. b till they were carried away presoners out of the land, and were scattered abroad in all countries, so that of them there ramayned, but a very little people/ and a prince unto the house of David. How be it some of them did right, and some heaped up ungodliness. * ● Pa. 32. a Hezekias made his city strong/ conveyed water in to it/ digged thorough the stony rock with iron/ & made up a well by the water side. ‡ ●. Re. 〈…〉. 36. ●. In his time came Sennaheryb up and sent Rabsakes/ life up his hand against Zion/ and defied them with great pride. Then trymbled their nets and hands/ so that they sorrowed like a woman travailing with child. So they called upon the Lord/ which is merciful/ and lift up their hands before him. Immediately the Lord hard them out of heaven: (he thought no more upon their sins/ nor gave them over to their enemies:) but delivered them by the hand of Esay the holy prophet. ‡ ●. Re. 19 ●. He smote the host of the Assyrians, and his angel destroyed them. For Hezekias had done the thing that pleased the Lord/ & remained steadfastly in the way of David his father, as Esay the great and faithful prophet/ in the sight of God, had commanded him. * ●. Reg. xx. b ●e●. 38, b In his time the Sun went backward, & he lengthened the kings life. With a right spirit prophesied ●e, what should come to pass at the last: and to such as were sorrowful in Zion he gave consolation, where with they might comfort themselves for evermore. He showed things that were ●or to come & secret, or ever they came to pass. ¶ Of josiah, Hezethiah, David, jeremy, Ezechiel, zobo babel, jesua, Nehemiah, Enoch, and joseph CAPI. XLIX. THE remembrance of ‡ 4. Re. 22. a. and. 23. 2. pat. 34. a. josias is like as when the apothecary maketh many precious sweet smelling things together. His remembrance shallbe sweet as honey in all mouths/ & as the playing of Musyck at a banquet of wine. He was appointed to turn the people again/ & to take away all abominations of the ungodly. He directed his heart unto the Lord, and in the time of the ungodly he set up the worship of God again. All kings (except David, Hezechiah and josiah) committed wickedness/ for even the kings of juda also forsook the law of God. For they gave their horn unto other/ their honour and worship also to a strange people. Therefore was the elect city of the Sanctuary brent with fire, * 4. Re. 25. d. & the streets thereof lay desolate & waste in the hand of jeremy: for they entreated him evil/ which nevertheless was a prohpet ordained from his mother's womb/ that he might rote out/ break of, * jere. i. a. and destroy: and that he might build up, and plant again. * Eze. ●. a Ezechiel saw the glory of the Lord in a vision/ which was showed him upon the chariot of the Cherubins. For he thought upon the enemies in the rain, to do good unto such as had ordered their ways a right. And the bones of the twelve prophets flourished from out of their place: for they gave comfort & consolation unto jacob, & delivered them faithfully. * Agg. two. a 1. Esor. iii a 3. Esor. v. a How shall we praise Zorobabel/ which was as a ring in the rght hand? ‡ Agge. i. ● and. two. ● So was jesus also the son of josedec: these men in their times builded the house, and set up y●▪ Sanctuary of the Lord again which was prepared for an everlasting worship. ‡ 2. Esor i. a. And Nehemias is all way to be commended, ‡ 2. Esor. 7. a which set up for us the walls that were broken down/ made the ports and bars again/ & builded our houses of the new. ‡ Gene. v. ●. Eccle. 44. b. Hebre. 12. ● But upon the earth is there no man created like Enoch, for he was taken up from the earth. * Gene. 4●. f. 4●. ●. 45. c. And joseph/ which was Lord of his brethren, & the up holder of his people: his bones were covered and kept. Seth & Sem were in great honour among the people: & so was Adam above all the beasts/ when he was created. ¶ Of Simon the son of Onias. CAPI. L. SYmon * 1. Ma●. 3. 4 the son of Onias the high priest, which in his life set up the house again, and in his days made fast the temple. The height of the temple also was founden of him, the double building, & the high walls of the temple. In his days the wells of water flowed out, and were exceeding full as the see. He took care for his people, & delivered them from destruction. He kept his city & made it strong, that it should not be besieged. He dwelled in honour & worship among his people, & enlarged the entrance of the house, & the court. He gave light as the morning star in the myndest of the clouds, and as the moon when it is full. He shined as the sun in the temple of God. He is as bright as the rain bow in the fair clouds/ and flourisheth as the flowers and roses in the spring of the year, and as lylyes by the rivers of water: Like as the branches upon the mount Libanus in the time of summer: as a fire & incense that is kindled. Like as an whole ornament of pure gold, set with all manner of precious stones, and as an olive tree that is fruitful/ and as a Cipres tree which groweth up an high. When he put on the garment of honour, and was clothed with all beauty: when he went to the holy altar/ to garnish the cove ring of the Sanctuary: when he took the portions out of the priests hand/ he himself stood by the hearth of the altar and his brethren round about in order. As the branches of cedar tree upon the mount Libanus, ●o stood they round about him. And as the branches of the olive tree/ so stood all the sons of Aaron in the glory & the oblations of the Lord in their hands/ before all the congregation of Israel. And that he might sufficiently perform his setuyce upon the altar/ and garnish the offering of the highest God/ he stretched out his hand/ and took of the drynck offering, and poured in of the wine: so he poured upon the bottom of the altar a good smell unto the highest Prince. Then began the sons of Aaron to sing, & to blow with trumpets/ & to make a great noise/ for remembrance and praise unto the Lord. Then were all the people afraid, & fell down to the earth upon their faces/ to worship the Lord their God, and to give thanks to the almighty God. They sung godly also with their voices, so that there was a pleasance noise in the great house of the Lord. And the people in their prayer besought the Lord the highest, that he would be merciful/ till the honour of the Lord were performed. Thus ended they their ministration and service. Then went he down and stretched out his hands over the whole multitude of the people of Israel, that they should give praise & thanks out of their lips unto the Lord, and to rejoice in his name. He began yet once also to pray/ that he might openly show the thanksgiving before the highest, namely thus: O give praise and thanks (pe all) unto the Lord our God, which hath ever done noble & great things: which hath increased our days from our mother's womb, and dealt with us according to his mercy: that he will give us the joyfulness of heart/ and peace for our time in Israel. Which faithfully keepeth his mercy for us evermore, and alway delivereth us in due season. There be two manner of people that I abhor fro my heart: as for the third, whom I hate/ it is no people. They that sit upon the mountain of Samaria, the Phylystynes, & the foolish people that dwell in Sichimis. I jesus the son of Sirach Eleazarus of jerusalem, have tokened up these informations and documents of wisdom and understanding in this book/ & poured out the wisdom of my heart. Blessed is he that exerciseth himself therein: and who so taketh such to heart, shall be wise for ever. If he do these things, he shall be strong in al. For the light of the Lord leadeth him. ¶ The prayer of jesus the ●ou●e of Sirach. CAPI. LI. I Will thank thee, O Lord and king, and praise thee, O God my saviour. I will yield praise unto thy name: for thou art my defender and helper/ and haste preserved my body from destruction, from the snare of traitorous tongues, and from the lips that are occupied with lies. Thou hast been my helper/ from such as stood up against me/ and hast delivered me after the multitude of thy mercy, and for thy holy names sake Thou baste delivered me from the roaring of them/ that prepared themselves to devour me/ out of the hands of such as sought after my life: from the multitude of them that troubled me/ and went about to set fire upon me on every side, so that I am not brent in the midst of the fire: From the deep of hell, from an unclean tongue/ from dying words, from the wicked King/ and from an unrighteous tongue. My soul shall praise the Lord unto death, for my life drew nigh unto hell downward. They compassed me round about on every side, and there was no man to help me. I looked about me, if there were any man that would succour me, but there was none. Then thought I upon thy mercy, O Lord, and upon thy acts that thou haste done ever of old: namely, that thou deliverest such as put their trust in thee, and ryddest them out of the hands of the Heathen. Thus lift I up my prayer from the earth/ and prayed for deliverance from death. I called upon the Lord the father of my Lord, that he would not leave me without help, in the day of my trouble and in the time of the proud: I will praise thy name continually, yielding honour and thanks unto it: and so my prayer was herd. Thou savedst me from destruction, and deliverest me from the unrighteous tyme. Therefore will I a knowledge and praise thee/ and magnify thy name O Lord. When I was yet but young, or ever I went astray, I desired wisdom openly in my prayer. I came therefore before the temple, and sought her unto the last. Then flourished she unto me, as a grape that is soon type. My heart rejoiced in her/ then went my tote the right way, ye from youth up: sought I after her: I bowed down mine ear and received her. I found me much my some: and prospered greatly in her. Therefore will I ascribe the glory unto him/ that giveth me wisdom: for I am advised to do there after. I will be jealous to cleave unto the thing that is good/ so shall I not be confounded. My soul hache wrestled with her, and I have been diligent to be occupied in her. I lift up mine hands an high/ then was my soul lightened thorough wisdom, that I knowledged my foolishness. I ordered my soul after her, she & I were one heart from the beginning and I found her i● cleanness. And therefore shall I not be forsaken. My heart longed after her/ and I got a good treasure. Thorough her the Lord hath given me a new tongue, wherewith I will praise him. * Esay. ●v. a. O come unto me ye unlearned, and dwell in the house of wisdom: withdraw not yourselves from her, but talk and comen of these things/ for your souls are very thirsty. I opened my mouth, & spoke. O come and buy wisdom without money, bow down your neck under her yoke, & your soul shall receive wisdom. She is hard at hand and is content to be found. Behold with your eyes, * Eccles. vi. c how that I have had but little labour, and yet have found much rest. O receive wisdom, & ye shall have plenteousness of silver & gold in possession. Let your mind rejoice in his mercy, and be not ashamed of his praise. Work his work by times, and he shall: give you your reward in due tyme. ¶ The end of the book of jesus the son of Strach/ which is called in Latin/ Ecclesiasticus. ❧: The book of the Prophet Baruch. CAPI. I. ¶ Baruch wrote a book, during the captivity of Babylon, which he red before jecontah & all the people. The jews sent the book with money, unto Jerusalem to their other brethren: to the intent that they should pray for them. ANd these are the words of the book, which were written by Baruch the son of Nerias', the son of Maasias, the son of Sedechias/ the son of Sedeias/ the son of Helchias/ at Babylon in the fift year/ and in the seventh day of the month/ what time as the Caldees took jerusalem/ and brent it up with fire. And Baruch did read the words of this book, that jechoniah the son of Ioac●● king of juda might hear: and in the presence of all the people, that were come to hear the book: ye and before all the noble kings sons/ before the Lords of the council and elders: and before the whole people, from the lowest unto the highest: before all them that dwelled at Babylon, by the water of Sody. Which when they heard it/ wept, fasted, and prayed before the Lord. They made a collection also of money, according to every man's power/ and sent it to jerusalem unto joachim the son of Helchia/ the son of Salon priest with the other priests: and to all the people which were with him at jerusalem/ what time as they had gotten the ornaments of the temple of the Lord (that were taken away out of the temple) that they might bring them again in to the land of juda/ the tenth day of the month Siban: namely/ silver vessels (which Sedechiah the son of josiah king of juda had made) after that Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon had taken jechomah, with all his princes/ lords, and all the people/ and led them captyne from jerusalem unto Babylon. And they said: Behold, we have sent you money, * Den. xiiii c. jere. 29. b. to buy you burned offerings and incense withal: make you unleavened bred, and offer for sin upon the altar of the Lord our God. * 1. Tim. 2. b. And pray for the prosperity of Naburchodonosor king of Babylon/ and for the welfare of Balthasar his son: that their days may be upon earth/ as the days of heaven: that God also may give us strength, and lighten our eyes: that we may live under the defence of Nabuchodo nosor king of Babylon, and under the protection of Balthasar his son: that we may long do them service/ and find favour in their sight. Pray for us also unto the Lord our God, for we have sinned against the Lord our God & unto this day is not his wrath turned yet away from us. And se that ye read this book (which we have sent unto you to be rehearsed in the temple of the Lord) upon the high days, & at a time convenient. Thus shall ye say: * Baru●. two b. Da●●, ix. ●. The Lord our God is righteous, but we are worthy of confusion & shame: like as it is come to pass this day/ unto all juda, and to every one that dwelleth at jerusalem: to our kings princes, priests, prophets and to our fathers. We have sinned before the Lord our God, we have not put our trust in him/ nor given him credence/ we have not obeyed him, we have not hearkened unto the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in the commandments that the gave us. Sens the day that he brought our forefathers out of the land of Egypt unto this present day, we have been ever amiss believing and an unfaithful people unto the Lord our God: destroying ourselves utterly, and shrinking back, that we should not hear his voice. * Levi. 26 Deu. 28 Wherefore there are come upon us great plagues and divers curses, like as the Lord devised by Moses his servant: * Exodi. 12, 23, 14. which brought our forefathers out of the land of Egypte/ to give us a land, that floweth with milk and honey, like as it is to see this day, Nevertheless, we have not hearkened unto the voice of the Lord our God, according to all the words of the prophets, whom he sent unto us & to our rulers: but every man followed his own mind & wicked imagination: to offer unto strange gods, & to do evil in the sight of the Lord our God. ¶ The Jews confess that they suffer justly for their sins. The true confession of the christian. The jews desire to have the wrath of God turned from them. The Lord will that we obey unto pr●u●●● although they beevel. He promiseth that he will call again the people from captivity, and give them a new and an everlasting testament. CAPI. II. FOR the * 〈…〉 which cause the Lord our God hath performed his device, whereof he certyfyed us/ and our heads that ruled in jerusalem: ye and our kings, our princes/ with all Israel and juda. And such plagues hath the Lord brought upon us, as never came to pass under the heaven like as it is fulfilled in jerusalem, * Devi. ● 4. 〈…〉 according as it is written in the law of Moses: that a man should eat the flesh of his own son/ and the flesh of his one daughter. Moreover, he hath delivered them into the hands of all the kings, that are round about us (to be confounded and desolate) and scattered them abroad in all lands and nations. Thus are we brought beneath & not above, because we have sinned against the Lord our God, & have not been obedient unto his voice. * 〈…〉 Therefore the Lord our God is righteous/ and we with our fathers (as reason is) are brought to oyen shame, as it is to see this day. And as for these plagues that are come upon us all ready, the Lord had devised them for us: yet would we not pray unto the Lord our God, that we might every man turn from his ungodly ways. So the Lord hath caused such plagues to come upon us: for he is righteous in all his works, which he hath commanded us: which we also have not done/ nor hearkened unto his voice/ for to walk in the commandments of the Lord/ that he had given unto us. * Da●●. 〈◊〉 And now, O Lord God of Israel thou that * Exo. 7. 〈◊〉 10. 11. 1●, xiiii. haste brought thy people out of the land of Egypte with a mighty hand, with tokens and wonders/ with thy great power and out stretched arm: and hast gotten thyself a name/ as it is come to pass this day. O Lord our God/ we have sinned/ we have done wickedly/ we have behaved ourselves ungodly in all thy righteousness. Turn thy wrath from us (we beseech thee) for we are but a few left among the Heathen, where thou hast scattered us. * 2. Pat. ●. Hear our prayers (O Lord) and our petitions, bring us out of captiyte/ for thine own sake: get us favour in the sight of them, which have led us away: that all lands may know/ that thou art the Lord our God, and that Israel & his generation calleth upon thy name. O Lord/ look down from thy holy house upon us: incline thine ear, and hear us/ open thine eyes Lord & see us. * Deu. ●. 261. Esay. 41. ●. Psal. 113. 1. For the deed/ that be gone down to their graves/ & whose souls are out of their bodies, * ascribe unto the Lord/ neither praise nor righteous making: but the soul that is vexed for the multitude of her sins which goeth on heavily and weakly/ whose eyes be begin to fail: ye such a soul ascribeth praise and righteousness unto the Lord. O Lord, we pour out our prayers before thee/ and require mercy in thy sight, O Lord our God: not for any godliness of our forefathers, but because thou hast sent out thy wrath and indignation upon us: according as thou didst threaten us, by thy servants the prophets, saying: * ●●t. 27. a Thus sayeth the Lord: Bow down your shoulders and necks/ and serve the king of Babylon/ so shall ye remain still in the land/ that I gave unto your fathers. If ye will not do this/ nor hear the voice of the Lord your God/ to serve the king of Babylon: I shall destroy you in the cities of juda/ within jerusalem and without. I will also take from you the voice of mirth & the voice of joy/ the voice of the bridegroom & the voice of the bride, and there shall no man dwell more in the land. But they would not hearken unto thy voice, to do the king of Babylon service: and therefore hast thou performed the words that thou spakest by thy servants the prophets: namely/ that the bones of our kiges, & the bones of our fathers should be translated out of their place. And lo/ now are they laid out in the heat of the son, and in the cold of the night/ & dead in great misery/ with hunger/ with sword, with pestilence & are clean cast forth. As for the temple wherein thy name was called upon/ thou hast laid it waste, as it is to sethies day: and that for the wickedness of the house of Israel and the house of juda. O Lord our God/ thou hast entreated us after all thy goodness, & according to all that great loving mercy of thine/ like as thou spakest by thy servant Moses, in the day when thou didst command him/ to write thy law before the children of Israel, saying: * Deute. 4. d and, xxviii. If ye will not hearken unto my voice/ then shall this great multitude be turned into a very small people/ for I will scatre them abroad. notwithstanding I am sure/ that this folk will not hear me: for it is an hard necked people. But in the land of their captivity/ they shall remember themselves, and learn to know/ that I am the Lord their God/ when I give them an heart to understand/ and ears to hear. Then shall they praise me in the land of their captivity: and think upon my name. Then shall they turn them from their hard backs/ and from their ungodliness. Then shall they remember the things/ that happened unto their forefathers, which sinned against me. So will I bring them again into the laud, which I promised with an oath unto their fathers: Abraham, Isaac, and jacob: & they shall be Lords of it, ye I will increase them, & not minish them. * Hebre. 8. ● zacha. 8. b Apoc. xxi. b And I will make another covenant with them: such one as shall endure for ever: namely/ that I will be their God/ & they shallbe my people: & I will no more drive my people the children of Israel, out of the land that I have given them. ¶ The people continueth in their prayer beg●nne for their deliverance. He praiseth wisdom unto the people, shewing that so great adversities came unto them for the despising thereof. Only God was the finder of wisdom. Of the incarnation of christ. CAPI. III. AND now, O Lord almighty, thou God of Israel: our soul that is in trouble/ and our spirit that is vexed, crieth unto thee: hear us▪ O Lord) and have pity upon us, for thou art a merciful God: be gracious unto us/ for we have sinned before the. Thou endurest for ever, should we then utterly perish? O Lord almighty/ thou God of Israel: Hear now the prayer * Ephe. two. ● of the deed Israelites and of their children, which have sinned before thee, and not hearkened unto the voice of the Lord their God, for the which cause these plagues hang now upon us. O Lord, remember not the wickedness of our forefathers, but think upon thy power and name now at this time: for thou art the Lord our God, & thee (O Lord) will we praise. * Divi. iii. c jere. ●. c. 3, ● and ●. c For thou hast put thy fear Num. 14. a Psal 77. a in our hearts, to the intent that we should call upon thy name/ and praise the in our captivity: and that we might turn from the wickedness of our forefathers, that sinned before the. Behold, we are yet this day in our captivity, where as thou hast scattered us, to be an abomination, curse/ and sin: * Psal. 79. a like as it hath happened unto our fathers also/ because of all their wickedness and departing from the. O Israel, here the commandments of life: pondre them well with thine ears/ that thou mayest learn wisdom. But how happeneth it Israel, that thou art in thine enemies land? thou art waxed old in a strange country, and defiled with the deed. Why art thou become like them, y● go down to their graves? Even because thou hast * jere. two. b forsaken the well of wisdom. For if thou hadst waleked Prove. i. a and. iii. a in the way of God, truly y● shouldest have remained still safe in thine own land. O learn then where discretion is/ where virtue is/ where understanding is, that thou mayest know also from whence cometh * Psal. nineteen. b and. xxix. ● long life, a necessary living/ the light of the eyes/ and quietness. Who ever found out her place? or who came ever into her treasures. Where are the princes of the Heathen become/ and such as ruled the beasts upon the earth? They that had their pastime with the fowls of the air/ they that hoardward up silver and gold (wherein men trust so much) and made no end of their gathering? What is become of them that coined silver, and were so careful/ and could not bring their works to pass? They be coted out/ & gone down to hell/ & other men are come up in their steads. Young men have seen light/ & dwelt upon earth: but the way of reformation have they not known, nor understand the paths thereof: nether have their children received it. yet right far is it from them. It hath not been herd of in the land of Canaan, nether hath 〈◊〉 been seen at Theman. The Agarenes sought after wisdom, but that which is earthly, like as the merchants of the land do. They of Theman are cunning also, and they labour for wisdom & understanding: but the way of true wisdom they know not, neither do they think upon the paths thereof. O Israel, how great is the house of God? & how large is the place of his possession? * duty. 4. ● jer. xx●▪ ● Psa. xx●●. ● Great is he, & hath none end: ye & unmeasurable. What is become of those famous giants, that were so great of bodies & so worthy men of war, Those had not the Lord chosen, neither have they found the way of reformation, therefore were they destroted & for so much as they had no wisdom, they perished because of their foolishness. Who hath gone up into heaven, to take wisdom there, and brought her down from the clouds? Who hath gone over the see to find her, and hath chosen her above gold, & so brought her hither? No man knoweth the ways of wisdom, neither is there any that can seek out her paths. But he that woteth all things, knoweth her, and he hath found her out with his fore knowledge. * Gene. ● d This same is he which prepared the earth at the beginning, & filled it with all manner of fowls & beasts. ‡ joshua. i. ● Esay. 38. ●. E●●●. xi●●. a When he sendeth out the light, it goeth: and when he calleth it again, it obeyeth him with fear. The Stars keep their watch, and give their light, ye and that gladly. When he calleth them, they say: here we be. And so with cheerfulness they show light unto him that made them. * Psal. 〈◊〉 Deut. ●. ●● This is our God, and there shall none other be compared unto him. It is he, that hath found out all wisdom, and hath given her unto jacob his servant, and to Israel his beloved. * johan. ●. 1. Io●●. ● After ward did he show himself upon earth, and dwelled among men. ¶ The reward of them that keep the low, and the punishment of them that despise it. A comforting of the people being in captyn●● A complaint of jerusalem, and under the figure thereof, of the Church: A consolation and comtorting of the same. CAPI. four THis is the Book of the commandments of God/ and the law that endureth for ever. All they that keep it/ shall come to life: but such as forsake it, shall come to death. Turn the O jacob, and take hold of it: walk by this way thorough his brightness and shine. Gene not thine honour to another/ and thy worship to a strange people. O Israel, * Psa. ●●●● how happy are we seeing that God hath showed us such things as are pleasant unto him? Be of good cheer/ thou people of God, O thou ancient Israel. * ●. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉 and. xx●. Now are ye sold among y● Heathy, howbeit/ not for your utter destruction: but because ye provoked God the Lord to wrath and displeasure, therefore were ye delivered unto your enemies: for ye displeased the everlasting God that made you, offering unto devils & not to God. Ye have forgotten him that brought you up/ and your nurse have ye grieved, O jerusalem. When she saw that the wrath of God was coming upon you: she said: hearken O ye that dwell about Zion/ for God hath brought me in to great heaviness: & why? I see the captivity of my people/ of my sons and daughters, which the everlasting God will bring upon them. With joy did I nourish them, but now must I leave them with weeping and sorrow. Let no man rejoice over me widow & forsaken: which for the sins of my children am desolate of every man. For why? they departed from the law of God: they would not know his righteousness, nor walk in the way of his commandments: and as for the paths of the truth and godliness, they had no lust to go in them. O ye dwellers about Zion: come/ and let us call to remembrance the captivity/ that the everlasting God hath brought upon my sons & my daughters. * duty. 〈◊〉. ● jere. ●. ● He hath brought a people upon them from far, an uncourteous people and of a strange language: which nether regard the old, nor pity the young. These have carried away the dear beloved of my widows, leaving me alone/ both desolate and childless. But alas, what can I help you? Now he that hath brought these plagues upon you, deliver you also from the hands of your enemies. Go your way (O my children) go your way: for I am desolate & forsaken, * duty. 4. ● 〈◊〉. ● Esa. ●xxx. a I have put of the clothing of peace, and put upon me the sack cloth of prayer/ and for my time I will call upon the most highest. Be of good cheer O my children: cry unto the Lord/ and he shall deliver you from the power of the princes, your enemies, For verily/ I have ever a good hope of your prosperous health: ye a very gladness is come upon me from the holy one/ because of the mercy that ye shall have of our everlasting saviour. With mourning and weeping did I let you go fro me/ but with joy and perpetual gladness/ shall the Lord bring you again unto me. Like as the neighbours of Zion saw your captivity from God. Even so shall they also see shortly your health in god which shall come on you with great honour and everlasting worship. O my children, * ●. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. ● suffer patiently the wrath that shall come upon you. For the enemy hath persecuted thee/ but shortly thou shalt see his destruction/ and shalt tread upon his neck. My darlings have gone rough hard ways/ for they are led away as a flock that is scattered abroad with the enemies. But be of good comfort (O my children) and cry unto the Lord: For he that led you away/ hath you yet in remembrance: and like as ye have been minded to serve from your God, * Esay. iv. ● so shall ye now endeavour yourselves. x. times more, to turn again & to seek him. For he that hath brought these plagues upon you, shall bring you everlasting ●oy again which your health. Take a good heart unto thee, O Jerusalem: for he which gave the the name, exhorteth the so do. ‡ I●●●. ●. a. b c The wicked doers that now put the to trouble, shall perish: and such as have reioy said at thy fall/ shallbe punished. The cities whom thy children serve/ and that have carried away thy sons, shallbe correct. For like as they be now glad of thy decay (and rejoice at thy fall) so shall they mourn in their own destruction. The joy of their multitude shallbe taken away/ and their cheer shallbe turned to sorrow. For a fire shall fall upon them from the everlasting God, long to endure: and it shallbe inhabited of devils for a great season. ¶ jerusalem is moved unto gladness for the return of he● people, and under the figure thereof, the Church. CAPI. V O jerusalem, look about the toward the east/ and behold the joy that cometh unto the from God. For lo/ thy sons (whom thou hast forsaken, and that were sea tread abroad) come gathered together/ from the East and west rejoicing in the word of the holy one, unto the honour of God. Put of thy mourning clothes (O jerusalem) and thy sorrow, & deck the with the worship & honour/ that cammeth unto the from God, with everlasting glory. God shall put the garment of righteousness upon thee, and set a crown of everlasting worship upon thine head: for upon the will God declare his brightness, that is under the heaven. Ye an everlasting name shallbe given the of god, with peace of righteousness, & the honour of God's fear. Arise, O jerusalem, stand up on high: look about the toward the cast, and behold thy children gathered from the east/ unto the West: which rejoice in the holy word, having God in remembrance. They departed from the on foot, & were led away of their enemies: but now shall the Lord bring them to the carried with honour/ as children of the kingdom. For God is purposed to bring down all stout mountains, ye and all high rocks/ to fill the valleys/ and so to make them even with the ground: that Israel may be diligent to live unto the honour of God. The woods and all pleasant trees shall overshadow Israel, at the commandment of God. For hither shall God bring Israel with joyful mirth, and in the light of his majesty: with the mercy and righteousness, that cometh of himself. ¶ I copy of the epistle that jeremy sent unto the jews, which were led away presoners by the king of Babylon: wherein he certifieth them of the thing, that was commanded him of God. CAPI. VI BEcause of the sins that ye have done against God/ ye shall be * jere. 〈◊〉. ●. ● led away captive unto Babylon/ even of Nabuchodonosor the King of Babylon. So when ye become into Babylon/ ye shall remain there many years, and for along season: namely seven generations: & after that will I bring you away peaceably from thence. Now shall ye see in Babylon gods of gold, of silver, of wood & of stone: borne upon men's shoulders, to cast out a fearfulness before the Heathen. But look that ye do not as the other: be not ye afraid, & let not the fear of them over come you. Therefore, when ye see the multitude of people worshipping them behind & before, say ye in your hearts: O Lord, & it is thou/ that oughtest only to be worshipped? Mine angel also shallbe with you, and I myself will care for yoursoules. As for the tibre of those gods, the carpenter hath polished them: ye gylted be they, & laid over with silver, yet are they but vain things, & can not speak Like as a wench that loveth paramours is trimly decked, even so are these made & hanged with gold. Crowns of gold verily have their gods upon their heads: so the priests themselves take the gold & silver from them and put it to their own uses: ye they give of the same unto harlots, ● trim their whores withal: again, they take it from the whores, & deck their gods therewith. ‡ duty. us. c Yet ●Iere. x a can not these gods deliver themselves from rust and moths. When they have covered them with clothing of purple, they wipe their faces for the dust of the temple, whereof their is much among them. One hath a sceptre in his hand/ as though he were judge of the country: yet can he not flay such as offend him. Another hath a sword or an axe in his hand/ for all that, is he neither able to defend himself from battle/ nor from murderers. By this ye may understand/ that they be no gods: therefore see that ye neither worship them/ nor fear them. For like as a vessel that a man useth/ is nothing worth when it is broken/ even so is it with their gods. When they be set up in the temple/ their eyes be full of dust, thorough the feet of those that come in. And like as the doors are shut in round about upon him that hath offended the king. Or as it were a deed body kept beside the grave. Even so the priests keep the doors with bars and locks/ least their Gods be spoiled with robbers. They set up candles before them (ye verily and that many) whereof they cannot see one, but even as blocks, so stand they in the temple It is said, that the serpents and worms/ which come of the earth, gnaw out their hearts, eating them and their clothes also/ & yet they feel it not. Their faces are black thorough the smoke that is in the temple. The oules/ swallows/ and birds/ he upon them ye and the cats run over their heads. By this ye may be sure, that they are not gods, therefore fear them not. The gold that they have/ is to make them beautiful: for all that, except some body dight of their rust/ they will give no shine: and when they were cast into a form/ they felt it not. They are bought for money/ and have no breath of life within them. * Sepi. 14. They must be borne upon men's shoulders/ as those that have no fere: whereby they declare unto men/ that they be ntohing worth. * Psal. 114. Confounded be they then that worship them. For if they fall to the ground they can not rise up again of themselves. Ye though one help them up and set them right/ yet are they not able to stand alone: but must have props set under them like deed men. As for the thing that is offered unto them/ their priests sell it, and abuse it: ye the priests wives take thereof, but unto the sick & poor they give nothing of it/ the women with child & the menstruous lay hands of their offerings. By this ye may be sure, that they are no gods, therefore be not ye afraid of them. From whence cometh it then, that they be called gods? The women sit before the gods of silver/ gold & wood/ and the priests sit in their temples/ having open clothes, whose heads & beerdes are shaven & have nothing upon their heads: toring and crying upon their gods, as men do at the feast/ when one is deed. The priests also take away the garments of the images, and deck their wives & children with all. Whether it be good or evil that any man do unto them/ they are not able to recompense it: they can neither set up a king nor put him down. In like manner they may neither give riches, nor reward evil. * Eccle. v, ● Though a man make a vow unto them and keep it not/ they will not require it. They can save no man from death/ neither deliver the weak from the mighty. They can not restore a blind man to his sight/ nor help any man at his need. They can show no mercy to the widow/ nor do good to the fatherless. Their gods of wood, stone/ gold/ and silver/ are but even as other stones▪ that be hewn of the mountain. They that worship them/ shallbe confounded. How should they then be taken for Gods? Ye how dare men call them gods? And though the ●aldees worshipped them not, hearing that they were but dumb & could not speak. Yet they themselves offer unto Bel/ and would fain have him to speak: as who say/ they could feel/ that may not move. But when these men come to understanding/ they shall forsake them/ for their gods have no feeling. A great sort of women gird with cords/ sit in the streets/ and burn olive berries. Now if one of them be conveyed away/ and lie with any such as come by: she casteth her neighbours in the teeth▪ because she was not so worthily reputed/ nor her coorde broken. What so ever is done for them/ it is but in vain and lost. How may it then be thought or said/ that they are gods? Carpenters and gold smiths make them/ neither be they any other thing, but even what the work men will make of them. Ye the gold smiths themselves that make them/ be of no long continuance. How should then the things that are made of them/ be God's? Uayne therefore are the things (ye very shame is it) that they leave behind them for their prosperity. For as soon as there cometh any war or plague upon them/ then the priests imagine, where they may hide themselves with them. How can men think then that they be Gods/ which neither may defend themselves from war/ nor deliver them from misfortune? For saying they be but of wood/ of stone/ of silver and of gold: all people and kings shall know hereafter/ that they be but vain things: ye it shallbe openly declared/ that they be no gods: but even the very works of men's hands/ and that God hath nothing to do with them. (It is manifest then that they are no gods, but the works of men's hands/ and no work of God in them. (They can set no king in the land/ nor give rain unto men. They can give no sentence of a matter/ neither defend the land from wrong. For they are not able to do so much as a crow/ that flieth betwixt heaven and earth. When there happeneth a fire into the house of those gods of wood/ and silver/ and of gold, the priests will escape and save themselves/ but the Gods burn as the balks therein. They cannot withstand any king or battle: how may it then be thought or granted, that they be gods? Moreover/ these gods of wood, of stone, of gold and silver may neither defend themselves from thieves nor robbers: ye the very wicked are stronger than they. These stripe them out of their appparel, that they be clothed withal, these take their gold and silver from them, and so get them away: yet can they not help themselves. Therefore it is much better for a man, to be a king, and so to show his power: or else a profitable vessel in a house, wherein he that oweth it, might have pleasure: ye or to be a door in a house, to keep such things safe as be therein, then to be such a vain god The Sun, the Moon and all the starts▪ saying they give their shine and light, are obedient, and do men good. When the lightning glystreth, all is clear. The wind bloweth in every country: and when God commandeth the clouds to go round about the whole world, they do as they are bidden: when the fire is sent down from above and commanded, it burneth up hills & woods▪ But as for those Gods, they are not like one of these things, nether in beauty, nether strength. Wherefore men should not think▪ nor say that they be gods, seeing they can neither give sentence in judgement, nor do men good. For so much now as ye are sure, that they be no gods/ then fear them not. For they can neither speak evil nor good of kings. They can show no tokens in heaven for the Heythen, nether shine as the Sun, nor give light as the Moon: ye the unreasonable beasts are better than they, for they can get them under the roof, and do themselves good. So can ye be certified by no manner of means, that they be gods: therefore fear them not. For like as a searcrowe in a garden of herbs keepeth nothing, even so are their gods of wood, of silver and gold: and like as a white thorn in an Orchard, that every bird sitteth upon: ye like as a deed body that is cast in the dark. Even so is it with those gods of wood, silver and gold: By the purple and scarlet which they have upon them, and soon fadeth away, ye may understand, that they be no Gods: ye they themselves shall be consumed at the last, which shallbe a great confusion of the land. Blessed is the Godly man, that hath no Images and worshippeth none, for he shallbe far from reproof. ¶ The end of the Book of the Prophet Baruch/ which is not in the Canon of the Hebrew. The Song of the three children/ which were put into the hot brenning oven. The comen translation readeth this song in the. iij. chap. of Daniel. ANd they walked in the midst of the flame. praising God & magnifying the Lord. Asarias' stood up, and prayed on this manner. Even in the midst of the fire opened he his mouth, & said: Blessed be thou (O Lord God of our fathers) right worthy to be praised and honoured is the name of thine for evermore: for thou art righteous in all things that thou hast done to us: Ye faithful are all thy works/ thy ways are right, and all thy judgements true. In all the things that thou haste brought upon us, and upon the holy city of our fathers (even jerusalem) thou haste executed true judgement: ye according to right and equity hast thou brought all these things upon us, because of our sins. For why? we have offended, & done wickedly, departing from thee: * Daniel. ix. ● In all things have we trespassed, & not obeyed thy commandments, nor kept them, neither done as y● hast bidden us, that we might ꝓspere. * ●a●●. two b. Wherefore all that thou hast brought upon us, and every thing that thou hast done to us, thou hast done them in true judgement: As in delivering us in to the hands of our enemies/ among ungodly and wicked abominations, & to an unrighteous king, ye the most froward upon earth. And now we may not open our mouths, we are become a shame and reproof unto thy servants, and to them that worship the. Yet for thy name's sake (we beseech thee) give us not up for ever, break not thy covenant, & take not away thy mercy from us/ for thy beloved Abraham's sake/ for thy servant Isaac's sake & for thy holy Israel's sake. To whom thou hast spoken & promised * Gene. xv. ● 22 ● xxvi b. Duty. x. d that thou wouldest multiply their seed as the stars of heaven, & as the sand that lieth upon the see shore. For we (O Lord) are become less than any people, and be kept under this day in all the world, because of our sins: So that now we have nether prince, duke, prophet, burned offering, sacrilyce, oblation incense, nor Sanctuary before the. Nevertheless, in a contrite heart and an humble spirit let us be received, that we may obtain thy mercy. Like as in the burnt offering of rams and bullocks, & like as in thousands of fat lambs so let our offering be in thy sight this day, that it may please y●, * ●. 〈…〉 Rom● 〈◊〉 Isaiah. ● Rom●. ● for there is no confusion unto them, y● put there trust in the. And now we follow the with all our heart/ we fear thee, & seek thy face. Put us not to shame, but deal with us after thy loving kindness, & according to the multitude of thy mercies. deliver us by thy miracles (O Lord) and get thy name & honour: that all they which do thy servants evil, may be confounded. Let them be a shamed thorough thy almighty power, & let their strength be broken: that they may know how that thou only art the Lord God, & honour worthy thorough out all the world. And the kings servants that put them in, ceased not to make the oven hot with wild fire, dry straw, pitch and fagot●es so that the slame went out of the oven upon a. xlix. cubits: ye it took away and brent up those Caldees, that it got hold upon beside the oven. But the Angel of the Lord came down into the oven to Asarias' and his fellows, and smote the flame of the fire out of the oven, and made the midst of the oven as it had been a cold wind blowing: so that the fire nether touched them, grieved them, nor did them hurt. Then these three (as out of one mouth) praised, honoured, and blessed god in the furnace, saying. * ●. M●●. ●● Blessed be thou, O Lord god of our fathers: for thou art praise and honour worthy, ye and to be magnified for evermore. * Psal. ●●● Blessed be the holy name of thy glory, for it is worthy to be praised, and magnified in all worlds. Blessed be thou in the holy temple of thy glory, for above all things thou art to be praised, ye & more than worthy to he magnified for ever, Blessed be thou in the throne of thy kingdom, for above all y● art worthy to be well spoken of, and to be more then magnified for ever. Blessed be thou/ that lookest thorough the 〈◊〉, & sittest upon the cherubins: for thou art worthy to be praised/ and above all to be magnified for ever. Blessed be thou in the firmament of heaven, for thou art praise & honour worthy for ever. O all ye works of the Lord: speak good of the Lord/ praise him, & set him up for ever. * Psal. 〈◊〉. ● and. 〈◊〉 ● O ye angels of the Lord/ speak good of the Lord, praise him/ & set him up for ever. O ye heavens, speak good of the Lord: praise him, and set him up for ever. O all ye waters that be above the firmament, speak good of the Lord: praise him, and set him up for ever. O all ye powers of the Lord, speak good of the Lord/ praise him, & set him up for ever. * ●●al. ●49 ● O ye Sun & Moon, speak good of the Lord: praise him/ & set him up for ever. O ye starts of heaven▪ speak good of the Lord: praise him/ and set him up for ever. * ●●al. ●36. ● O ye showers & dew, speak good of the Lord: praise him/ and set him up for ever. O all ye winds of God, speak good of the Lord: praise him/ and set him up for ever. O ye fire & heat, speak good of the Lord: praise him, and set him up for ever. O ye winter & sammer, speak good of the Lord: praise him, and set him up for ever. O ye dews & frosts/ speak good of the Lord: praise him/ and set him up for ever. O ye frost & cold, speak good of the Lord: praise him/ and set him for ever. O ye ice and snow, speak good of the Lord: praise him/ and set him up for ever. O ye nights and days: speak good of the Lord: praise him, & set him up for ever. O ye light and darkness, speak good of the Lord: praise him/ & set him up for ever. O ye lightnings and clouds/ speak good of the Lord: praise him, and set him up for ever. O let the earth speak good of the Lord: ye let i● praise him, and set him up for ever. O ye mountains and hills, speak good of the Lord: praise him/ & set him up for ever. O all ye green things upon the earth/ speak good of the Lord: praise him/ & set him up for ever. O ye wells, speak good of the Lord: praise him/ and set up for ever. O ye sees and floods, speak good of the Lord: praise him, and set him up for ever. O ye whales and all that move in the waters, speak good of the Lord: praise him/ and set him up for ever. O all ye fowls of the air, speak good of the Lord: praise him, & set him up for ever. O all ye beasts & cattle, speak good of the Lord, praise him/ & set him up for ever. O ye children of men/ speak good of the Lord, praise him, and set him up for ever. O let Israel speak good of the Lord: praise him, and set him up for ever. O ye priests of the Lord, speak good of the Lord/ praise him/ & set him up for ever. * Psal. 113. ●●34. a. and ●xxxv. a ●po●a x●x. c O ye servants of the Lord/ speak good of the Lord: praise him/ and set him up for ever. O ye spretes and souls of the righteous speak good of the Lord, praise him, & set him up for ever. O ye holy and humble men of heart/ speak ye good of the Lord: praise ye him/ and set him up for ever. O Ananias, Asarias' and Misael/ speak ye good of the Lord: praise ye him, & set him up for ever. * jere. xx. ●. Esay. 43. a Which hath delivered us from the hell/ kept us from the hand of death, rid us from the midst of the burning flame, & saved us even in the midst of the fire, * Psa ●xvi● a and. ●vi. a O give thanks therefore unto the Lord: for he is kind hearted, & his mercy endureth for ever. O all devout men/ speak ye good of the Lord, even the God of all gods: O praise him/ and give him thanks/ for his mercy endureth world without end. The story of Susanna/ which is the. xiij. chapter of Daniel after the Latin. THere dwelt a man in Babylon/ called joachim, that took a wife/ whose name was Susanna, the daughter of Helchia, a very fair woman, & such a one as feared God. Her father & her mother also were godly people/ & taught their daughter according to the law of Moses. Now joachim (her husband) was a great rich man, & had a fair orchard joining unto his house. And to h● resorted the jews commonly, because he was a man of reputation among them. The same year were there made two judges, such as the Lord speaketh of: All the wickedness of Babylon/ cometh from the elders (that is) from the judges/ which seem to rule the people. These came oft to joachims' house, and all such as had any thing to do in the law, came thither unto them. Now when the people came again at after noon/ Susanna went into her husbands orchard to walk. The elders seeing this/ that she went in daily/ and walcked: they burned for lust to her/ ye they were almost out of their wits/ and cast down their eyes/ that they should not see heaven/ nor remember/ that God is a righteous judge. For they were both wounded with the love of her/ neither durst one show another his grief And for shame/ they duest not tell her there in ordinate lust/ that they would fain have had to do with her. Yet they laid wait for her earnestly from day to day/ that they might (at the least) have a sight of her. And the one said to the other: Up/ let us go home/ forit is dinner tyme. So they went their way from her. When they returned again, they came together, inquiring out the matter betwixt themselves: ye the one told that other of his wicked lust. Then appointed they a time, when they might take Susanna alone. It happened also that they spied out a convenient time, when she went forth to walk (as her manner was) and no body with her, but two maidens, & thought * Exodi. two. a 2, Reg. xi. a to wash herself in the garden, for it was an hot season. And there was not one person there, except the two elders, had that hid themselves, to behold her. So she said to her maidens: go fet me oil and soap, and shut the orchard door, that I may wash me. And they did as she bade them, and shut the orchard door, and went out themselves at a back door, to fet the thing that she had commanded, but Susanna knew not, that the elders lay there hid within. Now when the maidens were gone forth, the two elders got them up, and ran upon her, saying: now the orchard doors are shut, that no man can see us: we have a lust unto thee, therefore consent unto us, and lie with us. If thou wilt not, we shall bring a testymoniall against thee: that there was a young felo we with thee, and that thou hast sent away thy maidens from the for the same cause Susanna sighed, & said: Alas. * I am in trouble on every side. Though I follow your mind, it will be my death, & if I consent not unto you, I can not escape your hands. Well it is better for me, to fall into your hand with out the deed doing, then to sin in the sight of the Lord: and with that, she cried out with a loud voice: the elders also cried out against her. Then ran there one to the orchard door, and smote it open. Now when the servants of the house heard the erye in the orchard, they rushed in at the back door, to see what the matter was. So when the elders told them, the servants were greatly ashamed, for whyethere was never such a report made of Susanna. On the morrow after came the people to joachim her husband, & the two elders came also, full of mischievous imagination against Susanna, to bring her unto death, and spoke thus before the people: Send for Susanna the daughter of Helchias, joachims' wife. And immediately they sent for her. So she came with her father & mother her children and all her kindred. Now Susanna was a tender person, and marvelous fair of face. Therefore the wicked men commanded to take of the clothes from her face (for she was covered) that at the least, they might so be satisfied in her buety. Then her friends, ye and all they that knew her, began to weep. Those two elders stood up in the midst of the people, * Leu●●●. ●● & laid their hands upon the head of Susanna: which wept, and looked up toward Heaven/ for her heart had a sure toust in the Lord. And the elders said: As we were walking in the orchard alone, this woman came in with her two maidens: whom she sent away from her, and sparred the orchard doors: with that a young fellow (which there was hid) came unto her, and lay with her. As for us/ we stood in a corner of the orchard. And when we saw this wickedness/ we ran to her: and perceived, that they had meddled together. But we could not hold him, for he was stronger than we: thus he opened the door/ and got him away. Now when we had taken this woman, we asked her/ what young fellow this was: but she would not tell us. This is the matter, and we be witnesses of the same. The comen sort believed them/ as those that were the elders and judges of the people, and so they condemned her to death. Susamna cried out with a loud voice, and said: O everlasting God, * Hebre. 4. ● thou searcher of secrets, thou that knowest all things afore they come to pass: thou wottest, that they have borne false witness against me: & behold, I must die, where as I never did any such things, as these men have maliciously invented against me. And the Lord heard her voice. For when she was led forth to death, the Lord raised up the spirit of a young child/ whose name was Daniel, which cried with a loud voice: * 2. Reg. ●▪ ● 〈◊〉. xx. ● I am clean from this blood. Then all the people turned them toward him, and said. What mean these words/ that thou hast spoken? Daniel stood in the midst of them, and said: Are ye such fools, O ye children of Israel, that ye can not discern nor know the truth? Ye have here condemned a daughter of Israel unto death, and know not the truth wherefore: Go sit on judgement again/ for they have spoken false witness against her. Wherefore the people turned again in all the haste. And the elders (that is, the principal heads) said unto him: come sit down here among us, and show us this matter/ seeing God hath given the as great honour as an elder. And Daniel said unto them. * 2. Reg. 〈◊〉. ● Put these two aside one from another/ and than shall I hear them. When they were put asunder one from another he called one of them and said unto him: O thou old cankered earl, that hast used thy wickedness so long: thine ungracious deeds which thou hast done afore/ are now come to light. For thou hast given false judgements, thou hast oppressed the innocent/ & let the guilty go free/ where as yet the Lord sayeth: * ●od. 22. a 〈◊〉. xvii. ● The innocent & righteous see thou slay. not. Well than/ if thou hast seen her tell me under what tre sawest thou them talking together? He answered: under a Molbery tree. And Danyel said: very well/ now thou liest even upon thine head. Lo the messenger of the Lord hath received the sentence of him, to cut the in two. Then put he him aside/ & called for the other, & said unto him: O thou seed of Canaan/ but not of juda: Fairness hath deceived thee, and lust hath subverted thine heart. Thus dealt ye afore with the daughters of Israel, and they (for fear) consented unto you: but the daughter of juda would not abide your wickedness. Now tell me than under what tree didst y● take them, speaking together? He answered: Under a Pongranate tree. Then said Daniel unto him: very well, now thou liest also even upon thine head. The messenger of the Lord standeth waiting with the sword, to cut the in two, and to slay you both. With that, all the whole multitude gave a great shout, & praised God, * Psa. xvi. ● which alway delivered them that put their trust in him. And they came upon the two elders (whom Danyell had convict with their own mouth: that they had given false witness) & dealt with them/ even like wise as they would have done with their neighbours: ye they did * ●●●●. nineteen d 〈◊〉. nineteen ● according to the law of Moses, and put them to death. Thus the innocent blend was saved the same day. Then Helthiah & his wife praised God for their daughter Susamna, with joachim her husband and all the kindred: that there was no dishonesty found in her. From that day forth was Danyel had in great reputation in the sight of the people. (And king Astyages was laid with his fathers, and Cirus of Persya reigned in his stead.) ¶ The end of the story of Susanna. ❧: The story of Bel/ and of the Dragon/ which is the. xiv. chapter of Daniel after the Latin. O Aniel did eat at the kings table, and was had in reverence above all his friends. There was at Bavilon an yma ge, called Bel: & there were spent upon him every day. xij. cakes. xl. sheep and six great pots of wine. Him did the king worship himself, and went daily to honour him: but Daniel worshipped his own God. And the king said untie him: Why dost not thou worship Bel? He answered & said. * Because I may not worship things that be made with hands, ‡ Deut. iiii. e and. v. c Exodi. xx. a duty. vi. d Mat. iiii. a but the living God, which made heaven & earth, and hath power upon all flesh. The king said unto him: thinkest thou not, that Bel is a living God? Or sayst y● not how much he eateth & drinketh every day? Daniel smiled, and said: O king, deceive not thyself: for this is but made of clay within, & of metal without, * Eccle. thirty. ● neither eateth he ever any thing, Then the king was wroth, & called for his priests, and said unto them: If ye tell me not who is this, that eateth up these expenses, ye shall die: but if ye can certify me, that Bel eateth them, than Daniel shall die, for he hath spoken blasphemy against Bel. And Daniel said unto the king: let it so be according as thou hast said. The priests of Bel were. lxx. beside their wives & children. And the king went with Danyel in to the temple of Bel. So Bells priests said: Lo/ we will go out/ and set thou the meat there (O king) and pour in the wine: then shut the door fast/ and seal it with thine own signet: and to morrow when thou comest in/ if thou findest not that Bell hath eaten up all, we will suffer death: or else Danyell that hath lied upon us. The priests thought themselves sure enough, for under the altar they had made a privy entrance/ and there went they in ever/ & did eat up what there was. So when they were gone forth, the king set meats before Bel. Now Daniel had commanded his servants to bring ashes, & these he sifted thorough out all the temple/ that the king might se. Then went they out, and sparred the door, sealing it with the kings signet/ & so departed. In the night came the priests with their wives and children (as they were wont to do) & did eat & drink up al. In the morning by times at the break of the day/ the king arose/ and Daniel with him. And the king said: Daniel, are the seals whole yet? He answered: Yet (O king) they be whole. Now as soon as he had opened the door, the king looked unto the aultare, and cried with a loud voice Great art thou O Bel/ and with the is no deceit. Then laughed Danyel, and held the king that he should not go in, and said. Be hold the pavement, mark well, whose totesteppes are these? The king said: I see the footsteps of men, women and children. Therefore the king was angry/ and took the priests, with their wives and children, and they showed him the privy doors/ where they came in, & did eat up such things as were upon the aultare. For the which cause the king slew them, * I●rem. li. g Es●. xlvi. a jere. l. ●. & delivered Bel into daniel's power/ which destroyed him and his temple. And in that same place there was a great Dragon, which they of Babylon worshipped. And the king said unto Daniel, sattest thou/ that this is but a God of metal also? lo/ he liveth/ he eateth and dricketh: so that thou canst not say/ that he is no living God/ therefore worship him. Daniel said unto the king: I will worship the Lord my God, * Daniel. 6. c he is the true living god: as for this/ he is not the god of life. But give me leave (O King) and I shall destroy this Dragon without sword or staff. The King said. I give y● leave. Then Daniel took pitch/ fat and hearrye will/ and did seethe them together/ and made lompes thereof: this he put in the Dragon's mouth/ and so the Dragon burst insunder: and Daniel said: lo there is he whom ye worshipped. When they of Babylon heard y●/ they took great indignation/ & gathered them together against the king, saying: The King is become a jew & he hath destroyed Bel, he hath siaine the Dragon, and put the priests to death. So they came to the king, and said: let us have Daniel, or else we will destroy the and thine house. Now when the king saw, that they rushed in so sore upon him/ and that necessity constrained him, ‡ Dani. vi. c he delivered Daniel unto them: which cast him into the lion's den, where he was six days. In the den there were seven lions, & they had give them every day two bodies & two sheep: which then were not given them, to the intent that they might devour Daniel. There was in jewry a Prophet called Abacuc, which had made pottage, and broken bred in a deep platter, and was going into the field, for to bring it to the reapers. But the Angel of the Lord said unto Abacuc: go carry the meat that thou hast into Babylon, unto Daniel, which is in the lions den. And Abacuc said: Lord/ I never saw Babylon: and as for the den/ I know it not. * Ez●●. ●. Then the Angel of the Lord took him by the top/ and bore him by the hear of the head, and (thorough a mighty wind) set him in Babylon upon the den. And Abacuc cried. saying: O Danyel * 3. Re. ●. the servant of God, have, take the breakfast/ that God hath sent the. And Daniel said: O God/ hast y● thought upon me? well/ thou never sailest them that love the. So Daniel arose, & did eat: and the Angel of the Lord set Abacuc in his own place again immediately. Upon the seventh day, the king went to bewep Daniel: and when he came to the den, he looked in: and behold, Daniel sat in the midst of the Lions. Then cried the king with a loud voice, saying: Great art thou, O Lord God of Danyel: * Iere 〈◊〉 Hest. ●▪ D●●●▪ ●. & he drew him out of the lions den. ‡ Dani▪ ●▪ Luke▪ ● Es 〈…〉. As for those that were the cause of his destructyon, he did cast them into the den, and they were devoured in a moment before his face. After this, wrote the king unto all people, kindreds and tongues/ that dwelled in all countries, saying: peace be multiplied with you. My commandment, is in all the dominion of my realm: that men fear & stand in awe of daniel's god, for he is the living god, which endureth ever: his▪ kingdom abideth uncorrupt, & his power is everlasting. It is he that can deliver & save he doth wonders & marvelous works in heaven & in earth, for he hath saved Daniel from the power of the Lions. ¶ The end of the Story of Bel. ❧: The prayer of Manasses king of juda when he was holden captive in Babylon. O Lord almighty/ god of our father's Abraham Isaac & jacob/ & of the righteous seed of them: which haste made heaven & earth, which all the ornament thereof, which hast ordained the see by the word of thy commandment; which hast shut up the deep, and haste sealed it for thy fearful and laudable name/ which all men fear, and tremble before the face of thy virtue, and for the anger of thy threatening/ the which is importable to sinners. But the mercy of thy promise is great and unsearchable, for thou art the Lord God most high, above all the earth, long suffering, and exceeding merciful, and repentant for the malice of men. Thou Lord after thy goodness hast promised repentance of the remission of sins: and thou that art the God of the righteous/ hast not put repentance to the righteous, Abraham Isaac/ and jacob, unto them that have sinned against thee: But because I have sinned above the number of the sands of the see, and that mine iniquities are multiplied/ I am humbled with many bands of iron, & there is in me no breathing. I have provoked thine anger, and have done evil before thee/ in commyttinge abominations and multyplyinge offences. And now I bow the knees of my heart/ requiring goodness of the O Lord, I have, sinned Lord I have sinned/ and know mine inyquytye. I desire the by prayer/ O Lord forgive me: forgive me and destroy me not with mine inyquytyes/ neither do thou always remember mine evils to punish them, but save me (which am unworthy) after thy great mercy: and I will praise the everlastingly/ all the days of my life: for all the virtue of heaven praiseth thee, and unto the belongeth glory, world with out end. Amen ❧: The first book of the Maccabees. ¶ After the death of Alexander the King of Macedonia. Antio●hu● taketh the kingdom. Many of the children of Israel moke covenant with the gentiles. Antiochus subdueth Egypt ● Jerusalem unto his dominion. Jerusalem being burnt maketh laws of her own, and forbiddeth to keep God's laws. Ant●●ch●● setteth up an Ibol over the alt●r of god. CAPI. I. AFter that Alexandre the son of Philippe, king of Macedonia went forth of the land of Cethim, & slew Darius' king of the persyans and Medes: It happened, that he took great wars in hand, wan very many strong cities, and slew many kings of the earth: going thorough to the ends of the world/ and getting many spoils of the people: In so much/ that the world stood in great awe of him, * Iudi●. i b. & therefore was he proud in his heart. Now when he had gathered a mighty strong host & subdued the lands & people with their princes, so that they became tributaries unto him, he fell sick. And when he perceived that he mu● needs die/ he called for his noble estates (which had been brought up with him of children) * D●●● seven ● and. viii. ●. & parted his kingdom among them/ while he was yet alive. So Aleander reigned. xii. year, and then died. After his death fell the kingdom unto his princes, and they optained it every one in his rowne/ and caused themselves to be crowned as kings: and so did their children after them many years, and much wickedness increased i the world. Out of these came the ungracious rote, noble Anty●chus the son of Antiochus the king ( * 1. Mac ●● which had been a pledge at Rome) and he reigned in the. C. xxxvij. year of the empire of the Greeks. In those days went there out of Israel wicked men, which moved much people with their council, sayege: * Deu. v●● a. Iud●●. Let us go & make a covenant with the Heathen/ that are round about us: ‡ 〈…〉 for sense we departed from them/ we have had much sorrow. So this device pleased them well, and certain of the people took upon them for to go unto the king, which gave them licence to do after the ordinance of the Heathen. ‡ 1. 〈…〉 Then set they up an open school (at jerusalem) of the laws of the Heathen/ & were no more cyrcum●ised: but forsook the holy Testament, & joined themselves to the Heathen * ●. 〈◊〉 ●●i. d , & were clean sold to do mischief, So when Antiochus began to be mighty in his kingdom, he went about to obtain the land of Egypt also, that he might have the dominion of two realms▪ * ● M●● v▪ a Upon this entered he into Egypt with a stonge host/ with charettes, elephants, horsemen and a great number of ships/ and begaune to war against Ptolemy the king of Egipte. But Ptolemy was afraid of him/ and fled: and many of his people were wounded to death. Thus Antiochus wan many strong cities, and took away great good out of the land of Egypte. * 2. M●●. v. c And after that Antiochus had smitten Egypt, he turned again in y●. C. xl●●. year, and went toward Israel, & came up to I●●usalem with a mighty people: & entered proudly into the Sanctuary, and took away the golden altar, the candlestick and all the ornaments thereof, the cable of the shewbred/ the pouring vessel, the chargers▪ the golden spoons, the valie, the crowns and golden apparel of the temple, & broke down all. He took also the syiver & gold, the precious jew else. & the secret treasures that he found. none other answer, neither cast they one stone at them, nor made fast their privy places, but said: We will die all in our innocency, heaven & earth shall testify with us, that ye put us to death wrongeously. Thus they fought against them upon the Sabbath/ and slew both men & cattles, their wives & their children, to the number of a thousand people. When Mathathias & his friends heard this, they mourned for them right sore/ and said one to another: If so be that we all do as our brethren have done/ & fight not for our lives & for our laws against the Heathen: then shall they the sooner roce us out of the earth. So they concluded among them selves at the same time, saying: Whatsoever he be that cometh to make battle with us upon the Sabbath day/ we will fight against him, & not die all, as our brethren that were murdered so haynouly. Upon this came the synagogue of the jews unto the strong men or Israel, all such as were fervent in the law. And all they that were fled for persecution, came to help them, and to stand by them: In so much that they gathered an host of men, & slew the wicked doers in their jealousy, and the ungodly men in their wrath. Some of the wicked fled unto the Heathen/ and escaped. Thus Mathathias & his friends went about, and destroyed the altars/ and circumcised the children, that had not yet received circumcision: as many as they found within the costs of Israel: and followed mightily upon the children of pride/ and this act prospered in their hands: In so much, that they kept the law against the power of the gentiles & the kings/ and gave not over their dominion unto wicked doers. After this when the time drew on fast, that Mathathias should die/ he said unto his sons: Now is pride and persecution increased/ now is the time of destruction & wrathful displeasure: wherefore (O my sons) be ye fervent in the law, and leopard your lives for the Testament of your fathers: call to remembrance what acts our fathers did in their time, so shall ye receive great honour and an everlasting name. * jacob. two. d Roma. 4. d Gene. 22. b Remember Abraan, was not he found faithful in temptation/ and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness? ‡ Hebre. xi d. Eccle. 44. c Gene. 41. b joseph i time of his trouble kept the commandment and was made a Lord of Egypt. ‡ Num. 25. c Eccles. 45. ● Phinehes our father was so fervent for the honour of God, that he obtained the covenant of an everlasting priesthood. * Num. 27. d Iosu●. i. a joshua for fulfilling the word of God, was made the captain of Israel. ‡ Num. 14. ● Caleb bare record before the congre gacyon and received an heritage. * 1. Reg. ●● David also in his merciful kindness/ obtained the throne of an everlasting kingdom. * 4. Reg. ● Daut. ●● Elias being jealous & fervent in the law, was taken up into heaven. Hananias/ Asarias' & Mysael remained steadfast in faith, and were delivered out of the fire. In like manner * Davi. 〈◊〉 ● Daniel being unguilty/ was saved from the mouth of the Lions. And thus ye may consider thorough out all age's sense the world begamneꝭ * Hebre. ● that whosoever put their trust in God, were not over come * Math. ● Fear not ye then the words of an ungodly man, ‡ Esay. ● and. 51. ●●. Petri ● jacob. ● Ecle●s. ● Psal. ● for his glory is but dung and worms: to day is he set up, and to morrow is he gone: for he is turned into earth/ & his memorial is come to nought. Wherefore (O my sons) take good hearts unto you/ and quite yourselves like men in the law: for if ye do the things that are commanded you in the law of the Lord your God, ye shall obtain great honour therein. And behold/ I know that your brother Simon is a man of wisdom: se that ye give ear unto him alway/ he shallbe a father unto you. As for judas Machabeus/ he hath ever been mighty & strong from his youth up, let him be your captain/ & order the battle of the people: thus shall ye bring unto you all those that favour the law, and see that ye avenge the wrong of your people, & recompense the Heathen again. & apply yourselves whole to the commandment of the law. So he gave them his blessing, and was laid by his fathers: & died in the: C. &. xlvi. year at Modyn, where his sons buried him in his father's sepulchre/ and all Israel made great lamentation for him. ¶ judas is made ruler over the jews. He killeth Appollonius and Scran the Prince of Syrta. The confidence of judas toward God. judas determineth to fight against Lysias, whom Antiochus had made cuptayne over his host. The prayer of the absteyncts. CAPI. III. THAN stood up judas Machabeus in his father's stead/ & all his brethren helped him: and so did all they that held with his father/ and fought with cheerfulness for Israel. So judas got his people great honour: He put on a breast plate as a giant, & arrayed himself with his harness/ and defended the host with his sword. In his acts he was like a Lion, & as a lions whelp roaring at his pray. * joseph ● cap. 85 12. ar●● He Psal. ● was an enemy to the wicked, & hunted them out: * ●. Mat. 8. ● & brent up those that vexed his people: So that his enemies fled for fear of him, and all the workers of ungodliness were put to trouble: such luck & prosperity was in his hand. This grieved diverse kings, but jacob was greatly rejoiced thorough his acts, & he got himself a great name for ever. He went thorough the cities of juda/ destroying the ungodly out of them, turning away the wrath from Israel/ and receiving such as were oppressed: and the fame of him went unto the utter most part of the earth. Then Appollonius (a prince of Syria) gathered a mighty great host of the Heathen, & out of Samaria, to fight against Israel. Which when judas perceived/ he went forth to meet him/ fought with him, slew him/ and a great multitude with him, the remnant fled, & he took their substance, judas also took Appolonius own sword, and fought with it all his life long. Now when Seron (an other prince of Syria) heard say, that judas had gathered unto him the congregation & church of the faithful: he said: I will get me a name, & a pray se thorough out the realm: for I will go fight with judas, & them that are with him/ as many as have despised the kings commandment. So he made him ready/ and there went with him a great mighty host of the ungodly; to stand by him, and to be avenged of the children of Israel. And when they came nigh unto Bethoron, judas went forth against them with a small company. And when his people saw such a great host be fore them, they said unto judas: How are we able (being so few) to fight against so great a multitude, and so strong, seeing we be so weighed, and have fasted all this day? * 1. Reg. 14. a But judas said: It is a small matter for many to be overcomed with few, ye there is no difference to the God of heaven, to deliver by a great multitude, or by a small company: * 2. Pat. 25. b for the victory of the battle standeth not in the multitude of the host, but the strength cometh from heaven. Behold, they come against us with a presumptnous & proud multitude, to destroy us, our wives and our children/ and to rob us. But we will fight for our lives/ & for our laws, and the Lord himself shall destroy them before our face: therefore be not ye afraid of them. As soon as he had spoken these words, he leapt suddenly upon them. Thus was Seron smitten/ and his host put to flight, and judas followed upon them beyond Bethoron unto the plain field: where there were slain eight hundredth men of them, and the residue fled into the land of the Phylystynes. Then all the Heathen on every side were afraid of judas and his brethren: so that the rumour of him came unto the kings ears, for all the gentiles could not tell of the wars of judas. So when king Antiochus heard these tidings, he was angry in his mind: wherefore he sent forth/ and gathered an host of his whole realm/ very strong armies: and opened his treasury/ and gave his host a years wages in hand/ commanding them to be ready at all times. Nevertheless when he saw/ that there was not money enough in his treasuries, and that thorough the discord and persecution, which he made in the land (to put down the laws that had been of old times) his customs and tributes of the land were minished: he feared that he was not able for to bear the costs and charges any longer/ nor to have such gifts/ to give so liberally, as he did afore, more than the kings that were before him. Wherefore, he was heavy in his mind, and thought▪ * ●. Mat. ●. a. to go in to Persides/ for to take tributes of the land/ and so to gather moche money. So he left Lysyas (a noble man of the kings blood) to oversee the kings businesses/ from the water Euphrates unto the borders of Egypte: & to keep well his son Antiochus/ till he came again. Moreover/ he gave him half of his host, and Elephants/ and committed unto him every thing of his mind/ concerning those which dwelled in juda and jerusalem, that he should send out an army against them/ to destroy & to rote out the power of Israel and the remnant of jerusalem: to put out their memorial from that place, to set strangers for to inhabit all their quarters/ and to part their land among joseph. ca●t. li. antiq. them: Thus the king took the other part of the host/ & departed from Antioch (a city of his ream) over the water of Euphrates, in the hundredth and. xlvij. year, and went thorough the high countries. * 2. Mat. ●. d. And Lysyas chose unto him Ptolemy the son of Doriminus, Nicanor, and Gorgias mighty men, and the kings friends. These he sent with xl thousand foot men and. seven. thousand horsemen, for to go in to the land of juda & to destroy it/ as the king commanded. So they wenre forth with all their power/ and came to Emuians into the plain field. When the merchants heard the rumour of them/ they and their servants took very much silver and gol●●, for to buy the children of Israel to be their bond men. There came unto them also yet ●●o men of war on every side/ out of Syria and from the Palestynes. Now when judas & his brethren saw that trouble increased, & that the host drew neigh unto their borders: considering the kings words which he commanded unto the people: namely, that they should utterly waste and destroy them: They said one to another: Let us redress the decay of our people, let us fight for our folk and for our Sanctuary. Then the congregation were soon ready gathered to fight, to pray & to make supplication unto God for mercy & grace. * ●. M●●h. ● d As for jerusalem, it lay void, & was as it had been a wilderness. There went no man in nor out at it/ & the Sanctuary was trodden down. The al●aūtes kept the castle, there was the habitation of the Heathen. The mirth of jacob was tak● away, the pipe and the harp was gone from among them. The israelites gathered them together, and came to Maspha before jerusalem: for in Maspha was the place * ●. Reg. 7. b. where they prayed afore time in Israel. So they fasted that day, and put sackclothes upon them, ●ast ashes upon their heads/ tent their clothes/ & laid forth the books of the law (whereout the Heathen sought the likeness of their images) and brought the priests ornaments, the fyrstlinges and the tithes. They set there also the * Num. 6. a. abstainers (which had fulfilled their days) before God/ and cried with a loud voice toward heaven, saying: What shall we do with these? and whither shall we carry them away? For thy Sanctuary is trodden down and defiled, thy priests are come to heaviness and dishonour: and behold/ the Heathen are come together for to destroy us. Thou knowest what things they imagine against us. How may we stand before them/ except thou (O God) be our help? They blewe out the trumpet also with a loud voice. The judas ordained * Exod●. 28. d captains over the people: over thousands/ over hundreds, over ●yfrye, and over ten. But as for such as builded them houses, married wives/ planted them vineyards, & those that were fearful he: commanded them every man to go home again, according * Deu●. xx ●. judi. 7. a. to the law. So the host removed/ and pitched upon the southside of Emmaus. And judas said: Arm yourselves: be strong (O my children) make you ready against to morrow in the mourning/ that ye may fight with these people/ which are agreed together to destroy us and our Sanctuary. Better is it for us to die in battle/ than to ●e our people and our sanctuary in such a miserable case. * Math. ● Luke. ●. Nevertheless/ as thy will is in heaven/ so be it. ¶ Iuda● goeth against Gorgias which ●●eth ●n wait. He pu●●●th Gorgias and his host to ●●yght. ●ysya●●●●●deth ●●wrye▪ but judas driveth him out. judas purifieth the temple and de●y●at●th the ●u●●●re. CAPI. four THAN took Gorgias five thousand men of foot/ and a thousand of the ●o 〈…〉 li●. ● 〈…〉 best horsemen: & removed by night to come nigh where the jews host lay/ and so to slay them suddenly. Now the men that kept the castle/ were the co●●eyers of them. Then arose judas to smite the chief and principal of the kings host at Emmaus, for the army was not yet come together. In the mean season came Gorgias by night in to judas tents: and when he found no man there/ he sought them in the mountains/ and thought they had been fled away because of him. But when it was day, judas showed himself in the field with three thousand men only, which had nether harness nor swardes to their minds. But on the other side, they saw that the Heathen were mighty and well harnessed, and their horsemen about them/ and all these well expert in feats of war. Then said judas to the men that were with him: Fear not ye the multitude of them/ be not afraid of their violent running: remember, how our fathers were delyue●ed * Exod. ●4. in the reed see, when Pharaoh followed upon them with a great host. Even so let us also cry now toward heaven: & the Lord shall have mercy upon us, and remember the covenant of our fathers, ye & destroy this host before our face this day: And all the Heathen shall know/ that it is God himself/ which delivereth and saveth Israel. Then the Heathen left up their eyes: and when they saw that they were coming against them, they went out of their tents into the battle: and they that were with judas, blewe up the trumpets. * 2. ●●ac. ●● So they buckled together, and the Heathen were discomfited and fled over the plain field: but the hynmost of them were slain. For they followed upon them unto Assaremoth, and in to the fields of Idumea toward Azot and Iam●●a: so that there were slain of them upon a three thousand men. So judas turned again with his Host, and said unto the people: Be not greedy of the spoils/ we have yet a battle to fight: for Gorgias and his host are here by us in the mountains/ but stand ye fast against our enemies/ and over come them: then may ye safely take the spoils. As judas was speaking these words, behold there appeared one part of them upon the mount. But when Gorgyas saw that they of his party were fled/ and the tents brent up (for by the smoke they might under stand what was done) they perceiving this were very sore afraid: and when they saw also that judas and his host were in the field ready to strike batta●le, they fled everychone in to the land of the Heathen. So judas turned again to spoil the tents/ where they got much gold and silver, precious stones, purple & great riches. Thus they went home/ and song a Psalm of thanksgiving, and praised God in heaven: * Ps● 〈◊〉. a Psa. 118. a for he is gracious, & his mercy endureth for ever: And so Israel had a great victory in that day. Now all the Heathen that escaped/ came and told Lysias every thing as it happened. Wherefore Lisias was sore afraid, and grieved in his mind/ because Israel had not gotten such misfortune as he would they should/ neither as the King commanded. The next year following, gathered Lysias three score thousand chosen men of foot/ & five thousand horsemen, to fight against them. So they came into jewry, and pitched their tents at Bethoron, where judas came against them with ten thousand men. And when he saw so great & mighty an host/ he made his prayer and said: Blessed be thou (O saviour of Israel) * ●. Reg. 17. g which didst destroy the violent power of the giant, in the hand of thy servant david, * ●. Reg. 14. b and gavest the host of the Heythen into the hand of jonathas (the son of Saul) and of his weapon bearer. Put this host now into the hand of thy people of Israel/ and let them be confounded in their multitude and horsemen. Make them afraid, & discomfort the boldness of their strength/ that they may be moved thorough their destruction. Cast them down thorough the sword of thy lovers/ then shall all they that know thy name/ praise the with thanksgiving. So they struck the battle, and their were slain of Lysyas host, five thousand men. Then Lysias saying the discomfiting of his men/ and the manliness of the jews/ how they were ready, either to ●yue or to die like men: He went unto antioch/ and chose out men of war: that when they were gathered together, they might come again in to jewry. Then said judas and his brethren: behold, our enemies are discomfited: Let us now go up/ to cleanse▪ and to repair the Sanctuary. * ●●. Mac. ●. a Upon this/ all the host gathered them together/ and went up into mount Zion. Now when they saw the Sanctuary laid waste, the altar defiled/ the doors brent up, the shrubs growing in the courts, like as in a wood or upon mountains, ye & that the priests Cells were broken down: They rent their clothes, made great lamentation, cast ashes upon their heads, fell down flat to the ground/ made a great noise with the trumpets, & cried toward heaven: Then judas appointed certain men to fight against those which were in the castle till they had cleansed the Sanctuary. So he chose priests that were undefiled, such as had pleasure in the law of God: and they cleansed the Sanctuary, and bare out the defiled stones into an unclean place. And for so much as the altar of burnt offerings was unhallowed, he took advisement, what he might do which all: so he thought it was best to destroy it (lest it should happen to do them any shame) for the Heythen had defiled it, & therefore they broke it down. As for the stones/ they laid them up upon the mountain by the house in a convenient place: till there came a Prophet, to show, what should be done with them. * Erod. 〈◊〉. d D●ut 27. ● Ios●●. 8. g So they took whole stones accordige to the law, & builded a new altar such one as was before, & made up the Sanctuary within and without, and hallowed the house and the courts. They made new ornaments, and brought the candlestick, the altar of incense, and the table in to the temple. The incense laid they upon the altar/ and lighted the lamps which were upon the candelstycke/ that they might burn in the temple. They set the shewbred upon the table, and hanged up the veil, and set up the temple, as it was afore. * ●●. Mac. x. a And upon the. xxv. day of the. ix. month, which is called the month of Ca●●eu, in the. Cxl viij. year: they rose up by times in the morning for to do sacrifice (according to the law) upon the new burnt offering altar that they had made: after the time & season that the Heythen had defiled it. The same day was it set up again, with songs pipes/ haps & cymbals. And all the people fell upon their faces/ worshipping & thancking the God of heaven, which had given them the victory. * 3. Par. 7. b So they kept the dedication of the altar. vii●. days, offering burnt sacrifices & thankofferynges with gladness.. They decked the temple also with crowns & shyldes of gold and hallowed the ports & cells, & hanged doors upon them. Thus there was very great gladness among the people, because the blasphemy of the Heythen was put away. So judas & his brethren with the whole congregation of Israel/ ordained, that the time of the dedications johan. x. c of the altar should be kept in his season from year to year/ by the space of. vii●. days, from the. xxv. day of the month Casieu: with mirth and gladness. And at the same time builded they up the mount Zion with high walls and strong towers round about: lest the Gentiles should come and tread it down/ as they did afore Therefore judas set men of war in it, to keep it: & made it strong/ for to defend * ●. Math●. 6. d. c Be thsura: that the people might have refuge against the edomites. CAPI. V ¶ judas vanquished the Heathen that go about to destroy Israel and is helped of his brethren Simon and jona th●s. He overthroweth the city of Ephron because they denied him passage thorough it. IT happened also that when the Heythen round about herd, how that the altar & the Sanctuary were set up in their old estate it displeased them very sore, wherefore they thought to destroy the generation of jacob that was among them: In so moche that they began to slay and to persecute certain of the people * Ios●p. ●ap. xii. lib. xii. Then judas fought against the children Ezec. x●●. ● &▪ xxxv. a two. Ma●. x. ● of Esau in ●dumia, and against those which were at Arabathane (for they dwelt round about the Israelites) where he slew and spoiled a great multitude of them. He thought also upon the malice and unfaithfulness of the children of Bean/ how they were a snare & stop unto the people, & how they laid wait for them in the high way: wherefore he shut them up into towers/ and came unto them, destroyed them utterly, and brent up their towers/ with all that were in them. afterward went he against the children of Ammon/ whereof he found a mighty power & a great multitude of people/ with Timothy their captain. So he struck many battles with them/ which were destroyed before him. And when he had slain them, he wan Gazer the city/ with the towns belonging thereto, and so turned again into jewry. The Heathen also in Galaad gathered them together against the Israelites that were in their quarters/ to s●ey● them: but they fled to the Castle of Datheman/ and sent letters unto judas & his brethren, saying: The heathen are gathered against us on every side, to destroy us, & now they make them ready for to come/ & lay siege to the castle, whereunto we are sled, and Timothy is the captain of their Host: come therefore/ and deliver us out of their hands: for there is a great multitude of us slain all ready. Ye & our brethren that were at Tubin, are slain & destroyed (well nigh a thousand men) & their wives, their children & their goods have the enemies led away captive. While these letters were yet a reading, behold, there came other messaungers from Galilee, with rent clothes: which told even the same tidings/ and said/ that they of Ptolomais/ of Tyrus and of Sydon were gathered against them, and that all Galilee was filled with enemies to destroy Israel * 2, M●●●. When judas & the people heard this/ they came together (a great congregation) to devise, what they might do for their brethren/ that were in trouble & besieged of their enemies. And judas said unto Simon his brother: chose the out certain men, and go deliver thy brethren in Galilee: As for me and my brother jonathas/ we will go into Galaadithim. So he left josephus the son of Zachary/ and Azarias to be Captains of the people, and to keep the remnant of the Host in jewry, and commanded them/ saying: Take the oversight of this people/ and se that ye make no war against the Heythen/ until the time that we come again. And unto Simon he gave three thousand men, for to go into Galilee/ but judas himself had eight thousand in Galaadithim. Then went simeon into Galilee/ and struck divers battles with the Heythen: whom he discomfited, and followed upon them unto the port of Ptolomais, And there were slain of the Heythen almost three thousand men. So he took the spoils of them/ and carried away the Israelites/ that were in Galilee and Arbatis/ with their wives/ their children and all that they had/ & brought them into jewry with great gladness. judas Machabeus also & his brother jonathas/ went over jordane, and travailed. iij. days journey in the wilderness: where the Nebuthees met them, and received them lovingly/ and told them every thing that had happened unto their brethren in Galaadithim, and how that many of them were besieged in Barasa/ Bosor, Al●mis Casphor, Mageth & Carnaim (all these are strong walled and mighty great cities) and that they were kept in other cities of Galaad also: and to morrow they are appointed to bring their host unto these cities, to take them/ and to win them in one day. So judas and his host turned in all the haste in the wilderness ward Bosor, and wan the city/ slew all the males with the sword, took all their goods, and set fire upon the city. And in the night they took their journey from thence, and came to the castle: And by times in the morning when they looked up/ behold/ there was an innumerable people bearing ladders and other instruments of war/ to take the castle and to overcome them. When judas saw that the battle began, and that the noise thereof went up & range in to the heaven, and that there was so great a cry in the city: He said unto his host fight this day for your brethren. And so came behind their enemies in three companies, and blewe up the trumpets/ and cried in their prayer to God. But as soon as Timothes host perceived that Machabeus was there, they fled from him, and the other slew them down right sore: so that there were killed of them the same day/ almost eight thousand men. Then departed judas unto Maspha, laid siege unto it, and wan it, slew all the males in it, spoiled it/ and set fire upon it. From thence went he and took Casbon, Mageth, Bosor/ and the other cities in Galaad. * 2. Mat. x. d After this gathered Timothy another Host, which pitched their tents before Raphon beyond the water. judas also sent to spy the Host, & they brought him word again, saying: All the heathen that be round about us are gathered unto him/ and the Host is very great: Ye they have hired the Arabians to help them, and have pitched their tents beyond the water, and are ready to come & fight against the. So judas went on to meet them. And Timothy said unto the captains of his host: when judas & his host come nigh the river: if he go over first, we shall not be able to withstand him: for which will be to strong for us. But if he dare not come over/ so that he pitch his tent beside the water: then will we go over/ for we shallbe strong enough against him. Now as soon as judas came to the river, he appointed certain scribes of the people, & commanded them, saying: see that ye leave none behind upon this side of the river, but let every man come to the battle. So he went first over unto them & his people after him. And all the Heythen were discomfited before him, and let their weapons fall, & ran into the temple that was at Carnaim. Which city judas wan, and brent the temple with all that were in it: So was Carnaim subdued, and might not withstand judas. Then judas gathered all the Israelitis that were in Galaadithim/ from the lest unto the most, with their wives and their children (a very great host) for to come into the land of Israel. * 2. Mac. 1ST So they came unto Ephron, which was a mighty, great and strong city, and lay in their way. For they could not go by it● nether of the right hand nor of the left, but must go thorough it. Nevertheless they that were in the city, would not let them go thorough, but walled up the ports with stones. And judas sent unto them with peaceable words, saying: Let us pass thorough your land, that we may go into our own country: there shall no body do you harm, we will but only go thorough on foot. But they would not let them in. Wherefore judas commanded a proclamation to be made thorough out the Host, that every man should keep his order: and so they did there best like valiant men. And judas besieged the city all that day and all that night, & so wan it: where they slew as many as were males, and destroyed the city, and spoiled it, and went thorough all the city over them that were slain. Then went they over jordane into the plain field before Betsan. And judas helped those forward that came behind, & gave the people good exhortation all the way thorough, till they were come into the land of juda. Thus they went up unto the mount Zion, where they offered with mirth * ●. Pa●. 20. a & thankesgeving: because there were none of them slain, but came home again peaceably. Now what time as judas & jonathas were in the land of Galaad, and Simon their brother in Galilee before Ptolomays: Then josephus the Son of Zachary and Asaryas the captains, hearing of the acts that were done and of the ●attales that were strooken, said: Let us get us a name also/ and go fight against the Heathen that are round about us. So they gave their host a commandment/ and went toward jamnya. Then came Gorgyas & his men out of the city, to fight against them: josephus also & Asary as were chased unto the borders of jewrye, & there were slain that day of the people of Israel. ij. M. men: so that there was a great misery among the people, * i Mat. v. b & all because they were not obedient unto judas and his brethren, but thought they should quite them selnes manfully. Nevertheless they came not of the seed of these men, by whom Israel was helped. But the men that were with judas, were greatly commended in the sight of all Israel and all Heythen, where so ever their name was herd upon, & the people came unto them, bidding them welcome. After this went judas forth with his brethren, and fought against the children of Esau, in the land that lieth toward the south where he wan the city of Hebron and the townens that lie beside it: & as for the walls and towers round about it, he brent them up. Then removed he to go into the land of the Philistines, and went thorough Samaria. At the same time were there many priests slain in the battle, which wilfully and without advisement went out for to fight to get them honour. And when judas came to Azot in the Philistines land, * Deuti. vi a he broke down their altars/ bren●e the images of their Idols, spoiled the cities, & came again in to the land of juda. ¶ Antiochus willing to take the city of Elynas for a pray is d●y●●●● way of the 〈◊〉. He telleth into sickness and dieth. His son Anti●ch●s 〈◊〉 ●a●● king. The be●●g● of the tower of Zion. Eu●●tor comes into jewrye with a great army. The boldness of E●●az●r. CAPI. VI NO we when king Antiochus travailed thorough the high countries, he heard that Elymas in Persia was a noble & plenteous city in silver & gold, & that there was in it a very rich temple: where as were clothes, cote armours & shields of gold, which Alexander the son of Philippe king of Macedonia (that reigned first in Greek land) had left behind him. Wherefore he went about to take the city & to spoil it, but he was not able: for the citesins were warned of it, & fought with him. And so he fled & departed with great heaviness, and came again into Babylon. Moreover there came one which brought him tidings in Persyde, * joseph. 〈◊〉. xiii. li. xii entiq. that his hosts which were in the land of juda/ were driven away, and how that Lysias went forth first with a great power, and was driven away of the jews: how that they had won the victory, & gotten great goods out of the hosts that perished: how they had broken down the abomination, * i. Matha. three c. &. iiii which he set up upon i Math 〈…〉 the altar at jerusalem, and fenced the Sanctuary with high walls, like as it was afore: ye and Bethsura his city also. So it chanced, that when the king had herd these words, he was afraid and grieved very sore. Wherefore he laid him down upon his bed, and fell sick for very sorrow: & all because it had not happened as he had devised. And there continued he long/ for his grief was evermore and more/ so that he saw he must needs die. Therefore he sent for his friends, & said unto them: the sleep is gone fro mine eyes, for the very sorrow and vexation of heart that I have. For when I consider in my mind the great adversity that I am come unto, & the floods of heaviness which I am come in, where as afore time I was so merry, and so greatly set by (by reason of my power) Again considering the evil that I have done at jerusalem, from whence I took all the riches of gold & silver that were in it/ and sent to fetch away the inhabytoures of jewry without any reason why: I know that these troubles are come upon me for the same cause. And behold/ I must die with great sorrow in a strange land. Then called he for one Philippe a friend of his, whom he made ruler of all his realm/ & gave him the crown/ his robe & his ring: that he should take his son Antiochus unto him/ & bring him up/ till he might reign himself. * two. M●●● 〈◊〉 ●. 〈…〉 So the king Antiochus died there, in the. cxlix. year When Lysias knew that the king was deed, he ordained Antiochus his son ( * jose 〈…〉 〈◊〉. li. ● 1. Ma●● 〈…〉 whom he had brought up) to reign in his father's stead, & called him Eupator. Now they that were in the castle (at jerusalem) kept in the jews round about the Sanctuary & sought ever still to do them harm, for the strengthening of the Heythen. Wherefore judas thought to destroy them and called all the people together/ that they might lay siege unto them. So they came together in the. Cl. year, & besieged them/ laying forth their ordinance and instruments of war. Then certain of them that were be seged/ went forth (unto whom some ungodly men of Israel joined themselves also) and went unto the king, saying: How long will it be/ or thou punish and avenge our brethren? We have ever been minded to do thy father service/ to walk in his statutes/ and to obey his commandments: Therefore our people fell from us/ & wheresoever they found any of us/ they slew them: (and spoiled our inheritance) and they have not only meddled with us/ but with all our countries: and behold/ this day are they besieging the castle at jerusalem, * Math●. 〈◊〉 g & have made up the strong hold in Bethsura: And if thou dost not prevent them right soon/ they will do more than these/ & thou shalt not be able to overcome them. * ●. Math●. 〈◊〉. d When the king heard this/ he was very angry, and called all his friends, the Captains of his foot men, and of all his horsemen together. He hired men of war also out of other realms and out of the Isles of the see, which came unto him. And the number of his host was an hundredth thousand foot men, & twenty thousand horsemen, and. xxxij. Elephants well exercised to battle. These came thorough Idumea unto Bethsura, and i Math. iiii 〈◊〉. xi ● besieged it a long season, and made diverse instruments of war against it. But the Jews came out and brent them, and fought like men. Then departed judas from the castle at Jerusalem, & removed the host toward Bethzacaran over against the kings army. So the king arose before the day, and brought the power of his Host into the way to Bethzacaran/ where the hosts made them ready to the battle, blowing the trumpets. And to provoke the Elephants for to fight, they showed them the sap of reed grapes & molberies. And divided the Elephants among the Host: so that by every Elephant there stood a. M. men well harnessed, & helmets of steel upon their heads: Ye unto every one of the Elephants also, were ordained. ●. C. horsemen of the best, which waited of the Elephant going where so ever he went, and departed not from him. Every Elephant was covered with a strong tower of wood, whereupon were xxxij. valiant men with weapons to fight, and within it was a man of Jude to rule the be'st. As for the remnant of the horsemen/ he set them upon both the sides in two parts with trumpets, to provoke the host, and to steer up such as were slow in the army. And when the sun shone upon their shields of gold and steel, the mountains glistered again at them, and were as bright as the cressettes of fire. The kings host also was divided, one part upon the high Mountains, the other low beneath: so they went on, taking good heed/ and keeping their order. And all they that dwelled in the land/ were afraid at the noise of their host, when the multitude went forth, & when the weapons smote together/ for the host was both great and mighty. judas also & his host entered into the battle, & slew. vj. C. men of the kings army. Now when Eleasar the son of Saura did see one of the Elephants decked with the kings badge/ & was a more godly be'st then the other: he thought the king should be upon him & jeopardy himself to deliver his people, and to get him a perpetual name. Wherefore he ran with a courage unto the Elephante in the midst of the host, smiting them down of both the sides/ & slew many about him. So went he to the elephants feet/ & got him under him, & slew him: then fell the Elephant down upon him/ & there he died. judas also & his men seeing the power of the king & the mighty violence of his host/ departed from them. And the kings army went up against them toward jerusalem, & pitched their tents in jewry beside mount Zion: Moreover, the king took tr●se with them that were in * i. Machab● iiii. ●. vi. d. 〈◊〉. Mat. x●. ●●. xv. d Bethsura. But when they came out of the city because they had no victuals within, & the land lay untilled) the king took bethsura, & set men to keep it, & turned his host to the place of the Sanctuary/ & laid siege to it a great while. Where he made all manner ordinance handbowes, fiery darts, rackettes to cast stones, scorpions to shut arrows, and slinges The jews also made ordinance against theirs, and fought a long season. But in the city there were no victuals/ for it was the seventh year of the wars/ & those Heythen that remained in jewrye/ had eaten up all their store. And in the Sanctuary were few men left,▪ for the hungres came so upon them, that they were scattered abroad every man to his own place. So when Lysyas heard that Phylyppe ( * 2. Mat. 6. ● whom Antiochus the king while he was yet living/ had ordained to bring up Antiochus his son/ that he might be king) was come again out of Persia and Medea with the kings host, & thought to obtain the kingdom. He got him to the king in all the haste, & to the captains of the host, and said: we decrease daily, & our victuals are but small: Again/ the place that we lay siege unto, is very strong/ & it were our part to see for the realm. Let us agree with these men, and take truce with them, and with all their people, and grant them to live after their law, as they did afore. For they be grieved & do all these things against us, because we have despised their law. So the king and the princes were content, & sent unto them to make peace, & they received it. Now when the king & the princes had made an oath unto them, they came out of the castle, and the king went up to mount Zion. But when he saw that the place was well fenced/ he broke the oath that he had made, & commanded to destroy the wall round about. Then departed he in all the haste, & returned unto Antioch/ where he found philip having dominion of the city. So he fought against him, & took the city again into his hands. ¶ Demetrius reigned after he had killed Antiochus and Lysyas. He troubleth the children of Israel thorough the council of certain wicked persons. The prayer of the priests against Nicanor. judas killeth Nicanor, after he had made his prayer. CAPI. VII. IN the. C●●. year came Demetrius the son of Seleucus from the citien of Rome with a small company of men, unto a city of the see cast, & there he bore rule. And it chanced/ that when he came to Antioch the city of his progenitors, his host took Antiochus & Lisias to bring them unto him. But when it was told him, he said: let me not see their faces: So the host put them to death. Now when Demetrius was set upon the throne of his kingdom, there came unto him wicked and ungodly men of Israel: whose captain was Alcimus, that would have been made high pressed: These men accused the people of Israel unto the king, saying: judas & his brethren have slain thy friends, and driven us out of our own land. Wherefore, send now some man (to whom thou givest credence) that he may go and see all the destruction, which he hath done unto us & to the kings land, and let him be punished with all his friends and favourers. Then the king chose Bachides a friend of his, which was a man of great power in the realm (beyond the great water) and faithful unto the king: and sent him to see the destruction that judas had done. And as for that wicked Alcimus, he made him high pressed, and commanded him to be avennged of the children of Israel. So they stood up/ and came with a great host into the land of juda, sending messengers to judas & his brethren, & speaking unto them with peaceable words: but under disobeyed. * 1. Math. i b Therefore judas & his people believed not their saying, for they saw that they were come with a great Host. After this came the scribes together unto Alcimus & Bachides, trusting the best unto them. And first the Assideans required peace of them, saying: Alcimus the pressed is come of the seed of Aaron, how can he deceive us? So they gave them loving words, & swore unto them, and said: we will do you no harm: neither your friends: & they believed them. But the very same day took they. lx. men of them & slew them according to the words that are written: * Psal. 79. ● They have cast the flesh of thy saynetes, & shed their blood round about jerusalem, & there was no man the would bury them. So there came a great fear & dread among the people/ saying: there is neither truth nor righteousness in them, for they have broken the appointment & oath that they made. And Bachides removed his host from jerusalem, and pitched his tent at Betzecha: where he sent forth/ & took many of them that had forsaken him: He slew many of the people also and cast them into a great pit. Then committed he the land unto Alcimus/ and left men of war with him to help him, & Bachydes himself went unto the king, And thus Alcimus defended his high priesthood: & all such as vexed Israel resorted unto him: In so much that they obtained the land of juda & did much evil unto the Israelites. Now when judas saw all the mischief that Alcimus and his company had done (ye more than the Heythen themselves) unto the Israelites: He went forth round about all the borders of jewrye/ and punished those unfaithful runagates, so that they came no more out into the country. So when Alcimus saw, that judas and his people had gotten the upperhand, and that he was not able to abide them: he went again to the king, and said all the worst of them that he could. Then the king sent Nicanor one of his chief princes (which bore evil will unto Israel) and commanded him, that he should utterly destroy the people. * 2. Mat. 〈◊〉 ● So Nicanor came to jerusalem with a great host/ and sent unto judas and his brethren with friendly words (but under disobeyed) saying: there shall be no war betwixt me & you:- I will come with a few men/ to se how ye do/ with frendshype. Upon this he came unto judas, and they saluted one another peaceably: but the enemies were appointed to take judas by violence. Nevertheless it was told judas, that he came unto him but under disobeyed: wherefore he got him away from him, & would see his face no more. When Nicanor perceived that his council was bewrayed/ he went out to fight against judas/ beside Carpharsamala: where there were slain of Nicanors host. v. M. men: and the residue sled unto the Castle of david. After this came Nicanor up unto mount Zion: and the priests with the elders of the people went forth to salute him peaceably/ & to show him the burnt sacrifices that were offered for the king. But he laughed them and the people to scorn, moked them/ defiled their offerings, & spoke disdaynedly/ ye and swore in his wrath, saying: * 2. Mar. 14 ● If judas and his host be not delivered now into my hands, as soon as ever I come again (& far well) I shall burn up this house. With that/ went he out in a great anger. Then the priests came in/ and stood before the altar of the temple, weeping & saying. * 2. Para. 3. c 3. Regum. 8. ●. Esap. 56. b for so much as thou (O Lord) haste chosen this house/ that thy name might be called upon therein, & that it should be * Math. 21. b an house of prayer and petition for thy people: Be avenged of this man and his host/ and let them he slain with the sword: remember the blasphemies of them, and suffer them not to continue any longer. When Nicanor was gone from jerusalem, he pitched his tent at Bethoron/ and there an host met him out of Syria. And judas came to Adarsa with three thousand men/ & made his prayer unto God, saying: O Lord, * Esay. 37. ● 2. Mat, 8. d and xv. d 4. Re. 19 g because the messengers of king Senacherib blaphemed thee/ the Angel went forth and slew an hundredth four score and five thousand of them. Even so destroy thou this host before us to day: that other people may know how that he hath blasphemed thy Sanctuary: and punish him according to his malyciousnesse. And so the hosts stroke the field, the thirteen day of the month * Februar●●. Adar: and Nicanors host was discomfited, * 2. Mat. 15 d & he himself was first slain in the battle. When Nicanors men of war saw that he was killed, they cast away their weapons and fled: but the jews followed upon them an whole days journey/ from Adazer unto Gazara/ blowing with the trumpets, and making tokens after them. So the jews came forth of all the towns there about/ and blue out their horns upon them, and turned against them. Thus were they all slain/ & not one of them left. Then they took their substance for a pray/ and smote of Nicanors heed and his right hand ( * 2. mat. 14. ● which he held up so proudly) and brought it with them, and hanged it up afore jerusalem. Wherefore, the people were exceedingly rejoiced/ and passed over that day in great gladness. And judas ordained, that the same day (namely the thyrtynth day of the month Adar) should be kept in mirth every year. Thus the land of juda was in rest a little while. ¶ judas considering the power and godly policy of the Romans, maketh peace with them. The re●ceypt of the Romaync● sent unto the jewee. CAPI. VIII. IUdas heard also the fame of the Romans/ that they were mighty & baleaunte men, & a agreeable to all things that are required of them, and make peace with all men, which come unto them. and how they were doughty men of strength. Besides that it was told him of their battles, & noble acts which they did in Galatia, how they had conquered them, and brought them under tribute: and what great things they had done in Spain, how that with their wisdom & sober behaviour, they had won the mines of silver and gold that are there/ and obtained all the land, with other places far from them: how they had discomfited and slain down the kings that came upon them, from the uttermost part of the earth, and how other people gave them tribute very year. How they had slain and overcome Philip and Perses kings of Cethim, & other more (in battle) which had brought their ordinance against them, how they discomfited great Antyochus king of Asia (that would needs fight with them) having an hundredth and twenty Elephants, with horsemen, Chariots, and a very great host: how they took himself alive, and ordained him (with such as should reign after him) to pay them a great tribute: * ●. Math. ●● Ye, and to find them good sureties and pledge: besides all this, how they had taken from him India, Media and Lydia (his best lands) and given them to king Eumenus. Again, how they perceiving that the Greeks were coming to vex them: sent against them a captain of an host, which gave them battle, slew many of them, led away their wives and children captive, spoiled them, took possession of their land, destroyed their strong holds, and subdued them to be their bondmen, unto this day. Moreover, how that as for other kingdoms and Isles, which sometime withstood them, they destroyed them, and brought them under their dominion. But helped ever their own friends and those that were confederate with them, and conquered king domes both far and nye● & that whosoever heard of their renown, was afraid of them: for whom they would help to their kingdoms, those reigned: & whom it liked not them to reign, they put him down. And how they were come to great pre-eminence: having no king among them, nether any man clothed in purple, to be magnified there thorough, but had ordained themselves a parliament, where in there sat three hundredth and twenty Sena tours daily upon the council, to dispatch ever the business of the people, and to keep good order. And how that every year they chose a Mayor, to have the governance of all their land: to whom every man was obedient, and there was neither evil will nor dissension among them. Then judas chose Eupolemus the son of John the son of jacob, and jason the son of Eleazar, and sent them unto Rome for to make friendship and a bond of love with them: that they might take from them the bondage of the Greeks, for the Jews saw, that the Greeks would subdue the kingdom of Israel. So they went unto Rome (a very great journey) and came into the perlament, & said: judas Machabeus with his brethren & the people of the jews hath sent us unto you, to make a bond of friendship & peace with you, and ye to note us as your lovers & friends. And the matter pleased the Romans right well, wherefore it was written up: of the which the Romans made a writing in tables of brass, and sent it to jerusalem: that they might have by them a memorial of the same peace and bond of friendship after this manner. God save the Romans & the people of the jews both by see & by land, and keep the sword & enemy from them for evermore. If there come first any war upon the Romans or any of their friends thorough out all their dominion, the people of the jews shall help them (as the time requireth) and that which all their hearts. Also they shall neither give nor send unto their enemy's victuals weapons, money nor ships: but fulfil this charge at the Romans pleasure, and take nothing of them therefore. Again if the people of the Jews hap first to have war, the Romans shall stand by them with a good will, according as the time will suffer. Neither shall they give unto the jews enemies victuals, weapons, money nor ships. Thus are the Romans content to do, & shall fulfil their charge without any deceit. According to these articles, the Romans made the bond with the jews. Now after these articles (said they) if any of the parties will put to them, or take any thing from them they shall do it with the consent of both: and whatsoever they add unto them or take from them, it shall stand fast. And as touching the evil that king Demetrius hath done unto the jews, we have written unto him saying: wherefore layest thou thy heavy yoke upon the jews our friends and lovers? If they make any complaint of the again unto us, we shall defend them, & fight with the by see and by land, ¶ After the death of Nycanor, Demetrius sendeth his army against judas. judas is slain. jonathas is put in the stead of his brother. The stryte between jonathas and Bachydes Al●ymus is t●ken with the palsy and dieth. Bachydes returneth again unto the king He cometh upon jonathas by the count. ● of certain wicked persons, and is overcome. The truce of jonathas with Bachydes. CAPI. IX. IN the mean season when Demetrius heard that * 1. Ma〈…〉 josep in 17. lib. 〈◊〉. Nicanor and his host was slain in the field/ he proseded further to send Bachides & Alcimus again into jewry, & those that were in the right wing of his host with them. So they went forth by the way that leadeth unto Galgala/ and pitched their tents before Mesaloth which is in Arbellus, & wan the city & slew much people. In the first month of the Clij. year, they brought their host to jerusalem, & rose up & came to Berea, with .xx. M. footmen, &. two. M. horsemen. Now judas had pitched his tents at Laysa, with three thousand chosen men. And when they saw the multitude of the other army that it was so great, they were sore afraid, and many conveyed themselves out of the host/ In so much that there abode no more of them but eight hundred men. When judas saw that his host failed him, and that he must needs fight: it broke his heart, that he had no time to gather them together: wherefore the man was in extreme trouble. Nevertheless, he said unto them, that remained with him. Up, let us go against our enemies, peradventure we shallbe able. to fight with them. But they would have stopped him, saying: we shall not be able, therefore let us now save our lives, and turn again to our brethren and then will we fight against them, for we are here but few. And judas said: God forbid, that we should i'll from them. Wherefore, if our time be come, let us die manfully for our brethren. and let us not stain our honour. Then the host removed out of the tents, & stood against them. The horsemen are divided in two parts: the sling casters and archers went before the host/ and all the mighty men were foremost in the field. Bachides himself was in the right wing of the battle, and the host drew nigh in two parts, and blewe the trompertes. They of judas ●yde blew the trumpets also, and the earth shaken at the noise of the hosts, and they struck a field from the morrow till night. And when judas saw that Bachides host was strongest of the right side/ he took with him all the hardy men/ and broke the right wing of their order/ and followed upon them unto the mount Azot. Now when they which were of the left wing, saw that the right side was discomfit, they persecuted judas & them that were with him. Then was there a sore battle/ for many were slain and wounded of both the parties/ judas also himself was killed, and the remnant fled. So jonathas and Simon took judas their brother, and buried him in his father's sepulchre in the city of Moden. And all the people of Israel made great lamentation for nym/ & mourned long, salenge: Alas/ that this worthy should be slain/ which delivered the people of Israel. As for other things pertaining to the battles of judas/ the noble acts that he did & of his worthiness: they are not written/ for they were very many. * joseph 〈◊〉. ●. lib, 13. an And after the death of judas, wicked men came up i all the coasts of Israel, and there arose all such as work ungodliness. In those days was there a great dearth in the land/ and all the country gave over themselves and theirs unto Bachides. So Bachydes chose wicked men/ & made them lo●des in the land. These sought out & made search for judas friends, ●nd brought them unto Bachides: which avenged himself upon them with great despite. And there came so great trouble i Israel, as was not since the time that no prophet was seen there. Then came all judas friends together, and said unto jonathas: For so much as thy brother judas is deed, there is none like him to go forth against cur enemies, aghast Bachides, & such as are adversaries unto our people. Wherefore this day we chose the for him/ to be our prince and captain to order our battle. And jonathas took the governance upon him at the same time, and ruled isteade of his brother judas When Bachides got knowledge thereof, he sought for to slay him. But jonathas and Simon his brother/ perceaving that, sled into the wilderness of ●hec●a with all their company, and pitched their tents by the water pole of Asphar. Which when Bachydes understood, he came over jordane with all his host upon the Sabbath day. Now had jonathas sent his brother John (a captain of the people) to pray his friends the Nabuthites, that they would lend them their ordivaunce, for they had much. So the children of Jambry came out of Madaba, and took John and all that he had, and went their way withal. Then came word unto jonathas and Simon his brother/ that the children of Jambry made a great marriage, and brought the bride from Madaba with great pomp: for she was daughter to one of the noblest princes of Canaan. Wherefore they remembered the blood of John their brother, & weet up, & hide themselves under the shadow of the mountain. So they lift up their eyes, and looked: and behold, there was much a do, and great repair: for the bridegroom came forth▪ & his friends and his brethren met them with tympanyes/ instruments of music/ and many weapons. Then jonathas & they that were with him/ rose out of their lourking places against them, and slew many of them. As for the remnaut, they fled into the mountains, and they took all their substance. Thus the marriage was turned to morning, and the noise of their melody into lamentation. And so when they had avenged the blood of their brother, they turned again unto jordane. Bachides hearing this/ came unto the very border of jordane with a great power upon the Sabbath day. And jonathas said to his company, let us get up/ and fight again our enemies: for it standeth not with us to day/ as in time paste: Behold/ our enemies are in our way/ the water of jordane upon the one side of us, with banks, fens and woods of the other side, so that there is no place for us to depart unto. * ●. Para x. a ●. Mat. 4. b Wherefore cry now unto heaven, that ye may be delivered from the power of your enemies. So they stroke the battle. And jonathas stretched out his hands to smite Bachy des, but he fled backward. The jonathas & they that were with him leapt into jordane, & swimmed over jordane unto him, and there were stain of Bachides side that day, a thousand men. Therefore Bachydes with his host turned again to jerusalem, and built up the castles and strong holds that were in jewrye/ jericho/ Emaus/ Bethoron/ bethel/ Thamnata/ Phara and Topo, with high walls, with ports and with locks: and set men to keep them, that they might use their malice upon Israel. He walled up the city Bethsurah/ Gazarah and the castle/ and provided them with men and victuals. He took also the chiefest men's sons in the country for pledges, and put them in the castle at jerusalem to be kept. afterward in the hundred fifty & three year in the second month, Alcimus commanded, that the walls of the inmost Sanctuary should be destroyed, and the buildings of the prophets also. And when he began to destroy them/ the things that he went about/ were hindered, for he was smitten with a palsy, and his mouth shut, so that he could no more speak, nor command any of his house concerning his business. Thus died Alcimus in great misery at the same tyme. And when Bachides saw that Alcimus was dead, he turned again to the king, and so the land was in rest two years. Then all the ungodly men held a council, saying: Behold, jonathas and his company are at ease, and dwell without care. Wherefore let us bring Bachides hither/ and he shall take them all in one night. So they went and gave Bachydes this council/ which arose to come with a great host, & snet letters privily to his adherentes, which were i jewry, to take jonathas/ & those that were with him: but they might not for the other had gotten knowledge of their device. And jonathas took thirty men of the country (which were the ryngleaders of them) and slew them. Then jonathas & Simon with their company departed unto the city Bethbessen which lieth in the wilderness/ & repaired the decay thereof/ and made it strong. When Bachydes knew this, he gathered all his host/ and sent word to them that were of jewry. Then came he & laid siege to Bethbessen and fought against it a long season, & made instruments of war. Now jonathas left his brother Simon in the city, and went forth himself into the country/ & came with a certain number, and slew Odares and his brethren, and the children of Phaseron in their tents: so that he began to be strong and to increase in power. As for Simon and his company/ they went out of the city/ and brent up the instruments of war, & fought against Bachides, and discomfited him. And Bachides was sore vexed, because his council and travail was in vain. Wherefore he was wroth at the wicked men (that gave him council to come into their land) and slew many of them. Then purposed he with his company to go away into his own country: whereof when jonathas had knowledge, he sent embassytours unto him, for to make peace with him, and that he should deliver him his presonners again. To the which Bachides consented gladly, and did according to his desire: ye and made an oath/ that he should never do him harm all the days of his life. So he restored unto him all the presonners that he had taken out of the land of juda, & then turned and went his way into his own land, neither proceeded he any further to come unto the borders of juda. Thus Israel had no more war. And jonathas dwelled at Machemas, & began there to govern the people, & destroyed the ungodly men out of Israel. ¶ Demetrius desireth to have peace with jonathas Alexander moveth war against Demetrius. Demetrius is slain. The friendship of Ptolomeus and Alexander. CAPI. X. IN the hundred and three score year came Alexander the son of noble Antiochus Iosep●▪ two. i 〈…〉 and took Ptolomays/ whose cytezyns received him/ and there he rayghned. When King Demetrius heard thereof, he gathered an exceeding great host, and went for the against him to fight. Wherefore Demetrius sent letters unto jonathas with loving words/ and praised him greatly. For he said: we will first make peace with him, before he bind him self with Alexander against us: else he shall remember the evil that we have done against him, his brother & his people. And so he gave jonathas leave to gather an host, to make weapons, and to be confederate with him, & commanded the pledges that were inthe castle, to be delivered unto him. Then came jonathas to jerusalem, and red the letters in the audience of all the people, and of them that were in the castle. And therefore were they sore afraid, because they heard, that the king had given him licence to gather an host. Thus were the pledges delivered unto jonathas/ which restored them to their parents. jonathas also dwelled at jerusalem, and began to build up & to repair the city: commanding the worckmen, to wall it, and the mount Zion round about with free stone/ to be a strong hold, and so they did. As for the Heathen that were in that castles which Bachides had made up/ they fled: so that every man left the place/ & went into his own country. Only at Bethsura remained certain of the Jews. which had forsaken the law and commandments of God, for Bethsura was their refuge. Now when king Alexander heard of the promises that Demetrius had made unto jonathas, and when it was told him of the battles and noble acts/ which he and his brethren had done, and of the great travails that they had taken, he said: where shall we find such a man? well/ we will make him our friend, and be confederate with him. Upon this he wrote a letter unto him, with these words: king Alexander saluteth his brother jonathas. We have herd of thee, that thou art a valiant man, and meet to be our friend: Wherefore this day we ordain the to be the high pressed of thy people/ and to be called the kings friend.) Upon this, he sent him a purple clothing/ and a crown of gold) that thou mayest consydre what is for our profit, and keep friendship toward us. So in the seven month of the hundred and three score year upon the solemn feast day of the tabernacles, jonathas put the holy raiment upon him. Then gathered he an host, and made many weapons. Which when Demetrius heard, he was marvelous sorry, & said: Alas/ what have we done, that Alexander hath prevented us in getting the friendship of the jews/ for his own defence? Yet will I write lovingly unto them also/ ye and promise them dygnites and rewards, that they may be of my side. Whereupon he wrote unto them these words. King De? metrius sendeth greeting unto that people of the Jews. Where as ye have kept your covenant toward us, & continued in our friendship/ not inclining to our enemies, we were glad, when we heard thereof. Wherefore remain still/ & be faithful to us: & we shall well recompense you for the things, that ye have done on our party: we shall release you of many charges, & give you rewards. And now I discharge you & all the Jews from tributes, I forgive you the customs of salt, & release you of the crown taxes/ of the third part of sede, & half of the fruit of trees, which is mine own duty. These I leave for you, from this day forth: so that they shall not be taken of the land of juda nor of the three cities which are added there unto out of Samaria and galilee/ from this day forth for evermore. Jerusalem also with all things belonging thereto, shallbe holy and free, ye the tithes and tributes shall pertain unto it. As for the power of the castle which is at Jerusalem I remit & give it unto the high priest, that he may set in it such men, as he shall choose to keep it. I freely deliver all the jews that are presonners thorough out all my realm: so that every one of them shallbe free from paying any tribute/ ye even of their cattles. All the solemn feasts. Sabbathes, new moons, the days appointed, the three days before & after the feast, shall be free for all the jews in my realm: so that in them no man shall have power to do any thing, or to move any business against any of them in any manner of cause. There shall thirty thousand also of the jews be written up in the kings host/ and have their wages paid, as all other men of war of the kings should have: and of them shallbe ordained certain, to keep the kings strong holds: ye and some of them shallbe set over the kings business, that they may faithfully deal with the same. The jews also shall have princes of their own/ and walk in their own laws/ as the king hath commanded in the land of juda. And the; three cities that are fallen unto jewry from the country of Samarya & Galtiee: shallbe taken as jewry/ and be under one: neither be subtecte to any strange lord, but to the high pressed. As for Prolomais and the land pertaining thereto/ I give it unto the Sanctuary at jerusalem/ for the necessary expenses of the holy things. Moreover, I will give every year fifteen thousand Sycles of silver out of the kings cheker (which pertaineth unto me) to the work of the temple: ye and look what remaineth (which they that had our matters in hand in times past, have not pated) the same shall they give unto them also. And besides all this/ the five thousand Sycles which they took yearly of the rents of the Sanctuary, shall belong unto the priests that do service. Item whosoever they be that i'll unto the temple at jerusalem or within the liberties thereof, where as they are fallen into the kings danger for any manner of business, they shall be pardoned & all the goods that they have in my reaime/ shallbe free. For the building also and repairing of the work of the Sanctuary/ expenses shall be given out of the kings chequer: Ye and for the making of the walls round about jerusalem, for the breaking down of the old and for the setting up of the strong holds in jewry, shall the costs and charges begeven out of the kings chequer. * ●. Mat, 7. d But when jonathas and the people heard these words/ they gave no credence unto them/ neither received them: for they remembered the great wickedness that he had done unto Israel, and how sore he had vexed them. Wherefore/ they agreed unto Alexander, for he was a prince that had dealt friendly with them/ and so they stood by him alway. * joseph. ●a. v. lib. xiii. Then gathered king Alexander a great host/ and brought his army against Demetrius. So the two kings struck battle together/ but Demetrius' host iled/ and Alexander followed after and fell upon them. A mighty sore field was it/ continuing till the Son went down, and Demetrius was slain the same day. And Alexandre sent ambassitoures unto Ptolemy the king of Egypte with these words/ saying: For so much as I am come again to my reaime/ and am let in the throne of my progenitors/ and have gotten the dominion/ overcomed Demetrius/ conquered the land/ and stricken a field with him, so that we have discomfited both him and his host, and sit in the throne of his Kingdom. Let us now make frenoshippe together/ give me thy daughter to wife: so shall I be thy son in law/ and both give the rewards/ and her great dignity. Ptolemy the king gave answer, saying: Happy be the day wherein thou art come again to the land of thy progenitors, and set in the throne of their kingdom. As now will I fulfil thy writing: but meet me at Ptolomais, that we may see one another, & that I may marry my daughter unto the according to thy desire. So Ptolemy went out of Egypte with his daughter Cleopatra, and came unto Ptolomays in the. Clxij. year: where king Alexander met him/ and he gave Alexander his daughter Cleopatra, & married the at Ptolomais with great worship/ like as the manner of kings is to be. Then wrote king Alexander unto jonathas/ that he should come and meet him. So he went honourably unto Ptolomais/ and there he meet the two kings, and gave them great presents of gold and silver/ and found favour in their sight. And there came together against jonathas certain wicked men & ungracious persons of Israel, making come plaints of him, but the king regarded them not. As for jonathas, the king commanded to take of his garments and to cloth him purple: and so they did. Then that king appointed him to sit by him/ and said unto his princes: Go with him into the midst of the city, and make a proclamation, that no man complain against him of any matter/ and that no man trouble him for any manner of cause. So it happened, that when his accusers saw the worship which was proclaimed of him, and that he was clothed in purple: they sled everichone. And the King made much of him, wrote him among his chief friends, made him a duke, and partaker of his dominion. * Iosep●▪ c●. 〈…〉. Thus jonathas went again to Jerusalem with peace & gladness. In the. Clxu. year came Demetrius the son of Demetrius from Creta into his father's land: whereof when Alexander heard tell, he was right sorry, and returned unto Antioch. And Demetrius chose * 〈…〉 Appollonyus, (which had the governance of Celosyrya) to be his captain. So he gathered a great host and came unto jamnta/ and sent word unto jonathas the high priest, saying: Darteste thou withstand us thyself alone? As for me, I am but laughed to scorn and shamed, because thou provedst thy strength against us in the mountains. Now therefore/ if thou trust este in thine own strength, come down to us into the plain field, & there let us prove our strength together: thou shalt find, that I have vale aunt men of war with me, & shalt know whom I am, & the other that stand by me. Which say, that your foot is not able to stand before our face, for thy fathers have been twice chased into their own land. And now/ how wilt thou be able to abide so great an host of horssinen & footmen in the field, where as is nether rock, stone nor place to i'll unto? When jonathas herd the words of Appollonius, he was moved i his mind: wherefore he chose ten thousand men, and went out of jerusalem/ and Simon his brother met him for to help him: And they pitched their tents at joppa, but the city kept him forth/ for joppa was an hold of Appollonius. Then jonathas laid siege to it, and they that were in the city, for very fear let him in: and so jonathas wan joppa. Appollonius hearing of this, took three thousand horsemen/ with a great host of foot, and went as though he would go to Azotus, and came immediately into the plain field: because he had so many horsemen, and put his trust in them. So jonathas followed upon him to Azotus, & there they struck the battle. Now had Appollonius left a thousand horsemen behind them privily in the tents. And when jonathas knew the such wait was laid behind them, they went round about the enemies host/ and shot darts at the people from the morning to the evening. As for jonathas people, they kept their order as he had commanded them, and the enemies horses were ever labouring. Then brought Simon forth his host, and set them against the foot men. For the horsemen were weighed all ready. So he dyscomfited them/ and they fled. And they that were scattered in the field/ got them to Azotus, and came into the temple of Dagon their Idol, that they might there save their lives. But jonathas set fire upon Azotus and all the cities round about it, and took their goods, and * ●▪ M●t. xi. a. brent up the temple of Dagon, with all them that were fled into it. Thus were slain & brent well nigh. viij. M. men. So jonathas removed the host from thence, & brought them to Ascalon: where the men of the city came forth/ & met him with great worship. After this went jonathas & his host a gain to jerusalem, with great substance of good. And when king Alexander heard these things/ he thought to do jonathas more worship, & sent him a collar of gold, as the use is to be given unto such as are of the kings next blood. He gave him also the city of Accaron (with the lands belonging thereto) in possession. CAPI. XI. ¶ The dissension betwyre Ptolomes' & Alexannder his son in ●●we The death of Alexan●der. Demetrius taygneth after the death of Ptolom●us. Zion is besieged of jonathas. De netriu● seeing that no m● resisted him, sendeth his army 〈…〉 pho moveth A●●●●chns against Demetr●us. De me●●nus is desivered by the suciour of janathas. After his dcly g●r●unce he meaketh his couenau●● that he had made. AND the king of Egypte gathered ●an host (like the sand the lieth upon the sce s●bore) & many ships: * Io●rphus. 〈◊〉. 7. lib. 13. & went about thorough deceit to obtain the kingdom of Alexander/ & to join it unto his own realm●e. Upon this he took his journey into Siri●, & was let into the cities, & men came forth to meet him: for king Alexander had commanded them so to do, because he was his father in law. Now when Ptolemy entered into any city, he left men of war to keep it/ and this he did thorough out all the cities. And when he came to Azotus, * Mat. x. c. they showed him the temple of Dagon & Azotus that was brent up/ with the other things which were destroyed, the deed bodies cast aboard/ and the graves that they had made by the way side, for such as were slain in the field. And told the king the jonathas had done all these things, to the intent they might get him evil will. But the king said not a word thereto. And jonathas met the king with great honour at joppa, where they saluted one another, & took their rest. So when jonathas had gone with the king, unto the water that was called Eleutherus, he turned again to jerusalem. Now Ptolemy had gotten that dominion of the cities unto Selencia upon that see coast, ymagyning wicked counsels against Alexander, and sent ambassitours unto Demetrius, saying Come, let us make a bond betwixt us, so shall I give the my daughter that Alexander hath/ and thou shalt reign in thy father's kingdom. I repeute that I gave Alexander my daughter, for he goeth about to slay me. And thus he slandereth Alexander/ because he would have had his realm. Thus he took his daughter from him gave her unto Demetrius, & forsook Alexander, so that his malice was openly known. And Ptolemy came to Antioch, where he set two crowns upon his own head, the crown of Egypt & of Asia. In the mean season was king Alexander in Cilicia/ for they that dwelled in those places, had rebelled against him. But when Alexander heard of this/ he came to war against him. So king Ptolemy brought forth his host & met high with a mighty power, & chased him away. Then fled Alexander into Araby, there to be defended/ & king Ptolomys honour incrased. And Zabdiel the Arabian smote of Alexandets' head, and sent it unto Ptolemy. But the third day after/ died king Ptolemy himself: & they whom he had set in the strong holds/ were stain of those that were with in the cities. And Demetrius reigned in the hundred and seven and syxtie year. At the sametyme gathered jonathas then that were in jewry, to lay siege unto the castle which was at Jerusalem, & so they made many instruments of war against it. Then went there certain ungodly persons (which hated their own people) unto king Demetrius/ & told him that jonathas be seged the castle. So when he heard it/ he was angry, and immediately came unto Ptolomeus/ & wrote unto jonathas/ that he should not lay siege to the castle, but come & speak with him in all y● haste. Nevertheless, when jonathas heard this, he commanded to besiege it. He chose also certain of the elders and Arius king of the Sparcians sendeth greeting unto Omas the high priest. It is found in writing, that the Sparcians & jews are brethren, and come out of the generation of Abraham. And now for so much as this is come to our knowledge, ye shall do well, to write unto us of your prosperity. As for us, we have written our mind unto you: Our cattles and goods are yours, & yours ours. These things have we commanded to be showed unto you. When jonathas heard, that Demetrius princes were come forth to fight against him which a greater host than afore, he went from jerusalem, & met them in the land of Hemath, for he gave them not space to come into his own country. And he sent spies unto their tents, which came again & told him, that they were appointed to come upon him in the night season. Wherefore when the sun was gone down, jonathas commanded his men to watch all the night, & to be ready with weapons for to fight: & set watchmen round about the host. But when the adversaries herd that jonathas was ready with his men to the battle, they feared, & were afraid in their hearts, and kindled fires in their tents, broke up, and got them away. Nevertheless jonathas and his company knew it not till the morning, for they saw the fires burning. Then jonathas followed upon them, but he might not overtake them, for they were gone over the water Eleutherus. So jonathas departed unto the Arabians (which were called Zabadei) slew them, & took their goods. He proceeded further also, & came unto Damascus, & went thorough all that country. But Simon his brother took his journey and came to Ascalon and to the next strong holds: departing unto joppa, & wan it. For he heard that they would stand of Demetrius party: wherefore he set men of war in the city, to keep it. After this came jona t'has home again/ and called the elders of the people together: & devised with them for to build up the strong holds in jewry & the walls of Jerusalem, to set up an high wall betwixt the castle & the city/ for to separate it from the city that it might be alone/ and that men should neither buy nor sell in it. Upon this they came together for to build up the city/ and for so much as the wall upon the broke of the westsyde (called Caphecah) was fallen down, they repaired it. And Simon set up Adiadath i Sephelah, and made it strong setting ports & locks upon it. Now when * ●. ●●Sapn●● xxix ●● Tryphon purposed to reign in Asya/ to be crowned/ and to slay the king Antiochus: he was afraid that jonathas would not suffer him/ but fight against him. Wherefore he went about to take jonathas/ and to kill him. So he departed/ & came unto Bethsan. Then went jonathas forth against him to the battle with forty thousand chosen men/ and came unto Bethsan also. But when Triphon saw that jonathas came with so great an host to destroy him/ he was afraid: and therefore he received him honourably/ commended him unto all his friends, and gave him rewards/ and commanded his men of war to be as obedient unto him as to himself. And said unto jonathas: why haste thou caused this people to take such travail/ saying there is no war betwixt us▪ Therefore send them home again/ & chose certain men to wait upon thee/ and come thou with me to Ptolomais: for I will give it thee/ with the other strong holds/ men of war and their officers: As for me I must depart, this is only the cause of my coming. Sonathas believed him/ and did as he said/ putting away his host/ which went in to the land of juda: He kept but. iij. M. by him, where of the seen. ij. M. into Galilee, and one. M. went with himself. Now as soon as jonathas entered in to Ptolamais, the citizens sparred the gates of the city/ and took him, and slew all them with the sword/ that came in with him. Then sent Triphon an host of foot men and horsemen into Galilee and into the great plain field/ to destroy all jonathas company. But when they knew that jonathas was taken, and all they slain that waited upon him: they took council together/ and came forth ready to the battle. So when they which followed upon them/ saw that it was a matter of life, they turned back again. As for the other, they went in to the land of juda peaceably, and bewailed jonathas, and them that were with him right sore. And Israel made great lamentation. Then all the Heathen that were round about them, sought to destroy them. For they said: now have they no captain, nor any man to help them. Therefore let us overcome them, and rote out their name from among men. ¶ After jonathas w●● tak●. Simon to chosen captain, of whom Triphon t●●●●●● hy● ch●lo●● and money for the redempeyon of jonathan hilleth him and his children. The grave o● jonathas. Triphon killeth Antiochus, and possesseth the 〈…〉 truce with Simon: Simon wydrych E●z● 〈◊〉 possesseth the tower of Zion. He maketh his son 〈…〉. CAPI. XIII. Now when Simon heard that Triphon gathered a great host, to come into the land of juda, & to destroy it, & saw that the people was in great fearfulness & care: He came up to Jerusalem, & gathered the people together, & gave them exhortation, saying: Ye know what great battles I & my brethren & my father's house have stricken for the law and the Sanctuary, & what manner of troubles we have lean: thorough occasion whereof * ●. ●a●. 6. c ix, b. xiii. b all my brethren are slain for Israel's sake, & I am left alone And now let not me spare mine own life in any manner of trouble, for I am no better than my brethren: but will avenge my people and the Sanctuary, our children & our wives: tor all the heathen are gathered together, to destroy us of very malice. At these words the hearts of the people were kindled together, so that they cried which a loud voice, saying: Thou shalt be our captain in stead of judas & jonathas thy brethren, ordre that our battle, & whatsoever y● commandest us, we shall do it. So he gathered all the men of war, making haste to ●yn●●h all the walls of Jerusalem, which he made strong round about Then sent he jonathas y● s●●e of Absalomus with a fresh host unto joppa/ which drove them out that were in the castle, & remained there high self. Triphon also removed from Ptolomais with a great army/ to come i to the land of juda, & jonathas with him inward. And Simon pitched his tents at Ad dus before the plain field. But when Triphon knew that Simon stood up in stead of his brother jonathas, & that he would war against high: he sent messengers unto high, saying, where as we have kept jonathas thy brother, it is for money that he is owing in the kings account, concerning the business that he had in hàde. Wherefore send now an. C. talents of silver & ●is two sons for surety, that when he is let forth he shall not forsake us: & we shall send him again. Nevertheless Simon knew, that he dissembled in his words: yet commanded he the money and children to be delivered unto high: lest he should be the greater enemy against the people of Israel: and say: because he sent him not the money and the children, therefore is jonathas deed. So Simon sent him the children and an hundredth talents, but he dissembled, & would not let jonathas go. afterward came Triphon into the land, to destroy it, and went round about by the way, that leadeth unto Adorni, But where soever they went, thither went Simon & his host also. Now they that were in the castle, sent messsaungers unto Triphon that he should make haste to come by the will dernes, & to send them victuals. And Triphon made ready all his horsemen, to come that same night. Nevertheless it was a very great snow so that he came not in galaadith●m. And when he drew nigh Baschama, he slew jonathas & his sons there, and then turned for to go home into his own land. Then sent Simon for to fet his brother's deed coarse, & buried it in Modin his father's city. So all Israel bewailed him with great lamentation, & mourned for ●●●ery long. And Simon made upon the sepulchre of his father and his brethren, a building high to look unto of free stone behind and before: & set up seven pillars, one against another (for his father/ his mother & four brethren) and set great pillars round about, with arms upon them for a perpetual memory, and carved ships beside the arms: that they might be seen of men sailing in the see. This sepulchre which he made at Modin, standeth yet unto this day. * joseph. ca x. 〈◊〉. xii● Now as Triphon went for the to walk with the young king Antiochus, he slew him traitorously/ & reigned in his stead, crowned him self king of Asia/ and did much evil in the land. Simon also built by the castles in jewry, making them strong with high towers, great walls▪ ports and locks and laid up victuals in the strong holds, And Simon chose certain men, and sent them to king Demetrius: to desire him, that he would discharge the land from all bondage, for Triphon had spoiled it very fore▪ Whereupon Demetrius the king answered high, and wrote unto him after this manner. Demetrius the king sendeth greeting unto Simon the high pressed his friend, with the elders and people of the jews. The golden crown and precious stone that ye sent unto us, have we received: and are ready to make a steadfast peace with you/ ye and to write unto our officers, for to release you/ concerning the things wherein we made you free: and the appointment that we make with you, shallbe firm and stable. The strong holds which ye have builded, shall be your own. As for any oversight or fault committed unto this day/ we forgive it, and the crown care hat ye ought us also. And where as was any other trioute i jerusalem, it shall now be no cry●●●●▪ and look who are meet among you to be in our court, let them be written up, that there may be peace betwixt us. Thus the yoke of the Heythen was taken from Israel, in the hundredth and seventyeth year. And the people of the jews began to write in their letters & acts on this manner * 1. Mac. 14 d In the first year of Simon the high priest, and prince of the jews. In those days went Simon unto Gaza/ & besieged it round about: where he set up or dinaunce of war. And wan a tower, which he took. So they that got into the towrelept into the cite, which was in great a fear: In so much that the people of the city rend their clothes, & climbed up upon the walls which their wives & children beseeching Simon to be at one with them, saying. O reward us not after our wickedness, but be gracious unto us, and we shall do the service. Then Simon for very pity, would fight no more against them/ but put than out of the city, and caused the houses (wherein the images were) to be cleansed: & so entered the city with Psalms of praise, giving thanks unto the Lord. So when he had cast all abominations out of the city, he set such men in it as kept the law of God, and made the city strong, & builded a dwelling place for himself. Now when they in the castle at Jerusalem were kept so straightly, that they could not come forth into the country, & might neither buy nor sell: they were very hungry, & many of them famished to death: In somuch that they besought Simon to be at one with them, which he granted them. So he put them out from thence, & cleansed the castle from filthiness. And upon the. twenty-three. day of the second month in the. C. lxxj. year they entered into it with thanksgiving & branches of palm trees, with haps, crowds, cymbals/ and lutes/ singing Psalms, and songs of praise unto God/ for that the great enemy of Israel was overcome. And Simon ordained, that the same day should be kept every year in gladness, and made strong the hill of the temple that was beside the castle, where he dwelt himself with his company. Simon also perceiving that John his son was a mighty man of arms, made him captain of all the hosts & caused him to dwell at Gaza. ¶ Demetrius is overcome of Arsaces. Simon being captain there is great quycenesse in Israel, The covenant of friendship with the Romans & with the people of Sparta is renewed. CAPI. XIIII. IN the. Clxxij. year gathered king Demetrius his host, and departed unto Media, to get him help for to fight against Triphon. Now when Arsaces' the king of Persia and Medea heard, that Demetrius was entered with in his borders: he sent out one of his princes to take him alive: & to bring him unto him. So he went and slew▪ Demetrius host, took himself, brought him to Arsaces, which kept him inward. And all the land of juda was in rest, so long as Simon lived, for he sought the wealth of his people, therefore were they glad to have him for their ruler, & to do him worship always. Simon wan the city of joppa also for an haven town, & made it an entrance into the Isles of the see. He enlarged the borders of his people, and conquered them more land. He gathered up many of their people that were prisoners: he had the dominion of Gaza, Bethsura & the castle, which he cleansed from filthiness, & there was no man that resisted him. So that every man tilled his ground in peace, the land of juda & the trees gave their fruit & increase. The elders sat all in judgement/ & took their device for the wealth of the land: the young men put on worship & harness upon them. He provided victuals for the cities, & made goodly strong holds of them: so that the fame of his worship was spoken of unto the end of the world. * 〈…〉 3. 〈…〉 For he made peace thorough out the land, & Israel was full of mirth and joy. Every man sat under his vine and fygg trees, & there was no man to fray them away. There was none in the land to fight against them, for then the kings were overcome. He helped those that were in adversity among his people, he was diligent to see the law kept: as for such as were ungodly & wicked, he took them away. He set up the Sanctuary, & increased the holy vessels of the temple. When the Romans and Sparcyan had gotten word, that jonathas was deed they were right sorry. But when they heard that Simon his brother was made high priest in his stead, & how he had won the land again with the cities in it: they wrote unto him in tables of brass, to renew the friendship and bond of love, which they had made afore with judas and jonathas his brethren. ●. Mat. and. xii. ● Which writings were red before the congregation at jerusalem. And this is the copy of the letters/ that the Sparcians sent: The Senators and c●tesins of Sparta sense greeting unto Simon the great priest, with the elders/ priests/ and the other people of the jews their brethren: When your ambassytours that were sent unto our people, certified us of your worship/ honour and prosperous wealth: we were glad of their coming, and have written the earande which they spoke before the council of the people: namely/ that Numenius the son of Antiochus. And Antipater the son of jason the jews ambassadors are come unto us, for to renew the old friendship with us. Upon this the people consented, that the men should be honourably entreated, and that the copy of their earande should be written in the special books of the people, for a perpetual memory unto the Sparcians: ye & that we should send a copy of the same unto Simon the great Pressed. After this did Simon send Numenius unto Rome, with a golden shield of a thousand pound weight, to confirm the friendship with them: which when the Romans understood, they said: what thanks shall we recompense again unto Simon & his children? For he hath established his brethreme, & overcome the enemy's of Israel. Wherefore, they granted him to be free. And all this wrote the Jews in tables of brass, & nailed it unto the pillars upon the mount Zion. The copy of the writings is this. The. xviij. day of the month * August. Elul in the Clxxij. year in the third year of Simon the high priest, in the great congregation the priests, rulers of the people, & elders of the country at Asatame, were these words openly declared. For so much as there was much war in our land, therefore Simon the son of Matathias (come of the children of jareb) and his brethren, put themselves in apparel/ and resisted the enemies of their people: that their Sanctuary & law might be maintained, and did their people great worship: jonathas in like manner, after that he had governed his people & been their high pressed: died & lieth buried beside his elders. After that would their enemies have trodden their holy things under foot, destroyed their land, and utterly waysted their Sanctuary. Then Simon withstood them/ and fought for his people, spent much of his own money, weaponed the valiant men of his people, gave them wages, made strong the cities of juda/ with Bethsura that lieth upon the borders of jewry (where the ordynasice of the enemies lay sometime) & set Jews there for to keep it. He made fast joppa also, which lieth upon the see, & Gaza that bordreth upon Azotus (where the enemy's dwelled afore) & there he set jews to keep it: & whatsoever was meet for the subduing of the adversaries, that laid he therein. Now when the people saw the noble acts of Simon, & what worship he purposed to do for them, his godly behaviour, & faithfulness which he kept unto them, & how he sought by all ways the wealth of his people, because he did all this, therefore they chose high to be their prince & high priest. And in his time they ꝓspered well by high, so that the Heythen were take out of their land: & they also which were in the city of David at jerusalemm the castle (where they went out & defiled all things that were about the Sanctuary, & did great harm unto clenlynes) & Simon put men of the jews in it, for the defence of the land and city, & set up the walls of jerusalem. And king Demetrius confirmed high in his high priesthood, made high his friend, & did high great worship. For he herd that the Romans called the jews their friends, lovers & brethren: how honourably they received simon's ambassadors: how the jews & priests consented that he should be their prince & high priest perpetually (till God raised up the true prophet) & that he should be their captain, to care for the Sanctuary, & to set officers upon the works thereof, over the land, over the weapons, over the houses of defence: to make provision for the holy things, & to be obeyed of every man, & all the writings of the land to be made in his name: that he should be clothed in purple & gol●e, & that it should be lawful for none of the people nor priests to break any of these things, to which stand his words, nor to call any congregation in the land without him: that he should be clothed in purple, & wear a collar of gold: And if there were any which disobeyed or broke this ordinance, that he should be punished. So all the people consented to allow Simon, and to do according to these words: Simon also himself took it upon him, and was content to be the high priest, the captain and prince of the jews and priests/ and to govern them all. And they commanded to make this writing in tables of brass, and fasten it unto the compass of the Sanctuary in an open place: and to lay up a copy of the same in the treasury, that Simon & his post rite might have it. ¶ Antiochus maketh a covenant of friendship with Simon, and Tryphon is persecuted. The Romaynee write letters. unto kings and nations in the defence of the jews. Antiochus refusing the help that Simon sent him, breaketh his covenant. CAPI. XV. Moreover, king Antiochus the son of Demetrius sent letters from the Isles of the see, unto Simon the high pressed & prince of the jews, & to all the people containing these words: Anttochus the king sendeth 'gree ting unto Simon the high priest & to the people of the jews. For so much as certain wicked men have gotten the kingdom of our ꝓgenitors, I am purposed to challenge the real me again, and to restore it to the old estate Wherefore I have gathered a great host, & made ships of war, that I may go thorough the country, & be avenged of them which have destroyed our land, & wasted many cities i my realm. And therefore now I make y● free also from all the tributes, whereof all k●ges my proge nitours have discharged the & from other custovies (where from they have released y●) whatsoever they be: Ye I give the leave to smite money of thine own within thy land. As for Jerusalem, I will that it be holy & free: & all the weapons & houses of defence which y● haste builded & keepest in thine hands, shallbe thine. Where as any thing is or shallbe owing unto the king, I forgive it thee, from this time forth for evermore. And when we have obtained our kingdom, we shall do the, thy people & the temple great worship: so that your honour shallbe known thorough out the whole world. In the. Clxxiiij. year went Antiochus in to his father's land, & all the men of war came together unto him, so the few were let with Criphon. So the king Antiochus followed upon him, but he fled unto Dora, which lieth by the see side: for he saw that there was mischief coming unto him, & that his host had forsaken him. Then came Antiochus unto Dora with an hundredth & twenty thousand men of arms upon foot, & eight thousand horsemen. So he compassed the city round about, & the ships came by the see. Thus they vexed the city by land & by water, in so much that they suffered no man to go in nor out. In the mean season came * 1. Math ●. 〈◊〉. ●. Numenius (& they that had been with him) from the cite of Rome, having letters written unto the kings & ꝓuyncies, wherein were contained these words: Lucius the Consul of Rome sendeth greeting unto Ptolemy the king. The ambassadors of the jews our friends being sent from Simon the high priest & from the people of the jews, came unto us for to renew the old friendship, & bond of love, brought a shield of gold weing a thousand pound, which we were content to receive of them. Wherefore we thought it good to write unto the kings and provinces, to do them no harm, nor to take part against them, their cities nor countries, nether to maintain their enemies against them. If there be any wicked persons therefore, fled from their country unto you, deliver them unto Simon the high pressed, that he may punish them according to their own law. The same words wrote the Romans also unto Demetrius the king, to Attaius, Araba, Arsaces & to all regions: as Sansanes, to them of Sparta, Delo, Mido, Cition, Carea, Samos, Pamphilia, Lycia, Alicarnassun, & to the Rhodes, to Faselis, Coo, Sida, Arado, Gortina, Gnydun, to Cypress, & to Cyren. And of every letter they sent a copy to Simon the high priest & to the people of the jews. So Antiochus the king brought his host unto Dora the second time, to take it: where he made divers ordinances of war, & kept Triphon in, that he should not come forth. Then sent Simon to Antiochus two thousand chosen men to help him with gold, silver, & other plenteous gear: Nevertheless, he would not receive than, but broke all the covenant which he made with Simon atore, and which drew himself from him. He sent Athenobius also a friend of his unto Simon, for to reason which him, saying: Ye withhold fro me joppa. & Gaza (with the castle that is at Jerusalem) which are cities of my realm whose borders ye have destroyed, & done great evil in the land, having the domination in many other places of my kingdom. Wherefore deliver now the cities which ye have take, with the tributes of the places that ye have rule upon without the borders of jewry: or else give me v. C. talents of silver, ye and for the harm that ye have done in the cities & for the tributes of the same, other fine hundredth talents. If no, we shall come and fight against you. So Athenobius the kings friend came to Jerusalem, & when he saw the great worship & honour of Simon in gold, silver & so great plenty of ornaments: he marveled, & told Simon as the king commanded hi. Then answered Simon & said unto hi. * ●●●●. ●●●● As for us, we have nether taken other men's lands, nor withhold than, but only our father's heritage, which our enemies had unrighteously in possession a certain tyme. This heritage of our fathers have we challenged in process of tyme. And where as y● complanest concerning joppa & Gaza, they did great harm to our people & in our land, yet will we give an. C. taletes for them. Nevertheless Athenobius answered high not one word, but curned again wrothfully unto the king, & told him all these words, & the great dignity of Simon, with all that he had se●ie, & the king was very angry. In the mean time fled Triphon by ship unto Orthosaida. Then the king made Cendebens' captain of the see coast, & gave high an host of foot men & horsemen, commanding him to remove the host toward jewry, & to build up the city of Cedron, to make up the ports, & to war against the people of the jews. As for the king himself, he followed upon Triphon. So Cendebeus came unto jamnia, & beganue to vex the people, to tread down jewry, to take the people presoners, to slay them, & to build up ●●at. 16 b Cedron: where he let horsemen & other men of war, that they mygnt come forth & go thorough the streets of jewry, like as the king had commanded him. ¶ Cendebeus the Captain of Antiochus host is put to flight of the sons of Simon Ptolomeus: the 〈◊〉 of A●●bus hilleth Simon and his two sons at a banquet. John killeth them that lie in wait for his life. CAPI. XVI. THen came Thon up from * ●at. 13. ● Gaza, & told Simon his father, what Cenoebeus had done among their people. Upon this called Simo● two of his eldest sons, jubas and John, & said unto them, I & my brethren and my father's house, have ever from our youth up unto this day, fought against the enemies of Israel, and God gave us good fortune to deliver Israel oft times. And now for so much as I am old, be ye instead of me and my brother, to go forth and fight for our people, and the help of God be with you. So he chose. xx. M. fighting men of the country with horsemen also, which went forth against Cendebeus, and rested at Modin: In the morning they arose, and went in to the plain feide: and behold, a mighty great host came against them, both of foot men and horsemen. Now was there a water broke betwixt them, and John removed the host toward them. And when he saw that the people was afraid to go over the water broke, he went over first himself: & the men seeing this, followed him. Then John set his horimen and foot men in order, the one by that other, for their enemies horsemen were very many. But when they blew up the priests trumpets, Cendebeus fled with his host, whereof many were slave, and the remnant got them to their strong hold judas also Ihons' brother was wounded at the same tyme. And John followed still upon the enemies, till he came to Cedron, * ●. ●at. 15. ● which he builded. The enemies fled also unto the towers that were in the fields of Azotus, and those did John burn up. Thus there were slain. i●. M. men of them, & John turned again peaceably into jewry. And in the field of jericho was Ptolemy the son of Abobus made captain: which because he had abundance of silver and gold (for he had married the daughter of Simon the high priest) waxed proud in his mind, and thought to conquer the land, imagining falsehood against Simon and his sons to destroy them. Now as Simon was going about thorough the cities, that were in the country of jewry, and caring for them: he came down to jericho with Matathias and judas his sons, in the. Clxxvij. year in the xj. month called * january. Sabat. Then Ptolemy the son of Abobus received them (but with disobeyed) into a strong house of his called Doch, which he had builded, where he made them a banquet. So when Simon and his sons were merry and had drunken well, Ptolemy stood up with his men (whom he had hid there) & took their weapons, entered into the banquet house, and slew Simon with his two sons, and certain of his seruaunces. Such great unfaithfulness did Ptolemy in Israel, and recompensed evil for good. Then wrote this Ptolemy the same unto king Antiochus, requiring him, that he should send him an host to help him: and so should he deliver him the lanoe, with the cities and trybuces of the same. He sent other ●e●● also his to Gaza, for to take John: and w●ot● 〈◊〉 the captains to come to him, and 〈◊〉 ●hul●e give them syiver, gold and rewards. And to jerusalem he sent other, to take 〈◊〉, and the Sanctuary. Then ran there one before, and told John in Gaza, that his father & his brethren were slain, & how that Ptolemy ha● se●re to sleep him also When john heard this, he was sore abashed, and laid hands of them that were come to destroy him, and slew them: for he knew, that they went ●●●●te to kill him. As for other things concerning John: of his wars, of his noble acts (wherein he behaved himself manfully) of the building of wastes which he made, and other of his deeds: They are written in the chronicles of his priesthood, from the time forth that he was ma●● high priest after his father. ❧ The end of the first Book of the Maccabees. Eee. v. The second book of the Maccabees. ¶ An epistle of the jews that dwelled at jerusalem sent unto them which dwelled in Egypt, wherein they exhort them to give thanks for the death of Antiochus. Of the fire that was hid in the pit. The prayer of Nehemias. CAPI. I. THe brethren of the jews which be at jerusalem, and in the land of jewry, wish unto those brethren of the jews that are thorough out Egypte: good fortune, health, and peace. God be gracious unto you/ and think upon his covenant that he made with Abraham Isaac and jacob his faithful servants: * Deut. thirty. ● and give you all such an heart, that ye may love and serve him, ye and perform his will with an whole heart and of a wyll●g mind: He open your hearts in his law and in his commandments/ send you peace: hear your prayers/ be at one with you, and never forsake you in time of trouble. This is here our prayer for you. What time as Demetrius reigned, ● the Clxix. year, we Jews wrote unto you in the trouble and violence that came unto us. In those years/ after that jason departed out of the holy land & kingdom/ they brent up the ports/ & shed innocent blood. Then made we our prayer unto the lord, & were herd: we offered: & lighted the candles, setting forth cakes & bred. * Levi 23. ● And now come ye unto the feast of tabernacles in the month * November Casieu. In the▪ Clxxxvii●. year/ the people that was at jerusalem and in jewry/ the council and judas himself/ sent this wholesome salutation unto Aristobolus king Ptolomys master/ which came of the generation of the anointed priests: and to the jews that were in Egypte: in so much as God hath delivered us from great parels/ we thank him highly. In that we resisted so mighty a king. And why? he brought men out of Perses by heaps/ to fight against us/ and the holy city. For as he was in Persis (namely/ the Captain with the great host) he perished in the temple of Naneas/ being deceived thorough the devise of Naneas prestis. For as he was purposed to have dwelled there. Antiochus and his friends came thy●hec/ to receive much money for a dowry. So when Naneas priests had laid forth the money/ he entered with a small company into the compass of the temple, & so they shut the temple. Now when Antiochus entered by opening the privy entrance of the temple, the priests stoned the captain to death, hewed them in pieces that were with him/ smote of their heads/ and threw them out. In all things god be praised/ which hath delivered the wicked into our hands. Where as we now are purposed to keep the purification of the temple upon the. xxv. day of the month Cas●le●, we thought necessary to certify you thereof: that ye also might * 〈◊〉. Num. 〈◊〉. 3. 〈◊〉 keep the tabernacles feast day/ and the day of the fire, which was given us when Nehemias offered, after that he had set up the temple & the altar. For what time as our fathers were led away unto Persis, the priests (which then sought the honour of God) took the fire privily from the altar, & hid it in a valley, where as was a deep dry pit: & therein they kept it, so that the place was unknown to every man. Now after many years when it pleased God, that Nehemy as should be sent from the king of Persia, * 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. ●. a x●●●. he sent the childers children of those priests (which had hid the fire) to seek it. And as they told us they found no fire/ but thick water. Then commanunded he them to draw it up, & to bring it him, and the offerings withal. Now when the sacrifices were laid on and ordered/ the priest Nehemias commanded to sprinkle them and the would with water. When this was done/ and the time come that the sun shone, which afore was hid in the cloud: there was a great fire kindled. In so much that every man marveled. Now all the priests prayed., while the sacrifice was a making. jonathas prayed first, and the other gave answer. And Nehemias prayer was after this manner: O Lord God maker of all things, the fearful & strong, thou righteous, & merciful, y● that art only a gracious king, only liberal, only just, almighty/ & everlasting/ thou that deliverest Israel from all trouble, thou that hast chosen the fathers, & hallowed them: receive the offering for the whole people of Israel, preserve thine ownen portion/ & hallow it. Gather those together/ that are scared abroad from us: deliver them that are under the Heythens bondage/ look upon them/ which are despised/ and abhorred/ that the heathen may know/ and se/ how that thou art our God: punish them that oppress/ and proudly put us to dishonour. Set thy people again in thy holy place/ * Deu●. 〈◊〉. like as Moses hath spoken. And the priests song Psalms of thanckesgeving, so long as the sacrifice endured Now when the sacrifice was brent, Nehemias commanded the great stones to be sprinkled with the residue of the water. * 〈◊〉. vi. d 〈◊〉 18. 18. ● 〈◊〉. 48. ● Which when it was done, there was kindled a flamine of them also: but it was consumed thorough the light, that shined from the altar. So when this matter was known/ it was told the king of Persia/ that in the place where the priests/ which were led away/ had hid fire/ there appeared water instead of fire/ and that Nehemias and his company had purified the sacrifices withal. Then the king considering and pondering the matter diligently, made him a temple to prove the thing that was done. And when he found it so in deed/ he gave the priests many gifts and divers rewards: ye, he took them with his own hand and gave them, And Nehemias called the same place Nephthar, which is as much to say, as a cleansing: but many men call it Nephi. ¶ How jeremy hid the tabernacle, the Arch, and the altar in the hill. Of the. v. books of jason cont●y●ed in one. CAPI. II. IT is found also in the writings of jeremy the prophet, that he commanded them which were carried away, to take fire ‡ ●. Ma●. i. ● as it is said afore. * jere. 29. b. 〈◊〉. vi. ● He commauded them also, that they should not forget the law and commandments of the Lord, & that they should not err in their minds, when they see Images of silver and gold with their ornaments. These & such other things commanded he them, and exhorted them that they should not let the law of God go out of their hearts. It is written also how the Prophet (at the commandment of God) charged them to take the Tabernacle/ and the ark with them: and he went forth unto the mountain, where Moses climbed up, * Deut. 34. a & saw the heritage of God. And when jeremy came there, he found an open cave, wherein he laid the tabernacle/ the ark and the altar of incense/ and so stopped the hole. There came certain men together also following him, to mark the place, but they could not find it. Which when jeremy perceived/ he reproved them, saying: As for that place/ it shallbe unknown/ until the time that God gather his people together again/ and receive them unto mercy. Then shall God show the these things, & the majesty of the Lord shall appear, 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. ●●. 〈◊〉. 8. ● and the cloud also like as it was showed unto Moses, and like as where Solomon desired that the place might be sanctified and it was showed him. For he being a wise man, handled honourably and wisely, offering unto God in the hallowing of the temple, when it was finished. * levit. ix. d And like as when Moses prayed unto the Lord, the fire came down from heaven/ and consumed the burntoffering: Even so prayed Solomon also, * 2. Pat. 7. a and the fire came down from heaven/ and consumed the burnt offering. And Moses said: because the sioffering was not eaten, therefore it is consumed. In like manner Solomon kept the dedication (or hallowing) eight days. In the Annotations and writings of * Some r●de Nehemias. jeremy, were these things put also and how he made a library: and how he gathered out of all countries the books of the prophets, of david, the epistles of the kings, and of the presents. Even so judas also/ look what he learned by experience of war/ and such things as hath happened unto us, he gathered them all together/ and so we have them by us. If ye now desire to have the same/ send some body to fetch them unto you. Where as we then are about to celebrate the purification/ we have written unto you. Therefore ye shall do well, if ye keep the same days. We hope also, that the God (which delivered his people, and gave them all the heritage, kingdom, priesthood & Sanctuary * Deut. thirty. ● that he promised them in the law) shall shortly have mercy upon us, and gather us together from under the heaven into his holy place: for he hath saved us from great parels, and hath cleansed the place. As concerning judas Machabeus, and his brethren, the purification of the great temple/ the dedication of the altar/ ye/ and of the wars that concern noble Antio chus, and * ●. Ma●. vi. a Eupator his son, of the shynynge that came down from heaven upon those/ which manfully defended the jews. For though they were but few/ yet defended they the whole land/ drove away the enemies host, recovered again the temple/ that was spoken of thorough out all the world/ delivered the city/ doing their best/ that the law of the Lord which was put down/ might with all ●ranquylyte be restored again unto the Lord, that was so merciful unto them. As touching jason also of Cyren, we have undertaken compendiously to bring into one book, the things that were comprehended of him in five. For we considering the multitude of the books, & how hard it should be for them that would meddle with stories & acts (and that because of so divers matters) have under taken so to comprehend the stories: that such as are disposed to read, might have pleasure & pastime therein: & that they which are diligent in such things, might the better think upon them: ye and that whosoever read them, might have profit thereby. Nevertheless, we ourselves that have meddled with this matter for the shortening of it/ have taken no small labour, but great diligence, watchings, & travail. Like as they that make a feast, would fain do other men pleasure: Even so we also (for many men's sakes) are very well content to take the labour/ where as we may shortly comprehend, the things that other men have truly written. For he that buildeth an house a new/ must provide for many things, to the whole building: but he that painteth it afterward/ seeketh but only what is comely/ meet and convenient to garnish it withal. Even so do we also in like manner. And why? He that beginneth to write a story for the first, must with his understanding gather the matter together, set his words in order/ and diligently seek out of every part: But he that afterward will shorten it/ useth few words/ & toucheth not the matter at the largiest, Let this be sufficient for a Prologue/ now will we begin to show the matter: for it is but a foolish thing to make a long Prologue/ & to be short in the story itself. ¶ O● the honour done unto the temple by the kings of the gentiles. Simon utter teeth what treasure to in the temple. Heliodorus is sent to take them away. He is stricken of God, and healed at the prayer of O●●as. CAPI. III. WHat time as the holy city was inhabited in all peace & wealth/ and when the laws were yet very well kept (For so was it ordained by O●ias the high priest and other godly men/ that were enemies to wickedness) It came thereto/ * ●. Math. 1. ● that even the kings & princes themselves did the place great worship & garnished the temple with great gifts: In so much that Seleveus king of Asia of his own rents/ bare all the coasts belonging to the service of the offerings. Then * i●. M●●●, iii Simon of the tribe of Ben jamin/ a ruler of the temple, laboured to work some mischief in the city: but the high pressed resisted him. Nevertheless when he might not overcome Onias/ he got him to * 2. Mat. iii. b Appollon●us the son of Thersa) which then was chief Lord in Celosyria and Phenices) and told him, that the treasury in jerusalem was full of innumerable money/ & how that the common goods (which belonged not unto the offerings) were exceeding great also: ye and how it were possible/ that all these might come under the kings power. Now when Appolonius had showed the king of the money/ as it was told him: the king called for Heliodorus his steward & sent him with a commandment/ to bring him the same money. Immediately Heliodorus took his journey/ but under a colour/ as though he would go thorough Celosyrya and Phenices to viset the cities, but his purpose was to fulfil the kings pleasure. So when he came to jerusalem, and was lovingly received of the high pressed into the city: he told what was determined concerning the money, & showed the cause of his coming: he asked also/ if it were so in deed. Then the high priest told him, that there was such money laid up for the upholding of widows & father less children, and how that a certain of it belonged unto Hyrcanus Tobias a noble man and that of all the money (which the wicked Simon had bewrayed) there were. iiij. C. talents of silver, &. ij. C. of gold: ye & that it were unpossibell for those men's meaning to be deceived, that had laid up their money in the place and temple (which is had in worship thorough the whole world) for the mayntaynaunce and honour of the same. Where unto Heliodorus answered, that the king had commanded him in any wise/ to bring him in the money. So at the day appointed/ Heliodorus entered into the temple to order this matter. But there was no small fear thorough out the whole city. The priests fell down before the altar in their vestiments/ and called unto heaven upon him, * Ero●. ●● which had made a law concerning stuff given to keep that they should be safely preserved, for such as commit them unto keeping. Then who so had looked the high pressed in the face▪ it would have grieved his heart: For his countenance and the changing of his colour/ declared the inward sorrow of his mind. The man was all in heaviness, and his body in fear. Where by they that looked upon him, might perceive the grief of his heart. The other people also came out of their houses by heaps unto the common prayer, because the place was like to come into confusion. The women came together thorough the streets, with hearrye clothes about their breasts: The virgins also that were kept in, ran to O●ias, some i the walls, other some looked out of the windows: ye they all held up their hands toward heaven, & prayed A miserable thing was it, to look upon the comen people, & the high priest being in such trouble. But they besought almighty god, that the goods which were committed unto them, might be kept whole, for those that had delivered them unto their keeping. Nevertheless the thing that Heliodorus was determined to do, that performed he in the same place, he himself personally being about the treasury with his men of war. But the sprite of almighty God showed himself openly, so that all they which presumed to obey Helyodorus, fell thorough the power of God into a great fearfulness and dread. * ●. M●●. x ● 〈◊〉. xi. ● For there appeared unto them an horse, which a terrible man sitting upon him, deckce in goodly array, & the horse smote at Heliodorus with his fore feet. Now he that sat upon the horse/ had harness of gold upon him. Moreover there appeared. 〈◊〉. fair & beautiful young men in goodly array, which stood by him, scourged him of both the sides, and gave him many stripes without ceasing. * ● M●●. v. ● With that fell Heliodorus suddenly unto the ground. So they took him up (being compassed about with great darkness (& bore him out upon a bear. Thus he that came with so many runners and men of war in to the said treasury, was borne out, where as no man might help him: & so the power of God was manifest and known. He lay still dumb also by the power of God, destitute of all hope & life. And they praised the lord, that he had showed his power upon his place and temple, which a little afore was full of fear & trouble: and that thorough the revelation of the almighty Lord it was filled with joy and gladness. Then certain of Heliodorus friends prayed Onias/ that in all hast he would call upon God, to grant him his life/ which was giving up the ghost. So the high priest considered the matter, and lest the king should suspect that the jews had done Heliodorus some evil: he offered an health offering for him. Now when the high priest had obtained his petition, the same young men in the same clothing appeared, & stood beside Heliodorus, saying: Thank Onias the high priest/ for the Lord * ●●●●. 27. ● , for his sake hath granted that thy life: therefore seeing that god hath scourged the give him praise & thanks/ and show every man his might & power. And when they had spoken these words, they appeared no more. So Heliodorus offered unto God, made great vows unto him, which had granted him his life, thancked Onias, took his host/ & went again to the king. Then testified he unto every man of the great works of God, that he had seen with his eyes. And when the king asked Heliodorus who were meet to be sent yet once again to jerusalem, he said: if thou hast any enemy or adversary unto thy realm, send him thither, & thou shalt have him punished, if he escape with his life: for in the place (no doubt) there is a special power & working of god. For he that dwelleth in heaven, visiteth & defendeth the place: & all that come to do it harm, he punisheth & plagueth them. This is now the matter concerning Heliodorus, & the keeping of the treasury at jerusalem. ¶ Simon reporteth ●uyll of Onias. I●●on desy●●ng● the o●●yce of the high priest corrupteth the king with 〈◊〉 ●●rdes▪ The wicked intent of josan. CAPI. four This Simon now * 2. M●●. ●. ● (of whom we spoke afore (being a bewrayer of the money and of his own natural country, reported the worst of O●ias: as though he had moved Helyodorus unto this, & as though he had been a bringer up of evil. Thus was he not ashamed to call high an enemy of the realm that was so faithful an overscer & defender of the cite & of his people: ye & so fervent in the law of God. But when the malice of Simon increased so far, that thorough his friends there were certain manslaughters comm●●ted: Onias considered the apparel that might come thorough this strife, & how that Appolonius (namely the chief Lord in Celosiria & Phenices) was all set vpō●yrāny, & Symons malice increased the same: He got h● to the king, not as an accuser of the citizens, but as one that by him self intended the common wealth of the whole multitude. For he saw it was not possible to live in peace, nether Simon to leave of fro his foolishness, except the kige did look thereto. But after the death of Seleucus, when Antiochus (which is called the noble) took the kingdom: jason the brother of O●ias laboured to be high pressed. For he came unto the king, & promised him ●hre hundredth &. lx. talents of silver, & of the other rents. lxxx. talentes, Besides this he promised him yet an. C. &. L. if he might have the school of the children, & that he might call them of jerusalem Antiochians. Which when the king had granted, & he had gotten the superiority/ he began immediately to draw his k●●●mē to the custom of the Heathen, put down the things that the jews had set up of love, by john the father of Eupolemtus, which was sent ambassytour unto Rome, for to make the bond of friendship & love. He put down all the jews & Liberties of the Jews, & set up the wicked statutes. He durst make a fight school under the castle, & set fair young men to learn the manners of whores & brothels. This was now the beginning of the Heathenysh & strange conversation, brought in thorough the ungracious & unheard wickedness of jason, which should not be called a priest, but an ungodly person. In so much that the priests were now no more occupied about the service of the altar, but despised the temple, regarded not the offriges: ye gave their dilig●ce to learn to fight, to wrestle, to leap, to dance, & to put at the stone not setting by the honour of the fathers, but liked the glory of the Greeks best of all: for the which they strove perlously, & were greedy to follow their statutes, ye, their lust was in all things to be like them, which afore were their enemies & destroyers. Howbeit to do wickedly against the law of god, shall not escape unpunished: but of this we shall speak here after. What time as the Olympiad's sports were played at Tirus (the king himself be-being present (this ungracious jason sent wicked men, bearing from them of jerusalem (which now were called Antiochians) iij. C. drachmas of silver for an offering to Hercules. These had they that carried them desired under such a fashion, as though they should not have been offered but bestowed to other uses. Nevertheless he that sent them, sent them to the intent that they should be offered unto Hercules. But because of those that were present, they were given as to the making of ships. And Appollonius the son of Nesteus was sent into Egypt, because of the noble men of king Ptolemy Phylometor. Now when Antiochus perceived, that he was put out from meddling in the realm, he sought his own profit, departed from thence, came to joppa, & then to Jerusalem: where he was honourably received of jason, & the cite & was brought in with torch light and with great praise: & so he turned his host unto Phenyces. After. iij. year jason sent Menelaus/ the foresaid simon's brother, * These we 〈◊〉 ●●pt ●u● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. to bear the money unto the king. & to bring him answer of other necessary matters. But he (when he was praised of the king for magnifying of his power) turned the priesthood unto himself, laying up. iij. C. talents of silver for jason. So when he had gotten commanndemetes from the king (he came having nothing that becometh a priest, but bearing the stomach of a cruel tyrant & the wrath of a wild brute be'st. * ●. Ma●. 4. c Then jason (which had disceved his ●. 〈◊〉 own brother) saying that he himself was beguiled also was fain to i'll into the land of the Amnionites, & Menelaus got the dominion. But as for the money that he had promised unto the king, he did nothing therein/ when Sostratus the ruler of the castle required it of him. For Sostratus was the man that gathered the customs: wherefore they were both called before the king. Thus was Menelaus put out of the priesthood, & Lysimachus his brother came in his stead. Sostratus also was made lord of the Cypress. It happened in the mean season, that the Tharsians & Mallacians made insurreceion, because they were given for a present unto king Antiochus' concubine. Then came the king in all the haste, to still them again, & to pacify the matter, leaving Andronicus there to be his debit, as one meet therefore. Now Menelaus supposing that he had gotten a right covenyent time/ stole certain vessels of gold out of the temple, and gave them to Andronicus for a present: & some he sold at Tirus & in the cities thereby. Which when Onias knew of a surety, he reproved him: but he kept him in a Sanctuary beside Daphenis, that lieth by Antioch wherefore Menelaus got high to Andronicus & prayed him that he woldslay Onias. So when he came to Onias, he counciled high craftily to come out of the Sanctuary, giving him his hand with an oath (how be it he suspect him) and then he slew Onias, without any regard of righteousness. For the which cause not only the jews, but other nations also took indignation/ & were displeased for the unrighteous death of so godly a man. And when the king was come again from Cilicia, the jews and certain of the Greeks went unto him, complaining for the unrighteous death of Onias. Ye Antio chus himself was sorry in his mind for Onias, so that it pitied him, & he wept/ remembering his soberness & mannerly behaviour. Wherefore he was so kindled in his mind, that he commanded Andronicus to be striped out of his purple clothing, & so to be led thorough out the cite, ye: & the ungracious man to be slain in the same place/ where he committed his wickedness upon Onias. Thus the Lord rewarded him his punishment, as he had deserved. Now when Lysymachus had done many wicked deeds in the temple thorough the council of Manelaus/ and the voice came abroad: the multitude gathered them together against Lysimachus: for he had carried out now much gold. So when the people arose, and were full of displeasure/ Lysymachus armed. ●ii. M. unthrifts to defend him: a certain tira●it being their captain, which was grown both in age and woodness. But when the people understood the purpose of Lysymachus, some got stones, some good strong clubs, & some cast ashes upon Listmachus Thus there were many of them wounded, some being slain, & all the other chased away. But as for the wicked churchrobber him self, they killed him beside the treasury. Of these matters therefore there was kept a court against Manelaus. Now when the king came to Tirus, they made a complaite unto him of Menelaus/ concerning this business, and the ambassytours were three. But Menelaus went & promised Ptolemy, to give him much money/ if he would persuade the king. So Ptolemy went to the king into a court, (where as he was set to cool him) & brought him out of the mind. In so much the he discharged Menelaus from the accusations, that not withstanding was cause of all mischief: and those poor men/ which if they had told their cause, ye, before the Scythians, they should have been judged innocent, them he condemned to death. Thus were they soon punished, which followed upon the matter for the cite, for the people, & for the holy vessel. Wherefore they of Tyrus took indignation, and ●●cied them honourably. And so thorough the covecousnes of them that were in power, Manelaus remained still in avethorite, increasing in malice, to the hurt of the citizens. ¶ Of the signs and tohill seen in jerusalem. Of the end and offence of ●asan. The puri●t● of ● n●ochus against the jews. The ● poy●y●g● of the temple. CAPI. V AT the same time Antiochus made him ready to go again into Egypt. Then were there seen at Jerusalem. xl. days long/ horsemen, running to and fro in the air whithe had raiment of gold, & spears. There were seen also whole hosts of men weaponed, & horses running in an ordre/ how they came together, how they held forth their shields, how the harnessed men drew out their swords, and shoot their darts. The shine of the gold weapons was seen, and all of manner of armure. Wherefore every man prayed, that those tokens might turn to good. Now when there was gone forth a false rumour, as though Antiochus had been deed: jason took a. M. men, & came suddenly upon the city. The citizens ran unto the walls, at the last was the city taken, & Manelaus fled in to the castle. As for jason, he spared not his own citizens i the slaughter, nether considered he what great evil it were, to destroy that prosperity of his own kinsmen: but did as one that had gotten the victory of his enemies, & not of his friends. For all this got he not the superiority, but at the last received confusion for his malice, * ●. Ma●. 4. ● & & led again like a vagabond into the land of the Ammonytes. Finally, for a reward of his wickedness, he was accused before Aretha the king of the Arabians: In so much that he was fa●e to i'll from city to cite, being despised of every man as a forsaker of the laws, & an abominable person. And at the last (as an open enemy of his own natural country & of the citizens) he was driven in to Egypte. Thus he that afore put many out of their own native land, perished from home himself. He went to Lacedaemon, thinking there to have gotten succour by reason of kindred, And he that afore had casten many one our unburied, was thrown out himself/ no man mourning for him, nor putting● him in his grave: so that he neither enjoined the burial of a stranger, neither was he partaker of his father's sepulchre. Now when this was done, the king suspect, that the jews would have fallen fro him: wherefore he came in a great displeasure out of Egypte, * ● Ma●h ●● & took the city by violence. He commanded his m● of war also/ that they should kill & no● spare, but slay down such as with stood them, or climbed up upon the houses. Thus was there a great slaughter of young men, oldmen, women, children and virgins. In. iii. days were there slain. lxxx. M. xl. M. put in preson, & no less sold. Yet was he not content with this, but durst go into the most holy temple (Menelaus that traitor to the laws & to his own natural country, being his guide) & with his wicked hands took the holy vessel, which other kings & cities had given thither for the garnyshing & honour of the place: them took he in his hands unworthily, & defiled them. So mad was Antiochus, that he considered not, how that God was a little wrath for the sins of them that dwelled in the cite, for the which such confusion came upon that place. ‡ 〈◊〉. ● And why▪ if it had not happened them to have been lapped in many sins/ this Antiochus (as soon as he had come) had so denly been punished/ and shut out for his presumpeyon, * 2. Ma●. 3. d like as Heliodorus was, whom Seleucus the king sent to rob the treasury. Nevertheless, God hath not chosen the people for the places sake/ but the place for the people's sake: and therefore is the place become partaker of the people's trouble, but afterward shall it enjoy the wealth of them. And like as it is now forsaken in the wrath of almighty G●d, so when the great God is reconciled, it shallbe set up i high worship again. So when Antiochus had taken a. M. & viii. C. talents out of the temple, he got him to Antioch in all the haste, thinking in his pride/ that he might make men sail upon the dry land, & to go upon the see, such an high mind had he. He left debits there, to vex the people: At Jerusalem left he Philip a Phrygian, in manners more cruel than himself that set him there: At Garisim he left Andronicus & Menelaus, which were more grievous to the citizens than other. * 1. Mac. 1. ●. Now as he was thus set in malice against the jews, he sent Appol lonius an hated prince/ with xxij. M. commanding him to slay those that were of perfect age, & to sell the women, maidens & children. When he came now to jerusalem, he feigned peace, & kept him still until the Sabbath day. And then he commanded his men to take them to their weapons (for the jews kept holy day) & so he slew all them that were gone forth to the open play, running here & there thorough the city with his men weaponed/ & murdered a great number. ‡ ●. Mach. ● c But judas Machabeus which was the tenth, fled into the wilderness/ led his life there with his company among wild●●eastes & upon the mountains, dwelling there and eating grass/ lest they should ●e partakers of the filthiness. ¶ The Iewe●●●● compelled to leave the law of god. The temple is defying. The ●end●r● are monished that they shall not abhor the adversity wherewith the ●o●●● afflycte●h them. The grievous pain of Eleazarus. CAPI. VI NOt long after this, sent the king a messenger of Antioch, for to compel the jews, to alter the ordinances of the father's & the law of god, to defile the temple that was at Jerusalem/ & to call it the temple of jupiter Olympus: & that they should be in Gazarim/ as those which dwell at the place of jupiter herberous. This wicked sedition of the ungodly was heavy upon all the people: for the temple was full of voluptuousness, bibbing & bolling of the Heathen, of ribalds and harlots together. The women went into the holy place, and bare in that was not lawful. The altar also was full of unlawful things, which the law forbiddeth to lay upon it. The sabbaths were not kept, that other solemn feasts of the land were not regarded. To be plain/ there durst no man be a known that he was a jewe. In the day of the kings birth they were compelled parforce to offer: & when the feast of Bacchus was kept, they were constrained to were garlands of ivy, & so to go about the honour of Bacchus. moreover thorough the council of Ptolomi there went out a commandment in the next cities of the Heathen, that they should entreat the jews in like manner: namely/ to compel them for to do sacrifice after the laws of the Gentiles: and who so would not/ to put them to death. Apyteous thing was it to se. There were. ij. women accused to have circumcised their sons, whom when they had led round about the city (the babes hanging at their breasts) they cast them down headlinges over the walls. Some that were crept in dens & had kept the Sabbath, were accused unto Phylyppe/ & brent in the fire: because that for the fear of God they kept the commandment so stiffly/ & would not defend themselves. Now I beseech all those which read this book, that they refuse it not for these falls of adversity: & judge the things (that are happened) for no destrue cyon, but for a chastening of our people. And why? When God suffereth not sinners long to follow their own mind/ but shortly punisheth them, * Pro● 〈◊〉 it is a token of his great loving kindness. For this grace have we of god more than other people, that he suffereth not us long to sine unpunished like as other nations, that when the day of judgement cometh, he may punish them in the fullness of their sins. If we sin, he correcteth us, but he never withdraweth his mercy from us: & though he punish with adversity, yet doth he never forsake his people. But let this that we have spoken now with few words, be for a warning & exhortation of the Heathen: Now will we come to the declaring of the matter. Eleazar one of the principal scribes, an aged man & of a well favoured conute nance, was constrained to gape with open mouth, * Lou●●. x●● & to eat swines flesh. But he desiring rather to die gloriously then to live with shame, offered himself willingly to the martyrdom. Now when he saw that he must needs go to it, he took it patiently: for he was at a point with himself/ that he would consent to no unlawful thing for any pleasure of life. They that stood by being moved with pity (but not a right) for the old friend ship of the man, took him aside privily, & prayed him, that he would let such flesh be brought him as were lawful to eat/ & then to make a countenance, as though he had eaten of the flesh of the sacrifice like as the king commanded, for so he might be delivered from death & so for the old friendship of the man, they showed him this kindness. But he began to consider his discrete & honourable age, his noble & worshipful stock, and now that from his youth up he had been of an honest & good conversation: ye & how constantly he had kept the ordinances and laws commanded by God, wherefore he gave them this answer, & said: Yet had I rather first be laid in my grave. * 〈◊〉. ●. ●. For it becometh not mine age (said he) in any wise to dissemble, whereby many young persons might think, that Eleazar being. ●xxx. year old &. x. were now gone to a strange life: & so thorough mine hypocrisy (for a little time of a transitory life) they might be deceived: by this means also should I defile mine age, and make it abominable. For though I were now delivered from the torments of men, yet should I not escape the hand of almighty 〈◊〉. i a. God nether alive nor deed. Wherefore, I will die manfully, & do as it becometh mine age: whereby I may peradventure leave an example of steadfastness for such as be young, if I which a ready mind & manfully die an honest death, for the most worthy and holy laws. When he had said these words, immediately he was drawn to the torment. Now they that led him & were mild a little afore began to take displeasure because of the words that he said: for they thought he had spoken them of an high mind. But when he was in his mariyrdome, he mourned & said: Thou (O Lord) which haste the holy knowledge, knowest openly: that where as I might be delivered from death, I suffer these sore pains of my body: but in my mind I am well content to suffee them because I fear the. Thus this mandyed, leaving the memorial of his death for an example, not only unto young men, but unto all the people, to be steadfast and manly. ¶ The punishment of the▪ seven. brethren and of they● mother. CAPI. VII. IT happened also that there were. seven. brethren (with their mother) taken, & compelled by the king * 〈◊〉. xi. ●. against the law to eat swines flesh: namely which scourges & bergrens whips. And one of them which was the these, said: what seekest thou, & what requirest thou of us? As for us, we are ready rather to suffer death, then to offede the laws of God & the fathers. Then was the king angry, and ●ad heat cauldrons & brazen pots. Which when they were made hot, immediately he commanded the tongue of him that spoke first, to be cut out to put the skin over his head, to pair of the edges of his hands & feet: ye and that in the sight of his mother and the other of his brethren. Now when he was clean marred, he commanded a fire to be made, and so (while there was any breath in him) to be fried in the cauldron: In the which when he had been long pained, the other brethren with their mother exhorted him to die manfully, saying: The Lord God shall regard the truth, ● comfort us, like as Moses testifieth * D●ut. 32. c. and declareth in his song, saying: and he will have compassion on his servants. So when the first was deed after this manner, they brought the second to have him in derision, pulled the skin with the hear over his head, & asked him, if he would eat● swines flesh, or he were pained in the other members also thorough out his body. But he answered boldly, & said: I will not do it. And so was he tormented like as the first, ● when he was even at the giving up the ghost, he said: Thou most ungracious person puttest us now to death, but the king of the world shall raise us up (which die for his laws) in y● resurreceion of everlasting life. After him, was the th●rde had in derision: and when he was required, he put out his tongue, & that right soon, holding forth his bands manfully, & spoke which a steadfast faith: These have I of heaven, but now for the law of God I despise them: for my trust is, that I shall receive them of him again. In so much that the king & they which were with him, marveled at the young man's boldness, that he nothing regarded the pains. Now when he was deed also, they vexed the fourth with tornementes in like manner. So when he was now at his death, he said: It is better that we being put to death of men, have our hope and trust in God, for he shall raise us up again. * john. v. c. As for thee, thou shalt have no resurrection to life. And when they had spoken to the fifth, they tormented him. Then looked he unto the king, & said: thou hast power among men, for thou art a mortal man also th● self, to do what thou wilt, but think not, that God hath forsaken our generation. A●yde the tarry still a while, and thou shalt see the great power of God, how he will punish the and thy seed. After him they brought the sixth, which being at the point of death, said: Be not deceived (O king) for this we suffer for our own sakes, because we have offen ded our God, & therefore marvelous things are showed upon us. But think not thou, which takest in hand to strive against God, that thou shalt escape unpunished. This excellent mother (worthy to be well reported of, and had in remembrance) saw her seven sons die in one day, and suffered it patiently, because of the hope that she had in God: ye, she exhorted every one of them in especial, and that boldly & steadfastly with perfit wisdom, waking up her wivish thought with a manly stomach, and said unto them: I can not tell how ye came in my womb, for I nether gave you breath nor soul, no nor life. It is not I the joined the members of your bodies together, but the maker of the world, which fashioned the birth of man, & began all things. Even he also of his own mercy shall give you breath & life again, like as ye now regard not your own selves for his laws sake. Now thought Antyochus that she had despised him, therefore he let her go with her reproves, and began to exhort the youngest son (which yet was left) not only with words but swore unto him with an oath, that he should make him a rich and wealthy man (if he would forsake the laws of his fathers) ye, and that he should give him, what soever were necessary for him. But when the young man would not be moved, for all these things, he called his mother, and counciled her to save her sons life. And when he had exhorted her with many words, she promised him that she should speak unto her son. So she turned her unto him (laughing the cruel tyrant to scorn) and spoke with a bold voice: O my son, have pity upon me, that bare the. ix. months in my womb, that gave the suck, nourished the and brought the up unto this age. I beseech thee (my son) look upon heaven and earth and all that is therein, & consider, that God made them and man's generation of nought: so shalt thou not fear this hang man, but suffer death steadfastly, like as thy brethren have done: that I may receive the again in the same mercy with thy brethren. While she was yet speaking these words, the young man said: Whom look ye for? Wherefore do ye tarry? I will not obey the kings commandment, * 〈…〉 D 〈…〉 but the law that God gave us by Moses. As for thou that ymagyneste all mischief against the jews, thou shalt not escape the hand of God, for we suffer these things, because of our sins. And though God be angry with us a little while for our chastening and reformation) yet shall he be at one again with his servants. But thou. (O shameful and most abominable person.) Pride not thyself thorough vain hope, in being so malicious upon the servants of God: for thou hast not yet escaped the judgement of the God which is almighty, and saith all things. My brethren that have suffered a little pain, are now under the couenaū● of everlasting life: but thorough the judgement of God, thou shalt be punished right ously for thy pride. As for me (like as my brethren have done) I offce my soul and my body for the laws of our fathers, calling upon God, that he will soon be merciful unto our people: ye and with pain and punishment * ●. 〈…〉 to make the grant, that he only is God, In me now and in my brethren the wrath of almighty God is at an end, which righteously is fallen upon all our people. Then the king being kindled in anger, was more cruel upon him then upon all the other, and took indignation, that he was so lightly regarded. So this young man died undefiled, and put his trust still in the Lord. Last of all after the sons, was the mother put to death also. Let this now be enough spoken, concerning the offerings, and extreme cruelness. ¶ judas gathereth together his host. Nicanor is sent against judas. judas exhorteth his soudyars to constantnes Nicanor is over come. The jews give thanks after they have put their enemies to flight, dyviding the spoils unto the fatherless and unto the widows. Nicanor flieth unto Antiochus. CAPI. VIII. THAN judas Machabeus, and they that were with him, went privily in to the towns called their kynsfolkes & friends together, took unto them all such as continued yet in the faith and law of the jews, and brought forth. ut. M. men. So they called upon the Lord, that he would have an eye unto his people, which was trodden down of every man: to be gracious unto the temple that was defiled of the ungodly: to have compassion upon the destruction of the city, which was shortly like to be laid waste, to hear the voice of the blood that cried unto him: to remember the most unrighteous deaths of young innocent children, the blasphemies also done unto his name, and to punish them. * Ma●. two. a. Now when Machabeus had gathered this multitude together, he was to mighty for the Heathen (for the wrath of the Lord was turned into mercy) he fell upon the towns and cities unwares, brent them, took the most commodious places, and slew many of the enemies. But specially he made such chases by night, in so much that his manliness was spoken of every where. So when Phylippe saw that the man increased by little & little, and that the matter prospered with him for the most part: he wrote unto Ptolemy (which was a captain in Celosyria and Phenices) to help him in the kings business. Then sent he Nycanor Patrocly Ma●. 3. ●. (a special friend of his) in all the halt, and gave him of the comen sort of the Heathen no less then. xx. M. harnessed men, to rote out the whole generation of the jews, having to help him one Gorgias a man of war, which in matters concerning battles, had great experience. Nicanor ornened also the tribute (which the Romans should have had) to be given unto the king, out of the captivity of the jews, namely. ij. M. talents. And immediately he sent to the cities of the see coast, requiring them for to buy jews to be their servants & bond men, promising to sell them. lxxx. and ten for one talent: but he considered not the wrath of almighty God, that was to come upon him. When judas knew of this, he told the jews that were with him of Nicanors coming. Now were there some of them fearful, not trusting unto the righteousness of God, & fled their way. But the other that remained, came together, & besought the Lord, to deliver them from that wicked Nicanor, which had sold them, or ever he came nigh them: and though he would not do it for their sakes, yet for the covenant that he made with their fathers, & because they called upon his holy & glorius name. * Mat. v. b And so Machabeus called his men together, namely about. vj. M. exhorting them not to agree unto their enemies, * Deut. 20. a. Pa●. xx. c. nether to be afraid for the multitude of their adversaries coming against them vuryghteously: but to fight manly, considering the reproof that they had done to the holy place without cause, how they had despised & oppressed the city, ye, & destroyed the laws of the fathers. * 〈◊〉. 17. d Psal. nineteen. b. For they (said he) trust in they're weapons & boldness, but our confidence is in the almighty Lord, which in the twinkling of an eye may both destroy them that come against us, and all the world. He exhorted them also to call to remembrance the help, that God showed unto their fathers: ‡ 4. Reg. 19 g Isaiah. 37. a 1. Ma●. 7. c. as when there perished an. C. &. lxxxv. M. of Sennacheribs' people: And of the battle that they had in Babylon against the Gallacyan: how all the Macedonians that came to help them, stood in fear: & how they being but only. vj. M. slew an. C. &. xx. M. thorough the help that was given them from heaven, whereby they also had received many benefits. Thorough these words the men took good hearts unto them, ready to die for the law and the country. So he set upon every company a captain, one of his own brethren: Simon, joseph and jonathas: giving each one. xv. C. men He caused Esdras also to read the holy book unto them, and to give them a token of the help of God. * i. Ma●. a. ●. Then he himself being captain in the fore front of the battle, buckled with Nicanor. And God was their help, in so much that they slew above. ix. M. men & conpelled the more part of Nicanors host to i'll, they were so wounded & feeble. Thus they took the money from those that came to buy them, & followed upon them on every side. But when the time came upon them, they returned, for it was the Sabbath, & therefore they followed no more upon them. So they took their weapons and spoils and kept the Sabbath, giving thanks unto the Lord, which had delivered them that day, and showed them his mercy. After the Sabbath * Nume. 31. d 1. Reg thirty e Deut. 2●. b. they distributed the spoils to the sick, to the fatherless and to widows, and the residue had they themselves with theirs. When this was done, and they all had made a general prayer: they besought the merciful Lord to be at one with his servants. Of those also that were with Timotheus and Bachides, which fought against them, they slew. xx. M. wan high and strong holds, and divided more spoils: ever giving an equal portion unto the sick, to the father les, to widows and to aged persons. And when they had diligently gathered their weapons together, they laid them all in convenient places, & the remnant of the spoy les brought they to jerusalem. They slew also Phylarches the wicked person, which was with Timotheus, and had vexed many jews. And when they held the thanksgiving at jerusalem for the victory, they brent had ordered themselves manly with their weapons and hands, they slew in the two Castles more than twenty thousand. * 1. Ma●. v. ● Now Timotheus ‡ 2. Ma●. 8. ●. whom the jews had overcome afore, gathered a multitude of strange people, brought an host also of horse men of the Asians, to wine jewry by strength But when he drew nigh, Machabeus & they that were with him * ●. Ma●. xi. d fell to their prater, sprinkled as she's upon their heads, being girded with hearrye cloth about their loins, fell down before the altar, & besought the Lord that he would be merciful to them, but an enemy unto their enemies, & to take part against their adversaries, * Deut. 28. a. according as it is promised in the law So after the prayer, they went on further from the city: and when they came nigh the enemtes, they prepared themselves against them. And by times in the morning at the break of the day, both the hosts buckled together. * jere. 17. d. f. Pat. 32. b The one part had the Lord for their refuge, which is the giver of prosperity, strength & victory. The other had a manly stomach, which is a captain of war. The battle now being great, * 4. Reg. 6. a. ●. M●●●. a and. xi. d. there appeared unto the enemies from Heaven. v. men upon horsbacks with bridals of gold, leading the jews, & two of them having Machabe us betwixt them, that kept him safe on every side with their weapons, but shot darts & light nynges upon the enemies: where thorough they were confounded with blindness & so sore afraid, that they fell down. There were stain of fore men. xx. M. and. v. C. and. vi. C. horsemen. As for Timotheus high self, he fled unto Gazar a very strong hold, wherein Cereas was captain. But Machabeus & his company laid siege to it cheerfully. iiij. days. Now they that were within trusting to the strength of the place, cursed & banued exceeding lie, & made great craking with wicked words. Nevertheless upon the fift day in the morning. xx. young men of Machabeus company, being set on fire in their minds (because of the blasphemy) came manfully unto the wall, & with bold stomachs they and their other companions climbed up upon the towers, undertaking to set fire upon the ports, and to burn those blasphemous persons quick Two days were they destroying the castle, which when they found Timotheus (that was crept into a corner) they killed high, & slew Cereas his brother in like manner with Apollo phanes. When this was done, they song Psalms, with praises & thanckesgivynges unto the Lord, which had done so great things for Israel, and given them the victory. ¶ Lysias goeth about to overcome the jews. Succour ●o sent from heaven unto the jews. The letter of Lysias to the jews. The letter of king Intiochus unto Lysias. A letter of the same unto the jews. A letter of the Romoynes to the jews. CAPI. XI. NOt long after this, Lysias the kings steward and a kinsman of his (which had the governance of his matters) took sore displeasure for the things that had happened: & when he had gathered. lxxx. M. men of foot with all the host of the horsemen, he came agaist the jews, thinking to win the city, to make it an habitation for the Heythen, * ●●●●●. 〈…〉 and the temple would he have to be an house of lucre, like as the other Gods houses of the heathen are, & to sell the priests office every year: Not considering the power of God, but was wild in his mind, * Esay. ●●● trusting in the multitude of foot men, in thousands of horse men, & in his. lxxx. Elephants. So he came into jewry & then to Bethsura (a castle of defence) lying in a narrow place. v. furlongs from jerusalem, & wan it. Now when Machabe us and his company knew that the strong holds were taken, * a. 〈…〉 they fell to their prayers with weeping and tears before the Lord. And all the people in like manner besought him, that he would send a good angel to deliver Israel. Machabeus himself was the first that made him ready to the battle, exhorting the other that were with him, to jeopardy themselves, & to help their brethren. And when they were going forth of jerusalem together with a ready and willing mind, * ●. 〈…〉 there appeared before the upon horseback a man in white clothing with harness of gold, shaking his spear. Then they praised the Lord all together, which had showed them mercy, & were comforted in their minds: in so much that they were ready, not only to fight with men, but with the most cruel beasts, ye, and to run thorough walls of iron. Thus they went on willingly having an helper from heaven, and the Lord merciful unto them. They fell mightily upon their enemies like lions, brought down. xi. M. foot men. xuj. C. horsemen, put all that other to night, many of them being wounded, and some got away naked. Ye Lisias himself was fain to i'll shamefully, and so to escape. Nevertheless, y● man was not without understanding, but considered by him self that his power was minished, and pondered how the jews ●●yng defended by the help of Almighty god, were not able to be overcome: wherefore he sent them word, & promised, that he would consent to all things which were reasonable, & to make the king their friend. To the which prayer of Lisias, Machabeus agreed, seeking in all things the comen wealth: and whatsoever Machabeus wrote unto Lysias concerning the jews, the king granted it. For there were letters written unto the jews from Lysias, containing these words. Lysias sendeth greeting to the people of the jews. Thou and Absalon which were sent from you, delivered me writings, and required me to fulfil the things concerning their earande. Therefore look what might be granted, I certified the king thereof: and what soever was convement. I agreed thereto If ye now will be faithful in the matters, I shall endeavour myself hereafter also to do you good. As concerning other things by every article thereof: I have committed them to your messaungers, and to those whom I sent unto you, to comen with you of the same, far ye well, In the hundredth &. xlviij. year, the xxiiij day of the month Discorinthius. Now the kings letter contained these words. King Antiochus sendeth greeting unto his brother Lysias. For so much as our father * ● Ma●. 〈◊〉. b is now dead, our will is, that they which are in our realine, live without any insurrection, & every man to be diligent in his own matters. We understand also that the jews would not consent to our father, for to be brought unto the custom of the gentiles, but stiffly to keep their own statutes: for the which cause they require of us also, to let them remain still by their own laws. Wherefore, our mind is, that this people shallbe in rest: we have concluded & determined also, to restore them their temple again: that they may live according to the use and custom of their fore fathers. Thou shalt do us a pleasure therefore, if thou send unto them and agree with them: that when they are certified of our mind, they may be of good there and look to their own wealth. And this was the letter, that the king wrote unto the Jews: king Antiochus sendeth greeting unto the council and that other people of the Jews: If ye far well, we have our desire: as for us, we are in good health. Menelaus came and told us, how that your desire was to come down to your people, which are with us. Wherefore those that will come, we give them free liberty, unto the. thirty. day of the month of Apryl, that they may use the meats of the jews and their own laws, like as afore: & none of them by any manner of ways to have harm, for things dene in ignorance. Menelaus whom we have sent unto you, shall comen with you at large, far ye well In the. Cxlviij. year, the. xv. days of the month of Apryl. The Romans also sent a letter, containing these words: Quyntus Memin●us & Titus Manilius ambassadors of the Romans, send greeting unto the people of the jews. Look what Lysyas the kings kinsman hath granted you, we grant you the same also. But as concering the things which he referred unto the king, send by their some with speed: and ponder the matter diligently among yourselves, that we may casth the best to your prefyte, for we must depart now unto Antioch. And therefore write shortly again, that we may know your mind: Far well. In the hundredth. xiviij. year, the fifteenth day of the month of Apryll. ¶ Timotheus troubleth the jews. The wither deed of the jepites against the jews. judas is avenged of the 〈◊〉 He setteth fire on the gate of 〈…〉. The pursure of the jews against Tymothy. Tymothy is taken 〈…〉 go vnhurte. judas pursueth Gorgyas. judas sacryfyes for the dead, showeth the hope of the resur●●●●yon. CAPI. XII. WHen these covenants were ma●e Lysias went unto the king, & the jews tilled their ground. But Timotheus, Appollonius the son of ●eme●. jeromy and Demophon the proud, 〈◊〉 ca●or the captain of Cipers, & they thatsay in those places: would not let them live in rest and peace. They of joppa also did even such a shameful deed. They prayed the jews that dwelled among them, to go with their wives and children into the ships which they had prepared, and did with them, as though they had aught them no evil will. For so much then as there was gone forth a general proclamation thorough the city, because of peace, they consented thereto, and suspect nothing: but when they were gone forth into the deep, they drowned no less than two hundredth of them. When judas knew of this cruelty showed unto his people, he commanded those that were with him to make them ready, exhorting them to call upon God the righteous judge: went forth against those murderers of his brethren, set fire in the haven by night, brent up the ships, and those that escaped from the fire, he slew with the sword. And when he had done this, he departed as though he would come again, and rote out all them of joppa. But when he had gotten word, that the jamnites were minded to do in like manner unto the Jews which dwelled among them, he came upon the jamnites by night, & set fire on the haven with the ships: so that the light of the fire was seen at jerusalem, upon a. ij. C. and. xl. furlongs: Now when they were gone from thence ix: furlongs, in their journey toward Tymotheus. v. M. men of foot and. v. C. horsemen of the Arabians fought with him. So when the battle was earnest, & prospered with judas thorough the help of God: the residue of the Arabians being overcome, besought judas to be at one with them, & promised to give him certain pastures, & to do him good in other things. judas thinking that they should in deed be profitable concerning many things, promised them peace: whereupon they shaken hands, and so they departed to their tents. judas went also unto a city, which was very fast kept with bridges, fenced round about with walls, and diverse kinds of people dwelling therein, called Caspin. They that were within it, put such trust in the strength of the walls, & in their store of victuals: that they were the slacker in their doings, cursing and revyling judas with blasphemies, and speaking such words as it becometh not. But Machabeus calling upon the great Prince of the world (which without any battle rams, or ordinance of war, did * joshua. vi. c cast down the walls of jericho, in the time of joshua) fell manfully upon the walls, took the city, and thorough the help of the Lord) made an exceeding great slaughter: In so much that a lake of two furlongs broad which lay thereby, seemed to flow with the blood of the slain. Then departed they from thence. seven. C. & I. fourlonges, and came to Taraca unto the jews that are called Tubianei. But as for Timotheus, they could not get him there: for (not one matter dispatched) he was departed from thence, and had left certain men in a very strong hold. But Dositheus and Sosipater, which were Captains with Machabeus, stew those that Timotheus had left in the house of defence, even. x. M. men. And Machabeus prepared him with the. vj. M. men that were about him, set them in order by companies, and went forth against Timotheus, which had with him an. C. and. xx. M men of foot. ij. M. and. v. C. horsemen. When Timotheus had knowledge of judas coming, he sent the women, children and the other baggage unto a castle called Carnion. (For it could not be won, & was hard to come unto, the ways of the same places were so narrow) & when judas company came first in sight, the enemies were smitten with fear, thorough the presence of God, which saith all things: In so much that they fleeing one here, another there, were rather discomfited of their own people, * judi. vi● 1. Reg ● 2. Pa●●. and wounded with the strokes of their own swords. judas also was very earnest in following upon them, punishing those ungodly, and slew. thirty. M men of them. Timotheus also himself fell into the hands of Dositheus and Sosipater, whom he besought with many tears, to let him go with his life: because he had many of the jews fathers & brethren in prison, which (if they put him to death) might be disappointed. So when he had promised faithfully to deliver them again according to the condition made, they let him go without harm, for the health of the brethren. And when judas had slain xxv. M. he went from Carmon. Now after that he had chased away & slain his enemies, he removed the host toward * i Math. ● Ephrom a strong city, wherein dwelled many diverse people of the Heythen, & the strong young men kept the walls, defending them mightily. In this city was much ordinance and provision of darts. But when judas and his company had called upon almighty God (which with his power breaketh the strength of the enemies) they wan the city, and slew. xxv. M. of them, that were within. From thence went they to the city of the Scithyans, which lieth. vi. C. furlongs from Jerusalem. But when the jews which were in the city testyfied, that the citizens dealt lovingly with them, ye, and entreated them kindly in the time of their adversity, judas and his company gave them thanks, desiring them to be friendly still unto them: and so they came to jerusalem the high feast of the weeks being at hand. And after the feast of Pentecost they went forth against Gorgias the governor of Idumea, with. iij. M. men of foot &. iiij. C. horsemen. Which when they met together, it chanced a few of the Jews to be slain. And Dositheus one of the Bachenors' a mighty horseman took hold of Gorgias, and would have taken him quick. But an horseman of Thracia fell upon him, and smote of his arm, so that Gorgias escaped & fled into Moresa. When they now that were of Gorgias side, had fought long & were weary: judas called upon the Lord, that he would be their helper, & captain of the field: and with that he beganue with a manly voice to take up a song of praise, & a cry: In so much that he made the enemies afraid, & Gorgias men of war took their flight. So judas gathered his host, & came into the cite of Odolla. And when the seventh day came upon them, they cleansed themselves (as the custom was) & kept the Sabbath in the same place. And upon the day following, judas & his company came to take up the bodies of them that were slain, & to bury them in the father's graves. Now under the coats of certain Jews which were slain, they found jewels that they had taken out of the temple & from the Idols of the * Deut. seven. ●. ●osu. seven. a jamniters: which thing is forbidden the jews by the law. Then every man saw, that this was the cause, wherefore they were slain. And so every man gave thanks unto the Lord for his righteous judgement, which had opened the thing that was hid. They fell down also unto their prayers, & besought God, that the fault which was made, might be put out of remembrance. Besides that, judas exhorted the people earnestly, to keep themselves from such sin: for so much as they saw before their eyes: that these men were slain for the same offence. So he gathered of every one a certain, in so much that he brought together two thousand drachmas of silver which he sent unto Jerusalem, that there might a sacrifice be offered for the misdeed. In the which place he did well & right: for he had some consideration & pondering of the life that is after this tyme. For if he had not thought that they, which were slain, did yet live, it had been superfluous & vain, to make any vow or sacrifice for them, that were deed. But for so much as he saw, that they which die in the favour & believe of God, are in good rest and joy, he thought it to be good & honourable for a reconciling, to do the same for those which were slain, that the offence might be forgiven. ¶ The coming of Enpater into jewrye. The death of Menel more▪ Machabeus going to fight against Eupater, month his soudrats unto prayer. He killeth xiiii Women in the tents of Antiochus. Robocus the betrayer of the jews is taken. Antiochus retaineth friendship with the jews. CAPI. XIII. IN y●. Cxlix. year got ‡ i Mat. vi. d judas knowledge, that Antiochus Eupater was coming with a great power into jewry, & Lisias the steward & ruler of his matters with him having an. C. & x. M. men of foot. v. M. horsemen. xxij. Elephants. &. three C. charettes. Menelaus also joined himself with them (but with great disceat) & spoke fair to the king not for any good of the councre, but because he thought, to have been made some great man of authority. But the king of kings moved Antiochus mind against this ungodly person, and Lysias informed the king, * two. Mat. 4 ● that this Menelaus was the cause of all mischief: so that the king commanded to take him, and (as the manner of them is) to put him unto death in the same place. There was also in the same place a tower of. L. cubits high, heapped with ashes: but above it was so made, that men might look down on every side. Where into the king commanded that shameful person to be cast among the ashes, as one that was cause of all ungraciousness. And reason it was that the unthrift should die such a death, and not to be buried for he had done much mischief unto the altar of God (whose fire & ashes were holy) therefore was it right, that he himself also should be destroyed with ashes. But the king was wood in his mind, and came to show himself more cruel unto the jews, than his father was. Which when judas perceived, * 2. Mat. 19 ● he commanded the people to call upon the Lord night and day: that he would now help them also, like as he had done alway: For they were afraid to be put from their law, from their natural country and from the holy temple: and not to suffer the people (which a little while afore began to recover) to be subdued again of the blasphemous nations. So when they had done this together, and besought the Lord for mercy, with weeping and fasting three days long, flat upon the ground: judas exhorted them, to make themselves ready. But he and the elders together devised, to go forth first with their people, afore the king brought his host into jewry, and afore he besieged the city, & so to commit the matter unto God. Wherefore he ascribed the power of all things unto God the maker of the world, exhorting his people to fight manfully (ye, even unto death) for the laws, the temple, the city, their own native country, and to defend the eytesins: and set his host before Modyn. He gave them also that were with him, a token of the victory of God, choosing out the manliest young men, went by night into the kings pavilion, slew of the host xiiii. M. men, * 1. Mac. vi. f & the greatest Elephants, with those that sat upon them. Thus when they had brought a great fear and rumour among the tents of their enemies, & all things went prosperously with them, they departed in the break of the day, God dying their helper and defender. Now when the king perceived the manliness of the jews, he went about to take the strong places by craft, & removed his host * ●. Mat. xi. ● unto Bethsura, which was a well kept house of defence of the jews: but they were chased away, hurt, & discomfited. And judas sent unto them that were in it, such things as were necessary. In the Jews host also there was one Rhodocus, which told the enemies their secrets: but they sought him out, & when they had gotten him, they put him in preson. After this did the king comen with them that were in Bethsura, took truce with them, departed, & struck a battle with judas, which overcame him. But when he understood, that Phylyp (whom he had left to be overseer of his businesses at Antioch) began to rebel against him, he was astonied in his mind: so that he yielded himself to the jews, & made them an oath, to do whatsoever they thought right. Now when he was reconciled with them, he offered, made much of the temple, gave great gifts unto it, embraced Machabeus, making him captain & governor from Ptolomais unto the Garenes. Nevertheless when he came to Ptolomays, the people of the city were not content with the bond of friendship: for they were afraid, that he would break the covenant. Then went Lysias up into the seat, and informed the people, showed them the cause why, and pacified them. So he came again to Antioch. This is now the matter concerning the kings journey, & his return. ¶ By the motion of the Lord, Demetrins sendeth Nicanor to kill the jews. Nicanor maketh a compare● with the jews which he yet breaketh through the motion of the king. Nicanor commandeth R●aia to be taken. The boldness of Razia. CAPI. XIIII. AFter three years was judas informed, how that Demetrius the son of Seleucus was come up which a great power & ships, thorough the haven of Tripoli, to take certain commodious places & countries, against Antiochus and his captain Lysias. Now Alcimus (which had been high priest, & wilfully defiled himself, in the time of the myxting) seeing, that by no means he could be helped, nor have any more entrance to the aultare: he came to king Demetrius in the hundredth & one & fifty year, presenting unto him a crown of gold, a palm & an olive tree: which (as men thought) belonged to the temple, & that day he held his tongue. But when he had gotten opportunity for his madness, Demetrius called him to council, and asked him, what things or counsels the jews leaned unto? He answered: The jews that be called Assidei (whose captain is judas Machabeus (maintain wars, make insurreceyons, and will not let the realm be inpeace. For I being deprived of my father's honour (I mean the high priesthood (am come hither: partly because I was faithful unto the king, and partly because I sought the profit of the citizens. And why? all our people, thorough the wickedness of them, are not a little troubled. Wherefore I beseech thee (O king) consider all these things diligently, and then make some provision for the land and the people, according to the kindness that thou hast offered unto them. For as long as judas hath the vpperhande, it is not possible that men can live in peace. When he had spoken these words, other friends also having evil will at judas, set the king Demetrius on fire against him. * ●. M●●▪ ●. Which immediately sent Nicanor (ruler of the Elephants) a captain, into jewrye: commanding him, to take judas himself alive, but to stay them that were with him, & to make Alcimus high priest of the great temple. Then the Heathen which fled out of jewry from judas, came to Nicanor by flocks, thinking the harm and decay of the jews to be their welfare. Now when the jews heard of Nicanors coming, and the gathering together of the Heathen: they spreckled themselves with earth, ‡ 2. M●● 〈◊〉 & be sought him, which made them his people, & ever defended his own portion with evident tokens, that he would preserve them still. So at the commandment of the captain, they removed from thence, and came to a town called Dessason. And Simon judas brother fell in hand with Nicanor, but thorough the sudden coming of the enemies, he was afraid. Nevertheless Nicanor hearing the manliness of them that were with judas, & the bold stomachs that they had to fight for their natural country, durst not prove the matter with bloodshedding. Wherefore he sent Possidonius, Theodocius & Mathias before, to give and to take peace. So when they had taken long advisement there upon, and the captain showed it unto the multitude, they were agreed in one mind, to have peace. And they appointed a day to sit upon these matters quyecly among themselves, the stoles also were brought and set forth. Nevertheless judas commanded certain men of arms to wait in convenient places, lest there should suddenly arise any evil thorough the enemies. And so they commoned reasonably together. Nycanor, while he abode at Jerusalem, ordered himself not unreasonably, but sent away the people that were gathered together. He loved judas ever with his heart, & favoured him. He prayed him also to take a wife, & to bring forth children. So he married, lived in rest, & they led a comen life. But Alcimus p●eceauyng the love that was betwixt them, & how they were agreed together, came to Demetrius, & told him that Nycanor had taken strange matters in hand & ordained judas (an enemy of the realm) to be the kings successor. Then the king was sore displeased, & thorough the wicked accusations which Alcimus made of Nicanor, he was so provoked, that he wrote unto Nycanor, saying: that he was very angry for the friendship & agreement, which he had made with Machabeus. Nevertheless he commanded him in all the haste, that he should take Machabeus prisoner, and send him to Antioch. Which letters when Nicanor had seen he was at ●ꝭ wits end, & sore grieved, that he should break the things wherein they had agreed: specially, seeing Machabeus was the man, that never did him harm. But because he might not with stand the king, he sought opportunity to fulfil his commandment. Not withstanding when Machabeus saw the Nicanor began to be churlish unto him, & that he entreated him more rughly than he was wont, he perceived that such unkindness came not of good, & therefore he gathered a few of his men, & withdrew himself from Nicanor. Which when he knew that Machabeus bade manfully prevented him, he came into the great & most holy temple: & commanded the priests (which were doing their usual offerings) to deliver him the man. And when they swore that they could not tell where the man was whom he sought, he stretched out his hand, * ●▪ Mat. 7. ●. & made an oath, saying: If ye will not deliver me judas captive. I shall remove this temple of god in to the plain field, I shall break down the altar, & consecrated this temple unto Bacchus. After these words he departed. Then the priests life up their hands toward heaven, & be sought him that was ever the defender of their people, saying, Thou O Lord of all, which hast need of nothing, wouldest that the temple of thy habitation should be among us. Therefore now O most holy Lord, keep this house ever undefiled, * ●. Mat. 4. ●. ●. 〈◊〉. x. a which lately was cleansed. Now was there accused unto Nicanor, one Razi● an Alderman of Jerusalem, a lover of the whole ●p●●●, & a man of good report: which for the kind heart that he bore unto the people, was called a father of the Jews. This man oft times, when the jews were minded to keep themselves undefiled, defended & delivered them being content steadfastly to spend his body & his life for his people. So Nicanor willing to declare the hate that he bore to the jews, set five hundredth men of war to take him: for he thought, if he got him he should bring the jews in great decay. Now when the people began to rush in at his house, to break the doors, & to set fire on it: he being now taken, would have defended himself with his sword: choosing rather to die manfully, then to yield himself to those wicked doers: & because of his noble stock, he had rather have been put to extreme cruelty. Not withstanding what time as he missed of his stroke for haste, & the multitude ●el inviolently betwixt the doors: he ran boldly to the wall, & cast himself down manfully among the heap of them, which gave so●e place to his fall, so that he fell upon his belly. Nevertheless while there was yet breath within him, he was kindled in his mind, & while his blood gushed out exceadingly (for he was very sore wounded) he ran thorough the midst of the people, and got him to the top of a rock. So when his blood was now gone, he took out his own bowels with both his hands, & threw them upon the people: calling upon the Lord of life & sprite, to reward him this again, and so he died. ¶ Nicanor goeth about to come upon judas on the 〈◊〉 both day. The blasphemy of Nicanor. Machabeus expounding unto the jews the visyō●●●deneth their harries. The prayer of Machabeus. After the host of Nicanor is once overcome▪ Machabeus commaunoeth his h●●d and his hands to be ●u● of, and his tongue to be given unto fowls. CAPI. XV. Now when * ●. M●●. 7. ●. Nicanor knew the judas was in the country of Samaria, he thought which all his power to strike a field with him upon a Sabbath day. Nevertheless the jews that were compelled to go with him, said: O do not so cruelly & unkindly, but hallow the Sabbath day, and worship him that saith all things. For all this, yet said the ungracious person: * 3. Reg. xx. ●. Is there a mighty one in heaven, that commanded the Sabbath day to be kept? And when they said ye the living God, the mighty Lord in heaven * Exod. xx. ●. commanded the seventh day to be kept, he said: And I am mighty upon earth, to command them for to arm themselves, & to perform the kings business. Notwtstandyng he might not have his purpose. Nicanor had devised with great pride to overcome judas, & to bring away the victory. But Machabeus had ever a fast confidence & a perfect hope in god, that he would help him, & exhorted his people, not to be afraid at the coming of the Heathen: but always to remember the help that had been showed unto them from heaven, ye & to be sure now also, that almighty God would give them the victory. He spoke unto them out of the law & prophets, putting them in remembrance of the battles, that they had stricken afore, and made them to be of a good courage. So when their hearts were plucte up, he showed them also the disceatfulnesse of the Heathen, and how they would keep no covenant nor oath. Thus he weaponed them nat with the armour of shield & spear, but which wholesome words and exhortations. He showed them a dream also, wherethrough he made them all glad, which was this: he thought that he saw Onias (which had been high priest, a virtuous & loving man, sad & of honest conversation, well spoken, & one that had been exercised in Godliness from a child) holding up his hands toward heaven, & praying for his people. After this there appeared unto him another man, which was aged, honourable & glorious. And Onias said. This is a lover of the brethren, & of the people of Israel. This is he that prayeth much for the people, and for all the holy cite: jeremy the prophet of god. He thought also that jeremy held out his right hand, & gave unto judas a sword of gold, saying: Take this holy swears, a gift from god, wherewith thou shalt smite down the enemies of the people of Israel. And so they were well comforted thorough the words of judas, & took courage unto them, so that the yongemen were determined in their minds to fight, & to bide stiffly at it: In so much that in the things which they took in hand, their boldness showed the same, because the holy city and the temple were in apparel: for the which they took more care, then for their wives, children, brethren & kynsfolckes. Again, they that were in the 〈◊〉, were most careful for those which were to fight. Now when they were all in a hope that the judgement of the matter was at hand, & the enemies drew nigh, the host being set in array, the Elephants & horsemen every one standing in his place: Machabeus considered the coming of the multitude, the ordinance of diverse weapons, the cruelness of the beasts, & held up his hands toward heaven, calling upon the Lord that doth wonders, ‡ ●. Para. 14. judi. seven. b. which giveth n●● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 after the multitude of weapons & power of the host (but to them that please him) according to his own will. Therefore in his prayer he said these words. O Lord, * 4. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. 〈◊〉 two. 〈◊〉 thou y● didst send thine Angel in the time of Ez●kyah king of juda, and in the host of Sennaherib slewest an hundredth four score & five thousand: send now also thy good angel before us (O lord of heavens) in the fearfulness and dread of thy mighty arm, that they which come against thy holy people to blaspheme them, may be afraid. And so he made an end of his words. Then Nicanor & they that were with him, drew nigh with shawms and songs: but judas & his company with prayer & calling upon God. With their hands they smote, but which their hearts they prayed unto the Lord, & slew no less then. xxxv. M. men: For thorough the present help of god they were gloriously comforted. Now when they left of, & were turning again which joy, they understood that Nicanor himself was slain with the other. Then they gave a great shout & a cry praising the Almighty Lord with a loud voice. And judas) which was ever ready to spend his body & life for his cyte●īs) commanded to smite of Nycanors head, with his arm & hand, & to be brought to Jerusalem. When he came there, he called all the people, & the priests to the altar with those that were in the castle, & showed them Nicanors head, and his wicked hand, which he had presuntuously holden up against the temple of god. He caused the tongue also of the ungodly. Nicanor to be cut in little pieces & to be cast to the fowls, & the cruel man's hand to be hanged up before the temple. So every man gave thanks unto the lord, saying: blessed be he, that hath kept his place undefiled. As for Nicanors head, he hanged it up upon the high castle, for an evident & plain token of the help of god. And so they agreed all together to keep the day holy, namely the. xiij. day of the month Adar, which in the Syrians language, is called the next day before Mardocheus day. Thus was Nicanor slain, & from that time forth the jews had the cite in possession: And here will I now make an end. The end of the second book of the Maccabees. ¶ The new Testament in english after the last recognition and setting forth of Erasmus, containing these books. The Gospels. Matthew Mark Luke Iohn. The Acts. The Epistles of. S. Paul. To the Romans The. i corinthians The. two. corinthians To the galatians To the Ephesians To the Philippians To the Collossians The. i thessalonians The. two. Thessalonians The. i. Tymothe The. two. Tymothe To Titus To Philemon To the hebrews. The Epistle of Saint James. The. i. of. S. Peter The. two. of. S Peter The Pistle of, S. Jude The. i. of. S. Iohn The. two. of. S. Iohn The. iii. of. S, Iohn. The Revelation of. S. Iohn. ❧ The Gospel of saint Mathewe. ¶ The genealogy of Chryst, and marriage of his mother Mary. The Angel satisfieth joseph's mind CAPI. Primo. THis is the book of the generation of jesus Chryst, ☞ the Son of David, the son of Abraham. * 〈◊〉. xx●. ● 〈◊〉 24 a Abraham begat Isaac: * 〈◊〉. xxv d Isaac begat jacob: * 〈◊〉 x●l● d jacob begat judas and his brethren: * 〈◊〉. 38. ●. judas begat Phares & Zaram of Thamar * 〈◊〉. 46. b Phares begat Esrom: * ●ara. 〈◊〉. ● 〈◊〉. ii●i. d Esrom begat Aram: * Para. two. b Aram begat Aminadab: * 〈◊〉. i. a Aminadab begat Naasson: * 〈◊〉. iiii. d Naasson begat Salmon: * 〈◊〉. iiii. d Salmon begat Boos of Rahab: * 〈◊〉. iiii. d Boos begat Obed of Ruth: * 〈◊〉. iiii. d Obed begat jesse: * Reg. xvi. ● jesse begat David the king: * ●. Reg. xii. f David the king begat Solomon, of her that was the wife of Uri: * ● Par. iii. b Solomon begat Roboam: * ●. Par. xi. d Roboam begat Abia: * ●. Pa. xi. i d Abia begat Asa: * ●. Reg. ●v. f Asa begat josaphat: * ●. Pa. 17. a ●. Pa. xxi. ● josaphat begat joram: ❧ * ●4. Re. xi a. joram begat Osias: * 〈◊〉▪ Pa.: 6. c. Osias begat joatham: * 〈◊〉. Pa. 27. d jonatham begat Achas: * 〈◊〉. Pa. 28. d Achas begat Ezechias: * ●4. Reg xx. d Ezechias begat Manasses: * ●4. Re. xxi. d. Manasses begat Amon: * ●4 Re. xxi. d Amon begat josias: * 4. Re. 24. b jere. xxii. f josias begat jeconias and his brethren about the time they were carried away to Babylon. And after they were brought to Babylon, * ●. Par. iii. d jechomas begat salathiel: * Agge. i. a ●. ●sdr. iii a i salathiel begat zorobabel: * Par. iii. d zorobabel begat Abiud: * 4. Reg. 18 d Abiud begat Eliachim: Eliachim begat Azor: Azor begat Sadoc: ❧ Sadoc begat Achin: Achin begat Eliud: Eliud begat Eleasar: Eleasar begat Matthan: Matthan begat jacob: jacob begat joseph the husband of Mary: of whom was borne jesus, even he that is called Chryst. ⊢ And so all the generations from Abraham to David, are fourteen generations: And from David unto the captivity of Babylon, are fourteen generations. And from the captivity of Babylon unto Chryst, are x●iii generations. The birth of jesus Chryst was on this wise. ✚ When his mother Mary was married to joseph (before they came to dwell together) she was found with child by the holy ghost. Then joseph her husband (because he was a righteous ma●, and would not put her to shame) he was minded privily to depart from her. But while he thus thought, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in sleep, saying: joseph, thou son of David: fear not to take unto the Mary thy wife. For that which is conceived in her, cometh of the holy ghost. She shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name * Philip. two. b acts. iiii. b jesus. For he shall save his people from thyr sins. All this was done, that it might be fulfil led, which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying: * Esai. ●ii. c. Behold, a maid, shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son/ and they shall call his name Emanuel, which if a man interpret, it is asmuch to say, as God with us. ⊢ And joseph as soon as he awoke out of sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and he took his wife unto him, and knew her not, till she had brought forth * Luke. ●i. ● her ☞ first begotten son/ and called his name jesus. ¶ The time and place of Christ's birth. The wise men offer their presente●. Chryst fleeth in to Egypt's, the young children are slay, Chryst turneth in to Gal●le. CAPI. II. ✚ WHen jesus was borne at Bethleem a city of jury, in the time of Herode the king. Behold, there came wisemen from the East to jurusalem, saying: where is he that is borne king of jews▪ For we have seen his * Nu. xxiii●. ● star in the East, and are come to worship him. When Herode the king had herd these things, he was troubled, and all the city of jerusalem with him: And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them, where Chryst should be borne. And they said unto him: at Bethleem in Iury. For thus it is written by the prophet: ☞ * Mith●. ●. ● And thou Bethleem in the land of juda, art not the least among the Princes of juda. For * Iohsi. seven ● out of the shall there come unto me the captain, that shall govern my people Israel. Then Herode (when he had privily called the wisemen) he inquired of them diligently▪ what time the star appeared, and he bade them go to Bethleem and said: Go your way thither, and search diligently for the child. And when ye have found him/ bring me word again, that I may come & worship him also. ✚ When they had heard the king, they departed: and lo, the star which they saw in the East, went before them/ till it came, and stood over the place, wherein the child was: When they saw the star, they were exceeding glad: & went in to the house/ and found the child with Mary his mother * Psal. 72. b. ●sai. lx ● and fell down flat and worshipped him, and opened their treasures, and offered unto him gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrte. And after they were warned of god in sleep (that they should not go again to Herode) they returned in to their own country another way. ⊢ When they were departed: behold, the angel of the lord appeared to joseph in sleep saying: arise and take the child and his mother, & flee in to Egypt, and be thou there till I bring the word. For it will come to pass, that Herode shall seek the child, to destroy him. So when he awoke, he took the child and his mother by night, and departed in to Egypte, and was there unto the death of Herode: that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken of the lord by the Prophet, saying: * Osee. xi. ● Nu. xxiiii. e out of Egypt have I called my son. Then Herode when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, he was exceeding wroth, and sent forth men of war, and slew all the children that were in Bethleem, and in all the coostes (as many as were two year old or under) according to the time, which he had diligently known out of the wise men. Then was fulfilled that, which was spoken by the Prophet jeremy: where as he said: in Rama was there a voice heard * ●●●●. xxxi. c lamentation, weeping, and great mourning: Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted ☞ because they were not. ⊢ But when Herode was dead: behold, ✚ an angel of the Lord appeared in a sleep to joseph/ in Egypte, saying: arise, and take the child and his mother, and go in to the land of Israel. * Exodi. iiii. ● For they are dead which sought the child's life. And he arose, & took the child and his mother, and came in to the land of Israel. But when he heard, that Archelaus did reign in jury, in the room of his father Herode, he was afraid to go thither. notwithstanding, after he was warned of god in a sleep, he turned aside into the parties of Galilee, and went and dwelt in a city which is called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Prophets: he shall be called a Nazarite. ⊢ ¶ The baptism, preaching, and office of Iohn: and how Chryst was baptized of him in jordane. CAPI. III. ✚ IN those days came Iohn the * Mark. i. ● Luke. three ●. Iohn. three d. baptist, preaching in the wylnernesse of jury and saying. ‡ Mat. iiii ● ☞ Repent, of the life that is past, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. * Iohn. i b For this is he of whom the prophet Esay spoke, which sayeth. * Esai. x●. a The voice of a crier in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord: and make his paths straight. This Iohn had his garment of camels here. * 4. Re 18. b. And a girdle of a skin about his loins. * Mark. i. ● His meat was locusts and * i Reg. 14. d wild honey. Then went out to him, jerusalem & all jury, and all the region round about jordane, and were baptized of him in jordan, confessing their sins. ⊢ ✚ But when he saw many of the Pharisees, and Saducees come to his baptism, he said unto them: * Luke. three ●. O generation of vipers: who hath taught you to flee from the vengeance to come? Bring forth therefore the fruits that be long to repentance. And be not of such mind that ye would say within yourselves: we have Abraham to our father. For I say unto you, that God is able to bring to pass, that of these stones there shall rise up children unto Abraham. Even now is the are also put unto the rote of the trees: so that * Mat. seven. ●, Luke. three b. every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit, is hewn down, and cast into the fire I baptize you in water * Mark. i. ● Luke. iii. c Iohn. i. d unto repentance/ but he that shall come after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear. He shall baptize you with the holy ghost and with fire: * Luke. iii. d Whose fan is in his hand, and he will purge his floor, and gather his wheat in to the barn, but will burn the chaff with unquenchable fire. ⊢ ✚ Then cometh jesus from Galilee to jordane unto Iohn * Mark. i, ● to be baptized of him. But Iohn forbade him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee: and comest thou to me? jesus answered and said unto him: Let it be so now. For thus it becometh us to fulfil all rightwiseness. Then he suffered him. And jesus when he was baptized, came straight way out of the water. And lo * Mark. i. ● Luke. iii. d▪ Iohn. i. ●. heaven was open unto him: and he saw the spirit of god descending like a dove, & lyghting upon him. And lo, there came a voice from heaven, saying. * Esai. xiii. ● Mat. xvii b Mathe. i. b Luke. three d. two. P●●●● This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased▪ ⊢ ¶ Chryst fasteth and so tempted: he calleth Peter, andrew, james, and Iohn, and healeth all the sick. CAPI. four ✚ THen was jesus * Mathe. i. b Luke. iiii. b led away of the spirit in to wilderness: to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted. xl. days, and. xl. nights, he was at the last an hungered. And when the tempter came to him, he said, if thou be the son of god/ command that these stones be made bread. But he answered & said: it is written: * duty. ●. ●▪ Luke. iiii a. Depi. xvi. e Man shall not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of god. Then the devil taketh him up in to the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple/ and sayeth unto him: if thou be the son God/ cast thyself down headlong. For it is written: * Psal. 92. ●. He shall give his Angels charge over thee: and with their hands they shall hold the up, least at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. And jesus said to him: it is written again. * duty. vi. ● Luke. iiii. b. Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Again, the devil taketh him up in to an exceeding high mountain, & showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, & the glory of them, & sayeth unto him, all these will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down, & worship me. Then sayeth jesus unto him: Avoid Satan. For it is written. * duty. vi. c and. x. d Luke. iiii. b. i Reg. seven▪ a Thou shalt worship the lord thy god, & him only shalt thou serve. Then the devil leaveth him, & behold, * Mark. i. b the angels came & ministered unto him. ⊢ ✚ When jesus had herd * Mark. i. b that john was taken, he departed in to Galilee, and left Nazareth, and went and dwelt in Capernaum, which is a city upon the see coost, in the borders of Zabulon & Neptalim: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esay the prophet, saying: * Esai. ix. a. The land of Zabulon & Nephtalim, by the way of the see beyond jordane, Galilee of the gentiles: the people which sat in darkness, and in the shadow of death, saw great light, & to them which sat in the region and shadow of death/ is the light sprung up. From that time, jesus began to * Math. iii. a Mark. i. a preach, and to say: ‡ Mark. i. a Math. iii▪ a repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. ⊢ ✚ * Mar. i. b As jesus walked by the see of Galilee he saw two brethren: Simon, which was called Peter, & Andrew his brother, casting a net in to the see (for they were fishers) and he sayeth unto them: follow me, and I will make you ❀ (to become) * jere. xvi. b Ezech. 47 b fishers of men. And they straight way left the nets and followed him. And when he was gone forth from thence, he saw other two brethren, james the son of zebedee, & Iohn his brother/ in the ship with zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. And they immediately * Luke. v. b let the ship and their father, and followed him. ⊢ ✚ And jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the Gospel of the kingdom, & healing all manner of sickness, and all manner of disease among the people. And his fame spread abroad throughout all Syria. And they brought unto him all sick people, that were taken with divers diseases and gripings, and them that were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatic, and those that had the palsy: and he healed them. * Ma And there followed him great multitudes of people, from Galilee, ⊢ & from the ten cities/ & from jerusalem, and from jury, and from the regions that lie beyond jordane. ¶ In this chapter and in the next following in contained the most excellent and loving sermon of Chryst in the moune: which Sermon. is the very hay that openeth the understanding in to the law. In this ●y●th Chupiter, specially he preacheth of the viii. bearitudes or blessings, of manslaughter, wrath and anger of advoutrey, of 〈◊〉, of 〈◊〉 fearing wrong and of love, even toward ● man's enemies. CAPI. V WHen he saw the people he went up in to a mountain, and when he was see, his disciples came to him, and after that he had opened his mouth, he taught them saying. * Luke. vi. d Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. * Esai. 66. ● Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall receive comfort. Blessed are the meek: for they shall receive the inheritance of the earth. Blessed are they which * jere. xxx● hunger and thirst after rightwiseness: for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peace makers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they which suffer persecution for rightwiseness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. * i. Peter. 〈◊〉 iii. c. ●. iiii Blessed are ye, when men revile you/ and pesecuten you, and shall falsely say all manner of evil sayings against you, for my sake. * Acts. v. ● Rejoice and be glad, for great is your reward in heaven. ⊢ For so persecuted they the prophets, which were before you. ✚ Ye are the salt of the earth: * Mark. ix. Luke. xiii Leu three two But if the salt have lost the saltness, what shallbe seasoned therewith? It is thence forth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden down of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill, can not be hid/ * Mar. iii● Luke. ●. and. xi. ● neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it giveth light unto all that are in the house Let your light so shine before men, * ●●●●●. two. ● that they may see your good works, and glorify your father which is in heaven. ⊢ ✚ Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: no, I am not come to destroy, but * ●th. i. d 〈◊〉 ●, d to fulfil. For truly I say unto you, * ●e. 〈◊〉. d ●i. xl. ●. till heaven and earth pass, one jot, or one title of the law shall not scape, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore breaketh * me●. i●. b ●he. 38 b one of these least commandments/ & teacheth men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But whosoever doth & teacheth the same, shallbe called great in the kingdom of heaven. ⊢ ✚ For I say unto you: except your righteousness exceed the righteousness of the scribes & Pharisees, ye can not enter in to the kingdom of heaven. Ye have herd that it was said unto them of the old time: * ●● 〈◊〉. c. 〈◊〉 ●. ● c. ●8. d. Thou shalt not kill: whosoever killeth, shall be in danger of judgement. But I say unto you: that whosoever is angry with his brother (unadvisedly). shall be in danger of judgement. And whosoever saith unto his brother ☞ Racha, shall be in danger of a counsel. But whosoever sayeth thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire. Therefore if thou offerest thy gift at the altar, & there remember'st that thy brother hath aught against thee: leave there thine offering before the altar * ●iii. ● and go thy way first, and be reconciled to thy brother, and then come, and offer thy gift. ⊢ ✚ * ●xii. ●. Agree with thine adversary quickly/ whiles thou art in the way with him, least at any time the adversary deliver the to the judge, & the judge deliver the to the minister, & then thou be cast into prison. verily I say unto thee: thou shalt not come out thence, till thou have paid the uttermost farthing. Ye have herd that it was said to them of old tyme. * ●●●. ●. xiii. ● Thou shalt not commit adultery. But I say unto you, * 〈◊〉 ● xxi. ●. that whosoever looketh on another man's wife to lust after her/ hath committed adultery, with her all ready in his heart. * ●. 〈◊〉. ● If thy right eye hinder thee, ☞ pluck him out, & cast him from the. For better it is unto thee, that one of thy members perish, then that thy hole body should be cast in to hell. And if thy right hand hinder thee/ cut him of, and cast him from the. For better it is unto thee, that one of thy members perish, then that all thy body should be cast in to hell. ⊢ It is said, whosoever putteth away his wife * ●●●●. ●. let him give her a letter of the divorcement. * Math. 〈◊〉 Mark. ●. ● But I say unto you: that who soever doth put away his wife (except it be for fornication) causeth her to break matrimony. And whosoever marrieth her that is divorced, committeth adultery. Again/ ye have herd how it was said to them of old time: * Leviti 〈◊〉. ● Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord those things that thou swearest. * James. v. v But I say unto you, swear not at all: neither by heaven * Esai. 66. ●. Mat. xxiii ●. for it is god seat, nor by the earth, for it is his foot stole: neither by jerusalem: for it is the city of the great king: neither shalt thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one here white or black. But your communication shallbe, yea, yea: nay nay. For what soever is added more than these, it cometh of evil. Ye have herd that it is said: * Exodi. x●●. ● Deut. nineteen. d Leuiti. 24 d an eye for an eye: and a tooth for a tooth. But I say unto you/ that ye ☞ resist not evil. But * Luke. v●. ●. who soever giveth the a blow on the right cheek/ turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue the at the law, and take a way thy cote/ let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever will compel the to go a mile/ go with him twain. give to him that asketh thee: and from him that would borrow, turn not thou away. ✚ Ye have herd that it is said, * Leuti. x●●. ● Mat. xxii. ● Thou shalt love thine neighbour/ and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, love your enemies. * Roma. 〈◊〉. ● Bless them that curse you * levit. nineteen. d do good to them that hate you. Pray for them which hurt you and persecute you/ that ye may be the Children of your father which is in heaven: for he maketh his son to arise on the evil/ and on the good/ and sendeth rain on the just and unjust. For * Luke. vi. ● if we love them, which love you: what reward have ye? Do not the publicans also even the same? And if ye make much of your brethren only/ what singular thing do ye? Do not also the publicans like wise? * levit. nineteen. d Ye shall therefore be perfit, even as your father which is in heaven/ is perfit. ⊢ ¶ Of alms, prayer, and fasting. He forbiddeth the carefulness of worldly things. CAPI. VI ✚ TAke heed, that ye give not your alms in the sight of men, to the intent that ye would be seen of them. Or else ye have no reward with your father which is in heaven. Therefore, when thou givest thine alms/ let not trumpets be blown before thee/ as the hypocrites do in the synagogues & in the streets, for to be praised of men. verily I say unto you: they have their reward. But when thou wilt give alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doth, that thine alms may be in secret: and thy father which seeth in secret/ shall reward the openly. ⊢ And when thou prayest * 3. Reg. 18. c. Esai. xxix. d thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are. For they use to stand praying in the synagogues/ & in the cornors of the streets, that they may be seen of men. verily I say unto you: they have their reward. But when thou prayest * 4. Reg. 4. f enter in to thy chamber, & when thou hast shut thy door pray to thy father which is in secret: and thy father which seeth in secret, shall reward the openly. But when ye pray * Esai. ●d babble not much, as the Heathen do: for they think it will come to pass, that they shall be herd for their much babblings sake. Be not ye therefore like unto them. * Roma. 8. d. For your father knoweth what things ye have need of before ye ask of him: after this manner therefore pray ye. * Luke. xi. a Our father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done as well in earth, as it is in heaven. give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our ☞ debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not in to temptation: but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom and the power, and the glory forever: Amen. Therefore * Mat. viii. d Mark. xi. d if ye forgive other men their trespasses, your heavenly father shall forgive you ❀ your trespasses.) But if ye will not forgive men their trespasses, no more shall your father forgive you your trespasses ✚ Moreover * Esai. 58. a Mat. ix. b jere. xvii. b when ye fast, be not sad as the hypocrites are. For they disfigure their faces that it may appear unto men, how that they fast. verily I say unto you: they have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest/ anoint thine head, and wash thy face, that it appear not unto men, how that thou fastest: but unto thy father, which is in secret, and thy father which seeth in secret, shall reward the openly. Say not up for your selves treasure upon earth, where the rust and moth doth corrupt, & where thieves break through, and steal. * Luke. x●i. d. Eccle xxii b But lay up for you treasures in heaven, where neither rust, nor moth doth corrupt, & where thieves do not break thorough nor steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. ⊢ * Luke. xi. c. The light of the body is the eye. Wherefore if thine eye be single, all thy body shallbe full of light. But & if thine eye be wicked, all thy body shall be full of darkness. Wherefore, if the light that is in the be darkness how great is that darkness. ✚ * Luke. xvi. c No man can serve two masters. For either he shall hate the one, & love the other/ or else lean to the one, and despise the other: Ye can not serve God and Mammon. Therefore I say unto you: * Luke. xii. c. Psal. ●v. d. 1. Peter. v. c be not careful for your life, what ye shall eat/ or drink: nor yet for your body, what raiment ye shall put on. Is not the life more worth than meat, and the body more of value then raiment? Behold, the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor carry in to the barns: and your heavenly father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? * Luke. xii. d Which of you (by taking careful thought) can add one cubyt unto his stature? And why care ye for raiment? consider the lilies of the field how they grow. They labour not, neither do they spin. And yet I say unto you, that even Solomon in all his royalty was not arrayed like unto one of these. Wherefore, if God so cloth the grass of the field (which though it stand to day/ is to morrow cast into the furnace) shall he not much more do the same for you, o ye of little faith? Therefore, take no thought saying: what shall we eat, or what shall we drink, or where with shall we be clothed? after all these things do the gentiles seek. For your heavenly father knoweth, that ye have need of all these things. But rather seek ye first the kingdom of god, and the right wyse●●else thereof, and all these things shall be ministered unto you. ⊢ Care not then for the morrow, for the morrow day shall care for itself: sufficient unto the day, is the travail thereof. ¶ He forbiddeth foolish and rash judgement, reproveth ypocrisye, exhorteth unto prayer. warneth to beware of false prophets, and willeth the hearers of his word, to be doers of the same. CAPI. VII. I * Luke. v●. ● Urge not, that ye be not judged. ❀ (condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned.) * Roma. two.. a For as ye judge, so shall ye be judged. * Luke. vi. ● Luke. vi. ● And with what measure ye meat/ with the same shall other men measure to you. * Luke. vi. ● Why seest thou a more in thy brother's eye, but consyderest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how sayest thou to thy brother (brother) suffer me, I will pluck out a more out of thine eye, and behold a beam is in thine own eye: Thou hypocrite/ first cast out the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pluck out the more out of thy brother's eye. give not ye that which is holy unto dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they tread them under their feet, and the other turn against you, and all to rend you. Ask, & it shall be given you. * ●ere. xxix. c Iohn. 16. f. Luke. xi. b Seek, and ye shall find: knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For whosoever asketh, receiveth, and whosoever seeketh findeth: and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. Is there any man among you, which (if his son ask bread) will offer him a stone? Or if he ask fish, will he proffer him a serpent? If ye then (when ye are evil) can give your children good gifts/ how moche more shall your father which is in heaven, give good things, if ye ask of him? Therefore * Eccle. 31. b Tobi. ●iii. ● Luke. vi. e. whatsoever ye would that men should do to you: do ye even so to them also. For this is the law and the prophets. * Luke. xiii. e Enter in at the straight gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction: and many there be which go in thereat. For straight is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life: and few there be that find it. ✚ * Det● xiii. d i. Iohn. 4. a Beware of false Prophets, which come to you in sheeps clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. * Luke. vi. g. Do men gather grapes of thorns? or fyggꝭ of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruits But a corrupt tre/ bringeth forth evil fruits. * Math. xii ● A good tree cannot bring forth bad fruit: neither can a bad tree bring forth good fruits. * Meth. iii. b Luke. three b. Every tre that bringeth not forth good fruit, is hewn down/ and cast into the fire. Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that sayeth unto me * Mat, 25. b. Luke. vi. g. and. x●●●●. e Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven: but he that doth the will of my father which is in heaven. ❀ (He shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.) ⊢ Many will say to me in that day: Lord, Lord/ have we not prophesied thorough thy name. * Act●●. nineteen. ● And thorough thy name have cast out devils? And done many miracles, thorough thy name? And then will I knowledge unto them: I never knew you. * Psal. vi. b▪ Luck. xiii. d Depart from me, ye that work iniquity. For whosoever heareth of me these words, and doth the same, I will liken him unto a wise man, which * Luke. vi. ●. built his house upon a rock: and a shower of rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blue, and bet upon that house, and it fell not/ because it was grounded on the rock. And every one that heareth of me these words, * James. i b. and doth them not, shallbe likened unto a foolish man/ which built his house upon sand: and a shower * ●●●the. 13 b of rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blewe, and bet upon that house and it fell, and great was the fall of it. And it came to pass, that when jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonied at his doctrine. * Mark. ●● Luke. i●i●. ● For he taught them as one having power, and not as the scribes. ❀ (of them, and the pharisees.) ¶ Chryst cleanseth the leper, healeth the captains servant, and many other diseases: he helpeth Peter's mother in-law, stilleth the see, and the wind: and driveth the devils out of the possessed into the swine. CAPI. VIII. ✚ WHen he was come down from the mountain, much people followed him. And behold, * Luke. v. e Mark. i. ● there came a leper/ and worshipped him saying: Master, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And jesus put forth his hand and touched him saying: I will, be thou clean, and immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And jesus sayeth unto him: see thou tell no man * Leuiti. 14 ● but go and show self to the Priest, and offer the gift (that Moses commanded to be offered) for a witness unto them. ⊢ ✚ And when jesus was entered * Luke. seven. d Iohn. iiii ● into Capernaum, there came unto him a ☞ Centurion, and besought him, saying: Master/ my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, and is grievously pained. And jesus sayeth: when I come unto him, I will heal him. The Centurion answered, and said: Sir, I am not worthy, that thou shouldest come under my roof: but * Psal. 〈…〉 speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I also myself am a man subject to the authority of another, and have soldiers under me, and I say to this man, go, and he goeth: and to an other come, and he cometh/ and to my servant do this, and he doth it. When jesus heard these words, he marueyled and said to them that followed him: verily I say unto you I have not found so great faith in Israel. I say unto you that * Luke. xiii. ● Esai. xli. ● many shall come from the East and west/ and shall rest with Abraham & Isaac and jacob in the kingdom or heaven: but the children of the kingdom shallbe cast out into utter darkness: there shallbe weeping & guasshing of death. And jesus said unto the Centurion: go thy way, and as thou believest, so be it unto the. And his servant was healed in the self same hour. ⊢ * Mark. ●. ●. Luke. iiii. ●. And when jesus was come in to Peter's house, he saw his wives mother dying in bed, & sick of a fever. And he touched her hand, & the fever left her: & she arose, & ministered unto them. When the evening drew on, they brought unto him many that were possessed with devils And he cast out the spirits with a word/ and healed all that were sick, that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by Esay the prophet, when he sayeth: * Psal. ●●ii. v. Pe●. two. d He took on him our infirmities, and bore our sicknesses. When jesus saw much people about him, he commanded that they should go unto the other side of the water. And a certain scribe (when he was come) said unto him: * Luke. ix. g Master, I will follow the whither soever thou goest. And jesus sayeth unto him: the foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the son of man hath not where to rest his head. An other of the number of his disciples said unto him: * Luke. ix. g Master, suffer me first to go and bury my father. But jesus said unto him: follow me, and let the dead butye their dead▪ ✚ And when he entered in to a ship, his disciples followed him. And behold, * Mat. iiii. d. Luke. viii. c there arose a great tempest in the see, in so much that the ship was covered with waves, but he was a sleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying: Master, save us, we perish. And he sayeth unto them: why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith. Then he arose * job. xxvi. d Psal. cvii c and rebuked the winds and the see, and there followed a great calm. But the men marveled saying: What manner of man is this, that both winds and see obey him? ⊢ * Mark. v a Luke. viii. d And when he was come to the other side, in to the country of the Gergesites, there met him two possessed of devils, which came out of the graves, and were out of measure fierce, so that no man might go by that way. And behold, they cried out, saying: * Math. v. a. O jesus, thou son of god ‡ Luke. viii d xii. ●o. vi. ● what have we to do with thee? Art thou come hither to torment us before the time? And there was a good way of from them * Mat. viii. ● a heerde of many swine, feeding. So, the devils besought him, saying: If thou cast us out, suffer us to go our way in to the heerde of swine. And he said unto them: go your ways. Then went they out, and departed in to the heerde of swine. And behold, the hole heerde of fwyne was carried headling in to the see, and perished in the waters. Then they that kept them, fled and went their ways in to the City, and told every thing, and what had fortuned unto the possessed of the devils. And behold, the hole City came out to meet jesus: and when they saw him, * 〈◊〉. xv. ● they besought him that he would depart out of their coostes. ¶ He healeth the palsy, calleth Matthew from the custom, answereth for his disciples, healeth the woman of the bloody issue, helpeth jairus daughter, giveth two blind men their sight, maketh a dumb man to speak, & driveth out a devil. CAPI. IX. ✚ HE entered also in to a ship, and passed over, and came in to his own city. And behold, * Mark. 〈◊〉 a. Luke. v. d they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, dying in a bed. And when jesus saw the faith of them, he said unto the sick of the palsy: son, be of good cheer, thy sins be forgiven the. And behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves: this man blasphemeth. And when jesus saw their thoughts, he said: Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts? Whither is easier to say, thy sins be forgiven thee, or to say, arise and walk? But that ye may know, that the son of man hath power to forgive sins in earth. Then sayeth he unto the sick of the palsy: * Acts. three b. and 〈◊〉. f Math. 〈◊〉 b Luke. v. c Iohn. ●. ● Arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thine house. And he arose, & departed to his house. But the people that saw it, marveled, and glorified god, which had given such power unto men. ⊢ ✚ And as jesus passed forth from thence he saw a man (named Mathewe) sitting at the receit of custom, and he sayeth unto him: follow me. And he arose and followed him. And it came to pass as jesus sat at meat in his house: behold many publicans also and sinners that came, sat down with jesus and his disciples. And when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto his disciples: why eateth your master with Publicans and sinners? But when jesus heard that, he said unto them. They that be strong, need not the Physician, but they that are sick. Go ye rather and learn what that meaneth. * Ose●. vi. e Math. xii ● I will have mercy, and not sacrifice. For I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance: ⊢ ✚ Then came the disciples of Iohn unto him, saying: * Math. vi. b Mark. two. ●. Luke. v. ● Why do we and the Pharisees fast, for the most part: but thy disciples fast not? And jesus said unto them: Can the bridegroom's children mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast. No man putteth a piece of new cloth in an old garment. For than taketh he away the piece from the garment, & the rent is made worse. Neither do men put new wine in to old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles perish. But they put new wine in to new bottles, and both are saved together. ⊢ ✚ While he thus spoke unto them, * Mark. v. d. Luke. viii. ● behold there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying: My daughter is even now deceased, but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. And jesus arose, and followed him, and (so did) his disciples, * Mark. v. c Luke. viii. ● Leviti xv. ● And behold, a woman which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his vesture. For she said within herself: if I may touch but even his vesture only, I shallbe safe. But jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said: Daughter, be of good comfort, thy faith hath made the safe. And the woman was made hole, even that same time, ⊢ * Mark. v d Luke. viii g And when jesus came in to the ruler's house, and saw the mynstrels, and the people making a noise, he said unto them: get you hence, for the maid is not dead, but * Iohn. xi. b. sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. But when the people were put forth, he went in, & took her by the hand, ❀ (and said, damsel, arise) & the damsel arose. And this noise went abroad in to all the land. And when jesus departed thence, two blind men followed him, crying & saying. O thou son of David, have mercy on us. And when he was come in to the house, the blind came to him. And jesus saith unto them. believe ye, that I am able to do this? They say unto him: Lord, we believe. Then touched he their eyes, saying: * Math. 8. b. according to your faith, be it unto you. And their eyes were opened. And jesus charged them, saying: See that no man know of it. But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his name in all that land. As they went out, behold * Mat. seven. d. Luke. xi. b they brought to him a dumb man possessed of a devil. And when the devil was cast out, the dumb spoke. And the people marveled, saying: it was never so seen in Israel. But the Pharisees said. * Math. xii b Mark. iii. b Luke. xi. b He casteth out devils, thorough the prince of devils. ‡ Mar. vi ● And jesus went about all cities & towns, teaching in their synagogues: and preaching the glad tidings of the kingdom, & healing every sickness & every disease among the people. But when he saw the people: * Mar. vi. d. he was moved with compassion on them, because they were destitute, and scattered abroad, even as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, * Luke. x. ● the harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send labourers in to his harvest. ¶ Christ sendeth out his. xii. apostles to preach in I●●y●, syveth them charge, teacheth them, and comforteth ●he●●● against persecution and trouble. CAPI. X. ANd when his * Mark. ● Luke. ●● twelve disciples were called unto him, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, & to heal all manner of sickness, & all manner of disease. The names of the twelve apostles are these: The first, Simon which is called Peter: and Andrew his brother? james the son of zebedee, and Iohn his brother: Philip and Barthylmew: Thomas & Matthew, which had been a ☞ Publican. james the son▪ of Alphe, and Lebbeus, (whose surname was Taddeus) Simon of Canaan, and judas Iscarioth, which also betrayed him. * Mark. ● jesus sent forth these. xii. in number, whom he commanded, saying. Go not into the way of the gentiles, and in to the city of the Samaritans entre ye not. But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Go and preach, saying: The kingdom of heaven is at hand: heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils. * Acts. x. ● Freely ye have received: give freely. ‡ Mat. 〈◊〉 Luke. ●●● Possess not gold nor silver, nor ☞ brass in your purses, nor yet scrip toward your journey: neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet a rod. * i Timo. ●● For the workman is worthy of his meat. But to what soever city or town ye shall come, inquire who is worthy in it, and there abide till ye go thence. * Luke. ix● and ●. ●. And when ye come in to an house, salute the same. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it. But if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you again. And who soever shall not receive you, nor will hear your preaching: When ye depart out of the house or that city, * Mat. v●● Ac●●● xii●● shake of the dust of your feet. verily I say unto you: it shall be easier for the land of Zodom/ and Gomor in the day of judgement, then for that city. Behold, I send you forth, as sheep among wolves. Be ye therefore wise as serpent's Mat. ●ii● Luke. 〈◊〉 Iohn. x●●● / and innocent as doves. * Luke. x● But beware of men, for they shall deliver you up to the counsels, and shall scourge you in their synagogues. And ye shall be brought unto the head rulers, and kings, for my sake, in witness to them and to the gentiles: But * Mat. xi●● Luke. xi. ● when they deliver you up, take ye no thought, how or what ye shall speak: * Exod. ●iii▪ ● For it shall be given you, even in that same hour, what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the spirit of your father which speaketh in you. * Miche. 7. ● The brother shall deliver up the brother to death, & the father the son. And the children shall arise against their fathers and mothers, & shall put them to death: and ye shallbe hated of all men for my name sake. * Mat▪ 14. a. But he that endureth to the end, shall be saved. But * Math. two. ●. 〈◊〉. 8. a 〈◊〉. xii●●. ●. when they persecute you in this city flee ye in to an other. For verily I say unto you: ye shall not go thorough all the cities of Israel, till the son of man be come. * Luke. vi. ● The disciple is not above the master: nor the servant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple, that he be as his master is, and that the servant be as his lord is. If they have called the lord of the house Beelzebub: how moche more shall they call them of his household so? Fear them not therefore. * Mat. ●ii●. ●. Luke. viii. ●●d. xii, a For there is nothing close, that shall not be opened: & nothing hid, that shall not be known. What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light. And what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye on the house tops. * Luke. xii. a. And fear ye not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. But rather fear him, which is able to destroy both soul and body in to hell. Are not two little sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not light on the ground without your father. Yea, even all the hairs of your head are numbered. Fear ye not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. * Mat. viii. d Luke. ix. ●, and▪ xii. ● Every one therefore that shall knowledge me before men, him will I knowledge also before my father which is in heaven. But who soever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my father which is in heaven. Think not * Luke. xii. g. that I am come to send peace into the earth. I came not to send peace but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance * Miche. 7. a against his father, & the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man's foes shall be they that are of his own hausholde. * Luke. xiiii. c He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me. And he that loveth son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross and followeth me, is not worthy of me. * Mat. xvi. d Mat. viii d Luke. xii▪ b. He that findeth his life, shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake, shall find it. * Luke. ix. ● Iohn. xiii. c He that receiveth you, receiveth me: and he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me. He that * ● Reg. 18. b receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet, shall receive a prophetis reward. And he that receiveth a righteous man, in the name of a righteous man, shall receive a righteous man's reward. * Mark. ix. ●. And who soever shall give unto one of these little ones to drink, a cup of cold water only (in the name of a disciple) verily I say unto you: he shall not lose his reward. ¶ Iohn Bapiyst, sendeth his disciples unto Christ. CAPI. XI. ANd it came to pass, that when jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed thence, to teach and to preach in their cities. ✚ When Iohn being in prison heard the words of Christ, he sent two of his disciples and said unto him. Art thou he that shall come: or do we look for an other. jesus answered, and said unto them. Go, and show Iohn again, what ye have herd and seen. * Esa. thirty The blind receive their sight: the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor * Esai. ●xi. a receive the glad tidings of the gospel. And happy is he, that is not offended by me. * Luke. xi. ● And as they departed, jesus began to say unto the people concerning Iohn. What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed that is shaken with the wind? Or what went ye out to see? a man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft clothing: are in kings houses. But what went ye out to see? A prophet: verily I say unto you: & more than a prophet. For this is he, of whom it is written. * Mala. ●ii▪ ● Mark. ●. ● Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before the. ⊢ ✚ verily I say unto you: among them that are borne of women, arose not a greater than Iohn the baptist. notwithstanding ☞ he that is less: in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of Iohn baptist until this day, the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent pluck it unto them. * Luke. xvi. d For all the prophets, and the law itself prophesied ☞ unto Iohn. And if ye will receive it * Mala. iii. d Luke. i. b Iohn. i. ● this is Helyas, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear let him hear. ⊢ * Luke. vi●. ●. But whereunto shall I liken this generation? It is like unto children which sit in the market places, and call unto their fellows, and say: We have piped unto you, and ye have not danced? we have mourned unto you, and ye have not sorrowed. For Iohn came neither cating nor drinking, and ye say, he hath the devil. The son of man came eating and drinking, and they say: behold a glutton, and an unmeasurable drinker of wine, and a friend unto publicans and sinners. And wisdom is justified of her children. ✚ * Luke. x. ● Then began he to upbraid the cities which most of his miracles were done in, because they repented not of their sins. woe unto the Chorasin. woe unto the Bethsaida: for if the miracles which were showed in you, had been done in the city of tire or Sidon, they had repent of their sins long agone in sack cloth and ashes. Nevertheless I say unto you: it shall be easier for tire and Sidon at the day of judgement, then for you. And thou Capernaum, which ●ete lift up unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell. For if the miracles which have been done in thee, had been showed in Zodom: they had remained until this day. Nevertheless, I say unto you: that it shall be easier for the land of Zodom in the day of judgement, them for the. ⊢ ✚ At that time jesus answered & said: I thank thee, O father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise & prudent, & hast showed them unto babes: verily father, even so was it thy good pleasure. * Meth. 2●. d Luke. x. d Iohn. ●i●. d. All things are given over unto me of my father. ‡ Iohn. 7. d and. viii. ● And no man knoweth the son but the father: neither knoweth any man the father, save the son, and he to whom soever the son will open him. Come unto me all ye that labour: and are laden, and I will ease you. * Eccle. vi. d. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, * ● Iohn. v. ● and my burden is light. ⊢ ¶ The disciples pluck the ●●●es of corn. Chryst healeth the dried hand, helpeth the possessed that was blind & dumb, and showeth who is his brother, sister, and mother. CAPI. XII. AT that time jesus went on the Sabbath days * Mark. i● d thorough the corn, and his disciples were an hungered, and began to * Deu. xxiii. d pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him: Behold, thy disciples do that, which is not lawful ❀ (for them) to do upon the Sabbath day. But he said unto them: Have ye not red what David did, when he was an hungered, & they that were with him? * ●. Reg. xxi. a How he entered in to the house of god, and did eat the show breads, which were not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? Or have ye not red in the law, how that (on the Sabbath days) the priests in the temple break the Sabbath, and are blameless? But I say unto you: that in this place is one greater than the temple. Wherefore, if ye wist what this meaneth, * ●●●●. vi. ●. Mark. ix. ● I require mercy, and not sacrifice: ye would not have condemned innocentes. ⊢ For the son of man also, is lord even of the Sabbath day. And he departed thence * Mat. iii. ● Luke. v●. ● and went in to the synagogue: and be hold, there was a man which had his hand dried up. And they asked him saying: * Luke. 〈◊〉▪ ● Is it lawful to heal upon the Sabbath days? that they might accuse him. And he said unto them: which of you will it be, that shall have * Deu. xxii ● a sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the Sabbath day, will he not take it and lift it out? How moche more than is a man better than a sheep? Wherefore, it is lawful to do a good deed on the Sabbath days. Then saith he to the man: stretch forth thy hand. And he stretched it forth. And it was restored unto health, like as the other. ✚ * Math. 〈◊〉 Iohn. x. ● and. xi. ● Than the Pharisees went out, and held a counsel against him, how they might destroy him. But when jesus knew it, he departed thence, & moche people followed him, and he healed them all, & charged them, that they should not make him known: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esay the prophet, which sayeth: * Esai, x●●●▪ ● Behold my child, whom I have chosen, my beloved in whom my soul delighteth. I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall show judgement to the gentiles. He shall not strive nor cry, neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets, a brosed reed shall he not break and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgement unto victory, and in his name shall the gentiles trust. ⊢ * Luke. 〈◊〉. ● Then was brought to him a blind and dumb man, that was vexed with a devil: & he healed him, in so much, that the blind and dumb, both spoke & saw. And all the people were amazed, & said: Is not this that son of David? * Math. i●. ● Mark. 〈◊〉 Luke. xi. ● But when the Pharisees heard it, they said. This fellow driveth the devils none otherwise out, but by the help of Belzebub the chief of the devils. But when jesus knew their thought, he said unto them: Every kingdom divided against itself, shall be brought to nought. And every city or house divided against itself, shall not stand. And if Satan cast out Satan, then is he divided against himself. How shall then his kingdom endure? Also, if I by the help of Belzebub cast out devils, by whose help do your children cast them out? Therefore, they shall be your iudgis. But if I cast out the devils by the spirit of God, then is the kingdom of God come unto you: Or else * Luke. xi. ● how can one entre in to a strong man's house, and spoil his jewels except he first bind the strong man, and then spoil his house? ✚ He that is not with me, is against me. And he that gathereth not with me, scattereth abroad. Wherefore, I say unto you, all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men, * Math. iii d Luke. xii. d. but the blasphemy against the spirit, shall not be forgiven unto men. * Regum. two. ● And who soever speaketh a word against the son of man, it shall be forgiven him. But whosoever speaketh against the holy ghost, it shall not he forgiven him, neither in this world, nor in the world to come: * Mat. seven. ●. Either make the tree good, and the fruit good, or else make the tree evil, & his fruit evil. * Luke. vi. ● For the tree is known by his fruit O generation of vipers, how can ye speak good things, when ye yourselves are evil? * Psal. x●. b Luke. vi. g. For out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart, bringeth forth good things. And an evil man, out of evil treasure, bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, of every idle word that men shall have spoken, they shall give accounts in the day of judgement. * ●. Regum. i. ● Luke. nineteen. b. For out of thy words thou shalt be justified: and out of thy wordis thou shalt be condemned. ⊢ ✚ Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees asked him, saying. * Mat. viii b Luke. xi. b Master, we will see a sign of the. But he answered and said to them. * Mat. xvi. ● The evil and adulterous generation * Mar. viii ● Luke. two. d Iohn. vi. d. jonas. two. a seeketh a sign and there shall no sign be given to them, but the sign of the prophet jonas. * jonas. two. a For as jonas was three days and three nights in the whales belly: so shall the son of man be three days & three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Ninive shall rise in the judgement with this nation, & condemn it, because * jonas. iii. c they amended at the preaching of jonas. Behold, here is one greater than jonas. * ●. Regum. x. a two, Pat. 〈◊〉. a Luke. xi. d The queen of the south shall rise in the judgement, with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the world to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And behold, in this place is one greater than Solomon. * Luke. xi. d When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh throughout dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith: I will return in to my house, from whence I came out. And when he is come, he findeth it empty, and swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, & taketh unto him seven other spirits worse than himself, and so entereth he in, and dwelleth there. And * two. Pet. two. d. Hebru. vi. a the end of that man is worse than the beginning. Even so shall it be also, unto this froward generation While he yet talked to the people: * Mark. iii. d Luke. viii. ● behold his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him. Than one said unto him: Behold, * Mark. iii. d Luke. v●i. c thy mother & thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with the. But he answered, and said unto him that had told him: Who is my mother? or who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said: * Iohn. xv. ● behold, my mother and my brethren. For whosoever doth the will of my father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, sister, and mother. ⊢ ¶ The parable of the ●ede, of the tars, of the mustard ●ede, of the leaven, of the treasure hid in the field, of the pearls, and of the net. CAPI. XIII. THe same day went jesus out of the house, * Mat. iiii. ● and sat by the see side, & moche people were gathered together unto him so greatly that he went, and sat in a ship, and all the people stood on the shore. And he spoke many things to them by similitudes, saying: Behold, the sour went forth to sow. And when he sowed, some scedes fell by the ways side, and the fowls came, & devoured them up. Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth, and anon they sprang up, because they had no deepness of earth, and when the son was up, they caught heat, & because they had no rote, they withered away Again, some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. But some fell in to good ground, and brought forth fruit: some an hundred fold, some si●ty fold, some thirty fold. Who soever hath ears to hear, let him hear. And the disciples came, & said unto him: Why speakest thou to them by parables: He answered and said unto them: * Mat. iiii. ● Luke. viii ● it is given unto you to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. * Math. 25▪ ● Mat. iiii. c. Luke. vii●. ● For who soever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have abundance. But who soever hath not: from him shall be taken away even that also which he hath. Therefore speak I to them by similitudes: for they saying, see not: and hearing, they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esasas▪ which saith: * Esai. vi. ● Mat. iiii. ● Luke. viii b Iohn. xii. ●. A●t●●. 28. ●. Roma. xi. b with the ears ye shall hear, and shall not understand, & saying, ye shall see, and shall not perceive. For these peoples hertis is warred gross and their ears are dull of hearing, & their eyes have they closed, least at any time they should see with their eyes, & hear with their cares, and should understand with their heart, and be converted, that I also might heal them. * Luke. x. d But blessed are your eyes, for they se: & your ears, for they hear. verily I say unto you, * ●. Peter. i. d that many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them: and to hear those things which ye hear, & have not herd them. * Mat. iiii b. Luke. viii ● Hear ye therefore the similitude of the sour. When one heareth the word of the kingdom, & understandeth it not, then cometh the evil man, and taketh away that which was sown in his heart: this is he, which was sown by the way side. But he that received the seed which was cast in to stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it, yet hath he no rote in himself, but dureth for a season: for when tribulation or persecution happeneth because of the word, by & by he falleth. He also that received seed in to the thorns, is he that heareth the word: and the care of this world, and the deceytefulnes of riches, choke up the word, & so is he made unfruytful. But he that receiveth seed in to the good ground, is he that heareth the word, & understandeth it: which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundred fold, some syxtye fold, some thirty fold. another similitude put he forth unto them saying: ✚ * Mat. iiii. ●. The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man, which sowed good seed in his field. But while men slept, his enemy came, and sowed tars among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and had brought forth fruit, than appeared the tars also. So the servants of the householder came, and said unto him. Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tars? He said unto them: the envious man hath done this. The servants said unto him: wilt thou then that we go, and weed them up? but he said, nay, lest while ye gather up the tars, ye pluck up also the wheat with them, let both grow together until the harvest, and in time of harvest, I will say unto the reapers: gather ye first the tars, and bind them together in sheaves to be burnt: but gather the wheat in to my barn. ⊢ ✚ An other parable put he forth unto them saying: * Mat. iiii. ●. Luke. xiii. d The kingdom of heaven is like unto a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which is the least of all seeds. But when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and is a tree: so that the birds of the air come, and make their nests in the branches thereof. another similitute spoke he unto them: * Luke. 〈◊〉 The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven which a woman taketh and hideth in three pecks of meele, till all be leavened. * Mat. 〈◊〉 All these things spoke jesus unto the people by similitudes, and without a parable spoke he nothing unto them: that it might be fulfilled, which was spoken by the prophet, that saith, * Psal 〈◊〉 I will open my mouth in parables: I will speak forth things which have been kept secret from the beginning of the world. ⊢ When the people were sent away, then came jesus in to the house. * Mat. 〈◊〉 ✚ And his disciples came unto him, saying: declare unto us the parable of the tars of the field. He answered & said unto them: He that soweth the good seed, is the son of man. The field is the world. And the children of the kingdom, they are the good seed: the tars are the children of the wicked: the enemy that soweth them, is the devil. The harvest is the end of the world: the reapers be the angels. Even as the tars therefore, are gathered & burnt in the fire: so shall it be in the end of this world. * ●●●●. 〈◊〉 The son of man shall send forth his angels, & they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, & them which do iniquity: & shall cast them in to a furnace of fire. There shall be wailing & gnashing of teeth. * 〈◊〉 Sapi 〈◊〉▪ i. 〈◊〉 Then shall the righteous shine as the son in the kingdom of their father. Who so ever hath ears to hear, let him hear. ⊢ ✚ Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in the field, the which a man hath found and hid: and for joy thereof goeth & selleth all that he hath, and buyeth the field. Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls, which (when he found one precious pearl) went & sold all that he had, and bought it. Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the see & gathered of all kind ❀ (offysshes) which when it was full men drew to land, & sat down & gathered the good in to vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world. The angels shall come & sever the bad from among the good, & shall cast them in to the furnace of fire: * Mat. 〈◊〉 and. xx●● there shallbe wailing & gnashing of teeth. jesus saith unto them: have ye understand all these things? They say unto him: yea lord. Then said he unto them. Therefore every s●●●be which is taught unto the kingdom of heaven, is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure, things new and old. ⊢ And it came to pass, that when jesus had finished these similitudis, * Ma●●. ●●● he departed thence. And when he came into his own country, he taught them in their synagogis, in so much that * ●●●. iiii. ●. they were astonied, and said: Whence cometh this wisdom, & powers unto him? * ●●●. iiii. ● 〈◊〉. vi. ●. Is not this the carpenters son? Is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren james and joses and Simon and judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Whence hath he then all these things. And they were offended at him. jesus said unto them. * ●●●. vi. ●. ●●ke. iiii. d ●●h●. v. f A prophet is not without honour, save in his own country, and in his own house. And he did not many miracles there, because of their unbelief. ¶ Iohn was taken and beheaded. Chryst feedeth five thousand men with five loves, and two fishes: and appeareth by night unto his disciples upon the see. CAPI. XIIII. AT that time * ●a●●. v●. ●●●●e▪ ix. ● Herode the Tetrarcha heard of the fame of jesus, and said unto his servants: this is Iohn the baptist. He is risen from the dead, and therefore are miracles wrought by him. For Herode had * ●a●●. vi. ●●●ke. three d. taken Iohn, and bound him, and put him in prison because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. For Iohn said unto him: * ●●iii. 18. ● It is not lawful for the to have her. And when he would have put him to death, he feared the people, * ●a●. xxi. b. because they counted him as a prophet. But when Herodes * 〈◊〉. x●. ● birth day was kept, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, & pleased Herode. * ●●●●. v●. ● Wherefore he promised with an oath, that he would give her what soever she would ask. And she being instruct of her mother before, said: give me here Iohn baptists head in a platter. And the king was sorry. Nevertheless, for the oaths sake, and them which sat at the table, he commanded it to be given her: and sent tormentors, & beheaded Iohn in the prison, and his head was brought in a platter, and given to the damsel, and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came and took up his body, and buried it, and went, and told jesus. When jesus heard of it, he * Ma●●. vi. d Luke. ix. b Iohn. seven. ● departed thence in a ship unto a desert place, out of the way. And when the people had herd thereof, they followed him on foot & left the cities And jesus went forth, & saw moche people and was moved with mercy toward them, and he healed of them those that were sick. And when the even drew on, his disciples came to him, saying: this is a desert place, and the hour is now past, let the people depart, that they may go in to the towns, and buy them victuals. But jesus said unto them. They have no need to go away. give ye them to eat. They say unto him: we have here but. v. loves and two fishes. He said: bring them hither to me. And he commanded the people to sit down on the grass, & he took the. v. loves and. i●. fishes, & life up his eyes toward heaven and ☞ blessed: And when he had broken them, he gave the loves to his disciples, and his disciples gave them to the people. And they did all eat, and were sufficed. And they gathered up (of the fragmentꝭ that remained) xii. baskets full. And they that did eat, were about five thousand men, beside women and children. * Ma●●. vi. ● Iohn. vi. b. And straight way jesus made his disciples to get up into a ship: and to go before him unto the other side while he sent the people away. And when the people were sent away, he * Luke. vi. ●. went up in to a mountain to pray alone. And when night was come/ he was there himself alone. But the ship was now in the mids of the see, and was tossed with waves, for it was a contrary wind. And in the fourth watch of the night. jesus went unto them walking on the see. And when the disciples saw him walking on the see, they were troubled saying, it is some spirit, & they cried out for fear. But straight way, jesus spoke unto them, saying: be of good cheer, it is I, be not afraid. Peter answered him, and said: Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto the on the water. And he said, come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to jesus. But when he saw a moghtye wind, he was afraid. And when he began to sink, he cried, saying: Lord save me. And immediately jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him: O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? * Ma●. vi. ●. And when they were come in to the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship, came and worshipped him, saying: of a truth thou art the son of God. And when they were gone over/ they came into the land of Genesereth. And when the men of the place had knowledge of him, they sent out messengers in to all that country round about the coost & brought unto him all that were sick, and besought him, that they might touch the hem of his vesture only. And as many as touched it, were made safe. ¶ Chryst excuseth his disciples/ and rebuketh the scribes and pharisees for transgressing the commandment of God thorough their own traditions. The thing that goeth in to the mouth defileth not the man. He delivereth the woman of Can●●●ye● boughter: healeth the multitude: and with seven loves, and a few little fishes feedeth four thousand men, beside women and children. CAPI. XV. ✚ THen * Ma●. seven. a came to jesus Scribes and Pharisees (which were come from jerusalem,) saying: Why do thy disciples transgress the traditions of the elders? For they wash not their hands when they eat bread. But he answered and said unto them: Why do ye also transgress the commandment of god, because of your own tradition? For God commandeth, saying: * Erod●. 〈◊〉, ● Mar. seven. b honour father and mother, and he that curseth father or mother: let him die the death. But ye say, every one shall say to his father and mother ☞ * Erodi xxi. ● duty. v. b. Ephe. vi. a. what gift so ever should have come of me, the same is turned unto thy profit: and so shall he not honour his father or his mother. And thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect, because of your own tradition. hypocrites, full well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying: * Esai. x●ix ● I●re. 33. ●▪ Mar. seven. ● This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, & honoureth me with lips, howbeit, their hearts are far from me: but in vain do they serve me, teaching the doctrines and precepts of men. And he called the people to him, and said unto them: hear & understand. That which goeth into the mouth, defileth not the man: but that which cometh out of the mouth, defileth the man. Then came his disciples, and said unto him: knowest thou not, that the Pharisees were offended at this saying? But he answered and said. Every plant which my heavenly father hath not planted, shall be plucked up by the roots. Let them alone, they be the blind leaders of the blind. If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch. Then answered Peter and said unto him: declare unto us this parable. jesus said: are ye also yet without understanding: do not ye yet understand, that whatsoever entereth in at the mouth, goeth in to the belly, and is cast out in to the draft? But those things which proceed out of the mouth, come forth from the heart, and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, breaking of wedlock, hooredoms, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things, which defile a man. But to take meat with unwashed hands, defileth not a man. ⊢ ✚ And jesus went thence, and departed into the coostes of tire and Sydon, and behold, a woman of Canaan (which came out of the same coostes) cried unto him, saying have mercy on me o lord, thou son of David: My daughter is piteously vexed with a devil. But he answered her nothing at all, and his disciples came, and besought him, saying: send her away, for she crieth after us: But he answered, & said: I am not sent * 〈…〉 but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Then came she, and worshipped him, saying: Lord, help me. He answered, & said: It is not meet, to take the children's bead, & to cast it to dogs. She answered, and said Truth lord, for the doggis eat of the crumbs, which fall from their masters table. Then jesus answered, and said unto her. O woman, great is thy faith, be it unto thee, even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made hole even at that same tyme. ⊢ And jesus went away from thence, and came nigh unto the see of Galilee, and went up in to a mountain, and sat down there. And moche people came unto him, bringing with them those that were lame, blind deaf, maimed, and other many: & cast them down at jesus feet. * Esa 〈◊〉 And he healed them: in so moche, that the people wondered, when they saw the dumb speak, the maimed to be hole, the lame to walk, and the blind to se. And they glorified the God of Israel. * Math▪ ●. Then jesus called his disciples unto him and said: I have compassion on the people, because they continue with me now. three days and have nothing to eat: and I will not let them depart fasting, lest they miss carry by the way. And his disciples say unto him, whence should we get so moche bread in the wilderness, as to suffice so great a multitude? And jesus say the unto them: how many loves have ye? And they say * Math▪ 〈◊〉 seven, and a few little fishes. And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground: and took the seven loves, and the fishes: and after that he had given thanks, he broke them, and gave to his discipiples, & the disciples gave them to the people. And they did all eat, and were sufficed. And they took up (of the broken meat that was left) seven baskets full. And yet they that did eat were four thousand men beside women & children. And he sent away the people, and took ship, and came in to the parties of Magdala. ¶ The Pharys●● require a token. jesus warneth his disciples of the Pharisees doctrine. The confession of Petet. The keys of heaven. The faithful must bea●e the Cross after Chryst. CAPI. XVI THe * Mat. vili b Iohn. vi. d. Lu●e. xi. d Pharisees also with the Saducees came and tempted him & desired him that he would show them a sign from heaven. He answered & said unto them: when it beginneth to draw toward * Luke. xii. ●. even, ye say, it will be fair wether, for the sky is red. And in the morning: It will be fowl wether to day, for the sky is glooming red. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the outward appearance of the sky: but can ye not discern the signs of the times? * 〈◊〉. xii. c The froward and adulterous nation requireth * 〈◊〉. 8. b 〈◊〉. xi. d 〈◊〉. vi. d. a sign, and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the * ●●as. two, a Prophet jonas. And he left them, and departed. And when his disciples were come to the otherside of the water, they had forgotten to take bread with them. Then jesus said unto them. * 〈◊〉. xii. a. Take heed and beware of ☞ the leaven of the Pharisees/ and of the Saducees. And they thought in themselves saying: we have taken no bread with us. which when jesus understood, he said unto them: O ye of little faith, why take ye thought which in yourselves, because ye have brought no bread? Do ye not yet perceive, neither remember those five loves/ when there were * 〈◊〉 14. ● five. M men/ and how many baskets took ye up? * 〈◊〉 x●. d. Neither the seven loves when there were four thousand men: and how many baskets took ye up? how happeneth it that ye do not understand, that I spoke it not unto you concerning bread, that ye should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Saducees? Then understood they, how that he had not them beware of the leaven of bread but of the doctrine of the pharisees/ and of the Saducees. ✚ When jesus came in to the coostes of the city which is called Caesarea Philippi/ he asked his disciples, saying, * 〈◊〉. vlli ● 〈◊〉, ix. ● whom do men say that I the son of man am? They said: Some say that thou art Iohn Baptist, some Elyas, some jeremias, or one of the number of the Prophets. He sayeth unto them: but whom say ye that I am? Simon Peter answered & said: * 〈◊〉. ix. ● 〈◊〉, vi. g. Thou art Chryst the son of the living God. And jesus answered, and said unto him: happy art thou Simon the son of jonas, for flesh & blood hath not opened that unto thee, * 〈◊〉. vi. d. but my father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter: & upon this * 〈◊〉. x. a rock I will build my congregation. And the gates * 〈…〉 of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee, the keys of the kingdom of heaven: And * ●●th▪ ●8. ● whatsoever thou bindest in earth, shallbe bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou losest in earth, shallbe loosed in heaven. ⊢ Then charged he his disciples/ that they should tell no man, that he was jesus christ. * 〈◊〉. viii d 〈◊〉 i●▪ ● From that time forth began jesus to show unto his disciples, how that he must go unto jerusalem, and suffer many things of the elders, and high priests, and scribes, & must be killed, & be raised again the third day▪ And when Petet had taken him aside, he began to rebuke him, saying: master, favour thyself, this shall not happen unto thee: but he turned him about, and said unto Peter: go after me Satan, thou hind'rest me: for thou sovourest not the things that be of god, but those that be of men. Then said jesus unto his disciples: It any man will follow me, let him forsake himself & take up his cross, and follow me. * Math. x. ●. Mathe. 〈◊〉 Luke▪ i●. ● Iohn. vi. ●. For who so will save his life, shall lose it. Again who so doth lose his life for my sake, shall find it. For what doth it profit a man/ if he win all the hole world: & lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give to redeem his soul again withal? For the son of man shall come in the glory of his father, with his angles: and * Roms. ●. ●. Mark. ●. d. Luke. ix. ● then shall he reward every man according to his deeds. verily I say unto you, there be standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the son of man come in his kingdom. ¶ The transfiguratyon of Chryst. He heale●● the Luna●yke, and payeth tribute. CAPI. XVII. ✚ ANd * Mark. 〈◊〉▪ ● Luke ix. ● after sire days, jesus taketh Peter, james & Iohn his brother, and bringeth them up into an high mountain out of the way, & was transfigured before them * Acts. ●. ● & his face did shine as the son, and his clothes were as white as the light. And behold, there appeared unto them Moses & Elias talking with him. Then answered Peter, and said unto jesus: Lord, here is good being for us. If thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles: one for thee, & one for Moses, and one for Elias. While he yet spoke, behold, a bright cloud shadowed them. And behold, there came a voice out of the cloud which said/ * Math. iii. ● and▪ x●●, ● this is my beloved son ‡ Esa. xiii a De●. xviii. ● in whom I delight * Mark. i. ● and. 〈◊〉. a. hear him. And when the disciples heard these things/ they fell on their faces and were fore afraid. And jesus came & touched them/ & said: arise, & be not afraid. And when they had lift up their eyes, they saw no man, save jesus only. * Mark. 〈◊〉. ● And when they came down from the mountain, jesus charged them, saying: show the vision to no man/ until the son of man be risen again from the dead. ⊢ ✚ And his disciples asked him saying. Why then say the scribes, that Elias must first come? jesus answered and said unto them, * Mala. iii▪ d Elias truly shall first come, & restore all things. But I say unto you, that * Math. xi. b. Elias is come all ready, & they knew him not: but have done unto him whatsoever they lusted. In likewise shall also the son of man suffer of them. Then the disciples understood, that he spoke unto them of Iohn baptist. And when they were come to the people, there came to him a certain man kneeling down to him/ & saying: Master, have mercy on my son/ for he is lunatic and sore vexed/ for oft times he falleth into the fire, & oft into the water. * Math ix. f. Luke. ix. e And I brought him to thy disciples, & they could not heal him. jesus answered & said: O faithless and crooked nation: how long shall I be with you? how long shall I suffer you? bring him hither. And jesus rebuked the devil/ & he departed out of him. And the child was healed even that same rhyme. ⊢ * Mark. ix. d Then came the disciples to jesus secretly & said: Why could not we cast him out? jesus said unto them: Because of your unbelief. For verily I say unto you: * Luke. 17. ●. if ye have faith as a grain of mustered seed, ye shall say unto this mountain: remove hence to yonder place, & it shall remove: neither shall any thing be unpossible unto you. How be it this kind goeth not out, but by prayer & fasting. While they were occupied in Galilee, jesus said unto them: * Mat. xvi. ●. ●●d xx ●. Mar. v●●i. d ix ● and. x. ● Luke. ix. ● It will come to pass that the son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men, and they shall kill him, & the third day shall he rise again. And they were exceeding sorry. ✚ And when they were come to the city of Capernaum, they that use to receive tribute money, came to peter, & said: Doth your master pay tribute? He sayeth: yea. And when he was come in to the house, jesus prevented him saying: What thinkest thou Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take tribute or toll, of their children, or of strangers? Peter sayeth unto him: of strangers. jesus sayeth unto him: Then are the children free: Not withstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the see, & cast an angle, & take the fish that first cometh up, & when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of xx. pens that take, & give it unto them for me & the. ⊢ He teacheth his disciples to be humble, & haemeles: to avoid occasions of ●uyll/ and one to forgive another's offence. CAPI. XVIII. ✚ AT the same time came the disciples unto jesus, saying: * Mark. ●●. g Luke. ix. f who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? jesus called a child unto him & set him in the mids of them, & said: verily I say unto you, * Mathe. x. h Luk. xviii d except ye turn, & become ‡ i Pet. two ● as children/ ye shall not enter in to the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore humbleth himself, as this child, the same is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And who so receiveth such a child in my name, receiveth me * Mark. ●●. ● Luke. xv ● . But who so doth offend one of these little ones which believe in me: it were better for him/ that a millstone were hanged about his neck & that he were drowned in the depth of the see Woe unto the world because of offences. * i Corin. xi▪ ● Necessary it is that offences come: But woe unto the man, by whom the offence cometh. Wherefore * Math. v. e. Mathe. ix. f if thy hand or thy foot hinder thee/ cut him of & cast it from the. It is better for the to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than thou shouldest (having two hands or it. feet) be cast in to everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck him out, & cast it from the. It is better for the to enter into life with one eye, rather than (having two eyes) to be cast into hell fire. Take heed: that ye despise not one of these little ones. For I say unto you/ that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my father, which is in heaven: ⊢ For the son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye. * Luke. xv. ● If a man have an hundred sheep, & one of them be gone astray/ doth he not leave ninety & nine in the mountain, & goth & seeketh it that was gone astray? And if it happen that he find it, verily I say unto you: he rejoiceth more of that sheep then of the ninety & nine which went not astray Even so it is not the will of your father in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. ✚ Moreover * Luke xvii ● levit. iix. ● Eccle. nineteen b. if thy brother trespass against thee, go & tell him his fault between him & the alone. If he hear thee, thou hast won thy brother: But if he hear the not, then take yet which the one or two, that * Deut. nineteen. ● 〈◊〉. Cori. 13. ● Hebr●. x. ● in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every matter may be stablished. If he hear not them, tell it unto the congregation. If he hear not the congregation lee him be unto the as an heathen man/ & as a Publican. verily I say unto you: * Math. x ● whatsoever ye bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven. And what so ever ye lose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say unto you that if two. of you agree in earth upon any manner of thing, what soever they desire: they shall have it of my father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the myddis of them. Then came peter to him, and said: Lord how oft shall I forgive my brother, if he sin against me: Till seven times? jesus sayeth unto him: I say unto the until seven times: but seventy times seventimes. ⊢ ✚ Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain man that was a king which would take accounts of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which ought him. x. M. talentes, but for as much as he was not able to pay/ his Lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife and children/ and all that he had/ and payment to be made. The servant fell down/ & besought him/ saying: Sir, have patience with me/ & I will pay the all. Then had the lord pity on that servant, & loosed him, and forgave him the det. So the same servant, went out, and found one of his fellows which ought him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him/ and took him by the throat, saying: Pay that thou owest. And his fellow fell down/ & besought him saying: Have patience with me/ and I will pay the all. And he would not/ but went/ and cast him into prison/ till he should pay the det. So when his fellows saw what was done/ they were very sorry/ & came/ and told unto their lord all that had happened. Then his lord called him & said unto him: o thou ungracious servant, I forgave the all that det, when thou desired'st me, shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow, even as I had pity on thee? And his Lord was wroth/ and delivered him to the sailors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So * jamea. two. ● Math. vi. ● Mark. xi. ● likewise shall my heavenly father do also unto you if ye from your hearts, forgive not (every one his brother) their trespasses. ⊢ ¶ Chryst giveth answer concerning marriage, and reaches not to be careful, nor to love worldly ryched. CAPI. XIX. ANd it came to pass, * M●●●●. x. ● that when jesus had finished these sayings/ he got him from Galilee, and came in to the coostes of jury beyond jordan, and much people followed him, & he healed them there. The Pharisees also came unto him temting him, and saying unto him: Is it lawful for a man to make a divorcement▪ with his wife for any manner of cause? He answered & said unto them: Have ye not red, how that he which made man at the beginning * ●●●●. xii. d. Ephesi. v. g ●▪ Cori. vi. ● made them man & woman: and said, for this cause shall a man leave father & mother, and shall cleave unto his wife/ and they twain shall be one flesh. Wherefore now/ they are not twain/ but one flesh. Let not man therefore put asunder, that which God hath coupled together. They say unto him: why did Moses then command to give a testimonyall of divorcement, and to put her away? He said unto them: Moses (because of the hardness of your hearts/ * Deut. 〈◊〉, ● jere. iii. a Mala. two. d. suffered you to put away your wives: But from the beginning it was not so. * Math v e. Mark. x. b Luke. xvi. ● I say unto you: whosoever putteth away his wife (except it be for fornication) & marrieth another/ breaketh wedlock. And who so marrieth her which is divorced, doth commit adultery. His disciples say unto him: if the matter be so between man & wife, then is it not good to marry. He said unto them: all men can not comprehend this saying * Sa●●● 〈◊〉. ● save they to whom it is given: for ☞ there are some chaste, which are so borne out of their mother's womb. And there are some chaste which be made chaste of men. And there be chaste/ which have made themselves chaste for the kingdom of heavens sake. He that can comprehend it/ let him comprehend. * Mark. x ● Luk. xviii ● Then were there brought unto him young children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray. And the disciples remarked them. But jesus said unto them: Suffer the children, and forbid them not to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. And when he had put his hands on them, he departed thence. And behold/ one came: & said unto him: * Mark. x. ● Luke. 〈◊〉. d. good master, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life? He said unto him: ☞ why callest thou me good ( * psal ●xi●. there is none good but one, and that is God. But if thou wilt enter into life keep the commandments. He sayeth unto him. Which? jesus said: * Exodi. xx. ●. duty. v. b. Thou shalt not commit manslaughter. Thou shalt not commit adultery: Thou shalt not steal. Thou shalt not bear false witness: honour father and mother: * Rom. xii●. ● Galat. v. ●. and thou shalt love thine neighbour as thyself The young man sayeth unto him: All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? jesus said unto him/ if thou wilt be perfit * Mark. ●● Luke. xii. ●. go and sell (all) that thou hast, and give to the poor, & thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorry. For he had great possessions. Then jesus said unto his disciples: verily I say unto you: * Mark. ●● Luk. xviii. ● it shall be hard for the rich to enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you: it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, them for the rich to enter into the kingdom of god. When the disciples heard this, they were exceedingly amazed, saying: who then can be saved? But jesus beheld them, and said unto them: with men this is unpossible * zacha. viii b but with god all things are possible. ✚ Then answered Peter, and said unto him: Behold * Mark. x. d Luk. xviii. ● we have forsaken all, and followed thee, what shall we have therefore? jesus said unto them: verily I say unto you: that when the son of man shall sit in the seat of his majesty, ye that have followed me in the regeneration * Luke. xxii. c shall sit also upon xii. seats, & judge the. xii. tribes of Israel. * Deute. 33. b And every one that forsaketh house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake/ * job. xiii. c shall receive an hundred fold, and shall in heryte everlasting life. ⊢ * Math. xx. d Luke xiii. ● But many that are first, shall be last: & the last shallbe first. ¶ Chryst teacheth by a similitude that god is debtor unto no man. He teacheth his disciples to be lowly, and giveth two blind men their sight. CAPI. XX. ✚ FOr the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers in to his vineyard. And when the agreement was made with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them in to his vineyard. And he went out about the third hour, and saw other standing idle in the market place, and said unto them: go ye also into the vineyard, & whatsoever is right/ I will give you. And they went their way. Again, he went out about the sixth & ninth hour, and did likewise. And about the eleventh hour he went out & found other standing idle/ and said unto them: Why stand ye here all the day idle? They say unto him: because no man hath hired us. He sayeth unto them: go ye also into the vineyard: & whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. So, when even was come, the Lord of the vinyeard sayeth unto his steward: call the labourers, & give them their hire, beginning at the last until the first. And when they did come, that came about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came also, they supposed that they should have received more, and they likewise received every man a penny. And when they had received it, they murmured against the good man of the house/ saying: These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. But he answered unto one of them & said: friend, I do the no wrong: didst thou not agree with me for a penny? Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last/ even as unto the. Is it not lawful for me to do as me listeth with mine own goods? Is thine eye evil/ because I am good? * Mat. nineteen. d. Mark. ●. ●. Luke. xiii. ●. So the last shall be first, & the first shall be last. For many be called, but few be chosen. ⊢ ✚ And jesus going up to jerusalem/ took the. xii. disciples aside in the way, and said unto them: * Ma●●. ix. ●. Behold, we go up to jerusalem, and the son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests, and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn him to death/ and shall deliver him to the gentiles, to be mocked, and to be scourged/ and to be crucified: and the third day he shall rise again. ✚ * Mark. x. ● Then came to him the mother of zebedees children, with her sons, worshipping him and desiring a certain thing of him. And he sayeth unto her/ what wilt thou? She said unto him: Grant, that these my two Sons may sit, the one on the right hand, and the other on the left, in thy kingdom. But jesus answered and said: ☞ Ye wot not what ye ask. Are ye able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of: and to be baptized with the baptism, that I am baptized with? They say unto him: we are. He said unto them: ye shall drink in deed of my cup: & be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with. But to sit on my right hand and on my left, is not mine to give: but it shall chance unto them, that it is * Mat. xxv. ● prepared for of my father. ⊢ * Mark. x. ● And when the ten herd this, they disdained at the two. brethren: But jesus called them unto him, & said: * Luke xxii. ● ye know that the princes of the nations have dominion over them. And they that are great men, exercise authority upon them. It shall not be so among you. But whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister, and who so will be chief among you, let him be your servant: even as * Mathe. ●. ● the son of man came, not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a redemption for many ⊢ * Mark. ●. ● Luke. xviii. And as they departed from Jericho, much people followed him And behold, two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that jesus passed by, they cried saying: O Lord thou son of David, have mercy on us. And the people rebuked them, because they should hold their peace. But they cried the more saying: have mercy on us, O lord thou son of David. And jesus stood still, & called them, & said: what will ye that I shall do unto you: They say unto him, Lord, that our eyes may be opened: So jesus had compassion on them, & touched their eyes, & immediately their eyes received sight. And they followed him ¶ He rideth in to jerusalem, driveth the merchants out of the temple, curseth the fig tree, and rebuketh the Pharisees with the similitude of the two sons, and of the husband men, that slew such as were sent unto them. CAPI. XXI. ✚ ANd when they * Math. ix. a Luke. nineteen. ● drew nigh unto jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto mount Oliuete: then sent jesus two disciples, saying unto them: Go into the town that lieth over against you, & anon ye shall find an ass bound, & a colt with her: lose them, & bring them unto me. And if any man say aught unto you, say ye: the lord hath need of them: & straight way he will let them go. All this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying. * Esai. lxii. d. zacha. ix. b Iohn. xii. ●. Tell ye the daughter of Zion behold/ thy king cometh unto thee/ meek/ sitting upon an ass & a colt, the fool of the Ass used to the yoke. The disciples went, & did as jesus commanded them/ and brought the ass, & the colt, and put on them their clothes/ & set him thereon. And many of the people spread their garments in the way. Other cut down branches from the trees/ and strawed them in the way. Moreover, the people that went before/ & they that came after, cried, saying: Hosanna to the son of David: * Luke nineteen. f Iohn. xii. b. Psal. 118. ● Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the lord: ‡ Mar. xi. b ☞ Hosanna in the highest. ⊢ ✚ And when he was come to jerusalem/ all the city was moved, saying: who is this? And the people said: this is jesus * Mat. xiiii a the Prophet of Nazareth (a city) of Galilee. * Luke. nineteen. g. And jesus went into the temple of god, & cast out all them that sold & bought in the temple, & overthrew the tables of the money changers, & the seats of them that sold doves, & said unto them: It is written, * 3. Reg. 18. d Esai. lvi. c. my house shall be called the house of prayer. But ye have made it * jere. seven. c a den of thieves And the blind & the halt came to him in the temple, & he healed them. When the chief Preestes & scribes saw the wonders that he did, & the children crying in the temple (& saying: Hosanna to the son of David) they disdained, & said unto him: heatest thou what these say? But jesus sayeth unto them Why not? have ye never read. * Psal. viii a Out of the mouth of babes & sucklings thou hast ordained praise? And he left them, & went out of the city to * Iohn. 8. a Bethanie, & had his abiding there. ⊢ * Math. xi. c. In the morning as he returned in to the city again, he hungered: & when he had spied a * Luke. xiii. b fyg●re in the way, he came to it, & found nothing thereon, but leaves only, and said unto it: Never fruit grow on the hence forwards. And anon the fig tree weathered away. And when his disciples saw it, they marveled saying. How soon is the fig tree weathered away? jesus answered, & said unto them: verily I say unto you, * Mat. xvii ● Luke. xvii. a if ye have faith and doubt not, ye shall not only do this that is happened unto the fig tree: but also if ye shall say unto this mountain/ remove/ & cast thyself in to the see, it shall be done. * Math. xi. ● Iohn. 14. ● xv. b. xvi. ● And all things whatsoever ye ask in prayer (if ye believe) ye shall receive them. ✚ * Math. xi. ● Luke. xx. a And when he was come in to the temple, the chief priests & the elders of the people came unto him (as he was teaching) & said. * Exodi. two. c. Acts. iiii. ● and. seven. ● By what authority dost thou these things? and who gave the this power? jesus answered & said unto them: I also will ask of you a certain thing, which if ye tell me, I in likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of Iohn: whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they thought among them selves, saying: if we say from heaven, he will say unto us: why did ye not then believe him? But if we shall say of men, then fear we the people. * Mat. ●iiii. a For all men hold Iohn as a Prophet. And they answered unto jesus/ and said: we can not tell. And he said unto them: neither tell I you, by what authority I do these things. ⊢ What say ye to this? ✚ A man had two sons, & came to the first, & said: son/ go & work to day in my vinyeard. He answered & said/ I will not, but afterward he repented, and went. Then came he to the second, & said likewise. And he answered/ & said: I will sir, and went not. Whither of them twain did the will of the father? And they say unto him: the first. jesus sayeth unto them: verily I say unto you, the Publicans and harlots go in to the kingdom of God before you. For * Math. iii. ● Iohn came unto you by the way of rightwiseness, and ye believed him not: but Publicans and harlottꝭ believed him. And ye (when ye had seen it) were not moved afterward with repentance, that ye might have believed him. ⊢ ✚ hearken another similitude. * Gene. ●x ● Esai. v. ● jere. xii. c Math. xii. ● Luke. xx. ●. There was a certain man an householder, which planted a vinyeard, and hedged it round about, and made a winepress in it, & built a tower, and let it out to husbandmen/ and went in to a strange country. And when the time of the fruit drew near/ he sent his servants to the husbandmen that they might receive the fruits of it. And the husbandmen caught his servants, and bet one, killed another/ and stoned another. Again, he sent other servants, more than the first: and they did unto them likewise. But last of all, he sent unto them his own son, saying: they will stand in awe of my son. But when the husbandmen saw the son/ they said among themselves: * Gene. 37. b This is the heir: come/ let us kill him, and let us enjoy his inheritance. And they caught him, and thrust him out of the vineyard, and slew him. When the Lord therefore of the vinyeard cometh/ what will he do unto those husbandmen? They said unto him: For as much as they be evil/ he will cruelly destroy them/ and will let out his vineyard to other husband men/ which shall deliver him the fruit in due seasons. jesus sayeth unto them: did ye never read in the scriptures. * Psal. 118. c Ma●. xii. ●. Luke. xx. c ●●tro. iiii. b ●. Pet. two. b. The stone which the builders refused/ the same is become the head of the corner: this is the lords doing/ and it is marvelous in our eyes. Therefore say I unto you, the kingdom of god shall be taken from you/ & given to a nation/ which shall bring forth the fruits thereof. And * ●●cha. xii. ●. whosoever falleth on this stone, shallbe broken in pieces: but on * duty. 〈◊〉. ● whomsoever it falleth it shall all to grind him. And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived, that he spoke of them. * johfi. seven. ● And they went about to lay hands on him, but they * Mark. xi. c. Luke. nineteen. g 〈◊〉. xx. ● feared the people, because they took him as a Prophet. ⊢ And jesus answered, & spoke unto them again by parables, and said. ¶ The marriage of the hinges son. Tribute to be given to the Emperor Chryst confuteth the ophryon of the Saducees concerning the resurrection, and answereth the sery be unto his question. CAPI. XXII. ✚ THe kingdom of heaven is like unto * Luk. xii●●. ● a man that was a king, which made a marriage for his son, & sent forth his servants, to call them that were bidden to the wedding, and they would not come. Again/ he sent fyrth other servants, saying: Tell them which are bidden: behold, I have prepared my dinner: mine oxen, and my fatlings are killed, & all things are ready, come unto the marriage. But they made light of it, and went their ways: one to his farm place, an other to his merchandise, and the remnant took his servants and entreated them shamefully & slew them. But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth, & sent forth his men of wat & destroyed those murderers, & burned up their city. Then said he to his servants: the marriage in deed is prepared. But they which were hidden, were not worthy. Go ye therefore out into the high ways: & as many as ye find bid them to the marriage. And the servants went out into the high ways, and gathered together all, as many as they could find, both good and bad/ & the wedding was furnished with gests. Then the king came in, to see the gests, & when he spied there a man, which had not on a * Esal. 〈◊〉 ● wedding garment, he said unto him: friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was even speechless. Then said the king to the ministers: take & bind him hand and foot, & cast him into utter darkness, * Mat. xx●● and. xxv. ● there shall be weeping & gnashing of teeth. For many be called but few are chosen: ⊢ ✚ * Mat. 〈◊〉 ● Then went the Pharisees, & took counsel how they might tangle him in his words. And they sent out unto him their disciples with Herodꝭ servants, saying: * Luke. 〈◊〉. ● Master, we know that thou art true, & teachest the way of god truly, neither carest thou for any man, for thou regardest not the outward appearance of men. Tell us therefore: how thinkest thou? Is it lawful that tribute be given unto Cesar, or not? But jesus perceiving their wickedness, said: Why tempt ye me ye apocrites? Show me the tribute money. And they took him a penny. And he said unto them: whose is this image & superscription? They say unto him/ Caesar's. Then said he unto them. * Mat. 〈◊〉 T●● 〈◊〉 ● give therefore unto Cesar, the things which are Caesar's: and unto God/ those things that are gods. ⊢ When they had heard these words, they marveled, & left him, & went their way * Mat. x●●. ●. Luke. xx● Acts. 23. b. The same day came to him the Saducees (which say that there is no resurrection) and asked him/ saying: Master/ Moses said: that * Deut. xxv ● if a man die having no child/ his brother should marry his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. There were with us seven. brethren: & the first married a wife/ and deceysed without issue, & left his wife unto his brother. Like wise/ the second & the third unto the seventh. last of all the woman died also. Therefore in the resurrection, whose wife shall she be of the seven? For they all had her. jesus answered & said unto them: ye do err, not knowing the scriptures/ nor the power of god. For in the resurrection/ they neither marry/ nor are married but are as the angels in heaven. But as touching the resurrection of the dead: have ye not red that which is spoken unto you of god, which sayeth: * Exodi. three ● Mark. xii ● Luke. xx. ● I am the god of Abraham & the God of Isaac/ & the god of jacob? God is not god of dead/ but of living▪ And when the people heard this/ they were astonied at his doctrine. ✚ But when the Pharisees had heard/ that he had put the Saducees to silence/ they came together, & one of them which was (a doctor of law) asked him a question/ temting him/ & saying: Master/ which is the great commandment in the law? jesus said unto him: Thou shalt * duty. vi. b love the lord thy god with all thy heart/ and with all thy soul/ & with all thy mind. This is the first & great commandment. And the second is like unto it. * levit. nineteen. d Math. v. g Mark. xii. c Rom. xiii. ● Galat. v. b James. two. ● Thou shalt love thine neighbour as thyself. In these two commandments hang all the law & the Prophets. While the Pharisees were gathered together/ jesus asked them, saying: What think ye of christ? Whose son is he? They say unto him: the son of David. He said unto them, * Math▪ x●●. d how then doth David in ☞ spirit, call him lord, saying: The lord said unto my lord, * Psal. ●x. ● sit thou on my right hand till I make thine enemeys thy foot stole. If David then called him lord/ how is he then his son? And no man was able to answer him any thing: neither durst any man (from that day forth) ask him any more questions. ⊢ ¶ Chryst trieth woe to the pharisees, scribes and hypocrites, and prophesyeth the destruction of jerusalem. CAPI. XXIII. ✚ THen spoke jesus to the people, & to his disciples, saying: * Deu. xvii. b The scribes and the Pharisees sye in Moses seat. All therefore what soever they bid you observe/ that observe & do: but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. * Esal x. a Luke. xi. f Yea they bind together heavy burdens, and grievous to be borne, & lay them on men's shoulders: but they themselves will not heave at them with one of their fingers. All their works do they for the intent, that they may be seen of men. They set abroad their ☞ philateries, & make large the borders of their garments, & love the uppermost seats at feasts, and to sit in the chief place in counsels, and greetings in the market, and to be called of men▪ Rabbi. * James. i●. ● But be not ye called Rabbi. For one is your master, even Chryst/ and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth, for one is your father which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters, for one is your master, even Chryst. He that is greatest among you, shall be your servant. But * Luke xiiii. ● and. xviii. ●. whosoever exalteth himself/ shall be brought low. And he that humbleth himself/ shall be exalted. ⊢ Woe unto you Scribes & Pharisees/ ye hypocrites, for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven before men, * Luke. xi. g ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that come/ to enter in. woe unto you Scribes and Pharisees, ye hypocrites: for ye devour widow's houses: & that under a pretence of long prayer: therefore shall ye be the sorer punished Woe be unto you scribes and Pharisees, ye hypocrites: for ye compass see & land, to make one ☞ proselyte: and when he is become one, ye make him two fold more the children of hell, than ye yourselves are. Woe be unto you ye blind guides, for ye say: whosoever doth swear by the temple, it is nothing: but who soever sweareth by the gold of the temple/ he is guilty. Ye fools & blind: For whither is greater: the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold? And whosoever sweareth by the altar, it is nothing, but whosoever sweareth by the gift that is upon it● he is guilty, ye fools & blind, for whither is greater● the gift: or the altar that sanctifieth the gift? Who so therefore sweareth by the altar, sweareth by it, & by all things that are thereon. And who so sweareth be the temple, sweareth by it, & by him that dwelleth 〈◊〉 * Math. v ● And he that sweareth by heaven, sweareth by the seat of God, and by him that 〈…〉 thereon. woe unto you Scribes & Pharisees, ye hypocrites: * Luke. xi. ● for ye tithe myn●●, & 〈…〉, and common, & have left the weygheyer matters of the law: judgement, mercy, and faith. These ought ye to have do●e/ & not to l●●ue the other undone. Ye blind guides ● which strain out a goat/ and swallow a Camel. woe unto you Scribes and Pharisees, ye hypocrites: for ye make clean the utter side of the cup, and of the platter: but within they are full of bribery and excess. Thou blind Pharisee/ cleanse first that which is within the cup and platter, that the out side of them may be clean also. * Luke. xi. ● woe unto you Scribes and Pharisees, ye hypocrites: for ye are like unto painted sepulchres which in deed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones and of all fyithynes. Even so ye also: outward ye appear righteous unto men: But within, ye are full of feignedness & iniquity. * Luke. x●● woe unto you scribes & Pharisees/ ye hypocrites, ye build the tombs of the Prophets/ & garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, & say: if we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have ben partners with them in the blood of the Prophets. And so * ●. Thes. 〈◊〉 ● ye be witnesses unto yourselves, that ye are the children of them which killed the Prophets. Fulfil ye likewise the measure of your fathers. Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers/ how will ye scape the damnation of hell? ✚ Wherefore behold, * Math x. b Luke. xi. ● Iohn. 16. ●. ●●tes. v. ● and. seven. g. I send unto you prophets and wise men, & scribes, and some of them ye shall kill & crucify, and some of them shall ye scourge in your smagoges, and persecute them from city to city: that upon you may come all the righteous blood which hath been shed upon the earth, from the blood of righteous * Gene. iiii. b. Abel, unto the blood of Zachary, son of Barachias, * two. Pa. 24. f whom ye slew between the temple and the altar. verily I say unto you: all these things shall come upon this generation. * Luke. xiii. g O jerusalem, jerusalem, thou that killest the Prophets, & stonest them which are sent unto thee: how often would * 4. Esdra. ● c I have gathered thy children together, even as the hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, & ye would not? Behold, * Psal. ix. f your house is left unto you desolate. For I say unto you: ye shall not see me hence forth, till that ye say: * Psal. 118. d Luke. nineteen. f. blessed is he/ that cometh in the name of the Lord. ⊢ ¶ Chryst showeth his disciples the destruceyon of the temple: the inde of the world, and the tokens of the latter doyes, and warueth them to wake, for the world shall sodeyuly perish. CAPI. XXIIII. ANd jesus went out, & departed from the temple: and * Math. iii. a Luke. xxi. ●. his disciples came to him, for to show him the buildings of the temple. jesus said unto them: See ye not all these things: verily I say unto you * Luke. xxi. a there shall not be here left one stone upon an other, that shall not be destroyed. And as he sat upon mount Oliuete, his disciples came unto him secretly, saying: Tell us: when shall these things be, & what shallbe the token of thy coming, & of the end of the world? And jesus answered, and said unto them: * Collos. two. b. Ephesi. v. b Take heed, that no man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying: I am Chryst, & shall deceive many. Ye shall hear of wars, & tidings of wars: be not troubled. For all ❀ (these things) must come to pass/ but the end is not yet. * 4. Esd. 13. c Nation shall rise against nation, and tealme against realm: & there shallbe pestilence, and hunger & earthquakes in all places. All these are the beginnings of sorrows. * Math. x. h Mat. xiii. b Luke. xxi. c. Iohn. 16. a. Then shall they put you to trouble, & shall kill you: & ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake. And then shall many be offended, & shall betray one another, & shall hate one an other. And many false Prophets shall arise, and shall deceive many. * 4. Esd. 14 b And because iniquity shall have the upper hand, the love of many shall abate. * Math. x. c But he that endureth to the end/ the same shallbe safe. * Mat. xiii. b And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations, & then shall the end come. * Mat. xiii ● Luke. xx●● When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation (that was spoken of by * Dani. ix ● Daniel the prophet) stand in the holy place: who so readeth it let him understand. Then let them which be in jury/ ●lee into the mountains. And let him which is on the house top, not come down to fet any thing out of his house. Neither let him which is in the field, return back to fetch his clothes. Woe shall be in those days to them that are with child, & to them that give suck. But pray ye that your flight be not in ☞ the winter, neither on the Sabbath day. For than shall be great tribulations * Dani. xii ● such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, nor shall be. Yea, & except those days should be shortened, there should ☞ no flesh be saved: but for the chosen's sake, those days shallbe shortened. * Mat. xiii. ●. Luke. xvii ● Then if any man say unto you: lo here is Chryst, or there: believe it not. For there shall arise false Christ's, & false prophets, * two. thess. two ● Deut. xiii. ● & shall show great miracles, & wonders. In so much (that if it were possible) the very elect should be deceived: behold, I have told you before. Wherefore, if they say unto you: behold/ he is in the desert, go not ye forth: behold/ he is in the secret places, believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the East, & appeareth into the west: so shall the coming of the son of man be. * job. xxxi●● Luk. xvii. ● For where soever a dead carcase is, even thither will the Eagles also be gathered together. Immediately * Mat. xiii. ● Luke. 〈◊〉 ●. joel. two. ● after the tribulations of those days/ shall the son be darkened: & the moon shall not give her light, & the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of heaven shallbe moved. And then shall appear the token of the son of man in heaven And then shall all the kindred's of the earth mourn, & they shall see * Acts. i. ● the son of man coming in the clouds of heaven, with power & great glory. * Dani 〈◊〉. ●. ●. Thes. 4. ● And he shall send his angels with the great voice of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his chosen, from the four winds: even from the highest parts of heaven, until the ends thereof. * Mat. xiii. ●. Luke. xxi. ●. Learn a similitude of the fig tree: when his draunce is yet tender, & the leaves sprung, ye know that the summer is nigh. So likewise ye, when ye see all these things/ be ye sure that it is near, even at the doors. verily I say unto you: this generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled, * Esal. two. b Heaven and earth shall pass, ‡ Esai. 〈◊〉 ● Math. v. c but my wordis shall not pass. But of that day & hour * Acts. i. ● knoweth no man/ no not the angels of heaven, but my father only. * Gene. seven. b Luke. xvii. f But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the son of man be. For as in the days (that went before the flood) they did eat and drink, marry, & were married, even until the day that No entered in to the ship, and knew not, till the flood came and took them all away: So shall also the coming of the son of man be. Then shall two be in the field, the one received, and the other refused, * Luk. xvii. g two women shall be grinding at the mill, the one received, and the other refused. ❀ (Two in a bed, the one shall be received, and the other refused.) * Mat. xxv. b Mar. xiii. d Luke. xii. e Watch therefore, for ye know not what hour your lord will come. Of this yet be sure, that if the good man of the house knew what hour * reve. xvi. c the thief would come: he would surely watch, and not suffer his house to be broken up. Therefore, be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not, will the son of man come. Who is a faith full and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in season. Blessed is that servant whom his lord (when he cometh) shall find so doing. verily I say unto you, that he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But & if that evil servant say in his heart, my lord will be long a coming (and so begin to smite his fellows, yea, and to eat & drink with the drunken) the same servants lord shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, & in an hour that he is not ware of, and shall hew him in pieces, & give him his portion with hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ¶ The ten virgins. The talents delivered to the servants, and of the general judgement. CAPI. XXV. ✚ THen shall the kingdom of heaven be like unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went to meet the bride groom, ❀ (and the bride.) But five of them were foolysshe, & five were wise. They that were foolish, took their Lamps, but took none oil with them. But the wise took oil with them in their vessels with the lamps also. While the bride groom tarried, they all slumbered and slept: and even at midnight, there was a cry made: Behold, the bridegroom cometh, go out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose and prepared their lamps. So the foolish said unto the wise: give us of your oil: for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered saying: not so, lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, & buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the hrydegrome came, & they that were ready, went in with him to the marriage: and the gate was shut up. afterward came also the other virgins, saying: * Math. seven. ● lord, lord, open to us. But he answered and said: verily I say unto you I know you not. * mat. xxiiii. d Mar. xiii. d Luke. xii. ● Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor yet the hour where in the son of man shall come. ⊢ ✚ * Mat. xiii d Luke. nineteen. b Likewise as a certain man ready to take his journey to a strange country, called his servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave .v. talentis, to an other ii and to an other one: to every man after his ability, & straight way departed. Then he that had received the .v. talents, went & occupied with the same, and won other five talentes. Likewise also, he that received ii gained other ii But he that received that one, went & digged in the earth, and hid his lords money. After a long season, the lord of those servants came, and reckoned with them. And so he that had received .v. talents came, and brought other .v. talents, saying. Sir, thou deliverdest on to me five talentes: behold, I have gained with them .v. talents more. His lord said unto him: well thou good & faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over few things I will make the ruler over many things: enter thou in to the joy of thy Lord. He also that had received two talentes, came & said: Sir, thou deliverdest unto me two talentes: behold, I have won two other talents with them: His lord said unto him: well good & faithful servant. Thou hast been faithful over few things. I will make the ruler over many things: enter thou in to the joy of thy lord. ⊢ Than he which had received the one talon, came, & said: Sir, I know the that thou art an hard man: reaping where thou hast not sown, & gathering where thou hast not strawed, & therefore was I afraid, & went, and hid thy talon in the earth: lo, there thou hast that thine is. His lord answered & said unto him. Thou evil & slothful servant, thou knewest, that I reap where I sowed not, & gather where I have not strawed thou oughtest therefore to have delivered my money to the exchangers, & then at my coming should I have received mine own with vantage. Take therefore the talon from him, & give it unto him which hath ten talents. * Mat. xiii. c. Mar. iiii. ● For ☞ unto every one that hath shallbe given, and he shall have abundance: But he that hath not, from him shall be taken away, even that which he hath. And cast the unprofitable servant in to utter darkness, * Mat. xii●● and. ●x●●. d there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. ✚ * t. The●●. i. d When the son of man cometh in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the seat of his glory, and before him shall be gathered all nations. * E●ech●. 34 t And he shall separate them one from an other, as a shepeheerde divideth the sheep from the gootes: and he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the gootes on the left. Then shall the king say to them that shallbe on his right hand. Come ye blessed of my father, inherit the kingdom * Math. tx. d prepared for you from the beginning of the world. * E●a. lviii. b E●e xviii. a For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat. I was thirty, and ye gave me drink. I was harbourless, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: * Eccle. seven. d Sick, and ye visited me. * ●. T●mo. i d I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying: lord, when saw we the an hungered and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave the drink? When saw we the harbourless, & took the in? or naked, and clothed thee? or when saw we the sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the king shall answer and say unto them: verily I say unto you: in as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of th●se my brethren, ye have done it to me. Then shall he say also unto them, that shallbe on the left hand: * Psal. vi. b Mat vi● d. Lu●●●●ii f Depart from me ye cursed ‡ Esa r●● g ●an●. seven. d 〈◊〉. nineteen. d in to everlasting fire: which is prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was an hungered, & ye gave me no meat. I was thirsty, & ye gave me no drink. I was harbourless, & ye took me not in. I was naked, & ye clothed me not. I was sick & in prison, & ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying: lord, when saw we the an hungered, or a thirst or harbourless, or naked or sick, or in prison and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying: verily I say unto you, in as moche * Prou. ●iii. c and. x● two. a as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And * Iohn. v. g these shall go in to everlasting pain: the righteous in to life eternal. ⊢ ¶ The Magdalen anointeth Christ. They eat the Easter lamed and the supper of the Lord, Christ prayeth in the garden. judas terrayeth him. Peter smote of Ma●●●● care, Christ is accused by false witnesses, Peter denieth him. CAPI. XXVI. ANd it came to pass, when jesus had finished all these sayings, he said unto his disciples: ✚ * Mat. xiii a Luke. x●ii. a Ye know that after two days shallbe Easter, and the son of man shall be delivered over, to be crucified. * Iohn xi. ● Then assembled together the chief priests and the scribes and the elder of the people unto the palace of the high Priest/ which was called Cayphas) & held a counsel▪ that they might take jesus by subtlety, and kill him: but they said: not on the holy day, lest there be an uproute among the people. When * Mat. 14. ● Iohn. xii. ● jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, there came unto him a woman * Luke. vi●● having an alabaster box of precious ointment, & powered it on his head, as he sat at the board. But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation, saying. Whereto serveth this waste? This ointment might have been well sold, and given to the poor. When jesus understood that, he said unto them: why trouble ye the waman? For she hath wrought ☞ a good work upon me. * Deut. xv, ● For ye have the poor always with you: But me shall ye not have always. And in that she hath cast this ointment on my body, she did it to bury me. verily I say unto you: where soever this gospel shall be preached in all the world, there shall also this that she hath done be told for a memorial of her. * Mat. 14. b Luke ●xii a Iohn. ●●●● Then one of the twelve (which was called judas Iscarioth) went unto the chief priests, and said unto them: What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they appointed unto him thirty pieces of silver. And from that time forth, he sought opportunity to betray him. * Mat. 14. b. Luke. xxii. ● The first day of sweet bread, the disciples came to jesus, saying unto him: where wilt thou that we prepare for thee, to eat the ☞ Passeover? And he he said: go in to the city, to such a man, and say unto him, the master sayeth: My time is at hand, I will keep mine Easter by thee, with my disciples. And the disciples did as jesus had appointed them, and they made ready the Passecuer. * Mat. ●●iii. e Luke. xxii. b When the even was come, he sat down with the twelve. And as they did eat, he said. verily I say unto you that * Iohn. xiii. ● one of you shall betray me. And they were exceeding forowfull, & began every one of them to say unto him: Lord, is it I? He an sweared & said: he that dyppeth his hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me. * Psal. xli. ● The son of man truly goeth, as it is written of him: but woe unto that man, by whom the son of man is betrayed. It had been good for that man, if he had not been borne. Then judas which betrayed him, answered, and said: Master, is it I? He said unto him: thou hast said. When they were eating, jesus took brende, & when he had given thank, he broke it, & gave it to the disciples, & said: * i. Lo●in ●●e Luke. xxii b Mat. 14. ● Take, eat, this is my body. And he took the cup, and thanked, and gave it them, saying: drink ye all of this. For this is my blood (which is of the new testament) that is shed for many, for the remission of sins. But I say unto you: I will not drink hence forth of this fruit of the vine tree, until that day, when I shall drink it new with you in my father's kingdom. * Mat. xiiii. ● And when they had said grace, they went out unto mount Oliuete. Then sayeth jesus unto them: all ye shall be offended because of me this night. For it is written: * 〈…〉. 13. t M●●. xiiii. t I will smite the shepeheerde, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad. But after I am risen again, I will go before you in to Galilee. Peter answered, and said unto him: * Mat. xiiii. t Luke. xxii. d Though all men be offended because of thee, yet will I not be offended. jesus said unto him: verily I say unto thee, that in this same night, before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. Peter said unto him. Yea, though I should die with thee, yet will I not deny the. Likewise also said all the disciples. * Mark. 14 d Then came jesus with them unto a farm place (which is called Gethsemane) & said unto the disciples: sit ye here while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter & the two sons of zebedee, and began to wax sorrowful and heavy. Then said jesus unto them: * Mat. 14. d. Iohn. xii. ● My soul is heavy even unto the death. Tarry ye here: and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell flat on his face, and prayed, saying. O my father, if it be possible, * Luke. xxii. d Mat. xiiii d let this cup pass from me: nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he came unto the disciples, and found them a sleep, and sayeth unto Peter: What, could ye not watch with me one hour: watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation. * Gala. b. c The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. * Mat. xiiii. c He went away once again & prayed, saying. O my father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink of it, thy will be fulfilled. And he came and found them a sleep again: for their eyes were heavy. And he left them and went again, & prayed the third time, saying the same words. Then cometh he to his disciples, and sayeth unto them. Sleep on now, & take your rest. Behold, the hour is at hand, and the son of man is betrayed in to the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going: Behold, he is at hand that doth betray me. While he yet spoke: lo, judas one of the Mat. xiiii ● Luke. xxii. ● number of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude, with swords and staves, sent from the chief priests & elders of the people. But he that betrayed him, gave them a token, saying. Whom so ever I kiss, that same is he, hold him fast. And forthwith he came to jesus, and said: hail master: and kissed him. And jesus said unto him: friend wherefore art thou come? Then came they, and laid hands on jesus, and took him. And behold, one of them which were with jesus, stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest, & smote of his ear. Then said jesus unto him: put up thy sword into his sheeths. * Gene ix ● Iohn. i●. d. reve. xiii. e Ez. ●h. ●i. ● For ☞ all they that take the sword, shall perish with the sword. thinkest thou that I can not now pray to my father, and he shall give me ❀ (even now) more than. xii. ☞ legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled? for * Lu. xxiiii. d this must it be. In that same hour said jesus to the multitude: * Mat. xiiii. t Luk. xxii. t. ye be come out as it were unto a there, with swerdis and staves, for to take me. I sat daily with you, teaching in the temple, and ye took me not. * Psal. nineteen. and. xxi. But all this is done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be full filled. * Mat. xiiii t Luke. xxii. t Iohn. 18. ● Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled. And they took jesus, & led him to Cayphas the high priest, where the Scribes and the elders were assembled. But Peter followed him a far of, unto the high priests palace: and went 〈◊〉, and sat which the servants, to see the end. * Mat. xi●●i t Acts. vi. d. The thief priests and the elders, and all the counsel, sought false witness against jesus (for to put him to death) but found none: yea, when many false witnesses came, yet found they none. At the last came two false witnesses, & said. This fellow said. * Mat. xi●i● t Iohn. two. d I am able to destroy the temple of God, & to build it again in three days. * Mat. xiiii ● And the chief priest arose, & said unto him: answerest thou nothing? Why do these bear witness against thee? But jesus held his peace. * Mat. xiiii ● And the chief priest answered & said unto him: I charge the by the living God, that thou tell us whither thou be Chryst the son of God. jesus sayeth unto him, thou hast said. Nevertheless I say unto you, * Mat ●iiii ● Luke xxii ● here after shall ye see the son of man sitting on the right hand of power, & coming in the cloudis of the sky. * Mat. 14. ● Then the high priest rend his clothes say enge: he hath spoken blasphemy: what need we of any more witnesses? Behold, now ye have herd his blasphemy: what think ye? They answered, & said: he is worthy to die. * Esai. ●. ● Then did they spit in his face, & bufferted him with fists. And other smote him on his face with the palm of their handis, saying: tell us thou Christ, who is he that smote thee? Peter sat without in the palace. And a damsel came to him, saying: Thou also wast with jesus of Galilee: but he denied before them all, saying. I wot not what thou sayest When he was gone out in to the porch, an other wench saw him, and said unto them that were there. This fellow was also with jesus of Nazareth. And again he denied with an oath: (saying) I do not know the man. And after a while, came unto him they (that stood by) and said unto Peter. * Mat. 14. ● Luke xxii. f Iohn. 18. c. surely thou art even one of them, for thy speech be wrayeth the. Then began he to curse and to swear, that he knew not the man. And immediately * Math. 2●. c the cock crew. And Peter remembered the word of jesus, which said unto him: before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice: and he went out, and wept bitterly. CAPI. XXVII. ¶ Christ so delivered unto Pilate. judas hangeth himself Christ is crucified among thieves. He dieth and is buried Watch men keep the grave. WHen the morning was come, all the chief priests and the elders of the people held a counsel against jesus, to put him to death, and brought him bound * Psal. two. a Mat. iv. a. Luk xxiii. a Iohn. 18. c & delivered ●●●●. iii. c him unto Poncius Pilate the debit Then judas (which had betrayed him) saying that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty plates of silver to the chief priests and elders, saying: I have sinned, betrayeng the innocent blood. And they said: What is that to us? See thou to that. And he cast down the syluet plates in the temple, & departed * two. Re. 17. d. Acts. i. ● and went and hanged himself. And the chief priests took the silver plates and said: It is not lawful for to put them in to the treasure, because it is the price of blood. And they took counsel: and bought with them a potter's field to bury strangers in. Wherefore that field is called ❀ (Haceldema, that is) the field of blood, until this day. Then was fulfilled, that which was spoken ☞ by jeremy the prophet, saying: * zacha. xi. c and they took thirty silver plates, the price of him that was valued, whom they bought of the children of Israel, & gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me. * Mat. xv. a. Luke. 23. a Iohn. 18. f. jesus stood before the debit: and the debit asked him, saying: art thou the king of the jews? jesus sayeth unto him. Thou sayest. And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then sayeth Pilate unto him: hearest thou not, how many witnesses they lay against thee? * Esai. iiii. c And he answered him to never a word in so much that the debit marveled greatly * Mat 〈◊〉. ●. At that feast, the debit was wont to dedelyver unto the people a prisoner, whom they would desire. He had then a notable prisoner, called Barrabas. Therefore, when they were gathered together, Pilate said: * Mat. 〈◊〉. ●. Iohn. 〈◊〉 ● Why there will ye that I give lose unto you? Barrabas, or jesus, which is called Chryst? For he knew, that for envy they had delivered him. When he was set down to give judgement, his wife sent unto him, saying: have thou nothing to do with that just man. For I have suffered many things this day in sleep because of him. * Math. 〈◊〉 ● Luke. xx●●● But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the people, that they should ask Barrabas, and destroy jesus. The debit answered, and said unto them: Whither of the twain, will ye, that I let lose unto you? They said: * Acts. iii ● Barrabas. Pilate said unto them: * Mat. xv. ● What shall I do then with jesus, which is called christ They all said unto him: let him be crucified. The debit said: What evil hath he done? But they cried the more, saying: let him be crucified. When pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that more business was made, he took water, and washed his hands before the people, saying: I am innocent of the blood, of this just person, ye shall se. Then answered all the people, and said: * Acts. v. ● his blood be on us, and on our children. * Mat. xv. ●. Luk. xxiii. ● Then let he Barrabas lose unto them and scourged jesus, and delivered him to be crucified. * Mat. xv. ● Then the soldiers of the debit took jesus in the comen hall, and gathered unto him all the company. And they striped him, and put on him a purple rob, and plaited a crown of thorns and put upon his head & a reed in his right hand: & bowed the knee before him: and mocked him, saying: Nail king of the jews: and when they had spit upon him, they took the reed, and smote him on the head. And after that they had mocked him, they took the rob of him again, and put his own raiment on him, and led him away to crucify him. And as they came out, * Mat. xv. ●. Luk. xxiii. ● they found a man of Cyren (named Simon) him they compelled to bear his cross. * Mat. xv. ●. Iohn. nineteen ● And they came unto the place which is called Golgotha (that is to say, a place of dead men's skulls) & gave him vinegar to drink, mingled with gall. And when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink When they had crucified him, they parted his garments, & did cast lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet. * Psal. xxii. d Math. xv. c Luk. xxiii. ● They parted my garments among them: and upon my vesture did they cast lots. And they sat & watched him there, and * Luk. xxiii. c Iohn. nineteen. d set up over his head the cause of his death, written: This is jesus the king of the jues. * Mark. xv. c Luk. xxiii. d Esai. iiii. ● Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and an other on the left. * Math. xv. c Luke. xxiii f They that passed by, reviled him, waging their heads, and saying: thou that destroyedst the temple of God & didst build it in three days, save thyself. * Sapi. two. d If thou be the son of god, come down from the cross. Likewise also the high priests, mocking him with the Scribes, and elders said. He saved other, himself can he not save. If he be the king of Israel: let him now come down from the cross, & we will believe him. * Psal. xxii. b He trusted in God, let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the son of God, The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. * Mark xv c Luke. xxiii. f From the sixth hour was there darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour, jesus cried, with a loud voice, saying: Eli, Eli lamasabachthani. That is to say: * Mark. xv. c Psal. xxii. a My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said: This man calleth for Elias. And straight way * Mar. xv d. Iohn. nineteen. f one of them ran, and took a sponge, and when he had filled it full of vinegar, he put it on a teede, and gave him to drink. Other said, let be: let us see whither Elias will come, and deliver him. jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And behold, the * Mat. xv. d. Luke. xxv. f veil of the temple did rend into two parts, from the top to the bottom, and the earth did quake, and the stones rend and graves did open: & many bodies of saints which slept, arose, and went out of the graves after his resurrection and came in to the holy City, and appeared unto many. * Mat. xv. d. Luke xxiii ● When the Centurion and they that were with him watching jesus, saw the earth quake, and those things which happened, they feared greatly, saying. Truly, this was the son of God. * Mat. xv. d. Luk. xxiii. g And many women there were (beholding him a far of) which followed jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him. Among which was Mary Magdalen, and Mary the mother of james and joses, and the mother of zebedees children. When the even was come * Mat. xv. d. Luk. xxiii. g Iohn. nineteen. g there came a rich man of Aramathia named joseph, which also was jesus disciple. He went to Pilate and begged the body of jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. And when joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his new tomb, which he had hewn out even in the rock, & rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre and departed. And there was * Mar. xv. d. Mary Magdalen & the other Mary sitting over against the sepulchre. The next day that followed ☞ the day of preparing, the high priests & Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying. Sir, we remember, that this deceiver said while he was yet alive. * Mat. xvi c. and. xvii. b. Mark. ix. ● Luk. xviii. ● After three days I will arise again. Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come, and steal him away, and say unto the people: he is risen from the dead, & the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate said unto them: Ye have the watch go your way make it as sure as ye can. So they went, and made the sepulchre sure with watch men and sealed the stone. ⊢ ¶ The resurrection of Christ. The high priests give the soldiers money to say that Christ was 〈◊〉 o●● of his grave. Christ appeareth to his disciples, and sendeth them forth to preach, and to baptize. CAPI. XXVIII. ✚ Upon a ☞ evening of the sabbaths which dawneth the first day of the Mat xv. ●. L●. x●i●ii. ●. Iohn. xx. ●. sabbaths, came Mary Magdalen, and the other Marry, to so the sepulchre. And behold, there was a great earth quake. For the angel of the lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it. His countenance was like lightening, and his raiment white as snow. And for fear of him the keepers were astonied, and became as dead men. * Mat. xvi. ● Luke. 24. ●. The angel answered, and said unto the women: fear ye not. For I know, that ye seek jesus which was crucified: he is not here: he is risen as he said. Come see the place where that the lord was laid: & go quickly and tell his disciples, that he is tysen again from the dead. And behold, he goeth before you in to Galilee, there ye shall see him. Lo, I have told you. ⊢ ✚ * Mat. xvi. ● Luke. 〈◊〉. ● And they departed quickly from the sepulchre, with fear and great joy, and did run, to bring his disciples word. And as they went to tell his disciples: behold, jesus met them, saying. All hail. And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him. Then said jesus unto them: be not afraid. ☞ Go tell my brethren, that they go in to Galilee, and there shall they see me. When they were gone: behold, some of the keepers came in to the city and showed unto the high priests, all the things that had happened. And they gathered them together with the elders, and took counsel, and gave large money unto the soldiers, saying: Say ye, that his disciples came by night, & stole him away while ye slept. And if this come to the ruler's cares, we will persuade him, and save you harmless. So they took the money, and did as they were taught. And this saying is noised among the jews unto this day. ⊢ ✚ Than the xi disciples went away in to Galilee, in to a mountain where jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him. But some doubted. And jesus came & spoke unto them, saying: * Math. xi. ●. Iohn. 17. ● All power is given unto me in heaven, and in earth. * Ma●. xvi. ● Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the father, and of the son, and of the holy ghost. Teaching them to observe all things, what soever I have commanded you. And lo * Ioh●. 14. ● I am with you alway, even until the end of the world. ⊢ ¶ Here endeth the Gospel of Saint Matthew. ¶ The Gospel of Saint Mark. ¶ The O●●yer of Iohn the baptist. The baptism of Chryst his fasting, his preaching, & the calling of Peter, Andrew, james and Iohn, Chryst healeth the man with the unclean spirit, helpeth Peter's mother in law, & cleanseth the leper. CAPI. Primo. ✚ THe beginning of the Gospel of jesus Chryst the son of God, as it is written in the Prophets, * Mala. iii. ● Math. xi ●. L●●●. seven. d. Behold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before the. The voice of a crier in the wilderness: * Esai. xl. ●. prepare ye the way of the lord, and make his paths straight. * Math. iii. a Luke. ●●i. ● Iohn did baptize in the wilderness, and preached the baptism of * Math. iii. ● Luke. three ●. repentance, for the remission of sins. And all the land of jury & they of jerusalem, went out unto him, and were all baptized of him in the river jordan confessing their sins. * Math. iii. ● Iohn was clothed with camels here, & with a girdle of a skin about his loins. And he did eat locusts & wild honey, & preached, saying. * Math. iii. ● Luke. three ● Iohn. i. ●. He that is stronger than I, cometh after me, whose shoe latchet I am not worthy to stoop down, & unlose: I have baptized you with water: but he shall babtyse you with the holy ghost. ⊢ And it came to pass in those days, that jesus came from Nazareth, of Galilee: * Math. i●●● and was baptized of Iohn in jordan. And assoon as he was come up out of the water. * Math. iii ● ☞ he saw heaven open, & ☞ the spirit descending upon him like a dove: And there came a voice from heaven. Thou art my dear son in whom I delight. And immediately, * Math. i●●● xii. ●. xvii ● the spirit drove him into wilderness: and he was there in the wilderness. xl. days, & was tempted of Satan & was with wild beasts. * Math. 4 ● Esai. ●li●● Math. i●. ● And the angels ministered unto him. After that Iohn was taken * Mat. iiii ●. Luk. 〈◊〉. ● jesus came in to Galilee ‡ Mat. 〈◊〉. ● preaching the gospel, of the kingdom of god, & saying. The time is come, & the kingdom of God is at hand * Math. 4. ●. repent, and believe the Gospel. * Math. iii. ● Mat. iiii. ●. As he walked by the see of Galilee, he saw Simon & Andrew his brother, casting nettꝭ into the see, for they were fishers. And jesus said unto them: follow me, and I will make * jere. xvi. ●. you to become fishers of men. And straight way, they forsook their nets, and followed him. And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw james the son of zebedee, & Iohn his brother, which also were in the ship mending their nets. And anon he called them. And they left their father zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and followed him. * Mat. iiii. ●. And they came in to Capernaum: and straight way on the Sabbath days, he entered in to the synagogue, and taught. And they were astonied at his learning. * Mat. seven. ●. Luke. i●●. ● For he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the Scribes * Mat. seven. ●. Luke. 〈…〉. And there was in their synagogue a man vexed with an unclean spirit, and he cried, saying. Alas, what have we to do with thee, thou jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us? I know the what thou art, even that holy one of God. And jesus rebuked him saying: Hold thy peace, and come out of the man. And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. And they were all amazed, in so much that they demanded one of an other among themselves, saying: What thing is this? What new doctrine is this? For with authority commanded he the foul spirits, and they obeyed him. And immediately his fame spread abroad throughout all the region bordering on Galilee. And forthwith, when they were come out of the synagogue * Mat. viii. ● Luke. iiii. ●. they entered in to the house of Simon & Andrew, with james and Iohn. But Simons mother in law lay sick of a fever. And anon they tell him of her. And he came, and took her by the hand: and life her up: and immediately the fever forsook her, & she ministered unto them. And at even when the son was down, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were vexed with devils. And all the city was gathered together at the door, & he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and * Luke. iiii. g. Math. iii. ● cast out many devils, and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him. And in the morning very early, jesus (when he was risen up) departed, and went out in to a solitary place, and there prayed. And Simon & they that were with him, followed after him. And when they had found him, they said unto him: all men seek for the. And he said unto them: let us go in to the next towns, that I may preach there also: for therefore am I come. And he preached in their synagogues in all Galilee, and cast the devils out. * Mat. viii. ● Luke. v. ● And there came a leper to him, beseeching him, and kneeling down, and saying unto him, if thou wilt, thou caused make me clean. And jesus had compassion on him, and put forth his hand, touched him, and saith unto him: I will, be thou clean. And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, & he sent him away forthwith, and saith unto him. * Ma●. seven. ● See thou say nothing to any man: but get the hence, show thyself to the Priest, and offer for thy cleansing, those things which Moses commanded, for a witness unto them. But he (assoon as he was departed) began to tell many things, and to publish the saying: in so much that jesus could no more openly enter in to the city, but was without in desert places. And they came to him from every quarter. ¶ He healeth the man of the palsy, calleth Levi the customer, eateth with open sinners, and excuseth his disciples. CAPI. II. AFter a few days also, he entered in to Capernaum again, and it was noised that he was in the house. And anon many were gathered together, in so much that now there was no room to receive them, no not so much as about the door. And he preached the word unto them. * Math. 〈◊〉 ● Luke. v. d And they came unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four men. And when they could not come nigh unto him for press, they uncovered the roof of the house that he was in. And when they had broken up the roof, they did (with coordes) let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. When jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy: * Luke. v. ● son thy sins be forgiven the. But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and thinking in their hearts: why doth he speak this blasphemies? * Esai. xliii. ●. and. xli●●i. ● Who can forgive sins, but God only? And immediately when jesus perceived in his spirit, that they so thought within themselves, he sayeth unto them: Why think ye such things in your hearts? Whither is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy: Thy sins be forgiven thee: or to say, arise, take up thy bed, & walk? But that ye may know that the son of man hath power in earth to forgive sins, he spoke unto the sick of the palsy: I say unto thee, * Math. ix ● Luke v. ● Iohn. v. ● arise, and take up thy bed, & get the hence unto thine own house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, & went forth before them all: in so much that they were all amazed, & glorified God, saying: we never saw it on this fashion. * Math. ●x. ● And he went again ●ned the see, and all the people resorted unto him, and he taught them. And as jesus passed by, he saw L●u● the son of Alphene, sitting at the receit of custom, and said unto him: follow me. And he arose, and followed him. And it came to pass that when jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together at meat with jesus and his disciples. For there were many that followed him. And when the scribes and Pharisees same him eat with Publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples: how happeneth it, that he eateth and drinketh with Publicans & sinners? When jesus heard that, he said unto them: They that be hole, have no need of the physician, but they that are sick. * i. Tim●. ●. ● I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. * Math 〈◊〉. ● Luke. v. ●. And the disciples of Iohn and the Pharisees did fast: and they come and say unto him. Why do the disciples of Iohn & of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not. And jesus said unto them: can the children of the wedding fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they can not fast. But the days will come, when the bridegroom shallbe taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days. No man also soweth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, else taketh he away the new piece thereof from the old, & so is the rent worse. And no man poureth new wine in to old bottles, else the new wine doth braced the bottles, and the wine runneth out, and the bottles are marred. But new wine must be put in to new bottles. * Math. xii. a Luke. vi. a And it chanced, ❀ (again) that he went thorough the corn fields on the Sabbath days, and his disciples began by the way to pluck the ears of corue And the Pharisees said unto him: behold, why do they on the sabbath days, that which is not lawful? And he said unto them: Have ye never read what David did when he had need, and was an hungered, both he, and they that were with him? * ●. Reg xxi. b Now he went in to the house of god in the days of ☞ Abiathar the high priest, and did eat the showbread (which is not lawful to eat, but for the priests only) & gave also to them which were with him? And he said unto them: the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Therefore is the son of man, lord also of the Sabbath. ¶ He helpeth the man with the dried hand, chooseth his aposties, and casteth out the unclean spirit, which the pharisea ascribe unto the devil. The brother, sister and mother of Chryst. CAPI. III. ANd he entered again in to the synagogue, and there was a man there which had a * Math. xii a Luke. vi. a wethered hand. And they watched him, whither he would heal him on the Sabbath day, that they might accuse him. And he said unto the man which had the wethered hand: arise, & stand in the mids. And he sayeth unto them, whither is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? but they held their peace. And when he had looked round about on them, with anger, mourning on the blindness of their hearts, he saith to the man * Math. xii. b Luke. vi. b stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out. * ●. Reg. 13. b And his hand was restored, even as hole as the other. ⊢ * Math. xii. b And the Pharisees departed, and straight way gathered a counsel (with them that belonged to Herode) against him, that they might destroy him. But jesus avoided with his disciples to the see. * Mat. iiii. d. Luke. vi. c. And a great multitude followed him from Galilee: and from jury, and from jerusalem, and from Idumea, and from beyond jordane, * Mat. iiii. d. Luke. vi. c john. vi. a and they that dwelled about tire & Sidon, a great multitude of men: which (when they had herd what things he did) came unto him. And jesus commanded his disciples, that a ship should wait on him, because of the people, least they should throng him. For he had healed many, in so much that they pressed upon him, for to touch him, as many as had plagues. And when the unclean spirits saw him, they fell down before him, & cried saying: thou art the son of God. And he straightly charged them, that they should not make him known. And he went up in to a mountain, and calleth unto him whom he would, and they came unto him. * Math. ●. ● And he ordained the twelve that they should be with him, and that he might send them forth to preach: and that they might have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils. And he gave unto Simon to name, Peter. And he called james the son of zebedee and Iohn, james brother, and gave them to name Boanarges, which is to say, the sons of thunder. And Andrew, and Philip, & Bad thylmewe, and Matthew, and Thomas, and james the son of Alphene, and Thaddeus, & Simon of Canaan, and judas Iscarioth: which also betrayed him. And they came in to the house, and the people assembled together again, so that they had not leisure, so much as to eat bread. And when they that belonged unto him, heard of it, they went out to lay hands upon him. For they said: he is mad. And the Scribes which came down from jerusalem, said: He hath Belzebub, & * Math. ix ● and. xii. b Luke. xi. b hy the chief devil, casteth he out devils. And he called them unto him, and said unto them in parables. Now can Satan drive out Satan? And if a realm be divided against itself, that realm can not endure. And if an house be divided against itself, that house can not continue. And if Satan make insurrection against himself, and be divided, he can not continue, but hath an end. No man can enter in to a strong man's house, and take away his goods: except he first bind the strong man, and then spoil his house. verily I say unto you, all sins shall be forgiven unto men's children, and blasphemies wherewith so ever they have blasphemed. * Math. xii. c Luke. xii. ●. But he that speaketh blasphemy against the holy ghost, hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation. For they said: he hath an unclean spirit. * Mat. xii. ●. Luke. viii. ● There came also his mother and his brethren, & stood without, & sent unto him to call him out. And the people sat about him, & said unto him: behold, thy mother and thy ☞ brethren seek for the without. And he answered them, saying: Who is my mother & my brethren? And when he had looked round about on his disciples, which sat in compass about him, he said: Behold, my mother and my brethren. For who soever doth the will of God, the same is my brother and my sister and mother. ¶ The parable of the sour. Chryst stilleth the tempest of the see, which obeyed him. CAPI. four ✚ ANd he began again, to teach by the see side. And there gathered together unto him much people, so greatly that he entered into a ship, * Mat. xiii. a and sat in the see, and all the people was by the see side on the shore. And he taught them many things by parables/ and said unto them in his doctrine? hearken to: behold/ * Luk. viii. a there went out a sour to sow. And it fortuned as he sowed/ that some fell by the way side/ and the fowls of the air came, & devoured it up: Some fell on stony ground where it had not much earth: and immediately sprang up, because it had not depth of earth: but as soon as the son was up, it caught heat: and because it had not roting, it weathered away. And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it/ & it gave no fruit. And some fell upon good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up, and grew/ & brought forth/ some thirty fold/ & some syxtye fold/ and some an hundred fold. And he said unto them: he that hath ears to hear let him hear. ⊢ And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked him of the parable. And he said unto them. * Mat. xiii. b Luke. viii b To you is it given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God. But unto them that are without, all things happen by parables: that when they se/ they may see, and not discern, and when they hear, * Esai. vi. c Mat. xiii. b Luke. viii b Iohn. xii. f. Acts. 28. f. Roma. xi. ● they may hear, and not understand: lest at any time they should turn, and their spnes should be forgiven them. And he said unto them: know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all other parables? * Mat. xiii. c. Luk. viii. v The sower soweth the word. And they (whereof some be rehearsed to be by the way side) are those, where the word is sown: And when they hear/ Satan cometh immediately, and taketh away the word that was sown in their hearts. And likewise the other that receive seed in to the stony ground, are they: which when they hear the word/ at once receive it with gladness, yet have no tote in themselves/ & so endure but a time: & anon when trouble and persecution ariseth for the words sake/ they fall immediately. There be other also that receive seed in to thorns & those are such as hear the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches & the lusts of other things/ enter in and choke the word/ and it is made unfruitful: & other there be that have received seed in to a good ground: they are such that hear the word/ and receive it/ so that one corn doth bring forth thirty, some sixty, some an hundred. And he said unto them: * Math. v. ●. Luk. viii. c and. xi, e is the candle lighted, to be put under a bushel/ or under the table? Is it not lighted to be put on a candlestick? * Math. x. c Luke viii d and. xii. a. For there is nothing so privy/ that shall not be opened: neither hath it been so secret, but that it shall come abroad. If any man have ears to hear/ let him hear. And he said unto them: take heed what ye hear. * Mat. seven. a Luke. vi. f With what measure ye meat, with the same shall other men measure unto you again. And unto you that hear, shall more be given. For * Mat. xiii. b Luke. viii. ● and. nineteen. ● unto him that hath, shall it be given, and from him that hath not, shall be taken away/ even that which he hath. And he said: so is the kingdom of God/ even as * Mat. xiii. d if a man should sow seed in the ground and should sleep, and rise by night and day/ and the seed should spring and grow up, while he is not aware. For the earth bringeth forth fruit of herself: first the blade, than the ear, after the full come in the ear. But when the fruit is brought forth, anon he thrusteth in the sickle/ because the harvest is come. And he said: where unto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? * Mat. ●iii. ● Luke. xiii. d It is like a grain of mustard seed: which when it is sown in the earth/ is less than all seeds that be in the earth: when it is sown, it groweth up/ and is greater than all herbs: and beareth great branches so that the fowls of the air may make their nests under the shadow of it. * Mat. xiii. ●. And with many such parables spoke he the word unto them after as they might hear it. But without parable spoke he nothing unto them. But when they were alone, & he expounded all things to his disciples. And the same day when even was come, he said unto them: let us pass over unto the other side. And they left the people, and took him even as he was in the ship. And there were also with him other ships. * Mat. xiii. ● And there arose Mat. viii. c Luke. viii c a great storm of wind/ and the waves dashed in to the ship, so that it was now full. And he was in the stern a sleep on a pillow. And they awaked him, and said unto him: Master/ carest thou not, that we perish? And he rose up/ and rebuked the wind/ and said unto the see: peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there followed a great calm. And he said unto them: why are ye so fearful? How happeneth it. that ye have no faith/ And the people spied them when they departed: and many knew him, and ran a foot thither out of all cities, and came thither before them, and came together unto him. And jesus went out and saw much people, * Math. ix. d and. xiiii. b. and had compassion on them/ because * Ezech. 34 a they were like sheep, not having a shepherd. And he began to teach them many things. * Mat. xiiii b Luke. ●x. ● Iohn. vi. a. And when the day was now far spent/ his disciples came unto him, saying: this is a desert place, and now the time is far passed/ let them depart, that they may go in to the country round about/ and in to the towns/ and buy them bread: for they have nothing to eat. He answered and said unto them, give ye them to eat. And they said unto him: shall we go and by two hundred penny worth of bread, and give them to eat? He said unto them: * Mat. viii. a how many loves have ye? Go and look. And when they had searched, they said: five & two fishes. And he commanded them, to make them all sit down by companies upon the green grass. And they sat down here arrow, and there arrow, by hundreds and by fyftyes. And when he had taken the five loves, & the two fishes, & looked up to heaven, he ☞ blessed and broke the loves, and gave them to his disciples, to set before them: and the two fishes divided he among them all. And they all did eat/ and were satisfied. And they took up twelve baskets full thereof/ and of the fishes. And they that did eat/ were about five thousand men. * Mat. xiiii. ● And straight way he caused his disciples to go in to the ship/ and to go over the see before unto bethsaida, while he sent away the people. * Mat. xiiii. c john. vi. b, And as soon as he had sent them away/ he departed in to a mountain to pray. ✚ And when even was come, the ship was in the mids of the see, and he alone on the land/ and he saw them troubled in rowing, for the wind was contrary unto them. And about the fourth watch of the night, he came unto them/ walking upon the see, and would have passed by them. But when they saw him walking upon the see/ they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out: for they all saw him, and were afraid. And anon he talked with them, and said unto them: be of good cheer, it is I/ be not afraid. * Mat. xiiii. c And he went up unto them in to the ship, and the wind ceased, and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure/ and marveled. For they remembered not of the loves, because their heart was blinded. And when they were over the water, they came in to the land of Genezareth and drew up into the haven. And assoon as they were come out of the ship, straight way they knew him, and ran forth through out all the region round about, and began to carry about in beds those that were sick/ when they heard that he was there. And whither soever he entered in/ to towns cities/ or villages/ they laid the sick folks in the streets/ and prayed him that they might touch/ and it were but the hem of his vesture. And as many as touched him, were safe. ⊢ ¶ The disciples eat with unwashen hands. The commandment of god is transgressed by man's traditions. Of the woman of Syrophenissa. Of the Sabbath. CAPI. VII. ANd * Math. xv ● the pharisees came together unto him, & diverse of the Scribes which came from jerusalem. And when they saw certain of his disciples eat bread with comen (that is to say/ with unwasshen) hands, they complained. For the pharisees and all the jews, except they wash their hands oft/ eat not, observing the traditions of the elders. And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not And many other things there be, which they have taken upon them to observe, as the washing of cups and cruses, and brazen vessels, and of tables. Then asked him the pharisees & scribes: why walk not thy disciples according to the custom, ordained by the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered, and said unto them: well prophesied Esaias of you, hypocrites/ as it is written: * Esai. xx●●. d Math. xv ● This people honoureth me, with their lips/ but their heart is far from me: howbeit, in vain do they serve me, teaching the doctrines and commandments of men. For ye lay the commandment of god apart/ and observe the constitutions of men/ as the washing of cruses and of cups/ and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them: well, ye cast a side the commandment of God, to maintain your own constitutions. * Exod. ●●i ● duty. v. b. Ephe. xi. a. For Moses said: honour thy father & thy mother: and ‡ Exo. xx. b. Leuiti. xx b Prove. xx. c who so curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say: a man shall say to father or mother/ Corban: which is: ☞ what gift soever cometh fro me/ shall be for thy prophet. And so ye suffer him no more to do aught for his father or his mother, and make the word of God of none effect, through your own constitution which ye have ordained. And many such things do ye. And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them: hearken unto me, every one of you/ and understand. * Math. xv ● There is nothing with out a man that can defile him, when it entereth into him, but the things which proceed out of a man, those are they that defile the man. If any man have ears to hear/ let him hear. And when he came in to the house away from the people/ his disciples asked him of the similitude. And he said unto them: are ye also so greatly without understanding? Do ye not yet perceive, that what soever thing from without, entereth into a man, it can not defile him, because it entereth not in to his heart, but in to the belly/ & goeth out in to the draft/ purging out all meats? And he said: that which cometh out of a man, defileth the man. For from within, even out of the heart of men proceed evil thoughts/ adultery/ for nicacyon, murder/ theft, covetousness, fraud deceit/ uncleanness/ a wicked eye/ blasphemies/ pride/ foolishness: all these evil things come from within/ and defile a man. * Math. xv. c And from thence he rose/ and went in to the borders of tire and Sydon: and entered in to an house, and would that no man should have known. But he could not be hid. For a certain woman (whose daughter had a foul spirit) as soon as she heard of him/ came/ and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek out of the nation of Syrophenicia/ and she besought him/ that he would cast out the devil from her daughter. But jesus said unto her: let the children first be fed. For it is not meet, to take the children's bread, and to cast it unto whelps. She answered and said unto him: even so Lord/ * Math. xv. c nevertheless, the whelps also eat under the table of the children's crumbs. And he said unto her: for this saying go thy way, the devil is gone out of thy daughter. And when she was come home to her house, she found that the devil was departed, and her daughter dying on the bed. ✚ And he departed again from the coostes of tire and Sydon, and came unto the see of Galilee thorough the mids of the coostes of the ten cities. * Math. xv d And they brought unto him one that was deaf and had an impediment in his speech/ and they prayed him to put his hand upon him. And when he had taken him aside from the people/ he put his fingers in to his ears/ and did spit/ and touched his tongue/ and looked up to heaven/ and sighed, and said unto him: Ephata/ that is to say, be opened. And straight way his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed/ & he spoke plain. * Math. ix. d And Mark. i. d he commanded them/ that they should tell no man. But the more he forbade them/ so much the more a great deal they published, saying: He hath done all things well/ he hath made both the deaf to hear/ and the dumb to speak. ⊢ ¶ The miracle of the seven loves. The Pharisees ask a sign. The leaven of the pharisees. The blind receiveth his sight. CAPI. VIII. ✚ IN those days when there was * Math. xv d a very great company, and had nothing to eat/ jesus called his disciples to him/ and said unto them: I have compassion on the people/ because they have now been with me three days/ and have nothing to eat: and if I send them away fasting to their own houses/ they shall faint by the way. * Esai. 〈◊〉. a Tobi. xii●. ● For diverse of them came from far. And his disciples answered him: where should a man have bread here in the wilderness to satisfy these? And he asked them: how mano loves have ye? They said: seven. And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loves: and when he had given thanks/ he broke/ and gave to his disciples, to set before them. And they did set them before the people. And they had a few small fishes. And when he had blessed, he commanded them also to be set before them. And they did eat, and were sufficed. And they took up of the broken mere that was left seven baskets full. And they that did eat: were about four thousand. And he sent them away. And anon he entered in to a ship with his disciples, and came in to the parties of Dalmanutha. * Mat. xvi. ● Luke. xi. d Iohn. vi. d And the pharisees came forth/ and began to dispute with him, seeking of him a sign from heaven, tempting him. And when he had sighed in his spirit/ he sayeth: why doth this generation seek a sign? verily I say unto you, there shall no sign be given unto this generation. And he left them, and went in to the ship again, and departed over the water. And they had forgotten to take bread with them/ neither had they in the ship with them more than one loof. And he charged them/ saying. ✚ * Mat. xvi. b Luke. xii●. ● Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herode. And they reasoned among themselves, saying: we have no bread. And jesus knew it, and sayeth unto them: why take ye thought, because ye hsue no bread? perceive ye not yet, neither understand? Have ye your heart yet blinded? Have ye eyes and see not? and have ye ears and hear not? Do ye not also remember? * Mat. xiiii. c When I broke five loves among five thousand men, how many baskets full of broken meat took ye up? They say unto him, twelve. * Math. xv. d When I broke. seven. among four thousand, how many baskets of the leavings of the broken meat took ye up? They said: seven. And he said unto them: how happeneth it that ye do not understand? ✚ And he came to bethsaida, and they brought a blind man unto him, and desired him to touch him. And he caught the blind by the hand, and led him out of the town: and when he had spit in his eyes, and put his hands upon him/ he asked him if he saw aught. And he looked up, and said: I see the men: for I perceive them walk/ as they were trees. After that he put his hands again upon his eyes, and made him se. And he was restored, and saw every man clearly. And he sent him home to his house/ saying: neither go in to the town, nor tell it to any in the town. ⊢ * Math. 16. c Luke. ix. c And jesus went out, and his disciples into the towns that long to the city called Caesarea Philippi. And by the way he asked his disciples saying unto them, whom do men say that I am? And they answered: some say that thou art Iohn baptist, and some say Elyas: Again, some say that thou art one of the number of the prophettis. And he sayeth unto them: but whom say ye that I am? Peter answereth and sayeth unto him: * Mat. xvi. c. Luke i●. ● Iohn. vi. g. Thou art very Chryst. And he charged them, that they should tell no man of him. And he began to teach them * Mat. xvi. c, and. xx. c. Luke. ix. c how that the son of man must suffer many things, and be reproved of the elders/ and of the high priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days arise again. And he spoke that saying openly. And Peter took him aside, and began to chide him. But he turned about, and looked on his disciples, and rebuked Peter, saying: Go after me Satan. For thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men. * Mat. xvi. d Luke. ix. c and. x●iii. f And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them: Whosoever will follow me, let him forsake himself/ & take up his cross/ and follow me. For who soever will save his life/ shall lose it. But who soever shall lose his life for my sake and the Gospels, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man/ if he win all the world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give to redeem his soul withal again? * Math. ●. ● Luke. xii. ● Who soever therefore shall be a shamed of me and of my words/ in this adulterous and sinful generation: of him also shall the son of man be ashamed/ when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy Angels. ¶ The transfiguration. The ●una●yhe is healed. The disputation who should be the greatest. Offences are forbidden. CAPI. IX. ANd he said unto them: verily I say you: * Mat. xvi ● Luke. ix. ● There be some among them that stand here/ which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power. * Math. 17 ● Luke. ix. ● And after two days jesus taketh Peter, and james, and Iohn, and leadeth them up into an high mountain out of the way alone/ and he was transfigured before them. And his raiment did shine, & became very white, even as snow: so white as no fuller can make upon the earth. And there appeared unto them Elias with Moses, & they talked with Iesu. And Peter answered and sayeth to jesus: Master, here is good being for us/ let us make also three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elyas. For he wist not what he said: for they were afraid And there was a cloud that shadowed them And a voice came out of the cloud, saying: * Math. 〈◊〉. ● and. xvii. ●. Luke. ii●. ●. and. i●, ● Mark. ●. ● Esai. lii. ● This is my beloved son, hear him. And suddenly when they had looked round about, they saw no man more than jesus only with them: * Math. 17 ● Mark. i. ● And as they came down from the hill, he charged them, that they should tell no man those things that they had seen, till the son of man were risen from death again. And they kept that saying with them/ and demanded one of another, what the rising from death again should mean? And they asked him saying: why then say the scribes, that Elyas must first come? He answered and said unto them: * Mala. ●●●ii ● Elyas verily when he cometh first, restoreth all things. And the son of man (as it is * Esai. liii. ● written of him) shall suffer many things, and be set at nought. But I say unto you, that Elias is come, and they have done unto him what soever they would, as it was written of him. And when he came to his disciples/ he saw moche people about them, and the scribes disputing with them. And straight way all the people (when they beheld him) were amazed, and ran to him, and saluted him. And he asked the scribes: what dispute ye among them? ✚ * Mat. xvii. c Luke. ix. c And one of the company answered, and said: Master, I have brought unto the my son, which hath a dumb spirit. And when soever he taketh him, he teareth him, and he foameth, and gnassheth with his teeth, and pineth away. And I spoke to thy disciples that they should cast him out/ and they could not. He answereth him, and sayeth: O faithless nation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I suffer you? Bring him unto me. And they brought him unto him. And assoon as the spirit saw him, he tore him. And he fell down on the ground, walo wing and foaming. And he asked his father: how long is it ago, since this happened him? And he said, of a child: and oft times it hath cast him in to the fire, and into the water, to destroy him. But if thou canst do any thing, have mercy on us, and help us. jesus said unto him: if thou couldst believe * Mat. xvii d all things are possible to him that believeth. And straight way the father of the child cried with tears, saying: Lord, I believe, help thou mine unbelief. When jesus saw that the people came running together unto him, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying unto him: Thou dumb and deaf spirit, I charge the come out of him, and enter no more into him: And the spirit (when he had cried, and rend him sore) came out of him/ & he was as one that had been dead, in so much that many said: he is dead. But jesus caught his hand, & lift him up: and he rose. And when he was come in to the house * Mat. xvii d his disciples asked him secretly, why could not we cast him out? And he said unto them: this kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting. ⊢ ✚ And they departed thence, and took their journey thorough Galilee, and he would not/ that any man should know it. For he taught his disciples, and said unto them: * Mat. xvii d Luke. ix. ● the son of man shall be delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill him: and after that he is killed, he shall arise again the third day. But they wist not what he said, and were afraid to ask him. And he came to Capernaum. And when he was come in to the house, he asked them: what was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way? And they held their peace: for by the way they had reasoned among themselves, who should be the cheyfest. And when he was set down, he called the twelve to him, & said unto them: if any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant to all. * Math 18. ● Luke. ix. f And he took a child/ and set him in the myddis of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them: whosoever receiveth any such a child in my name, receiveth me. And whosoever receiveth me, receiveth not me/ but him that sent me. ⊢ Iohn answered him, saying: ✚ Master, we saw one cast out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbade him, because he followeth us not. But jesus said: forbid him not. For * i. Cor●. xii. a there is no man which (if he do a miracle in my name) can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us, is on our part. * Math. x. d Whosoever shall in my name give you a cup of water to drink, by cause ye belong to Chryst, verily I say unto you: he shall not lose his reward. * Math. ●8. a And who soever shall offend one of these little ones, that believe in me, it were better for him if a millstone were hanged about his neck/ and he were cast in to the see. * Math. 18. ● Wherefore ☞ if thy hand hinder thee, cut it of. It is better for thee, to enter in to life maimed, then (having two hands) to go in to hell, in to fire that never shall be quenched/ where * Esai. 〈◊〉 ● their worm dieth not, and the fire goeth not out. And if thy foot be an hindrance unto thee, cut it of. It is better for the to go halt in to life, than (having two feet) to be cast in to hell, into fire that never shall be quenched: where their worm dieth not, & the fire goeth not out. * Math. v. ● And if thine eye hinder thee, pluck it out. It is better for the to go in to the kingdom of God with one eye/ then (having two eyes) to be cast in to hell fire: where their worm dieth not, and the fire goeth not out. ⊢ ☞ Every man shall be salted with fire. * Leviti two. d. And every sacrifice shall be seasoned with salt. * Math. v. b. Luk. xiiii. g Salt is good. But if the salt be unsavoury, what shall ye season therewith? have salt in yourselves: and have peace among yourselves, one with another. ¶ Of divorcement. The rich man questyoneth with Chryst. Of the sons of zebedee. Ba●thimens the blind man. CAPI. X. ✚ ANd when he rose from thence, he * Math nineteen ● went in to the coostes of jury through the region that is beyond jordane. And the people resorted unto him a fresh, and as he was wont, he taught them again. And the pharisees came, and asked him. Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife: to prove him. And he answered, and said unto them: * Deute. 24 a Math. nineteen ● what did Moses bid you do: and they said, Moses suffered to write a testymonyall of divorcement/ & to put her away. And jesus answered and said unto them: For the hardness of your heart he wrote this precept unto you. But at the first creation, * Gene. i. d God made them man and woman. Therefore * i Cori. vi. d Mat nineteen. a. Gene. two. d Ephe. v. g shall a man leave his father and mother, and bide by his wife, and they twain shallbe one flesh. So then, are they now not twain, but one flesh. Therefore, what god hath coupled together, let not man separate. And in the house his disciples asked him again of the same matter. And he sayeth unto them. * Math. v. ●. and. nineteen. a Luke xvi. d Whosoever putteth away his wife, and marrieth another, breaketh wedlock toward her. And if any woman forsake her husband, and be married to another, she committed adultery. ⊢ * Mat. nineteen. b. Luk xviii. d And they brought children to him/ that he should touch them. And his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when jesus saw it/ he was displeased and said unto them: Suffer the children to come unto me, forbid them not. For of such is the kingdom of God. verily I say unto you, whosoever doth not receive the kingdom of God * Math. 18. ● Luk. ●xvii. a as a child/ he shall not enter therein. And when he had taken them up in his arms/ he put his hands upon them, & blessed them. ⊢ ✚ And when he was gone forth in to the way/ there came one running and kneeled to him/ & asked him: * Mat 〈◊〉. b. Luke. 18. d. good master, what shall I do, that I may enheryt eternal life? jesus said unto him, why callest thou me good? There is no man good, but one, which is God. Thou knowest the commandments: break not matrimony: kill not: steal not: bear no false witness: defraud no man: honour thy father and mother. He answered, and said unto him: Master/ all these I have observed from my youth. jesus beheld him/ and favoured him/ and said unto him: one thing thou lackest. * Math. xix● b Luke. 18. d Go thy way, ☞ Sell all that thou haste/ and give to the poor/ and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come, follow me ⊢ and take up my cross upon thy shoulders. But he was discomforted because of that saying/ and went away mourning for he had great possessions. And when jesus had looked round about/ he said unto his disciples. * Math. nineteen. c Luke. ●8. e. How uneasy shall they that have money: enter in to the kingdom of God. And the disciples were astonied at his words. But jesus answereth again/ and sayeth unto them: children how hard is it for them, that trust in money/ to enter in to the kingdom of God? It is easier for a camel to go thorough the eye of an needle/ then for the rich to enter in to the kingdom of god. And they were astonied out of measure, saying between themselves: who then can be saved? jesus looked upon them/ and said: with men it is unpossible, but not with god: for * ●●●h●. vi●● with God all things are possible. And Peter began to say unto him: Lo/ * Math. 〈◊〉 Luke. ●●● we have forsaken all, and have followed the jesus answered/ and said: verily I say unto you, there is no man that hath forsaken house/ or brethren/ or sisters/ or father/ or mother/ or wife/ or children/ or lands for my sake and the Gospels, but he shall receive an hundred fold now in this life/ houses and brethren/ and sisters/ and mother's/ and children/ and lands with persecutions: and in the world to come/ eternal life: * Math ii● Luke x●●● But many that are first/ shall be last: and the last/ first. And they were in the way going up to jerusalem. And jesus went before them/ and they were amazed/ and followed/ and were afraid. And jesus took the twelve again/ and began to tell them what things should happen unto him. * Math. xvi● xvii. c. & 〈◊〉 Luke. xv. ● and. xv●▪ ● Behold/ we go up to jerusalem/ and the Son of man shall be delivered unto the high priests and unto the scribes: and they shall condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the gentiles/ and they shall mock him/ and scourge him/ spit upon him/ and kill him. And the third day he shall rise again. * Math. x●▪ ● And james and Iohn the sons of zebedee came unto him/ saying: Master: we would/ that thou shouldest do for us what soever we desire. He said unto them: what would ye that I should do for you? They said unto him: grant unto us/ that we may sit/ one on thy right hand/ and the other on thy left hand/ in thy glory. But jesus said unto them: Ye wore not what ye ask. Can ye drink of the cup/ that I drink of? And be baptized with the baptism/ that I am baptized with? And they said unto him: that we can. jesus said unto them: ye shall in deed drink of the cup that I drink of: and with the baptism that I am baptized with all/ shall ye be baptized in: but to sit on my right hand and on my left hand/ is not mine to give, but it shall happen unto them, for whom it is prepared. * Math. xx. d And when the ten heard it, they began to disdain at james and Iohn. But jesus when he had called them to him, said unto them: Ye know, that * Math. xx. d Luke. xxii. ● they which are seen to bear rule among the people, reign as Lords over them. And they that be great among them, exercise anctorite upon them. Nevertheless, so shall it not be among you: but who soever of you will be great among you, shall be your minister. And who soever of you will be chief, shall be servant of all. For * Math. xx. d the son of man also came not to be ministered unto: but to minister, and to give his life for the redemption of many. And they came to Jericho: * Math. ●x. d Luk. xviii g And as he went out of the cuye of Jericho with his disciples, and a great number of people: Blind Barthimeus, the son of Thimeus, sat by the high ways side begging. And when he heard that it was jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry, and to say: jesus, thou son of David, have mercy on me. And many rebuked him, that he should hold his peace. But he cried the more a great deal: thou son of David have mercy on me. And jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called. And they called the blind, saying unto him: Be of good comfort: Arise, he calleth the. And he threw away his cloak, and arose, and came to jesus. And jesus answered, and said unto him: What wilt thou that I do unto thee? The blind said unto him: Master, that I might se. jesus said unto him: Go thy way, thy faith hath saved the. And immediately he received his sight, and followed jesus in the way. ¶ Christ rideth to jerusalem. The fig tree drieth up. The dyers and sellers are cast out of the temple▪ The Pharised question with Chryst. CAPI. XI. ANd when they came nigh to jerusalem unto Bethphage and Bethanie, besides Mat. xxi. a. Luke. nineteen. c. mount Olyuete, he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and sayeth unto them: Go your way in to the town, that is over against you. And as soon as ye be entered in to it: ye shall find a colt bound, whereon never man sat: lose him, and bring him hither. And if any man say unto you, why do ye so? say ye, that the Lord hath need of him: and straight way he will send him hither. And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door without, in a place where two ways met, and they loosed him. And divers of them that stood there, said unto them: * Iohn. xii. b. What do ye, losing the colt? And they said unto them, even as jesus had commanded. And they let them go. And they brought the colt to jesus and cast their garments on him: and he sat upon him. And many spread their garments in the way. Other cut down branches of them trees, and strawed them in the way. And they that went before, & they that followed, cried, saying. Hosanna: * Psal. ●●8 d Mat. xxi. b. Luke. nineteen. ● Iohn. xii. b. Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord. Blessed be the kingdom, that cometh in the name of him that is Lord of our father David: Hosanna in the highest. And the Lord entered in to jerusalem, and in to the temple. And when he had looked round about upon all things, and now the eventide was come, he went out unto Bethany with the twelve. * Mat. xxi. b. And on the morrow when they were come out from Bethany, he hungered. And when he had spied a Fig tree a far of, having leaves, he came to see, if he might find any thing thereon. And when he came to it, he sound nothing but leaves: For the time of figs was not yet. And jesus answered, and said unto the Fig tree: Never man care fruit of the hereafter while the world standeth. And his disciples heard it▪ And they came to jerusalem. And Hesus went in to the temple, and began to * Mat. xxi. b. Luke. xi. ● Iohn. two ● cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the stoles of them that sold doves: and would not suffer, that any man should carry a vessel thorough the temple. And he taught, saying unto them: * Esai. two e 3. Regum. 8. ● jere. seven. ● Is it not written? My house shall be called the house of prayer unto all nations: But ye have made it a den of thieves. And the Scribes and high Preestes heard it, and sought how to destroy him. * Mat. xxi. ●. For they feared him, because all the people marveled at his doctrine. And when even was come, jesus went out of the city * Mat. xxi. d. Luke. xiii. b And in the morning as they passed by, they saw the Fig tree dried up by the ●o●es. And Peter remembered, and said unto him: Master, behold, the Fig tree which thou cursedst, is weathered away. And jesus answered, and said unto them: have confidence in God. ✚ verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain: Remove, & cast thyself in to the see, and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which be sayeth shall come to pass, what soever he sayeth, he shall have. Therefore I say unto you, * Mat. xxi. c. Iohn▪ ●4. b what things soever ye desire when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them. And when ye stand & pray, * Math. vi. b and. xviii. d forgive, if ye have aught against any man, that your father also which is in heaven, may forgive you your trespasses. And they came again to jerusalem. * Luke. 〈◊〉. a Math, ●1. ●. And as he walked in the temple, there came unto him the high priests, and the Scribes, and the elders, and say unto him: by what authority dost thou these things? and who gave the this authority, to do these things? jesus answered, and said unto them: I will also ask of you a certain thing, and answer ye me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of johsi, whither was it from heaven, or of men? Answer me. And they thought in themselves, saying: if we say, from heaven: he will say, why then did ye not believe him? But if they had said, of men, they feared the people. For all men counted Iohn, that he was a very Prophet. And they answered, and said unto jesus: We can not tell. And jesus answered, and said unto them: neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things. ⊢ ¶ The vineyard is let out. give to Cesar that belongeth to▪ Cesar: of the Saducees, of the doctor of law: hypocrites must be eschewed: the offering of the poor widow. CAPI. XII. ANd he began to speak unto them by parables. A certain man planted * Esai. v. a jere. xii. c. Mat. xxi. d. Luke. xx. b johsi ●x. c a vineyard, and compassed it about which an hedge, and ordained a wine press, & built a tour, and let it out to hire unto husband men, and went in to a strange country. And when the time was come, he sent to the husband men a servant, that he might receive of the husbandmen of the fruit of the vineyard. And they caught him & bet him, & sent him away again empty. And more over, he sent unto them an other servant, and at him they cast stones, and broke his head, and sent him away again all to reviled. And again, he sent an other, and him they killed: and many other, beating some, and killing some. And so when he had yet but one beloved son, he sent him also at the last unto them, saying: they will fear my son. * Math xxi d But the husband men said amongst themselves: this is the heir: come * Gene. 37. d. Luke. xx. c let us kill him, & the inheritance shall be ours. And they took him, and killed him, and cast him out of the vineyard. What shall therefore the Lord of the vineyard do? He shall come, and destroy the husband men, and let out the vineyard unto other. Have ye not red this scripture? * Psal. 〈◊〉 ● Math. x●●● Acts. 〈◊〉. ● The stone which the builders did refuse, is become the chief stone of the corner? this is the Lords doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes. They went about also to take him, and feared the people. For they knew, that he had spoken the parable against them And they left him, and went their way. * Mat. xx●●▪ ● Luke. xx ● And they sent unto him certain of the Pharisees and Herodes servants, to take him in his words. And assoon as they were come, they said unto him: Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou considerest not the outward appearance of men, but teachest the way of God truly: Is it lawful to pay tribute to Cesar, or not? Ought we to give, or ought we not to give? But he understood their simulation, & said unto them: Why tempt ye me? Bring me a penny, that I may see it. And they brought it. And he sayeth unto them: Whose is this image and superscription? And they said unto him: Caesar's. And jesus answered, and said unto them: * Math. 17. ● and. xxii. ● Rom. xiii▪ ● give to Cesar the things that belong to Cesar: and to God, the things which pertain to God. And they marveled at him, There came also unto him the Saducees * Mat. xxii. ● Luke. xx. ● Acts. 23. b. which say that there is no resurrection. And they asked him, saying: Master ‡ Deu. 25. b Moses wrote unto us, if any man's brother die, and leave his wife behind him, and leave no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. There were seven brethren, and the first took a wife: and when he died, left no seed behind him. And the second took her, and died: neither left he any seed. And the third likewise. And seven had her, & left no seed behind them. Last of all the wife died also. In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise again: whose wife shall she be of them? For seven had her to wife. And jesus answered, and said unto them: Do ye not therefore err, because ye understand not the scriptures, neither the power of God? For when they shall rise again from death, they neither marry, nor are married: but are as the angels which are in heaven. As touching the dead, that they rise again: have ye not red in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spoke unto him, saying, * Exodi. iii b Mat. xxii. b Luke. x. f I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of jacob? He is no God of dead, but the God of living. Ye are therefore greatly dcceyved. * Mat xxii. d And when there came one of the scribes, and had heard them disputing together, (and perceived that he had answered them well) he asked him: which is the first of all the commandments? jesus answered him. the first of all the commandments is: Hear O Israel: * Deut. vi. a. Mat. xxii. d The Lord our God is Lord only? And thou shalt love the lord thy god with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. This is the first commandment. And the second is like unto this. * Leu●ti. nineteen. d Math. v. c. Mat. xxii. b Rom. xiii. c Calath. v. c James. two. b Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these. And the Scribe said unto him: well master, thou hast said the truth, for there is one God, and there is none but he. And to love him with all the heart, and with all the mind, and with all the soul, and with all the strength: and to love a man's neighbour as himself, is a greater thing than all burnt offerings and sacrifices. And when jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him. Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that, durst ask him any question. And jesus answered and said, teaching in the temple: How say ye scribes that Christ is the son of David? for David himself inspired with the holy ghost, said: * Mat. xxii. d Psal. ●x. ● The Lord said to my lord, sit on my right hand till I make thine enemies thy foot s●ole. David himself calleth him lord: and how is he then his son? And moche people heard him gladly. And he said unto them in his doctrine: beware of the Scribes, which * Math. 23. a Luke. xx. ●. love to go in long clothing: and love salutations in the market places, & the chief seats in the congregations, and the uppermost rooms at feastis: Which devour widows houses, and under a pretence, make long prayers. These shall receive greater damnation. ✚ And when jesus sat over against the treasury, he beheld, * Luke. xxi. a. how the people put money in to the treasury. And many that were rich, cast in moche. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and sayeth unto them. verily I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury. For they all did cast in of their superfluity: but she of her poverty, did cast in all that she had, even all her living. ⊢ ¶ The end of the world. The days and the hour 〈◊〉 unknown, CAPI. XIII. ✚ ANd as he went out of the themple, one of his disciples said unto him. Master, mat. xxiii●. a Luke. xxi. a see what stones, and what buildings are here. And jesus answered and said unto him: Seest thou these great buildings? There shall not be left one stone upon an other, that shall not be thrown down. And as he sat on mount Olyuete, over against the temple, Peter and james, & Iohn and Andrew, asked him secretly: tell us, when shall these things be? And what is the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled? And jesus answered them, and began to say: * mat. ●●●ii● a Luke. xxi. b. Take heed lest any man deceive you. For many shall come in my name, saying: I am Chryst, and shall deceive many. When ye shall hear of wars, and tidings of wars, be ye not troubled. For such things must needs be? But the end is not yet. For there shall nation arise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there shall be earth quakes in all quarters, and famyshment shall there be, and troubles. These are the beginning of sorrows. But * Iohn. xvi. a take ye heed to yourselves. ‡ math. x. b Luke. xxi. c. Iohn. xvi. a For they shall bring you up to the counsels, & in to the synagogues, & ye shallbe beaten: Yea, and shallbe brought before rulers & kings for my sake, for a testimonial unto them. * mat. xxiiii b And the Gospel must first be published among all nations. * Math x ● But when they lead you & present you take ye no thought, neither imagine before hand what ye shall say: but what soever is given you in the same hour, that speak, for it is not ye that speak, but the holy ghost. The brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the son: and the children shall rise against their fathers & mothers, & shall put them to death. And ye shallbe hated of all men for my name's sake: But who so endureth unto the end, the same shall be safe, * mat. x●iiii. d Luke. xxi. d. Danie. ix. ● More over, when ye see the abomination of desolation (whereof is spoken by Daniel the prophet) stand where it ought not: let him that readeth understand. Then let them that be in jury, flee to the mountains. And let him that is on the house top, not go down in to the house, neither entre therein, to fetch any thing out of his house. And let him that is in the field, not turn back again unto the things which he left behind him, for to take his clothes with him. woe shallbe them to them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days. But pray ye that your flight be not in the winter. For there shall be in those days such tribulation, as was not from the beginning of creatures (which god created) unto this time neither shall be. And except that the Lord should shorten those days, no flesh should be saved. But for the elects sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened those days. * Math. 24 b Luk. xvii. ●. And then, if any man say to you: lo, here is Christ: lo, he is there, believe not. For false Christ's & false prophets shall rise, & shall show miracles and wonders, to deceive if it were possible, even the elect. But take ye heed: Behold, I have showed you all things before. * johll. two. c Math. 24. c Luke, xxi. c. Moreover, in those days after that tribulation, the son shall wax dark, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars of heaven shall fall: and the powers which are in heaven, shall move: * Dani. ●ii. c And then shall they see the son of man coming in the clouds, with great power and glory. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth, to the uttermost part of heaven. * Math. 24 d Luke. xxi. f Learn a similitude of the Fig tree, when his branch is yet tender, and hath brought forth leaves, ye know that summer is near. So ye in like manner: when ye see these things come to pass: understand, that he is nigh even at the doors. verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till these things be done. Heaven and earth shall pass, but my words shall not pass. But of that day and time knoweth no man: no not the angels which are in heaven: ☞ neither the son himself: save the father only. * Math. 24 d Luke. xxi. c Take heed, watch & pray, for ye know not when the time is: As a man which is gone in to a strange country, and hath left his house, and given his substance to his servants, and to every man his work, and Mat xxv. b Luke. nineteen. b commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore, for ye know not when the master of the house will come, at even, or at midnight, whither at the cock crowing, or in the dawning: least if he come suddenly, he find you sleeping. And that I say unto you, I say unto all, watch. ¶ Marry Magdalen anointeth Christ. The Easter lamb is eaten. Christ is taken. Peter denieth him, with many other things that were demanded of Christ. CAPI. XIIII. ✚ AFter two days was Easter, and the days of sweet bread. * Math, 26 a Luke. xxii. a And the high priests and the Scribes sought, how they might take him by craft, and put him to death. But they said: not in the feast day, lest any business arise among the people. * mat. xx●●● Iohn. xi● And when he was at Bethania, in the house of Simon the leper, even as he sat at meat, there came a woman having an alabaster box of ointment, called Narde, that was pure and costly: and she broke the box, and powered it on his head. And there were some that were not content within themselves, and said: What needed this waste of ointment? For it might have been sold for more than CCC. pence, and have been given unto the poor. And they grudged against her. And jesus said: let her alone, why trouble ye her? She hath done a good work on me. * duty. xv● For ye have poor with you always: and when soever ye will, ye may do them good: but me have ye not always. She hath done that she could: she came beforehand, to anoint my body to the burying. verily I say unto you: Where soever this Gospel shall be preached throughout the hole world: this also that she hath done, shall be rehearsed in remembrance of her. * mat. xx●●● Luke. 〈…〉 Iohn. xiii. ● And judas Iscarioth, one of the twelve went away unto the high priests, to betray him unto them. When they heard that they were glad, & promised that they would give him money. And he sought how he might conventently betray him. * mat. xxvi. b Luke. xxii. ● And the first day of sweet bread (when they offered ☞ passover) his disciples say unto him: Where wilt thou that we go & prepare, that thou mayst eat the Passeover? And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and sayeth unto them: Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water, follow him. And whither soever he goeth in, say ye to the good man of the house, the master sayeth: Where is the geste cambre, where I shall eat Passeover with my disciples? And he will show you a great parlour, paved and prepared: there make ready for us. And his disciples went forth, and came in to the city, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the Passeover. * mat. xxvi b Luke. xxii. d And when it was now eventide he came with the twelve. And as they sat at board and did eat, jesus said. verily I say unto you: * Iohn xiii. ● one of you (that eateth with me) shall betray me. And they began to be sorry, and to say to him one by one: is it I? And an other said is it I? He answered and said unto them. It is one of the twelve, even he that dyppeth with me in the platter. The son of man truly goeth, as it is written of him: but woe to that man by whom the son of man is betrayed. Good were it for that man, if he had never been borne. And as they did eat, jesus took bread: & * Math. 26. c Luke. xxii. b ● Corin. xi. e when he had given thanks he broke it, and gave to them, & said: Take, eat, this is my body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he took it to them, & they all drank of it. And he said unto them: This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. verily I say unto you: I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine: until that day, that I drink it new in the kingdom of god. And * Math. 26. c when they had said grace: they went out to mount Olyuete. And jesus sayeth unto them: All ye shall be offended because of me this night. For it is written: * ●●ba. xiii. c Math, 26. c Luke. xxii. d Iohn. xiii. d I will smite the shepeheerde, & the sheep shall be scattered: But after that I am risen again, I will go into Galilee before you. Peter said unto him: And though all men be offended, yet will not I And jesus sayeth unto him. verily I say unto thee, that this day, even in this night before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me three times. But he spoke more vehemently: no, if I should die with thee, I will not deny the. Likewise also said they all. * Math. 26. d And they came in to a place which was named Gethsemani. And he saith to his disciples: Sit ye here, while I go aside, & pray. And he taketh with him Peter and james and Iohn, and began to wax abashed, and to be in an agony, and sayeth unto them: * Math. 26. d Iohn. xii. d. My soul is heavy, even unto the death, tarry ye here and watch. And he went forth a little and fell down flat on the ground, & prayed: that if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said: * Math. 26 d Luke. xxii. d Abba father all things are possible unto thee, take away this cup from me. Nevertheless, not that I will, but that thou wilt, be done. And he came and found them sleeping, and sayeth to Peter: Simon, sleepest thou? Couldst not thou watch one hour? Watch ye, & pray, lest ye enter in to temptation: the spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. * Math. 26 d And again he went aside, and prayed, and spoke the same words. And he returned and found them a sleep again. For their eyes were heavy: neither wist they, what to answer him. And he came the third time, & said unto them: sleep henceforth, and take your ease, it is enough. The hour is come, behold, the son of man is betrayed in to the hands of sinners. Rise up, let us go. Lo, he that betrayeth me, is at hand. * Math. 26. d Luke. xxii. e And immediately while he yet spoke, cometh judas, (which was one of the twelve) and with him a great number of people with swords and staves from the high priests and Scribes and elders. And he that betrayed him, had given them a general token, saying: Who soever I do kiss, that same is he: Take him and lead him away warily. And as soon as he was come, he goeth straight way to him, and sayeth unto him: Master, master and kissed him: And they laid their handis on him, and took him. And one of them that stood by, drew out a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cur of his care. And jesus answered & said unto them: * Math. ●6. 8 Luke. xxii. ● ye be come out as unto a thief with swerdis & with staves, for to take me. I was daily with you in the Temple, teaching, & ye took me not: but these things come to pass, that the scriptures should be fulfilled. * Math. 26. ● Luke xxii ● Iohn xviii. And they all forsook him, & ran away. And there followed him a certain young man, clothed in linen upon the bare, and the young men caught him, & he left his linen garment, and fled from them naked. * Math. 26. f Luke. xxii. f Iohn. 18. ●. And they l●d jesus away to the highest priest of all, & with him came all the high priests, & the elders, and the Scribes. And Peter followed him a great way of (even till he was come in to the palace of the high priest) and he sat with the 〈…〉 and warmed himself at the fire. * Math. 26. ● Acts. 〈◊〉. d. And the high priests, and all the counsel sought for witness against jesus, to put him to death, & found none: for many bare false witness against him, but their witnesses agreed not together. And there arose certain, & brought false witness against him, saying. We her●e him say: * Mat. xxvi ● Iohn. two. d I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I will build an other, made without handis: but yet their witnesses agreed not together. * mat. xxvi. f. And the high Priest stood up amongst them, and asked jesus, saying: Answerest thou nothing? How is it that these bear witness against thee? But he held his peace & answered nothing. Again * mat. xxvi. f the highest priest asked him, and said unto him: Art thou Christ the son of the blessed? And jesus said: I am. * mat xxvi. ● Luke. x●ii g Iohn. v ●. g. And ye shall see the son of man sitting on the right hand of power, & coming in the clouds of heaven. Then the high Priest rend his clothes, & said: What need we any further of witnesses? Ye have herd blasphemy, what think ye? and they all condemned him to be worthy of death. And some began to spit at him, & to cover his face, & to beat him with fists, and to say unto him: Arede. And the servants buffeted him on the face. And as Peter was beneath in the palace, there came one of the wenches of the highest priest: and * Math. 26 g Luke. xxii. f Iohn, 18. c. when she saw Peter warming himself, she looketh on him, and sayeth. Wast not thou also with jesus of Nazareth? And he denied, saying: I know him not, neither wot I what thou sayest. And he went out in to the porch, and the cock crew And a damsel (when she saw him) began again to say to them that stood by, this is one of them. And he denied it again. And anon after they that stood by, said again to Peter: surely thou art one of them, for thou art of Galilee, and thy speech agreeth thereto. But he began to curse and to swear, saying. I know not this man of whom ye speak. And again * Math. 26 g Luke. xxii. g the cock crew, and Peter remembered the word that jesus said unto him: before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me three times. And he began to weep. ¶ Of the Passion, death, and burial of Chryst. CAPI. XV. ANd anon in the downing, * Mat. 27. a. Luk. xxiii. a Iohn. 18. c the high Preestes held a counsel with the elders and the Scribes, and the hole congregation, and bound jesus, and led him away, and delivered him to Pilate. And Pilate asked him: Art thou the king of the jews? And he answered, and said unto him: thou sayest it. And the high priests accused him of many things. So Pilate asked him again, saying: * Math. 27 b Luk. xxiii. b Answerest thou nothing? Behold, how many things they lay unto thy charge. jesus yet answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled. At that feast Pilate did deliver unto them a prisoner: whom soever they would desire. And there was one that was named Barrabas, which lay bound with them that made insurrection: he had committed murder. And the people called unto him, and began to desire him, that he would do, according as he had ever done unto them. Pilate answered them, saying: Will ye that I let lose unto you the king of the jews? For he knew, that the high priests had delivered him of envy. But the high priests moved the people, that he should rather deliver Barrabas unto them. Pilate answered again, & said unto them. * Math. 27 b Luke. xxiii b What will ye then that I do unto him, whom ye call the king of the jews? And they cried again: crucify him: Pilate said unto them, what evil hath he done? And they cried the more fervently. Crucify him: And so Pilate willing to content the people, * Math. 27. b let lose Barrabas unto them, and delivered up jesus (when he had scourged him) for to be crucified. And the soldiers led him away into the comen hall, and called together the hole multitude, & they clothed him with purple, and they plaited a crown of thorns and crowned him withal, and began to salute him: Hail king of the jues. And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowed their knees, and worshipped him. And when they had mocked him, they took the purple of him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out, to crucify him. And they compelled one that passed by, called Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus) which came out of the field, to bear his cross. * Mat. 〈◊〉▪ Luk. xx●●. And they Mat. 27 ● brought him to a place named Golgotha, (which is if a man interpret it: the place of dead men's skulls) and they gave him to drink, wine menglyd with myrrh, but he received it not. And when they had crucified him * Mat. 27 ● Psal. x●●● they parted his garments, casting lots upon them, what every man should take. And it was about the third hour, and they crucified him. And the title of his cause was written: The king of the jues. * Mat. 27 ● Luk. xxiii ● And they crucified with him two thieves: the one on the right hand, & the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled which sayeth: * Esai. li●● Mat. 27. ● He was counted among the wicked. * Mat. 27. ● Luk. xx●●● And they that went by, railed on him: wagging their heads, & saying: A wretch thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself, & come down from the cross, Likewise also mocked him the high priests among themselves with the Scribes and said, he saved other men, himself he can not save. Let Christ the king of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see, and believe. And they that were crucified with him checked him also. * Math. 27. ● Luke 23. ● And when the sixth hour was come, darkness arose over all the earth, until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour jesus cried with a loud voice, saying: Eloi, Eloi, lamazabachthani? which is (if one interpret it,) * Math. 27. ● Psal. x●i. ●. My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? And some of them that stood by, when they heard that, said: behold, he calleth for Elias * Math. 27. ● And one ran, and filled a sponge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, & gave him to drink, saying: let him alone, let us see, whither Elias will come and take him down. But jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. * Math. 27. ● Luke. 23. ● And the veil of the temple did rend in two pieces, from the top to the bottom. * 〈◊〉 xxvii. ● 〈◊〉. 23. g. And when the Centurion, (which stood before him) saw, that he so cried and gave up the ghost, he said: truly this man was the son of God. * 〈◊〉. xxvii. f 〈◊〉. xxiii g There were also women a good way of, beholding him: among whom was * ●at. xxvii g Mary Magdalen, and Mary the mother of james the little: and of joses, and Mary Salome, * 〈◊〉. viii a (which also when he was in Galilee had followed him, and ministered unto him) and many other women which came up with him unto jerusalem. And now when the even was come (because it was the day of preparing that goeth before the Sabbath) * ●at. xxvii g Luk. ●xiii. g Iohn. nineteen. g joseph of the city of Aramathia, a noble counsellor which also looked for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and begged of him the body of Iesu. And Pilate marveled that he was already dead, & called unto him the Centurion, and asked of him, whither he had been any while dead. And when he knew the truth of the Centurion, he gave the body to joseph. And he bought a linen cloth, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen cloth, and laid him in a sepulchre, that was hewn out of the rock, & rolled a stone before the door of the sepulchre. * Luk. xxiii. c. And Mary Magdalen and Mary joses behold where he was laid. ⊢ ¶ Christ is risen again, and appeareth to the apostles: to whom he committeth the preaching of the Gospel. CAPI. XVI. ✚ ANd when the Sabbath was past, Marry Magdalen, and Mary Iacobe, & Salome, bought sweet odours, that they might come, and anoint him. * Math, 28. a Luke. 24. a Iohn, xx. a And early in the morning ☞ the first day of the Sabbath they came unto the sepulchre, when the Son was risen. And they said among themselves: Who shall roll us away the stone from the door of the sepulere? And when they looked, they saw how that the stone was rolled away, for it was a very great one. And they went in to the sepulere, and saw a young man sitting on the right side, clothed in a long white garment, and they were afraid. * Math. 28. a Luke. 24. a And he sayeth unto them, be not afraid: ye seek jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified. He is risen, he is not here. Behold the place where they had put him. But go your way, and tell his disciples, and Peter, that he goth before you in to Galilee: there shall ye see him, as he said unto you. ⊢ * Mat. 28. a. Luke. 24. a And they went out quickly, and fled from the Sepulchre: for they trembled and were amazed. Neither said they any thing to any man, for they were afraid. ✚ When jesus was risen early the first day after the Sabbath * Luke. 24. ● he appeared first to Mary Magdalen, out of whom he had cast seven devils. And she went, and told them that were with him, as they mourned and wept. And they, when they heard that he was a live, and had appeared unto her, believed it not. * Luke. 24. ● After that, appeared he unto two of them in a strange figure, as they walked, and went in to the country. And they went and told it to the remnant. And they believed not these also. ⊢ ✚ afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat: and cast in their teeth their unbelief, & hardness of heart: because they believed not them, which had seen that he was risen again from the dead. And he said unto them: * Math. 28. ● Go ye in to all the world, and preach the Gospel ☞ to all creatures: he that believeth & is baptized, shall be saved. But ☞ he that believeth not, shall be damned. And these tokens shall follow them that believe. * Acts. viii ● xvi. b. 〈◊〉 c In my name they shall cast out devils, they ‡ 〈…〉 b shall speak with new tongues, they shall * Luke. c ● and xviii. ● drive away serpentis. And if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them. They shall lay their hands on the sick▪ and they shall recover. So then, when the lord had spoken unto them, * Lu. xxiiii. ● Ec●es. i ●. he was received in to heaven, and is on the right hand of God. And they went forth, and preached every where: the Lord working with them, * Hebru. two. ● and confirming the word with miracles following. ¶ Here endeth the Gospel of Saint Mark. ¶ The Gospel of Saint Luke. FOR as much as many have taken in hand to set forth the declaration of those things which are most surely to be believed among us, even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning saw them with their eyes, & were ministers of the things that they declared: I determined also (as soon as I had searched out diligently all things from the beginning) that then I would write unto thee, good Theophilus: that thou mightest know the certente of those things whereof thou haste been informed. ¶ The conception and birth of Iohn the Baptist. The conception of Christ. The thankful songs of Mary and zachori. CAPI. Primo. THere was in the days of Herode the king of jury, a certain priest named Zacharias, * Para xxv b of the course of Abia. And his wife was of the daughters of Aaron: & her name was Elizabeth: they were both righteous before God, and walked in all the laws and ordinances of the Lord, that no man could find fault with them. And they had no child, because that Elizabeth was ba●eyn and they both were now well stricken in age. And it came to pass, that when Zacharye executed the priests office before god, as his course came (according to the custom of the priests office) his lot fell to burn incense. And he * Exod. xx●. b Hebru. ix. b went into the temple of the Lord, and the hole multitude of people were with out in prayer, while the incense was a burning. And there appeared unto him an angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zacharias saw him, he was abashed, and fear came on him. But the angel said unto him: fear not zachary, for thy prayer is herd. And thy wife Elizabeth shall bear the a son, and thou shalt call his name Iohn, and thou shalt have joy and gladness, & many shall rejoice at his birth. For he shallbe great in the sight of the Lord, and shall neither drink wine nor strong drink. And he shallbe filled with the holy ghost, even from his mother's womb: and many of the children of Israel shall he turn to their Lord God. And he shall go before him in the spirit and power of * Math xi. v. Elias, ☞ to turn the hearts of the Fathers to the children, and the unbelievers to the wisdom of the just men, to make ready a perfit people for the Lord. And Zacharias said unto the angel: by what token shall I know this? For * Gene. xvii ● and. xviii. b I am old, and my wife well stricken in years. And the angel answered, and said unto him: I am Gabriel, that stand in the presence of God, and am sent to speak unto thee: and to show the these glad tidings. And behold, it shall come to pass, that thou shalt be dumb, and not be able to speak, until the day that these things be performed, because thou byleu●dst not my words, which shallbe ●ufylled in their season. And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he tarted in the temple. And when he came out he could not speak unto them. And they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he beckoned unto them, and remained speechless. ✚ And it fortuned, that as soon as the days of his office were out, he departed in to his own house. And after those days, his wife Elizabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying: This wise hath god dealt with me, in the days wherein he hath looked on me, to take from me my rebuke among men. And in the. vi. month the angel Gabriel was sent from God, unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin spoused to a man, whose name was joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And the angel went in unto her, and said: Hail full of grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. When she saw him, she was abashed at his saying and cast in her mind, what manner of salutation that should be. And the angel said unto her: fear not Mary, for thou haste found grace with God. Behold, * Esai. vi. ● thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bear a son, and * Math ●. ● Luke. 〈◊〉. ● shalt call his name jesus. He shallbe great, and shall be called the son of the highest. And the Lord God shall give unto him the seat of his father David, & * Esai. ix. ● he shall reign over the house of jacob for ever, & * Deut. 〈◊〉. ● Mich. ●●●● of his kingdom there shall be none end. Then said Mary unto the angel: How shall this be, saying I know not a man? And the angel answered, and said unto her. The holy ghost shall come upon thee, & the power of the highest shall oue● shadow the. Therefore also that holy thing which shallbe borne shall be called the son of God. And behold thy cozen Elizabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her age. And this is her sixth month, which was called barren: for * zacha. 8 ● Math. 〈◊〉. ● Mathe. x. ● with god shall nothing be unpossible: And Mary said: behold the hand maiden of the Lord be it unto me according to thy word. ⊢ And the angel departed from her. ✚ And Mary arose in those days, & went into the mountains with haste ☞ in to the city of jury, and entered in to the house of Zachary, and saluted Elizabeth. And it fortuned, that when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe sprang in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the holy ghost, and cried with a loud voice, & said: Blessed art thou among women, & blessed is the fruit of thy womb: And whence happeneth this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For lo, assoon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe sprang in my womb for joy. And blessed art thou that haste believed: for those things shallbe performed, which were told the from the Lord. And Mary said. * Esai. ●xi. d My soul magnifyeth the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my saviour. ⊢ For he hath looked on the low degree of his hand maiden: for lo: now from henseforth shall all generations call me blessed. Because he that is mighty, hath done to me great things, and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him, from generation to generation. He hath showed strength with his arm/ he hath scattered them that are proud in the imagination of their heart. * Regum. two. b Ecclesi. x. c. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, & exalted them of low degree. He hath filled the hungry with good things: and sent away the rich empty. He hath helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy. * ●●●●. xxii. c Even as he promised to our fathers, Abraham, & to his seed for ever. And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned again to her own house. ✚ Elizabethes time came that she should be delivered, and she brought forth a son. And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her, and they rejoiced with her. And it fortuned that in the eight day, they came * Gene. 17. b. and. xxi. a Leuiti. xii. ● to circumcise the child: and called his name Zacharias, after the n●me of his father. And his mother answered and said: not so but he shall be called Iohn. And they said unto her: There is none in thy kindred, that is named with this name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called And he asked for writing tables, and wrote/ saying: his name is Iohn. And they maruay led all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue also, and he spoke, and praised god. And fear came on all them that dwelled nigh unto them. And all these sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of jury: and all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying: What manner of child shall this be? And the hand of the Lord was with him. And his father Zacharias was filled with the holy ghost, and prophesied saying? Pray said be the Lord God of Israel, for he hath ☞ visited and redeemed his people: ⊢ And hath raised up * Psal. 132. c an horn of salvation unto us, in the house of his servant David Even as he promised by the mouth of his holy prophets/ which were since the world began. That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us. That he would deal mercifully with our fathers, and remember his holy covenant. * Gene. xxii. ● And that he would perform the oath, which he swore to our father Abraham, for to give us. * Esai. 38. ● That we delivered out of the hands of our enemies, might serve him with out fear, all the days of our life, in such holiness, & rightwiseness as are accept before him. And thou child shalt be called the prophet of the highest: for thou shalt go ☞ before the face of the Lord, to prepare his ways: to give knowledge of salvation unto his people for the remission of sins. Through the tender mercy of our God, whereby ☞ the day spring from an high hath visited us. * Esai. ix ● Math. iiii. e To give light to them that sat in darkness/ and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet in to the way of peace. And the child grew and warred strong in spirit/ & was in wilderness, till the day came, when he should show himself unto the Israelites. ¶ The birth and circumcision of Chryst. How he was received in to the temple. How Simeon and Anna prophesy of him: and how he was fo●●●● in the temple among the doctors. CAPI. II. ✚ ANd it chanced in those days: that there went out a commandment from Augustus the Emperor, that all the world should be taxed. And this taxing was the first, and executed when Sirenius was leyfetenaunt in Syria. And every man went unto his own city to be taxed. And joseph also ascended from Galilee, out of a city called Nazareth/ into jury: unto * i Reg. xx. ●. the city of David, which is called Bethleem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be taxed with Mary his spoused wife, which was with child. And it fortuned that while they were there, her time was come that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her ☞ first begotten son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the in. And there were in the same region shepeheerdes, watching & keeping their flock by night. And loo, the Angel of the Lord stood hard by them/ & the brightness of the lord shone round about them, & they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them: Be not afraid. For behold/ I bring you tidings of great joy, that shall come to all people: for unto you is borne this day in the city of David, a saviour which is Chryst the Lord. And take this for a sign: ye shall find the child wrapped in swaddling clothes/ and laid in a manger. And straight way there was with the Angel a multitude of heavenly soldiers, praising God, and saying: Glory to God on high, and peace on the earth: and unto men ☞ a good will. ⊢ And it fortuned, as soon as the Angels were gone away from them in to heaven/ ✚ The shepheerdes said one to another: Let us go now even unto Bethleem, and see this thing that we hear say is happened, which the Lord hath showed unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary and joseph and the babe laid in a manger. And when they had seen it, they published abroad the saying, which was told them of that child. And all they that heard it, wondered at those things which were told them of the shepheerdes. But Mary kept all those sayings, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepheerdes returned, praising and lauding God, for all the things that they had herd and seen, even as it was told unto them. ⊢ ✚ And when the eight day was come that the child should be * Gene. 17. b. circumcised ‡ Math. ●. ● his name was called jesus, * Luke. i. ● which was named of the Angel, before he was conceived in the womb. ⊢ ✚ And when the time of their purification * Leviti xii. d (after the law of Moses) was come, they * ●. Regum. i. d brought him to jerusalem, to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the law of the Lord * Exod. xiii a and. xxii. ● Nume. 8. g. every man child that first openeth the matrix, shall be called holy to the Lord) and to offer (as it is said in the law of the Lord) a pair of turtle doves, or two young pigyons. And behold, there was a man in Ierusulem whose name was Simeon. And the same man was just and godly, and looked for the consolation of Israel, and the holy ghost was in him. And an answer had he received of the holy ghost that he should not see death, except he first saw the lords Chryst. And he came by inspiration in to the temple. And when the father and mother brought in the child jesus: to do for him after the custom of the * Leviti xil. d law, than took he him up in his arms, and praised god, and said: Lord, ☞ now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy promise. For mine eyes have seve ☞ thy salvation: which thou hast prepared before the face of all people. * Esai. xlix. ● Acts. xiii g A light to lighten the gentiles, & the glory of thy people Israel. ⊢ ✚ And his father and mother, marveled at those things, which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother: behold, this child is set to be the fall and uprising again of many in Israel, and for a sign which is spoken against. And moreover, ☞ the sword shall pierce thy soul ☞ that the thoughts of many hearts may be opened. And there was a Prophettysse, one Anna, the daughter of phanuel/ of the tribe of Aser: which was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity. And she had been a widow about four score and four year, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. And she came forth that same hour, and praised the Lord, and spoke of him, to all them that looked for redemption in jerusalem. And when they had performed althyngis according to the law of the Lord, they returned in to Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. And * ●. Regum. ●● the child grew, and warred strong in spirit, and was filled with wisdom, and the grace of god was upon him. ⊢ And his father and mother went to jerusalem every year * Exodi. 〈◊〉 xxiii. ●. and xxxiiii. c. Levi. xx●●●. ● at the feast of Easter. ✚ And when he was. xii, year old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast day. And when they had fulfilled the days: as they returned home, the child jesus abode still in jerusalem, & his father & mother knew not of it: but they supposing him to have been in the company, came a days journey and sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. And when they found him not, they went back again to jerusalem, & sought him. And it fortuned that after three days, they found him in the temple, sitting in the mids of the doctors, hearing them, and posing them. * Mat. 〈◊〉 and. xlii. g Mark. ●. ● Luke. ●iii▪ ● And all that heard him/ were astonied at his understanding & answers. And when they saw him, they marveled. And his mother said unto him: son, why hast thou thus dealt with us▪ Behold, thy father & I have sought thee, sorrowing. And he said unto them: how is it that ye sought me? Wist ye not, that I must go about my father's business? And * Luke. ix. ● and. xvi●●. ● they understood not that saying which he spoke unto them. And he went down with them & came to Nazareth, & was obedient unto them. But his mother kept all these sayings together in her heart. And jesus prospered in wisdom and age, and in favour with god and men. ⊢ ¶ The preaching, baptism, and prisonment of Iohn. The baptism of Chryst, and a rehearsal of the generation of the fathers. CAPI. III. ✚ IN the fyfteneth year of the reign of Tiberius the Emperor, Poncius pilate being leyfienaunt of jury, and * Luk. xx●●●. a Herode being ☞ Tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip Tetrarch of I●uria and of the region of the Traeonites, and Lisaniath the Tetrarch of Abilyne, (when Anna and Cayphas were the high priests) the word of the Lord came unto Iohn the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. And he came in to all the coostes about jordane, preaching * Math. iii. a Mark. ●. a Iohn. i. d the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying: * Esai. xl. a Math, lii. a Mark. i. ● Iohn. i c. The voice of a crier in wilderness: prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, & every mountain & hill shall be brought low. And things that be crooked, shallbe made straight: and the rough ways shall be made plain: & all flesh shall see the ☞ salvation of god. ⊢ Then said he to the people, that were come forth to be baptized of him. * Math. ●ii. b O ye generation of vipers, who hath taught you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore due fruits of repentance, & begin not to say within yourselves: we have Abraham to our father. For I say unto you. God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. Now also is the axe laydeun to the rote of the trees: * Math. lil. b and. seven. ● every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is bewen down, and cast in to the fire. And the people asked him, saying: * Acts. two. ●● What shall we do then? He answereth & sayeth, unto them: He that hath two coats? let him part with him that hath none, and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. Then came the Publicans also to be baptized, and said unto him: Master/ what shall we do? And he said unto them: require no more, then that which is appointed unto you. The soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying: & what shall we do? And he said unto them: hurt no man: neither trouble any man wrongfully: & be content with your wages. As the people were in a doubt, and all men mused in their hearts of Iohn, whither he were very Chryst/ Iohn answered & said unto them all: * Math. iii. b Mathe. ●. a Iohn. i. ● I baptize you with water/ but one stronger than I shall come after me, whose shoe latchet I am not worthy to unlose: he shall baptize you with the holy ghost, and with fire: * Math. iii. ● which hath his fan in his hand, and will purge his floor, and gather the corn in to his barn: but the chaff will he burn with fire that never shall be quenched. And many other things in his exhortation preached he unto the people. * Mat. 14. ●. Math. vi. c Then Herode the Tetrarch (when he was rebuked of him for Herodias his brother Philyppes wife, and for all the evils which Herode did: added this about all, and laid Iohn in prison. And it fortuned that when all the people received baptism (and * Math. iii. ● Mark i. ● Iohn. ●. ● when jesus was baptized and did pray) the heaven was opened, & the holy ghost came down in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said: * Esai. xlii. ●. Thou art my beloved son, in the do I delight. And jesus himself began to be about thirty year of age, so that he was * Mat. xiii. ● Mar. iiii. ● Luke. li●●●. Iohn vi. c. supposed to be the son of joseph: Which was the son of Hely: Which was the son of Mathat: Which was the son of Levi: Which was the son of Melchi: Which was the son of janna: Which was the son of joseph: Which was the son of Matthathias: Which was the son of Amos: Which was the son of Naum: Which was the son of Hesly: Which was the son of Nag: Which was the son of Maath: Which was the son of Matathias: Which was the son of Semei: Which was the son of joseph: Which was the son of juda: Which was the son of joanna: Which was the son of Rhesa: Which was the son of zorobabel: Which was the son of salathiel: Which was the son of Neri: Which was the son of Melchi: Which was the son of Addi: Which was the son of Coosam: Which was the son of Helmadam: Which was the son of Her: Which was the son of jeso: Which was the son of Heliezer: Which was the son of joram: Which was the son of Mattha: Which was the son of Levi: Which was the son of Simeon: Which was the son of juda: Which was the son of joseph: Which was the son of Ionam: Which was the son of Heliachim: Which was the son of Melcha: Which was the son of Menna: Which was the son of Mathatha: Which was the son of Nathan: Which was the son of David: Which was the son of jesse: Which was the son of Obed: Which was the son of Boos: Which was the son of Salmon: Which was the son of Naassan: Which was the son of Aminadab: Which was the son of Aram: Which was the son of Esron: Which was the son of Phares: Which was the son of juda: Which was the son of jacob: Which was the son of Isaac: Which was the son of Abraham: Which was the son of Charra: Which was the son of Nachor: Which was the son of Saruch: Which was the son of Ragau: Which was the son of Phalec: Which was the son of Heber: Which was the son of Sala: Which was the son of Cainan: Which was the son of Arphaxat: Which was the son of Sem: Which was the son of No: Which was the son of Lameth: Which was the son of Mathusala: Which was the son of Enoch: Which was the son of jareth: Which was the son of Malaleell: Which was the son of Cainan: Which was the son of Enos: Which was the son of Seth: Which was the son of Adam: Which was the son of God. ¶ jesus is led in to the wilderness, and fasteth all the time of his temptation, he overcometh the devil, goeth in to Galilee, preacheth at Nazareth and Capernaum. The jews despise him: the devils knowledge him: he cometh into Peter's house, healeth his mother in law & doth great miracles. CAPI. four Jesus being full of the holy ghost, returned from jordane and * Mat. iiii. a. Mark. i. b was led ☞ by the spirit in to wilderness, and was. xl. days tempted of the devil. And in those days did hecate nothing. And when they were ended/ he afterward hungered. And the devil said unto him: if thou be the son of god command this stone that it be bread. And jesus answered him, saying: It is written * duty. ●. a. Mat. iiii. a. man shall not live by bread only/ but by every word of God. And the devil took him in to an high mountain, & showed him all the kingdoms of the world, even in the twinkling of an eye. And the devil said unto him: all this power will I give the every whit, and the glory of them: for they are delivered unto me, and to whom soever I will, I give it. if thou therefore wilt fall down before me and worship me, they shall be all thine. jesus answered and said unto him: hence from me Satan. For it is written. * duty. vi ● and. x. d Mat. xiii. ● Thou shalt worship the lord thy god, & him only shalt thou serve. And he carried him to jerusalem, & set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him: If thou be the son of God, cast thyself down from hence. For it is written: * Psal. 〈◊〉 Mat. iiii. ● He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee, & in their hands they shall bear the up, that thou dash not thy foot against a stone. And jesus answered, and said unto him, it is said: * duty. vi. ● Mat. iiii ● Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy god. And as soon as all the temptation was ended, the devil departed from him for a season. ✚ And jesus returned by the power of the spirit, in to Galilee, & there went a fame of him thorough out all the region. And he taught in their synagogues and was commended of all men. * Mat. xiii ● Math. vi. ● And he came to Nazareth where he was nursed and (as is custom was) he went in to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read. And there was delivered unto him the book of the Prophet Esaias. * two. Es●. ●. ● And when he had opened the book, he found the place, where it was written: * Esai. lxi. ● The spirit of the lord upon me, because he hath anointed me: to preach the Gospel to the poor he hath sent me: to heal the broken hearted: to preach the delyucraunce to the captive, and sight to the blind: freely to set at liberty them that are brosed, and to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he closed the book, & gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue, were fastened on him. And he began to say unto them: This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. And all bore him witness * Mat. seven. ● Mark. i. ● Luke. two. ● & wondered at the gracious words, which proceeded out of his mouth, ⊢ and they said: Is not this joseph's son? And he said unto them: Ye will utterly say unto me this proverb: Physician, heal thyself. ✚ What soever we have heard done in Capernaum, do the same here likewise in thine own country. And he said: verily I say unto you. * Mat. xiii. ●. Mat. vi. ● No Prophet is accepted in his own country. But I tell you of a truth: * 3. Regum. 7 ● James. v. d many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias when heaven was shut three years and six months, when great famysshment was through out all the land, and unto none of them was Elias sent, save into Sarepta vesydes Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. * 4. Reg. v. d And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the Prophet: and noon of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Siryan. And all they in the synagogue (when they heard these things, were filled with wrath: and rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him even unto the edge of the hill (whereon their city was built) that they might cast him down headlong. But he departed, and went his way even thorough the mids of them: ⊢ ✚ and came down to Capernaum a City of Galilee, and there taught them on the Sabbath days. * Math. seven. d and. xiii. g Mark. i c. And they were astonied at his doctrine: for his preaching was with power. * Mathe. i. c And in the synagogue there was a man which had an unclean spirit of a devil, & cried with a loud voice, saying: Let me alone/ what hast thou to do with us, thou jesus of Nazareth? Art thou come to destroy us? I know the what thou art, even the holy of God. And jesus rebuked him, saying: hold thy peace, and come out of him. And when the devil had thrown him in the mids, he came out of him, and hurt him not. And fear came on them all, and they spoke among themselves, saying: what manner a thing is this? For with authority and power he commandeth the foul spirits, and they come out? And the fame of him was spread abroad through out every place of the country round about. ⊢ ✚ * Mat. viii b Mathe. i. c. And when he was risen up and come out of the synagogue, he entered in to Simons house. And Simons mother in law was taken with a great fever, and they made intercession to him for her. And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever, and the fever left her And immediately she arose/ and ministered unto him. When the son was down, all they that had sick, taken with divers diseases, brought them unto him: and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. * Mark. i. a and. iii. d And devils also came out of many, crying and saying: thou art Chryst the son of God. And he rebuked them, and suffered them not to speak: for they knew that he was Chryst As soon as it was day, he departed, & went in to a desert place, & the people sought him/ and came to him, & kept him that he should not depart from them. And he said unto them I must preach the kingdom of god to other cities also: ⊢ for therefore am I sent. And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee. ¶ Chryst preacheth in the ship. The disciples forsake all and follow him. He cleuseth the Leper: healeth the man of the palsy: calleth matthew the customer, and eateth with open sinners. CAPI. V ✚ IT came to pass that (when the people pressed upon him, to hear the word of God) he stood by the lake of Genezareth: * Mat. iiii. ●. and saw two ships stand by the lake side/ but the fysshermen were gone out of them/ and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, (which pertained to Simon) and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship When he had left speaking, he said unto Simon: launch out in to the deep, and let slip your nets to make a draft. And Simon answered, & said unto him: Master, we have laboured all night/ and have taken nothing. Nevertheless, at thy commandment I will lose forth the ne●te. And when they had this done, they enclosed a great multitude of fishes. But their net broke: and they beckoned to their fellows (which were in the other ship) that they should come, and help them. And they came: & filled both the ships/ that they sunk again. When Simon Peter saw this, he fell down at jesus knees, saying: Lord, go from me/ for I am a sinful man. For he was astonied and all that were with him, at the draft of fishes which they had taken: and so was also james and Iohn the sons of zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And jesus said unto Simon: fear not, from hence forth thou shalt catch men. And they brought the ships to land * Mat. iiii. d and forsook all, and followed him. ⊢ * mat. viii. ●. Mark. i. ● And it fortuned that when he was in a certain city: behold, there was a man full of Leprosy: and when he had spied jesus, he fell flat on his face, and besought him, saying: Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And he stretched forth his hand, and touched him, saying: I will, be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him. And he charged him, that he should tell no man: but go (sayeth he) * Levi. xiiii. ● and show thyself to the Priest, and offer for thy cleansing according, as Moses commanded, for a witness unto them. But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him, and moche people came together to hear, and to be healed of him from their infirmities. And he kept him out of the way in the wilderness, and gave himself to prayer. ✚ And it happened on a certain day: that he taught: and their sat the pharisees and doctors of law, which were come out of all the towns of Galilee, and jury, and jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present, to heal them. * Math. ix. a Math. two. a And behold, men brought in a bed, a man which was taken with a palsy: & they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. And when they could not find on what side they might bring him in (because of the press) they went up on the top of the house, and let him down thorough the ●ylynge, bed and all, even in the mids before jesus. When he saw their faith he said unto him: man thy sins be forgiven the. And the scribes and the pharisees began to think, saying. What fellow is this/ which speaketh blasphemy? * Math. two ●. Esai. xiiii ● and. x 〈…〉. d who can forgive syfies but God only? But when jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered, & said unto them: What think ye in your hearts? Whither is easier to say, thy synnis be forgiven thee, or to say: rise up and walk. * Math. ix. a Acts. three a. and. ix. f But that ye may know that the son of man hath power to forgive syfies on earth, he said unto the sick of the palsy: I say unto thee: arise, take up thy bed, and go unto thy house. And immediately he rose up before them, and took up his bed (whereon he lay) and departed to his own house, praising God. And they were all amazed, & they gave the glory unto God. And were filled with fear, saying: We have seen strange things to day. ⊢ * Math. ix. a. Mark. two. b And after this/ he went forth/ and saw a Publican named Levi, sitting at the receit of custom, and he said unto him: follow me. And he left all, and rose up, and followed him. And Levi made him a great feast in his own house. And there was a great company of Publicans and of other that sat at meat with them. * Math. ix. ●. Math. two b Luke. seven. c and. xv. a And the scribes and pharisees murmured against his disciples, saying: Why do ye eat & drink with publycans and syfiers? And jesus answered/ and said unto them: They that are hole, need not the physician: but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. And they said unto him: * Math. ix. b. Mark. two. c Why do the disciples of Iohn fast often, and pray, and the disciples of the pharisees also: but thine eat and drink? He said unto them: * Math. ix. b. Mark. two. c Can ye make the children of the wedding fast/ while the bridegroom is with them? The days will come, when the bridegroom also shall be taken away from them: then shall they fast in those days. He spoke also unto them a similitude: No man putteth a piece of a new garment, in to an old vesture: for if he do: then breaketh he the new, and the piece that was taken out of the new, agreeth not with the old. And no man poureth new wine into old bottles: For if he do, the new wine will braced the bottles, & run out itself, and the bottles shall perish. But new wine must be put into new bottles, and both are preserved. No man also that drinketh old wine, straight way can away with new: for he sayeth the old is better. ¶ He excuseth the disciples that pluck the ears of corn. he healeth the man with the wethered band, chooseth his twelve Apostles, maketh a ●w●●● sermon, and reaches to do good for evil. CAPI. VI IT happened on ☞ an after principal Sabbath, that he went * Math. 〈…〉 Mark. ●● thorough the corn field, and his disciples plucked the ears of corn, and did eat, and rubbed them in their hands. And certain of the Pharisees said unto them: Why do ye that, which is not lawful to do on the Sabbath days? And jesus answered them, and said: * i. Rig. xx. ● Have ye not red what David did, when he himself was an hungered, and they which were with him: how he went into the house of god, and did take and eat the * i Reg. xxi. ● show bread, & gave also to them that were with him: which are not lawful to eat, but forth * Exod. xxv ● Preestes only? And he said unto them: The son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath day. ✚ * Mat. xii. ●. Mark. ●●●● And it fortuned in another Sabbath also/ that he entered into the synagogue, and taught. And there was a man/ whose right hand was dried up. And the scribes and pharisees watched him whither he would heal on the Sabbath day, that they might find how to accuse him. But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man which had the wethered hand: Rise up, and stand forth in the mids. And he arose and stood forth. Then said jesus unto them: I will ask you a question: Whither is it lawful on the Sabbath days to do good, or to do evil? To save one's life, or to destroy it? And beheld them all in compass, and said unto the man: Stretch forth thine hand. And he did so: * 3 Reg. xiii ● Mat xii. ●. Mat. ●ii. ●. and his hand was restored again as whole as the other. And they were filled with madness/ & communed together among themselves, what they might do to Iesu. ⊢ And it fortuned in those days, * Mat. xiiii. ● that he went out in to a mountain for to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And as soon as it was day, he called his disciples/ * Math. x. a. Mark. iii b and of them he chose twelve/ whom also he called Apostles. Simon whom he also named Peter, and Andrew his brother. james and Iohn, Philip and Bartelmewe, Mathewe and Thomas: james the son of Alpheus/ and Simon which is called Zelotes/ and judas james son, and judas Iscarioth, the same that was the traitor. ✚ And he came down with them, and stood in the plain field/ and the company of his disciples, * Mat. iiii. d. Mark. iii. a and a great multitude of people (out of all jury and jerusalem, and from the see cooste * Mat. iiii. d 〈…〉 vi. a. of tire and Sydon) which came to hear him/ and to be healed of their diseases, and they that were vexed with foul spirits and they were healed. And all the people pressed to touch him for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all. And he lift up his eyes upon the disciples, and said: * Math. v. a Blessed be ☞ ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be satisfied Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed shall ye be, when men hate you, and thrust you out of their company, and rail on you, and abhor your name as an evil thing, for the son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day/ and be glad: for behold, your reward is great in heaven. ⊢ For thus did their fathers unto the Prophets. * ●●os. vi. a But ☞ woe unto you that are rich: for ye have your consolation. woe unto you that are full: for ye shall hunger. woe unto you that now laugh: for ye shall wail and weep. woe unto you when all men praise you: for so did their fathers to the false prophettis But I say unto you which hear: Love your enemies. Do good to them which hate you. Bless them that curse you: and pray for them which wrongfully trouble you. And unto him that smiteth the on the one cheek/ offer also the other. * Math. v. ●●● And him that taketh away thy gown/ forbid not to take thy coote also. give to every man that asketh of the. And of him that taketh away thy goods, ask them not again. * Mat. seven. b Eccles. 32. b Tobi. iiii. c And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them like wise. * Mark: v. ● And if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? For sinners also love their lovers. And if ye do good for them which do good for you, what thank have ye? For sinners also do even the same. And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive: what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive such like again. But love ye your enemies/ and do good/ and lend/ looking for nothing again: and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the highest: for he is kind unto the unkind and to the evil. ✚ Be ye therefore merciful, as your father also is merciful. * Math seven a judge not, and ye shall not be judged. Condemn not: and ye shall not be condemned. forgive, and ye shall be forgiven. * Prove. xi. d give, and it shall be given unto you: good measure & pressed down, and shaken together and running over, shall men give in to your bosoms. * Mat. seven ●. Mat. iiii. c. For with the same measure that ye meet withal shall other men meet to you again. And he put forth a similitude unto them: * Mat. xv. ●. Can the blind lead the blind? Do they not both fall in to the ditch? * Math. ● c Iohn. xiii. d The disciple is not above his master. Every man shallbe perfit, even as his master is. * Math. seven. ● Why seest thou a mote in thy brother's eye/ but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Either how cannest thou say to thy brother: Brother, let me pull out the moot that is in thine eye, when thou seest not the beam that is in thine own eye. Thou hypocrite/ caste out that beam out of thine own eye first, and then shalt thou see perfitly, to pull out the mote that is in thy brother's eye. ⊢ * Math. xii. ● For it is not a good tree, that bringeth forth evil fruit: neither is that an evil tre, that bringeth forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his fruit. For of thornꝭ do not men gather figs/ nor of bushes gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart/ bringeth forth that which is good. And an evil man, out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil. * Math. xii. ●. Psal. xi. ● For of the abundance of the heart, his mouth speaketh. Why call ye me * Math. seven. b and. xxv. ●. Lord, Lord, and do not as I bid you: whosoever cometh to me and heareth my sayings, and doth the same/ I will show you to whom he is like. * Mat. seven. d. James. ●. ●. He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock. When the waters arose, the flood bet upon that house, and could not move it. For it was grounded upon a rock. But he that heareth and doth not, is like a man that without foundation built an house upon the earth, against which the flood did beat: and it fell immediately. And the fall of that house was great. ¶ He healeth the captains setuaunt: raiseth the widows son: informeth the disciples whom Iohn baptist sent unto him: commendeth Iohn: reproveth the jews, and eateth with the Bha●ise. The woman washeth his feet with her ●ear●s, and he lor●yueth her her sins. CAPI. VII. WHen he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, * Mat. viii a Iohn. iiii. ●. he entered in to Capernaum. And a certain Centurion's servant which was dear unto him lay sick and was in apparel of death. And when he heard of jesus, he sent unto him the elders of the jews, beseeching him that he would come, and heal his servant. And when they came to jesus, they besought him instantly, saying: He is worthy that thou shul dost do this for him: for he loveth our nation and hath built us a synagogue. And jesus went with them. And when he was now, not far from the house, the Centurion sent friends unto him: saying unto him: * Mat. viii. a Lord, trouble not thyself: for I am not worthy: that thou shouldest enter under my roof. Wherefore I thought not myself worthy to come unto thee: but say thou the word, and my servant shall be hole. For I also am a man set under power/ & have under me soldiers, and I say unto one: go, and he goeth: and to an other▪ come: and he cometh: & to my servant do this: and he doth it. When jesus heard this, he marveled at him/ and turned him about, and said to the people that followed him: I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. And they that were sent/ turned back home again and found the servant hole that had ven sick. ✚ And it fortuned after this/ that he went in to a city which is called Naim, and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. When he came nigh the gate of the city: behold there was a dead man carried out, which was the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and moche people of the city was with her. And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her: weep not. And he came nigh, and touched the coffin: and they that bore him, stood still. And he said. Young man, I say unto thee, arise. And he that was dead, sat up, & began to speak * 3 Re. xvii. d 4. Reg. 4. f Acts. xx. c And he delivered him to his mother. And there came a fear on them all. And they gave the glory unto god, saying. * Iohn. iiii. ● and. vi. b A great Prophet is risen up among us, and GOD hath visited his people. ⊢ ✚ And this rumour of him went forth throughout all jury, and throughout all the regions which lie round about. And the disciples of Iohn showed him of all these things. * Math. ● And Iohn called unto him two of his disciples, and sent them to jesus, saying: Art thou he that should come: or shall we look for another? When the men were come unto him, they said: Iohn baptist sent us unto thee, saying: Art thou he that should come? or shall we wait for an other? And in that same hour he cured many of their infirmities and plagues, and of evil spirits, and unto many that were blind he gave sight. And he answered, and said unto them: Go your ways, and bring word again to Iohn, what things ye have seen & heard, how that * Esai. ●5. ● and. ●xi. ● the blyndese, the halt go, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead rise again: to the poor is the glad tidings preached, and happy is he, that is not offended at me. * Math. xi. ● And when the messengers of Iohn were departed, he began to speak to the people concerning Iohn. What went ye out in to the wilderness for to see? a reed shaken with the wend? But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold/ they which are gorgeously appareled/ and live delycatly, are in kings courts. But what went ye forth to see? A Prophet? Yea I say to you/ & more than a Prophet. This is he, of whom it is written. * Math. xi ● Mathe 〈◊〉 Mala. iii. ● Behold, I send ☞ mine Angel before thy face which shall prepare thy way before the. For I say unto you, among women's children, is there not a greater Prophet than john baptist. Nevertheless, he that is less, in the kingdom of God is greater than he. ⊢ And all the people and the publicans that heard him ☞ justified God, and were baptized with the baptism of john. But the pharisees and lawyers despised the counsel of God against themselves, and were not baptized of him. And the Lord said: * Math. xi. ●. whereunto shall I liken the men of this ge neracyon: and what thing are they like? They are like unto children sitting in the market place, & crying one to an other, and saying: We have typed unto you, and ye have not daunsed: We have mourned to you/ and ye have not wept. For john baptist came, neither * Math. iii. ● eating bread, nor drinking wine, and ye say: he hath the devil. The son of man is come, and eateth and drinketh, and ye say: behold a gluttonous man, and an unmeasurable drinker of wine a friend of publicans and sinners. ☞ And wisdom is justified of all her children. ✚ And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went in to the Pharisees house, and sat down to meat. * Mat. ●x vi. a Mat. xiiii a Iohn xi. a And behold, a woman in that city (which was a sinner) as soon as she knew that jesus sat at meat in the Pharisees house she brought an alabaster box of ointment, & stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, & did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. When the Pharisee (which had bidden him) saw, he spoke within himself saying: if this man were a prophet, he would surely know who, and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him, for she is a sinner. And jesus answered, and said unto him: Simon, I have somewhat to say unto the. And he said: Master, say on. There was a certain lender which had two debtors the one ought five hundred pence, & the other fifty. When they had nothing to pay, he forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said: I suppose, that he to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him. Thou hast truly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon: Seest thou this woman. I entered in to thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feets with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss, but she, since the time I came in, hath not ceased to kiss my feet. Mine head with oil thou didst not anoint, but she hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore, I say unto thee: Many sins are forgiven her, for she loved moche. To whom less is forgiven, the same doth less love. And he said unto her, thy sins are forgiven the. And they that sat at meat with him, began to say with in themselves. Who is this which forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman: * Mathe. v. c Thy faith hath saved thee: Go in peace. ⊢ ¶ Chryst with his apostles goeth from town in town and preacheth, showeth the parable of the seed, telleth who is his mother and his brother, stilleth the raging of the see, delyvireth the possessed, and driveth the devils in to the heerde of swine, helpeth the sick woman and jairus daughter. CAPI. VIII. ANd it fortuned afterward, that he him self also went throughue cities and towns: preaching, and showing the kingdom of God, and the twelve with him. And also * ●●●. xxiii. d certain women, which were healed of evil spirits, and infirmities. Marry which is called Magdalen (out of whom went seven devils) and joanna the wife of Chusa. Herodes steward, and Susanna and many other, which ministered unto him of their substance. ✚ When much people were gathered together, & were come to him out of all cities, he spoke by a similitude. * Mat. xiii ● Mar. iiii. a. The sour went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and it was trodden down, & the fowls of the air devoured it up. And some fell on a stone, and as soon as it was sprung up, it weathered away because it lacked moistness. And some fell among thorns, & the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. And some fell on good ground and sprang up, and bare fruit an C fold. And as he said these things, he cried: He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. * Mat. xiii. ● Mar. iiii. ● And his disciples asked him, saying: what manner of similitude is this? And he said: unto you is it given to know the secrets of the kingdom of God: but to other by parables: that when they see, they should not see, * Esai. ci. ●. Mar. xiii. ● Mar. iiii. ● Iohn xii. f Acts. ●8. f Roma xi. ● & when they hear they should not understand. The parable is this. ‡ mat. xi●●. ● Mar. iiii. ● The seed is the word of God. Those that are beside the way, are they that hear, then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hertis, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the stones, are they, which when they hear, receive the word with joy: and these have n● roots: which for a while believe, and in time of temptation go away. And that which fell among thorns, are they, which when they have herd, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches, and voluptuous living, and bring forth no fruit. That which fell in the good ground, are they which with a pure and good heart, hear the word, and keep it, and bring forth fruit thorough patience. ⊢ * Math. v. ●. Mar. 〈◊〉. i. ●. and▪ xi. ● No man, when he lighteth a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a table, but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in, may see the light. * Math. ●. ● Mark 〈◊〉. ● Luke. xii. ●. No thing is in secret, that shall not come abroad. Neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come to light. Take heed therefore how ye hear. For who soever hath, to him shall be given: * Mat. ●●●i●● and. xxv. ● Mar. i●●●●. Luke. nineteen d. And who soever hath not, from him shall be taken: even that same which he supposeth that he hath. ‡ Mat. xii. d Mar. i●i. ● Then came to him his mother & his brethren, & could not come at him for press. And it was told him, and said. Thy mother & thy brethren stand with out, & would see the. He answered and said unto them: my mother & my brethren are these, which hear the word of God, and do it. ✚ And it chanced on a certain day, that he went in to a ship, and his disciples also, & he said unto them: Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth But as they sailed, he fell a sleep, * math. viii. c Mar. iiii. d and there arose a storm of wind in the lake, and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him, saying. Master, Master, we are lost. Then he arose and rebuked the wind, and the tempest of water, and they ceased, and it waxed calm. And he said unto them: where is your faith? They feared, & wondered among themselves, saying: What (think ye) is this? for he commandeth both the winds and water, and they obey him? ⊢ * math. viii. d Mark. v. a And they sailed unto the region of the Gederenites, which is over against Galilee. And when he went out to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had a devil long time, and wore no clothes neither abode in any house: but in graves. When he saw jesus, and had cried, he fell down before him, and with a loud voice said. * math. viii d Mark. v. a. What have I to do with the jesus, thou son of the God most highest? I beseech the torment me not: for he commanded the foul spirit to come out of the man. For oft times he had caught him, and he was bound with chains, and kept with fetters: and he broke the bonds, and was carried of the fiend in to wilderness. And jesus asked him, saying: What is thy name? And he said: Legion, because many devils were entered into him: And they besought him that he would not command them, to go out in to the deep. And there was there, an heerde of many swine, feeding on an hill: and they besought him, that he would suffer them to enter into them. And he suffered them. Then went the devils out of the man, & entered in to the swine: And the heerde ran headlong with violence in to the lake, and were choked. When the herdsmen saw what had chanced, they fled, & told it in the city and in the villages. And they came out to see what was done: and came to jesus, & found the man (out of whom the devils were departed) sitting at the feet of jesus: clothed, & in his right mind. and they were afraid. They also which saw it, told them by what means he (that was possessed of the devil) was healed. And all the multitude of the Gederenites, besought him, that he would depart from them: for they were taken with great fear. * math. viii d Mark. v. b And he got him up in to the ship and returned back again. Then the man (out of whom the devils were departed) besought him that he might be with him. But jesus sent him away, saying: Go home again to thine own house and show what things soever God hath done for the. And he went his way, and preached throughout all the city, what things soever jesus had done unto him. And it fortuned that when jesus was come again, the people received him. For they all waited for him: * Math. ● Mark. ● And behold, there came a man named jairus (and he was a ruler of the synagogue) and he fell down at jesus feet praying him, that he would come into his house for he had but one daughter only, upon a twelve year of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went, the people thronged him. * Math. i●. Mark. ● And a woman having an issue of blood twelve years (which had spent all her substance upon Physicians, neither could be helped of any) came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment, and immediately her issue of blood staunched. And jesus said: who is it that touched me? When every man denied, Peter (and they that were with him) said. Master, the people thrust the and vex thee: & sayest thou, who touched me? And jesus said: Some body hath touched me. For I perceive, that virtue is gone out of me. When the woman saw that she was not hid, she came trembling, and fell at his feet, and told him before all the people, for what cause she had touched him, & how she was healed immediately. And he said unto her: daughter, be of good comfort, * Math. 〈◊〉 ● Mark. ●● Thy faith hath saved thee, go in peace. While he yet spoke, there came one from the rulers of the synagogues house, which said to him: thy daughter is dead, disease not the master. But when jesus heard that word, he answered the father of the damsel. * Math. 〈◊〉 ● Mark. ●. ● Fear not, believe only, and she shallbe made whole. And when he came to the house, he suffered no man to go in with him, save Peter, james and Iohn, and the father and the mother of the maiden. Every body wept, & sorrowed for her: and he said: Weep not: the damsel is not dead, * Iohn. xi. ● but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn, knowing that she was dead. And he thrust them all out, and caught her by the hand: and cried, saying. Maid, arise. And her spirit came again, and she arose straight way. And he commanded to give her meat. And the father & mother of her were astonied. But he warned them, that they should tell no man what was done. ¶ He sendeth out the. xii. apostles to press. He road heareth 〈◊〉 of him. He feedeth five thousand men with five loves and two fishes, the disciples confess him to be the son of God, he transfigureth himself upon the mount, delivereth the possessed, and teacheth his disciples to be lowly, they desire vengeance, but he reproveth them. CAPI. IX. ✚ Jesus called the * Math. x. b Mark. iii. ● and. vi. b Luke. vi. c twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and that they might heal diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God * Math. vi. ● and to heal the sick. And he said unto them: Take nothing to your journey: neither staff, nor scrip, neither bread, * Math. x a neither money, neither have two coats. ‡ Mark. vi b Mat. x. b. And what soever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And who soever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake of the very dust from your feet, for a testimony against them. And they departed and went thorough the towns, preaching the gospel and healing every where. ⊢ * Mat. xiii. a Mark. vi b And Herode the Tetrarch heard of all that was done by him, and he doubted, because that it was said of some, that Iohn was risen again from death: and of some, that Elias had appeared, and of some, that one of the old Prophets was risen again. And Herode said: Iohn have I beheaded: but who is this of whom I hear such things, and he desired to see him. And the apostles returned: and told him all that they had done. * Mat. xiiii b Mark. vi d Iohn. vi. a. And he took them, and went aside in to a solitary place nigh unto the city that is called Bethsaida, which when the people knew they followed him. And he received them, and spoke unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need to be healed. And when the day began to wear away, then came the twelve, and said unto him: send the people away, that they may go in to the towns and next villages and lodge, and get meat, for we are here in a place of wilderness. But he said unto them: give ye them to eat. And they said. We have no more but five loves and two fishes, except we should go & buy meat for all this people: And they were about a five thousand men. And he said to his disciples: Cause them to sit down by fyfties in a company. And they did so, and made them all to sit down. And he took the five loves, and the two fishes, and looked up to heaven, and blessed them, and broke, and gave to the disciples, to set before the people. And they all did eat, and were satisfied. And there was taken up of that remained to them, twelve baskets full of broken meat. * Mat xvi. c. Mark. 8. c And it fortuned as he was alone praying his disciples were with him, & he asked them saying. * Mat. xvi. c. Mar. viiii. c Who say the people that I am? They answered, and said. Iohn baptist: Some say Elias. And some say that one of the old Prophets is risen. He said unto them. But whom say ye, that I am? Simon Peter answered, and said. * Mat. xvi. c. Iohn. vi. g. Thou art the Christ of God. And he warned and commanded them that they should tell no man that thing, saying. * Math. 18. c and. xx. c. Mark. 8. d ●x. ●. and. x c Luke. 17. ●. and. xviii. f. The son of man must suffer many things, and be reproved of the elders, and of the high priests, and scribes. & be slay, and rise again the third day. And he said to them all, if any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. * Mat. xvi. ● Iohn. 〈◊〉. ●. Luke. 17. g. ☞ For who soever will save his life, shall lose it. But who soever doth lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. For what advauntageth it a man, if he win the hole world, and lose himself, or run in damage of himself? For * Math x. ●. mar. viii ● Luke. xii. ●. who so is ashamed of me, and of my words, of him shall the son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in his majesty, and in the majesty of his father, and of his holy angels. I tell you of a truth: * math. xvi. d mark. viii c ☞ There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God. * mat. xvii a. Mark. ix. c. And it fortuned that about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter, and Iohn and james, and went up in to a mountain to pray. And as he prayed the fashion of his countenance was changed, and his garment was white, and shone. And behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias, that appeared in the majesty, & spoke of his departing, which he should end at jerusalem. But Peter and they that were with him, were heavy with sleep. And when they awoke, they saw his majesty, and two men standing with him. * mat. xvii. ● Mark. ix. ● And it chanced as they departed from him, Peter said unto jesus. Master, it is good being here for us: Let us make also three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias (and wist not what he said). While he thus spoke, there came a cloud and overshadowed them, & they feared when they were come in to the cloud. And there came a voice out of the cloud saying. * two. Peter. f ● This is my dear son, ‡ mat. xvii. ●. Mark. ●. ●. Luke. three d. ● Deut. 〈◊〉. 6 hear him. And as soon as the voice was past, jesus was found alone. And they kept it close: & told no man in those days, any of those things which they had seen. * Mat xvii. ● Math. ix. b And it chanced that on the next day (as they came down from the hill) much people met him. And behold, a man of the company cried out, saying. Master, I beseech the behold my son, for he is all that I have: and see, a spirit taketh him, & suddenly he crieth, and ❀ (he knocketh and) teareth him that he foameth again, and with moche pain departeth from him, when he hath rend him, and * Mat. xvii. c. Math. ix. c. I besought thy disciples to cast him out, and they could not. jesus answered & said: O faithless, and crooked nation, how long shall I be with you? and shall suffer you? Bring thy son hither. As he was yet a coming, the fiend rend him, and tore him. And jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him to his father. * Mathe. i c. Luke. iiii. d And they were all amazed at the mighty power of god. But while they wondered every one at all things which he did, he said unto his disciples: Let these sayings sink down in to your ears. For it will come to pass: that * Math xvi c Mar viii. d Luke. ix c the son of man shall be delivered in to the hands of men. ‡ Luke. two. g and. xviii. f But they wist not what that word mente, and it was hid from them, that they understood it not. And they feared to ask him of that saying. And there entered a thought among them, which of them should be the greatest. When jesus perceived the thought of their hearts, * Math. 18. a Mark. ix. c Luke. 18. d. he took a child, and set him hard by him, and said unto them: Who soever receiveth this child in my name, receiveth me. * Math. x. d. Luke. x. c Iohn. xiii. c And who soever receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me. For he that is least among you all, the same shall be great. And Iohn answered, and said: Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and we forbade him, because he followed not with us. And jesus said unto him: * Nun. xi. g forbid ye him not. For he that is not against us is with us. And it fortuned when the time was come that he should be received up, he set his face to go to jerusalem, and sent messengers before him. And they went and entered in to a city of the Samaritans, to make ready for him. And they would not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to jerusalem. When his disciples, james and Iohn saw this, they said: Lord, wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven & consume them, even as * 4. Regum. i. c Elias did? jesus turned about, and rebuked them, saying: ye wot not what manner a spirit ye are of. For the son of man is not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them. And they went to an other town. ✚ And it chanced that as they were walking in the way, a certain man said unto him: * Mat. 〈…〉 I will follow the whither soever thou wilt go. jesus said unto him: Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests: but the son of man hath not where to lay his head. And he said unto an other: follow me. And the same said: Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. jesus said unto him: ☞ * Leviii 〈…〉 Let the dead bury their dead: But go thou, and preach the kingdom of god. And an other said: Lord ‡ 3. Reg. x● I will follow thee, but let me first go and bid them farewell which are at home at my house. jesus said unto him: No man that putteth his hand to the plough and looketh back, is apt to the kingdom of God. ⊢ ¶ He sendeth the seventy before him to preach, and giveth them a charge how to behave themselves: he praiseth his heavenly father: answereth the Scribe that tempteth him: and (by the exemple of the Samarytane) showeth who is a man's neighbour. Martha receiveth the lord into her house. Marry Magdalen is diligent in hearing his word. CAPI. X. ✚ AFter these (things) the Lord appointed other seventy ❀ (and two) also, and sent them two and two before him into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them: * Math. i●. ● The harvest is great, but the labourers are few. Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, to send forth labourers in to his harvest. Go your ways: * Math. x. ●. Behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Bear no wallet, neither scrip, nor shoes, and ☞ * 4. Reg. 4● salute no man by the way. * Math. ●. ●. Luke. ix. ● Acts. xiii ● In to what soever house ye enter, first say: Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon him: if not, it shall return to you again. And in the same house tarry still, eating and drinking such as they give. For the labourer is worthy of his reward. ⊢ Go not from house to house: & into what soever city ye enter, & they receive you, eat such things as are set before you, and heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, the kingdom of god is come nigh upon you * Math. x. ● But into what soever city ye enter, & they receive you not, go your ways out in to the streets of the same, & say: even the very dust of your City (which cleaveth on us, do we wipe of against you: notwithstanding, be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of god was come nigh upon you. I say unto you: that it shall be easier in that day for Zodome, then for that city. * Math. xi. c. woe unto the Chorazin? woe unto the Bethsaida. For if the miracles had been done in tire and Sidon, which have been done in you, they had (a great while a go) repented of their sins, sitting in here cloth and ashes. Nevertheless, it shall be easier for tire and Sidon, at the judgement, then for you. And thou Capernaum (which art exalted to heaven) shalt be thrust down to hell. * Mathe. x. d Iohn. xiii. c He that heareth you, heareth me: & he that despiseth you, despiseth me: & he that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me. And the seventy turned again with joy, saying: Lord, even the very devils are subdued to us thorough thy name. And he said unto them * Esai. xiiii. c ●●●e. xii. c. I saw Satan (as it had been lightening) falling down from heaven. * Mar. xvi. d Acts. 28. b. Behold, I give unto you power, to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all manner power of the enemy and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subdued unto you: but rejoice, that * Ph●●. iiii. a Leve. 17. b. your names are written in heaven. That same hour rejoiced jesus in (the holy) ghost, and said. I thank the O father * Math. xi. d Lord of heaven and earth, that thou haste hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast opened them unto babes. Even so father, for so pleased it the. * Mat. ●xvi. b and. 28. d All things are given me of my father. ‡ Mat. xi. d Iohn. seven. d and. viii. c No man knoweth who the son is, but the father: and who the father is, save the son, and he to whom the son will show him. And he turned to his disciples, and said secretly. ✚ * Mat. xiii. c. Happy are the eyes, which see the things that ye se. For I tell you, that many prophets & kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them: and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. And behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, say enge: * Mat. xxii. d Master, what shall I do, to inherit eternal life? He said unto him: What is written in the law? How readest thou? And he answered & said: * Devit. vi a Mat. xxii. d Mark. xii. c love the lord thy God, with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, & with all thy mind: and thy neighbour as thyself. And he said unto him: Thou hast answered right. This do, and thou shalt live. But he willing to justify himself, said unto jesus: And who is my neighbour? jesus answered, and said. A certain man descended from jerusalem to jericho, & fell among thieves which rob him of his ray meant and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. And it chanced, that there came down a certain priest that same way: and when he saw him, he passed by. And likewise a Levite, when he went nigh to the place, came and looked on him, and passed by. But a certain Samaritane, as he journeyed, came unto him: And when he saw him, he had compassion on him: and went to, and bound up his wounds, and powered in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to a comen Inn, & made provision for him. And on the morrow, when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him: Take cure of him and what sooner thou spendest more, when I come again, I will recompense the. Which now of these three thinkest thou, was neygh bower unto him that fell among the thieves? And he said: he that showed mercy on him. Then said jesus unto him: Go, & do thou likewise. ⊢ ✚ It fortuned that as they went, he entered into a certain town. And a certain woman named Martha, received him into her house And this woman had a sister called Mary, which also sat at jesus feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about moche serving, & stood and said: Lord, dost thou not care, that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore, that she help me. And jesus answered, & said unto her: Martha, Martha, thou art careful, & troubled about many things: verily ☞ one is needful. Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her. ⊢ ¶ He teacheth his disciples to pray, driveth out a devil, and rebuketh the blasphemous Pharisees They requ●re signs & tokens He eateth with the Pharisee, & reprometh the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, scribes and hypocrites. CAPI. XI. ANd it fortuned as he was praying in a certain place: when he ceased, one of his disciples said unto him: Lord, teach us to pray, as Iohn also taught his disciples. And he said unto them: when ye pray, say. * Math. vi. ● O our father which art in heaven hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be fulfilled, even in earth also as it is in heaven. Our daily bread give this day. And forgive us our sins: For even we for give every man that trespasseth us. And lead us not in to temptation. But deliver us from evil. And he said unto them: ✚ If any of you shall have a friend, & shall go to him at midnight, & say unto him, friend: lend me three loves, for a friend of mine is come out of the way to me, and I have nothing to set before him, and he within answer, and say: trouble me not, the door is now shut, and my children are with me in the chamber, I can not rise & give the. I say unto you, though he will not arise and give him, because he is his friend: yet because of his importunity he will arise: and give him as many as he needeth. And I say unto you: * Mat. seven. a Iohn. xvi. f James. i. a Ask, and it shall be given you. Seek, and ye shall find: Knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For ☞ every one that asketh, receiveth: and he that seeketh, findeth: & to him that knocketh, shall it be opened. If the son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask fish, will he for fish give him a serpent? Or if he ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then being evil, can give good gifts unto your children, how moche more shall your father of heaven give the holy spirit to them, that desire it of him? ⊢ ✚ * Math. ix. d Mar. seven. d And he was casting out a devil, and the same was dumb. And when he had cast out the devil, the dumb spoke, and the people wondered. But some of them said: * Math. ix. d Mar: iii. d. He casteth out devils thorough Belzebub the chief of the devils. And other tempted him and required of him a sign from heaven. But he knowing their thoughts, said unto them: Every kingdom divided against itself, is desolate: and one house doth fall upon an other. If Satan also, be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom endure? Because ye say, that I cast out devils thorough Belzebub. If I, by the help of Belzebub cast out devils, by whose help do your children cast them out. Therefore shall they be your judges. But if I, with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. * Math. xii. b When a strong man armed watcheth his house: the things that he possesseth are in peace. But when a stronger than he cometh upon him, and overcometh him, he taketh from him all his harness (wherein he trusted) and divideth his goods. He that is not with me, is against me. And he that gathereth not with me, scattereth abroad. * Mat. xii. d When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man he walketh through dry places, seeking rest. And when he findeth none, he sayeth: I will return again unto my house, whence I came out. And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. Then goeth he and taketh to him seven other spirits worse than himself: and they enter in, and dwell there. And the end of that man, is worse than the beginning. And it fortuned that as he spoke these things, a certain woman of the company lift up her voice, and said unto him: Happy is the womb that bore thee, and the paps which gave the suck. But he said: Yea, happy are they that hear the word of God/ and keep it. ⊢ When the people were gathered thick together, he began to say: This is an evil nation, * Math. ● Mark ● they seek a sign, and there shall no sign be given them, but the sign of jonas the prohet. For as * Ioh●● Iona●. jonas was a sign to the ninivites, so shall also the son of man be to this nation. * 3. Re●●. ● two. Pa●●. Math. ●● The queen of the south shall rise at the judgement, with the men of this nation, & condemn them: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth, to here the wisdom of Solomon. And behold, a greater than Solomon is here. The men of Ninive shall rise at the judgement with this nation: and shall condemn them: for they were brought to repentance by the preaching of jonas. And behold, a greater than jonas is here. ✚ * Math. 〈◊〉. Mat. 〈◊〉. Luke. v●. No man lighteth a candle, and putteth it in a privy place, neither under a bushel: but on a candlestick, that they which come in, may see the light. * Math. ●● The light of the body is the eye. Therefore, when thine eye is single, all thy body also shallbe full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy body also shall be full of darkness. Take heed therefore, that the light which is in thee, be not darkness. If all thy body therefore be clear, having no part dark: then shall it all be full of light, even as when a candle doth light the with brightness. ⊢ And as he spoke, a certain Pharisee besought him, to dine with him, and jesus went in, and sat down to meat. When the pharisee saw it, he marveled, that he had not first washed before dinner. And the Lord said unto him. * Math. ●● Now do ye pharisees, make clean the out side of the cup, and the platter: but your inward part is full of ●●uenyng and wickedness. Ye fools, did not he (that made that which is without) make that which is within also? Nevertheless * Esai. 5●. i. ☞ give alms of that ye have, and behold, all things are clean unto you. * Math. 〈◊〉. ● But woe unto you pharisees, for ye tithe mint and rue, and all manner herbs, and pass over judgement and the love of God. These ought ye to have done, and yet not to leave the other undone. * Mat. xxiii ● woe unto you pharisees: for ye love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the market. woe unto you Scribes and Pharisees, ye hypocrites, for ye are as graves which appear not, and the men that walk over them, are not ware of them. Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him: Master, thus saying thou puttest us to rebuke also. And he said: * 〈◊〉. x. a 〈◊〉. xxiii. b Woe unto you also ye lawyers: for ye lad men with burdens, which they be not able to bear: and ye yourselves touch not the packs with one of your fingers, Woe unto you: * 〈◊〉. xxiii. d. ye build the sepulchres of the Prophets, and your fathers killed them, truly ye bear witness, that ye allow the dedis of your fathers: for they killed them and ye build their sepuleres. Therefore said the wisdom of god: * 〈◊〉. xxiii. d. I will send them Prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall they and persecute, that the blood of all Prophets (which is shed from the beginning of the world) may be required of this generation, from the blood of * Gene. iiii. b ●. Pat. 24 f Abel unto the blood of Zachary, which perished between the altar & the temple. verily I say unto you: it shallbe required of this nation. * woe unto you lawyers: for ye have taken away the key of knowledge, ye entered not in yourselves, and them that came in, ye forbade. When he thus spoke unto them, the lawyers & the Pharisees began to wax busy about him, & capciously to ask him many things, laying wait for him, and seeking to catch some thing of his moth, whereby they might accuse him. ¶ The leaven of the ●haris●o, Chryst comforteth his disciples against persecucyo● warneth them to beware of courtousnesse: by the similitude of a certain rich man, he will not have them to hang upon earthly things, but to watch, and to be ready against his coming. CAPI. XII. AS there gathered together an innumerable multitude of people (in so much that they trod one an other) he began to say unto his disciples: first of all * Mat. ●xvi. b Mat. viii. b beware of the leaven of the Pharisees which is ypocrisye: * Math. x. c Mat. ●ii●. c. ●uke. viii. c For there is nothing covered, that shall not be uncovered: neither hid, that shall not be known. * Math. x. c. Luke. viii. b For what things ye have spoken in darkness, shallbe heard in the light. And that which ye have spoken in to the ear, even in secret places, shall be preached on the top of the houses. * Math. x. ●. Mat. xiii. b I say unto you my friends: be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more, that they can do. But I will show you, whom ye shall fear. Fear him which after he hath killed, hath power to cast into hell. Yea, I say unto you: fear him. Are not five sparrows bought for two farthings? And not one of them is forgotten of god. Also, even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are more of value then many sparrows. I say unto you * Math. x. ● every one: who soever confesseth me before men, him shall the son of man knowledge also before the angels of God. And he that denieth me before men, shall be denied before the angels of god. * Math. xii. ● Math. iii. d And who soever speaketh a word ☞ against the son of man, it shall be forgiven him. * Math. xii. ● Luke. xii. ● But unto him that plasphemeth the holy ghost, it shall not be forgiven. When they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto the rulers and officers, take ye no thought, how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall speak. For the holy ghost shall teach you in the same hour, what ye ought to say. ✚ One of the company said unto him: Master, speak to my brother, that he divide the inheritance with me. And he said unto him. Man, who made me a judge or a divider, over you? And he said unto them: take heed and beware of covetousness. For no man's life standeth in the abundance of the things which he possesseth. And he put forth a similitude unto them, saying. The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentiful fruits, and he thought within himself, saying: What shall I do? because I have no room where to bestow my fruits? And he said: This will I do. I will destroy my barns, and build greater, and therein will I gather all my goods that are grown unto me: and I will say unto my soul. Soul, * Ecclesi. xi. ● thou hast moche goods laid up in store for many years, take thine ease: eat, drink, be merry. But God said unto him. * jere. xvii. ● Thou fool, this night will they fetch away thy soul again from the. * Psal. 29 b. Then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided? So is it with him that gathereth riches to himself, and is not rich toward god. And he spoke unto his disciples: Therefore I say unto you. * Math. vi. d 1. Peter. v. ● Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat: neither for the body, what ye shall put on. The life is more than meat, & the body is more than raiment. Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap, which neither have storehouse nor barn, and God feedeth them. ⊢ how moche are ye better than feathered fowls? * Math. vi. d Which of you (with his taking thought) can add to his stature one cubit? If ye then be not able to do that thing which is leasi: why take ye thought for the remnant? Consider the lilies how they grow: They labour not: they spyn not: and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his royalty, was not clothed like one of these. If god so cloth the grass (which is to day in the field, and to morrow is cast in to the furnace) how moche more will he cloth you. O ye of little faith? And ask not ye what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink, neither clime ye up on high: for all such things do the heathen people of the world seek for. Your father knoweth, that ye have need of such things. Wherefore * Math. vi. c ●. ●●m. vi. b Eccle. 2●. b. Prove. 23 ● seek ye after the kingdom of god, and all these things shall be ministered unto you. ✚ Fear not little flock, for it is your father's pleasure, to give you the kingdom. * Math. nineteen. c Mark. x. x ☞ Sell that ye have, and give alms. And prepare you bags, which wax not old, even a treasure that faileth not in beven where no thief cometh, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. * Ephe. vi. c ●. Peter. i c. Let your loins be gird about, and your lights burning ❀ (in your hands) and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord when he will return from the wedding: that when he cometh & knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Happy are those servants, whom the Lord (when he cometh) shall find waking. clearly I say unto you, that he shall gird himself about and make them to sit down to meat, and walk by, and minister unto them. And if he come in the second watch, yea if he come in the third watch, and find them so, happy are those servants. This understand, that if the good man of the house knew what hour the thief would come, he would surely watch, and not suffer his house to be broken up. * Math. 24 d ●nd▪ xxv. a. Mar. xiii. ● Be ye therefore ready also: for the son of man will come at an hour when ye think not. ⊢ Peter said unto him: * Mat. 24. d. Mar. xiii. ●. Master, tellest thou this similitude to us, or to all men? And the Lord said: Who is a faithful & wise steward, whom his Lord shall make ruler over his household: to give them their duty of meat in due season: * ●eue. xvi. c Happy is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh, shall find so doing. Of a truth I say unto you, that he will make him ruler over all that he hath. But & if the servant say in his heart: * Mat. 24. d. My Lord will defer his coming (and shall begin to smite the servants & maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken) the Lord of that servant will come in a day when he thinketh not, and at an hour when he is not ware, and will hew him in pieces, and give him his reward/ with the unbelievers. * 〈◊〉▪ ● The servant that knew his masters will, & prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shallbe beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, & did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whom soever moche is given, of him shallbe moche required. And to whom men have committed moche: of him will they ask the more▪ I am come to send fire on earth: and what is my desire: but that it were already kindled? notwithstanding I must be * Math. ●. baptized with a baptism, & how am I pained, till it be ended? * Math. ● Suppose ye, that I am come to send peace on earth? I tell you nay, but rather division. For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be dedevyded against the son, and the son against the father. The mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother. The mother in law against the daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. He said also to the people: * Mat. xxii When ye see a cloud rise out of the West, straight way ye say: there cometh a shower, and so it is. And whenye see the south wind blow, ye say it will be hot, & it cometh to pass. Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the outward appearance of the sky and of the earth: but how happeneth it that ye can not skill of this time? Yea, & why judge ye not of yourselves ●hat is right. * Math. ●▪ ●▪ Prove. ●▪ ●. When thou goest with ●●yne adversary to the ruler, as thou art in the way, give diligence that thou mayst be delivered from him, least he bring the to the judge, and the judge deliver the to the tailor, and the tailor cast the in to prison. I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou have made good the uttermost mite. ¶ Of the Galyleans whom pilate slew, and of those that died in Syloe The similitude of the fig tree. Chryst healeth the sick woman. The parable of the mustard seed and leaven▪ Few entre into the hyngdom. Chryst reproveth Herode and jerusalem. CAPI. XIII. THere were present at the same season, certain men that showed him of the Galileans, whose blood pilate had mingled with their own sacrifice. And jesus answered, and said unto them: Suppose ye that these * Acts. v. f Galileans were greater sinners then all the other Galyleans/ because they suffered such punishment? I tell you nay, but except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Or those. xviii. upon which the tour in Syloe fell, and slew them, think ye, that they were sinners above all men that dwelt in jerusalem? I tell you nay: But except ye repent, ye all shall likewise perish. ✚ He told also this similitude: a certain man had a * Mat. xxi. b. fig tree planted in his vineyard and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found noon. Then said he to the dresser of his vineyard: behold, this three year have I come and sought fruit in this fig tre, and find none: cut it down: why cumbereth it the ground? and he answered & said unto him: Lord, let it alone this year also, till I dig round about it, & dung it, to see whither it will bear fruit: and if it bear not then, after that shalt thou cut it down. And he taught in one of their synagogues on the Sabbath days. And behold, there was a woman, which had a spirit of infirmity. xviii. years: and was bowed together, & could in no wise lift up her head: When jesus saw her/ he called her to him, and said unto her: woman, thou art delivered from thy disease. And he laid his hands on her, & immediately, she was made straight, & glorified God. And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation (because that jesus had healed on the Sabbath day) and said unto the people: There are six days in which men ought to work: in them come, that ye may be healed, and not on the Sabbath day. But the lord answered him and said: Thou ypocryte, doth not every one of you on the Sabbath day, * 〈◊〉. x●●●●. a lose his ox, or his Ass from the stall, and lead him to the water? And ought not this daughter of Abraham, whom Satan hath bound (lo. xviii. years) be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day? And when he thus said, all his adversaries were ashamed, and all the people rejoiced on all the excellent deeds, that were done by him. ⊢ Then said he: what is the kingdom of God like? or whereto shall I compare it? * Mat. xvi. d Mat. ●iii. ●. It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his garden: and it grew and waxed a great tre, and the fowls of the air made nests in the branches of it. And again he said: whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God? * Mat. ●●ii. ●. It is like leaven, which a * ●●ue. 〈◊〉. d. woman took, and hid in three pecks of meal, till all was leavened. And he went through all cities & towns, teaching/ and iourneyenge towards jerusalem. Then said one unto him: Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them: strive to * Math. vii●. enter in at the straight gate: for many (I say unto you) will seek to enterin, & shall not be able. When the good man of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, & to knock at the door, saying: Lord, lord, open unto us (and he answer & say unto you: I know you not whence ye are.) Then shall ye begin to say: we have eaten and drunken in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets And he shall say: I tell you, I know you not whence ye are: * depart from me all ye that work iniquity. There shall be weeping▪ and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham and Isaac, and jacob, and all the Prophets in the kingdom of God, and ye yourselves thrust out. * Mat. vi●●▪ ● And they shall come from the East, and from the West, and from the North, and from the south, and shall sytdowne in the kingdom of god. And behold/ * Mat. nineteen. ●▪ and xx. b. Mark. x ● there are last, which shallbe first: And there are first/ which shall be last. The same day came there certain of the pharisees, & said unto him: get the out of the way, & depart hence: for Herode will kill the. And he said unto them: Go ye, and tell that fore, behold, I cast out devils & heal the people to day and to morrow, and the third day I make an end. Nevertheless/ I must walk to day and to morrow, and the day following: for it can not be, that a Prophet perish any other where, save at jerusalem. * Mat xxiii ● O Jerusalem, jerusalem, which killest Prophets, and stonest them that are sent to thee: how oft would I have gathered thy children together, as a bird doth gather her young under her wings, & ye would not? Behold, your habitation is left unto you desolate. I tell you, ye shall not see me, until the time come that ye shall say * math. xxi. b. Luke. nineteen. ● Iohn. x●i. ●. Psal. x●●. ● blessed is he that cometh in the name of the lord ¶ jesus eateth with the pharisees, healeth the dropsy upon the Sabbath, teacheth to be lowly, telleth of the great supper, & warneth them that will follow him, to lay their accounts before, what it will cost them. The salt of the earth. CAPI. XIIII. ✚ ANd it chanced, that he went in to the house of one of the chief pharisees/ ☞ to eat bread on a Sabbath day: and they watched him. And behold, there was a certain man before him, which had the dropsy. And jesus answered and spoke unto the lawyers and pharisees, saying: * Math. xi●. ● Math. iii ● Luke. vi. ●. Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day? And they held their peace. And he took him and healed him, and let him go▪ and answered them, saying: which of you shall have * Pro. xxiii. a Deu. xxii. a Math. xii a an ass or an ox fallen in to a pit, and will not straight way pull him out on the Sabbath day? And they could not answer him again to these things. He put forth also a similitude to the gests, when he marked how they pressed to the highest rooms, & said unto them: When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding/ sit not down in the highest room, lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him, and he that bade him and thee) come, and say to thee: give this man room, and thou then begin with shame to take the lowest room. But rather when thou art bidden/ go and sit in the lowest room/ that when he that bade thee, cometh, he may say unto thee: * Prove. 25 a friend sit up higher. Then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with the. * mat. xxiii. b Luke. 18. c For whosoever exalteth himself, shallbe brought low. And he that humbled himself/ shall be exalted. ⊢ Then said he also to him/ that had desired him to dinner: ✚ When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren/ neither thy kinsmen/ nor thy rich neighbours: lest they also bid the again, & a recompense be made the. But when thou makest a feast/ call the poor/ the feeble/ the lame/ and the blind, and thou shalt be happy/ for they can not recompense the. But thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just men. When one of them (that sat at meat also) heard these things/ he said unto him: happy is he that eateth bread in the kingdom of God. ⊢ Than said he unto him. ✚ * Mat. xxii a ●●●e. nineteen. b A certain man ordained a great supper/ and bad many/ and sent his servant at supper time/ to say to them that were bidden, come: for all things are now ready. And they all atonce began to make excuse. The first said unto him: I have bought a farm and I must needs go, and see it/ I pray the have me excused. And an other said: I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them, I pray thee/ have me excused. And an other said: I have married a wife, and therefore I can not come. And the servant returned and brought his master word again thereof. Then was the good man of the house disposed, and said to his servant: Go out nuyckly in to the streets and quarters of the city, & bring in hither the poor, and the feeble, & the halt and the blind. And the servant said: lord, it is done as thou haste commanded, and yet there is room. And the Lord said to the servant: Go out unto the high ways and hedges, and * Gene. nineteen ● compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you/ that none of those men which were bidden/ shall taste of my supper. ⊢ There went a great company with him, and he returned, and said unto them: ✚ * Math. ●. ● Luke. ●x. ● If a man come to me, ☞ and hate not his father and mother, and wife and children, and brethren/ and sisters, yea and his own life also he can not be my disciple. And whosoever doth not bear his cross and come after me, can not be my disciple. Which of you disposed to build a tour/ sitteth not down before, and counteth the cost/ whither he have sufficient to perform it? lest after he hath laid the foundation/ & is not able to perform it/ all that behold it, begin to mock him/ saying: this man began to build, and was not able to make an end? Or what king going to make battle against an other king, sitteth not down first/ and casteth in his mind/ whither he be able with ten thousand/ to meet him/ that cometh against him with twenty thousand? Or else while the other is yet a great way of, he sendeth ambassadors, and desireth peace. So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he can not be my disciple. ⊢ * Math. v. ● Luke, ix. ● Salt is good/ but if salt have lost the saltness, what shall be seasoned therewith? It is neither good for the land/ nor yet for the dung hill, but men cast it out at the doors. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. ¶ The loving mercy of god is openly set forth in the parable of the hundred sheep, and of the son that was lost. CAPI. XV. ✚ THen resorted unto him * Math. 〈◊〉 Mark. 〈◊〉 Luke. v. ● all the publicans and sinners, for to hear him. And the pharisees and scribes murmured, saying: He receiveth sinners/ and eateth with them. But he put forth this Parable unto them, saying: * mat. xviii. ● What man of you having an hundred sheep (if he lose one of them) doth not leave ninety and nine in the wilderness/ and go after that which is lost/ until he find it? And when he hath found it/ he layeth it on his shoulders with joy: And as soon as he cometh home, he calleth together his lovers and neighbours/ saying unto them: Rejoice with me/ for I have found my sheep/ which was lost. I say unto you/ that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth/ more then over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance. Either what woman (having ten groats, if she lose one) doth not light a candle/ & sweep the house/ and seek diligently till she find it? And when she hath found it/ she calleth her lovers and her neighbours together, saying: Rejoice with me/ for I have found the groat which I had lost. Likewise I say unto you/ shall there be joy in the presence of the Angels of God/ over one sinner * Luke. v. f that repenteth. ⊢ ✚ And he said: A certain man had two sons/ and the younger of them said unto the father: father/ give me the portion of the goods, that to me belongeth. And he divided unto them his substance. And not long after when the younger son had gathered all that he had together/ he took his journey in to a far country/ and there * Prove. 29 a he wasted his goods with riotous living. And when he had spent all there arose a great dearth in all that land and he began to lack/ and went/ and came to a citezyn of the same country: and he sent him to his farm/ to keep swine And he would fain have filled his belly with the cods that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. Then he came to himself, & said: how many hired servants at my fathers have bread enough? and I perish with hunger. I will arise, and go to my father, and will say unto him: father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son, make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. * job. xiii. e Psal. 32. a But when he was yet a great way of/ his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, & fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him: father, I have sinned against heaven/ and in thy sight/ and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants: bring forth the best garment, and put it on him/ and put a ring on his hand, & shoes on his feet. And bring hither that fat calf, and kill it, and let us eat and be merry: for this my son was dead: and is alive again he was lost, & is found. And they began to be merry. The elder brother was in the field: and when he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard minstrelsy and dancing/ and called one of his servants, and asked what those things meant. And he said unto him: thy brother is come, and thy father hath killed the fat calf because he hath received him save & sound And he was angry, and would not go in. Then came his father out, and entreated him. He answered and said to his father: lo/ these many years have I done the service/ neither broke at any time thy commandment, and yet gavest thou me never a kid/ to make merry with my friends: but assoon as this thy son was come (which had devoured thy goods with harlots) thou hast for his pleasure killed the fat calf. And he said unto him: Son, thou art ever with me/ and all that I have is thine: it was meet that we should make merry and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again: and was lost, and is found. ⊢ ¶ The parable of the wicked Mammon. Not one title of god's law shall perish. Of the rich man, and of poor Lazarus. CAPI. XVI. ANd he said also unto his disciples. ✚ There was a certain rich man/ which had a steward, and the same was accused unto him/ that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him: How is it, that I hear this of thee? give accounts of thy stewardeshyppe: For thou mayst be no longer steward. The steward said within himself: what shall I do? For my master taketh away from me the stewardeshyppe. I can not dig, and to beg I am ashamed. I wot what to do/ that when I am put out of the stewardship/ they may receive me in to their houses. So when he had called all his masters debtors together, he said unto the first: how moche owest thou unto my master? And he said: an hundred tons of oil. And he said unto him: take thy bill, & sit down quickly and write fifty. Then said he to an other: how moche owest thou? And he said: an hundred quarters of wheat. He said unto him: Take thy bill, and write four score And the lord commended the unjust steward/ because he had done wisely. For the children of this world are in their nation, wiser than the children of light. And I say unto you: make you friends of the unrighteous ☞ mammon, that when ye shall have need, they may receive you in to everlasting habitations. ⊢ ✚ He that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in moche. And he that is unrighteous in the least: is unrighteous also in moche. So then, if ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon who, will believe you in that which is true▪ And if ye have not been faithful in an other man's kept from my youth up. When jesus heard that, he said unto him: Yet lackest thou one thing. ☞ * Math. nineteen c Mathe. x, c Sell all that thou hast/ and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come/ follow me. When he heard this, he was sorry: for he was very rich. When jesus saw that he was sorry, he said: * Math. nineteen ● Mathe. x. c with what defycultye shall they that have money, enter into the kingdom of god? It is easier for a camel to go through a needles eye, then for a rich man to enter in to the kingdom of God. And they that heard it, said: And who can then be saved? And he said: * Math. viii. b. The things which are unpossible with men, are possible with God. Then Peter said: * Math. nineteen. ● Ma●. 〈◊〉. d lo, we have forsaken all/ and followed the. He said unto them: verily I say unto you: there is no man that hath forsaken house/ either father or mother either brethren/ or wife, or children (for the kingdom of God's sake) which shall not receive moche more in this world, and in the world to come/ life everlasting. ✚ jesus took unto him the twelve/ and said unto them: * mat. xvii. d mar. viii. d. ●x. d. and. x. ● Luke. ix, ● and. xvii. ●. Behold, we go up to jerusalem, and all shall be fulfilled/ that are written by the prophets/ of the son of man. For he shall be delivered unto the gentiles/ and shall be mocked/ and despytefullye entreated/ and spitted on: and when they have scourged him, they will put him to death, * math. xvi. b and. xvii. b. Mark. ix. a and the third day he shall rise again. ‡ Luke. two. g and. ix. f And they understood none of these things. And this saying was hid from them/ so that they perceived not the things which were spoken. * Math. xx. b Mark. x. d. And it came to pass/ that as he was come nigh unto Hierico, a certain blind man sat by the way side/ begging. And when he heard the people pass by, he asked what it meant. And they said unto him, that jesus of Nazareth passed by. And he cried, saying: jesus thou son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before, rebuked him/ that he should hold his peace. But he cried so much the more: * Mark. x. ● thou son of David, have mercy on me. And jesus stood still, and commanded him to be brought unto him. And when he was come near/ he asked him, saying: what wilt thou that I do unto thee? And he said: Lord, that I may receive my sight. And jesus said unto him: receive thy sight: thy faith hath saved the. And immediately he received his sight, & followed him, praising god. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God. ⊢ ¶ Of ●atheus, and the ten servants to whom the talents were delivered. Chryst rideth to jerusalem, and weepeth over it. CAPI. XIX. ✚ ANd he entered in, and went through Jericho. And behold, there was a man named Zacheus/ which was a ruler among the Publicans, and was rich also. And he sought means to see jesus/ what he should be: and could not for the press/ because he was little of stature. And he ran before/ and climbed up in to a wild fig tree, to see him: for he was to come that way. And when jesus came to the place/ he looked up/ and saw him/ and said unto him: Zache/ come down at once/ for to day I must abide at thy house. And he came down hastily/ and * 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉 received him joyfully. And when they saw it/ they all grudged/ saying, He is gone in to tarry/ with a man that is a sinner. And Zache stood forth/ and said unto the Lord: behold Lord/ the half of my goods I give to the poor/ and if I have done any man wrong/ I restore him four fold. jesus said unto him: this day is health happened unto this house/ because that he also is become ☞ the child of Abraham. * Math. xv● For the son of man is come to seek/ and to save that which was lost. ⊢ And as they heard these things/ he added thereto/ a parable, because he was nigh to jerusalem/ and because they thought/ that the kingdom of God should shortly appear. He said therefore: ✚ * Math. 〈◊〉. ●. Mat. xi. ● A certain noble man went in to a far country, to receive him a kingdom/ and to come again. And he called his ten servants/ and delivered them ten pound/ saying unto them: occupy/ till I come. But his citizens hated him/ and sent a message after him, saying: we will not have this man to reign over us. And it came to pass, that when he had received his kingdom/ he returned, and commanded these servants to be called unto him (to whom he had given the money) to weet how much every man had done. Then came the first, saying: Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pound. And he said unto him: * Mat. xxv. ● Well thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little thing/ have thou authority over ten cities. And an other came, saying: Lord, thy pound hath made five pound. And to the same he said: be thou also ruler over five cities. And an other came/ saying: Lord, behold here is thy pound/ which I have kept in a napkin: for I feared thee, because thou art a straight man: y● takest up that thou laidest not down/ & rea●est that thou didst not sow. He sayeth unto him: * ●Regū. i. c Math. xii. d Of thine own mouth/ will I judge thee, thou evil servant. Knewest thou that I am a straight man, taking up that I laid not down/ and reaping that I did not sow? And wherefore gavest not thou my money in to the bank/ and at my coming I might have required mine own with vantage. And he said unto them that stood by: take from him that pound/ & give it him that hath ten pound. And they said unto him: Lord, he hath ten pound. For I say unto you/ that * Mat. xiii. b and. xxv. ● Mat. iiii. c. Luke. viii. c unto every one which hath, shall be given ❀ (and he shall have abundance) and from him that hath not shall be taken away, even that which he hath. Moreover, those mine enemies/ (which would not that I should reign over them) bring hither/ and slay them before me. * Math. xxi. a. Mark. xi a And when he had thus spoken, he proceeded forth: taking his journey, to go up to jerusalem. ⊢ * math. xxi. ●. Mark. xi. a And it fortuned when he was come nigh to Bethphage and Bethany, besides the mount which is called Oliuete/ he sent two of his disciples/ saying: go ye in to the town●/ which is over against you: In to the which as soon as ye are come, ye shall find an asses colt tied/ whereon yet never man sat. Lose him, and bring him hither. And if any man ask you, why do ye lose him? thus shall ye say unto him: the lord hath need thereof. They that were sent/ went their way, and found/ even as he had said unto them. And as they were a losing the colt, the owners thereof said unto them/ why loose ye the colt▪ And they said: for the Lord hath need of him. And they brought him to jesus, and cast their raiment on the colt, & set jesus thereon. And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way. And when he was now come/ nigh to the going down of the mount Oliuete/ the hold multitude of the disciples began to rejoice, and to praise GOD with a loud voice, for all the miracles that they had seen/ saying: * math. xxi. b. Luke. 13. g and. nineteen. b Mark. xi. b Iohn. xii. b Psal. 118. d Blessed be the king that cometh in the name of the Lord: peace in heaven, and glory in the highest. And some of the pharisees of the company said unto him: Master/ rebuke thy disciples. He said unto them: I tell you, that if these hold their peace, * Abacu●. two ● then shall the stones cry. ✚ And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and * Iohn. xi. ● wept on it, saying: If thou hadst known those things which belong unto thy ☞ peace, even in this thy day thou wouldest take heed. But now are they hid from thine eyes. For the days shall come upon thee, * jere. ●ii. ● Math. 24 ● that thine enemies also shall cast a bank about thee, and compass the round, and keep the in on every side, and make the even with the ground, & thy children which are in the. And * much iii. ●. Mat. xiii. ● Luke. xxi. a. they shall not leave in thee, one stone upon an other, because thou knowest not the time of thy visitation. * math. xxi b. Mark. xi. ●. Iohn. two. c And he went in to the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, & them that bought, saying unto them: It is written: * 4. Re. ●. d. e Esai. lvi. c my house is the house of prayer: but ye have * jere. seven. c made it a den of thieves: And he taught daily in the temple. ⊢ * Iohn. seven. d Mark. xi. c. Luke. xx. c and. xxii. ● But the high priests and the scribes and the chief of the people went about to destroy him: and could not find what to do. For all the people stack by him, when they heard him. ¶ They ask Chryst one question, and he asketh them an other. The parable of the vinyeard. Of tribute to be given unto Cesar, and how Chryst stoppeth the mouths of the Saducees. CAPI. XX. ✚ ANd it fortuned in one of those days (as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel) the high priests, and the scribes came together with the elders, and spoke unto him saying: * math. xxii. c Mark. xi. ● Tell us: by what authority dost thou these things? Either who is he, that gave the this authority? jesus answered, and said unto them: I also will ask you one thing/ & answer me. The baptism of Iohn: was it from heaven or of men? And they thought with in themselves, saying: if we say from heaven, he will say: why then believed ye him not? But and if we say: of men, all the people will stone us. For they be persuaded/ that Iohn is a Prophet. And they answered, that they could not tell whence it was. And jesus said unto them: neither tell I you/ by what authority I do these things. ⊢ Then began he to put forth to the people this parable: * Mat. xxi. d. Mar. xii. a. Esai. v. a Genesi. ix. c jere. seven. c A certain man planted avyne yard, & let it forth to husband men, & went himself in to a strange country for a great season. And when the time was come, he sent a servant to the husband men, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard. And they bet him, & sent him, away empty. And again, he sent yet an other servant. And him they did beat, and entreated him shamefully, and sent him away empty. Again, he sent the third also, and him they wounded, and cast him out. Then said the Lord of the vineyard: what shall I do? * Iohn. three b. ●om. viii a Gala. iiii. ● I will send my dear son: per adventure they will stand in awe of him/ when they see him. But when the husband men saw him/ they thought within themselves, saying: this is the heir, * Gene. 27. c. Math. xxi d Math. xii. ● come/ let us kill him, that the inheritance may be ours. And they cast him out of the vineyard, and killed him. What shall the Lord of the vineyard therefore do unto them? He shall come, and destroy these husband men, and shall let out his vinyeard to other. When they heard this, they said: God forbid. And he beheld them/ and said: what is this then that is written: * Psal. ●●8. t. Math. xxi d Mat. xii. ●. The stone that the builders refused, the same is become the head of the corner? Who soever doth stumble upon that stone, shall be broken: but on whomsoever it falleth, it will grind him to powder. And the high priests and the Scribes the same hour went about to lay hands on him, * Math. xxi d Mark. xi ● Luke. nineteen. s. and they feared the people. For they perceived that he had spoken this similitude against them? And they watched him, & sent forth spies/ which should fain themselves righteous men/ * Mat, xxii. b Mat. xiii. b to take him in his words, and to deliver him unto the power and authority of the debit. And they asked him, saying: May stir, we know that thou sayest and teachest right, neither considerest thou the outward appearance of any man, but teachest the way of God truly. Is it lawful for us to give tribute unto Cesar, or no? He perceived their craftiness, and said unto them * Mat. xxii ●. Mat. xii. ●. : why tempt ye me? Show me a penny. Whose image/ and superscription hath it? They answered and said: Caesar's. And he said unto them, give then unto Cesar, the things which belong unto Cesar: and to God the things that pertain unto God. And they could not reprove his saying before the people: and they marveled at his answer, and held their peace. Then * Mat. xxii. ●. Mat. xii. b. came to him certain of the Saducees, ‡ Acts. 23 b which deny that there is any resurrection. And they asked him, saying: * Deu. xxv. b Master, Moses wrote unto us, if any man's brother die having a wife, and he die without children, that then his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed unto his brother. There were therefore seven brethren, and the first took a wife, & died without children. And the second took her, and he died childless. And the third took her: and in likewise the residue of the seven, and left no children behind them, and died. last of all the woman died also. Now in the resurrection, whose wife of them shall she be? For seven had her to wife. jesus answered and said unto them. The children of this world marry wives, and are married: but they which shall be counted worthy of that world and the resurrection from the dead, do not marry wives/ neither are married, nor yet can die any more. For they are equal unto the angels, & are * Iohn. 〈…〉 i. Iohn. the sons of God, in as much as they are children of the resurrection. And that the dead shall rise again: Moses also showeth besides the bush, when he calleth * Erodi 〈◊〉▪ Mat. 〈◊〉▪ Mark▪ ● the lord the god of Abraham, and the God of Isaac/ and the God of jacob. For he is not a God of dead, but of living. For all live unto him. Then certain of the Pharisees answered, and said: Master, thou hast well said. And after that durst they not ask him any question at all. And he said unto them: * math. 〈…〉 Mark. ii● How say they that Chryst is David's son? And David himself sayeth in the book of the Psalms: * Psal. ●x●. The Lord said unto my lord: sit thou on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy foot stole. David therefore calleth him lord: & how is he then his son? Then in the audience of all the people, he said unto his disciples: * mat. 〈…〉 Mark. x●● beware of the scribes/ which will go in long clothing: and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the chief rooms at feasts, which devour widows houses, feigning long prayers: the same shall receive greater damnation. ¶ Chryst commendeth the poor widow: telleth of the destruction of jerusalem. Of false teachers: of the tokens, and troubles for to come: of the end of the world, and of his own coming. CAPI. XXI. AS he beheld, * Mark. x●i●. he saw the rich men, which cast in their offerings into the treasury. He saw also a certain poor widow, which cast in thither two mites. And he said: of a truth I say unto you/ * i Corin. 〈◊〉. that this poor widow hath put in more than they all. For they all have of their superfluity added unto the offeryngis of God: but she, of her penury hath cast in all the substance that she had. And unto some that spoke of the temple, how it was garnished with goodly stones and jewels, he said. * mat. xxii●●. ● Mar. xiii. ● The days will come/ in the which (of these things which ye see) there shall not be left one stone upon an other that shall not be thrown down. And they asked him, saying: Master, when shall these things be, and what sign will there be when sooth things shall come to pass? And he said: * ●ollos two. b. Ephesi. v. b take heed, that ye be not deceived. For * Iohsi. 4. a many shall come in my name and say that they are Chryst: and the time draweth near. Follow ye not them therefore. But when ye hear of wars and seditions, be not afraid. For these things must first come to pass, but the end followeth not by and by. Then said he unto them: * Esai. nineteen. a. Esdr. 13 c Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and great earthquakes shall be in all places, and hunger, and pestilence, and fearful things. And great signs shall there be from heaven. But before all these, * Math. x. b Mat. xiii. b Iohn. xvi. a they shall lay hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons and shall bring you unto kings and rulers for my name's sake. And this shall chance you for a testimonial. Be at a sure point therefore in your hearts, not to study before, what ye shall answer: for * Erod. iiii. d Math. x. ● I will give you a mouth and wisdom, where against, all your adversaries * Acts. vi. t shall not be able to speak nor resist. Moreover ye shall be * M●th. seven. b betrayed of your fathers and mothers, and brethren, and kinsfolk, and friends, and some of you shall they put to death. And hated shall ye be of all men for my name's sake, and there shall not one here of your head perish. ☞ Possess ye your soul by patience. * mat. xxiiii. b Mat. xiii. b Devi. ix. g And when ye see jerusalem besieged with an host, then be sure that the desolation of the same is nigh. Then let them which are in jury, flee to the mountains. And let them which are in the mids of it, depart out. And let not them that are in other countries, enter therein. For these be the days of vengeance, that all things which are written may be fulfilled. But woe unto them that be with child, and to them that give suck in those days: for there shall be great trouble in the land, and * i. Ehe●. two. d wrath over all this people. And they shall fall thorough the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive in to all nations. And jerusalem shall be trodden down of the gentiles, until the time of the gentiles be fulfilled. ✚ * Mat. xxiiii. t Mat. xiii. c. ●oc●●. two. t. And there shall be signs in the Son and in the Moon, and in the stars: and in the earth, * Ezeche 38. f the people shall be at their wits end, thorough despair. The see and the water shall roar, & men's hearts shall fail them for fear, and for looking after those things which shall come on the earth. For the powers of heaven shall move. And then shall they see the son of man come in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to come to pass: then look up, and ☞ lift up your heads, for your redemption draweth nigh. * mat. xxiiii e Mat. xiii. ● And he showed them a similitude: behold the fig tree, and all the trees when they shut forth their buds, ye see and know of your own selves, that summer is then nigh at hand. So likewise ye also (when ye see these things come to pass) be sure, that the kingdom of God is nigh. verily I say unto you: this generation shall not pass, till all be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass but my words shall not pass. ⊢ ✚ * Ecclesi. 31. ●●. xxxvi●. t. Rom xiii. d Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcome with surfeiting and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so the day come upon you unwares. For as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the hole earth. * mat. xxiiii d Mat. xiii. ● Watch ye therefore continually, & pray, that ye may escape all these things that shall come, and that ye may stand before the son of man. ⊢ In the day time, he taught in the temple: and at night, he went out, and abode in the mount that is called olyvete. * Iohn. viii ● And all the people came in the morning to him in the temple, for to hear him. ¶ Chryst is betrayed. They eat the Eastet lamb. The institution of the sacrament. They strive who shall be greatest/ he reproveth them: He prayeth three times upon the mount. They take him, and bring him to the high priests house: Peter denieth him thrice, ● they bring him before the counsel. CAPI. XXII. ✚ THe * mat. x●vi. ● Mat xii●i ● feast of sweet bread drew nigh, which is called Easter, and the high priests, and Scribes * Iohn. seven. d sought how they might kill him, for they feared the people. * Iohn. xiii. ● Then entered Satan in to judas, whose sir name was Iscarioth (which was of the number of the twelve) and he went his way and commoned with the high priests and officers, how he might betray him unto them. And they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he consented, and sought opportunity to betray him unto them, when the people were away. * mat. xxvi. b mat. xiiii. ● Then came the day of sweet bread, when of necessity Passeover must be offered. And he sent Peter and Iohn saying: Go and prepare us the Passeover, that we may eat. they said unto him. Where wilt thou, that we prepare? And he said unto them: Behold, when ye enter in to the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water, him follow into the same house that he entereth in, and ye shall and lamented him. But jesus turned back unto them, and said: Ye daughters of jerusalem, weep not for me: but weep for yourselves, and for your children. For behold, the days will come, in the which they shall say: * Esai. liv. ● Sapi. i●i. c G●●●. iii●. d happy are the barren & the wombs that never bore, & the paps which never gave suck. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, fall on us: and to the hills, cover us. For if they do this in a green tree, what shallbe done in the dry? And there were two evil doers led with him to be slain. * Mat. 27. d. Mark. xv. c Iohn. xxi. d And after that they were come to the place (which is called calvary) there they crucified him, and the evil doers, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said jesus: Father forgive them, for they wot not what they do. * Mat. 27. d. Mat. xv. c Psal. xxii. d And they parted his raiment/ and cast lots. And the people stood, and beheld. And the rulers mocked him with them, saying: he saved other men, let him save himself, if he be very Chryst, the chosen of God. The soldiers also mocked him, and came and offered him vinegar, and said: if thou be that king of the jews, save thyself. * Mat▪ 27. d. Iohn▪ nineteen. d And a superscription was written over him, with letters of Greek, and Latyn, and Ebrue. This is the king of the jues. And one of the evil doers which were hanged, railed on him, saying. If thou be Chryst, save thyself and us. But the other answered, * Math. 27. ● Math. xv. ● and rebuked him, saying: Fearest thou not God, saying thou art in the same damnation? We are righteously punished, for we receive according to our deeds. But this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto jesus: Lord remember me, when thou comest in to thy kingdom. And jesus said unto him: verily I say unto thee: to day shalt thou be with me in Paradise. * Math. ●7. ● Math. xv. c And it was about the sixth hour. And there was darkness over all the earth, until the ninth hour and the son was darkened. * Math. 27. ● Math. xv d And the veil of the temple did rend, even thorough the mids. And when jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said. Father, in to thy hands I commend my spirit. And when he thus had said, he gave up the ghost. When the Centurion saw what Math. 27. ● Ma●. xv. d. had happened, he glorified God/ saying. verily, this was a righteous man. And all the people that came together to that sight, and saw the things which had happened, smote their breasts, and returned. And all his acquaintance, * Math. 27. ● Ma●. xv. d. and the women that followed him from Galtle, stood a far of, beholding these things. And behold, * Mat. 〈◊〉 M●● 〈◊〉 Iohn▪ ●●Sapn●● there was a man (named joseph) a counsellor, & he was a good man and a just: the same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them, which was of Aramathia, a city of the jews, which same also waited for the kingdom of God: he went unto pilate, and begged the body of jesus and took it down, and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid. ⊢ And that day was the preparing of the Sabbath, and the Sabbath drew on. The women that followed after, which had come with him from Galilee, beheld the sepulchre, and how his body was laid. And they returned and prepared sweet odours and ointments: but rested the Sabbath day, according to the commandment. ¶ The women come to the grave. Chryst appeareth unto the two disciples that go toward Emaus, standeth in the midst of all his disciples, openeth their vnderstandyn●e in the Scripture, giveth them a charge, and ascendeth up to heaven. CAPI. XXIIII. ✚ BUt upon ☞ the first day of the sabbaths, 〈…〉 Math. 〈…〉▪ Ma●. 〈…〉 Iohn. ●●Sapn●● very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, and brought the sweet odours which they had prepared, & other women with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the Seulcre, and they went in: but found not the body of the Lord Iesu. And it happened, as they were amazed thereat: Behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. * Math. 〈◊〉. ● Mat. ●●Sapn●● And as they were afraid▪ and bowed down their faces to the earth they said unto them: Why seek ye the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen. Remember, how he spoke unto you, when he was yet in Galilee, saying, that the son of man must be delivered in to the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day arise again. And they remembered his words, and returned from the Sepulchre, and told all these things unto those eleven, and to all the remnant. * Math. 2●. ●. Ma●. 〈…〉. It was Mary Magdalen, and joanna, and Mary Jacobi, and other that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. And their words seemed unto them feigned things, neither believed they them. Then arose Peter and tan unto the Sepulchre, and looked in, and saw the linen clothes laid by themself, and departed, wondering in himself at that which had happened. ⊢ ✚ * ●at. xv●. ●. And behold, two of them went that same day to a town (called Emaus) which was from jerusalem about three score furlongs, and they talked together of all these things that had happened. And it chanced that while they commoned together and ●●aso ned, jesus himself drew near, * Math. 1●. c and went with them. But their eyes were holden, that they should not know him. And he said unto them: What manner of communications are these that ye have one to an other, as ye walk & are sad? And the one of them (whose name was Cleophas) answered, and said to him: art thou only a stranger in jerusalem, & hast not known the things which have chanced there, in these days? He said unto them: what things. And they said unto him: of jesus of Nazareth, which was a prophet, mighty in deed and word before God, and all the people: and how the high priests, and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death: & have crucified him. But we trusted that it had been he, which should have redeemed Israel. And as touching all these things, to day is even the third day, that they were done. * ●●ke. 〈◊〉. ●. Iohn xx. ● Yea, and certain women also of our company made us astonied, which came early unto the sepulchre, and found not his body: and came, saying, that they had sen● a vision of angels, which said that he was alive. And certain of them which were with us, went to the sepulchre, & found it even so, as the women had said: but him they saw not. And he said unto them. O fools & slow of heart, to by leave all that the prophets have spoken. * Mat xxvi. ● Es●●. liii ● Ought not Chryst to have suffered these things, and to enter in to his glory? And he began at Moses, & all the prophets and interpreted unto them in all scriptures, which were written of him. And they drew nigh unto the town, which they went unto. And he made, as though he would have gone further. And they * e'en. 〈◊〉. ● 〈◊〉. x●iii. ● constrained him saying: abide with us, for it draweth toward night and the day is far passed. And he went in, to tarry with them. * ●●●. xv. b. And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and broke, and gave to them. And their eyes were opened, and they knew him: & he vanished out of their sight. And they said between themselves: did not our hertis burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and opened to us the scriptures? And they rose up the same hour, and returned again to jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, & them that were with them, saying: the Lord is tysen in deed and hath appeared to Simon. And they told what things were done in the way, & how they knew him▪ in breaking of bread. ⊢ As they thus spoke, ✚ jesus himself stood in * Iohn. xx. ● the mids of them, and sayeth unto them: peace be unto you, ❀ (It is I, fear not) But they were abashed and afraid, & supposed that they had seen a spirit, and he said unto them: Why are ye troubled: or why do thoughts arise in your hearts? Behold my hands and my feet, that it is even I myself Handle me and see: for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have. And when he had thus spoken, he showed them his hands, & his feet. And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said unto them: * Iohn. xx●● Have ye here any meat? And they offered him a piece of a broiled fish, and of a honey comb▪ And he took it, and did eat before them. And he said unto them. * Mat. xvi. ●. These are the words which I spoke unto you, while I was yet with you: that all must needs be fulfilled, which were written of me in the law of Moses and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms. * 〈…〉. 17. ● Then opened he their wits, that they might understand the scriptures, and said unto them. Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Chryst to suffer, and to rise again from death the third day, and that repentance/ and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, ⊢ and must begin at jerusalem. And ye are witnesses of these things. ✚ And behold, I will send the promise of my father upon you. * 〈…〉 But tarry ye in the city of jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high And he led them out in to Bethany, and lift up his hands, and blessed them. * Mat. xvi▪ ● 〈…〉 And it came to pass, as he blessed them, he departed from them, and was carried up in to heaven. And they worshipped him, and returned to jerusalem with great joy, and were continually in the temple, praising, and lauding God. ⊢ Amen. ¶ Here endeth the Gospel of Saint Luke. ¶ The Gospel of Saint Iohn. ¶ The everlasting birth of Chryst, and how he became man. The testimony of Iohn. The calling of Andrew, Peter. etc. CAPI. Primo. ✚ IN the beginning was the word, & the word was with God: and God was the word. The same was in the beginning with God. * Genesis. i a Prover. 8 d All things were made by it, & without it, was made no thing that was made. * Iohn. 14. b In it was life, and the life was the * Iohn vi●i b and▪ ix. a. light of men, and the light shineth in darkness, & the darkness comprehended it not. There was sent from God a man, whose name was Iohn. The same came as a witness to bear witness of the light, that all men through him might believe. * Iohn. v. d ☞ He was not that light: but was sent to bear witness of the light. That light was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, & the world was made by him: and the world knew him not. He came among his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, * Esai. lvi. b. Osee. i. b Roma. i. b Gala. i●i. a to them gave he power to be the sons of God: even them that believed on his name: which were borne, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor yet of the will of man: but of God. And the same word became flesh, and dwelt among us: * Mat. 27. a. ●. Peter. i. c i. Iohn. i a. and we saw the glory of it, as the glory of the only begotten son of the father, full of grace and truth. ⊢ ✚ * Math. iii. b Mark. i. a Iohn beareth witness of him, & crieth, saying: This was he of whom I spoke: which though he came after me, went before me, for he was before me. * Collos. two. b. And of his fullness have all we received, even ☞ grace for grace. For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by jesus Chryst. * Grods'. 33. d ●. Iohn. 4 b ☞ No man hath seen God at any tyme. The only begotten son, which is in the bosom of the father, he hath declared him. ⊢ ✚ * Iohn. v. d And this is the record of Iohn: when the jews sent priests and Levites from jerusalem, to ask him, what art thou. And he confessed and denied not, and said plainly: I am not Chryst. And they asked him: what then? * Math. xi. ●. Art thou Elias? And he sayeth: ☞ I am not, * Deut. 18. c Art thou that Prophet? And he answered no. Then said they unto him: what art thou, that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, * Math. ● Mark Luke. ●● I am the voice of a crier in the wilderness, make straight the way of the Lord, * Esai. xi. as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent, were of the Pharisees: And they asked him, and said unto him. Why baptisest thou then, if thou be not Chryst, nor Elias, neither that Prophet? Iohn answered them, saying, * Math▪ ● Mark Luke. 〈◊〉 A●tes. ●● I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not, he it is which though he came after me, was before me, whose shoe latchet I am not worthy to unlose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond jordan * Iohn. ● and▪ x. ●. where Iohn did baptize. ⊢ ✚ The next day, Iohn seeth jesus coming unto him, and sayeth, * Esai. 〈◊〉 i. Lor●▪ ●. behold the lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said: After me cometh a man, which went before me, for he was before me, and I knew him not: but that he should be declared to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. * Math▪ 〈◊〉 Mark ● Luke. 〈◊〉. ● And Iohn bare record, saying: I saw the spirit descend from heaven, like unto a dove, and abode upon him, and I knew him not. But he that sent me to baptize in water, the same said unto me: upon whom thou shalt see the spirit descend, and tarry still on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the holy ghost. And I saw, & bare record, that he is the son of god. ⊢ The next day after, Iohn stood again, and two of his disciples. And he beheld jesus as he walked by, and sayeth: behold the lamb of God. And the two disciples heard him speak, & they followed jesus. And jesus turned about, & saw them follow him, and sayeth unto them: what seek ye? They said unto him: Rabbi (which is to say if one interpret it, Master) where dwellest thou? He sayeth unto them: Come and se. They came, and saw where he dwelt: and abode with him that day. For it was about the tenth hour. One of the two which heard Iohn speak, and followed him, was Andrew Simon Peter's brother. The same found his brother Simon first, and sayeth unto him: we have found Messiah (which is by interpretation, anointed) and brought him to jesus. And jesus beheld him, and said: thou art * Mat. xvi. ●. Simon the son of jonas, thou shalt be called Cephas: which is by interpretation, a stone. The day following jesus would go into Galilee, and found Philip, and sayeth unto him: follow me. * Iohn. xii. ● Philip was of Bethsaida the city of Andrew & Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and sayeth unto him: We have found him, of whom * 〈◊〉. iii c ●x●i▪ c Moses in the law and the ‡ 〈◊〉. 18. ● 〈◊〉▪ seven. c Prophets did write, jesus the son of joseph of Nazareth. And nathanael said unto him. * 〈◊〉. seven. c Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip sayeth unto him, Come and se. jesus saw nathanael coming to him, and sayeth of him? Behold a right Israelyte, in whom is no guile. nathanael sayeth unto him: whence knowest thou me? jesus answered, and said unto him. Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw the. Nathanael answered and said unto him: Rabbi, thou art even the very son of god, thou art the king of Israel. jesus answered, and said unto him: Because I said unto thee, I saw the under the fig tree, thou believest. Thou shalt see greater things than these. And he sayeth unto him. verily verily, I say unto you: hereafter shall ye see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending over the son of man. ¶ Chryst turneth the water in to wine, and driveth the buyers and sellers out of the temple. CAPI. II. ✚ ANd the third day, was there a marriage in Cana a city of Galilee: and the mother of jesus was there. And jesus was called (and his disciples) unto the marriage. And when the wine failed, the mother of jesus saith unto him: they have no wine. jesus saith unto her: woman, * Luka two. ● what have I to do with thee, mine hour is not yet come His mother sayeth unto the ministers: what soever he sayeth unto you, do it. And there were standing there. vi. waterpot●es of stone after the manner of the purifying of the jews containing two or three fyrkyns a piece. jesus sayeth unto them: fill the water pots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. And he sayeth unto them: draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bore it. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was turned unto wine, and knew not whence it was (But the ministers which drew the water knew) He calleth the bridegroom, & saith unto him: Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine, & ☞ when men be drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine, until now. This beginning of miracles did jesus in Cana of Galilee, and showed his glory, and his disciples believed on him. ⊢ * Mat. iiii. b. Mark. i. b Luke. iiii. d After this he went down to Capernaum, he & his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples, and there continued not many days. ✚ * Mat. xxi. ●. Mark. xi. c Luke. nineteen. ●. And the Jews easter was even at hand and jesus went up to jerusalem, and found sitting in the temple, those that sold oxen & sheep, and doves, & changers of money. And when he had made (as it were) a scourge of small coordes, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen, and powered out the changers of money, and overthrew the tables, and said unto them that sold doves: Have these things hence, and make not my father's house an house of merchandise And his disciples remembered it that is written: * Psal. 79. b the zeal of thine house hath even eaten me. Then answered the jews, and said unto him: what token showest thou unto us, saying that thou dost these things? jesus answered and said unto them: * Mat. xvi. f. Mar. xi●●i. f destroy this temple, and in three days I will tear it up. Then said the jues. xlvi. years was this temple a building: and wilt thou rear it up in three days? But he spoke of the temple of his body. As soon therefore as he was risen from death again, his disciples remembered that he thus had said. And they believed the scripture, and the words which jesus had said. When he was in jerusalem at Easter in the feast day, many believed on his name, when they saw his miracles which he did. But jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, and needed not, that any man should testify of him, * jere. xvii. d Revels. i d. For he knew what was in man. ⊢ ¶ The communication of Chryst with Ni●ddem●s. The doctrine & baptism of Iohn, & what witness he teareth of Christ CAPI. III. THere was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the jues. * Iohn. seven. ● The same came to jesus by night, and said unto him: Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from god: for no man could do such miracles as thou dost, except God were with him. jesus answered and said unto him. verily, verily I say unto thee: except a man be borne from above, he can not see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus sayeth unto him, ☞ how can a man be borne when he is old? Can he enter in to his mother's womb & be borne again? jesus answered * Iohn. iiii. ● and. seven. d Titum. ●ii. ●. verily, verily, I say unto thee: except a man be borne of water & of the spirit, he can not enter in to the kingdom of God. * Roma. ●. a. That which is borne of the flesh, is flesh, and that which is borne of the spirit, is spirit. Marvel not thou that I said to thee, ye must be borne from above. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, * Ecclesi. xi. a but canst not tell whence it cometh & whither it goeth. So is every one that is borne of the spirit. Nycodemus answered and said unto him how can these things be? jesus answered & said unto him: art thou a master in Israel, and knowest not these things? verily verily, I say unto thee: We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen: and ye receive not our witness. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not: how shall ye believe if I tell you of heavenly things. * Ephe. iiii. a And no man ascendeth up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the son of man which is in heaven. * Nun. xxi ● And as Moses lift up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the son of man be lift up, that who soever believeth in him, perish not but have eternal life. ⊢ ✚ * Roma. v. a. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that who soever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life. * Luke. nineteen. ● For God sent not his son in to the world, to condemn the world, but that ☞ the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him, is not condemned. But he that believeth not, is condemned all ready, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten son of God. And this is the condemnation, * Iohn. i. ●. ●nd. xii. ●. that light is come in to the world, and men loved darkness more than light, because their deeds were evil. For * Ephe. v. b every one that evil doth, hateth the light: neither cometh to the light least his deeds should be reproved. But he that doth truth, cometh to the light, that his deeds may be known, how that they are wrought in God. ⊢ After these things came jesus and his disciples in to the land of jury, and there he tarried with them, ☞ * Iohn. iiii. a Math. iii a Mark. i. a Luke. iii a and baptized. And Iohn also baptized in Enan beside Salim, because there was moche water there, & they came and were baptized. * Mat, iiii. b. For Iohn was not yet cast in to prison. ✚ And there arose a question between Iohnns disciples and the jews, about purifying. And they came unto Iohn, and said unto him: Rabbi, he that was with the beyond jordan (to whom thou barest witness) behold, the same baptizeth, * Iohn. iiii. a & all men come to him, Iohn answered, and said: A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves are witnesses, * Iohn. i. b how that I said: I am not Chryst, but am sent before him. He that hath the bride, is the bridegroom. But the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth, and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bride grooms voice. This my joy therefore is fulled. He must increase: but I must decrease. He that cometh from on high, is above all: He that is of the earth, is earthly, and speaketh of the earth. He that cometh from heaven is above all, and what he hath seen and heard that he testifieth: and no man receiveth his testimony. He that hath received his testimony, * Roma ●xi ● ☞ hath set to his seal, that God is true. For he whom God hath sent, speaketh the words of God: * Esai. ●xi ● For ☞ God giveth not the spirit by measure unto him. The father loveth the son * Math. xi. ● Luke. x. d and hath given all things into his hand. * Iohn. vi. ● i. Iohn. ●● He that believeth on the son hath everlasting life: He that believeth not the son, shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him. ⊢ ¶ The loving communication of Christ with the woman of Samaria by the wells syds, How he healeth the ruler's son. CAPI. four AS soon as the Lord knew, how the Pharisees had herd, that jesus made and baptized more disciples than Iohn, (though that jesus himself baptized not, but his disciples) * Mat. ii●. d he left ivory, and departed again in to Galilee. For it was so that he must needs go thorough Samaria. ✚ Then came he to a city of Samaria (which is called Sichar) besides, the possession * Gene. 48● that jacob gave to his son joseph, and there was Jacob'S well. jesus then being weary of his journey, sat thus on the well. And it was about the sixth hour: and there came a woman of Samaria to draw water. jesus saith unto her, give me drink. For his disciples were gone away unto the town, to buy meat. Then sayeth the woman of Samaria unto him: how is it, that thou being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a Samaritane? * 4. Res. 〈◊〉 d Iohn. ●. ● For the jews meddle not with the Samaritans. jesus answered and said unto her: if thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that sayeth to thee, give me drink, thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given * Ie●e. two. ● Iohn seven. ● the water of life. The woman sayeth unto him: Sir, thou hast nothing to draw with, and the well is deep: from whence then hast thou that water of life? Art thou greater than our father jacob which gave us the well, and he himself drank thereof, and his children, and his cattle? jesus answered, & said unto her: who soever drinketh of this water, shall thirst again. But ☞ who soever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never be more a thirst: but the water that I shall give him, shall be in him a well of water, springing up in to everlasting life. The woman sayeth unto him: Sir, give me of that water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. jesus sayeth unto her: Go call thy husband, and come hither. The woman answered, and said unto him: I have no husband. jesus said unto her: Thou hast well said I have no husband. For thou haste had five husbands, and he whom thou now hast, is not thy husband. In that saidest thou truly. The woman sayeth unto him: * Luke, seven. b Sir, I perceive that thou art a Prophet. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain * 3. Reg. ix. a. two. Para. 7 c and ye says that in jerusalem is the place, where men ought to worship. jesus sayeth unto her: woman believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall (neither in this mountain/ nor yet at jerusalem) worship the father. Ye worship ye wot not what: we know what we worship. * Exodi. xxi. ● For salvation cometh of the jues. But the hour cometh and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the father * Roma. i. a in spirit, and in the truth. For such the father also requireth to worship him * ●. Corin. iii ● God is a spirit: and they that worship him, must worship him in spirit and in the truth. The woman sayeth unto him: I wot/ that Messiah shall come, which is called Chryst. When he is come he will tell us allthings. jesus sayeth unto her: * mat. xxii. ●, Mat. xiii. ● Luke. xxii. ● Iohn. ix. d ●nd. x. c I that speak unto the am he. And immediately came his disciples, and marveled that he talked with the woman. Yet no man said: What meanest thou or why talkest thou with her? The woman than left her waterpot, and went her way in to the city, and sayeth to the men: Come, see a man which told me all things that ever I did. Is not he christ? Then they went out of the city, and came unto him. In the mean while his disciples prayed him, saying: Master, eat. He said unto them: I have meat to eat, that ye know not of. Therefore said the disciples among themselves: hath any man brought him aught to eat? jesus sayeth unto them: my meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. say not ye: there are yet four months/ and than cometh harvest? Behold I say unto you: lift up your eyes/ and look on the regions: for they are white all ready unto harvest. * Math. ix. b Luke. x. a. And he that reapeth, receiveth reward, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth, and he that reapeth/ might rejoice together. And herein is the saying true, that one soweth and an other reapeth. I sent you to reap whereon ye bestowed no labour. Other men laboured, and ye are entered in to their labours. Many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him, for the saying of the woman, which testified that he told her all that ever she did. So, when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him, that he would tarry with them. And he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own words, and said unto the woman. Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for * joh. xvii. b we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is even Chryst, the saviour of the world. ⊢ After two days he departed thence, and went away in to galilee. * Mat. xiii. g Math vi. a Luke. i●●●. ●. For jesus himself testified/ that a Prophet hath noon honour in his own country. Then, as soon as he was come in to Galilee, the Galileans received him, when they had seen all the things that he did at jerusalem at the day of the feast. For they went also unto the feast day, So jesus came again into Cana of Galilee * Iohn. two. a where he turned the water in to wine. ✚ And there was a certain ruler, * Mat. viii. a Luke. seven. a whose son was sick at Capernaum. As soon as the same herd that jesus was come out of jury in to Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him, that he would come down/ and heal his son. For he was even at the point of death. Then said jesus unto him: except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe. The ruler sayeth unto him: Sir/ come down, or ever that my son die. jesus sayeth unto him: Go thy way, thy son liveth. The man believed the word that jesus had spoken unto him, & he went his way. And as he was now going down/ the servants met him, and told him, saying: thy son liveth. Then inquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him: Yester day at the seventh hour, the fever left him. So the father knew, that it was the same hour/ in the which jesus said unto him: Thy son liveth. * Acts. 18. ● And he believed, and all his household. ⊢ This is again the second miracle, that jesus did, when he was come out of ivory in to Galilee ¶ He healeth the man that was sick eight & thirty year. The jews accuse him: he answereth for himself, and reproveth them. Then said they unto him: Lord, ever more give us this bread. And jesus said unto them. I am the bread of life. He that cometh to me shall not hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst. ⊢ Butler I said unto you: that ye also have seen me, and yet ye believe not. All that the father giveth me shall come to me: and him that cometh to me, I cast not a way. For I came down from heaven: * Luke. xxii. e not to do that I will/ but that he will, which hath sent me. And this is the father's will which hath sent me/ that of all which he hath given me, I shall lose nothing: but raise them up again at the last day. And this is the will of him that sent me: that every one which seeth the son/ * Iohn. v. ● and believeth on him/ have everlasting life. And I will raise him up at the last day The jews than murmured at him, because he said: I am that bread (of life) which came down from heaven. And they said: * Mat. xiii. ● Mark. vi. ● Is not this jesus the son of joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that he sayeth/ I came down from heaven? jesus answered and said unto them: Murmur not among yourselves. ✚ ☞ * Iohn. seven. ● No man can come to me, except the father which hath sent me, draw him: And I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: * Esai. iiiii. d ●. Iohn. two. d and they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath herd, & hath learned of the father/ cometh unto me. * Erodi. 33. d Drut. iiii. d Iuditū. vi● and. ●iii. d Iohn. i. c ●. Ioh iiii. b Not that any man hath seen the father, save he which is of God: the same hath seen the father. verily, verily I say unto you, he that putteth his trust in me/ hath everlasting life. I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat Manna in the wilderness, & are dead? This is that bread/ which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. I am that living bread, which came down from heaven. If any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever. * Luke, xxii. And the bread that I will give/ is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. ⊢ The jews therefore strove among themselves, saying: How can this fellow give us that flesh of his, to eat? Then jesus said unto them: ✚ verily, verily I say unto you, ☞ except ye eat the flesh of the son of man/ and drink his blood: ye have no life in you. Who so eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day. ✚ For my flesh is meat in deed: and my blood is drink in deed. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living father hath sent me, and I live for the father: Even so he that eateth me, shall live by the means of me. This is that bread, which came down from heaven: not as your fathers did eat Man nam, & are dead. He that eateth of this bread/ shall live ever. ⊢ These things said he in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. Many therefore of his disciples (when they had heard this) said: this is an hard saying: who can abide the hearing of it? jesus knew in himself, that his disciples murmured at it, & he said unto them: Doth this offend you? What and if ye shall see the son of man ascend up thither where he was before? It is the spirit that quickeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing. The words that I speak unto you, are spirit and life. But there are some of you that believe not. For jesus knew from the beginning, which they were/ that believed not, and who should betray him: And he said: therefore said I unto you: that * Iohn. seven ● no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my father. From that time many of his disciples went back, and forsook him, and walked no more with him. Then said jesus to the twelve: will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him: Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou haste the words of eternal life * Mat. xvi. ● Mar. viii ● Luke. i●. ● Iohn. xi. ● and we believe and are sure that thou art Chryst the son of the living god. jesus answereth them: Have not I chosen you twelve, & * Luke. xxii ● Iohn. xiii. ● one of you is a devil? He spoke of judas Iscariot the son of Simon. For he it was, that should betray him, being one of the twelve. ¶ jesus cometh to jerusalem at the least: teacheth the jews and reproveth them. There are diverse opinions of him among the people. The pharisees rebuke the officers because they have not brought him, & chide with Nicodemus for taking his part. CAPI. VII. AFter these things, jesus went about in Galilee: for he would not go about in jury because that the jews sought to kill him. The Jews * Levi ●xxiii. ● Num. nineteen. b 3. Esora. v● two. Mata. v. feast of tabernacles was at hand. His brethren therefore said unto him: get the hence, and go in to jury/ that thy disciples also may see thy works that thou dost. For there is no man that doth any thing in secret/ and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do soch things/ show thyself to the world. For his brethren believed not in him. Then jesus said unto them: My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready. The world can not hate you. * Iohn xv. a But me it hateth: because I ●●stifye of it, that the works thereof are evil. Go ye up unto this feast I will not go up yet unto this feast, for my time is not yet full come. When he had said these words unto them, he abode still in Galile. But as soon as his brethren were come then went he also up unto the feast, not open lie: but as it were privily. Then sought him the jews at the feast, and said: * Iohn. xi. f where is he? And moth murmuring was there of him among the people. For some said: * Mat. xxi. d. Iohn. iiii. ● and. vi. c He is good, other said nay/ but he deceiveth the people. Howbeit * Iohn. xii. f. no man spoke openly of him/ for fear of the jues. ⊢ ✚ Now when half of the feast was done, jesus went up in to the temple, and taught. And the jews marveled, saying: How knoweth he the scriptures, seeing that he never learned? jesus answered them, and said: My doctrine is not mine: but his that sent me. If any man will be obedient unto his will/ he shall know of the doctrine, whither it be of God, or whither I speak of myself He that speaketh of himself, seeketh his own praise. But he that seeketh his praise that sent him, the same is true, and no unrightwiseness is in him. * Exodi. xx. a duty. v. a. Did not Moses give you a law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me? The people answered and said: thou hast the devil: who goeth about to kill thee? jesus answered, and said unto them: * Iohn. v. a I have done one work, and ye all marvel. Moses therefore gave unto you the circumcision: not because it is of Moses, but * E'en. xvii b of the fathers: And yet ye on the Sabbath day, circumcise a man. If a man on the Sabbath day receive circumcision without breaking of the law of Moses: disdain ye at me, because I have made a man every whit hole on the Sabbath day? * Leviti xi●. ● Dcute i c Prove. 24 e judge not after the utter appearance, but judge with a righteous ivogement. Then said some of them of jerusalem: is not this he/ whom they go about to kill: But ●o, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing to him. Do the rulers know in deed, that this is very Chryst? Howbeit * Mat. xiii. g Mark. vi. a Iohn. vi. c we know this man whence he is: but when christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is. Then cried jesus in the temple (as he taught) saying: ye both know me, & whence I am ye know. And I am not come of myself: but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not. But I know him. ❀ (And if I say that I know him not, I shallbe a liar like unto you, but I know him) for I am of him/ and he hath sent me. * Mark. xi. c. Luke. xi●. g. xx▪ ● & xxii. ● Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come. * Iohn. 8. d Many of the people believed on him ⊢ and said: when Chryst cometh, will he do more miracles than these, that this man hath done? The pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him. ✚ And the Pharisees and high priests, * Mat. xxii. ● Mark xii. ● Luke. xx. d sent ministers to take him. Then said jesus unto them: Yet am I a little while with you, and then go I unto him that sent me. Ye shall seek me, & shall not find me: * Iohn. viii c and. xiii. ● and where I am, thither can ye not come. Then said the jews among themselves: whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go among the gentiles (which are scattered abroad) and teach the gentiles: What manner of saying is this that he said: ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: & where I am, thither can ye not come? In the last day, that great day of the feast jesus stood, and cried, saying: * Esai i●. a if any man chyrst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me (as sayeth the scripture) out of his belly shall flow rivers of water of life. But this spoke he of the spirit, which they that believe on him, should receive. ⊢ For the holy ghost was not yet there, because jesus was not yet glorified. ✚ Many of the people therefore (when they heard this saying) said * Iohn. 〈◊〉. c. and. v. b. Luke. seven. ● of a truth this is a prophet: but other said, ‡ Mat. xxi. b. this is Chryst: But some said: shall Chryst come out of Galyle: * M●r●e. v. ● Math. two. ●. Sayeth not the scripture, that Chryst shall come of the seed of David: and out of the town of Bethleem where David was? So was there dissension among the people because of him. And some of them would have taken him but no man laid handis on him. Then came the ministers to the high priests and pharisees. And they said unto them: why have ye not brought him? The ministers answered: never man spoke as this man doth. Then answered them the pharisees: are ye also deceived? Doth any of the rulers, or of the pharisees believe on him? But this common people which know not the law, are cursed. Nicodemus sayeth unto them, ( * Iohn. three ●. he that came to jesus by night, & was one of them) Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he hath done? They answered, and said unto him: art thou also of Galilee? Search & look. For out of Galilee ariseth no prophet. And every man went unto his own house. ⊢ ¶ A woman is taken in adultery, Chryst delivereth her. The freedom of such as follow Chryst, whom they accuse to have the devil within him, and go about to stone him. CAPI. VIII. ✚ Jesus went * Mat. xxi. ●. Mark. xi. a Luke. nineteen. c. unto mount Olyuete, and early in the morning he came again in to the temple, and all the people came unto him, and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery: & when they had set her in the mids, they say unto him: Master, this woman was taken in adultery, even as the deed was a doing. * Luke. xx. b Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned. But what sayest thou? This they said to tempt him, that they might accuse him. But jesus stooped down & with his finger wrote on the ground. So, when they continued asking him, he lift himself up, and said unto them: let him that is among you without sin, cast the first stone at her. And again he stooped down/ and wrote on the ground. And as soon as they heard this, they went out one by one, beginning at the eldest. And jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the mids. When jesus had lift up himself, & saw no man, but the woman, he said unto her: woman, where are those thine accusers? Hath no man condemned thee? She said: No man, Lord. And jesus said. Neither do I condempnethe. Go, and * Iohn. v. ● sin no more. ⊢ ✚ Then spoke jesus again unto them/ saying: * Iohn. ●. a ●x. ●. ●. xii ●. I am the light of the world. He that followeth me, doth not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life. The pharisees therefore said unto him: thou bearest record of thyself, thy record is not true. jesus answered, and said unto them: though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, & whither I go. But ye can not tell whence I come, and whither I go. Ye judge after the flesh ☞ I judge no man. And if I judge, my iudgemet is true. For I am not alone: but I and the father that sent me. * Num. 35. ●. Deut. 17 ●. and. nineteen. d Math. 18. c. two. Cori. 13. a i Timo. v. c Hebrew. x. c It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that beareth witness of myself/ and the father that sent me, beareth witness of me. Then said they unto him: where is thy father? jesus answered: ye neither know me, nor yet my father: If ye had known me, ye should have known my father also. These words spoke jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple, & no man laid hands on him, * Math. v●. ● for his hour was not yet come. ⊢ Then said jesus again unto them: ✚ I go my way, and * Iohn. v●●. ● and. xiii. ●. ye shall seek me, & shall die in your sins. Whither I go, thither can ye not come. Then said the jews: will he kill himself, because he sayeth: whither I go, thither can ye not come? And he said unto them: ye are from beneath, I am from above. Ye are of this world, I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins. For * Mat. xv●. ● Iohn. ●ii. ● if ye believe not that I am he/ ye shall die in your sins Then said they unto him, who art thou? And jesus sayeth unto them: Even the very same thing that I speak unto you. I have many things to say/ and to judge of you: Yea and he that sent me, is true. * Iohn. 14. ● And I speak in the world, those things, which I have herd of him. Howbeit they understood not that he spoke of his father. Then said jesus unto them: when ye have lift up an high the son of man, then shall ye know, that I am be/ and that I do nothing of myself: but * Iohn. ii●. d and. x●iii. b as my father hath taught me/ even so I speak these things: and he that sent me is with me. The father hath not left me alone, for I do always those things, that please him. ⊢ As he spoke these words * Iohn. seven. d many believed on him. ✚ Then said jesus to those jews, which believed on him: If ye continue in my word/ then are ye my very disciples, and ye shall know the truth: and the truth shall make you free. They answered him: We be Abraham's seed, & were never bond to any man: how sayest thou then: ye shallbe made * Rome. vi. ● and. viii. ● free? jesus answered them: verily, verily I say unto you/ that * Rome. v●. c two. Petr. 〈◊〉. ● who soever committeth sin, is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: But the son abideth ever. If the son therefore shall make you free, then are ye free in deed. I know that ye are Abraham's seed: but ye seek means to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. I speak that which I have seen with my father: and ye do that, which ye have seen with your father. They answered and said unto him: Abraham is our father. jesus sayeth unto them: If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the deeds of Abraham. But now ye go about to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth which I have herd of God: this did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds of your father Then said they to him: we were not borne of fornication. We have one father, even god. jesus said unto them: If God were your father, truly ye would love me. For I proceeded forth, and came from god. Neither came I of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not know my speech? Even because ye can not abide the hearing of my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father will ye serve. * Gene. iii. a. i Iohn. iii. a He was a murderer from the beginning, & abode not in the truth, because their is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie/ he speaketh of his own. For he is a liar, and the father of the same thing: And because I tell you the truth, therefore ye believe me not. ✚ Which of you rebuketh me of sin? If I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? * Iohn. x. ● He that is of God, heareth gods words Ye therefore hear them not/ because ye are not of God. Then answered the jews/ and said unto him: Say we not well/ that thou art a Samaritane, and * Iohn. x. d haste the devil? jesus answered: I have not the devil: but I honour my father/ and ye have dishonoured me. I seek not mine own praise: there is one that seeketh, and judgeth. verily/ verily I say unto you: if a man keep my saying/ he shall never see death. Then said the jews unto him: Now know we, that thou haste the devil. Abraham is dead/ and the Prophets, and thou sayest: if a man keep my saying/ he shall never taste of death. Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead. Whom makest thou thyself? jesus answered: If I honour myself/ mine honour is nothing. It is my father that honoureth me/ which ye say/ is your God/ and yet ye have not known him: but I know him. And if I say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you. But I know him, and keep his saying. Your father Abraham was glad to see my day: * Gene. 17. a. and. xxii. a and he saw it, & retoysed. Then said the jews unto him: thou art not yet. l. year old, and haste thou seen Abraham? jesus said unto them. verily, verily I say unto you: ere Abraham was borne * E●odi. iii. d I am ‡ Iohn. x. f. . Then took they up stones, to cast at him. But jesus hid himself, Luke. iiii. e and went out of the temple. ⊢ ¶ Chryst maketh the man to see, that was borne blind. CAPI. IX. ✚ ANd as jesus passed by, he saw a man, which was blind from his birth. And his disciples asked him, saying: Master, who did sin, this man/ or his father and mother, that he was borne blind? jesus answered: Neither hath this man sinned, nor yet his father and mother: but that the works of God should be showed in him. I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day. The night cometh/ when no man can work. As long as I am in the world, * Iohn. ● a. vi●● b. 〈◊〉 ● I am the light of the world. As soon as he had thus spoken, he spatte on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, & rubbed the clay on the eyes of the blind, and said unto him: Go, wash the in the pool of * Esai. viii. b Syloe/ which (by interpretation) is as much to say as: sent. He went his way therefore, and washed/ and came again saying. So the neighbours and they that had seen him before (how that he was a beggar) said: is not this he that sat and begged? Some said: this is he. Again other saybe ❀ (No, but) he is like him. He himself said: I am even he. Therefore said they unto him: How are thine eyes opened? He answered, and said: The man that is called jesus/ made clay/ and anointed mine eyes/ and said unto me: Go to the pole Silot/ and wash. And when I went and washed, I received my sight. Then said they unto him: where is he? He said: I can not tell. They brought to the Pharisees, him that a little before was blind: and it was the * Math. xii. & Mark. two d Luke. seven. a. Iohn. v. b and. seven. ● Sabbath day, when jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes. Then again the Pharisees also asked him, how he had received his sight. He said unto them: he put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed and do se. Therefore said some of the pharisees: this man is not of God, because he keepeth not the Sabbath day. Other said: * Iohn. vi●. ● and. x. d how can a man that is a sinner, do such miracles? And there was a strife 'mong them. They spoke unto the blind man again: what sayest thou of him, because he hath opened thine eyes? He said: * Iohn. seven. ● He is a Prophet. But the jews did not believe of the man, (how that he had been blind, and received his sight) until they called the father and mother of him that had received his sight. And they asked them, saying: Is this your son/ whom ye say was borne blind? How doth he now see then? His father and mother answered them/ and said: we know, that this is our son, and that he was borne blind: but by what means he now seeth, we can not tell: or who hath opened his eyes, can we not tell. He is old enough, ask him, let him answer for himself. Soche words spoke his father and mother/ because they feared the jues. For the jews had conspired already, that if any man did confess that he was Chryst, * Iohn. seven. ● he should be excommunicate out of the synagogue. Therefore said his father and mother: he is old enough/ ask him. Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him: give God the praise: we know/ that this man is a sinner. He answered therefore, and said: Whither he be a sinner or no, I can not tell: One thing I am sure of: that where I was blind, now I se. Then said they to him again: What did he to thee? How opened he thine eyes? He answered them again: I told you ere while, and ye did not hear. Wherefore would ye hear it again? Will ye also be his disciples? Then rated they him and said: Be thou his disciple. We are Moses disciples. We are sure, that God spoke unto Moses. As for this fellow/ we know not from whence he is: The man answered/ and said unto them: this is a marvelous thing, that ye wot not from whence he is/ and yet he hath opened mine eyes. For we be sure/ that ☞ God heareth not sinners. But if any man be a worshipper of God/ & obedient unto his will, him heareth he. Since the world began was it not herd, that any man opened the eyes of one that was borne blind. If this man were not of GOD, he could have done nothing. They answered/ and said unto him: thou art all together borne in sin, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out. jesus heard that they had excommunicate him, and when he had found him, he said unto him: dost thou believe on the son of God? He answered and said: Who is it Lord, that I might believe on him? And jesus said unto him: Thou haste seen him, * Iohn. iiii. ● and he it is that talketh with the. And he said: Lord I believe/ and worshipped him. ⊢ And jesus said unto him: ☞ I am come unto judgement in to this world: that they which see not/ might see: and they which see, might be made blind. And some of the Pharisees which were with him, heard these words/ and said unto him: are we blind also? jesus said unto them: * Iohn. xv. d ☞ If ye were blind, ye should have no sin. But now ye snye: we see, therefore your sin remaineth. ¶ Chryst is the true shepheerde, and the door of the sheper he telleth the truth, & therefore the jews take up slone● to cast at him, and call his preaching blasphemy, and go about to take him. CAPI. X. ✚ Verily, verily I say unto you: he that entereth not in buy the door into the sheepfold, but climmeth up some other way the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in buy the door, is the shepheerde of the sheep: to him the porter openeth, and the sheep hear his voice, and * Provet. ● he calleth his own sheep buy name, and leadeth them out. And when he hath sent forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. A stranger will they not follow, but will flay from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. This proverb spoke jesus unto them. But they understood not what things they were/ which he spoke unto them. Then said jesus unto them again: verily verily I say unto you. * Iohn. 14. ● I am the door of the sheep. All (even as many as came before me) are thieves and murderers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door, by me if any man enter in, he shall be safe, and shall go in and out, & find pasture. A thief cometh not but for to steal, kill, & to destroy I am come, that they might have life & that they might have it more abundantly. ⊢ ✚ I am * Ezeche. 〈◊〉 Miche. v. ● the good shepheerde. ☞ A good shepheerde giveth his life for the sheep. An hired servant, and he which is not the shepherd (nether the sheep are his own) seeth the wolf coming, & leaveth the sheep, and fleeth, and the wolf catcheth, and scattereth the sheep. The hired servant fleeth/ because he is an hired servant, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepheerde/ * two. Tim. two. ● and know my sheep, and am known of mine. * Math. xi. d Luke. x. d As my father knoweth me/ even so know I also my father. And * Mark. x. ● I give my life for the sheep: & other sheep I have, which are not of this fold. Them also I must bring, & they shall hear my voice/ ☞ and there shallbe one fold & one shepheerd. ⊢ Therefore doth my father love me, because I put my life from me, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me: but I put it away of myself. I have power to put it fromme, & I have power to, take it again: This commandment have I received of my father There was a dissension therefore again among the jews for these sayings, and many of them said: * Math. ix. d and. xii. b Marh. iii. b Luke. xi. b Iohn. viii ● He hath the devil, and is mad: why hear ye him? Other said ‡ Iohn. 7. g these are not the wordis of him that hath the devil. Can the devil open the eyes of the blind? ✚ And it was at jerusalem the feast of the ☞ dedication, and it was winter: & jesus walked in the temple, even in * ●. Regum. 6. a ●uen. three b. and. v, c salomon's porch. Then came the jews round about him, and said unto him: How long dost thou make us doubt? If thou be Christ tell us plainly. jesus answered them: I told you, and ye believe not. The works that I do in my father's name, they bear witness of me. But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep. As I said unto you: * Iohn, viii f my sheep hear my voice: and I know them, and they follow me/ and I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My father which gave them me, is greater than all, and no man is able to take them out of my father's hand. * Iohn. xiiii a and. xvii. c I & my father are one * Iohn. vii● g Then the jews again took up stones, to stone him withal. jesus answered them: many good works have I showed you from my father: for which of them do ye stone me? The jews answered him, saying. For thy good works sake we stone the not, * Iohn. v. d but for thy blasphemy, and because that thou being a man, makest thyself god. jesus answered them: Is it not written in your law, * Exod xxii d Psal. 82. a I said year gods? If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God was spoken (and the scripture can not be broken concerning him whom the father hath sanctified, & sent in to the world) do ye say that I blaspheme, * Math. 26. f Mar xiiii. g Luke. xxii. g because I said, I am the son of God? ‡ Iohn. ix a and. xv. d If I do not the works of my father, believe me not. But if I do, and if ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know & believe, that the father is in me, & I in him. ⊢ * Mat. xxi. b. Iohn. seven. g Again they went about to take him: & he escaped out of their hand, & went away again beyond jordan, into the place * Iohn. i. d where Iohn before had baptized, & there he abode. And many resorted unto him, & said. Iohn did no miracle, but * Iohn. three d. all things that Iohn spoke of this man were true. And many believed on him there. ¶ Chryst raiseth Lazarus from death. The high priests & Pharisees gather a counsel against him. He getteth him out of the way. CAPI. XI. ✚ A Certain man was sick, named Lazarus of Bethania the town of Mary, & her sister Martha. It was that Mary * Luke. seven. f. which anointed jesus with ointment, & wiped his feet with her here, whose brother Lazarus was sick. Therefore, his sisters sent unto him, saying: Lord, behold, he whom y● lovest, is sick. When jesus heard that, he said: this infirmity is not unto death but for the praise of God, that the son of god * Iohn. ix. ● might be praised by the reason of it. jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. When he had herd therefore, that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. Then after that said he to his disciples: let us go in to ivory again. His disciples said unto him: Master, the jews lately * Iohn. seven. d viii. g & ix. ● sought to stone thee, and wilt thou go thither again? jesus answered: are there not twelve hours of the day? If a man walk in the day he stumbleth not, because he s●●th the light of this world. But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him. This said he, and after that he said unto them: Our friend Lazarus * Math. ix. c Math. v d Luke. viii g sleepeth, but I go to wake him out of sleep. Then said his disciples: Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well enough. Howbeit, jesus spoke of his death: but they thought, that he had spoken of the natural sleep. Then said jesus unto them plainly. Lazarus is dead and I am glad for your sakes, that I was not there, because ye may believe. Nevertheless, let us go unto him. Then said * Iohn xx. f Thomas which is called Didimus, unto the disciples: let us also go, that we may die with him. Then went jesus, and found that he had line in his grave four days already. Bethanye was nigh unto jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs of, and many of the jews came to Martha and Mary to comfort them over their brother. Martha as soon as she heard, that jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. ✚ Then said Martha unto jesus: Lord * Iohn. xi. d. if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died: nevertheless, now I know, that what soever thou askest of God, God will give it the. jesus sayeth unto her: Thy brother shall rise again. Martha sayeth unto him: I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. jesus sayeth unto her: I am the resurrection and the * Iohn. i. ● and. xiiii. a life ‡ Iohn u● b Roma. i. b Aba●u●. two a Hebrew. x. g He that believeth on me, yea though he were dead, yet shall he live. And ☞ who soever liveth and believeth on me, shall never die: believest thou this? She said unto him: yea Lord, I believe, that thou art Chryst the son of God which should come in to the world. ⊢ And assoon as he had so said, she went her way and called Mary her sister secretly, saying: The master is come, & calleth for the. assoon as she heard that, she arose quickly and came unto him. jesus was not yet come in to the town: but was in that place where Martha met him. The jews then which were with her in the house and comforted her (when they saw Mary, that she arose up hastily, and went out) followed her, saying: She goeth unto the grave, to weep there. Then when Mary was come where jesus was, and saw him, she cometh nigh unto his feet, and sayeth unto him: Lord, * Iohn. xi. c if thou hadst been here, my brother had not been dead. When jesus therefore saw her weep (& the jews also weeping which came with her) he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled in himself, and said. Where have ye laid him? They say unto him: Lord, come and se. And * Luke. nineteen. ● jesus wept. Then said the jews: Behold how he loved him. And some of them said: could not he which * Iohn. ix. b opened the eyes of the blind, have made also, that this man should not have died? jesus therefore again groaned in himself and came to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone laid on it. jesus said, take ye aways the stone. Martha the sister of him that was dead, said unto him: Lord, by this time he stinketh. For he hath been dead four days: jesus sayeth unto her. Said I not unto the that if thou didst believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where he that had been dead, was laid. And jesus lift up his eyes & said. Father, I thank thee, that thou hast heard me. Howbeit, I knew: that thou hearest me always: but * Iohn. xii. d because of the people which stand by, I said it, that they may believe, that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice Lazarus, come forth. * Iohn. v. e And he that was dead, came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes, and his face was bound with a napkin. jesus saith unto them: lose him, and let him go. Then many of the jews which came to Mary (& had seen the things which jesus did) * Iohn. seven. f believed on him. ⊢ But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, & told them what jesus had done. * Math. 26 a Mar. xiiii a Luke. xxii a ✚ Then gathered the high priests & the Pharisees a cowsell, & said: ‡ Acts iii●. ● what do we? For this man doth many miracles. If we let him scape thus, all men will believe on him, and the Romans shall come, & take away both our room and the people. And one of them named Cayphas (being the high priest that same year) said unto them: Ye perceive nothing at all, nor consider, that * Iohn. 18. b it is expedient for us, that one man die for the people, and not that all the people perish. This spoke he not of himself, but being high Priest that same year, he prophesied that jesus should die for the people, and not for the people only, but that he should gather together in one the children of God, that were scattered abroad. * Math. 16 Mar. ●●●● Then from that day forth, they took counsel together, for to put him to death. jesus therefore walked no more openly among the jews: but went his way thence unto a country nigh to a wilderness, into a city which is called Ephraim, and there continued with his disciples. * Math 2●. ● Mat. xiii● Luke. xx●● And the Jews Easter was nigh at hand, and many went out of the country up to jerusalem before the easter, to purify themselves. Then sought they for jesus, & spoke among themselves, as they stood in the temple: * Iohn. 〈◊〉. ● What think ye, saying he cometh not to the feast day? The high priests and Pharisees * Iohn. ●● had given a commandment, that if any man knew where he were, he should show it, that they might take him. ⊢ ¶ Mary anointeth Christ's feet. judas murmureth, Christ ●r cuseth her, and rideth in to jerusalem. CAPI. XII. ✚ THen jesus (six days before Easter) came to Bethany, where Lazarus had been dead, whom he raised from death. There they made him a supper, and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him. * Mat. xvi. ● Mar xiii●. ● Luke. xxii ● Then took Mary a pound of ointment (called Nardus, perfit and precious) and anointed jesus feet, and wiped his feet with her here, and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment. * Luke. seven, ● Then said one of his disciples (even judas Iscarioth Symons son, which afterward betrayed him) why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor. This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and * Math, 26 ● Mar. xiiii ● had the bag, and bare that which was Iohn. xiii. d given. Then said jesus: Let her alone: against the day of my burying, hath she kept this. For the poor always shall ye have which you, but me have ye not always. Moche people of the jews therefore had knowledge, that he was there. And they came, not for jesus sake only, but that they might see Lazarus also * Iohn. xi. b. whom he raised from death But the high Preestes held a counsel, that they might put Lazarus to death also, because that for his sake many of the jews went away and believed on jesus. ⊢ * Mat. xxi. ●. Mark. xi. ● On the next day moche people that were come to the feast, when they heard that jesus should come to jerusalem, took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried: Hosanna, * Psal. 11● d Luke. nineteen. f. blessed is he that in the name of the Lord, cometh king of Israel. And jesus got a young ass, & sat thereon as it is written: * Psal. ixii. d ●tha. xi. b Iohn. xii. r. Fear not daughter of Zion. Behold, thy king cometh, sitting on an asses colt. These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when jesus was glorified, them remembered they that such things were written of him, and that such things they had done unto him. The people that was with him (when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from death) bare record. Therefore met him the people also, because they heard, that he had done soche a miracle. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves: perceive ye, how we prevail nothing? Behold, ❀ (all the hole) world goeth after him. * 3. Regan. ●. ● Acts. viii. e two, Pet, vi, f There were certain Greeks among them, that came to worship at the feast: the same came therefore to Phylip (which was of Bethsaida a city in Galilee) & desired him, saying: Sir, we would fain see jesus. Philip came & told Andrew. And again Andrew & Philip told jesus. And jesus answered them, saying: * Iohn. xiii. d and. xvi, a the hour is come, that the son of man must be glorified. ✚ verily, verily I say unto you, * ●sal. ●iii. d, ●●o●, xv. e. except the wheat corn fall into the ground & die, it abideth alone. If it die, it bringeth forth moche fruit. * Math. x. d Luke. xvi. d Met. vi●●. d Luke, xii. b He that loveth his life, shall destroy it: & ☞ he that hateth his life in this world, shall keep it unto life eternal. If any man minister unto me, let him follow me: & * joh. xiiii. a and, xvii. d. where I am, there shall also my minister be. If any man minister unto me, him will my father honour. ⊢ Now is my soul troubled, and what shall I say? Father, deliver me from this hour: but therefore came I unto this hour, Father glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying: I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again. The people therefore that stood by and heard it, said, that it thundered. Other said, an angel spoke to him jesus answered and said: this voice came not because of me, * Iohn. xi. ● but for your sakes. ✚ Now is the judgement of this world: * Iohn. xv. d and. xvi. b now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I (if I were lift up from the earth) will draw all men unto me. This he said signifying, what death he should die. The people answered him: We have herd out of the law, * Psal. 〈◊〉. ● Esai. ix. b Dani. seven. d Mithe, v. a that Chryst abideth ever, & how sayest thou: the son of man must be lift up? Who is that son of man? Then jesus said unto them: yet a little while is the light with you. * Ephesi. v. ● Walk while ye have lygh, least the darkness come on you. He that walketh also in the dark, woteth not whither he goeth. While ye have light, believe on the light, that ye may be the children of the light. ⊢ These things spoke jesus, and departed, & hid himself from them. But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet believed not they on him, that the saying of Esaias the Prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: * Esai. liii. ●. Roma. x. c Lord, who shall believe our saying? And to whom is the arm of the Lord declared? Therefore could they not by leave, because that Esaias sayeth again: * Esai. vi. a. Mat. xiii. b Mar. iiii. b Luke viii. b Acts. 28, f. he hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart that they should not see with their eyes, & lest they should understand with their heart and should be converted, and I should heal them. Soche things said Esaias when he saw his glory, and spoke of him. Nevertheless, among the chief rulers also, many believed on him. But (because of the Pharisees) they would not be a known of it * Iohn. i●. ● lest they should be excommunicate. * Iohn. v. ● For they loved the praise of men, more than the praise of God. jesus cried, and said: He that believeth on me, believeth not on me, but on him that sent me. And he that seeth me, seeth him that sent me. ✚ I am come a light in to the world: that who soever believeth on me, should not abide in darkness. And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not. For * Iohn. ●. ● iii. c ● viii. ● I came not to judge the world: but to Iohn. i●i. ●. save the world. He that refuseth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him. The word that I have spoke, the same shall judge him in the last day. For I have not spoken of myself: but the father which sent me, he gave me a commandment what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that ☞ his commandment is life everlasting. What soever I speak therefore, even as the father bade me, so I speak. ⊢ ¶ Chryst was sheath the disciples feet, telleth them of judas the traitor, and commandeth them car●estly to love one an other. CAPI. XIII. ✚ BEfore the feast of Easter, when jesus knew that his hour was come, that he should depart out of this world unto the father. When he loved his, which were in the world, unto the end he loved them. And when supper was ended, after that the devil had * Mat. 26. b mar. xiii, b. put in the heart of judas Israrioth Symons son, to betray him. jesus knowing that * Math. xi. d. ●xxiii. d. Luke. x d. Iohn. iii, d. the father had given all things into his hands, and that he was come from God, and went to God: he arose from supper, and laid aside his upper garments: and when he had taken a towel, he girded himself. After that, he powered water into a basin, & began to wash the disciples feet, and to wipe them with the towel, wherewith he was girded. Then came he to Simon Peter. And Peter said unto him. Lord, dost thou wash my feet? jesus answered, and said unto him: What I do, thou wottest not now, but thou shalt know here after. Peter sayeth unto him: thou shalt never wash my feet. jesus answered him, if I wash the not, thou hast no part with me. Simon Peter sayeth unto him. Lord not my feet only, but also the hands & the head. jesus sayeth to him: he that is washed needeth not, save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit. And ye are clean * Iohn. vi. g. but not al. For he knew who it was that should betray him. Therefore said he: ye are not all clean. So after he had washed their feet, and received his clothes, and was set down, he said unto them again: wot ye what I have done to you? Ye call me master and Lord, & ye say well, for so am I. If I then your Lord and master have washed your feet, ye also aught to wash one an others feet. For * Ephess. v a ●. Peter. two d I have given you an ensample, that ye should do, as I have done to you. ⊢ verily, verily I say unto you: * Math x. c Luke. v●. f Iohn. xv e. the servant is not greater than his master, neither the messenger greater than he that sent him. If ye understand these things, * Luke. xl, d happy are ye, if ye do them. I speak not of you all, I know whom I have chosen. But that the scripture may be fulfilled: * Psal. xli. b He that eateth bread with me, hath lift up his heel against me. Now * Iohn. 14. d and. xvi. a tell I you before it come, that when it is come to pass, ye might by leave that I am he. verily, verily I say unto you: * Math. x. d Luke. ix. c Mark. ix. e he that receiveth whom soever I send, receiveth me. And he that receiveth me, receiveth him that sent me: When jesus had thus said, he was troubled in the spirit, and testified and said: verily, verily I say unto you: that * Math. 〈◊〉 b Mar. xiiii c Luke. xxii. ● one of you shall betray me. Then the disciples looked one on an other, doubting of whom he spoke. There was one of jesus disciples (which leaned on him) * Iohn. nineteen. c. xx. ●. ●. xxi. ● even he whom jesus loved. To him beckoned Simon Peter therefore, that he should ask, who it was of whom he spoke. He then when he leaned on jesus breast, said unto him: Lord, who is it? jesus answered: Hett is to whom I give a sop. And he wet the bread and gave it to judas Iscarioth Symons son. And after the sop, ☞ Satan entered into him. Then said jesus unto him, that thou dost, do quickly. That wist no man at the table, for what intent he spoke unto him. Some of them thought (because * Iohn. 〈…〉 ☞ judas had the bag, that jesus had said unto him Buy those things that we have need of against the feast: or that be should give some thing to the poor. As soon then as he had received the sop, he went immediately out & it was night. Therefore, when he was gone, out. jesus said. * Iohn. 〈…〉 and. 〈…〉 Now is the son of man glorified, and god is glorified by him. If god be glorified by him, God shall also glorify him by himself: and shall straight way glorify him. ✚ little children, yet a little while am I with you. * Iohn. vi ● Ye shall seek me, and as I said unto the jews, whither I go, thither can ye not come. Also to you say I now. * Iohn. 〈…〉 A new commandment give I unto you, that ye love together, as I have loved you, that even so ye love one another. * ●. Iohn. 〈…〉 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to an other. Simon Peter said unto him. Lord: whither goest thou? jesus answered him: whither I go, thou canst not follow me now, but * Iohn. 〈◊〉 Ac●e●. 〈…〉 thou shalt follow me afterwards. ⊢ Peter said unto him: Lord, why can not I follow the now: * math. 〈◊〉 Mar. ●i●● Luke. xxii I will jeopardy my life for thy sake? jesus answered him: wilt thou jeopardy thy life for my sake? verily, verily I say unto thee: * Iohn. 〈◊〉. 〈…〉 the cock shall not crow, till thou have denied me thrice. ¶ He armeth his disciples with consolation against trouble, and promiseth them the holy ghost. CAPI. XIIII. ✚ ANd he said unto his disciples: let not your heart be troubled. Ye believe in god believe also in me. In my father's house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if ☞ I go to prepare a place for you I will come again, & receive you, even unto myself: that * Iohn. x●●. d. and. xvii ● where I am, there may ye be also. And whither I go, ye know, & the way ye know. Thomas sayeth unto him: Lord, we know not whither thou goest. And how is it possible for us, to know the way? jesus sayeth unto him: I am the way & the truth, and the * Iohn. ●. ● and. xi. c life. ‡ Mat. 〈◊〉. ● Iohn. vi. c. No man cometh unto the father, but by me. If ye had known me, ye had known my father also. And now ye know him, and have seen him. Philip sayeth unto him: Lord, show us the father, & it sufficeth us. jesus sayeth unto him, have I been so long time with you, & yet hast thou not known me? Philip, he that hath seen me, hath seen the father. And how sayest thou then: show us the father? believest thou not, that * Iohn. ●. f I am in the father, and the father in me? The words that I speak unto you, I speak not of myself: But ☞ the father that dwelleth in me, is he that doth the works. believe me that I am in the father, and * Iohn. xvi. g the father in me. Or else believe me for the works sake. verily, verily I say unto you: he that believeth on me, the works that I do, the same shall he do also, and greater works than these shall he do, because I go unto my father: * Mat. seven. a 〈◊〉. xxi. c Luke. xi. b Mark. xi. d ●a●a●●. i. a. Iohn. 14. b. ●●d. xv b Iohn. iii. d ●●d. v. c And what soever ye ask in my name, that will I do, that the father may be glorified by the son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. ⊢ ✚ If ye love me, keep my commandments and I will pray the father, and he shall give you an other comforter, that he may abide which you for ever: even the spirit of truth whom the world can not receive, because the world seeth him not, neither knoweth him. But ye know him, for he dwelleth with you, and shallbe in you. * Math. 28. d I will not leave you comfortless: but will come to you. Yet a little while and the world seeth me no more, but ye seem. For I live, and ye shall live. That day shall ye know that I am in my father: and you in me, and I in you. * Iohn. xv. a. ●. Iohn. v. a two. Iohn. i. a He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them: the same is he that loveth me. And he that loveth me, shall be loved of my father: and I will love him, and will show mine own self to him. * I●●●●. xv. d. judas sayeth unto him (not judas Iscarioth) Lord what is done that thou wilt show thyself unto us, and not unto the world? jesus answered, and said unto him: if a man love me, he will keep my sayings, and my father will love him, and we will come unto him, and dwell with him. He that loveth me not, keepeth not my sayings. And the word which ye hear▪ is not mine, but the fathers which sent me. These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. But the comforter which is the holy ghost * Iohn. xv. d and. xvi. b. 〈◊〉. two. a whom my father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance what soever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. Not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your hearts be grieved, neither fear. Ye have herd how I said unto you: I go, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would verily rejoice, because I said: I go unto the father. For the father is greater than I * Iohn xiii. c and. xvi. a And now have I showed you before it come, that when it is come to pass, ye might believe. Hereafter will I not talk many words unto you. For the prince of this world cometh, & hath nought Iohn. xii. e and. xvi. b in me. But that the world may know that I love the father. And as the father gave me commandment, even so do I ⊢ Arise, let us go hence. ¶ The true vine, the husband man and the branches. A doctrine of love & a sweet comfort against persecution. CAPI. XV. ✚ I Am * Eccle. 24. ● the true vine, and my father is the husband man. Every branch that beareth not fruit in me, he will take away. And every branch that beareth fruit, will he purge, that it may bring forth more fruit. * Iohn. xiii. b Acted. xv. b. Now are ye clean thorough the words which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch can not bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine: no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth moche fruit. For without me can ye do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is weathered: and men gather them: and cast them into the fire, and they burn. * Math xxi c Mark 〈◊〉 d Iohn 16. f james i. ● i Iohn. three ● If ye abide in me, & my words abide in you: ask what ye will, and it shall be done for you. ⊢ Herein is my father glorified: that ye bear moche fruit, and become my disciples. As the father hath loved me, even so have I also loved you. Continued ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my father's commandments, & abide in his leave. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. ✚ * Iohn xiii. d i Iohn. iii d. This is my commandment: that ye love together, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man, than this: that a man bestow his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do what soever I command you. Henceforth call I you not servants: for the servant knoweth not what his lord doth: but you have I called friends: for all things that I have herd of my father, have I opened to you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, to go & bring forth fruit, & that your fruit should remain, that what soever ye ask of the father in my name, he may give it you. ⊢ ✚ This command I you, that ye love together. If the world hate you, ye know that he hated me before he hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own. Howbeit, because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. Therefore * Iohn. 17. c. the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you: the servant is not greater than the lord. * Math. x. ● Luke. xii. ● Mark. x. c If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. * Iohn. xvi ● But all these things will they do unto you for my name's sake, because they have not known him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they should have had no sin: but now have they nothing to cloak their sin withal. He that hateth me, hateth my father also: If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they should have had no sin. But now have they both seen, & hated: not only me but also my father: But this happeneth that the saying might be fulfilled, that is written in their law: * Psal. 35. ● and. lxix. a. they hated me without a cause. ⊢ ✚ But when the comforter is come * Iohn. ●4. d and. xvi. b Acts. two. ● whom I will send unto you from the father (even the spirit of truth, which proceedeth of the father) he shall testify of me. And ☞ ye shall bear witness also, because ye have been with me from the beginning. CAPI. XVI. ¶ consolation against trouble. Prayers are herd thorough Chryst. THese things have I said unto you, because ye should not be offended. * Math. x. b Mar xiii. b Luke. xxi. ● They shall excommunicate you: yea the time shall come, that ‡ Acts. ix a who soever killeth you, will think that he doth God service. * Iohn. xv. d And such things will they do unto you, because they have not known the father, neither yet me. But these things have I told you, that when the time is come, ye may remember them, that I told you. ⊢ These things said I not unto you at the beginning, because I was present with you. ✚ But now I go my way to him that sent me, and none of you asketh me whither I go. But because I have said such things unto you, your hearts are full of sorrow. Nevertheless I tell you the truth, it is expedient for you, that I go away. For if I go not away, that comforter will not come unto you. But if I depart, * Ioh● xiiii d and. xv. b Acts. two▪ a I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will rebuke the world of sin, & of righteousness, and of judgement. Of sin, because they believe not on me: Of righteousness, because I go to my father, and ye shall see me no more. Of judgement, because * Iohn. xii. ● the prince of this world is judged already. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye can not bear them away now. Howbeit when he is come (which is the spirit of truth) he will lead you in to all truth He shall not speak of himself: but what so ever he shall hear, that shall he speak, and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me, for he shall receive of mine, and shall show unto you. * Math. 〈◊〉 &. xxviii●. Luke. x. ●. Iohn. iii ● All things that the father hath, are mine. Therefore said I unto you, that he shall take of mine and show unto you. ⊢ ✚ * Iohn. vii● After a while ye shall not see me, and again after a while ye shall see me: For I go to the father. Then said some of his disciples between themselves: What is this, that he saith unto us, after a while, ye shall not see me: and again after a while, ye shall see me: and that I go to the father? They said therefore: what is this that he saith: after a while we can not tell what he sayeth. jesus perceived, that they would ask him and said unto them: Ye inquire of this between yourselves, because I said, after a while, ye shall not see me: and again after a while, ye shall see me. verily, verily I say unto you: ye shall weep & lament, but contrary wise, the world shall rejoice. Ye shall sorrow, but * Iohn. 〈◊〉. ● your sorrow shall be turned to joy. A woman when she travaileth, hath sorrow, because her hour is come: but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembreth no more the anguish, for joy that a man is borne in to the world. And ye now therefore have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your hearts shall rejoice, and your joy shall no man take from you. ⊢ And in that day shall ye ask me no question. ✚ verily, verily, I say unto you: * Mat. seven. ● and. xxi. c Luke. xi. ● Mark. xi. d James. i. a. Iohn. 14. ●. and. xv. b What soever ye shall ask the father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name. Ask, and ye shall receive: that your joy may be full. These things have I spoken unto you by proverbs. The time will come, when I shall no more speak to you * Mat. x●●●. ● by proverbs: But I shall show you plainly from my father. At that day shall ye ask in my name. And I say not to you that I will speak unto my father for you. For the father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed, that I came out from god. I went out from the father, and came in to the world. Again, I leave the world, and * Iohn. xx. d go to the father. His disciple said unto him: lo, now talkest thou plainly, and speakest no proverb. Now are we sure, that * Iohn. xxi. e. thou knowest all things, and needest not, that any man should ask the any question. Therefore believe we, that thou camest from God. ⊢ jesus answered them. Now ye do believe. * ●●●●. xiii ● Mat. xxvi c Mat. xiiii. c Behold, the hour draweth nigh, and is already come, that ye shall be scattered every man to his own, and shall leave me alone. And yet am I not alone: For * Iohn. 14. b the father is with me. These words have I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. For in the world shall ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. ¶ The most hearty and loving prayer of Chryst unto his father, for all such as receive the truth. CAPI. XVII. ✚ THese words spoke jesus, and lift up his eyes to heaven and said: father * Iohn. ●3. d. the hour is come: glorify thy son, that thy son also may glorify thee: as thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him: This is * ●. Iohn. ●. ●. life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and jesus Chryst whom thou hast sent. I have glorified the on the earth. * Iohn. nineteen. f. I have finished the work, which thou gavest me to do. And now glorify thou me (O father) with thine own self, with the glory, which I had with thee, or the world was. I have declared thy name unto the men, which thou gavest me out of the world. Thine they were, and thou gavest them me, & they have kept thy word. Now they have known, that all the things what soever thou haste given me, are of the. For I have given unto them the words which thou gavest me, and they have received them, & have known surely that I came out from thee: and they have believed, that thou didst send me. I pray for them, ☞ I pray not for * ● Iohn two. e. the world: but for them ‡ Esai▪ viii▪ b which thou hast given me, for they are thine. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine, and I am glorified in them. And now am I not in the world, and they are in the world and I come to the. ⊢ ✚ Holy father, keep thorough thine own name, them which thou hast given me, that they also may be one, as we are. While I was with them in the world. I kept them in thy name. * Iohn. 1●. ●. Those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but that lost th●lde, * Psal. ●ix. a. that the scripture might be fulfilled. Now come I to thee, and these words speak I in the world, that they might have my joy full in them. I have given them thy word, and * Iohn. xv. ●. Sap●. two. d the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I also am not of the world: I desire not, that thou shouldest take them out of the world: but that * Math. vi. b Luke. xi. a thou keep them from evil. They are not of the world, as I also am not of the world. Sanctify them thorough thy truth. Thy word is the truth. As thou didst send me in to the world, even so have I also sent them in to the world, and for their sakes sanctify I myself, that they also might be sanctified thorough the truth. Nevertheless I pray not for them alone, but for them also which shall believe on me thorough their preaching: that they all may be * Gala. ●ii. d one, as thou father art in me, and I in thee, and that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe, that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me, I have given them, that they may be one, as we also are one. I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfit in one, and that the world may know, that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they which thou hast given me, * Iohn. x●●▪ d. and▪ xi●ii. a be with me where I am, that they may see my glory, which thou hast given me. For thou lovedst me before the making of the world. * Ma●●. 〈◊〉. d Luke. x. d O righteous father, the world also hath not known thee: But I have known thee: & these have known, that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them by name, and will declare it, that the love wherewith thou hast loved me, may be in them, and I in them. ⊢ ¶ Chryst is betrayed. The words of his mouth smite the officers to the ground. Peter smiteth of Malchus care. jesus is brought before Anna Cayphas, and pilate. CAPI. XVIII. WHen jesus had spoken these words, * Mat. 2●. d. Mat. xi●●● d Luke. xx●i. d he went forth with his disciples over the broke Cedron, where was a garden, in to the which he entered, and his disciples. judas also which bytrayed him, knew the place: for jesus oft times resorted thither with his disciples. judas then after he had received a band of men, (and ministers of the high priests and Pharisees) came thither with lanterus, and firebrands, & weapons. And jesus knowing all things that should come on him, went forth, & said unto them: whom seek ye? They answered him: jesus of Nazareth. jesus sayeth unto them: I am he. judas also which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. Then asked he them again: whom seek ye? They said jesus of nazareth. jesus answered, I have told you, that I am he, If ye seek me therefore, let these go their way, that the saying might be fulfilled which he spoke: * Iohn. 17. b of them which thou gavest me, have I not lost one. Then Simon Peter having a sword, drew it, and smote the high Preestes servant, and cut of his right ear. The servants name was Malchus. Therefore sayeth jesus unto Peter: * E'en. ix. a mat. xxvi. ●. Put up thy sword in to the sheath: shall I not drink of the cup, which my father hath given me? Then the company and the captain and ministers of the jews took jesus, & bound him, and led him away to Anna first: for he was father in law unto Cayphas, which was the high priest that same year. caiphass was he, which gave counsel to the jews * Iohn. xi. ● that it was expedient, that one man should die for the people. * math. xxv of Mar. xiiii. f Luke. xxii. f And Simon Peter followed jesus, and so did an other disciple: that disciple was known unto the high Priest, and went in with jesus into the palace of the high priest. But Peter stood at the door without. Then went out that other disciple (which was known unto the high Priest) and spoke to the damsel that kept the door, and brought in Peter. Then said the damsel that kept the door, unto Peter. Art not thou also one of this man's disciples? He said: I am not. The servants & the ministers stood there, which had made a fire of coals: for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. Peter also stood among them, and warmed him. * Ma●. xiiii. f ●. 〈◊〉. xxii. g The high Priest than asked jesus of his disciples and of his doctrine. jesus answered him: I spoke openly in the world. I ever taught in the synagogue▪ and in the temple, whither all the jews resort. and in secret have I said nothing: Why askest thou me? Ask them which heard me, what I have said unto them. Behold, they can tell what I said. When he had thus spoken, one of the ministers which stood by, smote jesus on the face, saying: * Acts. 23. ● answerest thou the high Priest for jesus answered him: If I have evil spoken, bear witness of the evil: But if I have well spoken, ☞ why smitest thou me? And Annas sent him bound unto Cayphas the high Priest. Simon Peter stood, and warmed him self. Then said they unto him: art not thou also one of his disciples? He denied it and said: I am not. One of the servants of the high priests (his cousin whose ear Peter smote of) said unto him: Did not I see the in the garden with him? * Iohn. xiii. Peter therefore denied again: & immediately the cock crew. * Mat. 17 ●. Mark. xv ● Luk. xxiii. ● Then led they jesus from Cayphas in to the hall of judgement. It was in the morning and they themselves went not in to the judgement hall, ☞ lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat Passeover. pilate than went out unto them, and said: What accusation bring ye against this man? They answered and said unto him: If he were not an evyldoer, we would not have delivered him unto the. Then said pilate unto them: Take ye him, and judge him after your own law. The jews therefore said unto him: It is not lawful for us to put any man to death. ☞ That the words of jesus might be fulfilled * Math. xx. ● which he spoke, signifying, what death he should die. * mat xxvii● Mark. xv Luke. 2●. ● Then pilate entered into the judgement hall again, and called jesus, and said unto him: Art thou the king of the jews? jesus answered: sayest thou that of thyself, or did other tell it the of me? Pilate answered. Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and high priests have delivered the unto me. What haste thou done? jesus answered: my kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, then would my ministers surely fight, that I should not be delivered to the jews, but now is * 〈◊〉. vi. ● my kingdom not from hence. pilate therefore said unto him. Art thou a king then? jesus answered: Thou sayest that I am a king. For this cause was I borne, and for this cause came I in to the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. And all that are of the truth, hear my voice. pilate said unto him: What thing is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the jews, and sayeth unto them: * mat. xxvii. Mark. xv Luke. xxiii. I find in him no cause at all. Ye have a custom, that I should deliver you one lose at Easter. Will ye that I lose unto you the king of the jews? Then cried they all again, saying: * Acts. iii. c Not him, but Barrabas: the same Barrabas was a murderer. ¶ christ is crucified▪ He committeth his mother unto Iohn, dieth, and is turyed. CAPI. XIX. THen Pilate took jesus therefore, and scourged him. * Math. 27. c Mar xv. b. And the soldiers wound a crown of thorns, and put it on his head. And they did on him a purple garment, ❀ (and came unto him) and said: Hail king of the jews: & they smote him on the face. pilate went forth again/ and said unto them: behold, I bring him forth to you, that ye may know, that I find no fault in him. Then came jesus forth/ wearing a crown of thorn, and a rob of purple. And he sayeth unto them: behold the man. * Math. 27. c Math. xv a Luk. xxiii. d When the high priests therefore & ministers saw him/ they cried, saying: crucify him, crucify him. Pilate sayeth unto them: Take ye him, and crucify him: for I find no cause in him. The jews answered him: We have * Levi xxi. two. c a law, and by our law he ought to die: because * Iohn. v. b he made himself the son of God. When pilate heard that saying, he was the more afraid/ and went again in to the judgement hall, and sayeth unto▪ jesus: whence art thou? But jesus gave him none answer. Then said Pilate unto him: Speakest thou not unto me? Knowest thou not/ that I have power to crucify thee/ and have power to lose thee? jesus answered: Thou couldst have no power at all against me/ * Sapi. vi. a. Iohn. iii. d Rom. xiii. a except it were given the from above. Therefore he that delivered me unto thee, hath the more sin. * Math. 26 d Math. xv. c Luke. xxiii ● And from thence forth sought Pilate means to lose him: but the jews cried, saying: if thou let him go, thou art not Caesar's friend. For * Act. xvii. b whosoever maketh himself a king, is against Cesar. When Pilate heard that saying, he brought jesus forth, and sat down to give sentence, in a place that is called the pavement: but in the Hebrew tongue/ Gabbatha. It was the preparing day of the Easter/ about the sixth hour. And he sayeth unto the jews: be hold your king? They cried, away with him, away with him/ crucify him. Pilate sayeth unto them: shall I crucify your king? The high priests answered: we have no king but Cesar: * Math. 27 ● Math. xv. c Luke. xxiii e Then delivered he him unto them, to be crucified. And they took jesus, and led him away. And he bore his cross, and went forth in to a place, which is called the place of dead men's skulls. But in Hebrew Golgotha: where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and jesus in the mids. And * 〈◊〉. xiii ● Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the Mat. 27. b. Mat. xv▪ c. Luk. xx●●●. ●. cross. The writing was. jesus of Nazareth king of the jues. This title red many of the jues. For the place where jesus was crucified, was nigh to the city. And it was written in Hebrew, and Greek and Latyn. Then said the high priests of the jews to Pilate: write not king of the jews, but that he said, I am king of the jues. Pilate answered: what I have written, that have I written. The soldiers, * Math. 27 ● Mark. xv. ● Luke. xxiii ● when they had crucified jesus, took his garments and made four parts to every soldier a part, and also his cote. The cote was without seam/ wrought upon throughout. They said therefore among themselves: Let us not divide it, but cast lots for it, who shall have it. That the scripture might be fulfilled, saying: * Psal. xxii. d They parted my raiment among them, and for my coote did they cast lots. And the soldiers did such things in deed There stood by the cross of jesus his mother, and his mother's sister. Marry the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing * Iohn. xiii. ● whom he loved, he sayeth unto his mother: woman, behold thy son. Then said he to the disciple: behold thy mother. And from that hour the disciple took her for his own. After these things jesus knowing that all things were now performed: that * Psal. lxix. ● the scripture might be fulfilled, he sayeth: I thirst. So there stood a vessel by, full of byneger. * Math. 27. ● Mark. xv ● Therefore they filled a sponge with vinegar, and wound it about with yscope/ and put it to his mouth. As soon as jesus then received of the vinegar/ he said: * Iohn. 17. ● It is finished, and bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. The jews therefore because it was the preparing of the Sabbath/ that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the Sabbath day (for that Sabbath day was an high day) besought Pilate▪ that their legs might be broken and that they might be taken down. Then came the soldiers, and broke the legs of the first/ and of the other which was crucified with him. But when they came to jesus: and saw that he was dead already, they broke not his legs: but one of the soldiers with a spear/ thrust him in to the side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it, bare record/ and his record is true. And he knoweth that he sayeth true, that ye might believe also. For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled. * Exodi. xii. g Num●. ix. b Ye shall not break a bone of him. And again an other scripture sayeth: * ze●h●. xii. ● they shall look on him, whom they pierced. * Math. 26 ● Mar. xv. d. Luk. xxiii. ● After this, joseph of Aramathia (which was a disciple of jesus: but secretly for fear of the jews) besought Pilate that he might take down the body of jesus And Pilate gave him licence. ❀ (He came therefore, and took the body of jesus) And there came also Nicodemus (which at the beginning came to jesus by night) and brought of mire and aloes mingled together, about an hundred pound weight. Then took they the body of jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the odours, as the manner of the jews is to bury. And in the place where he was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man laid. There laid they jesus therefore, because of the prepating of the Sabbath of the jews/ for the sepulchre was nigh at hand. ⊢ ¶ The resurteceyon of Chryst/ which appeareth to Mary Magdalene, and to all his disciples, to their great comfort. CAPI. XX. ✚ The first day of the sabbaths came Mary Magdalene early (when it was yet dark) unto the Sepulchre, & saw the stone taken away from the grave. Then she ran, and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple * Math 28. a Mar. xvi. a Luk xxiiii a whom jesus loved, and Iohn. xiii. ● nineteen. e. ● xxi. ● sayeth unto them: They have taken away the Lord out of the grave, and we can not tell where they have laid him. Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came unto the sepulchre. They ran both together, and that other disciple did out run Peter/ and came first to the sepulchre. And when he had stooped down he saw the linen clothes dying/ yet went he not in. * Lu. xxiiii a. Then came Simon Peter/ following him/ and went in to the sepulchre/ and saw the linen clothes lie, and the napkin that was about his head, not dying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. Then went in also that other disciple, which came first to the sepulchre/ and ☞ he saw and believed. For as yet they knew not the * Psal. xvi. b Acts. i●. b xiii. ●. xvii. f scripture, that he should rise again from death. ⊢ Than the disciples went away again unto their own home. ✚ * Lu. xxiiii. a. Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping. So as she wept, she bowed herself in to the sepulchre, and seeth two angels clothed in white, sitting, the one at the head the other at the feet/ where they had laid the body of jesus. They said unto her: woman, why weepest thou? She sayeth unto them: for they have taken away my Lord, and I wot not where they have laid him. When she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw jesus standing, & knew not that it was jesus: jesus sayeth unto her woman●, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou? She supposing that he had been a gardener, sayeth unto him. Sir: if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou haste laid him, and I will fetch him. jesus sayeth unto her. Mary. She turned herself, and said unto him: Rabboni, which is to say master. jesus sayeth unto her, ☞ touch me not, for I am not yet ascended to my father. But go to my * Psal. xxii. ● Hebru. il. ● brethren, and say unto them? ‡ Iohn. 16 ● 〈◊〉. xxiiii. ●. I ascend unto my father and your father: and to my God, and your God. * 〈◊〉. xxiiii. ●. Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples, that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken such things unto her. ⊢ ✚ * Lu. xxiiii. d. The same day at night: which was the first day of the sabbaths, when the doors were shut (where the disciples were assembled together for fear of the jews (came jesus/ and stood in the mids, & sayeth unto them: peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he showed unto them his hands, & his side. Then * Iohn. xvi. d were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord. Then said jesus to them again: peace be unto you. As my father * Esai. ●●i a. Math. xi. ● Luke. ●ii●. ● Iohn. xvii● sent me, even so send I you also. And when he had said those words/ he breethed on them/ and sayeth unto them: receive the holy ghost. Whosoevers sins ye remit/ they are remitted unto them. And whosoever's sins ye retain, they are retained. ⊢ ✚ But * Iohn. xi. b Thomas one of the twelve (which is called Didimus) was not with them, when jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him: we have seen the Lord. But he said unto them: except I see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger in to the print of the nails, & thrust my hand in to his side, I will not believe. And after eight days, again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them. Then came jesus when the doors were shut/ and stood in the mids/ and said: peace be unto you, After that said he to Thomas: bring thy finger hither, and see my hands, and reach hither thy hand/ and thrust it in to my side/ and be not faithless, but by leaving. Thomas answered, and said unto him: my Lord, and my God: jesus sayeth unto him: Thomas because thou hast seen me/ thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen/ and yet have believed. ⊢ * Iohn. xxi. g And many other signs truly did jesus in the presence of his disciples/ which are not written in this book. These are written/ that ye might believe, that jesus is christ the son of God, and that (in believing) ye might have life through his name. ¶ He appeareth to his disciples again by the see of Tyberias, and commandeth Peter earnestly to feed his sheep. CAPI. XXI. ✚ afterward did jesus show himself again, at the see of Tyberias. And on this wise showed he himself. There were together Simon Peter and Thomas (which is called Didimus,) and * Iohn. i. f nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedei, and two other of his disciples. Simon Peter sayeth unto them: I will go a fishing. They say unto him: we also will go with the. They went their way and entered into a ship immediately, and that night caught they nothing. But when the morning was now come, jesus stood on the shore: nevertheless the disciples knew not that it was jesus. jesus sayeth unto them: Children have ye any meat? They answered him, no. And he sayeth unto them: * Luke. v. a cast out the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. They cast out therefore/ and anon they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fishes. Then said the disciple * Iohn. xiii. c and. nineteen. e whom jesus loved unto Peter: It is the Lord: When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord/ he gird his coote unto him (for he was naked) and sprang in to the see. The other disciples came by ship, for they were not far from land, but as it were two hundred cubytes, and they drew the net with fishes. As soon then as they were come to land/ they saw hoot coals, and fish laid thereon, and bread. jesus sayeth unto them: * Luk. xxii●i f Bring of the fish which ye have now caught: Simon Peter went up, and drew the net to land full of great fishes, an hundred and. liiv. And for all there were so many, yet was not the net broken. jesus sayeth unto them: come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him: what art thou? For they knew that it was the Lord. jesus then came, and took bread, and gave them, and fish likewise. This is now the third time that jesus appeared to his disciples, after that he was risen again from death. ⊢ So when they had dined/ jesus sayeth to Simon Peter: Simon joanna/ lovest thou me more than these? He said unto him: yea Lord, thou knowest, that I love the. He sayeth unto him: feed my lambs. He sayeth to him again the second time: Simon joanna, lovest thou me? He sayeth unto him Yea Lord, thou knowest that I love the. He said unto him: feed my sheep. He said unto him the third time: Simon joanna/ lovest thou me? Peter was sorry, because he said unto him the third time: lovest thou me, & he said unto him: Lord, thou * Iohn. xvi. ● knowest all things/ thou knowest that I love the. jesus sayeth unto him: feed my sheep. verily, verily I say unto thee: when thou waste young, thou gyrdedst thyself, and walkedst whither thou wouldest: but when thou art old, * Iohn. xiii. d Acts. xii. a. thou shalt stretch forth thine hands, and an other shall gird thee, & lead the whither thou wouldest not. That spoke he signifying, by what death he should glorify God. And when he had spoken this, he sayeth unto him: ✚ Follow me. Peter turned about, and saw the disciple * Iohn. xiii ● nineteen. ●. ● 〈◊〉. ● whom jesus loved/ following (which also leaned on his breast at supper, and said: Lord, which is he that betrayeth thee?) When Peter therefore saw him, he sayeth to jesus: Lord, what shall we hear do? jesus sayeth unto him: If I will have him to tarry till I come/ what is that to thee? follow thou me. Then went this saying abroad among the brethren, that that disciple should not die. Yet jesus said not to him, he shall not die: but if I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? The same disciple is he, which testifieth of these things/ and wrote these things. And we know, that his testimony is true. ⊢ * Iohn. x●. ● There are also many other things which jesus did, the which if they should be written every one, I suppose the world could not contain the books that should be written. ¶ Here endeth the Gospel of Saint Iohn. ❧ The Acts of the Apostles. ¶ The asce●syon of Chryst. Mathias is chosen in the stead of judas. CAPI. Primo. ✚ IN the former treatise/ (dear Theophylus) we have spoken of all that jesus began to do and teach, until the day in which he was taken up, after that he, through the holy ghost, had given command mentes unto the Apostles, whom he had chosen: to whom also he * Iohn. xx. a ●●d. xxi. c. showed himself alive after his passion (and that by many tokens) appearing unto them forty days, and speaking of the kingdom of god, and gathered them together, Lu. xxiiii g. and commanded them/ that they should not depart from jerusalem: but to wait for the promise of the father * Iohn. iiii. d xv. d. xvi. v. whereof (sayeth he) ye have herd of me. For * Iohn. i e. Acts i. a Math. iii. b Luke. three c. Iohn truly baptized with water: but ye shall be baptized with the holy ghost after these few days. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him saying: Lodre, wilt thou at this time, restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them: * Math. 24. c It is not for you to know the times, or the seasons/ which the father hath put in his own power: but * Lu. xxiiii. g. Acts. i●. a ye shall receive power after that the holy ghost is come upon you. And * Acts. two. ● Iohn. xv. d ye shall be witnesses unto me/ not only in jerusalem/ but also in all jury and in Samary, and even unto the worlds end. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, * Mat. xvi. d Lu. xxi. two. d he was taken up an high, and a cloud received him up out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly up toward heaven/ as he went/ behold/ two men stood by them in white apparel/ which also said: ye men of Galilee/ why stand ye gazing up in to heaven? This same jesus which is taken up from you in to heaven/ * Dani. seven. d Math. 24. ● and. xxv. t Mat. xiii. e Luke. xvii e and▪ xxi e Revela. i b. shall so come, even as ye have seen him go in to heaven. ⊢ Then returned they unto jerusalem from the mount (that is called olyvete) which is from jerusalem, a Sabbath days journey. And when they were come in, they went up into a parlour, where abode both * Math. x. a Math. iii. c Luke. vi. c Peter and james, and Iohn and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Barthelmew and Matthew/ james the son of Alpheus, and Simon Zelotes, and judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication with the women & Mary the mother of jesus & with his brethren ✚ And in those days Peter stood up in the mids of the disciples, and said (the number of names that were together/ were about an hundred and twenty.) Ye men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the holy ghost through the mouth of David spoke before of judas, * Math. 2●● Mar. xiiii● Luke. xxii● which was guide to them that took jesus. ‡ Math. ●. ● Mark. 〈◊〉 Luke. three ● For he was numbered with us, and had obtained fellowship in this ministration. And the same hath now possessed a plat of ground with the reward of iniquity: and when he was * Math. 27● two. Reg. 17. ● hanged, he braced a sondre in the mids, and all his bowels gushed out. And it is known unto all the inhabiters of jerusalem: in so much that the same field is called in their mother tongue, Acheldama, that is to say, the blood field. For it is written in the book of Psalms: * Psal. ●xix● his habitation be void, and no man be dwelling therein: and * Psal. ●i●. ● his Bysshoprycke let an other take. Wherefore of these men which have companyed with us (all the time that the Lord jesus had all his conversation among us beginning at the baptism of Iohn, unto that same day that he was taken up from us) must one be ordained, to be a witness with us of his resurrection. And they appointed two, joseph which is called Barsabas (whose sir name was justus) and Mathias And when they prayed they said: thou lord, which * ●. Par. i●. ● Psal. seven. ●. knowest the hearts of all men, show whither of these two thou hast chosen: that he may take the room of this ministration and Apostleshyppe, from which judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place. And they gave forth their lots and the lot fell on Mathias, and he was counted with the eleven Apostles. ⊢ CAPI. II. ✚ ¶ The coming of the holy ghost. The sermon of Peter before the congregation at jerusalem, and the increase of the faithful. WHen * Deut. xvi. ● Luke. xxiii ● the fifty days were come to an end, they were all with one accord together in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as it had been the coming of a mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they sat. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues, like as they had been of fire, and it sat upon each one of them: * Acts. iiii. ● and. xi. ● and they were all filled with the holy ghost & began to speak with other tongues/ even as the same spirit gave them utterance. There were dwelling at jerusalme, jews, devout men, out of every nation of them that are under heaven. When this was noised about, the multitude came together, and were astonied, because that every man heard them speak with his own language. They wondered all, and marveled, saying among themselves: behold, are not all these which speak, of Galilee? And how hear we every man his own tongue: wherein we were borne? Parthians, and Medes and Elamytes, and the inhabiters of Mesopotamia, and of jury and of Capadocia, of Ponthus and Asia, Phrygia, and Phamphilia, of Egypt, and of the parties of Libya which is beside Siren, and strangers of Rome, Jews, and ☞ * Math. 24 b Proselytes. Greeks & Arabians: we have heard them speak with our own tongues, the great works of God. ⊢ They were all amazed, and wondered, saying one to an other: what meaneth this? Other mocked/ saying: these men are full of new wine. ✚ Butler Peter stepped forth with the eleven & life up his voice, & said unto them: Ye men of juiye/ and all ye that dwell at jerusalem: be this known unto you/ and with your ears hear my words. For these are not drunken/ as ye suppose/ saying it is but the third hour of the day. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Ioh●l: And it shall be in the last days, sayeth god: of my spityte I will power out upon all flesh. * johel. two. g. And your sons and your daughters shall prophesy/ and your young men shall see visions/ and your old men shall dream dreams. And on my servants/ & on my hand maidens I will power out of my spirit in those days/ and they shall prophesy. And * Math. 27. e 〈◊〉. xxiii. f I will show wonders in heaven above/ and tokens in the earth beneath/ blood and fire and the vapour of smoke. The son shall be turned in to darkness/ and the moon in to blood/ before that great and notable day of the Lord come. And it shall come to pass, that * Roma. x. t whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord/ shall be saved. ⊢ ✚ The men of Israel/ hear these words: jesus of Nazareth a man approved of God among you with miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did by him in the mids of you (as ye yourselves know) him have ye taken by the hands of unrighteous persons, after he was delivered by the determinat counsel and foreknowledge of god/ and have crucified and slay him: whom God hath raised up, and loosed the sorrows of death, because it was unpossible, that he should be holden of it. For David speaketh of him: * Psal. x●i. c. A forehand I saw God always before me: for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved. Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad. Moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope, because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine holy to see corruption. Thou hast showed me the ways of life: thou shalt make me full of joy with thy countenance. Ye men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David. * 3. Regum. ii● For he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre remaineth with us unto this day. Therefore, saying he was a Prophet, and knew that God had sworn with an oath to him, that Chryst (as concerning the flesh) should come of the fruit of his loins, & should sit on his seat, he knowing this before, spoke of the resurrection of Chryst, that his soul should not be left in hell, neither his flesh should see corruption. This jesus hath God raised up, * Acts. i a. whereof we all are witnesses. Since now that he by the right hand of God is exalted, and hath received of the father the promise of the holy ghost, he hath shed forth this ❀ (gift) which ye now see and hear. For David is not ascended in to heaven: but he sayeth: * Psal. 〈◊〉. ● Mat. xxi●. ● The Lord said to my Lord: sit thou on my right hand, until I make thy foes thy fore stool. So therefore, let all the house of Israel know for a surety, that God hath made that same jesus (whom ye have crucified) the Lord and Chryst. When they heard this, they were pricked in their hearts, and said unto Peter, and unto the other Apostles: Ye men and brethren * Luke. three b. what shall we do? Peter said unto to them: repent of your sins/ and be baptized every one of you in the name of jesus Chryst for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the holy ghost. For the promise was made unto you/ and to your children, and to all that are a far of, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words bore he witness, and exhorted them, saying: Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his preaching, were baptized: and the same day/ there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came over every soul. And many wonders and signs were showed by the Apostles, ❀ (at jerusalem. And great fear came upon all men.) And all that believed, kept themselves together, and had all things comen, and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they continued daily with one accord in the temple/ and broke bread from house to house, & did eat their meat together with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and had favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the congregation daily, soche as should be saved. ¶ The halt is restored to his foot. Peter preacheth Chryst unto the people. CAPI III. ✚ PEter and Iohn went up together in to the temple at the ninth hour of prayer. And a certain man that was halt from his mother's womb, was brought, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple (which is called bewtyful) to ask alms of them that entered in to the temple. When he saw Peter & Iohn, that they would go in to the temple/ he desired to receive an alms. And Peter fastened his eyes on him with Iohn/ and said: look on us. And he gave heed unto them, trusting/ to receive some thing of them. Then said Peter: Silver & gold have I none, such as I have give I the In the name of jesus christ of Nazareth, * Math. ix. ● rise up & walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lift him up. And immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. And he sprang, stood, and walked, and entered with them in to the temple/ walking/ and leaping/ & praising God. And all the people saw him walk & praise god. And they knew him, that it was he/ which sat & begged at the beautiful gate of the temple. And they wondered & were sore astonied at that which had happened unto him. And as the halt which was healed, held Peter & john, all the people ran amazed unto them in * 3. Reg. vi. ● Iohn. x. ● Acts. v. c the porch that is called Salamons'. When Peter saw that, he answered unto the people. ✚ Ye men of Israel, why marvel ye at this/ or why look ye so on us, as though by our own power or strength we had made this man go? The God of Abraham, and of Isaac and of jacob, the god of our fathers hath glorified his son jesus, whom ye delivered, and * Math. ●7 a Mat. x●. ●. Luk. xxiii. ● denied in the presence of pilate, when he had judged him to be loosed. But ye denied the holy and just, * Math. 27. c Iohn. 18. ●. and desired a murderer to be given you/ and killed the Lord of life, whom God hath raised from death/ of the which we are witnesses. And his name through the faith of his name, hath made this man sound/ whom ye see and know. And the faith which is by him/ hath given to him this health in the presence of you all. And now brethren, I wot that through Ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers. But god (which before had showed, by the mouth of all his prophetis how that christ should suffer) hath thus wise fulfilled. Let it * Math. 〈◊〉 repent you therefore, and convert, that your sins may be done away, ✚ when the time of refreshing cometh, which we shall have of the presence of the Lord, and when god shall send him, which before was preached unto you, that is to wit jesus Chryst, which must receive heaven until the time that all things, which god hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy Prophets since the world began, be restored again. Moses truly said unto the fathers: * Deut. 〈◊〉. Artes. vii● a Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you, even of your brethren like unto me: him shall ye hear, in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. For the time will come/ that every soul which will not hear that same Prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. All the Prophets also from Samuel and thence forth (as many as have spoken) have in likewise told of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets: and of the covenant which God made unto our fathers, saying to Abraham: * reve. xii. ●. and. xiii. ●. Even in thy seed shall all the kindred's of the earth be blessed. first when God had raised up his son jesus unto you, he sent him to bless you, that every one of you should turn from his wickedness. ⊢ ¶ The Apostles are taken, and brought before the counsel. They are forbidden to preach, but they turn them to prayer, and are more obedient unto god, then unto men CAPI. four AS they spoke unto the people, the priests and the rulers of the temple, and the Sadduces, came upon them, taking it grievously, that they taught the people, and preached in jesus the resurrection from death. And they laid hands on them/ and put them in hold until the next day: for it was now eventide. Howbeit many of them which heard the words/ believed/ and the number of the men was about five, M. And it chanced on the morrow, that their rulers and elders and scribes, (and Annas the chief Priest, and Cayphas, & Iohn and Alexander/ and as many as were of the kyured of the high priests) gathered together at Jerusalem. And when they had set them before them, they asked * Erobi. two. c Math. xxi. c Artes. seven. d by what power/ or in what name have ye done this? ✚ Then Peter full of the holy gooft said unto them: ye rulers of the people/ and elders of Israel, if we this day be examined of the good deed that we have done to the sick man by what means he is made hole: be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of * Math. i. c Philip. two. b jesus Chryst of Nazareth/ whom ye crucified/ whom God raised again from death: even by him doth this man stand here present before you hole * Math. xxi b Mat. xii a. Luke. xx. c This is the stone which was cast aside of you builders, which is become the chief of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other. * Math. ●. c Philip. 〈◊〉. b For among men under heaven there is given none other name/ wherein we must be saved. ⊢ When they saw the boldness of Peter and john/ and understood that they were unlearned and lay men/ they marveled/ and they knew them/ that they had been with jesus: and beholding also the man (which was healed) standing with them/ they could not say against it: but commanded them to go a side out of the counsel/ and counseled among themselves, saying: * Iohn. xi. ● what shall we do to these men? For a manifest sign is done by them, and is openly known to all them that dwell in jerusalem, and we can not deny it. But that it be noised no further among the people, let us threaten & charge them, that they speak hence forth to no man in this name. And they called them, * Acts. v. g and commanded them, that in no wise they should speak nor teach in the name of Iesu. But Peter and Iohn answered and said unto them: whither it be right in the sight of god, to hearken unto you more than to God, judge ye. For we can not but speak, that which we have seen and heard. So threatened they them, and let them go, and found nothing how to punish them, because of the people. For all men praised God because of * Acts. iii. b that, which was done: for the man was above forty year old, on whom this miracle of healing was showed. assoon as they were let go, they came to their fellows, & showed all that the high priests and elders had said. And when they heard that, they lift up their voices to God with one accord, and said: lord, thou art god, which hast made heaven & earth, the see, & all that in them is/ which ❀ (in the holy ghost) by the mouth of thy servant David ❀ (our father) hast said: * Psalm. two ● Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things? The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers came together, against the Lord and against his anointed. For of a truth, against thy holy child jesus (whom thou hast anointed) both He road and also Poncius Pilate, with the gentiles and the people of Israel, gathered themselves together ❀ (in this city) for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to be done. And now lord behold their threatenings, and grant unto thy servants, that with all confidence they may speak thy word. So that thou stretch forth thine hand/ that healing and signs and wonders be done by the name of thy holy child jesus. And as soon as they had prayed * Acts. xvi ● the place moved where they were assembled together * Acts. two. and. nineteen. b and they were all filled with the holy ghost, and they spoke the word of God boldly. ✚ And the multitude of them that believed, * Acts 〈◊〉 ● and. ●. b were of one heart, and of one soul. Neither said any of them, that aught of the things which he possessed, was his own: but they had all things common. And with great power gave the Apostles witness of the resurrection of the lord Iesu. And great grace was with them all. Neither was there any among them, that lacked. For as many as were possessers of lands or houses, sold them, and brought the price of the things that were sold, and laid it down at the Apostles feet. And distribueyon was made unto every man according as he had need. ⊢ And * Acts. ●. ● joses, which was also called of the Apostles, Barnabas (that is to say, the son of consolacy on) being a levity, and of the country of Cipers when he had land, sold it, & laid the pryer down at the apostles feet. ¶ The dissembling of Ananias and sapphires is punished: miracles are done by the Apostles, which are taken, but the angel of god bringeth them out of prison. They are brought before the counsel. The sentence of gamaliel. The Apostles are ●et, they rejoice in trouble. CAPI. V A Certain man named Ananias with Saphyra his wife sold a possession/ and kept away part of the price (his wife also being of counsel) and brought a certain part, and laid it down at the Apostles feet. But Peter said: Ananias/ how is it, that Satan hath filled thine heart, that thou shouldest lie unto the holy ghost/ & keep away part of the price of the land? pertained it not unto the only▪ and after it was sold/ was it not in thine own power Why haste thou conceived this thing in thine heart? Thou haste not lied unto men/ but unto God. When Ananias heard these words, he fell down, & gave up the ghost. And great fear came on all them that heard these things. And the young men rose up/ and put him apart, and carried him out/ and buried him. And it fortuned, that (as it were about the space of three hours after) his wife came in, ignorant of that which was done. And Peter said unto her: Tell me, sold ye not the land for so much? And she said: yea, for so moche. Then Peter said unto her: why have ye agreed together, to tempt the spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of them which have buried thy husband, are at the door, & shall carry the out. Then fell she down straight way at his feet, and yielded up the ghost. And the young men came in/ & found her dead, & carried her out/ and buried her by her husband. And great fear came on all the congregation, & on as many as heard it. By the hands of the Apostles * Mar. xvi. d were many signs and wonders showed among the people. And they were all together with one accord in * 3. Reg. vi. a Iohn. x. ●●●●es. three ●. salomon's porch. And of other durst no man join himself to them: nevertheless the people magnified them. The number of them that believed in the Lord both of men and women/ grew more and more: in so much that they brought the sick in to the streets/ and laid them on beds and couches, that at the least way the shadow of Peter when he came by, might shadow some of them ❀ (and that they might all be delivered from their infirmities.) There came also a multitude out of the cities round about, unto jerusalem/ bringing sick folks, and them which were vexed with unclean spirits. And they were healed every one. * Acts. iiii. a Then the chief Priest rose up, & all they that were with him (which is the sect of the Saducees) & were full of indignation, and laid hands on the Apostles, and put them in the common prison. * A●●e●. xii. a. ●●d. xvi▪ f But the angel of the lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth, and said: go, and stand/ and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life. When they heard that/ they entered in to the temple early in the morning: and taught. But the chief Priest came and they that were with him, and called a counsel together, and all the elders of the children of Israel, & sent men to the prison to fetch them. When the ministers came/ and found them not in the prison/ they returned and told, saying: the prison truly found we shut with all diligence, and the keepers standing without before the doors. But when we had opened, we found no man within. When the chief Priest, and the ruler of the temple, and the high Preestes heard these things, they doubted of them/ whereunto this would grow. Then came one and showed them: behold, the men that ye put in prison, stand in the temple/ and teach the people: Then went the ruler of the temple/ with ministers, and brought them without violence. For they feared the people, lest they should have been stoned. And when they had brought them, they set them before the counsel. And the chief Priest asked them/ saying: * Acts. iiii ● did not we straightly command you, that ye should not teach in this name? And behold, ye have filled jerusalem with your doctrine, and intend to bring * Math. 27 ● this man blood upon us. Peter and the other Apostles answered, and said: * Acts. iiii ● We ought more to obey God then men. The God of our fathers raised up jesus/ whom ye slew, and hanged on t●e. Him hath God lift up with his right hand/ to be a ruler and a saviour/ for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are records of these things which we say, and so is also the holy ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. When they heard that, they clave asunder/ & sought means the slay them. Then stood there up one in the counsel, a pharysey, named * Acts. xxii. ● gamaliel/ a doctor of law (had in reputation among all the people) and commanded the Apostles to go aside a little space, and said unto them: ye men of Israel/ take heed to yourselves, what ye intend to do, as touching these men. For before these days rose up one Thudas, boasting himself, to whom resorted a number of men, about a. iiii. hundred, which was fleyne, and they all which believed him, were scattered abroad, & brought to nought. After this man, was there one judas of * Luke. xiii. ● Galilee in the days of the tribute/ & drew away much people after him. He also perished & all (even as many as hearkened to him) were scattered abroad. And now I say unto you: refrain yourselves from these men, and let them alone. For if this counsel, or this work be of men, it will come to nought. But and if it be of God, ye can not destroy it, least haply ye be found to strive against god. And to him agreed the other: and when they had called the apostles, they bet them, * Acted. iiii. d & commanded, that they should not speak in the name of jesus, and let them go. And they departed from the counsel, * Math. v. d. rejoy sing, that they were counted worthy, to suffer rebuke for his name. And daily in the temple and in every house they ceased not, to teach and preach jesus Chryst. ¶ ministers (or deacons) are ordained in the congregation to do service in necessary things of the body, that the apostles may wait only upon the word of god Steven is accused. CAPI. VI IN those days (when the number of the disciples grew) there arose a grudge among the Greeks against the hebrews, because their widows were despised ☞ in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples together & said: it is not meet, that we should leave the word of god, and serve tables. Wherefore brethren, look ye out among you seven men * 1. Timo. 3. c of honest report, and full of the holy ghost and wisdom, to whom we may commit this business. But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministration of the word. And the saying pleased the hole multitude. And they chose Steven, a man full of faith and of the holy ghost, and Philip, and Procotus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Permenas', and * ●e●ela. two. ● Nocholas a convert of Antioch. These they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they * Rome. 27 d 1. Timo. 4 d ●. Timo. i d laid their hands on them. And the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples multiplied in jerusalem greatly, and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. ✚ And Steven, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines and Syrenites, and of Alexandria, and of Celicia, and of Asia disputing with Steven. * Luke. xxi. c. And they could not resist the wisdom, & the spirit, * Math. ●. ● which spoke. ⊢ Then sent they in men, which said: We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God. And they moved the people, and the elders, and the scribes: and came upon him and caught him and brought him to the counsel, & brought forth false witnesses which said. This man ceaseth not to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law: For we heard him say: This jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place, and shall change the ordinances which Moses gave us. And all that sat in the counsel, looked steadfastly on him, and saw his face as it had been the face of an angel. ¶ Steven maketh answer to his accusation: rebuketh the stiff necked Iu●●, and is stoned unto death. CAPI. VII. THen said the chief priest: it is even so? And he said: ye men, brethren, and fathers, hearken: The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran, and said unto him: * Gene. xii. ●. Get the out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and come in to the land, which I shall show the. Then came he out of the land of Chaldey, & dwelled in Charran. And from thence, when his father was dead, he brought him in to this land in which ye now dwell, and he gave him none inheritance in it, no not the breadth of a foot: * Gene. xii. d. x●ii c xvii. d and. xxvi. a and promised that he would give it to him to possess and to his seed after him when as yet he had no child. God verily spoke on this wise * Gene. xv. c. that his seed should sojourn in a strange land, and that they should keep them in bondage, and * Exodi. xii. ● judith. v d Gala. iii. c entreat them evil. iiiii. C. years. And the nation (to whom they shall be in bondage) will I judge, said God. And after that shall they come forth and serve me in this place. * Gene. xvii ● And he gave him the covenant of circumcision. * Gene. x●i. a And he begat Isaac, and circumcised him the. viii. day, and ‡ Gen. xxvi. c Isaac begat jacob, and * Gene. ●xi●. jacob begat the. xii. patriarchs. ‡ Gene. 37. f. Sapien. x. c And the patriarchs having indignation fold joseph into Egypte. And god was with him, & delivered him out of all his adversities, and gave him favour & wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypte. And he * Gene. xi. a made him governor over Egypte, & over all his household. ‡ Gene. xi. ● But there came a dearth over all the land of Egypte & Canaan, and great affliction, that our fathers found no sustenance. But when jacob heard that there was corn in Egypte he sent our father's first: * Gene. x●v. ● and at the second time, joseph was known of his brethren, and joseph's kindred was made known unto Pharaoh. Then sent joseph a message, & caused his father to be brought, and all his kin, three score &. xv. ☞ soul's. And jacob descended in to Egypt * Gen. xiv●. a Gene. xiix. d & died both he & our fathers, & were carried over in to Sichem, and laid in the sepulchre, ‡ Gen. xx●ii. ● that Abraham bought for money of the sons of Emor, ☞ the son of Sichem. But when the time of the promise drew nigh (which god had sworn to Abraham) the * Exodi two. a. Psal. ●v. t people grew and multiplied in Egypt, till an other king arose which knew not of joseph. The same dealt subtly with our kindred, and evil entreated our fathers, & made them to cast out their young children, that they should not remain a live. * Erodi. two. a. Hebrew. xi e The same time was Moses borne, and was acceptable unto God, and nourished up in his father's house three months. When he was cast out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him up for her own son. And Moses was learned in all manner a wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in deeds and in words. And when he was full forty year old, it came in to his heart, to visit his brethren the children of Israel. And when he saw one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged his quarrel that had the harm done unto him, and smote the Egypcian. For he supposed his brethren would have understand how that god by his hand should deliver them. But they understood not. And the next day he showed himself unto them as they strove, and would have set them at one again, saying. Sirs, ye are brethren, why hurt ye one an other? But he that did his neighbour wrong, thrust him away, saying: * Gene. nineteen. b Exodi two. t Math. xii. c Acts iiii. ● Who made the a ruler and a judge over us? wilt thou kill me, as thou didst the Egypcyan yesterday? ‡ Exodi. two c Then fled Moses at that saying, and was a stranger in the land of Madian, where he begat two sons. * Exodi. iii. a And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sinai, an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush. When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight. And as he drew near to behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him: * Exodi. iii. b Mat. xxii. ● Mark. xii. c Luke xx. ● I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of jacob. Moses trembled, and durst not behold. Then said the Lord to him. * josua v. ●. Put of thy shoes from thy feet, for the place where thou standest, is holy ground. I have perfitly seen the affliction of my people, which is in Egypte, and I have herd their grening, and am come down to deliver them. And now come, and I will send the in to Egypte. This Moses whom they forsook (saying * Exodi. two. c. who made the a ruler and a judge) the same did God send to be a ruler and a deliverer, by the hands of the angel which appeared to him in the bush. And the same brought them out, showing wonders and signs in Egypte, and in the reed see, and in the wilderness forty years. This is that Moses which said unto the children of Israel. A prophet shall the Lord your god raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me, him Exodi. nineteen. Gala. iii. t shall ye hear. This is he * De●●. xviii ● Acts. three ● that was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel (which spoke to him in the mount Sinai) and with our fathers. This man received the word of life to give unto us, to whom our fathers would not obey, but cast it from them, and in their hearts, turned back again in to Egypte/ saying unto Aaron: Make us god to go Exodi. 32. ● before us: for as for this Moses that brought us out of the land of Egypte, we wot not what is become of him. And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice unto the image, and rejoiced over the works of their own hands. Then God turned himself, and * Rome. l. t gave them up, that they should worship the host of the sky, as it is written in the book of the Prophets. * Amoe. v d jere. seven. ● O ye of the house of Israel, gave ye to me sacrifices and meat offerings by the space of forty years in the wilderness? And ye took unto you the tabernacle of ☞ Moloch, and the star of your god Rempham, figures which ye made to worship them. And I will translate you beyond Babylon. Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed them speaking unto Moses: * Exodi. 〈◊〉. ● Hebr. 〈◊〉. ● that he should make it, according to the fashion that he had seen. Which tabernacle also our fathers that came after, * josua. three ● brought in with josua in to the possession of the gentiles, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers, unto the time of David: * Psal. 29. ● which found favour before god, & would fain have found a tabernacle for the god of jacob. * 3. Reg. vi. ● But Solomon built him an house. * Acts. 〈◊〉. t. Howbeit he that is highest of all, dwelleth not in temples made with hands, as sayeth the prophet: * Esa. ●●vi. ● 3. Reg●. 8. c li. Pat. viii Heaven is my seat, and earth is my foot stole. What house will ye build for me, sayeth the Lord? or which is the place of my rest: hath not my hand made all these things. Ye stiff necked and of uncircumcised hearts and ears: ☞ ye have always resisted the holy ghost: * Devit. ix. d as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the Prophets have not your Fathers persecuted? And they have slay them which showed before of the coming of that just, whom ye have now betrayed, and murdered. And ye also have received the law * Iohn. seven. b by the ministration of angels, * Acts. xv. b and have not kept it. ✚ When they heard these things, their hearts clave asunder, and they gnasshed on him with their teeth. But he being full of the holy ghost, looked up steadfastly with his eyes in to heaven and saw the glory of god, and jesus standing on the right hand of god, and said: Behold I see the heavens open and the son of man standing on the right hand of god. Then they gave a shout with a loud voice, and * Psal. 58. a. stopped their ears, and ran upon him all atonce, and cast him out of the city & stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet whose name was saul. And they stoned Seven calling on, and saying. Lord jesus, * 3. Reg. xxi. d receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice: Lord, * Psal. 31. ● lay not this sin to their charge. And Luke xxiii ● when he had thus spoken he fell a sleep. ⊢ ¶ saul persecuteth the christian. The Apostles are fattered abroad Philip cometh into Samaria. Sy●non Magus is baptized: he dissembleth. Philip baptizeth the chamberlain. CAPI. VIII. ✚ saul * ●i●te. xxii. d consented unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the congregation which was at jerusalem, and they were all * Math. x. ●●●●t●. xi. g. scattered abroad thorough out the regions of jury, and Samaria, except the Apostles. But devout men dressed Steven, and made great lamentable over him. As for Savil * ●●t●. ix. a and. xxii. a. ●●ori xv. b Galat. ●. ● he made havoc of the congregation, and entered in to every house, and drew out both men and women, and thrust them in to prison. Therefore, they that were scattered abroad, went every where preaching the word of god. ✚ Then came Philip in to a city of Samaria, and preached christ unto them. And the people gave heed unto those things which Philip spoke, with one accord, hearing and saying the miracles which he did. For * Mat. xvi. d unclean spirits crying with loud voice came out of many that were possessed of them. And many taken with palsyes, and many that halted were healed. And there was great joy in that city. But there was a certain man called Simon, which before time in that same City used witchcraft, & bewytched the people of Samaria: saying that he was a man, that could do great things: Whom they regarded, from the least to the greatest, saying: this man is the power of god which is called great. And him they set moche by, because that of long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. But assoon as they gave credence to Philyps' preaching of the kingdom of god and of the name of jesus christ, they were baptized both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also. And when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles & signs, which were showed. ✚ When the Apostles which were at jerusalem, heard say that Samaria had received the word of god, they sent unto them Peter and johsi, which when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the holy ghost. For as yet he was come on noon of them: but they were baptized only in the name of christ Iesu. * Acts. vi ●. and xiii a. ●. Aimo. ● d and. v. b Nume. 27 b two Timo. i ● Then laid they their handis on them and they received the holy ghost. ⊢ When Simon saw, that thorough laying on of the Apostles handis, the holy ghost was given, he offered them money, saying: give me also this power/ that on whom soever I put the hands, he may receive the holy ghost. But Peter said unto him: thy money perish with thee, because thou haste thought * Math. x. ●. that the gift of God may be obtained with money. Thou hast neither part nor fellowship in this business. For thy heart is not right in the sight of god. Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God that the thought of thine heart may be forgiven the. For I perceive that thou art full of bitter gall, and wrapped in iniquity. Then answered Simon, and said: * Erodl. ●. d. Rama 8. b. 3. ●e. iiii. ● Luke. xxi. ●. pray ye to the lord for me, that none of these things which ye have spoken, fall on me. And they when they had testified, and preached the word of God, returned toward jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many cities of the Samaritans. ✚ The Angel of the Lord spoke unto Philip, saying: arise, and go toward the south, unto the way that goeth down from jerusalem unto the city of Gaza, which is in the desert. And he arose/ and went on. And behold: a man of Ethiopia (a chamber lain, and of great authority with Candace queen of the Ethiophians, and had the rule of all her treasure,) * 3. Reg. seven. ● Iohn. xii. ●. came to jerusalem for to worship. And as he returned home again sitting in his chariot, he red Isaiah the Prophet. Then the spirit said unto Philip: Go near, and join thyself to yonder chariot. And Philip ran to him, & heard him read the Prophet Esay, and said: Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said: how can I, except I had a guide? And he desired Philip, that he would come up, & sit with him. The tenor of the scripture which he read, was this: * Esai. liii. c. he was led as a sheep to be slay: and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth ☞ Because of his humbleness, he was not esteemed. But who shall declare his generacon? for his life is taken from the earth. The chamberlain answered Philip, and said: I pray thee, of whom speaketh the Prophet this? of himself? or of some other man? Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water, and the chamberlain said: See, here is water, * Acts. x. g what doth let me to be baptized? Philip said unto him: If thou believe with all thine heart, thou mayst. And he answered and said, I believe, that jesus Chryst is the son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still. And they went down both into the water: both Philip and also the chamberlain, and he baptized him. And assoon as they were come out of the water, the spirit of the lord caught away Philip, and the chamberlain saw him no more. And he went on his way rejoicing: but Philip was found at Azotus. And he walked throughout the country, preaching in all the cities, till he came to Caesarea. ⊢ ¶ Paul is converted, and confoundeth the jues. Peter raiseth Tabytha. CAPI. IX. ✚ ANd Saul yet breathing out threatenings & slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high Priest, & desired of him letters, to carry to Damascus to the synagogues: * Act. viii. a. xxii a xxvi b ●. Corin. xv. b Gala. i. c that if he found any of this way (whither they were men or women) he might bring them bound unto jerusalem. And when he journeyed, it fortuned that as he was come nigh to Damascus, suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven, and he fell to the earth, & heard a voice, saying to him: * Acts. xxii v Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said: what art thou Lord? And the lord said: I am jesus, whom thou persecutest. It is hard for the to kick against the pryckꝭ. And he both trembling and astonied, said: Lord, * Luke. three ● Acts. two. f and. xxvi. f. what wilt thou have me to do? And the lord said unto him: Arise, and go in to the city, and it shall be told thee, what thou must do. The men which journeyed with him, stood amazed, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the earth, and when he opened his eyes, he saw no man. But they led him by the hand, and brought him in to Damascus. And he was three days without sight, & neither did eat nor drink. And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias, and to him said the Lord in a vision: Ananias? And he said, behold, I am here Lord. And the Lord said unto him: Arise, & go in to the street (which is called straight) and seek in the house of judas after one called Saul * Acts. 〈◊〉 ● and. xxii. ● of Tharsus. For behold, he prayeth, and hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in to him, and putting his hands on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered: Lord, I have herd by many of this man * Acts. 8. ● xxii a xxvi, ● Corin. xv b Galat. ●. ● how much evil he hath done to thy saints at jerusalem: & here he hath authority of the high priests, to bind all that call on thy name. The lord said unto him: go thy way, for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel. For I will show him, how great things * Acts. ●xi ● two. Corin. 〈◊〉 ● he must suffer for my name's sake. * Acts, xxi●: And Ananias went his way, and entered in to the house, & put his hand on him, and said: brother Saul, the Lord that appeared unto the in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the holy ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales, and he received sight: and arose and was baptized, and received meat and was comforted. Then was Saul a certain days with the disciples, which were at Damascus. And straight way he preached Chryst in the synagogues, how that he was the son of god. But all that heard him, were amazed, and said: is not this he, that spoiled them which called on this name in jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the high priests? But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the jews which dwelt at Damascus affirming: that this was very Chryst. ⊢ And after a good while the jews took counsel together, to kill him. But their laying await was known of saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. * ●●. Corin xii a i. Regum xii c Then the disciples took him by night, and put him through the wall, and let him down in a basket. And when Saul was come to jerusalem, he assayed to couple himself to the disciples but they were all afraid of him, and believed not/ that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them, how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had done boldly at Damascus in the name of Iesu. And he had his conversation with them at jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord Iesu. And he spoke and disputed against the Greeks: but they went about to slay him. Which when the brethren knew, * Acts. xxi. ●. they brought him to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tharsus. Then had the congregation rest throughout all ivory and Galilee and Samary, and were edified, and walked in the fear of the Lord and multiplied by the comfort of the holy ghost. And it chanced as Peter walked throughout all quarters, he came also to the saints which dwelt at Lydda. And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, which had kept his bed. viii. years, and was sick of the palsy. And Peter said unto him. Aeneas: the Lord jesus christ make the hole: arise, and make thy bed. * Math. ix a Math. li. b. Luke. v. c Iohn. v. ● Acts. three b. And he arose immediately. And all that dwelt at Lydda & Assaron, saw him, and turned to the Lord. There was at joppa a certain woman, a disciple named Tabytha, (which by interpretation is called Dorcas) the same was full of good works and alms deeds, which she did. And it chanced in those days that she was sick, and died. Whom when they had washed, they laid her in a chamber. But for as much as Lydda was nigh to joppa, and the disciples had herd that Peter was there, they sent unto him two men, desiring him, that he would not be grieved to come unto them. Peter arose and came with them. And when he was come they brought him in to the chamber. And all the widows stood round about him, weeping, and showing the coats and garments which Dorcas made, while she was with them. And Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down & prayed: and turned him to the body, and said: Tabytha * ●. Re. xvi. d ● Reg iiii f Luke. seven. ● arise. And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her the hand, & lift her up. And when he had called the saints and widows, he showed her alive. And it was known throughout all joppa, & many believed on the Lord. And it fortuned, that he tarried many days in joppa, with one Simon a tanner. ¶ The vision that Peter saw: How he was sent to Cornelius. The heathen also receive the spirit and are baptized. CAPI. X. ✚ THere was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a captain of the soul diours of Italy, a devout man, & one that feared god with all his household: which gave much alms to the people, and prayed god alway. The same saw by a vision evidently (about the ninth hour of the day) an angel of God coming in to him: and saying unto him: Cornelius. When he looked on him, he was afraid, and said. What is it Lord? He said unto him. Thy prayers & thy almesses are come up in to remembrance Eccles. 35. ● before god. And now send men to joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter. He lodgeth with one Simon a tanner whose house is by the see side. He shall tell thee, what thou oughtest to do. And when the angel which spoke unto him, was departed, he called two of his household servants and a devout soldier of them that waited on him, and told them all the matter, & sent them to joppa. On the morrow as they went on their journey and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up * Math. vi. ● 4 Reg. iiii ● upon the top of the house to pray about the. vi. hour. And when he waxed an hungered, he would have eaten. But while they made ready, he fell into a trance, and saw heaven opened, & a certain vessel came down unto him, as it had been a great shear, knit at the four corners, & was let down to the earth, wherein were * Leviti xi. ● Deu. xiiii. ● all manner of four footed beastis of the earth, and vermyn and worms & fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him: Rise Peter, kill, and eat. But Peter said, not so Lord, for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spoke unto him again the second time: * Math. xv ● Rom. xiiii c what God hath cleansed that call not thou common. This was done thrice, and the vessel was received up again in to heaven. While Peter also mused in himself what this vision (which he had seen) meant: Behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius, had made enquyraunce for Symons house, and stood before the door: & called out one, and asked whither Simon which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. While Peter thought on the vision, the spirit said unto him: Behold, men seek thee: Arise therefore, and get the down, and go with them, and doubt not: For I have sent them. Peter went down to the men which were sent unto him from Cornelius, and said. Behold I am he whom ye seek, what is the cause wherefore ye are come? They said, Cornelius the captain, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the people of the jews, was warned by an holy angel, to send for the into his house, and to hear words of the Then called he them in, * Gene. nineteen. a. and lodged them. And on the morrow, Peter went away with them, & * Acts. xi. b. certain brethren from joppa accompanied him. And the third day entered they into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them, & had called together his kinsmen, and special friends. And as it chanced Peter to come in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying: stand up, * Acts. x●●ii. c reve. nineteen. ●. and. xxii. c I myself also am a man. And as he talked with him, he came in, and found many that were come together. And he said unto them: Ye know how that * Deut. seven. a it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew, to company or come unto an alyent: but god hath showed me, that I should not call any man common or unclean: therefore came I unto you without delay, as soon as I was sent for. I ask therefore, for what intent have ye sent for me. And Cornelius said: This day now. iiii. days about this hour, I sat fasting, and at the ninth hour I prayed in mine house: & behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, & said: Cornelius, thy prayer is herd, & thine alms deeds are had in remembrance in the sight of God. Send men therefore to go to joppa, and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter. He is lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the see side: which as soon as he is come, shall speak unto the. Then sent I for the immediately, and thou hast well done, that thou art come. Now therefore are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded unto the of god. Then Peter opened his mouth & said: Of a truth I perceive, that * two. Par. ●ix c Roma. two. b Ephe. vi. b. Lollos'. iii. d Eccle. 35. b. there is no respect of persons with God, ‡ Esa ●vi. b but in all people, he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. Ye know the preaching that God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by jesus Chryst, which is lord over all things: ✚ which preaching was published throughout all ivory ( * Mat. ●●ii. ●. and began in Galilee, after the baptism which Iohn preached) how * Esai. lxi. a. Luke. iiii. c. God anointed jesus of Nazareth, with the holy ghost, and with power. Which jesus went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil, for God was with him. And we are witnesses of allthings which he did in the land of the jews, and at jerusalem: whom they slew and hanged on tree. Him god raised up the third day, and showed him openly, not to all the people, but unto us witnesses (chosen be fore of God for the same intent) which did eat & drink with him, after he arose * Luk. xxlii. ● Iohn. xx●. ● from death. ✚ And ‡ Mat. 〈◊〉. ● Mar. xv●●. he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify, that it is he, which was ordained of god to be the judge of quick and dead. To him give * Esai. iiii. ●. all the prophets witness, that thorough his name who sooner believeth him shall receive remission of sins. ⊢ while Peter yet spoke these words, * Acts. v●●●. ● the holy ghost fell on all them which heard the preaching. And they of the circumcision, which believed, were astonied, as many as came with Peter, because that on the gentiles also was shed out the gift of the holy ghost. For they herd them speak with tongues and magnify God, Then answered Peter: * Acts. ulich can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the holy ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. ⊢ Then prayed they him, to tarry a few days. ¶ Peter showeth the cause wherefore he went to the heathen. Barnab as and Paul preach unto the heathen. Ababus prophesyeth of the dearth for to come. CAPI. XI. ANd the apostles and brethren that were in ivory, heard that the heathen had also received the word of God. And when Peter was come up to jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision, contended against him, saying: * Deut. seven. ● Thou goest in to men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them. But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning, and expounded it by order unto them saying: * Acts. x. d I was in the city of joppa, praying, and in a trance, I saw a vision, a certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by the four corners, and it came to me. Into the which when I had fastened mine eyes, I considered, and saw * Leviti xi. ● Deut. xii●●. ● four footed beasts of the earth, and vermin and worms, and fowls of the air. And I heard a boyce syenge unto me: arise Peter, slay and eat. But I said: not so Lord, for nothing common or unclean hath at any time entered in to my mouth. But the voice answered me again from heaven: count not thou those things common, which God hath cleansed. And this was done three times. And all were taken up again in to heaven. And behold, immediately there were three men already come to the house where I was sent from Caesarea unto me. And the spirit said unto me, that I should go with them, without doubting. Moreover * Acts. x. d these six brethren accompanied me: and we entered in to the man's house. And he showed us, how he had seen an angel in his house, which stood and said to him: send men to joppa, & call for Simon, whose surname is Peter: he shall tell the words, whereby thou and all thy house shallbe saved. And as I began to preach, the holy ghost fell on them, * Acts. two. a as he did on us at the beginning. Then came it to my remembrance, how that the Lord said: * Iohn. i. d ●●ues. ●. a Iohn baptized with water: but ye shall be baptized with the holy ghost. For as much then as god gave them like gifts as he did unto us, when we believed on the lord jesus Christ What was I, that I should have withstand god? When they heard this, they held their peace, and glorified god, saying: then hath God also to the gentiles granted repenta unce unto life. * Acts. viii a They also which were scattered abroad thorough the affliction that arose about Steven, walked throughout unto Phenices and Cypers, and Antioch, preaching the word to no man, but unto the jews only. Some of them were men of Cypers & Cyren: which when they were come to Antioch, spoke unto the Greeks, and preached the lord jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned unto the lord. tidings of these things came unto the ears of the congregation, which was in jerusalem. And they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go unto Antioch. Which when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and * Acts. xiii. ● exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart, they would continually cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the holy ghost and of faith: and much people was added unto the lord. Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus for to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it chanced that a hole year they had their conversation with the congregation there, and taught moche people: in so much that the disciples of Antioch were the first that were called christian. * Acts. xxi. b In those days came Prophets from the city of jerusalem unto Antioch. And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit, that there should be great dearth thorowoute all the world, which came to pass in the Emperor Claudius' days. Then the disciples every man according to his ability, purposed to send * i Cori. xvi a two. Corin. 8. a. and ix. a succour unto the brethren which dwelt in ivory. Which thing they also did, and sent it to the elders, by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. ¶ Herode persecuteth the Christian, hilleth james, and putteth Peter in prison, whom the lord delivereth by an angel. The shameful death of Herode. CAPI. XII. ✚ AT the same time Herode the king stretched forth his hands to vex certain of the congregation. And he killed * Mat. iiii. d. and. xvii. a. james the brother of Iohn with the sword. And because he saw that it pleased the jews he proceeded further, and took Peter also. Then were the days of sweet bread. And when he had caught him, he put him in prison also and delivered him to four qua●ernions of soldiers to be kept, intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people. And Peter was kept in prison. But prayer was made without ceasing of the congregation, unto God for him. And when Herode would have brought him out unto the people, the same night slept Peter between, ●. soldiers, bound with two chains, and the keepers before the door kept the prison. And behold * Acts. v. ● the angel of the lord was there present, and a light shined in the habitation. And he smote Peter on the side, & stirred him up, saying: Arise up quickly. And his chains fell of from his hands. And the angel said unto him: gird thyself, and bind on thy ☞ sandales, and so he did. And he sayeth unto him. Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me. And he came out & followed him, and wist not, that it was truth which was done by the angel, but thought he had seen a vision. When they were past the first and the second watch, they came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city, * Acts. v. d and. xvi. f. which opened to them by the own accord. And they went out, and passed thorough one street, and forth with, the angel departed from him. And when Peter was come to himself, he said: Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herode, and from all the waiting for, of the people of the jues. ⊢ ✚ And as he considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of one Iohn (whose surname was Mark) where many were gathered together * Acts. i. d in prayer. As Peter knocked at the entry door, a damsel came forth to hearken, named Rhoda. And But when they had gone thorough Mysia, they came down to * Acts. 18. c. Troada. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. There stood a man of Macedonia and prayed him, saying: come into Macedonia, & help us. After he had seen the vision, immedeatly prepared to go into Macedonia, being certified that the Lord had called us, for to preach the gospel unto them. When we loosed forth then from Troada, we came with astrayte course to Samothracia, & the next day to Neapoli, and from thence to Philippos, which his the chief city in the parts of macedonia, and a free city. We were in that city abiding certain days. And on the Saboth days we went out of the city besides a river, where men were wont to pray. And we sat down, & spoke unto the women which resorted thither. And a certain woman (named Lydia) a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, gave us audience. Whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the thing, which Paul spoke. When she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying: If ye think that I believe on the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she * Gene. nineteen. a. Lukc. ●ii. ●. c and xxiiii. c constrained us. And it fortuned as we went to prayer a certain damsel possessed with ‡ 〈…〉. a spirit that prophesied, met us, which brought her master and masters much vantage with Prophe sying. The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying: * Math. v. a. these men are the servants of the most high God, which show unto us the way of salvation. And this did she many days. But Paul not content, turned about, & said to the spirit. I command the * Mat. xvi. d in the name of jesus Christ, that thou come out of her. And he came out the same hour. And when her master & masters saw that * Acts. nineteen ●. the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Sylas, and drew them into the market place unto the rulars, & brought them to the officers, saying: These men trouble our city siege they are jews, & preach ordinances, which are not lawful for us to receive, neither to observe, seeing we are romans. And the people ran against them, & the officers rend their clothes, & commanded them to * ●. Cori xi. f. be beaten with rods. And when they had beaten them sore, they cast them into preson, commanding the tailor of the preson to keep them diligently. Which when he had received such commandment, thrust them into the inner prison, & made their feet fast in the stocks. At midnight Paul & Sylas prayed, and lauded God. And the presoners heard them. And suddenly there was a great erathquake, so that the foundation of the preson was shaken, and * Acts. v● and. xii. ● immediately all the doors opened and every man's bands were loosed. When the keeper of the prison waked out of his sleep and saw the preson doors open, he drew out his sword & would have killed himself, supposing that the presoners had been fled. But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying do thyself no harm, for we are all hear. Then he called for a light & sprang in and came trembling unto Paul & fell down at the feet of Paul & Sylas, & borough them out, and said: Sirs * Luke. 〈◊〉 Acts. 〈◊〉 and. 〈◊〉 ● what must I do to be saved? And they said ‡ Ihon. vi. believe on the Lord jesus, and thou shalt be saved & thy household. And they preached unto high the word of the Lord and to all that were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night, & washed their wounds, & was baptized and all they of his household straight way. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and * Luke. xvi joyed that he with all his household, believed on God. And when it was day, the officers sent the ministers, saying: let those men go. The keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul: the officers have sent word to lose you. Now therefore, get you hence, & go in peace. Then said Paul unto them they have beaten us openly uncondemned, for all that we are romans, and have cast us into prison: and now would they send us away privily? Nay verily, but let them come themselves, & fet us out. When the ministers told these words unto the officers, they feared when they heard, that they were Romans * Met. viii. ● they came and besought them & brought them out, and desired them, to depart out of the city. And they went out of the preson, & entered into the house of Lydia and when they had seen the brethren, they comforted them, and departed. ¶ Paul cometh to Thessalonica, where the jews set the city on ● r●re Paul of capeth, and cometh to ●te●s▪ where he preached the true and unknown God. CAPI. XVII. AS they made their journey thorough Amphilopis, & Appolonia, they came to thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews. And Paul (as his manner was) went in unto them, & three Sabbath days declared out of the scripture unto them, opening and alleging, that * Luk ● 14. ●. Chryst must needs have suffered, and rise again from death▪ & that this jesus was christ, whom (said he) I preached to you And * Act. lx vii●. ● some of them believed, and came and companyed with Paul & Sylas, & of the devout Greeks a great multitude, & of the chief women, not a few. But the jews which believed not, had in dignation & took unto them evil men, which were vagabundes, & gathered a company & set all the city on a roar, & made assault unto the house of jason, & sought to bring them out to the people. And when they found them not, they drew jason, & certain brethren unto the heads of the city, crying: these that trouble the world are come hither also, whom jason hath received privily. * Ihon. nineteen. c And these all do contrary to the decrees of Cesar, affirmig another king, one jesus. And they troubled the people, & the officers of the city, when they heard these things. And when they were sufficiently answered of jason, & of the other, they let than go. And the brethren immediately sent away Paul a Sylas by night unto Berrea. Which when they were come thither, they entered into the synagogue of the jews. These were the noblest of birth among them of Thessalonica, which recyeved the word with all diligence of mind, & searched * Ihon. v. g the scriptures daily, whither those things were even so. And many of them believed: also of worshipful women which were Greeks, & of men not a few. When the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge, that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berrea: they came, & moved the people ther. And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul, to go as it were to the see: but ‡ 〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉. d. Silas & Timotheus abode there still. And they that gided Paul, brought him unto Athens, & received a commandment unto Silas & Timotheus, for to come to him with speed, & came their way. While Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was moved in high, when he saw the city given to worshipping of images. Then disputed he in the smagoge with the jews, & with the devout persons: & in the maket daily with them that came unto him by chance. Certain Philosophers of the Epicures & of the Stoyckꝭ disputed with hi. And some there were which said: what will this babbler say? Other said: he seemeth to be a tidiges briger of new devils, because he preached unto them jesus & the resurrection. And they took him, and brought high into Marce street, sayig: may we not know what this new doctrine whereof thou speakest, is? For thou bringest strange tidings to our ears. We would know therefore, what these things mean. For all the Athenians & strangers which were there, gave themselves to nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing. Paul stood in the mids of Marce street, & said: ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all thigꝭ ye are to superstitious. For as I passed by, & beheld the manner how ye worship your gods, I found an altar wherein was written: unto the unknown God. Whom ye then ignorantly worship, him show I unto you: * Gene. 1. a. Acts. 14. c Psal. 46 a God the made the world & all that are in it (seeing the he is Lord of heaven & earth) ‡ Apoca. 14. b Acts. seven. ● Esa. lxvi. a 3. Reg. 8 c dwelleth not in temples made with hands, nether is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed of any thing, seeing he high self * Da●. vi. c Gene. ill. b giveth life & breath to all men every where, & hath made of one blood all nations of men, for to dwell on all the face of the earth, & hath assigned before, how long time, & also the ends of their inhabitation, the they should seek god, if they might feel & find him, though he be not far from every one of us. For in him we live, move, & have our being, as certain of your own poets said: For we are also his generation, For as much then as ☞ we are the generation of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, silver or stone, graven by craft & ymagmation of man. * Ro●●. ●. ●. And the time of this ignorance God regarded not. * Luke. 24. ● But now biddeth all men every where repent, because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world with righteousness, by that man by whom he hath appointed, & hath offered faith to all men, after that he had raised him from death. When they heard of the resurrection from death, some mocked, & other said: we will hear the again of this matter. So Paul departed from among them. Howbeit certain men clave unto high & beleued● among the which was Diomsius a senator, & a woman named Demaris, and other with them. ¶ Paul preached at Corinthum, continuing there a year and a half, goeth again into Syrta▪ cometh to Ephesus Cesar● and Antioch. Of Apollo's Aqnda and Priscilla. CAPI. XVIII. AFter this, Paul departed from Athens, & came to Corinthun, & found a certain jew named * Roma. 16. ● 2. ●im. 4. d Aquila, borne in Ponthus, lately come from Italy with his wife Priscilla (because the the Emperor Claudius had commanded all jews to departed from Rome) & he drew unto them, because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, & wrought: there craft was to make tents. And he preached in the synagogue every Sabbath day ⚜ (setting forth in the mean while the name of the Lord lesus) & exhorted the jews and the gentiles. When Silas and Timotheus were come Acts. xvii. d from Macedonia, Paul was constrained by the spirit, to testify to the jews that jesus was very Christ. And when they said contrary & blasphemed * Math. ●. b Mar. vi. b Acts. 1●. ● he shaken his raiment and said unto them: your blood be upon your own heads: from hence forth will I go blameless unto the Gentiles. And he departed thence, & entered into a certain man's house, named justus, a worshipper of God, whose house joined hard to the synagogue. Howbeit, one Crispus the chief ruler of the synagogue * john. 4. ●. believed on the Lord with all his household, & many of the Corin th●ās when they gave audience, believed, & were baptized. Then spoke the Lord to Paul in the night * Acts. xvi b by a vision: be not afraid, but speak, and hold not thy peace: for I am with thee, & no man shall muade thee, that shall hurt the. For I have much people in this city. And he continued there a year and six moves, and taught them the word of God. When Gallio was ruler of the country of Aca●a, the jews made insurrection▪ with one accord against Paul, & brought him to the judgement seat, saying: this fellow counceleth men to worship God contrary to the law. And when Paul now was about to open his mouth, Gallio said unto the jews: if it were a matter of wrong, or an evil deed (O ye jews) reason would that I should hear you: but if it be a question of words or of names, or of your law, look ye to it yourselves. For I will be no judge of such matters, and he drove them from the seat: Then all the Greeks took Sostenes the chief ruler of the synagogue, & smote him before the judges seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things. Paul after this, tarried there yet a good while, & then took his leave of his brethren, & sailed thence into Ciria, Priscilla & Aquila accompanying him. And ☞ * Num. vi. b he shore his head in Cenchrea, for he had a vow. And he came to Ephesus & left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, & reasoned with the jews. When they desired him to ●ary longer time with them, he consented not, but bade them far well saying. I must needs (at this feast that cometh) be in jerusalem: but I will return again unto you * Hebre. vi a Ia●o. ●●i. ● if god will. And he departed from Ephesus: and when he was come unto Caesarea: & ascended up & saluted the congregation, he departed unto Antioch: and when he had tarried there a while, he departed: and went over all the country of Galacia and Phrigia by order, strengthing all the disciples. And a certain jew named * i Corin. ●. ●●ii. ●. xvi. ●. Apollo's borne at Alexandria, came to Ephesus, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures The same was informed in the way of the Lord, and spoke fervently in the spirit, and taught diligently the things of the Lord, & knew but the baptism of john only. And the same began to speak boldly in the synagogue. Whom when Priscilla & Aquila had heard they took him unto them, & expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. And when he was disposed to go into Acaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him. Which when he was come, helped them much which had believed thorough grace: For he over came the jews mightily: and that openly, showing by the scriptures, that jesus was Christ. Of the xii. men that were baptized at Ephesus, & what miracles were done by Paul. Demecrius moveth sedition in the cite CAPI. XIX. IT fortuned that while Apollo was at Corinthum, Paul passed thorough the upper costs, & came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples, & said unto them have ye received the holy ghost, sense ye believed? And they said unto him: no, we have not herd whether there be any holy ghost or no. And he said unto them: where with were ye then baptized? And they said: with ☞ johns baptism. Then said Paul: * 〈…〉 and. 〈…〉 john verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people that they should believe on him, which should come after him: that is on Christ jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Iesu. And when Paul * 〈…〉 laid his haudes upon them, ‡ 〈…〉 the holy ghost came on them, & they * 〈…〉 spoke with tongues, and prophesied, and all the men were about twelve. And he went into the synagogue, and behaved himself boldly for the space of three months, disputing and giving them exhortations of the kingdom of God. ⊢ when divers waxed hard hearted & believed not, but spoke evil of the way of the Lord (& that before the multitude) he departed from them, and separated the disciples. And he disputed daily in the school of one called Tiramnus. And this continued by the space of two years: so that all they which dwelled in Asia, heard the word of the Lord jesus, both jews and Greeks. And God * Mar. 16. d. Acts. ●. ●. wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul, so that from his body, were brought unto the sick, napkis & partlettes, & the diseases departed from them, and * Mat. 17. ● the evil spirits went out of them. Then certain of the vagabond Jews exorcists, took upon them to call over them (which had evil spirits) the name of the Lord jesus, sayige: We adjure you by * Math. 7. ● jesus, whom Paul preacheth. And there were seven sons of one Sceva a jew & chief of the priests which did so. And the evil spirit answered and said: jesus I know, & Paul I know: but who are ye? And the man in whom the evil spirit was, ran on them, & overcame them, and prevailed against them so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. And this was known to all the jews & Greeks also, which dwelled at Ephesus, and fear came on them all, & the name of the Lord jesus was magnified. And many that believed, came, & * Mark. ●. ● confessed & showed their works. Many of them which used curtous crafts, brought their bokis & burned them before all men, & they counted the price of them, & found it. l. M. siluerlingꝭ, So mightily grew the word of God, & prevailed. After these things were ended Paul purposed in the spirit when he had passed over Macedonia & Achaia) to go to Jerusalem, saying. After I have been there, I must also see Rome. So sent he into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, even Timotheus, & Erastus: but he him self remained in Asia for a season. The same time there arose no little a do about that way. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silver smith (which made silver shrines for Diana) was not a little beneficial unto the crafts men. Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said: Sirs, ye know that by this craft * Acts. xvi. d we have advantage. Moreover, ye se ● here that not alone at Ephesus, but almost thorough out all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying, that * Psal. ●xv. ● they be not Gods which are made with hands. So that not only this our craft cometh into apparel to be set at nought: but also that the temple of the great Goddess Diana should be despised, & her magnyficence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth. When they herd these sayings, they were full of wrath, & cried out saying. Great is Diana of the Ephesians. And all the cite was on a roar, & they rushed into the comen hall with one assent, & caught Gaius & Aristarcus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions. When Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. But certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends) sent unto him, desiring him, that he would not press into the comen hall. Some therefore cried one thing & some another, & the Congregation was all out of quiet, & the more part knew not wherefore they were come together. Some of the company drew forth Alexander, the jews thrusting high forwards. Alexander: * Acts. 21. ●. beckoned with the hand, & would have given the people an answer. When they knew that he was a jew, there arose a shout almost for the space of two hours, of all men, crying: great is Diana of the Ephesians. When the town clerk had ceased the people, he said: ye men of Ephesus, what man is it that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great god desk Diana, ☞ of the image which came from heaven. seeing then that noman saith here against, ye ought to be content, and to do nothing rashly: for ye have brought hither these men: which are nether robbers of churches, nor yet despisers of your goddess. Wherefore, if Demetrius & the crafts men which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are rulers, let them accuse one another. But if ye go about any other thing, it shallbe determined in a lawful congregation. For we are in ●eopardy to be accused of this days uproar, for as much as there is no cause, whereby we may give a reckoning of this concourse of people. And when he had thus spoken, he let the congregation departed. ¶ Paul goeth into Macedonia and into Grece. At Troa● he raised up a dead body. At Ephesus he calleth the elders of the congregation together, commy●●●th the keeping of God's flock unto them, warneth them of false teachers, ●●●keth his prayer with them, and departeth to ship. CAPI. XX. AFter that the rage was ceased, Paul called the disciples unto him, and took his leave of them, & departed for to go into Macedonia. And when he had gone over those parties, & had given them a long exhortation, he came into Grece & there abode. iij. months. And when the jews laid wait for him as he was about to sa●e into Syria, he purposed to return thorough Macedonia. There accompanied him ito Asia, Sop●ter of Berrea, and of Thessalonia, Aristarcus and Secundus, and Gayus of Derba, & Timotheus, & out of Asia Tychicus and * Acts. 〈◊〉. f ●. Tim. 4. ● Trophimus. These going before, tarried us at Troas. And we sailed away from Philippos after the days of sweet bread, & came unto them to Troas in five days, where we abode seven days. And upon one of the Saboth days, when the disciples came together for to break breed Paul preached unto them (ready to departed on the morrow) & continued the preaching unto to midnight. And there were many lights in the chambre, where we were gathered together, and there sat in a window a certain young man (named Euticus) being fallen into a deep sleep. And as Paul was preaching he was the more overcome with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, & was taken up deed. But when Paul went down, he fell on him * 3. Reg. 7 d 4. Reg. 4. f Luke. 7. c Acts. ix g & embraced him, and said: make nothing a do, for his life is in him. So when he was come up again, and had broken the bread & eaten, and talcked a long while (even till the morning) at the last he departed. And they brought the young man alive, and were not a little comforted. And we went afore to ship, and loosed unto Asson there to receive Paul. For so had he appointed, and would himself go a foot. When we were come together at Asson we took him in, & came to Mytilnes. And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios. And the next day we arrived at Samos, & tarried at ●rogylon. The next day we came to Myleton: for Paul had determined to sail over by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia. For he hasted (if it were possible for him) to keep at jerusalem the day of Pentecost. And from Myleton he sent messaungers to Ephesus, and called the elders of the congregation. Which when they were come to him, he said unto them: Ye know from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all ceasons, serving the Lord with all humbleness of mind, and with many tears and temptations which happened unto me by the layings await of the jews, because I would keep back nothing that was profitable unto you: but to show you & teach you openly, and thorough out every house, witnessing both to the jews, & also to the Greeks, the * Luke. 24. ● repentance, that is toward God, & the faith which is toward our Lord jesus. And now behold I go bound in the spirit unto jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall come on me there, but that * Acts. 21. ● the holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying: that bands & trouble abide me. But none of these things move me ‡ two. Tim. two. b nether is my life dear unto myself, that I might fulfil my course with joy, & the ministration ⚜ (of the word) which I have received of the Lord jesus, to testify the Gospel of the grace of God. And now behold. I am sure, that henceforth ye all (thorough whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of god) shall see my fate no more Wherefore, I take you to record this day that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have spared no labour, but have showed you all the council of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves & to all the flock among whom the holy ghost hath made you overfears, to rule the congregation of God which he hath purchased with his blood. ‡ i Tim. 4. ● 2. Tim. 3. ● two. Petr. 2● and. 3. ● Iudit. ●, ● For I am sure of this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Moreover, of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things to draw disciples after them, Therefore awake, & remember, that by the space of. three years: I ceased not to warn every one of you night & day with tears. And now brethren, I commend you to god & to the word of his grace, which is able to build farther, & to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified * Eccl. xlvi. t i. Reg. 12. ● I have desired no man's silver, gold, or vesture. Ye ye yourselves know that * 2. Co●i. xi. a and. xii. d Gene. iii. e 1 Corin. ●. b 2. Tessa. 3. b these hands have ministered unto my necessities, & to them that were with me. I have showed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to receive the weak, & to remember the words of the Lord jesus, how that he said: it is more blessed to give then to receive. And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down * Acts. xxi. ● & prayed with them all. And they all wept sore & fell on Paul's neck, & kissed him, sorrowing, most of all for the words which he spoke, that they should see his face no more. And they conveyed him unto the Ship. ¶ Paul's journey by ship. Of Phyllyppe the evangelist and Agabus the Prophet which warned Paul not to go to jerusalem, He remained steadfast in his purpose, and is taken in the temple. CAPI. XXI. ANd when it chanced that we had launched forth, & were departed from them, we came with a strait course unto Choo● & the day following unto the Rhodes, & from thence unto Patara. And when we had got ten a ship that would sail unto Phenices, we went aboard into it, and set forth. But when Cyprus began to appear unto us, we left it on the left hand, and sailed unto Syria, and came unto tire. For there the ship unladed the burden. And when we had found brethren, we tarried there seven days. And they told Paul thorough the spirit * Acts. xx. ● that he should not go up to jerusalem. And when the days were ended we departed and went our way, and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were come out of the city. And we kneeled down in the shore * Acts. 20. ● & prayed. And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship, & they returned home again. When we had full ended the course from tire, we went down to Ptolomaida, & saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day. The next day, we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea. And we entered into the house of * Acts. vi. d. and, viii. a Philip the Evangelist, which was one of the seven, & abode with him. The same man had four daughters virgins, which did * ●oil. two. g. prophesy And as we tarried there a good meinie of days, there came a certain prophet from jury, named Agabus. When he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his feet, & hands, & said: Thus saith the holy ghost * Acts. ix. e. 2. Lo●. two. ●. ● so shall the jews at Jerusalem bid the man that oweth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the gentiles. When we heard this, both we and other which were of the same place be sought him that he would not go up to jerusalem. Then Paul answered: & said: what do ye weeping & vexing mine heart? I am ready, not to be bound only, but also to die at jerusalem for the name of the Lord Iesu. When we could not turn his mind, we ceased, saying * Math. vi. b the will of the Lord be fulfilled. After those days we took up our burdens, & went up to jerusalem. * Acts. ix. e. There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea and brought with them one M●ason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge. And when we were come to jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. And on the morrow, Paul went in with us unto James. And all the elders came together. And when he had saluted them, he told by order all things, that God wrought among the gentiles by his ministration. And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him: Thou feast brother, how many thousand jews there are which believe, and they are all earnest followers over the law. And they are informed of thee, that y● teachest all the jews which are among the gentiles, to forsake Moses: and said, that they ought not to circumcise their children, nether to live after the customs. What is it therefore? The multitude must needs come together. For they shall here that thou art come. Do therefore this, that we say to the. * ●um. vi. a We have four men, which have a vow on them. Them take, & purify thyself with them, and do cost on them, that they may shave their heads: and all shall know, that those things which they have herd concerning thee, are nothing: but that thou thyself also walckest and keepest the law. But as touching the gentiles which believe * Acts. xv. ● we have written and concluded, that they observe no such thing: save only that they keep themselves from things, offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication. Then the next day Paul took the men, * Acts. ●4. d. and purified himself with them and entered into the temple, declaring that he observed the days of the purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them. And when the seven days were now almost ended, the jews which were of Asia (when they saw him in the Temple) moved all the people, and laid hands on him, crying: men of Israel, help. This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people and the law, and this place. He hath also brought Greeks into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place. For they had seen with him one in the city. * Acts. 20. ●. ●. Tim. 4. d Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple. And all the city was moved, and the people swarmed together. And they took Paul and drew him out of the temple, & forth with, the doors were shut. As they went about to kill him tidings came unto the high captain of the soldiers, that all jerusalem was moved. Which immediately took soldiers and under captains, and ran down unto them. When they saw the upper captain and the soldiers: they left smiting of Paul. Then the Captain came near and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains, and demanded what he was, and what he had done. And some cried one thing, some another among the people. And when he could not know the certainty for the rage, he commanded him to be carried into the Castle. And when he came unto a stair, it fortuned that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people. For the multitude of the people followed after, crying: away with him. And when Paul began to be carried into the castle, he said unto the high Captain: may I speak unto thee? Which said: Canst thou speak Greek? Art not thou that Egypcyan, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness. iiij. thousand men that were murderers? But Paul said: I am a man which am a jew of * Acts. ix b and. xxii. a Tharsus a city in Cicill, a Citisin of no vile city, I beseech y● suffer me to speak unto the people. And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the steps, * Acts. nineteen. b & beckoned which the hand unto the people: & when there was made a great silence, he spoke unto them in the Hebrew tongue saying. ¶ Paul answereth the jews, He is scourged, and laid in prison again. CAPI. XXII. MEn, brethren, & fathers, hear ye mine answer which I make now unto you when they heard that he spoke in the Ebrue tongue to them, they kept the more silence. And he sayeth, I am verily a man which am a jew borne in * Acts. ix. b and. xxi. g. Tharsus, a cite in Cicyl: nevertheless yet brought up in this city, at the feet of Gamaliel, and informed diligently in the law of the fathers, and was fervent minded to god ward, as ye all are this same day, and * Acts. 5. ●. I persecuted this way unto the Acts. 8. a. and 1●. a. and. 26. b i. Cori. 15. b Gonla. two. b. death binding & delivering into prison both men and women, as the chief priest doth bear me witness, and all the estate of the elders: of whom also I received letters unto the brethren, and went to Damascus to bring them (which were there bound) unto Ierulem for to be punished. And it fortuned (that as I made my journey and was come nigh unto Damascus about none) suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me, and I fell unto the earth, and heard a voice saying unto me: * Acts ix. ● Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And I answered: what art thou Lord? And he said unto me. I am jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest. And they that were with me: saw verily a light and were afraid: but they heard not the voice of him that spoke with me. And I said: what shall I do Lord? And the Lord said unto me: Arise and go into Damascus, & there it shallbe told the of all things, which are appointed for the to do. And when I saw nothing for the brightness of that light, I was led by the hand of them that were with me, & came into Damascus. ‡ 〈…〉, ix. c And one Ananias a perfect man, (and as pertaining to the law having good report of all the jews which there dwelled) came unto me, and stood, and said unto me: Brother SAUL, receive thy sight, And the same hour I received my sight, and saw him. And he said: the God of our Fathers hath ordained the before, that thou shouldest know his will, and see the thing that is rightful, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth: for thou shalt be his witness unto all men of those things, which thou haste seen and heard. And now: why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins * Rome. x● in calling on the name of the LORD. And it fortuned, that when I was come again to jerusalem and prayed in the Temple, I was in a trance, and saw him saying unto me: Make haste and get the quickly out of jerusalem: for they will not receive thy witness that thou bearest of me. And I said: Lord, they know, that I prisoned and bet in every synagogue then that believed on the. * Act●. viii ● And when the blood of thy witness Steven was shed, I also stood by, and consented unto his death, and kept the raiment of them that slew him. And he said unto me departed, for * Acts. xiii● Gala. i. ●. I will send the far hence unto the gentiles. They gave him audience unto this word, and then lift up their voices and said: away with such a fellow from the earth: for it is no reason that he should live. And as they cried, and cast of their clothes, and threw dust into the air, the captain commanded him to be brought into the Castle, and bad that he should be scourged, and to be examined, that he might know, wherefore they cried so on him. And when they bound him with thongs, Paul said unto the Centurion that stood by him: Is it lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman and uncondemned? When the Centurion heard that, he went and told the upper Captain saying: What intendest thou to do? For this man is ⚜ (a citizen) of Rome. Then the upper Captain came, & said unto him: tell me, art thou a Roman? He said: Ye, And the captain answered, with a great some obtained I this freedom: And Paul said: I was free borne. Then straight way departed from him they which should have examined him. And the high Captain also was afraid, after he knew that he was a Roman and because he had bound him. On the morrow (because he would have known the certainty wherefore he was accused of the jews) he loosed him from his bonds, and commanded the high Preestes and & all the counsel to come together & * Acts. xxii. brought Paul forth, and set him before them. ¶ Paul cometh before the council. Debate ariseth among the people, the capitain delivereth him. God comforteth him. CAPI. XXIII. PAul beheld the council, & said: men & brethren * Acts. 24. b I have lived in all good conscience before god until this day. And the high priest Ananias commanded them that stood by, to smite him on the mouth. Then said Paul unto him: God shall smite the thou painted wall. * Deut. 18. d Sittest thou and judgest me after the law: & commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? And they that stood by said * john. 17 d revylest thou God's high pressed? Then said Paul: I wist not brethren, that he was the high priest. For it is written: thou shalt not ●xo. xxii. d curse the ruler of thy people. When Paul perceived that the one part were Saducees, & the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council: Men & brethren, * ●hil. iii. a, I am a Pharisey, the son of a Pharisey. * ●de. xxiii. ●●d, 26. b Of the hope & resurrection from death, I am judged. And when he had so said, there arose a debate between the Pharisees and the Saducees, and the multitude was divided. * ●al. xxii. ● Mar. xii. b. Luke. xx. c. For the Saducees say, that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: But the Pharisees grant both. And there arose a great cry: & when the scribes which were of the Pharisyes part arose they strove sayig: we find none evil in this man. Though a spirit or an angel hath appeared to him, let us not strive against God. And when there arose a great debate, the captain (fearing, lest Paul should have been plucked asunder of them (commanded the soldiers to go down: and to take him from among them, and to bring him into the castle. * 〈…〉. xul. b ●nd. xviii. c Acts. 27. d The night following, God stood by him, and said: be of good cheer Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem ‡ so must thou bear witness also at Rome. And when it was day, certain of the jews gathered themselves together, & made a vow, saying: that they would neither eat nor drink, till they had killed Paul. There were more than forty men, which had made this conspiration. And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said: we have bound ourselves with a vow, that we will eat nothing, until we have slain Paul. Now therefore give ye knowledge to the upper Captain and to the council, that he bring him forth unto us to morrow, as though we would know some thing more perfectly of him. But we (or ever he come near) are ready kill him. When Paul's sisters son heard of their laying await, he went, and entered into the castle, and told Paul: And Paul called one of the under Captains unto him, and said bring this young man unto the high capitain: for he hath a certain thing to show him. And he took him and brought him to the high captain, and said: Paul the prisoner called me unto him, and prayed me to bring this young man unto thee, which hath a certain matter to show the. The high Captain took him by the hand, and went with him out of the way: and asked him: what is it that thou hast to tell me: And he said: the jews are determined to desire thee, that thou wouldest bring forth Paul to morrow into the council, as though they would inquire somewhat of him more perfectly. But follow not thou their minds: for there lie in wait for him of them. more than forty men, which have bound themselves with a vow, that they will neither eat nor drink, till they have killed him. And now are they ready, & look that thou shouldest promise. The upper Captain than let the young man depart, and charged him saying, s● thou tell it out to no man, that thou hast showed these things to me. And he called unto him two under Captains, saying: make ready. two. C. soldiers to go to Caesarea, & horsing threescore and ten, and spear men two hundredth, at the third hour of the night. And deliver them beastis, that they may ser Paul on, and bring him safe unto Felix the high debity ⚜ (For he did fear lest haply the jews should take him away and kill him, and he himself should be afterward blamed, as though he would take money) and he wrote a letter after this manner. Claudious Lysias unto the most mighty ruler Felix, sendeth greeting. * Acts. xx. f. This man was taken of the jews, and should have been killed of them. Then came I with soldiers, and rescued him, and perceived that he was a Roman. And when I would have known the cause, wherefore they accused him * Acts. 22. g. I brought him forth into their Council. There perceived I that he was accused of questions of their Law: * Acts. xx● But was not guilty of any thing worthy of death or of bonds. And when it was showed me, how that the jews laid wayre for him, I sent him straight way to the and gave commandment to his accusets' the the things which they have against him they should tell before y●: far well. Then the foudiers (as it was commanded them) took Paul, & brought him by night to Antipa●ras. On the morrow they left the horsemen to go with him, & returned unto the castle. Which when they came to Caesarea, (& delivered the epistle to the debit) pnsented Paul also before him. When the debite had red the letter, he asked of what country he was. And when he understood that he was of Celicia * Deut. 17. ● I will here thee (said he) when thine accusers are come also: & he commanded him to be kept in Herodes judgement hall. ¶ Paul is accused before Felix, he answereth for himself. CAPI. XXIIII. After five days, Ananias * Acts. xxv. b the high priest descended, with the elders & with a certain Orator named Tartullus, which informed the debite against Paul. And when Paul was called forth, Tartullus began to accuse him, saying: Seing that we live in great quietness by the means of thee, and that many good things are done unto this nation thorough thy providence: the allow we ever & in all plaes most noble Felix with all thanks. notwithstanding, that I be not tedious unto thee, I pray thee, that thou wouldest hear us of thy courtesy a few words. For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, & a mover of debate unto all the jews in the whole world, & a maintainer ⚜ (of sedition) of the sect of Nazarites, which hath also enforced to pollute the temple. * Acts. xxi. ● Whom we took, & would have judged according to our law: but the high captain Lysias came upon us, & with great violence took him away out of our hands, commanding his accusers to come unto the. Of whom y● mayst (if thou wilt inquire) know the certainty of all these things, whereof we accuse him, The jews likewise affirmed, saying, that these things were even so. Then Paul (after that the debite him self had beckoned unto him that he should speak) answered: With a more quiet mind do I answer for myself, for as much as I understand that thou hast been of many years a judge unto this people, because that thou mayst know, that there are yet, but. xij. days sense I went up to Jerusalem for to worship, & * Acts. xxv. b and, 28. d they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, either raising up the people, nether in the synagogues, nor in the city: Nether can they prove the things whereof they accuse me. But this I confess unto thee, that after the way (which they call heresy) so worship I the god of my fathers, believing all things which are written in the law & the Prophets, & have hope towards god, that * Math. 〈◊〉. the same resurrection of the dead (which they themselves look for also (shall be, both of lust & unjust. And therefore ‡ Act. ●●●● study I to have always a clear conscience toward God, & toward men. But after many years, I came ‡ Roman Acts. x●●. & brought alms to my people & offriges ⚜ (and vows) in the which they found me purified in the temple, nether with multitude, nor yet with unquietness ⚜ (and they took me, and cried, saying, away with our enemy, How be it there were certain jews out of Asia, which ought to be here present before y●, & accuse me, if they had aught against me: or else let these same here say, if they have found any eyull doying in me, while I stand here in the council: except it be for this one voice, that I cried standing among them: * Acts. 23, 4. of the resurrection from death am I judged of you this day. When Felix herd these things, he deferred them, for he knew very well of the way, & said: when Lisias the captain is come down, I will know the utmost of your matter. And * jere. 3●. ●. 〈◊〉. 2●. ● he commanded an under captain to keep Paul & to let him have rest, & that he should forbid none of his acquaynctaunce to minister unto him, or to come unto him. And after a certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drucilla (which was a Jewess) he called forth Paul, and herd him of the faith, which is toward Christ. And as he preached of righteousness, temperance, and judgement to come. Felix trembled, and answered: Go thy way for this time: when I have a convenient season, I will send for the. He hoped also, that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might lose him: wherefore, he called him the oftener and comened with him. But after two year, Festus Porcious came into Felix room. And Felix willing to show the jews a pleasure Act. xxv. d. left Paul in prison bound. ¶ The Jews accuse Paul before Festus, he appealeth unto the Emperor and is sent unto Rome. CAPI. XXV. When Festus had received the office, after three days, he ascended frō●esare●●n to Jerusalem. Then informed him the high prestis & the chief of the jews, of Paul. And they be sought him & desired favour against him, that he would send for him to jerusalem: & they laid await for him in the way, to kill him. Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, but that he himself would shortly departed thither. Let them therefore (said he) which among you are able, come down with us, & accuse him, if there be any fault in the man. When he had tarried there among them more than ten days, he went down unto Cesatea, & the next day sat down in the judgement seat, & commanded Paul to be brought forth. Which when he was come, the Jews which were come from jerusalem, stood about him, & laid many & grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove, as long as he answered for himself * Act. xxiiii. ● and▪ ●8, b that he had nether against the law of the jews, nether against the temple, nor yet against Cesar offended any thing at all. Festus ‡ Act. xxiii. ● willing to do the jews a pleasure, answered Paul and said: wilt thou go up to jerusalem, and there be judged of these things before me? Then said Paul: I stand at Caesar's judgement seat, where I ought to be judged. To the jews have I no harm done, as thou very well knowest If I have hurt them, or committed any thing worthy of death, I refuse not to die. If none of these things are, where of they accuse me, no man may deliver me to them. I appeal unto Cesar. Then spoke Festus with delyveracyon, and answered. Thou hast appealed unto Cesar: unto Cesar shalt thou go. And after a certain days, king Agrippa & Bernice came unto▪ Caesarea to salute festus. And when they had been there a good season, Festus rehearsed Paul's cause unto the king, saying ‡ Acts. 24, f there is a certain man left in preson of Felix, about whom when I came to jerusalem ‡ Acts. 24, ● the ●ye priests and elders of the jews informed me and desired to have judgement against him. To whom I answered: It is not the manner of the romans, for favour to deliver any man, that he should perish, before that he which is accused, have the accusats before him, & have licence to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him. Therefore, when they were come hither, with out any delay, on the morrow I sat to give iudgementee, and commanded the man to be brought forth. Against whom when the accusers stood up * Acts. 23. ●. they brought none accusation of such things as I supposed: but had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of one jesus which was deed, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. And because I doubted of such manner of questions I asked him, whether he would go to jerusalem, and there be judged of these matters But when Paul had appealed to be kept unto the knowledge of Cesar, I commanded him to be kept, till I might send him to Cesar. Agrippa said unto Festus: I would also hear the man myself. To morrow (said he thou shalt hear him. And on the morrow when Agrippa was come and Bernyce, with great pomp, and were entered into the council house, with the captains and chief men of the city, at Festus commandment was Paul brought forth. And festus said: king Agrippa, and all ye men which are hear present with us: ye see this man; about whom all the multitude of the jews have entreated me, both at Jerusalem & also here, crying, that he ought not to live any longer. Yet found I nothing worthy of death, that he had committed. Nevertheless, saying that he hath appealed to Cesar, I have determined to send him. Of whom I have no certain thing to write unto my Lord. Wherefore I have brought him unto you, and specially unto thee: O king Agryppa, that after examination had, I might have somewhat to write. For me thinketh it unreasonable, for to send a prisoner, & not to show the causes which are laid against him. ¶ King Agryppa heareth Paul which telleth him hy● calling from the beginning. CAPI. XXVI. AGrippa said unto Paul: thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, & answered for himself: I think myself happy king Agrippa because I shall answer this day before thee, of all the things whereof I am accused of the jews: namely, because thou art expert in all customs and questions, which are among the jews. Wherefore I beseech thee, to hear me patiently. My living that I have led of a child (which was at the first among mine own nation at jerusalem) know all the jews, which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify. For * Phili. iii. ● after the most straytest sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisey. And now I stand ‡ Acts. 23, ● xxiiii. ●. and xxviii. ● & am judged for the hope of the promise made of God unto our fathers: unto which promise our. xij. tribes (instantly serving God day and night hope to come. For which hopes sake, King Agrippa, I am accused of the jews. Why should it be thought a thing incredible unto you, that god should raise again the deed? I also verily Acts. 8. ●. 〈◊〉. ●. xxii. a. ●. Cor●. xv. ● Gala. i●. c. thought in myself, that I ought to do many contrary things, clean against the name of jesus of Nazareth: which thing I also did in jeresalem. And many of the saints did I shut up in preson, and had received authority of the high priests. And when they were put to death, I gave the sentence. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, & compelled them to blaspheme: & was yet more mad upon them, & persecuted them, even unto strange cities. About which things as I went to Damascus with au● toryte & licence of the high priests, even at midday (O king) I saw in the way a light from heaven above the brightness of the son shine round about me, & them which journeyed with me. When we were all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking unto me, and saying in the Hebrew tongue: * Artes. 9 ● and xx●● b. Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? It is hard for the to kick against the pricks. And I said. Who art thou Lord And he said: I am jesus whom thou persecutest, but rise and stand upon thy feet. For I have appeared unto the for this purpose, to make the a minister and a witness both of those things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee, delivering the from the people, and from the gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their eyes, that they may turn from the darkness to light, & from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is toward me. Wherefore (O king Agryppa) I was not disobedient unto the heavenly vision: but showed first unto them of Damascus, and at jerusalem, and thorough out all the coasts of jewry, & then to the gentles, that they should repent, and turn to God, and do such works as become them that repent. For this cause the jews caught me in the temple, & went about to kill me. Seeing therefore that I have obtained help of God: I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and to great, saying none other things, than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come: that Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from death, & should show light unto the people, and to the gentiles. As he thus spoke for himself: Fest us said with a loud voice: Paul, thou act beside thyself. Much learning doth make the mad. And Paul said: I am not mad (most dear Festus) but speak the words of truth and soberness. For the king knoweth of these things, before whom I speak freely: neither think I that any of these things are hidden from him. For this thing was not done in a corner. King Agrippa believest thou the Prophets? I wot well that thou believest. Agrypa said unto Paul: somewhat thou bringest me in mind for to become Christian. And Paul said: I would to God that not only thou: but also all that hear me to day, were not somewhat only, but altogether, such as I am, except these bonds. And when he had thus spoken, the king rose up, and the debit, & Bernice, & they that sat with them. And when they were gove apart, they talked between themselves, saying: This man doth nothing worthy of death, nor of bonds. Then said Agrippa unto Festus. This man might have been let lose, if he had not appealed unto Cesar. ¶ Paul ●hppeth toward Rome, julyus the Captain intrenteth him courteously ●▪ at the last they suffer ship wreck. CAPI. XXVII. When it was concluded, that we should sail into Italy they delivered both Paul and certain other presoners, unto one named julius, an under captain of Caesar's soudiars. And we entered into a ship of Adramicium, and loosed from land, appointed to sail by the coasts of Asia▪ one * Collo. 4. 2. Aristarcus out of Macedonia, of the country of Thessalonia being with us. And the next day we came to Sidon. And julius ‡ I●●e. 30 〈◊〉 A●●●● 〈◊〉. ● courteously entreated Paul, and gave him liberty, to go unto his friends, & to refresh himself. And when we had launched fron● thence, we sailed hard by Cypers, because the winds were contracye. And when we had sailed over the see of Cylycya, & Pamphilia, we came to Myra which is i Lycya. And there the under captain found a ship of Alexandria ready, that sailed into Italy, and he put us therein. And when we had sailed slowly many days & scace were come over against Guydon (because the wind with stood us) we sailed herd by the coasts of Candy, over against Salmo, and with much work sailed beyond it, & came unto a place which is called the fair havens. nigh whereunto was the city of Lasea▪ when much time was spent, & when sailing was now jeopardous, because also that they had overlonge fasted, Paul put them in remembrance, & said unto them: Sirs I perceive, that this viage will be with hurt & much damage, not of the lading & ship only, but also of our lives: Neverthe less the under captain believed the governor and the master of the ship more than things which were spoken of Paul. And because the haven was not commodious to winter in, many took counsel to depart thence, if by any means they might attain to Phenices & there to winter, which is an haven of Candy, & lieth toward the south-west and northwest wind. When the south wind blewe, they supposing to obtain their purpose, loosed unto Asson, and sailed past all Candy. But not long after, there arose against their purpose, a flaw of wind out of the North-east. And when the ship was caught & could not resist the wind, we let her go, & drove with the wether. But we were carried in to an isle which is named Clauda, and had much work to come by a boat, which they took up, & used help, and made fast the ship, fearing, lest they should fall ☞ into the Sirtes. And so they let down a vessel, and were carried. The next day (when we were tossed with an exceeding tempest) they lightened the ship, & the third day we cast out with our own hands the takiing of the ship. When at the last neither the son nor stars in many days appearch, & no small tempest lay upon us, all hope that we should escape, was then taken away. But after long abstinence, Paul stood forth in the mids of them, & said: Sirs, ye should have barkened to me, and not have loosed from Candy, neither to have brought unto us this harm & loss. And now I exhort you to be of good cheer. For there shall be no loss of any man's life among you, save of the ship only. For there stood by me this night the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, saying: fear not Paul * 〈…〉 25. ●. thou must be brought before Cesar. And lo, God hath given the all them that sail with the. Wherefore sirs be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shallbe even as it was told me. How be it we must be cast into * 〈…〉. 2●. ●. a certain island. But when the fourteenth night was come (as we were sailing in Abria about miduyght) the shipmen deemed, that there appeared some country unto them and sounded, & found it. xx. feddoms. And when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, & found. xv. feddons. Then fearing lest they should have fallen on, some rock, they cast. iiij. anchors out of the stern & wished for the day. As the shipmen were about to slay out of the ship (when they had let down the vote into the see, under a conlour, as though they would have cast an●ars out of the forship) Paul said unto the under captain & to the soldiers: except these abide in the ship ye cannot be sat. Then the soldiers cut of the rope of the boat, & let it fall away. And when the day began to appear, Paul besought them all to take meat, saying: this is the fourteenth day, that ye have tarried & continued fasting, receiving nothing at al. Wherefore, I pray you to take meat: for this no doubt is for your health: for * Math. ●. Luke. 12. ●. there shall not an heat fall from the heed of any of you. And when he had thus spoken, he took breed & ‡ Math. v●. ● and. viii. a. ● Tu●. 4. ● gave thanks to God in presence of them all: & when he had broken it, he began to eat. Then were they all of good cheer, & they also took meat. We were all together in the ship, two hundred three score & sixteen souls. And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, & cast out the wheat into the see. When it was day, they knew not the land, but they speed a certain haven with a bank, into the which they were minded (if it were possible) to thrust in the ship. And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves unto the see, & loosed the rudder bonds & hoist up the main sail to the wind, & drew to land. And when they chanced on a place, which had the see on both the sides, they thrust in the ship. And the forepart stuck fast & moved not, but the hinder part broke with the violence of the waves. The Soudyars' concel was to kill the presoners, lest any of them, when he had swum out. should run away. But the under captain willing to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that they which could swim, should cast themselves first into the see, & scape to land. And the other commanded to go, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land. ¶ The viper hurteth not Paul's hanne, he healeth Pu●lyu● father, and preacheth Chryst at Rome. CAPI. XXVIII. ANd when they were scaped, than they knew, that: * Act. xxvii. ● the isle was called Milete. And the people of the country showed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, & received us every one, because of the present rain, & because of the cold. And when Paul had gathered a bondell of sticks, & laid them on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and leapt on his hand. When the men of the country saw the beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves: this man must needs be a murderer. Whom (though he have escaped the see) yet vengeance suffereth not to live. And he ●●o●ke of the viper into the fire, and * M●●. ●vi. ● 〈◊〉. x. ●. felt no harm. Howbeit they waited when he should have swollen, or fallen down deed suddenly. But after they had looked a great while, & saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said * Acts. xiii. b that he was a God▪ In the same quarters were lands of the these man of the isle (whose name was Publius) which received us, & lodged us three days courteously. And it fortuned that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever, and of a bloody flix. To whom Paul entered in and prayed, and laid his hands on him and healeth him. So when this was done, other also which had diseases in the isle, came and were healed: which also did us great honour. And when we departed, they jaded us with such things as were necessary. After three months we departed in a ship of Alexandry, which had wyntred in the isle, whose badge was ☞ Castor & Pollux. And when we came to Cyracusa, we tarried there three days. And from thence we fet a compass, and came to Regium. And after one day the south wind blewe, and we came the next day to Putiolus: where we found brethren, and were desired to tarry with them seven days, and so came we to Rome. And from thence, when the brethren heard of us, they came to meet us at Apiphorum, and at the three taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and waxed bold. And when we came to Rome, the under Captain delivered the presoners to the chief captain of the host: but Paul was suffered to dwell by himself with a soudyer that kept him. And after three days, Paul called the chief of the jews together. And when they were come, he said unto them: Men and brethren, though, * Acts. ●3. ●. and. xxv. b. I have committed nothing against the people or laws of the Elders * Act. xxiii. c yet was I delivered prisoner from jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. Which when they had examined me, would have let me go, because there was no cause of death in me. But when the jews spoke contrary, I was constrained to appeal unto cesar: not because I had aught to accuse my people of For this cause have I called for you, even to see you, and to speak with you, * Act. xxiii. b xxiiii. e. and. xx vi. b because that for the hope of Israel I am bound with this chain. And they said unto him: we neither received letters of jewry pertaining unto thee, neither came any of the brethren that showed or spoke any harm of the. But we will hear of the what thou thinkest. For as concerning this sect, we know that * Luke. ●● every where it is spoken against. And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging. To whom he exposided & testified the kingdom of god & preached unto them of jesus: both out of the law of Moses & out of the Prophets, even from morning to night. And * Act. 〈…〉 some believed the things which were spoken, and some believed not. And when they agreed not among themselves, they departed, after that Paul had spoken one word: well spoke the holy ghost by Esay the Prophet unto our fathers, saying: * Es●y. 〈◊〉 Mat. 〈…〉 Mat. 〈◊〉 Luk. 〈◊〉 john. 〈…〉 Go unto this people, and say: with your ears shall ye hear, and shall not understand: and with your eyes shall ye see, & not perceive. For the heart of this people is waxed gross and with their ears have they had no lust to hear, and their eyes have they closed: lest they should see with their eyes, & hear which their ears, and understand with their hearts, and should be converted, & I should heal them. Be it known therefore unto you, that this salvation of God is sent to the gentiles, and they shall hear it. And when he had said these words, the jews departed from him and had great dispicions among themselves. And Paul dwelled two years full in his lodging, and received all that came in unto him, preaching the kigdome of God & teaching those things which concern the Lord jesus with all confidence, no man forbidding him. ¶ Here endeth the Acts of the Apostles. ❧: The Epistle of the Apostle Saint Paul to the Romans. ¶ Paul declareth his love toward the Romans, showeth what the Gospel is with the fruit thereof, and rebuketh the ●●astlynce of the Heathen. CAPI. I. ✚ Paul the servant of jesus Christ called to the office of an apostle * Acts. 13. ●. put a part for the gospel of God * Deut. 18. c. Acts. iii. d ●nd. seven. e. which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptutures of his son, which was borne ⚜ (unto him) * Math. i. a. ●im. two. b of the seed of David after the flesh: and hath been declared to be the son of God with power, after the sprere that sanctifieth, sense the time that jesus christ our Lord rose again from death * 〈◊〉. ix. b. by whom we have received grace and Apostle ship, that obedience might be given unto the faith in his name among all Heathen, of whose number you be that are called of jesus christ. ⊢ To all you that be at Rome, beloved of God and called saints. * Loiii. i a. ●●la. ●. ●. Grace be with you and peace from God our father, and from the Lord jesus christ. first verily I thank my God thorough jesus christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of in all the world. For God is my witness (whom I serve * john. iiii. e ●xo●. three c. with my spirit in the Gospel of his son) that with out ceasing I make mention of you always * Philip. i. a ●●ll●. i a. in my prayers, beseeching that by some mean, at the last (out time or other) a prosperous journey (by the will of God) might fortune me, to come unto you. For I long to see you, that I might bestow among you some spiritual gift, to strength you withal: that is, that I might have consolation together with you, through the comen faith which both ye and I have. I would that ye should know (brethren) how that I have often times purposed to come unto you * 〈◊〉. 16. b. but have been let hitherto to have some fruit also among you, as among other of the gentiles. I am debtor both to the Greeks and to the ungrekes, to learned and to the unlearned. So that (as much as in me is) I am ready to preach the Gospel to you that are at Rome also. * eccle 43. ●. 〈…〉. i d. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, because ‡ Corin. i e. it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth, to the jew fryst, and also to the gentle. For by it is the righteousness of God opened ☞ from faith to faith. As it is written * Aha●ue ● a Gala. iii ●. Hebre. x. g. the just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God appeareth from heaven against all ungodliness and unryghtewesnes of men, which withhold the truth in unryghtewesnes: saying * Acts. 17. f. that it which may be known of God, is manifest among them. For God hath showed it unto them. * Acts ●4. e. Hebre. xi. a. Ye, his invisible things (that is to say, his eternal power and godhead) are seen, for as much as they are understand * Psal. xi● a by the works from the creation of the world: So that they are without excuse because that when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, nether were thankful but waxed full of vanities in their imaginations, * Deute. 1●. ● and their foolish heart was blinded. When they counted themselves wise, they became fools * Psal. ●●6. ●●●r●. two. e and turned the glory of the immortal God, unto an image, made not only after the similitude of a mortal man, but also of birds, and four footed ‡ Eze. xiiii. b. beasts & of creeping beasts. Wherefore, God gave them up unto their hearts jousts, to uncleanness, to defile their own bodies among themselves: which turned his truth unto a lie, & worshipped and served the things that be made, more than him that made them, which is blessed for ever. Amen. Wherefore, God gave them up unto shameful lusts: ‡ levit. 18. ●. For even their women did change the natural use in to that which is against nature. And like wise also the men, left the natural use of the woman, and brent in their lusts one with another, ‡ levit▪ 〈◊〉▪ ●. men with men wrought filthiness, and received to themselves the reward of their error, as it was according▪ And as they regarded not to know God, * A●te●. seven. ●. even so God delivered them up unto a lewd mind, that they should do those things which were not comely, being full of all unrightteousnesse, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, full of envy murder, debate, disseynte, evil condicyoned, whysperers, backbiters, haters of God, doers of wrong, proud, boasters, bringers up of evil things, disobedient to father and mother, without understanding, covenant breakers, unloving, trace breakers, unmerciful. Which men, though they knew the righteousness of God, ⚜ (considered not) how that they which commit such things, are worthy of death, not only ⚜ they that) do the same * Osee. seven. a but also ⚜ (they which) have pleasure in them that do them. ¶ He rebuketh the jews, which as touching sin are like the Heathen. CAPI. II. Therefore art thou inexcusable. O man, whosoever thou be that * Mat. seven. a. ☞ judgest. For in that same wherein thou judgest another ‡ 2. Reg. 12. ● thou condemnest thyself. For thou that judgest, dost even the same self things. But we are sure, that the judgement of God is according to truth, against them which commit luch things. thinkest thou this, O thou man that judgest them which do such things, and dost even the very same thyself, that thou shalt escape the judgement of God? Ether despisest thou the riches of his goodness, and patience & long sufferance, not knowing ‡ ●●●r. 30. ●●●●●s. 17. g that the kindness of God leadeth the to repentance? But thou after thy stubborness, and heart that cannot repent, heapest unto thyself wrath against the day of vengeance, when shallbe opened the ryghtewes judgement of God, ‡ ●at. xvi d Psal. 〈◊〉. ●. which will reward every man ☞ according to his deeds: that is to say, praise, honour and immortality, to them which continue in good doing, and seek immortality. But unto them that are rebels, and that do not obey the truth, but follow unrighteousness, shall come indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish upon the soul of every man that do the evil: of the jew first, and also of the gentle. To every man that do the good, shall come praise, and honour, and peace, to the jew first and also to the gentle. For ‡ ●. Pa●. nineteen. ●●●●●s x. ●. Ephe. vi. ●. ●ollo. i●. ● there is no respect of parsons, with God. For whosoever hath sinned without law, shall also perish without law. And as many as have sinned in the law, shallbe judged by the law. For in the sight of God, they ‡ James. ●. ●. are not righteous which hear the law. But the doers of the law shallbe justified. For when the gentiles which have not the law, ☞ do of nature the things contained in the law: then they having not the law, are a law unto themselves, which show the deed of the law written in their hearts: while their conscience beareth wy●ues unto them, & also their thoughts, accusing one another or excusing, at the day * Math. 〈◊〉. when the Lord shall judge the secrets of men by jesus Christ, according to my Gospel. Behold, ‡ Ihon. seven. ● thou art called a jew, and trustest in the law, and makest thy boast of God, and knowest his will, and allowest the things that be excellent, & art informed by the law: and believest that thou thyself art a guide of the blind, a light of them which are in darkness, an infourmer of them which lack discretion, a teacher of the unlearned, which hast the ensample of knowledge, & of the truth by the law. Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest not thyself * Mat. 〈…〉 Thou preachest, a man should not steal: yet thou stealest. Thou that sayst, a man should not commit adultery, breakest wedlock. Thou abhorrest images, & yet robbest God of his honour. Thou that makest thy boast of the law, thorough breaking the law dyshonourest God. For the name of God is evil spoken of among the Gentiles, thorough * Es●r. 〈…〉 Ez●. 〈…〉 you as it is written. ☞ For cyrcumcisyon verily availeth, if thou keep the law. But if thou be a breaker of the law, thy circumcision is turned to uncircumcision, Therefore, if the uncyrcuncysed keep the right things contained in the law, shall not his uncyrcumcisyon be counted for circumcision? And shall no uncircumcision which is by nature▪ if it keep the law) judge thee, which being under the letter and circumcision, dos● transgress the law? He is not a jew, which is a jew outward. Nether is it circumcision, which is outwards in the flesh. But * Ihon. ●. ●. he is a jew which is hid within, and ‡ Rom●. 〈◊〉 ●ollo. 〈…〉 the cyrcumsyon of the heart is the true circumcision, which consisteth ☞ in the spirit and not in the letter: whose praise is not of men, but of God. ¶ He showeth what preferment the jews have, and that both the jews and Gentilo are under sin, and are justified only by the grace of God in Chryst. CAPI. III. WHat preferment then hath the jew? or what advauntageth circumcision? Surely very moche. first * because that unto them were committed the words of God. What then though some of them did not believe? * Roma. 〈…〉 shall their unbelieve make the promise of God without effect? God forbid. * 2. Tim. 〈…〉 Let God be true, and * john. 〈…〉 every man a liar, as it is written: * Psa. 〈…〉 Psal. 〈…〉 that y● mightest be justified in thy sayings, and overcome, when thou are judged. ☞ If our unryghtwesnes make the righteousness of God more excellent: what shall we say? Is God unryghteaus, which taketh vengeance? I speak after the manner of men: God forbid. For how then shall God judge the world? For if the truth of God appear more excellent thorough my lie, unto his praise, why am I hence forth judged as a sinner? & not rather (as men speak evil of us, & as some affirm that we say) let us do evil, that good may come thereof. Whose damnation is just. What then? Are we better than they? No, in no wise. For we have all ready proved, how that both jews and gentiles are all under sin, as it is written, * Psal. 14. a. and. ●2. ●. there is none righteous, no not one: there is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God: they are all gone out of the way, they are all unprofitable, there is none that doth good, no not one. * Psal. v. b. Their throat is an open sepulchre, with their tongues they have deceived: the poison of asps is under their lips, * Psal. v. b. ●●oue●. ●. ● whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. ‡ Esay. 59 b. Their feet are swift to shed blood. * destruction and wretchedness are in their ways, and the way of peace have they not known. * Psal. 36. ●. There is no fear of God before their eyes. ✚ We know that what things soever the law sayeth, it sayeth it to them which are under the law. That all mouths may be stopped, and that all the world may be subdued to God, because that * Gala. two. ●. by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his ●yght. For by the law cometh the knowledge of sin: But now is ☞ the ryghtewysnes of God declared without the law, for asmuch as it is allowed by the testimony of the law and of the Prophets. The righteousness of God, cometh by the faith of jesus christ, unto all and upon all them that believe. ⚜ (on him.) There is no difference: for all have sinned, and are destitude of the glory of God: but ‡ ●●●. 53. ●. are justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in christ jesus, whom God hath set forth * 〈…〉. two. ●. to be the obtayner of mercy thorough faith, by the means of his blood, to declare his righteousness, in that he forgiveth the sins that are passed, which God did suffer, to show at this time his righteousness, that he might be counted just, and the iustyfyar of him which believeth on jesus. ⊢ Where is then thy rejoicing? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. Therefore we hold, that * 〈…〉. two. ●. a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Is he the God of the jews only? Is he not also the God of the gentiles? Yes, even of the gentiles also. For it is God only which justifieth the circumcision that is of faith, & uncircumcysyon thorough faith. Do we then destroy the law thorough faith? God forbid. But we rather maintain the law. ¶ He declareth by the example of Abraham, that faith justifieth, and not the law nor the works thereof. CAPI. four WHat shall we say then, that * Esay. 51. ●. Abrahan our father (as pertaning to the feshe) did find? If Abraham were justified by deeds, then hath he wherein to rejoice: but not with God. For what sayeth the scripture? * Gene. xv. b. Gala. iii. ●. jacob. two. ●. Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. To him that worketh, is the reward not reckoned of favour, but of duty. ☞ To him that worketh not, but believeth on him that iustyfieth the ungodly, is his faith counted for righteousness. ⚜ (according to the purpose of the grace of God) Even as David describeth the blessedfulness of that man unto whom God imputeth righteousness without deeds. * Ps●●. 32. ●. Blessed are they, whose unryghtewesnesse are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man, to whom the Lord will not impute sin: Came this blessedness then upon the uncircumcision, or upon the circumcision also? For we say, that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? when he was in the circumcision, or when he was in the uncircumcision? * Gene. xv. ●. Not in the time of circumcision: but when he was yet uncircumcised. And he received the * Gen. xvii. ● sign of circumcision, as a seal of the righteousness of faith, which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he should be the father of all them that believe, thought they be not circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also: and that he might be father of circumcision, not unto them only which came of the circumsised, but unto them also that walk in the steps of the faith that was in our father Abraham, before the time of circumcision. For the promise (that he should be the heir of the world) happened not to Abraham or to his seed thorough the law: but thorough the righteousness of faith. * Gala. iii. ●. For if they which are of the law, be heirs, them is faith but vain, and the promise of none effect. Because the law causeth wrath. For where no law is, there is no transgression. Therefore by faith is the inheritance given, that it might come of favour: that the promise might be sure ☞ to all the seed. Nor to them only which are of the law: but to them also which are of the faith of Abraham, * Esay. 51. a. which is the father of us all (▪ As it is written: ‡ Gene. 17. a. I have made the a father of many nations) even before God, whom he believed, which restored the deed unto life: & calleth those things which be not as though they were. Which Abraham, contrary to hope, believed in hope, that he should be the * Gene. 17. a Gene. xv. b. father of many nations, according to that which was spoken: ‡ even so shall thy seed be. ⚜ (as the stars of heaven, and the sand of the see) And he fainted not in the faith, nor yet considered his own body which was now deed, even when he was almost an hundred year old: nether yet that Sata was passed chyldebering. He stackered not at the promise of God thorough unbelief: but became strong in faith, and gave God the praise, being full certified, that he which had promised, was able also to make it good. And therefore was it reckoned to him for righteousness. * Rom. xv. ●. Nevertheless it is not written for him only, that it was reckoned to him for righteousness: but also for us, to whom it shallbe counted for righteousness, so that we believe on him, that raiseth up jesus our Lord from death: which was delivered for our sins, and rose again for to justify us. ¶ The power of faith, hope and love: and how death reigned from Adam unto Chryst, by whom only we have forgiveness of sins. CAPI. V BEcause therefore that we are justified by faith, we are at * john. 16. g. peace with God, thorough our Lord jesus Christ, by whom also it chanced unto us to be brought in thorough faith, unto this grace, wherein we stand, and ☞ * Hebre. iii. a. rejoice in hope of the glory ⚜ (of the children) of God. Not that only: but also we rejoice in tribulations: knowing, that * jacob. i a. tribulation bringeth patience, bringeth experience, experience bringeth hope. And hope maketh not ashamed: for the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts, by the holy ghost which is given unto us. For * Ephe. two. a. Co. i. ●. 1. two. ● when we were yet weak according to the time, Christ died for us which were ungodly. Yet scace will any man die for a ryghtewis man. peraventure for a good man durst a man die. ✚ Butler ‡ Ihon. iii. ●. 1. john. ●. b God setteth out his love toward us, seeing that while we were yet sinners ⚜ (according to the time) Christ died for us. Much more than now (seeing we are justified by his blood) shall we be saved from wrath thorough him. For if when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his son: moche more, saying we are reconciled, we shallbe preserved by his life. Not only this, but we also joy in God by the means of our Lord jesus Chryst, by whom we have now obtained the atonement. Wherefore, as by one man, sin entered into the world, and * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 death by the means of sin. Even so death also went over all men, in so much as all men sinned. For even unto the law was sin in the world, but sin is not imputed, when there is no law: nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them also that had not sinned with like transgression as did Adam: which ☞ beareth the similitude of him that was to come. But the gift is not like as the sin. For if thorough the sin of one, many be deed: much more plenteous upon many was the grace of God and gift by grace: * Ioh●▪ ● ☞ which was given by one man jesus Christ. And the gift is not over one sin: as death came thorough one sin of one that sinned. For damnation came of ove sin unto condemnation: but the gift came to justify from many sins. For if by the sin of one, death reigned by the means of one: much more they (which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness) shall reign in life by the means of one (that is to say) jesus Christ. ✚ Like wise then as by the sin of one there sprang up evil on all men to condemnation: even so by the righteousness of one, springeth good upon all men to the righteousness of life. For as by one man's disobedience many became sinners: so by the obedience of one, shall many be made righteous. But * Gal●. ●i● the law in the mean time entered in, that sin should increase. neverthelater where abundance of sin was, there was more plenteousness of of grace. That as sin had reigned unto death, even so might grace reign thorough righteousness, unto eternal life, by the help of jesus christ. ⊢ ¶ For so much as we be delivered thorough Christ from sin, we must fassy on ourselves to live as the servants of God, & not after our own jousts. The unlikely reward of righteousness and sin. CAPI. VI WHat shall, we say then? shall we continue in sin, that there may be abundance of grace? God forbid. How shall we that are deed as touching sin, live any longer therein? ✚ Know ye not that * ●●l●. iii. d ●ollo. two. b. all we which are baptized into jesus christ, are baptized to die with him? We are buried then with him by baptism, for to die: that likewise as Chryst was raised up from death by the glory of the father, even so * Ephe. 4. ●. we also should walk in a new life. For if we be grafted in death like unto him: even so shall we be partakers of the resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him also, that the body of sin might utterly be destroyed, that hence forth we should not be servants unto sin. For he that is dead, is justified from sin. Wherefore * 〈◊〉. two. b if we be dead with Christ, we believe, that we shall also live with him: knowing, that christ being raised from death, * Apoca. i. d. dieth no more. Death hath no more power over him. For as touching that he died, he died concerning sin, once. And as touching that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise consider ye also, that ye are dead as touching sin, but are alive unto God thorough jesus Christ our Lord. ⊢ Let not sin reign therefore in your mortal body, that ye should thereunto obey by the lusts of it. Neither give ye your membres as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but give over yourselves unto God as they that of dead, are alive. And give over your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. Let not sin have power over you. For ☞ ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under the law: but under grace? God forbid. ✚ Know ye not, how that * ebon. ●. ●. two. Petr. i. d to whom soever ye commit yourselves as servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey: whether it be of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? God be thanked, that though ye were the servants of sin, ye have yet obeyed with heart unto the rule or the doctrine, that ye be brought unto. * Iho. viii. d Roma. 8. a. Ye are then made free from sin, and are become the servants of righteousness. ⊢ ✚ I speak grossly, because of the infirmity or your flesh. As ye have given your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity, (from one iniquity to another) even so now give over your members servants unto righteousness, that ye may be sanctyfied. For when ye were the servants of sine, ye were not under righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things, whereof ye are now shamed, For the end of those things, is death. But now are ye delivered from sin, and made the servants of God, & have your fruit to be sanctified, and the end verlasting life. For the reward of sin is Gene. two. ●. Roma. v. ● death, but eternal life is the gift of God, thorough jesus Christ our Lord. ¶ christ hath delivered us from the law and death. ●ani showeth what the flesh and outward man is, and calleth is the law of the membres. CAPI. VII. KNow ye not brethren (I speak to them that know the law) how that the law hath power over a man, as long as it endureth. For * i Cor. seven. ● the woman which is in subjection to a man, is bound by the law to the man, as long as he liveth. But if the man be dead, she is loosed from the law of the man. So then * Math. v. ●. if while the man liveth she couple herself with another man, she shallbe counted a wedlock breaker. But if the man be dead, she is free from the law of the husband, so that she is no wedlock breaker, though she couple herself with another man. Even so ye also (my brethren) are dead concerning the law by the body of Chryst, that ye should be coupled to another (I mean to him that is risen again from death) that we should bring forth fruit unto God. For when we were in the flesh, the jousts of sin which were stirred up by the law, reigned in our members, to bring forth fruit unto death. But now are we delivered from the law, and dead unto it whereunto we were in bondage, that we should serve in a new conversation of the spirit, and not in the old conversation of the letter. What shall we say then? is the law sin? God forbid: nevertheless * Roma v. e Gala. 〈◊〉. ●. I knew not ●ine, but by the law. For I had not known what lust had mente, except the law had said, * Exodi. xx. e duty. v. ● thou shalt not lust. But sin took an occasion by the means of the commandment and wrought in me all manner of concupisbence. For verily without the law, sin was dead. I once lived without law. But when the commandment came, sin revived, and I was dead. And the very same commandment which was ordained unto life, was found to be unto me an occasion of death. For sin took occasion by the means of the commandment, and so dysceaved me, and by the same flew me. Wherefore * i Timo. i. b Gala. iii. c. the law is holy, and the commandment holy, just and good. Was that than which was good, made death unto me? God forbid. Nay it was sin: that sin might appear (by it which was good) to work death in me: that sin by the commandment might be out of measure sinful. For we know, that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal ☞ * Esay. 〈◊〉▪ ● sold under sin, because ☞ I allow not that which I do. For what I would, that to I not: but what I hate, that do I. If I do now that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. So then now, it is not I that do it but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know, that in me (that is to say in my flesh) dwelleth Gene. vi ● no good thing. For to will is present with me: but I find no means to perform that which is good. For the good that I would, do I no●: but the evil which I would not, that do I. If I do that I would not, then is it not I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then by the Law, that when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God, after the inward man. But I see another law in my members, rebelling against the law of my mind, and subduing me unto the law of sin, which is in my members. O wretched man that I am: who shall deliver me from this body subdued unto death? I thank God thorough jesus Christ our Lord. So then, with the mind I serve the law of God, but with the flesh the law of sin. ¶ The law of the spirit giveth life. The spirit of God maketh us Gods children and heirs with christ. The aboundaune ●our of God can not 〈◊〉 separated. CAPI. VIII. ✚ THere is then no damnation to them which are in Chryst jesus, which walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit. For the law of the spirit of life thorough jesus Christ, hath made me * Ihon. 8. d. Roma. vi d free from the law of sin, and death. For * Hebre. 7. c what the law could not do (in as much as it was weak because of the flesh) that performed God, and * Luke. xx b. Ihon. 〈◊〉. b. sent his son in the similitude of sinful flesh, and ☞ by sin damned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law, might be fulfilled in us, which walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit. For they that are carnal, are carnally minded. ●ut they that are spiritual, are ghostly minded. To be carnally minded, is death But to be spiritually minded is life & peace ⊢ Because that the fleshy mind is enemite against God: for it is not obedient to the law of GOD: neither can be. So then they that are in ☞ the flesh, can not please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the spirit: if so be that the spirit of God dwell in you. If any man have not the spirit of Christ, the same is none of his. If Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin: but the spirit is life for righteousness sake. Wherefore, if the spirit of him that raised up jesus from death, dwell in you: even he that raised up Christ from death, shall quicken your mortal bodies, because of his spirit that dwelleth in you. ✚ Therefore brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die. But if ye (thorough the spirit) do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage to fear any more, but ye have received the spirit of adoption, where by we cry: Abba father. * Gala. 4. ●. ●. Timo. i v two. ●or●. ●. d. a 10. v. a. Ephe. ●. a. The same spirit certifieth our spirit that we are the sons of God. If we be sons, then are we also heirs, the heirs I mean of God, and heirs annexed with christ: if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together with him. ⊢ ✚ For I suppose that the afflictions of this life, are not worthy of the glory, which shall be showed upon us. * ●●. Lor. v. ●. For the fervent desire of the creature abideth looking, when the sons of God shall appear, because the creature is subdued to vanity, against the will thereof, but for his will which hath subdued the same in hope. For the same creature shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption, into the glorious liberty of the sons of god. For we know, that every creature groaneth with us also, and travaileth in pain, even unto this tyme. Not only it, but we also which have ☞ the first fruits of the spirit, mourn in ourselves also, and wait for the adoption ⚜ (of the children of God) even the deliverance of our body. ⊢ ✚ For we are saved by hope. But hope that is seen, is no hope. For how can a man hope for that, which he saith? But and if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience abide for it. Likewise, the spirit also helpeth our in firmyties. For we know not what to desire as we ought: but the spirit maketh intercession for us, with groanings which can not be expressed. And * ● Par. 28. b. Psal. seven ●. he that searcheth the hearts * Iere 17. ●. ●●al. seven. ●. knoweth, what is the meaning of the spirit: for he maketh intercession for the saints according to the pleasure of God. ⊢ ✚ We know that all things work for the best unto them that love God, which also are called of purpose. For those which he knew before, he also ordained before, that they should be like fashyoned unto the shape of his son, that he might be the first begotten son among many brethren. More over, whom he appointed before, them also he called. And ☞ whom he hath called, them also he justified, and whom he justified, them he also glorified. What shall we then say to these things? * Num. ●4. b Luke. xx. b. if God be on our side, who can be against us? which spared not his own son, * Ihon. iii. ●. ●loy. ●iii. d but gave him for us all: how can it be, that with him he should not give us all things also? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of Gods chosen? it is God that justifieth: who is he that can condemn? it is Christ which died, ye rather which is risen again, which is also on the right hand of God, and maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Good shall tribulation? or anguish? or persecution? either hunger? either nakedness? either parel? either sword? As it is written: * Psal. 44. d for thy sake are we killed all day long, and are counted as Sheep appointed to be slain. Nevertheless, in all these things we overcome thorough him that loved us. For I am sure, that neither death, neither life, neither Angels, nor rule, nether power, neither things present, neither things to come, neither height, neither loweth, nether any other creature shall be able to departed us from the love of God, which is in Christ ●esu our Lord. ⊢ ¶ Paul● complaineth upon the hard hearts of the ●ewes that would not receive christ, and how the Heythen a●● chosen in their slende. CAPI. IX. I Say the truth in christ, and lie not, (my canscyence also bearing me witness by the holy ghost) that I have great heaviness, and continual sorrow in my heart. For * Exodi. 32. ● I have wished myself to be cursed from Christ, for my brethren (my kinsmen as pertaining to the flesh) which are the Israelites. To whom pertaineth the adoption ⚜ (of the children) and the glory, and the covenants Roma. 3. ● and the law that was given, & the service of God, and the promises: whose also are the fathers, and they of whom (as concernyge the flesh) Christ came, which is God in all things to be praised for ever Amen. I speak not these things, as thought the words of god had take none effect. For * Roma. 〈◊〉. ● they are not all israelites, which are of Israel: neither are they all children strait way, that are the seed of Abraham. But * Gene. xxi. b in Isaac shall thy seed be called: that is to say: * johan ●. ● Roma. 〈◊〉. ● they which are the children of the flesh, are not the children of God. But they which be the children of promise, are counted the seed. For this is a word of promise, * Gene. 1●. ●. about this time will I come, and Sara shall have a son. Not only this, but also Rebecca was with child by one, even by our father Isaac. For ere the children were borne, when they had neither done good neither bad (that the purpose of God by election, might stand) it was said unto her, not by the reason of works, but by the caller: * Gene. 25. ●. the elder shall serve the younger. As it is written: jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated. What shall we say then? is there any unrighteousness with God? God forbid. For he sayeth to Moses * Exodi. 〈◊〉. d I will show mercy to whom soever I show mercy: and will have compassion, on whomsoever I have compassion. So lieth it not then in a man's will or cunning, but in the mercy of God. For the scripture sayeth unto Pharaoh: * Exod. ix. d. even for this same purpose have I stired the up, to show my power on thee, and that my name might be declared thorough out all the world. So hath he mereye on whom he will, and whom he will, he maketh hard hearted. Thou wilt say then unto me: why then blameth he us yet? For who hath been able Esay xiv ●●ne. 〈◊〉. ●. E●. 〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉 ●. 〈◊〉 x●●●. ●. to resist his will? But O man, what ar●e thou, which disputest with God▪ Shall the work say to the work man: why hast thou made me on this fashion. Hath not the potter power over the clay, even of the same ●ompe to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour? Even so, God willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known suffered with long patience the vessels of wrath, ordained to damnation, and to declare the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had prepared unto glory: whom also he called, not of the jews only, but also of the gentiles As he sayeth also to Ose●? I will call them Ose●. 〈◊〉. d. ●. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. ● my people which were not my people: and her beloved, which was not beloved. (& her to have obtained mercy, yhat had not obtained mercy) And it shall come to pass: that in the place where it was said unto them: ye are not my people: there shall they be called the children of the living god. But doctrine. Let him that exhorteth, give attendance to his exhortation. If any man give, let him do it with singleness. Let him that ruleth, do it with diligence. If any man show mercy, let him do it with cheerfulness. Let love be without dissimulation. Hate that which is evil, and cleave unto that which is good. Be kind one to another with brotherly love. * ●. Pete. two. d In giving honour, go one before another. * Eccle. 3●. ●. Be not slothful in the business which ye have in hand. Be fervent in the spirit. ☞ Apply yourselves to the rhyme. Rejoice in hope. Be patient in tribulacy on. Continue in prayer. Distribute unto the necessity of the saints: * D●b● xiii. ● be ready to harbour. * Math. v. ● Bless them which persecute you: bless (I say) and course not. Be merry with them that are merry. Weep also with them that weep. Be of like affection one towards another. Be not high minded: but make yourselves equal to them of the lower sort. ⊢ ✚ Be not wise in your own opinions. Recompense to no man evil for evil. provide afore hand things honest ⚜ (not only before God, but also) in the sight of all men. If it be possible, (as much as is in you) live pea ceably with all men. dearly beloved avenge not yourselves, but rather gyne place unto wrath. For it is written: * Drute. 32. d vengeance is mine, I will reward, saith the Lord. Therefore, if thine enemy hunger, feed him, if he thirst, give him drink. For in so doing ☞ thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil, with goodness. ⊢ ¶ The obedience of men unto their rulers. Love fulfilleth the law. It is now no time to follow the works of darkness. CAPI. XIII. ✚ LET every soul submit himself unto the authority of the higher powers. For * Sapi vi a Ihon. iii. d. and xvii. b. there is no power but of god. The powers that be, are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth power, resisteth the ordinance of God. But they that resist, shall receive to themself damnation. For rulers are not fearful to them that do good, but to them that do evil. Wyite thou be without fear of the power▪ Do well then: and so shalt thou be praised of the same. For he is the minister of God, for thy wealth. But and if thou do that which is evil, then fear, for he beareth not the sword for nought: for he is the minister of God, to take vengeance on him that doth evil. Wherefore, ye must needs obey, not only for fear of vengeance: but also because of conscience. And even for this cause pay ye tribute. For they are God's ministers, serving for the same purpose. ⊢ give to every man therefore his duty: * Math. 〈◊〉 and. xxii. tribute to whom tribute belongeth: custom, to whom custom is due: fear, to whom fear belongeth: honour, to whom honour pertaineth. ✚ Own nothing to any man: but this, that ye love one another. For he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law, For these commandments. ‡ Exod. x●. ● duty. ●. ● Math. v. ● Luke. 〈◊〉. ● Thou shalt not commit adultery: thou shalt no● kill: y● shalt not steal: thou shalt not bear false witness: thou shalt not lust, and so forth (if there be any other commandment) it is all comprehended in this saying. Namely: * levit nineteen. ● Math. 〈◊〉 Mark. xiii Gala. v. ●. jaco. 〈◊〉. ● Love thy neighbour as thyself. Love hurteth not his neighbour. Therefore is love the fulfilling of the law. ⊢. ✚ This also, we know the season how that it is time that we should now awake out of sleep. For now is our salvation nearer, than when we believed. The night is passed, the day is come nigh. Let us therefore cast away the deeds of darkness, and let us put on the Armour of light. Let us walkee honestly as it were in the day light: * Luke. xxi. ●. Eccle 〈◊〉. ●. ●. 10. 37. ● not in eating & drinking, neither in chamburing and wantonness, nether in strife & envying: but put ye on the Lord jesus Christ. ⊢ And ☞ make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts of it. ¶ The weak ought not to be despised. No ma● should offend another's conscience. Again, for out siroc things should no man condemn another. CAPI. XIIII. Him that is weak in the faith, receive unto you, not in disputing and troubling his conscience. One believeth that he may eat all thing. Another which is weak eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth, despise him that eateth not. And let not him which eateth not, * R●●. xii. ● judge him that eateth. For God hath received him. * jacob. 4. b What art thou that judgest another man's servant whether he stand or fall, that pertaineth unto his master: ye, he shallbe holden up, that he may stand. For god is able to make him stand. This man putteth difference, between day & day. Another man counteth all days alike ☞ Let every man's mind satisfy himself. ☞ He that observeth the day, doth it unto the Lord. And he that doth not observe the day, doth it for the Lord also. He that eateth, doth it to please the Lord, for he giveth God thanks. And he that eateth not, eateth not to please the Lord withal, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth for himself, and no man dieth for himself. For if we live, we live unto the Lord. And if we die, we die unto the Lord. Whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lords: For christ therefore died, and rose again, and revived, that he might be * ●de●. 〈◊〉. ●. Philip. two. b Lord of deed and quick. But why dost thou than judge thy brother? Either, why dost thou despise thy brother? We shall be all brought before the judgement seat of Chryst. For it is written: as truly as I live sayeth the Lord: * Esay. xlv. e. Philip. two. b all knees shall bow to me, and all tongues shall give a knowledge to God. So shall every one of us give accounts of himself to God. Let us not therefore judge one another any more. But judge this rather, that no man put a stumbling block, or an occasion to fall in his brother's way. For ✚ I know, and am full certified by the Lord jesus, that * Math. xv. ●●des. x. b. ● Tim 4. ● Mark 7. d. there is nothing comen of itself: but unto him that judgeth it to be comen: to him is it comen. If thy brother be grieved with thy meat now walkest thou not chartable. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. Cause not your treasure to be evil spoken of. For the kingdom of god is not meat and drink: but righteousness, and peace & joy in the holy ghost. For he that in these things serveth Christ, pleaseth God, and is commended of men. Let us therefore follow those things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another. Destroy not the work of God for a little meats sake, * 〈◊〉. i d. All things are pure: but it is enyll for that man, which eateth with hurt of conscience. It is good nether to eat flesh, nether to drink wine, neither any thing, whereby thy brother stumbleth, either falleth, or is made weak Haste thou faith? have it with thyself before God. Happy is he that condemneth not himself, in the thing which he alloweth. For he that maketh conscience, is dampened if he eat: because he eateth not of faith For what soever is not of faith, that same is sin. ¶ The infyrmyti● and frailness of the weak aught to be ●orne with all love and kindness, after the ensample of christ. CAPI. XV. WE which are strong * Gala. vi. a. ought to bear the frailness of them, which are weak, and not to stand in our own conceits. Let every man please his neighbour unto his wealth & edifying. For Christ pleased not himself: but as it is written. * Psal. 69. ● The rebukes of them which rebuked thee, fell on me. ✚ * Rom. iiii. d. Whatsoever things are written afore time, they are written for our learning, that we thorough patience & comfort of the scriptures, might have hope The God of patience and consolation, grant you, to be like minded one towards another, after the ensample of christ jesus: * levit. nineteen. d that ye all agreeing together may with one mouth praise god the father of our Lord jesus. Wherefore, receive ye one another, as christ received us, to the praise of God. And I say, that jesus christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: * duty. xx. ● 2. Reg. 22 d. that the gentiles might praise God for his mercy, as it is written. * Psal. 18. g. For this cause I will praise the among the gentiles, and sing unto thy name. And again he sayeth: * Deute. 32. ● rejoice ye gentiles with his people: And again, * Psal 117. ● praise the Lord all ye gentiles, and laud him all ye nations together. And again Esay saith: there shallbe * Isaiah. xi. ● the cote of jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the gentiles: in him shall the gentiles trust. The God of hope fill you with all joy & peace in believing: that ye may be rich in hope, thorough the power of the holy ghost. ⊢ I myself am full certified of you (my brethren) that ye also are full of goodness, & filled with all knowledge, and are able to exhort one another. Nevertheless (brethren) I have some what more boldly written onto you, partly to put you in remembrance, thorough the grace that is given me of God, that I should be the minister of jesus Christ among the gentiles, and should minister the Gospel of God, that the offering of the gentiles might be acceptable, and saynctyfyed by the holy ghost, I have therefore whereof I may rejoice thorough Christ jesus, in those things which pertain to God. For I dare not speak of any of these things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the gentiles obedient, with word and deed, in mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the spirit of God: so that from jerusalem & the coaites round about unto Illyrycum, I have filled all countries with the Gospel of Christ. So have I enforced myself to preach the Gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should have built on another man's ●oun 〈…〉. * Esay. three d. and. 〈◊〉 v. ● Roma. x. ● To whom he 〈…〉 shall see: and they that heard not shall understand. For this cause I have been ofre let ⚜ (and am let as yet) that I could not come unto you: but now, seeing I have no more to do in these countries, and also have been desirous many years to come unto you, when soever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you. For I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thy therward by you, after that I have somewhat enjoyed your acquaintance. Now go I unto jerusalem, and * ●●●●●. xi. d. a●●. xx●i▪ ●. d 1. Cor●. 1●. a 〈◊〉▪ Cor● 8. a and. ix. a minister unto the saints. For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain distrybution upon the poor Santes, which are at jerusalem. It hath pleased them verily, and their debtors are they. For if the gentiles be made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is to minister unto them in bodily things. When I have performed this, & have brought them this truyte sealed, I will come back again by you into Spain. I am sure that when I come unto you I shall come with abundance of the blessing of the Gospel of Christ, ✚ I beseech you brethren for our Lord jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the spirit, that ye help me in my business with your prayers to God for me, that I may be delivered from them which believe not in jewry: and that this my service, which I have to do at jerusalem, may be accepted of the Sanctes, that I may come unto you with joy, by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed. The God * 1. Cor●. 14. ● of peace be with you. AMEN. ¶ A Chapter of salutations. He warneth them to beware or men's doctrine, and commandeth unto them certain godly men, that were lovers and brethren in the truth. CAPI. XVI. I Commend unto you Phebe, our sister (which is a minister of the congregation of Cenchrea) that ye receive her in the Lord as it becometh saints, and that ye assist her in what soever business she needeth of your aid. For she hath suckered many, and mine own self. great Prisea and * Acts. 18. a. 2▪ Tim. 4. d Aquila my helpers in Christ jesus, which have for my life laid down their own necks. Unto whom not I only give thanks, but also all the congregations of the gentiles. Likewise, great the congregation that is in their house. Salute my well beloved Epenites, which is ☞ the first fruit of Achaia in Christ great Mary which bestowed much labour on us. Salute Andronicus and junea my cousins, & prisoners with me also, which are well taken among the Apostles 〈…〉 in christ before me. 〈…〉 my beloved in the Lord. Salute Urban our helper in Christ, & Stachis my beloved. Salute Appelles approved in Christ. Salute them▪ which are of Aristobolus household. Salute Hirodion my kinsman. great them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord. Salute Triphena and Triphosa, which women labour in the Lord. Salute the beloved Persis, which laboured moche in the Lord. Salute Rufus chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. great Asincritus, Philogon, Herman, Patropas', Marcurius, and the brethren which are with them. Salute Philologus and julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olimpha, and all the sanctes ●●. Cor. ●●● which are with them. Salute one another with an holy kiss. The congregations of Christ salute you. ✚ * Colloss. two. ● Ephes. ●. ● I beseech you brethren, mark them which cause division and give occasions of evil, contrary to the doctrine, which ye have learned: and avoid them. For they that are such, serve not the Lord jesus Christ, * Phil●. ●●● but their own bellies, and with sweet and flattering words, deceive the hearts of the innocentes. For your obedience is gone abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore no doubt, of you. But yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and to be innocent as concerning evil. The God of peace shall tread Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord jesus Christ be with you. Tymotheus my work fellow, & Lucius, and jason, and Sos●pater my kinsmen, salute you, I Tercius salute you, which wrote this epistle in the Lord. * Acts. x●●. ● Gayus mine host and the host of all the congregation, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city, saluteth you. And Quartus a brother saluteth you. The grace of our Lord jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. ⊢ To him that is of power to stably she you, according to my Gospel, & preaching of jesus Christ in uttering of the mystery which was kept secret sense the world began, but now is opened by the Scriptures of the Prophets at the commandment of the everlasting God, to steer up obedience to the faith, published among all nations: To the same God, which alone is wise, be ⚜ (honour and) praise thorough jesus Christ for ever. AMEN. ¶ To the Romans. ¶ This epistle was sent from Corinthum by Phebe, she that was the minister unto the congregation at Cenchrea. ❧: The first Epistle of saint Paul the Apostle to the Corynthians. ¶ He commendeth the Lorynthians, exhorteth them to be of one mind, and rebuketh the vevision that was amoge them. Worldly wisdom is foolishness before God, y●● there to no wisdom but in the despised cross of God. CAPI. I. PAul called an Apostle of jesus christ, thorough the will of God, and brother Softenes. Unto the congregation of God which is at Corynthum. To them that are sanctified by Christ jesus, called saints, with all that call on the name of our Lord jesus Christ in every place, either of theirs or of ours. * ●o●n▪ i. ●. Gala. i. ●. Grace be unto you and peace from God our father, and from the lord jesus Christ ✚ I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of god, which is given you by jesus Christ, that in all things ye are made rich by him, in all utterance and in all knowledge, by the which things the testimony of jesus Christ was confirmed in you, so that ye are behind in no gift, waiting for the appearing of our Lord jesus Christ, which sha' also strength you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day ⚜ (of the coming) of our Lord jesus Christ. ⊢ * Num. ●3 c. ●. Corin. x. c God is faithful, by whom ye are called unto the fellishyppe of his son jesus Christ our Lord. I beseech you brethren by the name of our Lord jesus Chryst, that ye all speak one thing, and that there be no dissension among you but that ye may be a whole body: of one mind and of one meaning. For it is showed unto me (my brethren) of you, by them which are of the house of Cloe, that there is strife among you. I speak of the same that every one of you sayeth: I hold of Paul: I hold of * Acts. 18. d. ● Cori iii▪ a and. xvi. c. Apollo: I hold of Gephas. I hold of Christ. Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? either were ye baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God, that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius: lest any should say, that I had baptized in mine own name. I baptized also the house of Stephana. furthermore know I not, whether I baptized any man (of you) or no. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the Gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should have been made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross; is to them that perish, foolishness: but unto us which are saved * Roma. ●. v. it is the power of god. For it is written: ‡ Esay. 2●. ●. I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will cast away the understanding of the prudent. Where is the wise? * Isaiah. 33. ● Where is the scribe? Where is the dysputer of this world? Hath not God made the wisdom of this world foolishness? For after that the world thorough wisdom knew not god, in the wisdom of god, it pleased God thorough foolishness of preaching, to save them that believe. For * Math. 8. ●. Luke. xi. d. john. ●i. d. the jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom. But we preach Christ crucified, unto the jews an occasion of falling and unto the Greeks foolishness: but unto them which are called both of the jews & Greeks, we preach Christ the power of god and the wisdom of god. For the foolishness of god, is wiser than men: and the weakness of god is stronger than men. Brethren, ye see your calling, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many of high degree, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise. And god hath chosen the weak things, of the world, to confound things which are mighty. And vile things of the world, & things whiare despised, hath God chosen, ye and things of no reputation, for to bring to ●ought things of reputation, that no flesh should rejoice in his presence. And of him are ye, in Christ jesus, which of god is made unto us, wisdom, and righteousness, and sancrifyinge, and redemption. That according as it is written: he which rejoiceth, should rejoice in the Lord. ¶ It is not eloquence and glorious painted words of worldly wisdom, that can edify, and convert souls unto Christ, but the plain words of the scryptur●, for they make mention of him and his cross. CAPI. II. ANd I brethren (when I came to you) came not in gloriousness of words, or wisdom, showing unto you the testimony of god. Neither showed I myself that I knew any thing among you, save jesus Christ, even the same that was crucified. And I was among you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my words and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom: but in showing of the spirit & of power that your saith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. ●● brother, but one brother goeth to law with another, and that under the unbelievers? Now therefore, there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why rather suffer ye not wrong? why rather suffer ye not yourselves to have harm nay, ye yourselves do wrong, & rob: & that the brethren. Do ye not know, how y● the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived. For * Gal●. v. d. Ephe. v. a. nether fornicators, nether worshippers of Images, nether adulterers,, nether weaklings, nether abusers of themselves with mankind, nether thieves, nether coverouse, nether dron kardes, nether cursed speakers, nether pillars, shall inherit the kingdom of god. And such were some of you, but ye are washed: but ye are sanctified: but ye are justified by the name of the Lord jesus, and by the sprite of our God. I may do all things, but * Eccle 37. ● 1. 〈…〉. x. ● all things are not profitable. I may do all things: but I will be brought under no man's power. Meats are ordained for the belly, and the belly for meats: but god shall destroy both it and them. Let not the body be applied unto fornication, but unto the Lord, & the Lord unto the body, god hath raised up the lord, and shall raise us up by his power. ✚ * ●. Cor. 〈…〉 Ether know ye nor, that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I now take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. Do ye not know, that he which coupleth himself with an harlot is become one body. * Gene▪ two▪ d. ●●▪ at x●x ● 〈…〉. ●. ●. & & 〈…〉. ●. ● For two (sayeth he) shallbe one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. flee fornication. Every sin that a man doth, is without the body. But he that is a fornicator, sineth against his own body. Ether know ye not, how that your bodies are the temple of the holy ghost, which dwelleth in you, whom ye have of god, and how that ye are not your own? For ye are dearly bought. Therefore glorify god in your bodies, and in your spirits, which are Gods. ⊢ ¶ Of marriage, virginity and wyddowheade. CAPI. VII. AS concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: ✚ it is good for a man, not to touch a woman. Nevertheless, to avoid whoredom let every man have his wite: and let every woman have her husband. Let the husband give unto the wife due benevolence. Likewise also the wife unto the husband. The wife hath not power of her own body: but the husband. And likewise the husband hath not power of his own body: but the wife. * T●bi. 〈…〉 and. 〈…〉 Withdraw not yourselves one from another, except it be with consent for a time, for to geue yourselves to fasting and prayer. And afterward come together again, lest Satan tempt you for your incontinency. This I say of favour, and not of commandment. For I would that all men were as I myself am: but every man hath his proper gytte of God, one after this manner, another after that. I say unto them that be unmarried and widows: it is good for them, if they abide even as I do. But and * ●. 〈…〉. ●● if they cannot abstain, let them marry. For it is better to marry then to burn. Unto the married command, not I, but the Lord: * Math. v. ●. ano. nineteen. ●. Let not the wife be separated from the husband. If she separate herself, let her remain unmarried, or be reconciled unto her husband again. And let not the husband put away his wife from him. To the remnant speak I, not the Lord: If any brother have a wife that believeth not, if she be content to dwell with him, let him not put her away. And the woman which hath to her husband an infidel, and consent to dwell with her, let her not put him away. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband. Or else were your children unclean: but ☞ now are they holy. But and if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not in subjection to such. But god hath called us in peace. For how knowest thou (O woman) whether thou shalt save thy husband or no? Other how knowest thou (O man) whether thou shalt save thy wife or no? but even as God hath distributed to every man. * Ephe. 4. ●. As the Lord hath called every man, so let him walk: and so orden I in all congregations. If any man be called being circumcised, let him not add uncircumcision. If any be called uncircumcised let him not be circumcised. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing: but the keeping of the commandments of God. ✚ Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. * ●. Tim. vi. ● Art thou called a servant? care not for it. Nevertheless ☞ if thou mayst be free, use it rather. For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant▪ is the lords freeman. Likewise he that is called being free, is Christ's servant. Ye are dearly bought, ☞ be not ye the servants of men. Brethren, let every man wherein he is called, therein abide with God. ⊢ As concerning virgins, I have no commandment of the Lord: yet give I counsel, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord, to be faithful. I suppose therefore that it is good for the present necessity. For it is good for a man so to be. Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife. But and if thou mary a wife, thou hast not sinned. Likewise, if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in their flesh: but I favour you. This say I brethren, * Psal. 〈◊〉. ●. 〈◊〉. Pet. iii. b the time is short. It remaineth, that they which have wives, be as though they had none: and they that weep, be as though they wept not: and they that rejoice, be as though they rejoiced not: and they that buy, be as though they possessed not: and they that use this world, be as though they use it not. For * Esay. 40. b 1. john. 2. c. the fashion of this world goeth away. ‡ Math. vi. d Luke. vi. ●. I would have you without care. He that is unmarried, careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord. But he that hath married a wife careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference between a virgin & a wife. The single woman careth for the things that are of the Lord, that she may be holy both i body & also in spirit. Again: she that is married, careth for the things the pertain to the world, how she may please her husband. ☞ This speak I for your profit, not to tāg●e you in a snare: but that ye may follow it which is honest & comely, and that ye may cleave unto the lord without separacion. If any man think that it is uncomely for his virgin, if she pass the time of marriage, and if so need require, let him do what he listeth, he sinneth not: let them be coupled in marriage. Nevertheless, he that purposeth surely in his heart, having no need: but hath power over his own will: and hath so decreed in his heart, that he will keep his virgin, doth well. So then, he that joineth his virgin in marriage doth well. But he that joineth not his virgin in marriage, doth better. * Rom. seven. e. The wife is bound to the marriage, as long as her husband liveth. If her husband die, she is at liberty to marry with whom she will, only in the Lord. But she is happier, if she so abide, after my judgement. And I think verily, that I have the spirit of God. ¶ He rebuketh them that use liberty to the slander of other, and showeth how men ought to behave them toward such as be weak. CAPI. VIII. AS touching things * Acts. v. ●. offered unto images, we are sure that we all have knowledge. Knowledge maketh a manswel: but love edifieth. If any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. But if any man love God, the same is known of him. As concerning the earring of those things that are offered unto idols, we are sure, that ☞ * 1. Cor●. 10. ●. the image is nothing in the world and that there is none other God but one. And though there be that are called Gods, whether in heaven other in earth (as there be Gods many, & Lords many) yet unto us is there but one God, which is the father, of whom are all things, and we for him, and one Lord jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him. But every man hath not knowledge. * 1. Cor●. ●. ●. Some having conscience because of the image, until this hour, eat as a thing offered unto images: and so their conscience being weak is defiled. But meat maketh us not acceptable to God. Nether if we eat are we the better. Nether if we eat not, are we the worse. But take heed, lest by any means this liberty of yours be an occasion of fallig to them that are weak. For if some man se the which hast knowledge, sit & eat of meat offered unto images, shall not the conscience of him which is weak, be boldened to eat those things, which are offered to images. And so thorough thy knowledge shall y● weak brother perish, for whom Christ died. When ye sin so against the brethren, & wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ. Wherefore * Roma. 14. ● if meat hurt my brother, I will never eat flesh, lest I should offend my brother. ¶ Love forbeareth the thing that she may do ●y the law. He exhorteth them to t●nne on forth in the course that they ha●● begun. CAPI. IX. AM I not an Apostle? am I not free? * Acts. xi. ●. have I not seen jesus Chrst our Lord? Are ye not my work in the Lord? If I be not an Apostle unto other, yet am I unto you. For the seal of mine Apostleshyppe are ye in the Lord. Mine answer to them that ask me, is this. Have we not power to eat and to drink? Have we not power to lead about a sister to wife, as as well as other Apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? Ether only I & Barnabas have not power this to do? Who goeth a warfare any time at his own cost? who plants a vineyard, and eateth not of the fruit thereof? Or who feedeth a flock and eateth not of the milk of the flock? say I these things after the manner of men? Saith not the law the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses. * De●l. 25. ●. 1. 〈◊〉. ●. ●. Thou shalt not mossel the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take thought for oxen? Saith he it not all together for our sakes? For our sakes no doubt this is written: that he which eareth, should ear in hope, and that he which thressheth in hope, should be partaker of his hope. * Rom●. ●5. ●. Gala. ●i. b. If we sow unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we reap your bodily things? If other be partakers of this power over you, wherefore are not we rather? Nevertheless * 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. ●. we have not used this power: but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the Gospel of Christ. Do ye not know, how that they which minister about holy things live of the sacrifice? They which wait of the temple, are partakers of the temple. Even so also did the Lord ordain: * Math. ●. ●. A●●●s. that they which preach the Gospel, should live of the Gospel. ‡ 〈◊〉. ●. 〈…〉. ●. ● But I have used none of these things. Nevertheless I wrote not these things, that it should be so done unto me. For it were better for me to die, then that any man should take this rejoicing from me. For it I preach the Gospel, I have nothing to rejoice of. For necessity is put unto me. But woe is it unto me, if I preach not the Gospel. If I do it with a good will I have a reward. But if I do it against my will, an office is committed unto me. What is my reward then? verily that when I preach the Gospel, I make the Gospel of christ fire, that I misuse not mine authority in the Gospel. For though I be fire from all men, yet have I made my self servant unto all men, that, I might win the more. * Acts. 16. ●. Gala. 11. ● Unto the jews, I became as a jew, to win the jews. To them that were under the law, was I made as though I had been under the law, ⚜ (when I was not under the law) to win them that were under the law. To them that were without law, became I as though I had vene without law (when I was not without law as pertaining to God, but under the law of Christ) to win them that were without law. To the weak became I as weak, to win the weak. In all things * ●. C●●●. ●. ●. I fasshyoned myself to all men to save at the least way some. And this I do for the gospels sake, that I might have my part thereof. ✚ Perceive ye not, how that they which run in a course, run all, but one receiveth the reward? So run, that ye may obtain. Every man that proveth masteries, abstayneth from all things. And they do it to obtain a crown that shall perish: but we to obtain an * 2. Tim. 4. ● i. P●●●. ●. ● everlasting crown. I therefore so run, not as an uncertain thing. So fight I, not as one that beateth the air: but I came my body, and bring it into subjection, lest by any means it come to pass, that when I have preached to other, I myself should be a cast away. ⊢ ¶ He feareth them with the ensamples of the old Testament, and exhorteth them to a godly conversation. CAPI. X. ✚ BRethren, I would not that ye should be ignorant, ●owe that our fathers were all under the cloud, and all passed thorough the see, and were all baptized under Moses * Exo. xiii. ●. in the cloud & ‡ Exod. 14. ●. in the see: and * Exod. 10 ●. Exod. 17. ● 〈◊〉 20 ●. did all eat of one spiritual meat, & ‡ Exod. 17. ● 〈◊〉 20 ●. did all drink of one manner of spiritual drink. And they drink of that spiritual rock that followed them, * Math. 16● which rock was Christ. ⊢ But in many of them had God no delight. For ‡ Num. 14. ● they were overthrown in the wilderness. These are ensamples to us ✚ that we should not lust after evil things as they lusted. And that ye should not be worshippers of images, as were some of them, according as it is written: * Exod. 〈◊〉. ●. The people sat down to eat & drink, & rose up to play. Nether let us be defiled with fornication, as some of them were defiled with fornication, and fell in one day * Num 14 ● 〈◊〉. xxv. ●. xxiii. thousand. Nether let us tempt Christ, as some of them tempted, and were destroyed of * Num. 21. ●. serpents. Nether murmur ye as some of them murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer. All these things happened unto them for ensamples, but they are written to put us in remembrance, whom the ends of the world are come upon. Wherefore, let him that thinketh he standeth, take heed, lest he fall. There hath none other temperationn taken you, but such as followeth the nature of man. But * Num. 〈◊〉. ●. God is faithful ‡ 1. Corin. ●. c. 1 ●essa. 5. d ● Petr. ●. ●● which shall not suffer you to be templed above your strength: but shall in the midst of the temptation make away, that ye may be able to bear it. ⊢ Wherefore my dear beloved, i'll from worshipping of images. I speak as unto them which have discretion, judge ye what I say. Is not ☞ the cup of blessing which we bless, partaking of the blood of Chryst? is not the breed which we break, partaking of the body of christ? because that we (though we be many) yet are one breed & one body, i as much as we all are partakers of one bred. ⚜ (and of one cup) Behold Israel after the flesh. Are not they which eat of the sacrifice, partakers of the temple. What say I then? * 〈…〉. 8. ●. that the image is any thing? or that it which is offered to images, is anything? Nay, but this I say: that the things which the gentiles offer, they offer to devils and not to God. ✚ I would not that ye should have felly ship with the devils. Ye can not drink of the cup of the Lord, & of the cup of devils. Ye cannot be the partakers of the lords table, and of the table of devils. Ether do we provoke the Lord? Are we stronger than he? I may do all things, but * 〈…〉. 37. ●. all things are not expedient. I may do all things, but 〈…〉. 13. ●. all things, edify not. Let no man seek that which is his own: but let every man seek that which belongeth to another. Whatsoever is sold in the flesh market, that eat, and ask no question for conscience sake. For * Psal. ●4. a. the earth is the Lords, and all that therein is. If any of them which believe not, bid you to a feast, & ye be disposed to go, whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no question for conscience sake. But and if any man say unto you: this is offered unto images, eat not of it for his sake that showed it and for conscience sake. The earth is the Lords & all that therein is. Conscience I say, not thine, * 〈…〉. ●. ● but of the other. For why is my liberty, judged of another man's conscience? For ‡ 〈◊〉. iiii. ●. if I take my part with thanks, why am I evil spoken of for that thing wherefore I give thanks? * 〈◊〉. three ●. Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the praise of God. ⊢ Se. that ye give none accasyon of evil, nether to the jews, nor yet to the gentiles, nether to the congregation of God: even as * ● Cori. ix. d. I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they might be saved. ¶ He rebuketh them for the abuse and murder that they had about the Sacrament of the body and blood of christ, and bringeth them again to the first instruction. CAPI. XI. BE ye the followers of me, as I am the follower of Christ. I commend you brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, even as I delivered them to you. But I would have you to know, that Chryst is the heed of every man. And the man is the * Gene. two. ● E●●●. ●. ●. woman's heed. And God is Christ's heed. Every man praying or prophesying having any thing on his heed, shameth his heed. Every woman that prayth or prophesieeh bare headed, dishonesteth her head. For that is even all one, as if she were shaven. If the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn. * Deut. 22. ●. If it be shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her cover her heed. A man ought not to cover his heed, for as much as he is the image and glory of God. But the woman is the glory of the man. For * Gene. ●. ● the man is not of the woman: but the woman of the man. Nether was the man created for the woman's sake: but the woman for the man's sake. For this cause ought the woman ☞ to have power on her heed, for the angels sakes: Nevertheless, nether is the man with out the woman, nether the woman without the man in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man by the woman: but all of God. judge in yourselves, whether it be co●ly that a woman pray unto God bore heeded Doth not nature itself teach you, that it is a shame for a man, if he have long heat: & a praise to a woman: if she have long here For her here is given her to cover her with all. If any man lust to strive, we have no such custom, nether the congregations of God. This I warn you of, and commend not, that ye come not together after a better manner, but after a worse. For first of all when ye come together in the congregation, I hear that there is dissension among you: and I partly believe it. For * Math. 1ST there must be sects among you, that they which are perfect among you, might be known ✚ When ye come together therefore in one place, the lords supper can not be eaten. For every man beginneth afore to eat his own supper. And one is hungry, & another is drunken. Have ye not houses to eat & to drink in? despise ye the congregation of God and shame them that have not? What shall I say unto you? shall I praise you? In this praise I you not. ⊢ ✚ That which I delivered unto you, I received of the Lord. For the Lord jesus the same night, in which he was betrayed, took breed: and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said: ‡ Math. 〈◊〉 ● Math 〈…〉. Take ye, and eat: this is my body, which is broken for you. This do ye in the remembrance of me. After the same manner also h● took the cup, when supper was done, saying: This cup is the new Testament in my blood. This do as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye shall eat this breed, and drink this cup: * ●. Petr. two. d Ye shall show the lords death ‡ Act. i▪ ●. till he come. Wherefore, whosoever shall eat of this bread, or drink of the cup of the Lord unworthily, shallbe guilty of the body & blood of the Lord. * two. Cor. 〈◊〉. b Eccles. 18. ● But let a man examen himself, and so let him eat of the breed, and drink of the cup. For he that eateth or drinketh unworthily, eateth & drinketh his own damnation, because he maketh no difference of the lords body. For this cause many are weak & sick among you, and many sleep For If we had judged our selves, we should not have been judged. But when we are judged of the Lord we are chastened, that we should not be damned with the * ●. Ihon. i●. ●. world. Wherefore my brethren when ye come together to eat, carry one for another. If any man hunger, let him eat at home, that ye come not together unto condennacyon ⊢ Other things will I set morder, when I come. ¶ The diversity of the gifts of the holy g●o●●e, given to the comforth and edifying of one another, as the members of a man's body s●●ue one another. CAPI. XII. Concerning spiritual things (brethren) I would not have you ignorant. ✚ ●e know that ye were gentiles, and went your ways unto domne images, even as ye were ●ed. Wherefore I declare unto you, that * Mark. ix. ●. no man speaking by the spirit of God, defyeth jesus. Also no man can say that jesus is the Lord, but by the holy ghost. * Rom. xii. a. There are diversities of gifts, yet but one spirit. And there are differences of administrations, and yet but one Lord. And there are divers manners of operations, and yet but one God ☞ which worketh all in all. * Ephe. 4. b. The gift of the spirit is given to every man, to edify withal. For to one is given thorough the spirit the utterance of wisdom. To another is given the utterance of knowledge by the same spirit. To another is given faith, by the same spirit. To another the gifts of healing by the same spirit. To another power to do miracles. To another prophesy. To another * 1. Ihon. 4. ● judgement to ●●cerue spirits. To another divers tongues. To another the interpretation of tongues: But these all worketh even the self same spirit, dividing to every man a several gift, even as he will. ⊢ * Rom. xii. ●. Ephe. 〈◊〉. ● For as the body is one, and hath many membres, and all the membres of one body though they be many, yet are but one body, even so is Christ. For by one spirit are we all baptized to make one body, whether we be jews or gentiles, whether we be bond or fire, and have * Es●y. 55. ●. all drunk of one spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the fo●e say: I am not the hand, I am not of the body: is he therefore not of the body? And if the ear say, I am not the eye, I am not of the body: is he therefore not of the body? If all the body were an eye, where were then the hearing? If all were hearing: where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one severally in the body as it hath pleased him. If they were all one member, where were the body? Now are there many members, yet but one body. And theeye can not say unto the hand: I have no need of the. Again, the heed cannot say to the feet: I have no need of you. Ye rather a great deal those members of the body which seem to be more feeble, are necessary. And upon those membres of the body which we think least honest, put we more honesty on. And our ungodly parts have more beauty on. For our honest membres need it not: But God hath so disposed the body, and hath given the more honour to that part which lacked, lest there should be any strife in the body: but that the membres should indifferently care one for another. And if one member suffer, all suffer with him: if one member be had in honour, all members be glade also. Ye are the body of christ, & members one of another. And God hath also ordained in the congregation, first * Math. x. ●. Luke. ●x. ●. Eph● 〈◊〉. ●. Apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, then them that do miracles: after y●, the gifts of healing, helpers, governors, diversity of ●●ges. Are all Apostles? Are all Prophets? Are all teachers? Are all doars of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? Covet after the best gifts. And yet show I unto you ● more excellent way. ¶ The natures and conditions of love. CAPI. XIII. THough I speak with the tongues of men and of angels: and have no love. I am as sounding brass: or as a tynckling cymbal. And * Math. ●. ●. Luke. 〈◊〉. ● though I could prophesy, and understand all secrets, and all knowledge: ye ☞ if I have all faith▪ * Luke. ●7. ●. so that I could move mountains out of their places, and yet have no love, I am nothing And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body even that I burn, and yet have no love, it profiteth me nothing. Love suffereth long, and is courteous. Love envieth not. Love doth not frowardly, swelleth not, dealeth not dishonestly * ●. Corin. x. ● Philip. two. ● seeketh not her own, is not provoked to anger, thinketh no evil, rejoiceth not in iniquity: but rejoiceth in the truth, suffereth all things: believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Though that prophesyinge fail, other tongues cease, or knowledge vanysshe away, yet love falleth never away. For ☞ our knowledge is unperfect, and our prophesying is unperfect. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is unperfect, shallbe done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I imagined as a child. But assoon as I was a man, I put away childishness. Now we see in a glass, even in a dark speaking: but then shall we see face to face. Now I know unperfectly: but then shall I know even as I am known. Now abideth faith, hope, and love, even these three: but the ☞ chief of these is love. ⊢ ¶ Paul showeth that the gift of prophecy, interpreting or preaching, excelleth the gift of tongues and how they both aught to be used. CAPI. XIIII. Labour for love, and covet spiritual gifts: but most chiefly that ye may prophesy. For he that ☞ speaketh with the tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God. For no man heareth him. Howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. But he that prophesieth, speaketh unto men for their edifying, for their exhortation and for their comfort. He that speaketh with the tongue, profiteth himself: * Rom. xv. b. he that prophesyeth, edifyeth the congregation * ●um. 〈◊〉. ●. I would that ye all spoke with tongues: but rather that ye prophesied. For greater is he that prophesyeth, than he that speaketh with tongues, except he expound it: that the congregation may have edifying Now brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues: what shall I profit you, except I speak to you, either by revelation or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? Moreover, when things without life give sound (whether it be a pipe or an ●arpe) except they make a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? For if the trump give an uncertain voice, who shall prepare himself to the war? Even so likewise when ye speak which tongues, except ye speak words that have signification, how shall it be understand what is spoken? For ye shall but speak in the air. Many kinds of voices are in the world, & none of them are without signification. If I know not what the voice meaneth, I shallbe unto him that speaketh an aleant: & he that speaketh shallbe an alient unto me Even so ye (for as much as y● cou●● spiritual gifts) seek, that ye may excel, unto the edifying of the congregation. Wherefore, let him that speaketh with tongue pray, that he may interpret also. For if I pray with tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my ☞ understanding doth no good. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and will pray with the understanding. I will sing ●●th the spirit▪ and will sing ☞ with the understanding. For else, when thou blessest with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned, say. Amen, at the giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not, what thou sayest? Thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. I thank my God that I speak with tongues more than ye all. Yet had I liefer in the congregation, to speak five words which my understanding to the infourmation of other rather than ten thousand words with the tongue. Brethren, be not ye children in wit. Howbeit, as concerning maliciousness, be children: but in wit be perfect. In the law it is written: * ●●●●. 〈◊〉. ●. with sundry tongues, & with sundry lips will I speak unto this people, and yet for all that, will they not hear me, sayeth the Lord. Wherefore ☞ tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe: but to them that believe not. Contrary wise, prophesying serveth not for them that believe not: but for them which believe. If therefore, when all the congregation is come together, and all speak with tongues, there come in they that are unlearned, or they which believe not: will they not say, that ye are out of your wits? But and if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not or one unlearned, he is rebuked o● all men & is judged of every man, & so are the secrets of his heart opened, & so falleth he down on his face, and worshippeth God, & saith, that God is in you of a truth. How is it then brethren 〈◊〉 soft as ye come together, every one of you hath a song, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation▪ hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edityinge: If any man speak with tongue, let it be by two or at the most by three, and that by course, and let another interpret it. But if there be no interpreter, lc●him keep silence in the congregation, and let him speak to himself and to God. Let the Prophets speak two, or three, & * i. Ihon. 4. ● let the other judge. If any revelation be made to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ☞ ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and that all may have comfort. And the spirits of the Prophets are in the power of the Prophets. For God is not causer of strife: * Rom. xv. g. but of peace, as ⚜ (I teach (in all congregations of the Saints. * 1. Tim. 2. b Gent. iii. c▪ ● Lori. xi. ● Let your women keep sylente in the congregations. For it is not permitted unto them to speak but to be under obedience, as saith the law: If they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is a shame for women, to speak in the congregation. Sprung the word of God from you? Either came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, either spiritual: let him know, what things I write unto you. For they are the commandments of the Lord. But and if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore brethren, covet to prophecy, & forbid not to speak with tongues, let all things be done honestly and in order ⚜ (among you). ¶ The resurrection of the dead. CAPI. XV. BRethren, as pertaining to the Gospel which I preached unto you, which ye have also accepted, and in the which ye continue, by the which also ye are saved: I do you to wit, after what manner I preached unto you, if ye keep it, except ye have believed in vain. For first of all I delivered unto you, that which I received: how that * Math. ●8. b john 20. ● Christ died for our sins, agreeing to the scriptures: * Math. ●8. b john 20. ● And that he was buried, and that he arose again the third day according to the scriptures: & that he was seen * Luke. 24. of Cephas, then of the twelve. After that he was seen of moo then five hundredth brethren atonce: of which many remain unto this day, and many are fallen a sleep. After that appeared he to james, then to all the Apostles. And last of all he was seen of me, as of one that was borne out of due tyme. For I am the least of the Apostles, which am not worthy to be called an Apostle, because * Acts. three ●▪ ix. ●. xxii ● an●▪ 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. Gala. 〈◊〉. ●. I persecuted the congregation of God. But by the grace of god, I am that I am. And his grace which is in me, was not i vain: ⊢ but I laboured more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which is with me. Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so have ye believed. ✚ If Christ be preached how that he rose from the dead: how say some among you, that there is no resurrection of the dead? If there be no rising again of the dead: then is Christ not risen again. If Christ be not risen again, then is our preaching in vain, and your faith is also in vain. Ye & we are found false witnesses of God. For we have testyfied of God, how that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if it be so that the dead rise not again. For if the dead rise not again, then is christ not risen again. If it be so that Christ rose not again, then is our faith in vain, and ye are yet in your sins. Therefore they which are fallen a sleep in Christ, are perished. If in this life only we belue on Christ, then are we of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, & become * Collo. i. ●. the first fruits of them that ●●epte. For by a man came death, & by a man came the resurrection of the dead. For as by Adam all die: even so by Christ, shall all be made alive, but every man in his own order. ⊢ The first is Christ, than they that are Christ's at his coming. Then cometh the end ☞ when he hath delivered up the kingdom to God the father, when he hath put down all ●ule & all authority & power. For he must reign * Psal. 〈◊〉. ● M●t 22 ●. Hebre. i. ●. ●●. 8. 〈◊〉 till he have put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shallbe destroyed, is death. * Hebre. two. ●. For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. When all things are subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him, that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. Else what do they, which are ☞ baptized over the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized over theme Ye and why stand we always then in icoper●y? By our re●oysyng which I have in Christ jesus our Lord, I die daily. That I have fought with beasts at Ephesus after the manner of men, what advantageth it me▪ if the dead rise not again: * Esay. 22. b. ●●●i. two. ●. Let us eat and drink, for to morrow we shall die. Be not ye deceived, evil words corrupt good manners. Awake truly out of stepe, & sin not. For some have not the knowledge of god: I speak this to your shame. But some man will say: how arise the dead? with what body shall they come? Thou fool, * Ihon. 12. d. that which thou sowest, is not quickened, except it die. And what sowest thou? Thou sowest not that body that shallbe: but bare corn (as of wheet, or of some other) but God giveth it a body at his pleasure, to every seed his own body. ✚ All flesh is not one manner of flesh but there is one manner of flesh of men, another manner of flesh of beasts, another of fishes, & another of birds. There are also celestial bodies, & there are bodies terrestrial. But the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one manner glory of the son, and another glory of the moan, and another glory of the stars. For one star differeth from another in glory. So is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it riseth again without corruption. It is sown in dishonour, it riseth again in honour. It is sown in weakness, it riseth again in power. It is sown a natural body, it riseth again a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body: as it is also written: the first man * Gene. two▪ b. Adam was made a living soul, and the last Adam was made a quyckening spirit. Howbeit, that is not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural, & then the which is spiritual. ⊢ The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven ⚜ (heavenly) As is the earthy, such are they that are earthy And as is the heavenly, such are theyt hat are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, so shall we bear the image of the heavenly. This say I brethren ☞ that flesh and blood can not inherit the kingdom of god Nether doth corruption enheret uncorruption. Behold, I show you a mystery. * i. ●ess. 4. ●. We shall not all sleep: but * Ph●●●. three ●. we shall all be changed, & that in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye by the last trump. For the trump shall blow, & the dead shall rise incorruptible, and we shallbe changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption: and this mortal must put on immortality. When this corruptible hath put on incorruption, and this mortal hath put on immortality: then shallbe brought to pass the saying that is written: * Esay. xxv. c Death is swallowed up in victory: * 〈◊〉. xli●. ● Death where is thy sting? Hell where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin: & the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be unto God which hath given us * ●. Ihon. v. a. victory, thorough our Lord jesus Christ Therefore my dear brethren, be ye steadfast & unmovable, always rich in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know, how that your labour, is not in vain in the Lord. CAPI. XVI. ¶ He putteth them in remembrance of the gathering for the poor Christian at jerusalem, and concludeth his Epistle with the salutations of certain loving▪ brethren. Concerning the * Acts. xi. ● Roma. 〈◊〉 two. Co 〈…〉. and. ix. ●. gathering for the saints, as I have ordained in the congregations of Galacia, even so do ye. Upon some Saboth day let every one of you put aside at home, & lay up what soever is meet, that there be no gatherings when I come. When I am come, whom soever ye shall allow by your letters, them will I side, to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go 〈◊〉 me. I will come unto you when I go o●●● 〈…〉 〈◊〉. 〈…〉 to Macedonia. For I will go thorough ou●● Macedonia. With you peradventure I wy●●byde a while: or else tarry all winter, that ye may bring me on my way, whither soever I go. I will not see you now in my passage: but I trust to abide a while with you, if God shall suffer me. I will tarry at Ephesus, until the fyftieth day. For a great door and ● fruit full is opened unto me * i. 〈◊〉. x●. ● and there are many adversaries. If * ●●●. nineteen. ● Timotheus come, se that he be without fere with you. For he worketh the work of the Lord, as I doublet no man therefore despise him, but convey him forth in peace, that he may come unto me. For I look for him with the brethren. To speak of brother Apollo ⚜ (I certify Act. xviii▪ ●. 1. ●o●●. ●. ● and. iii▪ ●. you, that) I greatly desired him, to come unto you with the brethren, but his mind was not at all to come at this tyme. Howbeit▪ he will come, when he shall have convenient tyme. Watch ye, stand fast in the faith quite you like men, be strong. Let all your business be done with love. Brethren, ye know the house of * i Corin. i. ●. Stephana ⚜ (and of Fortunatus and Archa●cus) how that they are the first fruits of Acha●a, & that they have appointed themselves to minister unto the saints: I beseech you that ye be obedient unto such, & to all that help & labour. I am glad of the coming of Stephana & fortunatus & Achaicus: for that which was lacking unto me on your part they have supplied. For they have comforted my spirit & yours. Look therefore that ye know them that are such. The congregations of Asia salute you Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, and so doth the congregation that is in their house ⚜ with whom also I am lodged). All the brethren great you. ‡ Roma. 16. c great ye one another with an holy kiss. The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand. If any man love not this Lord jesus Christ, the same be ☞ Anathema maranatha. The grace of the Lord jesus Christ be with you: My love be with you all in Christ jesus Amen. ¶ The first epistle to the Corinthamns/ was sent from Philippos by Stephana/ and fortunatus/ & Achaicus/ & Timotheus. ❧ The second epistle of S. Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians. ¶ The consolation of God in trouble. The love of Paul toward the corinthians, and his excuse that he came not unto them. CAPI. I. PAul an Apostle of jesus Christ by the will of God, and brother Tymotheus. Unto the congregation of God, which is at Corynthium, which all the saints which are in all Achaia. * Roma. i a. i Corin. i. a Gala. i. a. Ephe. i. a Grace be with you and peace from God our father, & from the Lord jesus Christ. * i. ●etri. i a ●. ●etri. i a. Blessed be God (the father of our Lord jesus Christ) which is the father of mercy▪ and the God of all comfort, which comforteth us in all our tribulation, in so much that we are able to comfort them which are in any manner of trouble, with the same comfort, wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the * Coll●. ●. ●. afflictions of Christ are plenteous in us, even so is our consolation plenteous by Christ. Whether we be troubled for your consolation and health, ⚜ (Or whether we be comforted, it is for your comfort and salvation) which salvation showeth her power in that ye suffer the same afflictions, which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted for your consolation and salvation: our hope also is steadfast for you: in as much as we know, how that as ye are parttakers of the afflictions, so shall ye be parttakers also of the consolation. Brethren, I would not have you ignorant of our trouble, which happened unto us in * ●●●●. nineteen. ●. ● Asia. For we were grieved out of measure passing strength, so greatly that we despaired even of life. Also we received an answer of death in ourselves that we should not put our trust in ourselves: * 1. Reg. two. d Deute. 8. d but in God, which raiseth the dead to life again, and which delivered us from so great a death: and doth deliver. On whom we trust, that yet hereafter he will deliver, by the help of your prayer for us, that by the means of many occasions thanks may be given of many * two. Cori. 4. c on our behalf, for the grace given unto us. For our rejoicing is this, even the testimony of our conscience, that in singleness ⚜ (of heart) and godly pureness, & not in fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and most of all to you wards. We write none other things unto you, then that ye read & also know. Ye and I trust ye shall find us unto the end, even as ye have found us partly: for we are your rejoicing, even * ●. 〈◊〉▪ 2▪ ● as ye are ours in the day of the Lord jesus. * ●. Cor. xvi. ● And in this confidence was I minded first to have come unto you that I might have had one pleasure more with you, and to pass by you into Macedonia, and to have come again out of Macedonia unto you, & to be led forth of you toward jewry. When I thus wise was minded: did I use lightness? Or think I carnally those things which I think? that with me should be * Math. v. ● Jacobi. ●. ● ye, ye, and nay nay. God is faithful: For our preaching to you, was not ye and nay For God's son jesus Christ which was preached among you by us (even by me and Sylvanus and Timotheus) was not ye & nay: but by him it was ye: For all the promises of God, by him are ye: and are in him Amen, unto the laud of God thorough us. For it is God, which stablyssheth us with you in Chryst and standeth by us, and hath anointed us, which hath also sealed us, and * Roma. 8. c Ephe. 4. c hath given the earnest of the spirit in our hearts. ✚ I call God for a record unto my soul, that for to favour you with all I came not any more unto Corynthium. * 1. Petr. v. ●. Not that we be Lords overyoure FAITH: but are helpers of your joy. For by Faith ye stand. ¶ He showeth the cause of his absence and exhorteth them to forgive the man that was fallen, and to receive him again with love. CAPI. II. BUt I determined this in myself, that I would not come again to you in henynesse. For if I make you sorry, who is it that should make me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me? And I wrote this same unto you, lest if I came unto you, I should take heaviness ⚜ (upon heaviness) of them, of whom I ought to rejoice. This confidence have I toward you all, that my joy is the joy of you all. For out of great affliction and anguish of heart. I wrote unto you with many tears: not that ye should be made sorry, but that ye might perceive the love, which I have, most specially unto you. If any man hath caused sorrow, the same hath not made me sorry, but partly: lest I should grieve you all. * i Cori. v. b. It is sufficient unto the same man, that he was rebuked of many. So that now contrary wise, ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him: lest that same person should be swallowed up with over much heaviness. Wherefore, I exhort you, that love may have strength over him. For this cause verily did I writ that I might know the proof of you, whether ye should be obedient in all things. To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also. For if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it, in the sight of Christ, lest Satan should prevent us. For his thoughts are not unknown unto us. ⊢ ✚ When I was come to Troada for Chrstꝭ Gospel's sake (and a great door was opened unto me of the Lord) I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but took my leave of them, & went away into Macedonia. thanks be unto God, which always giveth us the victory in Christ, & openeth the saver of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God the sweet savour of christ, among them that are saved, and among them which perish. * luke. two.▪ ● To the one part are we the savour of death unto death. And unto the other part are we the savour of life unto life. And who is meet unto these things? For we are not as the most part are, which chop & change with the word of god, but even out of pureness, & by the power of God, in the sight of God, so speak we in Christ. ¶ He praiseth the preaching of the Gospel at ou● the preuching of the law. CAPI. III. WE begin to praise ourselves again. need we as sorge other, of epistles of recommendation unto you? or letters of recommendation from you? Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, which is understand & red of all men, for as much as ye declare that ye are the epistle of Christ, ministered by us & written, not with ink: but with the spirit of the living God * Exodi 24. duty. v. ● not in tables of stone, but in * jere. 31. ●. fleshly tables of the heart. ✚ Such trust have we thorough Christ to god ward, not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything, as of ourselves: but if we be able unto anything * Phil● two ● the same cometh of god, which hath made us able to * ●. Cori. 4. ●. ministre the new testament, not of the letter, but of the spirit. For ☞ the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. If the ministration of death thorough the letters figured in stones, was glorious, to that the children of Israel could not behold the face of Moses, for the glory of his countenance (which glory is done away) why shall not the ministration of the spirit be much more glorious? For if the ministering of condemnation be glorious much more 〈◊〉 the ministration of righteousness ●●cea●e in glory. ⊢ For no doubt that which was that glorified, is not once glorified in respect of this exceeding glory. For if that which is destroyed was glorious, much more that which remaineth, is glorious. Seeing then that we have such trust, we use great boldness, & do not as Moses, which * Exod. 24. ● put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel should not see for what purpose that served which is put away. * Ma● 13. ●. Det. iiii. ● Luke. viii ● Acts. 28 f Ihon. x●● f Roma. x●● But their minds were blinded. For until this day remaineth the same covering undertaken away in the lecture of the old testament, which vail shallbe put away in Christ. But even unto this day when Moses is red * Exod. 14. ● the veil hangeth before their hearts. Nevertheless * Roma 〈◊〉. ● when they turn to the Lord, the veil shallbe taken away. * john. iiii. ● The Lord no doubt is a spirit. And where the spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all behold in a mirror the glory of the Lord with his face open, and are changed unto the same similitude, from glory to glory, even as of the spirit of the Lord. A true preacher 〈◊〉 o●●●●●t/ he corrupteth ●o● the word ●● God, but seeketh the honour of Chryst. yet thought it b● with the apparel of his list. CAPI. four Therefore, saying that we have such an office, even as God hath had mercy on us, we go not out of kind: but have cast from us the cloaks of unhonesty, & walk not in craftiness, nether handle we the word of God deceitfully, but open the truth, and report ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. ✚ If our Gospel be yet hid, it is hid among them that are lost, in whom * Ihon. xii. t. Esay. xi. c. the God of this world * 〈…〉 xiii. b Mat ●iii. b. Luke. 8. b. john. xii. t Acts. ●8. f hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the Gospel of the glory of Christ (which is the image of God) should shine unto them. ✚ For we preach not ourselves, but Christ jesus to be the Lord, & ourselves your servants, for jesus sake. For it is God, that ‡ Gene i a. commanded the light to shine out of darkness, which hath ‡ two. Petr i. d. shined in our hearts, for to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of jesus Christ. But we have this treasure in ‡ two. Cori v. ● earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power might be Gods, & not ours. We are troubled on every side, yet are we not without shift. We are in poverty: but not utterly without somewhat. We suffer persecution: but are not for saken therein. We are cast down: nevertheless we perish not. We always ‡ Gala. vi. d. bear about in the body, the dying of the Lord jesus, that the life of jesus might also appear in our body. ‡ Roma. ●. c. For we which live, are always delivered unto death for jesus sake, that the life also of jesus might appear in our mortal flesh. So then, death worketh in us, but life in you. ⊢ ✚ But seeing that we have the same spirit of faith (according as it is written: ‡ Psal. 1: 6. b I believed, & therefore have I spoken). We also believe, & therefore speak. For we know, that he which raised up the Lord jesus, shall raise up us also by the means of jesus, & shall set us with you. For all things do I for your sakes ‡ i Corin. i. n that the plenteous grace by thanks given of many, may redound to the praise of God. Wherefore, we are not wearied. But though our outward man perish, yet the in ward man is renewed day by day. ‡ Psal. thirty. b Rom. viii. d For our tribulation which is momentany and light, prepareth an exceeding and an eternal weight of glory unto us, while we look not on the things which are seen: but on the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen, are temporal: but things which are not seen, are eternal. ⊢ CAPI. V ¶ The reward for suffering trouble. FOr we know that if our ‡ 2. Cor. iiii. ● earthy mansion of this dwelling were destroyed, we have a building of God, an habitation not made with hands, but eternal in heaven. For ‡ Roma. 8. ● therefore sigh we, desiring to be clothed with our mansion which is from heaven: so yet, if that we be found clothed, and not naked. For we that are in this ‡ 2. Petri. 1 ● tabernacle, sigh and are grieved because we would not be unclothed, but would be ‡ Apoca. iii. d clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life He that hath ordained us for this thing, is God: which very same hath given unto us Roma 8. c. 2. Corin. i. ● the earnest of the spirit. Therefore, we are alway of good cheer, and know, that as long as we are at home in the body, we are absent from god. For we walk in faith, not after outward appearance. Nevertheless, we are of good comfort, and had liefer to be absent from the body, & to be present with God. Wherefore, whether we be at home or from home, we endeavour ourselves, to please him. * Mat. xxv. ● Roma. 14. ● For we must all appear before the judgement seat of christ, that every man may receive the works of his body according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. ✚ Seeing then that we know, how the Lord is to be feared. We far fair with men. For we are known well enough unto god. I trust also that we are known in your consciences. For we praise not ourselves again unto you, but give you an occasion to rejoice of us, that ye may have some what against them, which rejoice in the face, and not in the heart. For if we be to fervent, to god are we to fervent. Or if we keep measure, for your cause keep we measure. For the love of Christ constraineth us, because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead, & ‡ 2. Ti●. v. c he died for all: that they which live, should not hence forth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, & rose again. ⊢ Wherefore, hence forth know we no man after the flesh. In so much though we have known Christ after the flesh, now yet hē●e forth know we him so no more. Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature Old things are passed away, behold, all things are become ‡ Esay. 43. ●. Ap●c xxi. a. new. Nevertheless, all things are of God, which hath ‡ Roma. iii. d ●o●●o●. i. ● reconciled us unto himself by jesus Christ, and hath given to us the office to preach the atonement. For * Collo. two. c God was in Christ, & made agreement between the world and himself, & imputed not their sins unto them, and hath committed to us the preaching of the atonement. Now then are we messengers in the room of Christ even as though God did beseech you thorough us. So pray we you in Christ's stead, that ye be reconciled unto God: for * Esay. liii. b Roma. ●. ● he made him to ☞ be sin for us, which knew no sin, that we by his means should be that righteousness, which before God is allowed. ¶ An exhortation to receive the word of God with thankfulness and amendment of life. The diligence of Paul in the Gospel, and how he warneth them to eschew the company of the Heythen. CAPI. VI WE also as helpers exhort you that ye receive not the grace of god in vain. For he sayeth: * Esay. xlix. c I have heard the in a time accepted: and in the day of salvation, have I suckered the. Behold, now is that accepted time: behold, now is the day of salvation. Let us give no occasion of evil, that in our office be found no fault: but in all things let us behave ourselves * ●. Cori. 4. a as the ministers of God. In much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in anguishes, in stripes, in presonmentes: in strytes: in labours, in watchings, in fastings, in pureness, in knowledge, in long suffering, in kindness, in the holy Ghost, in love unfeignedly, in the word of truth, in the power of God, by the armour of righteousness of the right hand & on the left be honour and dishonour: by evil report & good report: as deceivers, and yet true, as unknown, and yet known: as dying, & behold, we live: as chastened, & not killed: as sorrowing, & yet always merry: as poor, and yet make many rich: as having nothing, & yet possessing all things. O ye Corinthians, our mouth is open unto you. Our heart is made large: ye are in no straight in us, but are in a straight in your own bowels: I promise unto you like reward, as unto children. Set yourselves at large, & ✚ * duty. 7. ●, bear not ye the yoke with the unbelievers. For what fellyshyp hath righteousness with unrighteousness? Or what company hath light with dackenesse? * Math. 8. d. Or what concord hath Christ with belial? Either what part hath he that believeth, with an infidel? Or how agreeth the temple of God with images? For ye * ● Corin. 3. b 〈◊〉. vi. d are the Temple of the living God, as said God? * Exodi. 29. ● levit. 26. ● Ezech. 37. ● I will dwell among them, and walk among them, and will be their God: and they shall be my people. Wherefore * Esay. lii. ●. come out from among them, and separate yourselves from them (saith the Lord) and touch none unclean thing: so will I receive you, and will be a father unto you, and ye shallbe my sons & daughters, saith the Lord almighty. ¶ ●e exhorteth them to receive the promises of God thankfully. The corinthians are commanded for ●he●● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and love toward Paul. CAPI. VII. saying that we have such promises (dearly beloved) let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and grow up to full holiness with the fear of of God. understand us, we have hurt no man we have corrupt no man: we have defraudyd no man. I speak not this to condemn you: for I have showed you before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you. I am very bold over you. I rejoice greatly in you. I am filled with comfort, and am exceeding joyous in all our trybu lation. For when we were come into Macedonia * Acts. 16. ●. our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side. Outward was fighting, inward was fere. Nevertheless * 1. Cori. i. a, God that comforteth the absecte, comforted us by the coming of Titus. And not by his coming only: but also by the consolation which we received of you: when he told us your desire, your weeping your fervent mind for me: so that I rejoiced the more. For though I made you sorry with a letter, I repent not: though I did repent. For I perceive, that the same epistle made you sorry, though it were but for a season. But I now rejoice, not that ye were sorry, but that ye so sorrowed, that ye repented. For ye sorrowed godly: so that in nothing ye were hurt by us. For godly sorrow causeth repentance unto salvation, not to be repent of: contrary wise * Eccle. 30. 8. worldly sorrow causeth death. For behold, what diligence this godly sorrow that ye took, hath wrought in you: ye it caused you to clear yourselves. It caused indignation, it caused fear, it caused desire, it caused emutation, it caused punishment. For in all things ye have showed yourselves, that ye were clear in that matter. Wherefore, though I wrote unto you, I did it not for his cause that had done the hurt, nether for his cause that was hurt: but that your good mind for us might appear among you in the sight of God. Therefore, we are comforted, because ye are comforted: ye & excedyngely the more joyed we, for the joy that Tytus had: because his spirit was refreshed of you all. I am therefore not now ashamed, though I boasted myself to him of you. For as all things which we spoke unto you are true, even so our boasting that I made unto Titus is found true. And his inward affection is more abundant toward you, when he remembreth the obedience of you all: how with fear & trembling ye received him. I rejoice that I may be bold over you in all things. ¶ He putteth them in remembrance to help the poor saints at jerusalem, according as the Macedonians did. CAPI. VIII. I certify you brethren, of the grace of god which was given in the congregations of Macedonia, how that the abundance of their rejoicing is, that they are tried with much tribulation. And though they were exceeding poor, yet have they given exceeding richly, and that in singleness. For to their powers (I bear them record) ye & beyond their power they were willing of their own accord, and prayed us with great instance, that we would receive their benefit, and suffer them to be partakers with other * Acts. xi. d. ● Cor. xvi. ● 〈◊〉. Cor. ix. a Roma. xv. t in ministering to the sanctes. And this they did, not as we looked for: but gave their own selves first to the Lord, and after unto us by the will of God: so that we could not but desire Tytus, to accomplish the same benevolence among you also, even as he had begun. Now therefore, as ye are rich in all parties, in faith, in word, in knowledge, in all ferventness, and in love, which ye have to us: even so, se that ye be plenteous in this benevolence also. This say I not as commanding: but because of ferventness. I do allow the untaynednesse of your love toward other men. For ye know the liberality of our Lord jesus Christ, that though he was * Roma. x ● rich, yet for your sakes he became poor: that ye thorough his poverty, might be made rich. And I give council hereto. For this is expel tent for you, which began, not to do only, but also to will a year ago. Now therefore perform the thing which ye began to do: that as there was in you a readiness to will, even so ye may perform the deed * i Pet. iiii. ● Prove iii. b Mat xii. d of that which ye have. For * Luke. xxi. a. if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. It is not my mind that other be set at ease: and ye brought into cumbrance: but that there be equalness now at this time: and that your abundance may sucker their lack: and that their abundance may supply your lack: that there may be equalite agreeing to that which is written: * Ex●. xvi. ● He that had much, had not the more abundance: & he that had little, had nevertheless. Thanks be unto God, which put the same good mind for you in the heart of Titus, which accepted the request: ye rather he was so well willing, that of his own accord, he came unto you. We have sent with him that brother, whose laud is in the Gospel thorough out all the congregations: & not that only, but is also chosen of the congregtions to be a fellow with us in our journey, concerning this benevolence that is ministered by us unto the praise of the same Lord, & to steer up your prompt mind. For this we eschew, that any man should rebuke us in this plenteous distribution * Roma. xii. c that is ministered by us ⚜ (to the glory of the Lord) & make provision for honest things: not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. We have sent with them a brother of ours, whom we have oft times proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent. The great confidence which I have i● you, hath caused me this to do: partly for Titus' sake which is my fellow and helper as concerning you. Partly because of other which are our brethren, and the messengers of the congregations, & the glory of Christ. Wherefore, show ye unto them the proof of your love, & of our * i. 〈◊〉. two. ●. boasting of you in the sight of the congregations. ¶ In this chapter doth he the same that he did in the chapter going before, that is, he moveth them to help the poor brethren at jerusalem. CAPI. IX. OF the * Acts. xi. ● t. Cori. 16 ● two. Cori. 8. ●. Rom. 〈◊〉. ●. ministering to the saints, it is but superfluous for me to wrytre unto you for I know the readiness of your mind, whereof I boast myself unto them of Macedonia, that Achaia was prepared a year ago: & your ensample hath provoked many. Nevertheless, yet have I sent these brethren, lest our boasting which I make of you, should be in vain in this behalf, that ye (as I have said) may prepare your selves: lest peradventure if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (I will not say ye) should be ashamed in this matter of boasting. Wherefore, I thought it necessary, to exhort the brethren, to come before hand unto you, and to prepare your good blessing promised afore, that it might be ready, so that it be a blessing, and not a defrauding. ✚ This yet I say, he which soweth little, shall reepe little, and * Prou. xi. b. Gala. vi. d. he that soweth plenteously shall reepe plenteously. And letevery man do according as he hath purposed in his heart not groudgyngly, or of necessity * Exo. xxv. a 〈◊〉. xxxv. ● 〈…〉. 〈◊〉. ●. For God loveth a cheerful giver. God is able to make you rich in all grace, that ye in all things having sufficient unto the utmost, may be rich unto all manner of good work, as it is written: * Psa. xxii. b. He hath sparsed abroad, and hath given to the poor, his rightewesnes remaineth for ever. He that ministereth seed unto the sour minister breed also for food, and multiply your seed, and increase the fruits of your ryghtwesnes ⊢ that on all parts, ye may be made rich ☞ into all singleness, which causeth thorough us that thanks are given unto God. For the office of this ministration, not only supplieth the need of the saints: but also is abundant here in, that for this laudable ministering, thanks might be given to God of many, which praise God for the obedience of your consenting to the Gospel of Christ, and for your singleness in distrybuting to them, and to all men, and in their prayers for you which long after you, for the abundant grace of God in you. thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gy●ce. ¶ He ●ou●h hath the false Apostles, and defendeth his authority and calling. CAPI. X. I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and softness of Christ, which when I am present among you am of no reputation but am bold toward you being absent. I beseech you, that I need not to be bold when I am present (with that same confidence, where with I am supposed to have been bold) against some, which repute us as though we walked carnally. For though we walk in the flesh, yet we do not war fleshly. ‡ Ephe. vi. ●. For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal things, but things, mighty in God, to cast down strong holds wherewith we overthrow counsels and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bring into captyuyte all imagination to the obedience of christ, and are ready to take vengeance on all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. Look ye on things after the utter appearance? If any man trust in himself, that he is Christ's, let him consider this again of him self, that as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's. For though I boast myself more of our authority (which the Lord hath given us * 2. Cor. xiii. t to edify and not to destroy you) it shall not be to my shame: lest I should seem as though I went about to make you afraid with letters. For the epistles (saith he) are sore and strong: but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech rude. Let him that is such, think on this wise: that as we are in words by letters when we are absent, such are we in deeds, when we are present. For we cannot find in our hearts to make ourselves of the number of them, or to compare ourselves to them, which praise themselves. Nevertheless, while they measure themselves with them selves, and compare themselves with themselves, they understand nought. But we will not rejoice above measure: but according to the measure of the rule, which God hath distributed unto us, a measure to reach even unto you. For we stretch not out ourselves beyond measure, as though we reached not unto you. For even to you also have we come with the gospel of christ, and we boast not ourselves out of measure in other men's labours. Ye and we hope it will come to pass, that when your faith is increased among you, we shall be magnified according to our measure, more largely, and that I shall preach the Gospel in those regions which are beyond you: and not to boast of those things, which by another man's measure are prepared already. But let him that rejoiceth, rejoice in the Lord. For he that praiseth himself, is not allowed: but he whom the Lord praiseth. ¶ Paul (under sufferance) cominendeth himself and defendeth his authority against the false prophets. CAPI. XI. Would to God, ye could have suffered me a little in my foolishness: ye, ye do also forbear me. For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy. For I have coupled you to one man, to make you a chaste virgin to Christ. But I fear, lest it come to pass that as the serpent * Gene.. three ●. beguiled Eve thorough his su●teltye, even ❧: The Epistle of saint Paul the Apostle unto the galatians. ¶ Paul rebuketh them, because they were fallen away from the Gospel, showeth his own conversion, magnifyeth his office and apostleship, and declareth himself to be equal with the high Apostles. CAPI. I. Paul an Apostle/ not of men, neither by man, but by jesus christ, and by God the father, which raised him up from death: and all the brethren which are with me. Unto the congregations of Galacia. * Roma. i a. i. Cori. ●. a. two. Cori. ●. a. Grace be with you and peace from God the father, and from our Lord jesus christ, which gave himself for our sins, to deliver us from this present evil world according to the will of God our father, to whom be praise for ever and ever. AMEN. I marvel, that ye, are so soon turned (from Christ, which called you by grace) unto another Gospel: which is nothing else, but that there be some, which trouble you, and * ●●●●●. xv a. intend to pervert the Gospel of christ. Nevertheless, though we our selves, or an angel from heaven, preach any other Gospel unto you, then that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you, then that ye have received, let him be accursed. Do I now speak unto men or unto God? Other go I about to please men? * job. xxxi a. For if I had hitherto studied to please men, I were not the servant of Chryst. ✚ I certify you brethren, that the Gospel which was preached of me, was not after the manner of men. For I neither received it, nor learned it of man, but by the revelation of jesus christ. For ye have heard of my conversation in time paste, in the jews way, how that beyond measure * Act. viii. a ix. a. xxii. a and. xxvi b. ●. Cori. x●. ● I persecuted the congregation of god, and spoiled it: and prevailed in the jews way above many of my companions in mine own nation ‡ Phili. iii a. being a very fervent maintainer of the traditions of the elders. But when it pleosed God, which separated me from my mother's womb, and * Acts. ix. ●. called me hereunto by his grace, for to declare his son by me, that I should preach him among the heathen: immediately I commened not of the matter with * Mat. x●●● flesh and blood, neither returned to jerusalem, to them which were apostles before me: but went my ways into Arabia, and came again unto Damascus. Then after three year, I returned to jerusalem to se Peter, and abode with him. xv. days. Other of the Apostles saw I none, save james the lords brother. The things which I write unto you: behold. Before God I lie not. * Act●. xxii. ●. After that came I into the coasts of Syria and Cilicia, and was unknown as touching my person unto the congregations of jewrye, which were in christ. But this they heard only, that he which persecuted us in time paste, now preacheth the faith, which before he destroyed. And they glorified God in me. ⊢ ¶ He withstandeth Peter in the face, and proveth that the law and circumcision are not necessary to salvation. CAPI. II. THen. xiv. years thereafter, I went up again to jerusalem * Acts. x●. ● with Barnabas, and took Titus with me. I went up also by revelation, and commened with them of the Gospel which I preach among the gentiles (but specially) with them which were counted chief, least I should run, or had run, in vain. Also Titus which was with me, though he were a Greek, yet was not compelled to be circumcised: and that because of incommers' being false brethren, which came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in christ jesus, that they might bring us into bondage. To whom we gave no room, no not for the time (as concerning to be brought insubieccyon) because that the truth of the Gospel might continue with you. Of them which seemed to be somewhat (what they were in time passed it maketh no matter to me: * ●. Pat. x●x. ● Roma. two. ●. Acts. x. ●. Ephe. 6. ●. Collo. three ● Eccle. ●5. ●. God looketh on the outward appearance of no man) nevertheless they which seemed great, added nothing to me. But contrary wise, when they saw that the Gospel over the uncyrcumcysion was committed unto me, as the Gospel over the circumcision was committed unto Peter (for he that was mighty in Peter in the Apostleshyppe over the circumcision, the same was mighty in me among the gentiles) when they perceived the grace that was given unto me, than james, Cephas and john, which seemed to be pillars. gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of that fellowship, that we should be Apostles among the Heathen, and they in the circumcision: only that we should remember the poor. ‡ ●●●●. xi. d. 〈◊〉. Cori. ix a Wherein also I was diligent to do the same. But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him openly, because he was worthy to be blamed. For yet the certain came from james, he did eat with the gentiles. But when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself from them, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other jews dissembled as well as he: in so much that Barnabas also was brought into their simulation. But when I saw, that they went not the right way after the truth of the Gospel, I said unto Peter before them all: if thou being a jew, livest after the manner of the gentiles and not as do the jews: why causest thou the gentiles to live as do the jews? For we which are * Philip. 3. a 〈…〉. iii c Jews by nature, and not sinners of the gentiles, know, that a man ‡ is not justified by the deeds of the law, but by the faith of jesus Christ: And we have believed on jesus christ, that we might be justified by the faith of christ, and not by the deeds of the law: because that by the deeds of the law no flesh shall be justified. If while we seek to be made ryghtewes by Christ, we ourselves are found sinners, is Christ then the minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build again the things which I destroyed▪ then make I myself a trespaser. For ☞ I thorough the law, have been deed to the law: that I might live unto God. I am crucified with Christ: yet do I live nevertheless now not I, but christ liveth in me. The life which I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the son of God * Ephes. v. ●. which loved me, and gave himself for me. I despise not the grace of God. For * 〈…〉. 4. c. if righteousness come of the law, than christ died in vain. ¶ He rebuketh the unsteadfastness of the galatians showing the unparfectnesse of the law and declareth nevertheless that it was not given for nought. CAPI. III. OYe foolish Galathyans': who hath bewitched you, that ye should not believe the truth? To whom jesus Christ was described before the eyes, & now among you crucified. This only would I learn of you whether ye received the spirit by the deeds of the law, or by the preaching of the faith Are ye so unwise, that after ye have begun in the spirit, ye now end in the flesh? So many things ye have suffered in vain, if it be also in vain. Moreover, he that ministereth to you the spirit, & worketh miracles among you, doth he it thorough the deeds of the law, or by praching of the faith? * Gene. xv. ●. Roma. 4. a. jacob. 〈◊〉. d. Even as Abraham believed God, & it was asscrybed to him for righteousness, ye know therefore, that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. For the scripture saying afore hand, that God would justify the heathen thorough faith, showed before hand glad tidings unto Abraham saying: * Gene. xi●. a and. xxii. b. In the shall all nations be blessed. So then, they which be of faith, are blessed withfaythfull Abraham. For as many as are of the deeds of the law, are subject to the curse. For it is written * Deve. 27. d. cursed be every one, that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law, to fulfil them. That no man is justified by the law in the sight of God it is evident. * A●a●●●. ●. ● Roma. ●. c. Hebre. x. ●. levit. ●●. ● For the just shall live by faith. The law is not of faith ‡ Ez▪ x●, ● Roma x. ●. but the man that fulfilleth the things contained in the law, shall live in them. Christ hath delivered us from the curse of the law, in as much as he was made a curse for us. For it is written: * Deu. xx●●. ●. cursed is every one, that hangeth on tree, that the blessing of Abraham might come on the gentiles thorough jesus Christ, the we might receive the promise of the spirit thorough faith. Brethren, I spoke after the manner of men. Though it be but a man's testament, yet no man despiseth it, or addeth any thing there to, if it be allowed. ✚ To Abraham and his seed were the promises made, He saith not in the seeds, as many: but in thy seed, as of one, which is Christ. This I say, that the law which began after ward, beyond * Gene. xv. ●. Exodi. xii. f judith. v. b Acts. seven. a four. C. and thirty years, doth not disannul the testament, that was confirmed afore of God unto christ ward, to make the promise of none effect ‡ Rom. iiii. c. For if the inheritance come of the law, it cometh not now of promise. But God gave it unto Abraham by promise. Wherefore then serveth the law? * Roma v ●▪ and. seven. b. The law was added because of transgression (till the seed came, to whom the promise was made) & it was ordained * Acts. viii. ● by Angels in the hand of a mediator. A mediator is not a mediator of one. But God is one. * Rom seven. c. ●. Timo. i. ●. Is the law then against the promise of God? God forbid. For if there had been a law given which could have given life: then no doubt righteousness should come by the law But the scripture ❧: The epistle of Saint Paul the apostle unto the ephesians. ¶ The everlasting ordinance and election of God in saving all men thorough christ jesus his son, we are ordained unto good works. The dominion of christ. CAPI. I. PAul an apostle of jesus Chryst, by the will of God. To the saints/ which are at Ephesus/ and to them which believe on jesus christ. * Roma. i a. i. Corin. i. a 11. Cori. i a. Grace be with you & peace from God our father, and from the Lord jesus christ. * i. Pete. i. a. Gala. i. a. i. Petri. i●. Blessed be God the father of our Lord jesus Chryst, which hath blessed us with all manner of spiritual blessing in heavenly things by christ, according as he had chosen us in him, before the foundations of the world were laid, that we should be holy, and without blame before him, thorough love. which ordained us before thorough jesus Christ to be heirs unto himself ' according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of the glory of his grace, where with he hath made us accepted thorough the beloved. * Collo. i. ● By whom we have redemption thorough his blood, even the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace: where of he hath ministered unto us abundantly in all wisdom, and prudence. And hath opened unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure, which he had purposed in himself, to have it declared * Gala. iiii. a when the time was full come, that he might set up all things perfectly by christ (both the things which are in heaven, and the things which are in earth) even by him, by whom we are made heirs, and were thereto predestinate according to the purpose of him by whose power all things are wrought according to the purpose of his own will: that we (which before believed in Christ) should be unto the praise of his glory. In whom also ye believe, for asmuch as we have hard the word of truth, even the Gospel of your salvation: wherein when ye had believed * Roma. ●. ●. two. Corin. i. d and. v. a ye were sealed with the holy spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our in heritance for the recovering of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. Wherefore, I also (after that I heard of the faith which ye have in the Lord jesus, and love unto all the saints) * Roma. i b. Philip. ●. ●. ●oll●. ●. ● 2. 〈◊〉 cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers: that the God of our Lord jesus Christ, the father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and of revelation by the knowledge of himself and lighten the eyes of your minds: that ye may know what the * Rom. xv. ●. hope is, where unto he hath called you, and how rich the glory is of his inheritance upon the saints, & what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us ward, which believe according to the working of that his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the deed, * Psal. ix. ●. and set him on his right hand in heavenly things, above * Dani. seven. d all rule, and power, and might and dominion, and above every name that is named, not in this world only, but also in the world to come: and * Psal. viii. b Hebre. two. ●. 1. Cori. x●. ● hath put all things under his feet, and hath made him above all things ‡ Ephes. v. ●. Collo. i. c the heed of the congregation, which is his body and the fullness of him, that filleth all in all. ¶ Paul showeth them what manner of people they were before their conversion, and what they are now in christ. CAPI. II. AND you hath he quickened, where as ye were deed in ●reaspasses, & sins, in the which * Roma. v. ●. Collo. i. c in time passed ye walked, according to the course of this world, even after the governor that ruleth in the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of unbelief * Collo. three ● among whom we all had our conversation also in time past, in the lusts of our flesh, and fulfilled the lusts of our flesh, and fulfilled the will of the flesh and of the mind: and ☞ were by nature the children of wrath, even as well as other. But God which is rich in mercy (for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were deed by sins) quickened us together in Chryst ( * Elay. 25. d. by garce are ye saved) and raised us up together with him and made us sit together with him among them of heaven in Christ Iesu. That in time to come, he might show the exceeding riches of his grace, in kindness to us ward thorough Chryst Iesu. For by grace are ye made safe thorough faith, & that not of your selves. It is the gift of God, and cometh not of works, lest any man should boast himself. For we are his worckmanshyppe, created in Christ jesus unto * ●i●us. i. d good works, which god ordained, that we should walk in them. Wherefore, remember that ye being in time passed gentiles in the flesh, were called * Phil. iii. a ●●lio. two, b uncircumcysyon from that which is called circumcision in the flesh, which circumcision is made by hands: Remember (I say) that at that time ye were without Christ, being al●ātes from the comen wealth of Israel, & strangers from the testaments of the promise, and had no hope, & were without God in this world. But now by the means of Christ jesus, ye which sometime were far of, are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, which hath made of both one, and hath broken down the wall that was a stop between us, and hath also put away thorough his flesh, ☞ the cause of hatred, even the law of commandments contained in the law written, for to make of ●wane one new man in himself, so making peace: and to reconcile both unto God in one body thorough the cross, & slew hatred thereby: and came, & preached peace to you which were a far of, & to them that were ny●. For thorough him we both have an entrance, in one spirit unto the father. ✚ Now therefore, ye are not strangers & foreigners: but citizens with the saints, and of the household of God: and are built upon the * i ●or. i●. b ●●ay 〈◊〉 d. Acts. iiii. b foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, * Roma. ix. ● Psal. 〈◊〉. ● Mat. xxi. d Acts. iiii. ● i. Petr. two. b jesus Christ himself being the head corner stone, in whom what building soever is coupled together, it groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord, in whom ye also are built together, to be an habitation of God thorough the ⚜ (holy) ghost. ⊢ ¶ He showeth the cause of his presonment, desireth them not to saint because of his trouble, and prayeth God to make them steadfast in his spirits. CAPI. III. FOr this ●ause, I Paul am a prisoner of jesus Christ for you Heythen: If ye have heard of the ministration of the grace of God, * A●eo. xiii. a which is given me to you ward for * Gala. i. b by revelation showed he the mystery unto me, as I wrote afore in few words, whereby when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ, which mystery in times passed was not opened unto the sons of men, as it is now declared unto his holy Apostles and Prophets by the spirit, that the gentiles should be inheritors also, & of the same body, & partakers of his promise in Christ by the means of the Gospel, whereof I am made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God which is given unto me after the working of his power. Unto me the * i Cori. xv. ● least of all saints is this grace given, that I should preach among the gentiles the unsearchable riches of christ, and to make all men see, what fellowship of the mystery is, * which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God which made all things thorough jesus christ: to the intent, that now unto the rulers and powers in heavenly things might be known by the congregation, the manifold wisdom of God, according to the eternal purpose, which he wrought in Christ jesus our Lord, by whom we have boldness and entrance with the confidence which is by the faith of him. ✚ Wherefore I desire that ye faint not because of my trybulations * Collo. ●. d. that I suffer for your sakes: which is your praise. For this cause I bow my knees unto the father of our Lord jesus Christ, which is father over all that is called father in Heaven and in earth, that he would grant you according to the riches of his glory, that ye may be strengthened with might by his spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that ye being rooted and grounded in love, might be able to comprehend with all saints, what is that breadth and length, depth and height, and to know the excellent love of the knowledge of Christ, that ye might be fulfilled with all fullness, which cometh of God. Unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us, be praise in the congregation by jesus Christ throughout all generations from time to tyme. Amen. ¶ He exhorteth them unto meekness, to lay aside the old conversation of greedy lusts, and to walk in a new life. CAPI. four I Therefore (which am a prisoner of the Lords) exhort you, * ●. Co▪ 7. d. that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called with all lowliness and meekness, with humbleness of mind, forbearing one another thorough love, and be diligent to keep the unite of the spirit thorough the bond of peace being one body, and one spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling. Let there be but one Lord, one faith, one baptism: one God and father of all, which is above all, & thorough all, and in you all. ⊢ ✚ * Roma. xii. ● Cori. xii. d Unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he sayeth ‡ Psal. 〈◊〉. ● : when he went up an high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. That he ascended: what meaneth it, but that he also descended first into the lowest parts of the earth? * Ihon. iii. ●. He that descended, is even the same also that ascended up, above all heavens, to fulfil all things. And the very same made * ●. Cori. xii. d▪ Math. x. ● 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. ● some Apostles, some Prophets, some evangelists, some shepherds and Teachers: to the edifying of the saints, to the work and ministration, even to the edifying of the body of Chryst, till we all come to the unity of faith, and knowledge of the son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the full perfect age of christ. ⊢ That we hence forth should be no more children, * ●●ll●. two. b wavering and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the wiliness of men, thorough craftiness, whereby they lay a wait for us, to deceive us. But let us follow the truth in love, and in all things grow in him, * Ephes. i. ●. and ●. ●●●llo. i. ●. which is the head, even Christ, in whom if all the body be coupled & knet together thorough out every joint wherewith * Rom. xii. b ●. ●o●●. xii. ● one ministereth to another (according to the operation as every part hath his measure) he increaseth the body, unto the edifying of itself thorough love. ✚ This I say therefore, and testify thorough the Lord, that ye hence forth walk not * Rom●. ●. ●. ●. P●●●. 4. ● as other gentiles walk, in vanity of their mind, while they are blinded in their understanding, being far from a godly life, by the means of the ignorancy that is in them, & because of the blindness of their hearts: which being past repentance, have given themselves over unto wantonness, to work all manner of uncleanness, even with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ If so be that ye have heard of him, & have been taught in him, as the truth is in jesus: (as concerning the conversation in time passed) to lay from you that old man, which is corrupt, according to the deceivable lusts. ⊢ ✚ To be renewed also in the spirit of your mind, & * Roma. 6. a Collo iii. a to put on that new man, which after God is shapen in righteousness and true holiness. Wherefore, * L●uit. 19 c put away lying, and speak every man truth unto his neighbour, for as much as we are members one of another. ☞ * Psal. ii●●. ● Be angry, and sin not: let not the son go down upon your wrath, neither give place unto the backbiter. * levit. nineteen. ● Let him that stole, steal no more ‡ ●. Tessa. ●. ● but let him rather labour with his hands the thing which is good, that he may give unto him that needeth. ⊢ Let no filthy communication proceed out of your mouth: but that which is good to edify withal, as oft as need is: that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not ye the holy spirit of God * Rom●. ●. ● 〈◊〉. ●or●. ●. ● by whom ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and fierceness and wrath and roaring and cursed speaking, be put away from you, with all maliciousness. Be ye courteous one to another, merciful, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. ¶ He exhorteth them unto love, warneth them to be ware of all uncleanness. He teacheth how women should obey their husbands, and how lovingly men ought to entreat they● wives. CAPI. V BE ye * ●. P●●●. ●. ●●ohn 〈◊〉. ● therefore followers of God as dear children, and walk in love even as * 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. ●. Christ loved us, and gave himself for us an offering and a sacrycye of a sweet saver to God. ‡ ●●●●●. 〈◊〉. ● As for fornication and all uncleanness, or covetousness let it not be once named among you, as it becometh sanctes: or filthiness or foolish talking, or testing, which are not comely: but rather giving of thanks. For this ye know that ‡ Gala. ●. ● 1. Cor. ●. ● no whoremonger, either unclean person, or covetous person, (which is a worshipper of images) hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. ‡ Math. 〈◊〉. ● Co●●. ●. 〈◊〉. ● M●r 〈◊〉. ● Lu●●. 〈◊〉. ● Let no man deceive you which vain words. For because of such things cometh the wrath of God, upon the children of dysobedyenc●. Be not ye therefore companions of them. Ye were sometime darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord. ‡ john 〈◊〉. ●●. Co●●. ●. ● Walk as children of light. For the fruit of the spirit consisteth in all goodness, and righteousness and truth. ⊢ Accept that, which is pleasing unto the Lord, and have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness: but rather rebuke them. For it is shame even to name those things which are done of them in secret: but all things, when they are rebuked of the light, are manifest. For whatsoever is manifest, that same is light. Wherefore he sayeth: awake thou that sleepest, and stand up from death, and Christ shall give the light. ✚ Take heed therefore how ye walk circumspectly: not as unwise, but as wise men: avoiding occasion, because the days are evil. Wherefore, be ye not unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is, and be not drunk with wine wherein is excess: but be filled with the spirit, speaking unto yourselves * Psal. 33. a ●ollo. iii. c in Psalms and Hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord in your hearts, giving thanks always for all things unto God the father, in the name of our Lord jesus Christ, submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God, ⊢ Ye women, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord. For * Gene. two. d. the husband is the wives head, even as Christ is * ●. Cori. xi. ● 〈◊〉. ●. ●. the head of the congregation, & the same is he that ministereth salvation unto the body. Therefore as the congregation is in subjection to Christ, like wise let the women also be in subjection to their husbands in all things. Ye husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the congregation, & gave himself for it, to sanctify it, & cleansed it in the fountain of water thorough the word, to make it unto himself a glorious congregation, without spot or wrynckle, or any such thing: but that it should be holy, & without blame. So ought men to love their wives, as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife, loveth himself: For no man ever yet hated his own flesh: but nourisheth & cheryssheth it, even as the Lord doth the congregation. For we are members of his body, of his flesh, & of his bones. * Gene. two. d M●●. 〈◊〉. ● Mark. ●●●. Cori. 〈◊〉. ● 〈◊〉. ●●. For this cause shall a man leave father & mother, & shallbe joined unto his wife, and of two shallbe made one flesh. This is a great secret, but I speak of Christ & of the congregation. Nevertheless, do ye so, that every one love his wife even as himself. And let the wife fear her husband. ¶ How children should be have themselves toward thei●●●rtutes. Servants toward their maystees, An exhor●●●yon to th● spirit●●l battle. CAPI. VI C * Collo. 〈◊〉. ● Hyldrens, obey your fathers & mothers in the Lord: for that is right. ‡ Exod●. ●●. b Honour thy father & mother, (the same is the first commandment in the promise) that y● mayest prosper, & live long on the earth. Ye fathers move not your children to wrath: but * Deu●●. 4. b ye shall bring them up thorough the nurtur & information of the Lord. Ye servants be obedient unto them that are your bodily masters, with fear & trembling, even with the singleness of your heart, as unto Christ: not doing service unto the eye▪ as they that go about to please men: but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of god from the heart with good will, serving the Lord, & not men. Knowing this, that what soever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive again of god, whether he be bond or fire. And ye masters, do even the same things unto them, putting away threatenings: Knowing that your master also is in heaven. * ●●. P●●. 19 c Act●●. ●. ●. Rom●. ●. ●. Eccle. 35 C●●. 〈◊〉. ●. ● nether is there any respect of person with him. ✚ Finally my brethren, be strong thorough the Lord and thorough the power of his might. Put on all the armour of God, that ye may stand against the assaults of the devil. For we wrestle not against blood and flesh: but against rule, against power, against worldly rulers, even governors of the derckenes of this world, against spiritual craftiness in heavenly things. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to resist in the evil day, and stand perfect in all things. Stand therefore, * Luke. 〈◊〉. ●. ●. Petri. ●. ●. & your loins gird with the truth, having on the breast plate of righteousness, & having shoes on your feet that ye may be prepared for the Gospel of peace. Above all, take to you the sh●ld of faith wherewith ye may quench, all the fiery dartis of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, & the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God. ⊢ * Luke. ●8. ●. ●. 〈◊〉. ●. d. And pray always which all manner of prayer & supplication in the spirit & watch thereunto with all instance & supplication for all sanctes & for me, & that utterance Collo. 4. ●. may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth freely, to utter the secrets of my Gospel (whereof I am messenger in bonds) that therein I may speak freely, as I ought to speak. But that ye may also know what condition I am in, and what I do, Tichicus the dear brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall show you of all things, whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know what case we stand in, and that ye might comfort your hearts. Peace be unto the brethren and love with faith, from God the Father and from the Lord jesus Christ. Grace be with all them, which love our Lord jesus Christ unfeignedly. Amen. ¶ Sent from Rome unto the ephesians by Tichicus. ❧ The epistle of saint Paul the Apostle to the Phyllippians. ¶ He exhorteth them to increase in love, in knowledge, and experience of Godly things. CAPI. I. Paul and Timothe the servants of jesus Christ. To all the saints in Christ jesus, which are at Philippos with the Bishops and Deacons. Grace be unto you and peace from God our father, & from the Lord jesus Christ. ✚ I thank my God with all remembrance of you * Roma. i b. Collo. i a. all ways in all my prayers for all you, and pray with gladness: because ye are come into the fellowship of the Gospel from the first day unto now: ✚ and am surely certified of this, that he which hath begun a good work in you, shall perform it until the day of jesus Christ, as it becometh me so judge I of you all, because I have you in my heart: forasmuch as ye all are companions of grace with me, even in my bonds, and in the defending and stably shing of the Gospel. For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all, from the very heart rote in jesus Christ. * Ephe. i. d, And this I pray, that your love may increase yet more and more in knowledge, and in all understanding, that ye may accept the things that are most excellent, that ye may be pure, and such, as hurt no man's conscience until the day of Christ: being filled with the fruit of righteousness, which fruit cometh by jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God. ⊢ I would ye should understand (brethren) that the things which happened unto me, chanced unto the great furtherance of the Gospel: So that my bands in Christ, are manifest thorough out all the judgement hall and in all other places: In so much that many of the brethren in the Lord being encoraged thorough my bands, dare more boldly speak the word without fere. Some preach Christ of envy and strife, and some of good will. The one part preacheth christ of strife & not sincerely, supposing to add more adversity to my bands; Again the other it preach of love, because they know that I am set to defend the Gospel. What then? So that Christ be preached any manner of way, whether it be by occasion, or of true meaning, I am glad thereof, ye and will be glad. For I know, that this shall chance to my salvation, * two Corin. i. ● thorough your prayer and ministering of the spirit of jesus Christ, according to my expectation & hope, that in nothing I shallbe ashamed: but that with all boldness, (as all ways even so now also) Christ shallbe magnified in my body, whether it be thorough life, or thorough death. For Christ is to me life, & death is to me advantage. If it chance me to live in the flesh, that thing is to me fruitful for the work, and what I shall choose I wot not. For I am constrained of these two things, * two. Cori. v. ● I vesyre to be loosed: and to be with Christ is much better. Nevertheless, to abide in the flesh is more needful for you. And this am I sure of, that I shall abide, and continued with you all, for your furtherance and joy of your faith, that your rejoicing may be the more abundant thorough jesus Christ in me, by my coming to you again. Only let your conversation be, * Ephe. iiii a as it becometh the Gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may yet here of your condition, that ye continue in one spirit, and in one soul, labouring as we do, to maintain the faith of the Gospel, and in nothing fearing your adversaries, which is to them a cause of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of god. For unto you it is given of Christ that not only ye should believe on him: but also suffer for his sake, having even such a fight as ye saw in me, and now hear of me. ¶ He exhorteth them to unite and brotherly love, and to beware of strife and vain glory: And for a sure ensample, he sayeth Chryst before them. CAPI. II. IF there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if there be any comfort of love, if there be any fellyshyp of the spirit, if there be any compassion and mercy: fulfil ye my joy, that ye be like minded, having one love, being of one accord, and of one mind that nothing be done thorough strife or of vain glory, but in meekness of mind, let every man esteem another better than himself. * i Corin. x. ● and. 13. b Look not ye every man on his own things, but every man on the things that are other men's: ✚ Let the same mind be in you, that was also in Christ jesus: which when he was in the shape of God, thought it no robbery to be equal with god: Nevertheless he made himself of no reputation, taking on him the shape of a servant, and * Hebre. v. ● became like unto men, & was found in his apparel as a man. He humbled himself, & became obedient unto the death, even the death of the cross. Wherefore, God also hath exalted him on high, & given him a name which is above all names: that in * Math. i. ● the name of jesus * Rom. 14. ● Esay. 45. ● every knee should bow, both of things in heaven & things in earth, & things under the earth, & that all tongues should confess, that jesus Christ is the * Acts. 2. ●. Roma. 14 b Lord, unto the praise of God the father. ⊢ Wherefore (my dearly beloved) as ye have always obeyed, not when I was present only, but now much more in mine absence, even so work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. * two. Corin. 3. b For it is God, which worketh in you, both the will & also the deed, even of good will. * 1. Petr. 4. ●. Do all thing without murmuring, & disputing, that * ●. Petr. ●i. b ye may be such as no man can complain on: & unfeigned sons of god without rebuke, in the mids of a crooked and perverse nation: among whom see that ye shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life, that I may * two. Corin. i. c i. Tessa, two. c rejoice in the day of Christ, how that I have not run in vain, nether have laboured in vain. Ye & though I be offered up upon the offering and sacrifice of your faith: I rejoice, and rejoice with you all. For the same cause also do ye rejoice, and rejoice with me. I trust in the Lord jesus, for to * Acts. xvi. d send Timotheus shortly unto you, * 1. Tessa. 3. b that I also may be of good comfort, when I know what case ye stand in. For I have no man that is so like minded to me, which with so pure affection will care for your matters. For all other seek their own, and not the things which are jesus Christis. Ye know the proof of him, how that as a son with the father, so hath he with me bestowed his service in the Gospel. Him therefore I hope to send, assoon as I know how it will go with me. I trust in the Lord, that I also myself shall come shortly. But I supposed it necessary to soude brother Epaphroditus unto you, my companion in labour and fellow Soudyer, your Apostle, which also ministereth unto me at need. For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard say, that he had been sick. And no doubt he was sick, in so much that he was nigh unto death. But God had mercy on him: and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I sent him therefore the more diligently: that when ye see him, ye may rejoice again, and that I may be the less sorrowful. receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, * Roma. xv. ● i. Tessa. v. c and make much of such: because that for the work of Christ he went so far, that he was nigh unto death, and regarded not his life: to fulfil that, which was lacking on your part toward me. ¶ He warneth them to beware of false teachers, whom he calleth dogs and enemies of Christ, and reproveth man's own righteousness. CAPI. III. MOre over, (brethren) rejoice ye in the Lord. It grieveth me not to write one thing often to you. For to you it is a sure thing. Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, Beware of dissension. ‡ Roma. two. d Eph●. two. c. For we are circumcision, which serve God ‡ Ihon. iiii. c Roma. i. ● in the spirit & rejoice in Christ jesus, & have no confidence in the flesh: though I might also rejoice in the flesh. If any other man thinketh that he hath whereof he might trust in the fleshe● I have more: being circumcised the eight day of the kindred of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin ‡ two. 〈…〉 an Ebrue borne of the hebrews ‡ 〈…〉 as concerning the law, a Pharisaye: as concerning ferventness, I persecuted the congregation, as touching the righteousness which is in the law, I was unrebukable. ‡ Math. 13. ●. But the things that were vantage unto me, those I counted loss for Christ's sake. Ye I think all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ jesus my Lord. For whom I have counted all thing lost, and do judge them but vile, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness of the law: but that which is thorough the faith of Christ: even the righteousness which cometh of God thorough faith: that I may know him & the virtue of his resurrection, & the fellowship of his passions, while I am conformable unto his (death) if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead. Not that I have attained unto it all ready, or that I am all ready perfect: but I follow, if that I may comprehend that, wherein I am comprehended of Christ Iesu. Brethren, I count not myself that I have gotten it as yet, but this one thing I say: I forget those things which are behind, & endeavour myself unto those things which are before, and (according to the mark appointed) I press to the reward of the high calling of God thorough Christ Iesu. Let us therefore as many as be perfect, be thus wise minded: and if ye be other wise minded, God shall open the same also unto you. Nevertheless, unto that which we have attained unto, let us proceed by one rule, that we may be of one accord. ✚ * i Corin. 4. c and. x. d. Brethren, be followers together of me, & look on them which walk even so, as ye have us for an ensample. For many walk (of whom I have told you often & now tell you weeping) that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is damnation * Roma. 16. ● whose belly is their God & glory to their shame, which are worldly minded. But our conversation is in heaven, from whence we look for the saviour, even the Lord jesus Christ, which shall * i Cor. xv. g change our vile body, that he may make it like unto his glorious body according to the working, whereby he is able also to subdue all things unto himself. ⊢ He saluteth certain of them, exhorteth them to be of honest conversation, and thanketh them because of the provision, that they made for him, being in prison. CAPI. four Therefore my brethren (dearly beloved & longed for) my joy, & crown, so continue in the Lord ye beloved. I pray Euodias, & beseech Smtiches, that they be of one accord in the Lord. Ye & I beseech the faithful yock fellow, help the women which laboured with me in the Gospel, & with Element also, and with other my labour fellows * Luke. ●. ●. ●p●● 17. b. whose names are in the book of life. ✚ ‡ i. Tessa. v. d Rejoice in the Lord alway, & again I say rejoice. Let your softness be known unto all men. The Lord is even at hand. Be careful for nothing: but in all prayer & supplication let your petitions be manifest unto God with giving of thanks. And the peace of God (which passeth all understanding) keep your hearts and minds thorough Christ Iesu. Furthermore, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pair, whatsoever things are convenient, whatsoever things are of honest report: if there be any virtue, if there be any praise, (of learning) those same have ye in your mind, which ye have both learned and received, heard also & seen in me: those things do, & the God of peace shallbe with you. I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care is revived again for me, in that wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. I speak not because of necessity: For I have learned in whatsoever estate I am, * i Tim. ●. d. therewith to be content. I can both be low & I can be high. Every where & in all things I am instructed, both to be full & to be hungry, both to have plenty & to suffer nebe. I can do all things thorough Christ which strengneth me. notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye bare part with me in my tribulation. Ye of Philippos know also that in the be beginning of the Gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no congregation bare part with me, as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. For when I was in Thessalonica, ye sent once and afterward again unto my necessity: not that I desire gifts: but I desire abundant fruit on your part. Nevertheless I received all, and have plenty. I was even filled after that I received of Epaphrodytus the things, which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell a * Roma. est ● Hebre. 13. c. sacrifice accepted and pleasant to God My God shall supply all your need thorough his glorious riches by jesus Chryst. Unto God & our father be praise for evermore. Amen. Salute all the saints in Christ Iesu. The brethren which are with me, great you. All the saints salute you: most of all they which are of the emperors household The grace of our Lord jesus Chryst be with you all. Amen. ¶ This epistle was written from Rome by Epaphrodytus. ❧ The epistle of saint Paul the Apostle to the colossians. ¶ He giveth thanked unto God for their saith, love and hope: prayeth for their increase, and showeth how we are the kingdom of God, obtained by Christ, which to the head of the congregation. CAPI. I. PAul an Apostle of jesus Christ by the will of God, and brother Tymotheus. To the saints which are at Collossa, and brethren that believe in Christ. * Gala. i. ●. Ephe. i. d. Grace be with you and peace from God our father, and from the Lord jesus Christ. ❧ ☜ ● We give thanks to God the father of our Lord jesus Christ * Ph●●●. i a. i. 〈◊〉. i a. Roma. ●●. Philip. i. a. Ephe. i. d. always for you in our prayers. For we have heard of your faith in Christ jesus, and of the love which ye bear to all sanctes for the hopes sake which is laid up in store for you in heaven, of which hope, ye herd before by the true word of the Gospel, which is come unto you: even as it is into all the world, & is fruitful ⚜ (and groweth) as it is also among you, from the day in the which ye heard of it, & had experience in the grace of God thorough the truth, as ye learned of ‡ Collo. 〈◊〉. ● Epaphra our dear fellow seruasit which is for you a faithful minister of Christ, which also declared unto us your love which ye have in the spirit. ✚ ‡ Ephe. i. ●, For this cause we also, sense the day we heard of it, have not ceased to pray for you, and to desire, that ye might be fulfilled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, that ye might walk worthy of the Lord that in all things ye may please ‡ john. xv. ● being fruitful in all goad works, and increasing in the knowledge of God, strengtned withat might thorough his glorious power, unto all patience and long suffering with joyfulness ⊢ giving thanks unto the father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of saints in light. Which hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear son ‡ Ephes i b by whom we have redeption thorough his blood: even the for gyvenes of sins ‡ 2. Cor. iiii. ● which is the image of the invisible God, first begotten of all creatures, ‡ Hebre. i. a. For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth: vylible and invisible, whether they be majesty or Lordship, either rule or power. All things were created by him & for him, and he is before all things, and by him all things have their being. ‡ Ephe i. d. And he is the head of the body, even of the congregation: he is the beginning and ‡ 〈…〉 ●. 〈…〉 xv. ● first begotten of the dead, that in all things he might have the pre-eminence. For it pleased the father, that in him should all fullness owel, & by him to * 〈…〉 reconcile all thing unto himself, & to set at peace by him thorough the blood of his cross, both things in heaven and things in earth. And you * Roma. v. a Ephe. two. a. Collo. two. ● which were sometime far of, and enemies, because your minds were set in evil works hath he now yet reconciled in the body of his flesh thorough death, to make you holy, and unblamable, & with out fault in his own sight, if ye continue grounded and stablished in the faith, and be not moved away from the hope of the Gospel, whereof ye have herd, how that it is preached among all cratures which are under heaven, whereof I Paul am made a minister. Now joy I * two, Cori. i. a. in my sufferings * Ephe. iii. ● for you, and fulfil that which is behind of the passions of Christ in my flesh, for his bodies sake, which is the congregation: whereof I am made a minister, according to the ordinance of God, which ordinance was given me unto you ward to fulfil the word of God, that * Ephe. iii. b mystery which hath been hid sense the world began, & sense the beginning of generations: * Math. xi. d two. Cori. 2 c Ephe. i. d. but now is opened to his Saints, to whom God would make known what the glorious riches of this mystery is among the gentiles, which riches is Christ in you, the hope of glory, whom we preach, warning all men, and teaching all men in as wisdom, to make all men perfect in Christ Iesu. Wherein I also labour and strive, even as farforth as his strength worketh in me mightily. ¶ What great care Paul took for all congregations. He eruorteth them to be stead fast in Christ, to be ware of 〈◊〉 teachers and worldly wisdom, and descrybeth● the 〈◊〉 Prophets. CAPI. II. FOr I would that ye knew how great care that I have for you and for them that are at Laodicia, and for as many as have not seen my person in the flesh, that their hearts might be comforted when they are knet together in love, and in all riches of full understanding, for to know the mystery of god the father, & of christ, in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. * Ephe. v. ●. This I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words. For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, ioyinge and be holding your order, and your steadfast faith in Christ. As ye have therefore received Christ jesus the Lord even so walk ye in him, so that ye be rooted & built in him, and established thorough faith, as ye have learned: & therein be plentutuous with giving thanks. ✚ * Ma●. 24. ● Mar xiii. a Luke. xxi a Ephe. v. b. Beware, lest any man spoil you thorough Pholosophy and dysceatful vanity, after the tradition of men, and after the ordinances of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth at the fullness of the god head bodily, & ye are ●●plete in him: which is the head of all rule and power, by whom also ye are * Roma. two d Ephes. two. c. Collo. two. b. circumcised with circumcisyd which is done without hands, for as much as ye have put of the sinful body of the flesh thorough the circumcision that is in Chryst, in that * Roma. vi a Gala. iii, d ye are buried with him thorough bap time, in whom ye are also risen again though row faith, that is wrought by the operacy on of God which raised him from death. * Roma. v. a Ephe. two. a. Collo. i c. And ye when ye were dead thorough sin and thorough the uncyrcumcysion of your flesh, hath he guyckened with him, & hath forgiven us all our trespasses ⊢ and hath put out the hand writing that was against us, contained in the law written: and that hath he taken out of the way, and hath fastened it to his cross, and hath * Gene. iii. c Luke. xi. c. Ihon. xii. c. spoiled rule and power, and hath made a show of them openly, and hath triumphed over them in his own person. Let no man therefore trouble your conscience about meat and drink or for a piece of an holy day, or of the new Moon, or of the Saboth days, * Debr● 8. a. and. x. a. which are shadows of things to come: but the body is in Christ. Let no man make you shot at a wrong mark by the humbleness & holiness of angels, in the things which he never saw, being causeless puffed up with his fleshly mind, and holdeth not the head, whereof all the body by joints and couples receiveth norysshment and is knet together, and increaseth with the increasing that cometh of God. Wherefore, if ye be dead with Christ from Gala. iiii. b the ordinances of the world, why as though ye yet lived in the world, are ye led with traditions? touch not, taste not, handle not: which all perish thorough the very abuse: after the commandments and doctrines of men: which things outwardly have the similitude of wisdom by superstition and humbleness, and by hurting of the body, and in that they do the flesh no worship unto the need thereof. ¶ He putteth them in remembrance of the spiritual resurrection, to lay aside all manner of corrupt living, to be fruitful in all godlynisie and virtue, and showeth all degrees their duty. CAPI. III ✚ IF ye be then risen again with christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth * Ephes i. d Hebre i a x, c. xii, ●. on the right hand of God Set your affection on things that are above, and not on things which are on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When soever christ (which is our life) shall show himself, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. ⊢ ☞ mortify therefore your earthy membres: fornication, uncleanness, unnatural lust, evil coucupyscence, and covetousness, which is worshipping of idols: for which things sake the wrath of God useth to come on the children of unbelief ‡ Ephe. two. a. among whom ye walked sometime, when ye lived in them. But now put ye also away from you all such things: wrath, fierceness, maliciousness cursed speaking, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, saying that ye have put of the old man with his works, & have ‡ Roma 6. a Ephe. iiii. ● put on the new man which is renewed into the knowledge and image of him that made him, ‡ Gala. 6. d where is nether gentle nor jew, circumcision nor uncircumcysyon, Barbaius or Sythian, bond or fire: but Christ is all in all. ✚ Therefore as elect of God, holy & beloved, put on tender mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long suffering, forbearing one another, & forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against another: as Christ forgave you, even so do ye. Above all these things put on ‡ Math. 22. d love, which is the bond of perfetnes. And the peace of God rule in your hearts: to the which peace ye are called in one body. And see that ye be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you plenteously with all wisdom. Teach and exhort your own selves, ‡ Psal. 33. a. Ephes. v. d in Psalms and Hymns, & spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And ‡ i. Curi. x. g whatsoever ye do (in word or deed) do all in the name of the Lord jesus, giving thanks to God the father by him. ⊢ ‡ Ephes. v. c ● P 〈…〉 a Ye wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is comely in the Lord: Ye husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter unto them. ‡ Ephe. vi. ● Ye children, obey your fathers and mothers in all things, for that is well pleasing unto the Lord. Ye fathers, provoke not your children ⚜ (to anger) lest they be of a desperate mind. ‡ Ephe. vi. a Cirus two. c i. Pe●●. two. ● Ye servants be obedient unto them that are your bodily masters in all things: not with eye service as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as though ye did it to the Lord, & not unto men: and be sure, that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doth sin, shall receive for his sin. ‡ two. Pa●. 19 c Acts. ●. c. Eccle. 35. b Roma. two, b Collo. three ● Neither is there any respect of persons ⚜ (with God). ¶ He exhorteth them to be scenent in prayer, to walk wisely unto them that are not yet come to the true knowledge ●f Christ, and saluteth them. CAPI. four M * Ephe. vi a Asters, do unto your servants that which is just and equal, and be sure, that ye also have a master in heaven. * Ephe. vi. c. Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanks giving, praying also for us ‡ Ephe. vi. c. 〈◊〉. v. ●. that god may open unto us the door of utterance that we may speak the mystery of christ (wherefore I am also in bonds) that I may utter it, as it becometh me to speak: * Ephe. v. d. Walk wisely toward them that are without, and lose no opportunity. Let your speech be always well favoured and powdered with * Leviti two. d 〈…〉 c. salt, that ye may know, how ye ought to answer every man. Of all my business shall ye be certified by Tichicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord, whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know what ye do, and that he might comfort your hearts, with one Onesimus a faithful and beloved brother, which is one of you. They shall show you of all things which are adoing here. * Acts. ●7. a. Aristarchus my preson fellow saluteth you, and * 2. Tim. 4. b Marcus Barnabas sister's son: touching whom, ye received commandments. If he come unto you receive him: and jesus which is called justus, which are of the circumcision. These only are my work fellows unto the kingdom of god, which have been unto my consolation. * Collo. iii. a Epaphras the servant of Christ (which is one of you) saluteth you and always laboureth fetuently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and full, in all the will of god. For I bear him record, that he hath a fervent mind for you and them that are of Laodicia and them that are of Hierapolis. Dear Lucas the Physician greeteth you, and * ●. Tim. 4. ●. Demas. Salute the brethren which are of Laodacia, and salute Nymphas, and the congregation, which is in his house. And when the epistle is read of you, make that it be read also in the congregation of the Laodicians: and that ye like wise read the epistle of Laodicia. And say to Archyppus: take heed to the office that thou haste received in the Lord, that thou fulfil it. The salutation by the hand of me Paul Remember my bonds, the grace (of our Lord jesus Christ) be with you. AMEN. ¶ Sent from Rome by Ti chicus and Onesi mus. ❧: The first Epistle of saint Paul the Apostle to the thessalonians. ¶ He thanketh God for them, that they are so steadfast in faith and good works, and receive the gospel with such carnestnes. CAPI. I. PAul and Sylvanus & Tymothe Unto the congregation of the thessalonians in God the father and in the Lord jesus Chryst. * Roma i. a. ●. Corin. i. a two. Cori. i. a Grace be unto you, and peace from God our father, and from the Lord jesus christ. We give God thanks ‡ Gala. i. a. Ephe. i. a Roma. i b. Philip. i. a. Ephes. i. d. Collo. i a. alway for you all, making mention of you in our prayers without ceasing, and call you to remembrance because of the work of faith, and labour in * i. Tess 4. d. love, and because ye have continued in the hope * ●. Tim. i a. of our Lord jesus Christ, in the sight of God our father. ✚ we know brethren) beloved of God) how that ye are elect. For our Gospel came not unto you by * i Cori. two. a word only, but also by power, and by the holy ghost, and by much certainty, as * i Thes. two. ● ye know, after what manner we behaved ourselves among you, for your sake. And ye became followers of us and of the Lord receiving the word with much affliction, with joy of the holy ghost: so that ye were an ensample to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. For from you sounded out the word of the Lord, not in Macedonia and in Achaia only: but your faith also which ye have unto God, spread herself abroad in all quarters, so that it needeth not us to speak any thing at all. For they themselves show of you, what manner of entering in we had unto you and how ye turned to God from images, for to serve the living and true god, and for to look for his son, ‡ Acts. i b. from heaven, whom he raised from death: ⊢ even jesus, which delivereth us from ‡ Ihon. iii. b. the wrath to come. CAPI. II. ¶ He putteth them in mind of the Godly conversation that he led among them (when he preached the gospel unto them) thanketh God that they receive his word so fruitfully, and excuseth his absence. FOr ye yourselves ( * i Thes. i. b. brethren) know of our entrance in unto you, how that it was not in vain: but even after that we had suffered before, and were * Acts. xvi. c shameful entreated at Philippos (as ye know) then were we bold in our God, to speak unto you the Gospel of God, in * Z●●●. xv●i. ● much striving. For our exhortation was not to bring you to error, nor yet to uncleanness, neither was it with guile: but as we were allowed of God, that the Gospol should be committed unto us: even so we speak, not as they that * Gala. i. b. please men, but God, which trieth our hearts. Neither led we our connersacy on at any time with flattering words, as ye know: neither by occasion of covetousness. * Philip. ●. a. God is record: neither sought we praise of men, neither of you, nor yet of any other, when we might have been in authority, as the apostles of Chryst, but we were tender among you, even as a nurse cherissheth her children, so were we affectioned toward you: our good will was to have dealt unto you, not the Gospel of God only: but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. ✚ Ye remember brethren our labour, and travail. * Ze●●●. 〈◊〉. g. ●. Tessa. ●. b ●. Lori. ●x. c For we laboured day and night because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, and preached unto you the Gospel of God. Ye are witnesses, and so is God, how holily and justly and unblamably we behaved out selves among you that believed, as ye know how that we bore such affeceyon unto every one of you as a father doth unto children, exhorting, comforting, and beseeching you, that ye would walk worthy of God, which hath called you unto his kingdom and glory. For this cause thank we god also without ceasing, because that when ye received of us the word (wherewith ye learned to know God) ye received it not as the word of man: but even as it was in deed, the word of God, which worketh also in you that believe. ⊢ For ye brethren became followers of the congregations of God which in jewry are in Christ jesus: for ye have suffered like things of your kinsmen, as we our selves have suffered of the jews. Which as they killed the Lord jesus, and their own Prophets, even so have they persecuted us, and God they please not, and are contrary to all men, and hyuder us, that we should not speak unto the gentiles, that they might be saved, to fulfil their sins alway. For * Luhe. xxi. ●. the wrath of God is come on them, even to the utmost. For as much brethren as we are kept from you for a season, as concerning the bodily presence (but not in the heart) we enforced the more to see you personally with great desire. And therefore we would have corn unto you, I Paul once and again: ‡ Dani x. ●. but Satan with stood us. For what is our hope or toy, or crown of rejoicing▪ * two. Corin. ●. ●. and. viii. ●. are not ye it in the presence of our Lord jesus christ at his coming? yes, ye are our glory and joy. He showeth how greatly he was rejoiced, when Timothe told him of their faith and love. CAPI. III. Wherefore, sense we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to remain at * Act. xvii. ● Athens alone, & sent Timothe our brother and minister of God, and the helper forth of our labour in the Gospel of Christ, to stablish you: and to comfort you concerning our faith * Ephe. iii. t. Ihon. xv. c Acts. 〈◊〉. ● that no man should be moved in these afflictions. For ‡ P●●l. 24. ● Pro. 24. b. 2. Tim. iii. c ye yourselves know, that we are even appointed there unto. For when we were with you we told you before, that we should suffer tribulation, even as it came to pass & as ye know. For this cause when I could no longer for bear, I sent, that I might have knowledge of your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and lest our labour had been bestowed in vain. But now lately, when Timothe cau●e from you unto us, and declared to us your faith and your love, and how that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring to see us as we also desire to see you. Therefore brethren we received consolation by you, in all our adversity and necessity, through your faith. For now are we alive, if ye stand steadfast in the Lord. For what thanks can we recompense to God again for you, over all the joy, that we joy for your sakes before our God: praying, night and day exceadingly, that we might see you presently, and might fulfil the things which are lacking unto your faith. God himself our father, and our Lord jesus christ shall guide our journey unto you: the Lord also shall increase you and make you slow over in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you, that he may make your hearts stable and unblamable, in holiness before God our father, at the coming of our Lord jesus Christ with all his saints. ¶ He exhorteth them to ●●●●fastnesse, to heap them s●luc● tio● sin and uncleanly conversation to love ove and ●●er 〈…〉 idleness. and speaketh of the resurrection. CAPI. four ✚ FUrthermore, we beseech you (brethren) and exhort you by the Lord jesus that ye increase more and more, even as ye have received of us, how ye ought to walk and to please god. For ye know, what commandments we gave you by our Lord jesus Christ. For this is the will of God * Rom. xii. a Ephe. ●. ●. even your holiness, that ye should abstain from fornication, and that every one of you should know * ●. Cor. seven. ● how to keep his vessel in holiness and honour, and not in the lust of concupisbence * Rom●. ●●. as do the heathen, which know not God, that no man oppress and defraud his brother in bargaining because that the Lord is the a venger of all such things, as we told you before, and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness: but unto holiness. * Luke. x. ●. ⊢ He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, which hath sent * ● Cor. ●ii. ● and. 〈◊〉. d. his holy spirit among you. ⊢ ✚ But as touching brotherly * ●. T●ss●. ●. a love, ye need not, that I write unto you. * John xiii. ● and. x●. ●. Ihon. iiii, b For ye are taught of God, to love one another. Ye and that thing berely ye do unto all the brethren which are in all Macedonia. We beseech you brethren, that ye increase more and more, and that ye study to be quiet, and to meddle with your own business, and * ●●●●●. xx. ●●. Lori. ix. ● 〈…〉. ●. b to work with your own hands, as we commanded you: that ye may behave yourselves honestly toward them that are without, and that nothing be lacking unto you. ⊢ ✚ I would not brethren that ye should be ignorant concerning them which are fallen asleep, that ye sorrow not as other do, which have * ●ap. two. a. b no hope. For if we believe, that jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep by jesus, will God bring again with him. For this say we unto you in the word of the Lord, that we which shall * ●. Cor. xv. ● live, and shall remain in the coming of the Lord, shall not come yet they which stepe. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout and the voice of the ‡ Mat. 24. c Du●●. xij. ● Arch angel and trump of God. And the deed in Christ shall arise first: then we which shall live even we which shall remain) shall be caught up with them also in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. And so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore, comfort yourselves one another with these words. ⊢ ¶ He informeth them of the day of doom, and coming of the Lord, exhorteth, them to watch, and to regard such as preach God's word among them. CAPI. V OF the times and seasons (brethren) it is no need that I write unto you: for ye yourselves know perfectly, that * Mat. 24. ●●. P●●●. ●. c Apoc. i●●. ● and. xv. c the day of the Lord shall come, even as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, peace and all things are safe, then shall * jere. xv. ● sudden destruction come upon them (as sorrow cometh upon a woman travaling with child) and they shall not scape. But * john. ●ii. ● Ephe. v. c. ye brethren are not in darkness, that that day should come on you as a thief. ✚ Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day. We are not of the night nether of darkness. * Rom. xiii. d Therefore let us not sleep as do other▪ but let us watch, and be sober. For they that sleep in that night: and they that be drunken, are drunken in the night. But let us which are of the day, be sober ‡ Ephe. vi. b armed with the breast plate of faith and loue●, and with hope of salvation for an helmet. For God hath not appointed us to provoke wrath unto ourselves, but to obtain salvation by the means of our Lord jesus Christ * ●● Cori. ●. ● which died for vs●tu●t whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. Wherefore, comfort yourselves together, & edify every one another, even as ye do. ⊢ We beseech you brethr●, that ye know them * ●●●●. v●. ●. ●. 〈◊〉. ●● Philip. 〈◊〉. ● which labour among you, and have the over sight of you in the Lord, and give you exhortation, that ye have them in high reputation thorough love, for their works sake, and be at peace with them. ✚ We desire you (brethren) warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble minded, life up the weak, be patient toward all men. * Math. v. ●. See that none recompense evil for evil unto any man: but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. * Ph●●. ii●i. ● Rejoice ever. ☞ * Luke. 〈◊〉. ●. Pray continually. In all things give thanks. For this is the will of God thorough Christ jesus toward you. Quench not the spirit. * ●. ●o. xiiii ● Despise not prophesyinge. Examen all things, keep that which is good. Abstain front all cuyl appearance. The very God of peace sanctify you thorough out. And I pray God that your whole spirit, and soul and body may be preserved: so that in nothing ye may be blamed in the coming of our Lord jesus Christ. * 〈…〉. Corin. i. ● and. x. c. Faithful is he which called you which will also do it. Brethren, pray for us. * Rom. xvi. c ●. Cor●. ●v. ●●. 〈◊〉 xiii great all the brethren with an holy kiss. I charge you in the Lord, that this Epistle he read unto all the holy brethren. * ● 〈◊〉. three ● The grace of the Lord jesus christ be with you. Amen. ¶ The first epistle unto the thessalonians was written from Athens. ❧: The second Epistle of Saint Paul the Apostle to the thessalonians. ¶ He thanketh God for their faith and 〈◊〉, and prayeth for the increase of the same. CAPI. I. Paul and Sylvanus and Tymotheus. Unto the congregation of the thessalonians in God our father and in the Lord jesus Chryst. * Rome. ● a. 1 Corin. i a Ephes. i. a Grace be unto you, and peace from God our father, and from the Lord jesus christ. We are bound to ‡ Roma. i b. 〈◊〉. ●. b. Ephes. ●. ● Co●●●. ●. a. thank god always for you brethren (as it is meet) because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and every one of you swimmeth in love toward another between yourselves, so that we ourselves boast of you in the congregations of God, over your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations, that ye suffer, which is a token of the rightwes judgement of God that ye are counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer. It is verily a ryghtewes thing with God, to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you: and to you which are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord jesus shall show himself from heaven with the Angels of his power, with flaming fire, which shall rendre vengeance unto them that know not God, * Roma. 〈◊〉 b and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord jesus christ * Sapi. v. ● which shall be punished with tuerlasting damnation, from the presence of the LORD, and from the glory of his power, * Mat. xxv. ● when he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to become marvelous in all them that believe: because our testimony that we had to you, was believed even the same day. * Collo ●. ●. Philip. ●. b Wherefore, we pray always for you, that our God will make you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all delectation of goodness and the work of faith, with power: that the name of our Lord jesus christ may be glorified by you, and ye by him, according to the grace of our God, and of the Lord jesus Chryst. ¶ He showeth them, that the day of the Lord shall not come, till the depu●ting from the cay●h come first, and therefore he exhorteth them not to be disvalue, but to sta 〈…〉 in the things that he hath taught them. CAPI. II. WE beseech you (brethren) by the coming of our Lord jesus Christ, and in that we shall assemble unto him, that ye be not suddenly moved from your mind, nor be troubled, neither by spirit, neither by words, nor yet by letter which should seem to come from us, as though the day of Chryst were at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means, for the Lord shall not come except there come * Dani. 〈◊〉. ●●. 〈◊〉. ●. ● a departing first, and that that sinful man be opened, the son of perdition, which is an adversary: and is exalted above all that is called god, or that is worshipped: so that he doth sit * ●. Coz. iii. ● and. 〈◊〉. ● in the temple of god, boasting himself to be god. Remember ye not, that when I was yet with you, I told you these things? And now ye know what withholdeth: even that he might be uttered at his tyme. * john. ii●. For the mystery of the iniquity doth all ready work till he which now only letteth, be taken out of the way. And then shall that wicked be uttered, * Esa●●. xi. ● whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the appearance of his coming ⊢ even him whose coming is after the working of Satan, with all lying power * Mat. ●4. ● signs and wonders: and with all decevablenes of vn●ightwesnes, among them that perish▪ because they received not the love of the truth. that they might be saved. * ●oma. ●. ●. And therefore, God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe lies: that all they might be damned, which believed not the truth: but had pleasure in unryghtwesues. But we are bound to give thanks alway to god for you (brethren beloved of the Lord) for because that god hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, thorough sanctyfyinge of the spirit, and thorough believing of the truth, where unto be called you by our Gospel, to obtain the glory of our Lord jesus Christ. ✚ Therefore brethren stand fast, & keep the ordinances which ye have learned: whether it were by our preaching, or by epistle, Our Lord jesus Christ himself, and God our father (which hath loved us, & hath given us everlasting consolation, and good hope thorough grace) comfort your hearts & stablish you in all good saying and doing. ¶ He desireth them to pray for him, that the Gospel may prosper, and giveth them warning to reprove the idol/ and if they will not labour with their hands/ that they shall not eat, CAPI. III. FUR theremore brethren pray ye for us/ ‡ Ephe. vi. c. Collo. ●●ii. ● that the word of God may have passage/ and be glorified as it is also with you and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and froward men. For all men have not faith, but the Lord is faithful which shall stably she you/ and preserve you from evil. We have confidence thorough the Lord to you ward, that ye both do, and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord guide your hearts to the loft of God and patience of Chryst. ⊢ ✚ We require you brethren by the name of our Lord jesus Christ * ● Cori. v. b. that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother, that behaveth himself inordinately, and not after the institution which he received of us. For ye yourselves know, how ye ought to follow us. For we behaved not ourselves mordinatly among you. Nether took we breed of any man for nought: but * 〈◊〉. xx. g. 〈…〉. ix. c. 〈…〉. 〈◊〉 c 〈◊〉, 〈◊〉. ● wrought with labour and sweat night and day, because we would not be chargeable to any of you: not but that we had authority: but to make ourselves an ensample unto you, to follow us. For when we were with you, this we warned you of, that if any would not work, the same should not eat. For we have heard say that there are some which walk among you inordinately working not at all, but being busy bodies. Them that are such, we command and exhort, by our Lord jesus Christ, that they work with quietness, and eat their own bread: * Gala. vi. b. Brethren be notye weighed in well doing. ⊢ If any man obey not our saying, send us word of him by a letter: and * 〈…〉. iii. d have no company with him, that he may be a shamed. And count him not as an enemy: but warn him as a brother. The very Lord of peace give you peace always, by all means. The Lord be with you al. The salutation of me Paul, which mine own hand. This is the token in all epistles So I write. * i Thess. v. d Phili. iiii. ● The grace of our Lord jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. Sent from Athens. ❧: The first Epistle of Saint Paul unto Timothe. ¶ He exhorteth Timothe to wait upon his office: namely, to see that nothing be taught but God's word. He showeth also wherefore the law is good, and relleth that Christ jesus came in to the world, to save sinners. CAPI. I. PAul an Apostle of jesus christ, * Acts. ix. ●. by the commission of God our saviour, & Lord jesus Christ, which is * i Thess. i. a our hope. Unto ‡ Act. x●i. a. Tymothehys' natural son in the faith. * i. C●●●. i. a. Gala ●. ● Grace mercy and peace from God our father, and from the Lord jesus christ our Lord. As I besought the to abide still at Ephesus (when I departed into * Acts. rix. and. 〈◊〉. Macedonia) even so do, that thou command some, that they follow no strange doctrine, neither give heed * two. Tim. two. ●●itus. three ● 1. Tim. 4. ● to fables and endless genealogies which breed doubts more than Godly edifying, which is by faith: for the end of the commandment is, * ●oma 13. ● lou● out of a ‡ Acts. xv. ●. pure heart, & of a good conscience, & of faith unfeigned: from the which things, because some have erred, they are turned unto vain jangling, because they would be doctors of the law, and yet understand not what they speak, nether whereof they affirm. ✚ We know, that * Rom. seven. ●. Gala. ●ii. c the law is good, if a man use it lawfully: knowing this ‡ Gala. v. d. how that the law is not given unto aryghteous man, but unto the unrighteous and disobe dyent, to the ungodly and to sinners, to unholy and unclean: to murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, to manslayers, to * Levi, xxi. b. Roma. ●. d. whormongers: to them that defile themselves with mankind: to menste●lers: to lyares, to pertured, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to the wholesome doctrine, accoring to the Gospel of the glory of the blessed God, which Gospel is committed unto me. And I thank Christ jesus our Lord, which hath made me strong: for he counted me true, & put me in office where as before I was a blasphemar, * Acts. ix ● and. xxii. a. & a persecuter, and a Tyrant. But I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly thorough unbelief. Nevertheless, ●. ●or. xv. b. Go●●. i. b the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love, which is by christ Iesu. ⊢ ✚ This is a true saying (and by all means worthy to be received of us) that * Math. ix. b Math● two. x ●uk●. ●. ●, ●. Ihon. iii. c. Christ jesus came into the world, to save sinners, of whom I am chief. Not withstanding for this cause optained I mercy, that jesus Christ should first show on me all long patience, to declare an ensample unto them which should believe on him unto eternal life. So then unto God, king everlasting, immortal * 〈◊〉. i. t invisible, wise only, be honour and praise for ever and ever. Amen. This commandment commit I unto the son Timotheus ☞ according to the prophesies, which in time paste were prophesied of thee, that y● in them shouldest fight a good fight, having faith and good conscience: which some have put away from them, and as concerning faith have made shipwreck. Of whose number is * ●●. T●m. two. c ●. T●mo. 3. c Hymeneus and ‡ M●th. 17 ● Alexander whom * ●. ●or●●. v. a I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme. CAPI. II. ¶ He exhorteth to pray for all men He will not have we, men to be over costly appareled, nor to teach in the congregation, but to be in silence, and is obey their husbands. I ✚ Exhort therefore, that above all things, prayers, supplications, intercessyons, and gevenge of thanks be had for all men: * jete. 29. ●. 〈◊〉. 1. c. for kings, & for all that are in authority, that we may live a quiet & a peaceable life, with all Godliness and honesty. For that is good & accepted in the sight of God our saviour, which ☞ will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is * john ●7. ● one God, and one * 〈◊〉. ix. ●. Ga●●. three c. (mediator) between God and man, even the man Christ jesus, which gave himself a ransom for all men, that it should be testified at his time, * Roma. i. a and. ●. c. 〈…〉, i. c where unto I am ordained a preacher & an Apostle. I tell the truth in Christ and lie not: beyenge the teacher of the gentiles with faith and verity. ⊢ I will therefore that the men * Ihon. iiii. e. pray every where, ●yttynge up pure hands without wrath, or dow●ynge. Likewise also the women, that they a●aye themselves in comely apparel with shamefastness and discrete behaviour, not with broided hear, either gold or pearls, or costly array: but as becometh women, that protesse godiynesse thorough good works. * 1. Lo. 〈◊〉. g Let the woman learn in in silence with all subieceyon. I suffer not a woman to teach, neither to usurp authority over the man: but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, and then Eue. Adam also was not deceived, but the woman was deceived, and was subdued to the transgression. notwithstanding thorough bearing of children she shallbe saved, if they continue in faith and love, and holiness. with discretion. ¶ What manner of man a bishop or priest aught to be. The proper●●● also required in a deacon or minister. CAPI. III. THIS is a true saying: If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth an honest work. A bishop therefore must be blamels, the husband of one wife, diligent, sober, discrete, a keeper of hospitality: apt to teach: not given to over much wine, no fyghter, not greedy of filthy lucre: but getle, abhorring fighting, aborting covetousness, one that ruleth well his own house, one that hath children in subjection with all reverence. For if a man cannot rule his own house, how shall he care for the congration of God? He may not be a young scholar, lest he swell & fail into the judgement of the evil speaker. He must also have a good report of the which are with out, lest he fall into rebuke, and snare of the evil speaker. Likewise must the ministers be ‡ A●●es. vi. ●. honest, not double tongued, not given unto much wine, neither greedy of filthy lucre: but holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. And let them first be proved, and then let them minister so, that no man be able to reprove them. Even so must their wives be honest, not evil speakers: but sober and faithful in all things. Let the Deacons be the husbands of one wife, and succh as rule their children well, and their own households, For * Math. ●. ● they that minister well, get themselves a good degree and greatly bextye in the faith, which is in Christ Iesu. These things writ I unto y●, trusting to come shortly unto thee: but & if I tarry long, that then thou mayst yet have knowledge, how thou oughtest to behave thy sell in the house of God, which is the congregation of the living God, the pillar and ground of truth. And without doubt great is that mystery of godliness: ‡ Ihon. i. ●. God was showed in the ●●es●he, was ☞ justified in the spirit, was seen among the Angels, was preached unto the gentles, was believed on in earth, and received up in glory. ¶ He Prophreyeth of the latter days/ and exhorteth Tymothe to be diligent in reading of the holy scripture, CAPI. four THE spirit speaketh evidently/ that * 〈◊〉. xx. f 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉, 3. ● in the latter times some shall * 2. 〈◊〉. 2. ● and. iii. a. judith. i. c ●. 〈◊〉. two. ●. depart from the faith, & shall give heed unto spirits of error/ and duly she doctrines of them which speak false thorough hypocrisy, and have their consciences marked with an hot iron/ forbidding to mary/ & commanding to abstain from meats * Gene. i. d Math. 26. c Acts. 27. f. which God hath created to be received ‡ 〈◊〉. 1. d E●●●i. 39 c. Mark. 7. d. with giving thank, of them which believe, & know the truth. For * Roma. 14. c Titus. 1. d all the creatures of god are good, and nothing to be refused/ if it be received with thanksgiving. For it is sanctified by the word of god & prayer. If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, y● shalt be a good minister of jesus christ * 2. Timo. 3. d which hast been nourished up in the words of the faith and of good doctrine, which y● hast continually followed. But * ●. Esmo. s. a 2. Esmo. 2. c E●●us. 〈◊〉. c cast away unghostly and old wives fables. Exercise thyself rather unto godliness. For ‡ ●ollos. i●. d. bodily exercise profiteth little, but godliness is profitable unto all things, as a thing which hath promises of the life that is now, & of the life to come. This is a sure saying, and by all means worthy to be allowed. For therefore we labour and suffer rebuke, because we believe in the living God, which is the savour of all men, specially of those that believe. Such things command and teach. * Titus. two. c. Titus. two. b. Let no man despice thy youth ‡ 1. Petr. v. a ●●. Timo. ● c but he unto them that believe, an ensample, in word, in conversation, in love, in spirit, in faith, in pureness. Till I come, give attendance to reandinge, to exhortation, to doctrine. Despise not the get that is in thee, which was given the thorough prophesy, with the * 〈◊〉. vi. b. 〈◊〉. ●. xiii. ● 〈◊〉. nineteen. a. Num. 27 d. 11. ●un. ●. b. laying on of hands by the authority of priesthood. These things exercise, and give thyself unto them, that it may be seen, how thou profetest in all things. Take heed unto thyself, and unto learning, and continue therein. For if thou shalt so do, thou shalt save thyself, and them that hear the. ¶ He teacheth him how he shall behave himself in rebuking of all degrees An order concerning widows. CAPI. V REbuke not an elder, * 〈◊〉. nineteen. g. but exhort him as a father: the younger men, as brethren: the elder women, as mothers: the younger as sisters, with all pureness. Honour widows, which are true widows. If any widow have children or nephews, let them learn, first to rule their own houses godly ‡ Eccl. iii. b. ● and to recompense their elders. For that is good & acceptable before God. She that is a true ‡ Luke. two. ●. widow and frendelesse, putteth her trust in God, and continueth in supplications and prayers night and day. But she that liveth in pleasure, is deed, even yet alive. And these things command, that they may be without rebuke. But if any provide not for is own (& specially for them of his household, the same hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. Let no widow be choosed under threescore year old, and such a one as was the wife of one man, and well reported of in good works: if she have brought up children, Gene. xlx. a. 〈◊〉. x. ●. ●. 〈◊〉. 4. b Roma. x●●. c 〈◊〉. 13. ●. if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints feet, if she have ministered unto them which were in adversity, if she have been continually given unto all manner of good works. The younger widows refuse. For when they have begun to wax wanton against Christ, they will marry, having damnation, because they have cast away their first faith. And also they learn to good from house to house idle: ye not idle only, but also trifling and besybodyes, speaking things which are not comely. I will therefore, that the younger women ‡ 1. 〈◊〉. v●●. b marry, to bear children, to guide the house, and give none occasion to the adversary to speak evil. For many of them are all ready turned back, and are gone after Satan. And if any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them minister unto them, & let not the congregation be charged: that there may be sufficient for them that are widows in deed. The elders that rule well, are worthy of double honour, most specially they which labour in the word & teaching. For the scripture sayeth: ‡ Deute. 2●. b i. 〈◊〉. ix. a thou shalt not mossel the mouth of the ●xe that treadeth out the corn. And ‡ Math. 1●. b the labourer is worthy of his reward. Against an elder, receive ●one accusation: but ‡ Deut. nineteen. d under two or three witnesses. ☞ Them that sin, rebuke openly, that other also may fear. I testify before God & the Lord jesus Christ & the elect angels. that thou observe these things without hastiness of judgement, & do nothige partially. ‡ Num. ●7. d ●ctco. vi. b. seven. c. xiii. a. and. nineteen. a. 1. ●im. 4. d two. ●im. i b. Say hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure. Drink no longer water, but ‡ Eccle. 31. d. use a little wine for thy stommackes sake and thine often diseases. Some men's sins are open before hand, and go before unto judgement, and some men's sins follow after. Likewise also good works are manifest before hand, and they that are otherwise, cannot be hid. ¶ The duty of servants toward their masters▪ Against such an are not satisfied with the word of God▪ Against covetousness, A good lesson for rich men. CAPI. VI LEt as many * ● 〈◊〉 v●●. ●. 〈◊〉. v●● Collo. ●ii d. 〈◊〉. two. b. ●. P●●●. 〈◊〉. d servants as are under the yoke, count their masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not evil spoken of. ●e that they which have believing masters, despise them not because they are brethren, but rather do service, for as much as they are be leaving & beloved, & partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. * Gala. i. a. If any man follow other doctrine, & incline not unto the wholesome words of our Lord jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to Godliness, he is puffed up/ and knoweth nothing: but wasteth his brains about questions & * ●. Timo. i. ●▪ Titus. three ● strife of words, whereof spring envy, strife, railings, evil surmisynge/ vain disputations of men that have corrupt minds/ and that are * ●. Thes. 〈◊〉. ● rob of the truth, which think, the lucre is godliness. From them that are soch separate thyself. Godliness is great riches * E●●le●. ●9 d Heb●●. ●3. ●. If a man be content with that he hath. * Io●●. d. Eccle●●. v. ● For we brought nothing into the world, nether may we carry any thing out. But when we have food & raiment we must therewith be content. They that willbe rich, fall into temptation and snares, ⚜ (of the devil) & into many foolish and noisome lusts, which drown men into perdition and destruction. For covetousness of money is the rote of all evil: which while some lusted after, they erred from the saith, & tauglyd themselves with many sorrows. But thou man of God, fly such things. Follow righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meakenes. Fight the good fight of faith. Say hand on eternal life, where unto thou art also called, & hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give the charge i the sight of God, * Act. xvii ● which quickeneth all things, & before jesus Christ (which under Poncius pilate witnessed a good witnessing (that y● keep the commandment, & be without spot & vurebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord jesus Christ, * ●●●● xvii. ● and▪ x●x. ● which appearing (in his time) he shall show, that is blessed & mighty only, king of kings, & lord of lords, which only hath immortality, & dwelleth in the light that no man can attain, * Exods. 33. ● Ihon. ●. ●. and. vi. ● 1. Ihon. ●. b whom no man hath seen, nether can see, unto whom be honour and rule everlasting. Amen. Charge them which are rich in this world, that they be not high minded, nor * Math. vi. ● Luke. xii d. Eccl. xx●x b trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God (which giveth us abundantly all things to enjoy them) that they do good: that they be rich in good works that they be ready to give and gladly to distribute, * Math. vi. ● laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may obtain eternal life. O Timothe, save the which is ge●en the to keep/ and a void unghostly vanities of voices & opositions of science falsely so called: which science while some profyssed, they erred as concerning the faith Grace be with the. Amen. ¶ Sent from Laodicea which is the chiefest city of Phri gia. Pacaciana. ¶ The second Epistle of Saint Paul the Apostle unto Timothe. ¶ Pan● exhorteth Timothe to steadfastness and patience 〈◊〉 persecution, and to continue in the doctrine that he had taught him. A commendation of Onesyphorus. CAPI. I. PAul an Apostle of jesus Christ, by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Iesu. To Tymothe his beloved son. Grace, mercy and peace, from God the father, and from jesus Christ our Lord. I think God, * ●●re. xx●●. a Rom●. ●. ●. Philip. ●. ● whom I serve from mine elders with pure conscience, that without any ceasing I make mention of the in my prayers night and day, desiring to see thee, mindful of thy tears: so that I am filled with joy, when I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelled first in thy grand mother Lois, and in thy mother Eunica, & I am assure that it dwelleth in the also. Wherefore I warn the that thou steer up the gift of God which is in that * ●. 〈◊〉. 4. ●. by the putting on of my hands. ‡ Ro●●. 8 ● For God hath not given to us the spirit of fear: but of power, and of love, and of soberness. * Rom●. ●. ● Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, neither be ashamed of me * Ephes. iii. a which am his prisoner: but suffer thou adversity with the Gospel, according to the power of God, which ‡ ●itus. iii. b Ephes ●. a saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our deeds, but according to his own purpose & grace, which was given us thorough Christ jesus (before the world began) but is now declared openly by the appearing of our saviour jesus Christ * i Cori. xv. g Hebre. 2. d. which hath put away death, and hath brought life and immortality unto light thorough the Gospel * Roma. 1. a. and. xi, c. i. Tim. 2. b. whereunto I am appointed, a preacher & Apostle, and a teacher of the gentiles: for the which cause▪ I also suffer these things. Neverthe less, I am not ashamed. For I know, and am sure, that he (in whom I have put my trust) is able to keep that which I have committed to his keeping, against that day. * ●. Tim. 4. b Titus. two. b ●. Petr. v. a See that thou have the ensample of the wholesome words, which thou hast heard of me with faith and love that is in Christ jesus. That good thing, which was committed to thy keeping, hold fast thorough the holy ghost, which dwelleth in us. This y● knowest, how that all they which are in Asia, be turned from me. Of which sort are Phigelus and Hermogenes. The Lord give mercy unto the household of Onesiphorus for he oft refreshed me, * Math. 25. ● Roma. ●. ● and was not ashamed of my chain: but when he was at Rome, he sought me out very diligently & found me. The Lord grant unto him, that he may find mercy with the Lord at that day. And in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well. ¶ Like as in the first Chapter, so here he exhorteth him to be constant in trouble, to suffer manly, and to abide fast in the wholesome doctrine of our Lord jesus Christ. CAPI. II. THou therefore my son, be strong in the grace (that is thorough Christ jesus) & in the things that thou haste herd of me by many witnesses. The same commit thou * ●itus. ●. b. to faithful men, which shallbe apt to teach other also. Thou therefore suffer afflictions as a good soudier of jesus Christ. No man that warreth, entanglith himself with worldly business, and that because he may please him, which hath chosen him to be a soudier. And though a man stryne for a mastery, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully * ●. Cor●. ●x. a The husband man that laboureth, must first receive of the fruits. Consider what I say. The Lord give the understanding in all things. ⊢ Remembre that jesus Christ * Math. i. a, Roma. ●. a. of the seed of David, rose again from death according to my gospel, wherein I suffer trouble as an evil doer, even unto bonds. But the word of God was not bound. Therefore * Acts. xx. ●. I suffer all things, for the elects sakes, that they might also obtain that salvation, which is in Christ jesus, with eternal glory. It is a true saying * Roma. vi. b for if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him. * Roma. 8. ● If we be patient, we shall also reign with him. * Luke. xii. b. Roma. three ● If we deny him, he also shall deny us If we believe not, ‡ Num. 23▪ c yet abideth he faithful. He cannot deny himself. Of these things put them in remembrance, and testify before the Lord, that they follow no contentious words: which are to no pfet, but to the perverting of the hearers. Study to show thyself laudable unto god, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed distributing the word of truth justly. * ●. Timo. i. a and. vi. b As for unghostly vanities of voices, pass y● over them. For they will increase unto greater ungodliness, and their words shall fret even as doth the disease of a cancre: of whose number is. * 1. Timo. i. d Hymeneus & Philetus, which (as concerning the truth) have exced, saying, that the resurrection is passed all ready, and do destroy the faith of some. But the sure ground of god standeth still, and hath this seal * Ihon. ●. ●. : the Lord knoweth them that are his. And let every man that calleth on the name of Christ, depart from iniquity. Notwithstanding * Roma ix. d in a great house are not only vessels of gold and of silver: but also of wood and of earth: some for honour, & some unto dishonour. If a man therefore pour ge him self from such men, he shallbe a vessel sanctified unto honour, meet for the uses of the Lord, & prepared unto all good works. Lusts of youth avoid, but follow right tuousnes, faith, love & peace, with them that call on the Lord with a pure heart. ‡ ●. Timo. i. ● and. vi. ● Foolish and unlearned questions put from thee, knowing, that they do but gender strife. The servant of the Lord must not strive: but be gentle unto all men ‡ ●. Timo. 3. a apt to teach, & one that can suffer the evil with meekness, and can ‡ Gala. vi. a. inform them that resist ⚜ (the truth) if that God at any time will give them repentance, for to know the truth: and that they may come to themselves again out of the snare of the devil, which are holden captive of him at his will. ¶ He prophesieth of the pa●clous times, s●●t●●h o●t ypocry●●. Persecution for the Gospel. CAPI. III. THis know, that * Acts. xx. f. 〈◊〉. Tim. 4. ● 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. ●. a Iud●. ●. c in the last days shall come perilous times. For men shallbe lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, cursed speakers, disobedient to fathers & mothers, unthankful, ungodly, unkind, trucebrekers, false accusers, riotours fierce, despisers of them which are good, trey tours, heady, high minded, greedy upon volup tuousnes more than the lovers of God, having a similitude of godliness, but have denied the power thereof: & such abhor. For of ●itue. ●, c this sort are they, which entre into houses, & bring into bondage women laden with sin, which women are led with divers lusts, ever lernig, & never able to come unto the know ledge of the truth. * Exod. seven. b As jannes' & Jambres with stood Moses, even so do these also resist the truth: men they are of corrupt minds, and lewd as concerning the faith: but they shall prevail no longer. For their madness shallbe uttered unto all men even as theirs was. But thou hast seen the experience of my doctrine, fashion of living, purpose, faith, long suffering, love, patience, persecutions, and afflictions which happened unto me at Antioch, at ●co nium, and at Lystra: which persecutions I suffered patiently. And from them all, the Lord delivered me. Ye and * ●ct●s. ●4. d Psal. 34. d Pron. 24. b E●●l●. two. a. all they that will live godly in Christ jesus shall suffer persecution. But the evil men & dysceyvers shall wax worse and worse, while they deceive and are deceived themselves. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned, which also were committed unto thee, knowing of whom thou haste learned them, and for as much also as * ●. Tim. 4. ● of a child thou hast known the holy scriptures which are able to make the learned unto salvation thorough the faith which is in Christ jesus: * ●. Peir. ●. d All scripture given by inspiration of God, is profitable to teach, to improve, to amend & to instruct in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect & prepared unto all good works. ¶ He exhorteth Timothe to be fervent in the word and to sustre adversity, moketh mention of his own death, and bid death Tymothe come unto him. CAPI. four I Testify therefore before God, & before the Lord jesus Christ, which shall judge the quick & dead at his appearing in his kingdom, preach that the word, be fervent in season & out of season. Improve, rebuke, exhort which all long suffering & doctrine. For the time will come, when they shall not suffer wholesome doctrine: but after their own lustis shall they (whose earrs itch) get them an heap of teachers, & shall withdraw their ears from the truth, and shallbe turned unto fables. But watch that in all things, suffer afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfil thine office unto the utmost. ⚜ (Be sober). ●● For I am now ready to be offered, & the time of my departing is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have fulfilled my course, I have kept the faith, From hence forth there is laid up for me * ●. ●o●●. 〈◊〉. d ●. Petri. ●. ● a crown of righteousness, which the Lord (that is a righteous judge) shall give me at that day: not to me only, but unto all them also that love his coming. Do thy diligence, that thou mayest come shortly unto me For Demas hath forsaken me, and loveth this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica. Crescens is gone to Galacia Titus unto Dalmacia. Only Lucas is with me. Take * ●●●e. 〈◊〉. ● Mark, & bring him with thee, for he is profitable unto me for the ministration. And Tichi●us have I sent to Ephesus The cloak that I left at Troada with Carpus, (when thou comest) bring with thee, and the books, but specially the parchment, Alexander the copper smith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his deeds, of whom be thou ware also. For he hath greatly withstand our words. At my first answering, no man assisted me, but also forsook me. I pray God, that it may not be laid to their charges: ✚ Notwithstanding the Lord assisted me, & strengthened me, that by me the preaching should be fulfilled to the utmost, & that all the gentles should hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the Lyon. And the Lord shall deliver me from all evil doing & shall keep me unto his heavenly kingdom. To whom be praise for ever & ever. Amen. Salute Prisca & * Acts. 18. ● Roma. ●●● Aquila & the household of * two. Tim. ●. ● Onesiphorus, Erastus' abode at Corinthum. * Acts. x●. ● and xxi. ● Trophimus have I left at Mylctum sick. Do thy diligence, that y● mayest come before witer. Eubolus gretith thee, & so doth Pudens, & Linus, Claudia, & all the brethren The Lord jesus Christ be with thy spirit. Grace be with you. Amen. ¶ The. ij. epistle unto Tymo the/ was written from Rome/ when Paul was presented the second time unto the Emperor Nero. ❧ The epistle of Saint Paul the Apostle unto Tytus. ¶ Paul exhorteth Citus to ordain priests or bishops injevery little, and declareth what manner of men they ought to be that are chosen to that office, and chargeth Titus to rebuke such as withstand the Gospel. CAPI. I. Paul the servant of God, & Apostle of jesus Christ according to the faith of gods elect, and according to the knowledge of the truth, which is after godliness in the hope of eternal life, which God ‡ Roma 3. ● (that cannot lie) promised before the world began: but hath opened his word at the time appointed thorough preaching, which is committed unto me, according to the commandment of God our saviour. To * ●. Cor. viii ● Titus his natural son after the comen faith. * 〈◊〉 ●●●. Timo. ●. a Grace mercy & peace from god the father & from the Lord jesus Christ our saviour. For this cause left I the in Creta, that thou shouldest reform the things that are unperfect, & shouldest ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed the. If any be bla melesse, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, which are not slandered of riot, neither are disobedient. * ●●. Tim. 2. a For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God: not stubborn, not angry * ●. Timo. 3. a not given ●●●it. 10. b Ephes. v. ● to much wine, no fyghter, not given to filthy lucre: but a keeper of hospitality, one that loveth goodness ⚜ (prudent) sober, righteous godly, temperate, & such as eleventh unto the true word of doctrine, that he may be able also to exhort by wholesome learning, & to improve them that say against it. For there are many unruly and talkers of vanity, and deceivers of minds, specially they that are of circumcision, whose mouths must be stopped * 2. Tim. 3. b which pervert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not because of filthy lucre. One of themselves (even a prophet of their own) said: The Cretyans are always liars, evil beasts, flow belies. This witness is true: wherefore rebuke thou them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not taking heed to jews fables and commandments of men that turn away the truth. * Roma. 14. d Unto the pure are all things pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving, is nothing pure: but even the mind and conscience of them is defiled. They confess that they know god: but with the deeds they deny him, se●ng they are abominable & disobedient, & unapt unto every good work. ¶ He telleth him how he shall teach all degrees to be have themselves, CAPI. II. BUt speak thou the things which be come wholesome learning. That the elder men be sober, sage, discrete, sound in the faith, in love, in patience: the elder * 1. ●●●o. ●. ● women likewise, that they be in such raiment as becometh holiness, not being false accusers, not given to much wine, but that they teach honest things to make the young women sober minded, to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discrete, chaste, huswyfly, good, obedient unto their husbands, that the word of God be not evil spoken of. Young men likewise exhort, that they be sober minded. * 1. Eim. iiii & 1. Petr. v. ● In all things show thyself an ensample of good works in the doctrine, with honesty, gravity, & with the wholesome word which cannot be rebuked: that he which with standeth, may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. * Ephe. v●. ● 1. Petri. 2. ● Collo. three ●●. 〈◊〉. ●. ● Exhort servants, to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them in all things, not answering again, neither to be pickers, but that they show all good faithfulness, that they may do worship to the doctrine of God our saviour in all things. ✚ For the grace of god, that bringeth salvation unto all men, hath appeared and teacheth us that we should deny ungodliness and * 1. john. 2. 2 worldly lusts, & that we should live soberly, and righteously, and godly in this present world, lokige for that blessed hope and appearing of the glory of the great God, and of our saviour jesus Christ, which * Roma. ●. ● Galls. 1. a gave himself for us, to redeem us from all unrighteousness, and * Ephe. v. ● to purge us a peculiar people unto himself * Ephe●. ●. ● fervently given unto good works. These things speak, and exhort, ⊢ and rebuke, with all ferventness of commanding. * 1. Tim. 4. b See that no man despise the. ¶ Of obedience to such as be in authority. He warneth Cities to beware of foolish and unprofitable questions, CAPI. III. Warn them * Roma. 1●. ● 1. Petti. 2. ● that they submit themselves to rule and power: that they obey the officers: that they be ready unto every good work: that they speak evil of no man: that they be no fighters, but gentle, showing all meekness unto all men. For we ourselves also were sometime foolish disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts & voluptuousness, living in maliciousness and envy, full of hate, hating one another. ✚ But after that the kindness and love of our saviour God to man ward appeared, * two. Timo. i. ● not by the deeds of righteousness which we wrought, but according to his mercy he saved us * Ihon. 3. a. by the fountain of the new birth, & renewing of the holy ghost, which he shed on us abundantly, thorough jesus Christ our saviour, that we justified * ●d●●. ● Ephes. 〈◊〉. b by his grace, should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. ⊢ This is a true saying. Of these things I will that thou certify, that they which believe in God, might be diligent to go forward in good works. For these things are good & profitable unto men. * ●. Timo. i, a 2. Tim. two. c Foolish questions, & genelogies, & brawling, thorough strivynges about the law, avoid: for they are unprofitable & superfluous. A man that is an auctor of sects, after the first & the second Math. 〈◊〉. c admonition avoid: knowing, that he (that is such) is perverted & sinneth even damued by himself. When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent, to come to me unto Nicopolis: For I have determined there to winter. Bring Zenas the lawer & Apollo's on their journey diligently, that nothing be lacking unto them. And let ours also learn to excel in good works, as farforth as need requireth, that they be not unfruitful. Al that are with me, salute the. great them that love us in the faith. Grace be with you al. Amen ¶ written from Nicopolis a city of Macedonia. ¶ He rejoiceth to hear of the faith and love of Philemon whom he desireth to forgive his setuaunt Onesimus, & lovingly to receive him again. ❧ The epistle of S. Paul unto Philemon. Paul the prisoner of jesus Christ, & brother Timothe Unto Philemon the beloved and our helper, and to the beloved Appia, & to Archippus our fellow soudier and to the congregation that is of thy house. * ●. Corin. i. a li. Cori. i. a Gala. i. a Grace be unto you, & peace, from God our father, & from the Lord jesus Christ. I thank my God, making mention always of the in my prayers, when I hear of thy love & faith, which thou hast toward the Lord jesus, and toward all saints, so that the fellishyppe of thy faith is fruitful in the knowledge of every good ⚜ (work) which is in you toward jesus Christ. For we have great joy & consolation in thy love: because that by thee (brother) the saints hearts are comforted. Wherefore, though I might be bold in Christ to command thee, the which was thy duty to do: yet for loves sake I rather beseech thee, though I be as I am, even old Paul, & now a prisoner of jesus Christ. I beseech the for my son * Collo. 〈◊〉. Onesimus whom I have begotten in my bonds, (which in time passed was to the unprofitable but now profitable both to the & to me) whom I have sent home again. Thou therefore receive him, that is to say mine own vowels, whom I would fain have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the Gospel. Nevertheless, without thy mind would I do nothing, that the good which thou dost, should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly For haply he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever, not now as a servant: but above a servant, even a brother beloved, specially to me: but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and also in the Lord? If thou count me therefore a fellow, receive him as myself. If he have done the any hurt, or oweth the aught, that lay to my charge.) I Paul have written it with mine own hand) I will recompense it. So that I do not say to thee, how that thou owest unto me even thine own self also. Even so brother, let me enjoy the in the Lord: comfort my vowels in the Lord. trusting in thine obedience, I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say. Moreover, prepare me lodging: for I trust y● thorough the help of your prayers. I shallbe given unto you. There salute thee, Epaphras my fellow prisoner in Christ jesus, Marcus Aristarcus, Demas, Lucas, my helpers. The grace of our Lord jesus Christ be with your spirit: Amen. ¶ Sent from Rome by Onesymus a Servant. ❧ The epistle of Saint Paul the Apostle unto the hebrews. ¶ How God deals lovingly with them of the old time in sending them his Prophets, but much more mercy hath he showed us in that he sent us his own son Of the most excellent glory of jesus Christ, which in all things is like to his father. CAPI. I. GOd in time passed diversly & many ways, spoke unto the father's by prophetis: but in these last days he hath spoken unto us by his own son, whom he hath made heir of all things * Collo. ●. c. by whom also he made the world. * ●api. 7. ● Which (son) being the brightness of his glory/ and the very image of his substance ruling all things with the word of his power/ hath by his own person purged our sins/ and sitteth on the right hand of the majesty on high: being so moche more excellent than the Angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they. For unto which of the Angels said he at any time: * Psal. two. a Acts. xiii. c Thou art my son/ this day have I begotten thee? And again ‡ ●. Reg. seven. ● I will be his father/ and he shallbe my son. And again/ when he bringeth in the first begotten son into the world, he saith. And * Psal. 97. a let all the angels of God worship him And unto the Angels he saith ‡ Psal. 114. a He maketh his Angel's spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the son he saith * Psal. 45. b thy seat (O God) shallbe for ever and ever The sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity. Wherefore God, even thy God hath anointed the with the oil of gladness above thy fellows. * Psal. c●i. b And thou Lord in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth. And the heavens are the works of thy hands. They shall perish/ but thou endurest. But they all shall wax old also as doth a garment: & as a vesture shalt thou change them, & they shallbe changed. But thou art even the same and thy years shall not fail. ⊢ Unto which of the angels said he at any time: ‡ Psal. ix. a Math. 22. d ●. Cori. xv. d Sit on my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy foot stole? Are they not all ministering spirits, that are sent to minister, for their sakꝭ which shallbe heirs of salvation? ¶ He exhorteth us to be obedient unto the 〈◊〉 law which Christ hath given us and not to be offended at the infirmity and low degree of Christ, because it was necessary that for our sakes he should take such au umble state upon him, that he might be like unto his brethren. CAPI. II. Wherefore, we ought to give the more heed to the things that are spoken unto us, lest at any time we perish. For if the word which was spoken by angels was steadfast: and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward, how shall we escape, if we despise so great salvation, which at the first began to be preached of the Lord himself, & was confirmed unto us ward, by them that heard it? * Ma●. xvi. d God bearing witness thereto, both with signs & wonders also & with divers miracles, & gifts of the holy ghost, according to his own will. For unto the angels hath he not subdued the world to come, whereof we speak, but one in a certain place witnessed, saying, * Psal. viii. a and. 144. ● What is man, that thou art mindful of him Or the son of man, that thou visitest him? Thou madest him a little lower than the angels: thou hast crowned him with honour & glory, and * Psal. viii. ●●. Cor. x●. ● hast set him above the works of thy hands. Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet. In that he put all things under him, he left nothing that is not put under him. Nevertheless, we see not yet all things subdued unto him: but him that was made less than the Angels, we see that it was jesus, which is crowned with glory & honour for the suffering of death: that he by the grace of God, should cast of death for all men. For it became him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things (after that he had brought many sons unto glory) that he should make the Lord of their salvation perfect thorough afflictions. For both he that sanctifieth and they which are sanctified, are all of one. For which causes sake he is not ashamed to call them brethren, saying: I will declare thy name unto my * Psal. ●●il. ● John xx. d brethren, in the mids of the congregation will I praise the. And again: I will put my trust in him. And again: behold, here am I & the children whom God hath given me. For as much then as the children are partakers of flesh & blood, he also himself like wise took part with them that (thorough death) he might expel him that had lord ship over death, that is to say the devil, and that he might deliver them, which thorough fear of death were all there life time subdued unto bondage. For he in no place taketh on him the Angels: but the seed of Abraham taketh he on him. Wherefore, in all things it became him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be merciful, and a faithful high pressed in all things concerning God, for to purge the people's sins. For in that it fortuned himself to be tempted, he is able to sucker them also that are tempted. ¶ He reqyureth us to be obedient unto the word of Christ, which is more worth than the ceremonial law of Moses. The punishment of such as will needs hatden their hearted. CAPI. III. Therefore holy brethren: partakers of the celestial calling consider the ambassador and high pressed of our profession Chryst jesus/ bow that he is faithful unto him that put him in the office/ even as was Moses in all his house. For look how much honour he (that hath builded a house) hath more than the house itself, So moche honour is he counted worthy of more than Moses. For every house is builded of some man. But he that ordained all things, is God. And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a minister to bear witness of those things which were to be spoken afterward. But Christ as a son, hath rule over the house, whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence & * Roma. v. a the rejoicing of that hope, unto the end. Wherefore (as the holy ghost saith:) to day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts, ☞ as in the provoking, in the day of temptation in the wilderness, where your fathers tempted me, provoked me, & saw my works. xl. year. Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said: They do always err in their hearts: they verily have not known my ways, so that I swore in my wrath: they shall not enter into my rest. Take heed brethren, lest at any time there be in any of you a froward heart subject unto unbelief, that he should depart from the living God: but exhort ye one another daily, while it is called to day: lest any of you were hard hearted thorough the disceytfulnesse of sin. We are made partakers of Christ, if we keep sure (unto the end) the ☞ beginning of the substance, so long as it is said: to day if ye will here his voice, harden not your hearts as in the provoking, for some when they herd did provoke: how be it not all that come out of Egypt by Moses. But which whom was he despleased. xl. years? Was he not despleased with them that had sinned, whose carcases were vuerthrowen i the desert? To whom swore he that they should not enter into his rest, but unto them that were not obedient? And we see that they could not enter in, because of unbelief. ¶ The Sabbath or rest of the Christian: punysshement of unbelievers; the nature of the word of God. CAPI. four LEt us fear therefore, lest any of you (for saking the promise of entering into his rest) should seem at any time to have been disappointed. For unto us is it declared, aswell as unto them. But it profiteth not them, that they herd the word: because they which herd it, coupled it not with faith (For we which have believed, do entre ito his rest) as he said Even as I have sworn in my wrath: they shall not enter into my rest. And that spoke be verily long after that the works were made and the fonndation of the world laid. For he spoke in a certain place of the seventh day, on this wise. * Give. ●. ● And God did rest the seventh day from all his works. And in this place again: They shall not enter into my rest. saying therefore it followeth, that some must entre thereinto, and they (to whom it was first preached) entre not therein for unbelefes' sake, he appointeth a certain day after so long a time saying in David (as it is rehearsed) this day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts. For i● joshua had given them rest, than would he not afterward have spoken of another day. There remaineth therefore yet arrest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest hath ☞ ceased also from his own works, as God did from his. Let us study therefore to enter into the rest lest any man faule after the same ensample of unbelief. For the word of God is quick & mighty in operation, and sharper than any two edged sword: & entereth through, even unto the dividing asunder of the soul and the spirit, & of the joints and the marry: & is a dyscerner of the thoughts & of the intentes of the heart: neither is there any creature that is not manifest in the sight of him: But all things are naked & open unto the eyes of him, of whom we speak. saying then, that we have a great high priest which is entered into heaven (even jesus the son of God) let us hold the profession ⚜ (of our hope) For we have not an high priest, which cannot have compassion on our infirmities: but * Philip. two. a was in all points tempted, like as we are: but yet with out sin. Let us therefore go boldly unto the * Exodi. 25. b seat of grace, that we may obtain mercy, & find grace to help in time of need. ¶ Chryst is our high pressed, and seat of grace, and more excellent than the high priests of the old law. CAPI. V FOr ✚ every high priest that is taken from among men, is ordained for men, in things pertaining to God * Leviti ix. b to offer gifts and sacrifices for sin: which can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way, for as much as he himself also is compassed with infirmity: And for the same infirmities sake he is bound to offer for sins, as well for himself, as for the people. And no man taketh honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. Even so Christ also glorified not himself, to be made the high priest: but he that said unto him, * Psal. two. b Acts. 23. c Hebre. i. b. thou art my son, this day have I begotten thee, glorified him. As he saith also in another place: * Psal. ix. b. thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech ⊢ which in the dates of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers & supplications, which strong crying and tears (unto him that was able to save him from death) and was heard because of his reverence, though he were the son ⚜ (of God) yet learned he obedience, by those things which he suffered: & he being perfect, was the cause of eternal salvation unto all them that obeyed him: and is called of God an high priest, after the order of Melchisedech. Wherefore we would speak many things but they are hard to be uttered: saying ye are dull of hearing. For when as concerning the time, ye ought to be teachers, yet have ye need again, that we teach you the first principles of the word of God: and are become such as ☞ have need of * 1. Co●●. iii. a milk: and not of strong meat: for every man that is fed with milk, is inexpert in the word of rhghtuousnes. For he is but a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are partecte even those, which (by reason of use) have their wits exercised to discern both good and evil. ¶ He goeth for the with the thing that he began in the latter end of the tyf●c chapter, and exhorteth them not to faint, but to be steadfast, and patient: for so much● as God is sure in his promise. CAPI. VI Therefore leaving the doctrine that pertaineth to the beginning of Christian men, let us go forth unto perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, baptysynges, of doctrine, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection from death and of eternal judgement. And so will we do * Acts. iiii. ● and. xvii● If God permit. ☞ For it can not be that they which were once lighted, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were become partakers of the holy Ghost, & have tasted of the good word of God, and of the power of the world to come: * Math. 12. d two. Petri. two Hebre. x. b. if they fall away (and as conceruing themselves crucify the son of God a fresh, & make a mock of him) that they should be renewed again by repentance. For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them that dress it, receiveth blessing of God. But that ground which beareth Thorns and brears, is reproved, and is nigh unto cursing: whose end is to be burned. Nevertheless (dear friends) we trust to see better of you, and things which accompany salvation, though we thus speak. For God is not unrighteous * Math. 25. ● that he should forget your work and labour that proceedeth of love, which love ye show in his name, which have ministered unto the saints, and yet ministre. Ye, and we desire, that every one of you show the same diligence, to the fui stablishing of hope, even unto the end: that ye faint not, but be followers of them, which thorough faith & patience receive the inheritance of the promise. For when God made promise to Abraham because he had none greater to swear by * Geni. xli. c he swore by himself, saying: Surely I will bless thee, and multiply the in deed. And so after that he had tarried patiently, he enjoyed the promise. For men verily swear by him that is greater than themselves, and * Exodi. 22. ● an oath to confirm the thing, is to them an end of all strife. So God willing very abundantly to show unto the beyres of promise, the stableness of his counsel, added an oath: that by two immutable things (in which it was unpossible that God should lie) we might have a strong consolation, which hitherto have sled, for to hold fast the hope that is set before us, which hope we hold as an anchor of the soul both sure and steadfast, which hopealso entereth in, ito those things which are within the veil, where the fore tunners for us entered in, even jesus that is made an ‡ Hebre. 8. a high priest for ever, after the order of Melchysedech. ¶ He compareth the priesthood of Christ unto Melchisedech, but to be far more excellent. CAPI. VII. THis Melchisedech king of ‡ Gene. 14. d Salem (which being priest of the most high god met Abraham, as he returned again from the slaughter of the kings & blessed him: to whom also Abraham gave tithes of all things) first is called by interpretation king of righteousness: after that, king of Salem (that is to say, king of peace) without father without mother, without kin, & hath neither beginning of days, neither yet end of life: but is likened unto the son of God and continueth a pressed for ever. Consider what a man this was, unto whom also the Patriarch Abraham gave tithes of the spoils. And verily ‡ Nume. 18. d 1. Per. 31. b those children of Levi, which receive the office of the priests, have a commandment to take (according to the law) tithes of the people, that is to say, of their brethren, ye though they sprung out of the loins of Abraham. But he whose kin red is not counted among them, received tithes of Abraham, & blessed him that had the promises. And no man denieth, but that he which is less, receiveth blessing of high which is greater. And here men that die, receive tithes. But there he received tithes, of whom it is witnessed, that he liveth. And to say the truth, Levi himself also which useth to receive tithes paid tithes in Abraham. For he was yet in the loins of his father when Melchisedech met Abraham. ‡ Roma. two. t Gala. iii. c If now therefore perfection came by the priesthood of the Levites (for under that priesthood the people received the law) what needed it furthermore, that another priest should rise to be called after the order of Melchisedech, and not after the order of Aaron? For if the priesthood be translated, then of necessity must the law be translated also. For he of whom these things are spoken pertain unto another tribe, of whom never man served at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord sprung ‡ Math. ●. a of the tribe of juda, of which tribe spoke Moses nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet a more evident thing, if after the similitude of Melchisedech there arise another pressed, which is not made after the law of that carnal commandment: but after the power of the endless, life. (For after this manner doth he testify ‡ Psal. 110. b Hebre. 4. c thou ar● a pressed forever, after the order of Melchisedech) ☞ Then the commandment that went afore, is disannulled, because of weakness and unprofytablenes. For ‡. the law brought nothing to perfection: but was an introduction to a better hope, by the which we draw nigh unto God. And therefore is it a better hope, because the thing was not done without an oath. For those priests were made without an oath, but this pressed with an oath, by him that said unto him. ‡ Roma. 8. a Gala. iii. c The Lord swore, & will not repent: Psal. 110. ● Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedech. And for that cause was jesus a stablysher of a better testament. And among them many were made priests, because they were not suffered to endure by the reason of death. But this man (because he endureth ever) hath an everlasting priest hood. Wherefore, he is able also ever to save them to the uttermost, that come unto God by him, saying he ever liveth ‡ i Timo. 2. ● i. john. 2. ● to make intercession for us. For such an high Pressed it became us to have which is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, made higher than heaven. Which needeth not daily (as yonder high priests) ‡ levit. ix. b to offer up sacrifice. first for his own sins & then for the people's sins. For that did he once, when he offered up himself. ‡ Hebre. v. a For the law maketh men priests, which have infirmity: but the word of the oath that came sen ce the law, maketh that son priest, which is perfect for evermore. CAPI. VIII. ¶ The office of christ is more worthy than the priests office of the old law, which was unperfect, and therefore abrogate. OF the things which we have spoken, this is the pith: that ‡ Hebre. vi. d and. x. c we have such an high pressed as sitteth on the right hand of the seat of majesty in heaven, & is a minister of holy things, and of the true tabernacle, which God pight, and not man. For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: Wherefore it is of necessity, the this man have some what also to offer. For he were not a Pressed, if he were on the earth where are prestis, that according to the law offer gifts which serve unto the ensample and ‡ Collo. two. ● Hebre. x. ● shadow of heavenly things: even as the answer of God was given unto Moses, when he was about to finysh the tabernacle * Erod 〈…〉 Acts. seven. f. Take heed (said he) that thou make all things according to the patron which is showed to the in the mount. But now hath he obtained a priesthood so much the more excellent, as he is the mediator of a better testament, which was confirmed in better promises. For if that first testament had been such, that no fault could have been found in it, than should no place have been sought for the second. For in rebuking them, he saith unto them. * Ier●. ●xxi. f Behold the days come (saith the Lord) and I will finish upon the house of Israel, and upon the house of juda, a new testament: not like the testament that I made with their fathers in that day, when I took them by the hands, to lead them out of the land of Egypte. For they continued not in my testament, and I regarded them not sayeth the Lord. For this is the testament, that I will make with the house of Israel: After those days (saith the Lord) I will put my laws in their minds, and in their hearts I will write them, and I willbe their god, and they shallbe my people. And they shall not teach, every man his neighbour and every man his brother, saying: know the Lord: for they shall know me, from the least to the most of them: For I willbe merciful over their unrightewesnes, and their sins and their iniquities will I think upon no more. In that he saith a new testament, he hath worn out the old. For that which is worn out and waxed old, is ready to banish away. CAPI. IX. ¶ The profit ● worthiness of the old testament and how surre the new excelleth it. THE old Testament than had verily ordinances, and seruynges of God, and worldly holiness. ✚ For * Exod xxv. d there was a fore tabernacle made, wherein was the light and the table, and the show breed, which is called holy. But within the second veil was there a tabernacle, which is called holiest of all, which had the golden censer, and the ark of the testament overlaid round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot with * Exo. xvi. g Manna, and ‡ Leu, xvii. a Aaron's rod that sprung and ‡ Exodi. xi ● the tables of the testament. Over the ark were the cherubins of glory, shadowing the seat of grace. Of which things we cannot now speak particularly. When these things were thus ordained, the priests went all ways into the first tabernacle, which executed the service of the holy things. But into the second went the high priest alone * Exo. thirty. b once every year: not with out blood * Levi. xvi. b which he offered for himself, and for the ignorauntes of the people. Wherewith the holy ghost this signified, that the way of holy things was not yet opened, while as yet the first tabernacle was standing. Which was a similitude for the time then present, in which were offered gifts and sacrifices, that could not make the minister perfect, as pertaining to the conscience, with only meats and drinckes, and divers wasshinge and justifyings of the flesh, which were ordained until the time of reformation. ✚ Butler * Hebre. vi. d 〈◊〉. viii. b Christ being an high priest of good things to come, came by a greater & a more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands: that is to say, not of this building, neither by the blood of goats and calves: but * i Petri. i by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, and found eternal redemption. ⊢ For if the * ●eui. xvi. ● blood of oxen and of goats & the ashes of a young cow, when it was sprinkled, purifieth the unclean, as touching the puryfyinge of the flesh: how much more shall the blood of Christ) which thorough the eternal spirit, offered himself without spot to God) purge your conscience from deed works, for to serve the living God? And for this cause is he the * i. 〈…〉. ● mediator of the new testament, that thorough death which chanced, for the redemption of those transgressions that were under the first testament they which are called, might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. ⊢ For where as is a testament, there must also (of necessity) be the death of him that maketh the testament. For the testament taketh authority when men are deed: for it is yet of no value, as long as he that maketh the testament is alive, for which cause also, neither the first testament was ordained without blood. For when Moses had declared all the commandment to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water & purple wool, and ysope, and sprinkled both the book, & all the people, saying: * Exod. 14. b this is the blood of the testament, which God hath appointed unto you, Moreover, he sprinkled the tabernacle with blood also, and all the ministering vessels. And almost all things are by the law purged with blood, & with out shedding of blood is no remission. It is need then, that the similitude of heavenly things be purified with such things: but that the heavenly things them selves be purified with better sacrifices than are those. * Acts. seven. ● and. xvi●. For Christ is not entered into the holy places that are made with hands (which are similitudes of true things (but is entered into very heaven, for * 1. john. two. ● to appear now in the sight of god for us: not to offer himself often * ●●●● xvi. ● as the high priest entereth into the holy place every year with strange blood, for them must he have often suffered sense the world began. But now in the end of the world, hath he appeared once, to put sin to flight by the offering up of himself. And as it is appointed unto all men that they shall once die, and then cometh the judgement * Roma. v. b 1. Pet. iii. d even so christ was once offered, to take away the sins of many, and unto them that look for him shall he appear again without syve unto salvation. ¶ The old law had no power to cleanse away sin, but Chryst did is with offering of his body once for al. An exhortation to receive this goodness of god thanckfully with patience and steadfast faith. CAPI. X. FOR the law (having the * Collo. two. ● Heb. viii. ● shadow of good things to come, and not the very fashion of the things themselves) can never with those sacrifices which they offer, year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfayte. For would not then those sacrifices have ceased to have been offered, because that the offerers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins? Nevertheless, in those sacrifices, is there mention made of sins every year * Levi. xvi. c. For the blood of oxen and of goats can not take away sins Wherefore, when he cometh into the world he saith: * Psal. xi. b. Sacrifice & offering thou wouldest not have: but a body haste thou ordained me: Burnt offeriges also for sin hast thou not allowed. Then said I: lo, I am here. In the beginning of the book it is written of me, that I should do thy will, O God. Above, when he sayeth: sacrifice and offering, and burnt sacrifices and sin offerings thou wouldst not have, neither haste thou allowed them (which yet are offered by the law) then said he: Lo, I am here, to do thy will, O God: he taketh away the first to stablish the latter, by the which will we are sanctified by the offering up of the body of jesus Christ once for all. And every priest is ready daily ministering and offering oft times one manner of oblation, which can never take away sins. But this man after he hath offered one sacrifice for sins, is set down for ever * Ephes. i. d Collo▪ iii. ● Hebre. i. b. and xii. a. on the right hand of God, and from hence forth tarrieth till his foes be made his forestole. For with one offering hath he made perfect for ever them that are sanctified. The holy ghost himself also beareth us record, even when he told before: This is the testament that I will make unto them, after those days (sayeth the Lord) I will put my laws in their heart, and in their minds will I write them, and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more, And where remission of these things is, there is no more offering for sin. seeing therefore brethren, that by the means of the blood of jesus * john. x. a. and. xiiii. a Roma. v. a Hebre. ix. b. we have liberty to enter into that holy place, by the new and living way which he hath prepared for us, through the veil (that is to say, by his flesh.) And seeing also that we have an high priest which is ruler over the house of God, let us draw nigh with a true heart in a sure faith sprynckeled in our hearts from an evil conscience, and washed in our bodies with pure water: let us keep the profession of our hope, which tout wavering (for he is faithful that promised) & let us consider one another, to the intent that we may provoke unto love, and to good works, not forsaking the fellyshyppe that we have among ourselves, as the manner of some is, but let us exhort one another, & that so much the more, because ye see that the day draweth nigh. * Mat. xii. d Hebre. vi. a two. Petr. two. d For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins but a fearful looking for judgement, & violent fire, which shall devour the adversaries. He that despiseth Moses law, dieth without mercy * Deu. nineteen. ●. Math. 18▪ ● 2. Cor●. 13. ● under two or three witnesses: how much sorer (suppose ye) shall he be punished which treadeth under foot the son of God: & counteth the blood of the testament, wherewith he was sanctified, as an unholy thing, and doth dishonour to the spirit of grace. For we know him that hath said: * Deute. 32. d Psal. ●4. ● Rom. xii. d It belongeth unto me to take vengeance. I will recompense saith the Lord. And again: the Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Call to remembrance the days that are passed, in the which after ye had received light, ye endured a great fight of adversities, partly while all men wondered and gazed at you for the shame and tribulation that was done unto you: partly, while ye became companions of them which so passed their tyme. For ye became partakers also of the afflictions which happened thorough my bonds, and took in worth the spoiling of your goods, and that with gladness: knowing in yourselves, how that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance. Cast not away therefore your confidence which hath a great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the will of god, ye might receive the promise. For yet a very little while, and he that shall come will come, & will not tarry. But the * Ab●●●●. 2. a Roma i▪ c Gala. iii. b just shall live by faith. And if he withdraw himself, my soul shall have no pleasure in him. It is not we that withdraw ourselves unto damnation, but we pertain unto faith, to the winning of the soul. ¶ What faith is, and a commendation of the same. The stead fast believe of the fathers in old tyme. CAPI. XI. Faith is a sure confidence of things, which are hoped for, and a certainty of things which are not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Thorough faith we understand, that * Gene. i a. the world was ordained by the word of God, and that things which are seen, were made of things * Acts. xiii. c Roma 1. c which were not seen. * Gene. iiii. a By faith Abel offered unto God a more plenteous sacrifice then cain: by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testyfyinge of his gifts: by which also he being deed, yet speaketh. By faith was * Gene. v. g Sapi. 4. d Eccle. 44. b and. x●ix. c Enoch translated, that he should not see death nether was he found: for god had taken him away. For afore he was taken away, he obtained a good report that he pleased God: but without faith it can not be that any man should please him. For he that cometh to God, must believe that God is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek him. By faith ‡ Gene. vi. d E●●l. 44. b Noah being warned of God, eschewed the things which were as yet not seen, and prepared the ark to the saving of his household, thorough the which ark he * Math. 12. d condemned the world and became heir of the ryghtwesnes which is according to faith. By faith * Gene. xii. a Acts seven a Abraham, when he was called obeyed, to go out into a place, which he should afterward receive to inheritance: and he went out, not knowing whether he should go. By faith he removed into the land of promise, as into a strange country, when he had dwelt in tabernacles: and so did Isaac and jacob heirs with him of the same promise. For he looked for a city having a foundation, whose builder and maker is God. * Gene. xxi. ● Thorough faith Sara also received strength to conceive and be with child, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful which had promised. And therefore sprang there of one (even of one which was as good as deed) * Gene. xv. ● so many in multitude as are the stars of the sky, & as the sand the which is by the see shore, innumerable. These all died according to faith, ☞ when they had not received the promises: but * johan. 8. ● Gene 47. b saw them a far of, and believed them, and saluted them, and confessed, ‡ 1. Par. 29. ● Psal. 39 ● that they were strangers and pylgremes on the earth. For they that say such things, declare, that they seek a country. Also if they had been mindful of that country, from whence they came out, they had leisure to have returned again: but now they desire a better (that is to say) a heavenly. Wherefore God is not ashamed * Exod. xii, ● to be called their god for he hath prepared for them a city. * Gene. ●ii. a Eccle. 44. ● By faith Abraham offered up Isaac, when he was proved, and he offered him being his only begotten son, in whom he had received the promises. And to him it was said, in Isaac shall thy seed be called: for he considered, that god was able to raise up again from death. Therefore, received he him also for an ensample of the resurrection. ‡ Gene. 27. b By faith did Isaac bless jacob and Esau, concerning things to come▪ * Gene. 49. ● By faith jacob when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of joseph, & bowed himself toward the top of his sceptre. * Gene. ●. d. By faith joseph when he died, remembered the departing of the children of Israel & gave commandment of his bones. * Exodi. 2. a Acts. seven. ● By faith Moses when he was borne, was hid three months of his father and mother because they saw he was a proper child, neither feared they the Kings commandment. * Exodi. two. b By faith Moses when he was great, refused to be called the son of pharao's daughter, and chose rather to suffer adversity with the people of god, then to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, and esteemed the rebuke of Chryst greater riches than the treasures of Egypt. For he had respe●ct unto the reward. ‡ Exodi. xii. ● By faith he forsook Egypt, & feared not the fierceness of the king. For he endured, even as though he had seen high which is invisible. * Exod. xii. b Thorough faith he ordained the passover & the effusion of blood, lest he that destroyed the first borne, should touch them. * Exo. xiiii. ● By faith they passed thorough the reed see as by dry land: which when the Egyptians had assayed to do they were drowned. * josus. v●. ● By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were compassed about seven days. * josus. 〈◊〉. a and. v●. ● By faith the hariot Raab perished not with them that were disobedient, when she had received the spies to lodging peaceably. And what shall I more say: for the time will be to short for me to tell of Gedeon, of * judi. seven. a jud. iiii. d. Barach: & of ‡ jud. xiiii. a Samson, & of ‡ Iudit. xi a i jephthae, * i Re. xvii. ● of David also * i Reg. xii. a & Samuel, & of the Prophets: ✚ which thorough faith subdued kingdoms: wrought righteousness: ☞ obtained the promises: ‡ stopped the mouths of lions: ‡ quenched the violence of fire: ‡ escaped the edge of the sword: * i Re. xvii. d Danie. vi. ● Dani. iii. c out of weakness, were made strong: waxed valyente in fight: turned to flight the armies of the alientes ‡ ●. Re. nineteen a the women received their deed raised to life again. Other were racked, & would not be delivered, that they might inheret ☞ a better resurrection. Again, other were tried with moc kings & scourgings, moreover, with bonds & presomment: * 3. Re. xxi. b Isaiah. 〈◊〉 b were stoned, were hewn asunder, 3. Re. viii. c 3. Reg. 4. ● were tempted, were slame▪ with sword, walked up & down in sheeps skins, and goats skins, being destitute, troubled & vexed: which men the world was not worthy of: they wandered in wildernesses, & in mountains, and in dens, and caves of the earth. And these all thorough faith obtained good report, ⊢ and received not the promise, because God had provided a better thing for us that they without us should not be made perfect. ¶ An exhortation to be patient & steadfast in trouble and adversity, upon hope of everlasting reward. A commendation of the new Testament About the old. CAPI. XII. Wherefore, let us also (seeing that we are compassed with so great a multitude of witnesses) * Ephes. 4. a Collo. iii a i Petri. 2. ● lay away all that presseth down, and the sin that hangeth so fast on let us run with patience unto the battle that is set before us, looking unto jesus the auctor and finyssher of our faith, which (for the joy that was set before him) abo●e the cross, and despised the shame, and is set down * Ephes. 4. d Collo. iii▪ a Hebre. i a. and. x. ● on the right hand of the throne of god. Consider therefore, how that he endured such speaking against him of sinners, lest ye should be wearied and faint in your minds. For ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin. And have forgotten the exhortation, which speaketh unto you, as unto children: my son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, neither faint when thou art rebuked of him: for whom the Lord loveth, him he chasteneth: ye he scourgeth every son that he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, god offereth himself unto you as unto sons. What son is he whom the father chasteneth not? If ye be not under correction (whereof all are partakers) then are ye bastards, & not sons. Therefore seeing we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, & we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subtection unto the father of spiritual gifts, & live? And they verily for a few days, n●●tred us after their own pleasure: but he nur treth us for our profit, to the intent that he may minister of his holiness unto us. No manner chastising for the present time seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward, it bringeth the quiet fruit of ryghtwesnes, unto them which are exercised thereby. Stretch forth therefore the hands which were let down, and the weak knees: and see that ye have straight steps unto your feet, lest any halting turn you out of the way ye let it rather be healed. Follow peace with all men and holiness: without the which no man shall see the Lord. And look, that no man be destitute of the grace of god, lest any rote of bitterness spring up and trouble, and thereby many be defiled: that there be no fornicator, or unclean person, as Esau ‡ Esay. 〈◊〉. ● which for one mess of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward when he would by inheritance have obtained blessing he was put by. For he found no place of repentance, though Gene. ●7. ● * Gene. ●5. ● he sought it with tears. For ye are not come unto the ‡ Exod. nineteen. b mount that is touched, and unto burning fire, nor unto storm, and darkness, and tempest of wether, and soundeof of a trump, and the voice of words: which * Exodi. xx. c voice, they (that heard it) wished away that the communication should not be spoken to them. For they could not abide that which was commanded. ‡ Exo. nineteen. b If a beast touch the mountain, it shall be ironed, or thrust thorough with a dart: so terrible was the sight which appeared. Moses said, I fear and quake. But ye are come unto the mount Zion, and to the cite of the living God, the celestial jerusalem: and to an innumerable sight of angels, and unto the congregation of the first borne sons, which are written in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, & to the spirits of just and perfect men, and to jesus the mediator of the new testament, and to the * ●. Petri. i. a. Hebre. 〈◊〉. d. Gene. iiii. ● sprinkling of blood that speaketh better than that ‡ blood of Abel. See that ye despise not him, that speaketh. For if they escaped not, which refused him that spoke on earth: much more shall we not escape, if we turn away from him, that speaketh from heaven: whose voice then shaken the earth, & now hath declared saying: yet once more will I shake, not the earth only, but also heaven. Where as he saith: yet once more, it signifieth the removing away of those things which are shaken as of things which have ended their course: that the things which are not shaken, may remain. Wherefore, if we receive the kingdom which is not moved, we have grace, whereby we may so serve God, and that we may please him with reverence ‡ Deut. iiii. d & godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire. ¶ He exhorteth us unto love, to hospitalite, to think upon such as be in adversity, to maintain wedlock, to avoid covetousness, to make much of them that preach God's word, to beware of strange learning: to be co●●ten●● to lustre rebuke with christ, to be thankful unto God, and p●eby●●t unto such as ●e 〈◊〉 authority. CAPI. XIII. LET brotherly love continue * Roma 1●. ●. Acts. x. ●. Be not forgetful to lodge strangers. For there by have divers men ‡ ● Petr. 4. b ●. Tim. 4. b. Gene. nineteen. a. lodged angels unwares: Remember them that are in bonds, even as though ye were bound with them yourselves. Be mindful of them which are in adversity, as ye which are yet in the body. Wedlock is to be had in honour among all men, and the bed undefiled. As for whore keepers & advoutrers' God shall judge them. Let your conversation be without covetousness & * Eccl●. 29. d. ● Tim. vi. ● be content with such things as ye have all ready. For he hath said: ‡ josu. i. a. I will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: so that we may boldly say: the Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man may do unto me. Remember them which have the oversight of you, which have spoken unto you the word of God, Whose faith se the ye follow, & consider the end of their conversation. jesus Christ yesterday and to day, and the same contenueth for ever. ⊢ ✚ Be not carried about with divers & strange learning. For it is a good thing that the heart be stablished with grace, not with meats, which have not proffeted them that have had their pastime in them. We have an altar, whereof they may not eat, which serve in the tabernacle. * Num. nineteen. a For the bodies of those beasts whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high pressed to purge sin, are burnt with out the tents. Therefore jesus also to sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered * john. nineteen. d. without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him, out of the tents, and suffer rebuke with him. For here have we no continuing city: but we seek one to come, By him therefore do we offer sacrifice of laud always to God: that is to say, the fruit of those lips, which confess his name. To do good and to distribute, forget not, for * Eccl●. 35. a. Acts. x. a Roma. 12. a Phili. iiii. d with such sacrifices God is pleased. ⊢ ✚ Obey them that have the oversight of you, & submit yourselves unto them, for they watch for your souls, even as they that must give accounts: that they may do it with joy, and not with grief. For that is an unprofitable thing for you. Pray for us. For we trust we have a good conscience among all men, and desire to live honestly. But I desire you the more, that ye so do, that I may be restored to you the sooner. The God of peace that brought again from death our Lord jesus * E●●. 34. b. josu. ●. a. ●. Petri. v. ● the great shepperde of the sheep, thorough the blood of the everlasting testament, make you perfect in all good works, to do his will, & bring to pass, that the thing which ye do, may be pleasant in his sight thorough jesus Christ. To whom be praise for ever while the world endureth. Amen. ⊢ I beseech you brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for we have written unto you 〈◊〉 few words. Ye know our brother Timothe, that he is at liberty: with whom (if he come shortly) I will see you. Salute them that have the oversight of you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you. Grace be with you all: Amen. ¶ Sent from Italy by Timotheus. ❧ The Epistel of saint James. ¶ He exhorteth to rejoice▪ in trouble, and thankfully to receive the word of God, true religion or devotion what it is. CAPI. I. IAmes the servant of God and of the Lord jesus Christ, sendeth greeting to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad. ✚ My brethren, county for an exceeding joy, when ye fall into divers temptations: knowing this, that * job. xxii. a. Sapi. iiii. a Roma. v. ●. the trying of your faith gendereth patience: & let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and sound, lacking nothing. If any of you lack wisdom, ‡ Aob. xviii. ● Eccle. seven. ●. Math. xii. a Luke. xi. b let him ask of him that giveth it: even God, which giveth to all men indifferently, and castech no man in the teeth: and it shallbe given him. But let him ask in faith, and waver not. For he that doubteth, is like a wave of the see, which is tossed of the winds and carried with violence. Nether let that man think, that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A wavering minded man, is unstable in all his ways. Let the brother which is of low degree rejoice when he is exalted. Again: let him that is rich, rejoice when he is made low. * Esayi. 〈◊〉. b. Eccle. 14. b. 1. Petri i. d. For even as the flower of the grass: shall he pass away. For the son riseth with heat, and the grass wydereth, and his flower falleth away, and the beauty of the fashion of it perisheth: even so shall the rich man perish with his ways. Happy is the man that endureth tempta cyon: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. ⊢ Let no man say when he is tempted, that he is tempted of God. For * Gene. xxii. a God cannot tempt unto evil, because he tempteth no man. But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away, and enticed of his own concupiscence. Then, when just hath conceived, she bringeth forth sin: & sin when it is synysshed, bringeth forth death. Do not err my dear brethren, * 1. Cor. iiii. b ✚ Every good gift, and every parfayt gift, is from above, and cometh down from the father of lights, with whom is no variabienes, nether is he changed unto darkness. * Ihon. i. a. and 〈◊〉. d. Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be the first fruits of his creatures. Wherefore (dear brethren) ‡ P●o. xvii. d Eccle. v. a. let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. For the wrath of man worketh not that which is righteous before God. * Roma. 13. d ●ollo. ●ii. a. Wherefore lay a part all filthiness & superstuyte of malicyousnes, & receive with meekness, the word that is graffed in you, which is able to save your souls. ⊢ ✚ And ‡ Roma. ●i. b. Math v. d. se that ye be doaers of the word and not hearets only, deceiving your owneselues. For * Luke. xi. g. if any man hear the word, and declareth not the same by his works, he is like unto a man beholoing his bodily face in a glass. For assoon as he hath looked on himself, he goeth his way, & forgetteth immediately what his fashion was. * Mat. v●● d. But whoso looketh in the parfayt law of liberty, and continueth therein (if he be not a forgetful hearer, but a door of the work) the same shallbe happy in his deed. If any man among you seem to be devout, refraineth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's devotion is in vain. Pure devotion & undefiled before God the father, is this: to visit the fatherless & widows in their adversity, and to keep himself unspotted of the world. ⊢ ¶ He for biddeth to have any respect of persons, and not to boast of faith where no deeds are. CAPI. II. MY brethren, esteem not the faith of our Lord jesus Christ the Lord of glory * Levi. nineteen. c with respect of persons. For if there come into your company a man wearing a golden ring, clothed in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment, and ye have a respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, & say unto him: Sit thou here in a good place: & say unto the poor: stand thou there, or sit here under my ●ote stole: are ye not partial in yourselves, and have judged after evil thoughts? hearken my dear beloved brethren Hath not God chosen the poor of this world, such as are rich in saith, & heirs of the kingdom, which he promised to them that love him But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men execute tyranny upon you, & draw you before the judgement seats? Do not they speak evil of the good name which is called upon over you? If ye fulfil the royal law, according to the scripture. * Levi. nineteen. d. Mat. xxii. d Mark. x●i. c Rom. xii●●. ● Ga●●. v. b Thou shalt love thine neighbour as thyself, ye do well. But it ye regard one person more than another, ye commit sin, & are rebuked of the law, as transgressors. Whosoever shall keep the whole law, & * Math. v. c. yet fail in one point, he is guilty of al. For he that said: Thou shalt not c●myt adultery, said also: thou shalt not kill. Though thou do none adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. So speak ye, and so do, as they that shallbe judged by the law of liberty. For he shall have judgement without mercy * Math. 18. b that showeth no mercy: & mercy rejoiceth against judgement. ⊢ What availeth it my brethren, though a man say he hath ●ayth, if he hath no deeds? Can saith save him? If a brother or a sister be naked & destitute of daily ●ode, & one of you say unto them: depart in peace▪ God sede you warmness & food, notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body, what shall it help? Even so faith, if it have no deeds: is deed in itself: But some man will say: thou hast faith, & I have deeds: show me thy faith by thy deeds: & I will show that my faith by my deeds. believest thou that there is one god? Thou dost well. The devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou understand (. O thou vain man) that faith without deeds is deed? Was not Abraham our father justified thorough works, when he had * Gen. xxii. b. offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Thou seest, how that faith wrought with his deeds, and thorough the deeds, was the faith made perfect, and the scripture was fulfilled, which saith: * Gene. xv. b Rom. 〈◊〉. a G●l●. three a. Abraham believed God, and it was reputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the friend of God. ✚ Ye see then how that of deeds a man is justified, and not of faith only. Like wise also, was not Raab the harlot justified thorough works, * josu. two. a. when she had received that messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body, without the spirit is deed, even so faith without works is deed also. ⊢ ¶ What good and evil cometh thorough the tongue. The duty of such as belerned The difference betwixt the wisdom of the Gospel, and the wisdom of the world. CAPI. III. MY brethren, * Math. 23. ● be not every man a master, knowing how that we shall receive the greater damnation: for in many things we sin all. ‡ Pro. xvii. a If a man sin not in worce, the same is a perfect man, and able also to tame all the body, behold, we put bits in to the horses mouths, that they may obey us, and we turn about all the body of the. Behold also the ships, which thought they be so great, & are driven of fierce winds yet are they turned about with a very small helm whither soever the violence of the governor will. Even so the tongue is a syctel member also, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a thing a little fire kindleth, and the tongue is fire, even a world of wickedness. So is the tongue set among our membres, that it defileth the whole body, & setteth a fire all that we have of nature, and is itself set a fire even of hell. All the natures of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and things of the see are meeked & tamed of the nature of man. But the tongue can no man tame. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Therewith bless we God the father, & therewith curse we me, * Gene. i. d which are made after the ⚜ (image and) similitude of God. Out of one mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought nat so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at one place sweet water and bitter also? Can the fig tree (my brethren) bear olive bertes: either a vine bear figs? So can no fountain give both salt water & fresh also. If any man be wise & endued with knowledge among you, let him show his works out of good conversation with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your heart, rejoice not: neither be liars against the truth: For such wisdom dissendeth not from above: but is earthy, natural, & dyvelysshe. For where envying & strife is, there is unstableness, and all manner of evil works. But the wisdom that is from above, is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, & easy to be entreated, full of mercy & good fruits, with out judging, without simulation: ye, and the fruit of rightewesnes is sown in peace, of them that maintain peace. CAPI. four ¶ war and fighting cometh of voluptcousnesse. The friendship of the world is enimyte before God▪ 〈◊〉 oration to 〈◊〉 slander and the vany●e of this like. FROM whence cometh war, & fighting among you? come they not here hence? even of your lusts, that fight in your members. Ye lust, & have not. Ye envy & have indignation, & cannot obtain. Ye fight & war. Ye have not because ye ask not. Ye ask & receive not, because ye ask a mys●e: even to consume it upon your jousts. Ye advouterars, & women that break matrimony: know ye not how that * G●iath. i b. 1 Ihon. two. c. the frendshype of the world is enmity with God whosoever therefore willbe a friend of that world, is made the enemy of God. Ether do ye think the the scripture saith in vain. The spirit that dwelleth in us, lusteth even contrary to envy: our giveth more grace. (wherefore he saith: God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the lowly. Submit yourselves therefore to God, but * i. 〈◊〉. v. b resist the devil, and he will fly from you. Draw nigh to God, & he will drawenye to you. Clenfe your hands ye sinners, & purge your hettes ye wavering minded. Suffer afflictions: and mourn, & weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. * i. Pe●●i v. a Humble yourselves in the sight of the lord, & he shall life you up. backbite not one another, drethrens. He that backbiteth his brother, & he that judgeth his brother, backbiteth the law, and judgeth the law. But and if thou judge the law, thou are not an observer of the law: but a judge. There is one law giver (and judge) which is able to save and to destroy. * Rome. 14. a What art thou that judgest another. Go to now ye that say: ‡ Eze. xviii. a Luke. xii. b. today and tomorrow let us go into such a city, and continue there a year, & buy & sell, and win: & yet cannot ye tell, what shall happen on the morrow. For what thing is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth a way: For that ye ought to say: * A●●. xviii. c. Hebre. vi. ● if the Lord will, and if we live, let us do this or yt. But now ye rejoice in your boastynges. All such rejoicing is evil. Therefore ‡ Luke. xii to him that knoweth how to do good, and doth it not, to him it is sin. ¶ He threateneth the wicked rich men, exhorteth unto patience, to beware of swearing One to knowledge his ●autes to another, one to pray for another, and one to labour to bring another to the truth. CAPI. V GO to now ye rich men. Weep and howl on your wretchedness that shall come upon you. your riches is corrupt, your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered, and the rust of them shallbe a witness unto you & shall eat your flesh as it were fire. ye have heaped treasuere together ⚜ (even wrath to yourselves) in your last days: Behold * Levi, xi●. ● Deut. 24. c. Tobi. iiii. c the hire of the labourers which have reaped down your fields (which hire is of you kept back by fraud) crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped, are entered into the ears of the Lord Sabbaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wantan. Ye have nourished your hearts, as ☞ in a day of slaughter ye have condemned and killed the just and he hath not resisted you. ✚ Be patient therefore brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husband man waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience there upon, until he receive that early and the latter rain. Be ye also patient therefore, & settle your hearts, for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. Grudge not one against another brethren, lest ye be damned. Behold, the judge standeth before the door. Take (my brethren) the Prophets for an ensample of suffering adversity, & of patience, which spoke in the name of the Lord. ⊢ Behold, * Math. v. a. we count them happy which endure. Ye have hard of the patience of job, & have known what end the Lord made. For the Lord is very pitiful and merciful. But above all things my brethren * Math. v. f. swear not▪ nether by heaven, nether by earth, nether any other oath: Let your ye be ye, and your nay nay: lest ye fall into hypocrisy, If any of you be vexed, let him pray. If any of you be merry, let him sing Psalms. If any be diseased among you, let him call for the elders of the congregation, and let them pray over him, and * Ma●. vi. b. anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up, and if he have committed sins, they shallbe forgiven him. ✚ Knowledge your faults one to another: and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. For the fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Helyas was a man mortal even as we are, and he prayed in his prayer that it might not rain: * 3. Reg. 17. ● Luke. 〈◊〉. ●. and is rained not on the earth by the space of three years & six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth and another convert him, let the same know that he which converteth the sinner from going astray out of his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide the multitude of sins. ¶ The end of the epistle of saint James. ❧: The first Epistle of Saint Peter the Apostle. ¶ He showeth that thorough the abundant mercy of God we are begotten again to a lively hope and how faith must be tried, how the salvation in Chryst is no News▪ but a thing prophesied of old. He exhorteth the to a godly conversation, for so much as they are now borne a new by the word of God. CAPI. I. PEter an Apostle of jesus christ, to them that dwell * Acts. 8. a. here and there as strangers throughout Pontus, Galacia, Capadocya: Asia, and Bethynia, elect according to the for knowledge of God the father thorough the sanctifing of the spirit unto obedience and * Hebre. ix. ● and. xii. d. sprynckling of the blood of jesus christ. * Roma. i. ●. Grace be with you and peace be multiplied. * i Corin. i a. two. Cori. i. a. Gala. ●. a. ● two. Cori. i. ●. Blessed be God the father of our Lord jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy begat us again? unto a ‡ Ephe. i. ●. lively hope (by that that jesus Christ rose again from death) to an inheritance immortal and undefiled, and that perisheth not reserved in heaven for you, which are kept by the power of God thorough faith, unto salvation, which is prepared already to be showed in the last time, in the which ye rejoice, though now for a season (if need require) ye are in heaviness, thorough manifold temptations, that the trial of your faith being much more precious than gold that perisheth risheth (though it be * job. xxiii. b Sapi. 3. a jacob: ●. a Roma. v. a tried with fire) might be found unto laud, glory & honour, at the appearing of jesus Chryst, whom ye have not seen, & yet love him, in whom even now, ‡ Ihon. xx, g though ye see him not, yet do you believe, and rejoice with joy unspeakable and glorious receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. Of which salvation have * Acts. x. ●. Ela●e ix. a Da●●. two. g ●gg●. two. b the Prophets inquired and searched, which Prophesied of the grace that should come unto you, searching when or at what time the spirit of Christ (which was in them) should signify, which spirit testyfyed before, the passions that should happen unto Christ, and the glory that should follow after, unto which Prophets it was also declared, that not unto themselves, but unto us, they should minister the things which are now showed unto to you of them, which (by the holy ghost * Acts. two. a sent down from heaven) have in the Gospel preached unto you the things, which the angels defyre to behold. Wherefore * Luke. xi●. ●. Ephe. vi. c gird up the loins of your mid, be sober, & trust perfectly on the grace that is brought unto you (by the declaring of jesus Christ (as obedient children that ye give not yourselves over unto your old lusts, by which ye were led, when as yet ye were ignorant of Christ: but as he which called you, is holy, even so be ye holy also in all manner of conversation, because it is written ‡ L●●it. xi, g and. nineteen. a Be holy, for I am holy. And if so be that ye call on the father, which without respect of person judgeth ‡ Mat. xii. d Psa. xviii. c Roma. 〈◊〉. b according to every man's work, see that ye pass the time of your pilgrimage in fear. ✚ For as much as ye know, how that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things (as silver & gold) from your vain conversation, which ye received by the tradition of the fathers: but * Hebre. ix. b ●. Ihon. ●. b Apoca. i. b which the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb undefiled, and without spot, which was ordained before hand, even before the world was made: but was declared in the last times * Isaiah. ix b Luke. 〈◊〉. b for your sakes, which by his means do believe on God, that raised him up from death, & ‡ Philip. ●. ● glorified him, that ye might have faith and hope toward God: even ye which have purified your souls thorough the spirit, in obeying the truth with brotherly love unfeigned, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: for ye are borne a new, not of mortal seed, but of immortal, by the word of God, which liveth & lasteth for ever. * Isaiah. xl. b Eccle. 14. b James. i. b For all flesh is grass, and all the glory of man is as the flower of grass. The grass wyddereth, & the flower falleth away but the word of the Lord endureth ever. ⊢ And this is the word, which by the Gospel was preached unto you. ¶ He exhorteth men to lay aside all vice, to abstain from fleshly lusts, and to obey worldly rulers. How servants should behave themselves towade their masters. He exhorteth to suffer after the ensample of Chryst. CAPI. II. Wherefore lay aside all maliciousness and all guile, and feignedness & envy and all backbyeing: ● * Math. 18. ● as new borne babes, desire ye that myleke (not of the body but of the soul) which is which out disobeyed: that ye may grow thereby ● (unto salvation). If so be that ye have ●●sted, how gracious the Lord is, to 〈◊〉 ●e 〈◊〉, as unto a living stone, disallowed of 〈◊〉▪ but chosen of god & precious: & ye as 〈◊〉 stones, are made a spiritual house 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 priesthood, for to offer up spiritual sacrifices. acceptable to God by jesus Christ. Wherefore it is contained also in the scripture: ● behold I put in Zion a stone to be laid 〈◊〉 the chief corner, elect & precious, & he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which believe not * 〈◊〉 the stone which the builders refused, the same is begun to be the head of the corner, & a stone that men stumble at, and a Rock whereat they be offended which stumble at the word, and believed not that, whereon they were set. But ye are a choose generation, a royal * 〈◊〉 priesthood, ‡ Psal. 118. c 〈◊〉. 21. ● an holy nation, a people, which are won: that ye should show the virtues of him, that called you out of darkness into Oser. two d Roma. 〈◊〉. e his marvelous light, * Exod. nineteen. ● Deut. seven. a which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which sometime had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. ⊢ ✚ * Gala. v. c dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain * Roma. 1●. ● from fleshly lusts, which fight against the soul, & see that ye have honest conversation among the gentiles, that where as they backbite you as evil doers * Math. ● b they may see your good works, and praise God ☞ in the day of visitation. * Roma. 〈◊〉. a Citas. ●. a submit yourselves therefore unto all manner ordininaunce of man for the lords sake, whether it be unto the king, as unto the chief head: either unto rulers, as unto them that are sent of him, for the punishment of evil doers, but for the laud of them, that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doyngye may stop the mouths of foolish & ignorant men: as free, & not as having the lybertre for a cloak of ma●ciou snes, but even as the servants of God * Roma. 12. c Honour all men. love brotherly fellyshyppe. Fear God, honour the king. * Ephe. vi. a Co●o iii. d 1. T●m. ●. a Eitum. two. ● Math. v. a Servants, obey your masters with fear not only if they be good & courteous: but also though they be froward. For it is thank worthy ⊢ if a man for conscience toward god cudure grief, & suffer wrong undeserved. For what praise is it, if when ye be buffered for your faults, ye take it patiently? But & if when ye do well, ye suffer wrong & take it patiently, then is there thank with God. For here unto verily were ye called: for ✚ Christ also suffered for us * john x●ii b Ephes. v a. leaving us an ensample, that ye should follow his steps, which did no sin, neither was there guile found in his mouth: which when he was reviled, reviled not again: when he suffered, he threatened not, but committed the vengeance to him that judgeth righteously * Mat. viii. ● Esaya. 53. d which his own self bore our sins in his body, on the tree, that we being delivered from sine should live unto righteousness. By whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray: but are now turned unto the shepherd & Bishop of your souls. ⊢ ¶ How wives ought to order themselves toward their husbands, and in their apparel. The duty of men toward their wives. He erhorteth all men to v●ytie and love, and patiently to suffer trouble. Of baptism. CAPI. III. Likewise * Ephes. v. e Co●o. three ● ye wives be in subjection to your husbands, that even they which obey not the word, may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives, while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose apparel shall not be outward with broided hear, and hanging on of Gold, either in putting on of gorgeous apparel: but let the hid man which is in the heart, be without all corruption, so that the spirit be at rest & quiet: which spirit is before god a thing much set by. For after this manner in the old time did the holy wem●● which trusted in god, tire themselves & were ancient to their husbands, even as Sara ●●●yed Abraham, & called him Lord: who●●●●●●hters ye are, as long as ye do well & are 〈◊〉 afraid for any terror. Likewise ye men, dwell with them according to knowledge: giving honour unto the wise, as unto the weaker vessel, & as unto the that are heirs also of the grace of life that your prayers be not hindered. ✚ In conclusion, be ye all of one mind, of one heart & love as brethren, be p●tifull, be courteous ⚜ (m●ke) not rendering evil for evil, or rebuke for rebuke, but contrariwise, bless: knowing that ye are thereunto called, even that ye should be heirs of the blessing. * Psal. 34. ● For be that doth long after life, & loveth to see good days, let high refrain his tongue from evil, & his lips that they speak not guile. Let high eschew evil, & do good: let high seek peace, & ensue it. For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, & his ears are open unto their prayers. Again: the face of the Lord is over them that do evil. Moreover, who is it that will harm you, if ye follow the which is good? Ye, * Math. v. ● happy are ye, if any trouble happen unto you for righteousness sake? Be not ye afraid for any terror of them, neither be ye troubled but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts ⊢ Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, & that with meekness & fear: having a good conscience * Esa. ● viii. c Math. x. ● that where as they i Petr. two. ● Tirus. 2. ● backbite you as evil doers, they may be ashamed, that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ. * i Petr. two. ● Math. v. ● For it is better (if the will of God be so) that ye suffer for well doing, then for evil doing. ✚ * Roma. v. a For as much as Christ hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, to bring us to God, and was killed, as pertaining to the flesh: but was quickened in the spirit. In which spirit he also went & preached unto the spirits that were in prison, which some time had been disobedient, when the long suffering of God was once looked for in the days of No * Gene. vi. a while the ark was a preparing: ‡ Gene. seven. c wherein few, that is to say. viij. souls, were saved by the water, like as ☞ * Roma. 6. baptism also now saveth us, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but in that a good conscience consenteth to god, by the resurrection of jesus Christ, which is on the right hand of God: ⊢ and is gone into heaven, * Hebre. i. ● and. two. b, c Angels, powers, & might subdued unto him. ☜ ❧ Hebre. i. ●. 〈◊〉, two. b. c ¶ He exhorteth men to ce●si● from sin, and no man to suffer 〈◊〉 an evil door, but as a Christian man. CAPI. four FOr as much then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm ye yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he which suffereth in the flesh, ceaseth from sine that he hence forward should live (as much time as remaineth in the flesh) not after the lusts of men, but after the will of God. For it is sufficient for us, that we have spent the time that is passed of the life, after the will of the Gentiles, walking in wantonness, lusts Roma. ●. d Ephes. 4. d in excess of wines, in excess of eating, in excess of drinking ⚜ (in drunkenness) & in abominable idolatry. And it seemeth to them an inconvenient thing, that ye run nat also with them unto the same excess of riot, & therefore speak they evil of you, which shall give accounts to him, that is ready to judge quick and dead. For unto this purpose verily was the Gospel preached also unto the dead, that they should be judged like other men in the flesh, but should live before God in the spirit. The end of all things is at hand. ✚ Be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. But above all things have fervent love among yourselves. For love shall cover the multitude of sins. * Gene nineteen. a ●ct●●●. c Be ye herberous one to another, * ●hil●. 〈◊〉, b without gruoging. As every man hath received the gift, even so ministre the same one to another, as good ministers of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him talk as the words of God. * Roma. 〈◊〉. b ●orin. ●. c If any man minister, let him do it as * Math. v b ●. 〈◊〉. three ●. c and iii, c of the ability, which God ministereth unto him. That God in all things may be glorified thorough jesus Christ, ⊢ to whom be praise and dominion for ever & ever. Amen. dearly beloved, maruayl not that ye are proved by tire (which thing is to cry you) as though some strasige thing happened unto you: but rejoice, in as much as year partakers of Christ's passions: that when his glory appeareth, ye may be merry and glad. If ye be railed upon for the name of Christ, happy are ye. For the glory and the spirit of god resteth upon you. On their part he is evil spoken of: but on your pact he is glorified. See that none of you be punished as a murderer, or as a thief, or an evil doer, or as a busy body i other men's matters. If any man suffer as a christian man, let him not be ashamed: but let high glorify God o●●● is behalf. For the time is come, that judgement must begin at the house of God. If it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them, which believe not the Gospel of God? And * Pro●. xi. d if the righteous scarcely be saved: where shall the ungodly & the sinner appear? Wherefore, let them that are troubled according to the will of God, commit their souls to him with well doing, as unto a faithful creator. ¶ A special exhortation for all Bishops and priests. He exhorteth young people to submit themselves to the elder, and every one to love another. CAPI. V THe elders which are among you, I exhort, which am also an elder, & a witness of the afflictions of Christ, & also a partaker of the glory that shallbe opened: * Acts. xx. ● Feed ye Christis flock, as much as lieth in you, taking the oversight of them, not as compelled thereto, but willingly: ⚜ (after a godly sort) not for the desire of filthy lucre: but of a good mind, * 2. Corin. ●. e not as though ye were lords over the parishes: but * 1. Ti●. 4. d Titus. two. b that ye be an ensample to the flock * ●. Tim, two. ● (and that with good will) And when the chief shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive, * 2. Cori. 9 d 2. Tim. ●. ● an incorruptible crown of glory. Likewise ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder: submit yourselves every man, one to another, knit yourselves together in lowliness of mind. For God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. ✚ submit yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you, when the time is come. * Mark. vi. d 〈◊〉. x●● c, Cast all your care upon him: for hecareth for you. Be sober & watch, for your adversary the devil as a roaring lion * job. i. ●. walketh about seeking whom he may devour: * jacob. 4. ● whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing, that the same afflictions are appointed unto your brethren, that are in the world. But the God of all grace which hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ jesus, shall his own self (after that ye have suffered a little affliction) make you perfect: settle, strength and stablish you To him be glory and dominion for ever, and ever. Amen. By Sylvanus a faithful brother unto you (as I suppose) have I written briefly, exhorting and testyfyinge, how that his is the true grace of God, wherein ye stand. The congregation of them which at Babylon are companions of your election, faluteth you, and so doth Marcus my Son. * Rom. xvi ● i. Co. xvi. d great ye one another with the kiss of love. Peace be with you all, which are in Christ Iesu. Amen. ❧ The second epistle of saint Peter. ¶ For so much as the power of God hath given us all things ●●●taynyng unto life, he exhorteth us to make our talling known by good works and fruits of faith, He maketh men●yon of his own death. CAPI. I. SYmon Peter a Servant, and an Apostle of jesus Christ, to them which have obtained like precious faith which us thorough the ryghtnousnesse of out God, & saviour jesus Christ. * 1. P●●●i. i. a Grace be unto you, and peace be multi plied thorough the knowledge of God and of jesus our Lord. According as his godly power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, thorough the knowledge of high that hath called us by glory, and virtue, by the which are given unto us excellent and most great promises, that by the means thereof ye might be * Ihon. ●, e Collo. ●i. partakers of the godly nature, if ye fly the corruption of worldly lust. And hereunto give all diligence: in your faith minister virtue: in virtue knowledge: * 1. Corin. ●. a in knowledge temperance, in temperance patience: in patience godliness, in godliness brotherly kindness, in brotherly kidneys love. For if these things be among you, and be plenteous, they will make you that ye neither shallbe idle nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord jesus Christ. But he that lacketh these things, is blind and gropeth for the way with his hand, and hath forgotten, that he was purged from his old sins. Wherefore brethren, give the more diligence for to make your calling & election sure ⚜ (by good works) For if ye do such things, ye shall never fall. Ye and by this means an entering in shall be ministered unto you aboun dasitly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and saviour jesus Christ. Wherefore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of such things though ye know them yourselves, and be stablished in the present truth. Not with standing I think it meet (as long as I am in this tabernacle) to steer you up by put ting you in remembrance, for as much, as I am sure, that shortly I must put of this my tabernacle, * 2 Cori, v. a even as our Lord jesus Christ showed me. I will ever also give my diligence, that ye may have where with to steer up the remembrance of these things after my departing. ✚ For we have not followed deceitful fables, when we opened unto you the power and coming of our Lord jesus Chryst, but * Ihon. xxi. d with our eyes we saw his majesty: even then verily when he received of God the father honour and glory, & when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory. * 1. Ihon. ●. a This is Mat. 17. b and. iii. d Mathe. i. ● Luke. iii▪ ● my dear beloved son, in whom I have delight. This voice we heard come from heaven, when we were with him, in the holy Mount. We have also a right sure word of prophecy, whereunto if ye take heed, as unto a * 2. Cori. 4. ● light, that shineth in a dark place, ye do well, until the day dawn, & the day star arise in your hearts. ⊢ So that ye first know this: that no prophecy in the scripture hath any private interpretation: For the scripture came never by the will of man: but holy men of god spoke, as they were moved by the holy ghost. ¶ He prophesieth of false teachers, and showeth their punishment. CAPI. II. THere were false prophetis also among the people, even as * Acts. ●y. 〈◊〉 1. Tim. 4. a 2. 〈◊〉. ●. d 2. 〈◊〉. i. d 〈◊〉. ●● theridamas shallbe false teachers among you: which privily shall bring in damnable sects (even denying the Lord that hath bought them, & bring upon them selves swift damnation, and many shall follow their damnable ways, by whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of, and thorough covetousness shall they with sayned words make merchandise of you, whose iudgemet is now not far of, & their damnation sleepeth not. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down into hell, and dely●ed them into chains of darkness ⚜ (to be punished) to be kept unto judgement: neither spared the old world, but saved * Gene. 7. ● No● the eight preacher of righteousness, & brought in the flood upon the world of the ungodly, & turned the cities of Zodom & Gomor into ashes: overthre we them, damned them, and made on them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly. And just * Gene. 〈◊〉. ● Lot vexed with the uncleanly conversation of the wicked, delivered he. For he being righteous, and dwelling among them in saying and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds. * job. xv ●. 1. Cor●●. x. ● The Lord knoweth how to deliver the ungodly out of temptation, and to reserve the unjust unto to the day of judgement for to be punished: but chiefly them that walk after the flesh in the lust of uncleanness, & despise authority. Presumptuous are they, and stubborn, which fear not to speak evil of them that excel in worship. When the Angels which are greater both in power and might, receive not of the Lord railing judgement against themselves. But these as brute beasts, naturally brought forth to be taken & destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not, & shall perish in their own destruction, & receive the reward of unrighteousness. They count it pleasure to live deliciously for a season. Spots they are & filthiness: which live at pleasure in their own deceivable ways, feasting with you: having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease from sin, beguiling unstable souls. hearts they have exercised with covetousness. They are cursed children which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray following the * Num. 22. ● way of Balam the son of B●for, which loved the reward of unrighteousness: but was rebuked of his iniquity. The tame and doom beast, speaking with man's voice, forbade the madness of the Prophet. These are wells without water: clouds that are carried with a tempest, to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever. For when they have spoken the great swelling words of vanity, they enuse thorough jousts in the voluptuousness of the flesh, than that were clean escaped: even then that now live in error, while they promise them liberty, where as they themselves are the bond servants of corruption. * jude. i. d For of whom a man is overcome, unto the same is he brought in bondage, ‡ john. 8. d Roma. vi. c For if they (after they have escaped from the filthiness of the world thorough the knowledge of the Lord and the saviour jesus Christ) are yet wrangled again therein, and overcome * Hebre. vi. a 〈◊〉. d. x. ● then is the latter end worse with them then the beginning. For it had been better for them, not to have known the way Math. ●2. d of righteousness, then after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment that was given unto them: But the same is happened unto the that is used to be spoken by the true proverb. * Prover. xxi The dog is turned to his vomit again, and the sow that was washed is turned again to her wallowing in the mire. ¶ Of the day of the Lord, whose long tarrying so salvation CAPI. III. This is the second epistle that I now write unto you dearly beloved, wherewith I steer up your sincere mind, by putting you in remembrance, that ye may be mindful of the words (which were told before of the holy Prophets) and also the commandment of us which be Apostles of the Lord and saviour. * Acts. x●● 〈◊〉, P●te. 2. a Iudi●. ●. c i. 〈◊〉. ●. c two. 〈◊〉. ●. This first understand, that there shall come in the last days, mockers (in dysceaytfulnes) which will walk after their own lustis, & say: Where is the promise of his coming? For sense the fathers died, all things continue in the same estate wherein they were at the beginning. For this they know not (& that wilfully) how that the heaves a great while ago were, and the earth out of the water appeared up thorough the water, by the word of God: by the which things the world that then was, perished, being over run with water. ‡ job 〈◊〉 b Esay. 〈◊〉. ● But the heavens & earth which are now, be kept by his word in store, and reserved unto fire, against the day of judgement and perdition of ungodly men. dearly beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, how that ‡ Psal 〈…〉 one day is with the Lord, as a thousand year, and a thousand year as one day. The Lord that hath promised, is not slack, as some men count slackness: but is patient to us ward: for as much as he would have no man lost, but will receive all men to repentance. Nevertheless ‡ 〈…〉 the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in the which day, the heavens shall pass away in manner of a tempest, and the elements shall melt with heat: the earth also and the works that are therein, shall burn. Seeing then that all these things shall perish, what manner persons ought ye to be in holy conversation & godliness: looking for, and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, by whom the heavens shall perish with fire, & the elements shall melt with heat? * Apo●● xxi. a Nevertheless, we (according to his promise) look for a new heaven and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore dearly beloved, saying that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without sport and undefiled. And suppose that the long suffering of the Lord is salvation, even as our dearly beloved brother Paul also (according to the wisdom given unto him) hath written unto you, ye, almost in every Epistle, speaking of such things: among which are many things hard to be understand, which they that are unlearned & unstable, pervert, as they do also the other scriptures unto their own destruction. Ye therefore beloved, (saying ye be warned afore hand) beware, lest ye, with other men be also plucked away thorough the error of the wicked, and fall from your own stead fastness: but grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and saviour JESUS christ. To whom be glory both now and for ever. Amen. ❧ The first epistle of saint john the Apostle. ¶ True witness of the euerla sting word of God. The blood of Chryst is the purga●yon from sin, No man to wytho ut sin. CAPI. I. THat which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen, with our eyes, which we have looked upon, & out hands have handled, of the word of the life. And the life appeared, & we have seen & bear witness, & show unto you * Math. 17. ● that eternal life, which was with the father, & appeared unto us. That which we have seen & herd, declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellishyp which us & that our felly ship may be with the father and his son jesus Christ, And this writ we unto you that (ye may rejoice, and that) your joy may be full. And this is the tidings which we have heard of him & declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at al. If we say, that we have fellowship with him, & walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth. ☞ But & if we walk in light even as he is in light, then have we fellowship which him, and * 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. ●. Apoca. ●. b the blood of jesus Christ his son cleanseth us from all sins: * 3 Reg. 〈◊〉 3. Par. vi g If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, & the truth is not in us: * job xiii. ●. Psal. 〈◊〉. d. and▪ 〈◊〉 ●. Luke. xv. ● If we knowledge our sins, he is faithful & just, to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we have not sinned, we make him a liar, & his word is not in us. ¶ Chryst is our advocate. Of true love, & how it is tried CAPI. II. ✚ MY little children, these things writ I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sine we have an advocate with the father, jesus Christ, the righteous: & he it is that op tayn grace for out sins not for out sins only: but also for the sins of all the world ✚ And hereby we are sure that we know him, if Ihon. 13. ● we keep his commandments. He that saith I know him, & keepeth not his commandments is a liar, & the verity is not in him. But whoso keepeth his word, in high is the love of God perfect in deed: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he bideth in him, aught to walk even as he walked. ⊢ Brethren, I write no new commandment unto you: but that old commandment, which ye have had from the beginning, The old commandment is the word, which ye have heard from the beginning Again, a new commandment I write unto you, that is true in him, & the same is true also in you: for the darkness is past, and the true light now shyveth. ⊢ He that sayeth how that he is in the light, & yet hateth his brother, is in darkness even until this time He that loveth his brother, abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of evil in him. He that * ● en●●. nineteen. ● hateth his brother, is in darkness, & walketh in darkness: and cannot tell whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes. Babes I write unto you, how that your sins are forgiven you for his name's sake. I write unto you fathers, how that ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you young men, how that ye have overcome that wicked: I write unto you little children, how that ye have known the father. I have written unto you fathers, how that ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you young men, how that ye are strong, and the word of god abideth in you, and ye have overcome that wicked. See that ye love not ‡ job. xvii ● the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the father is not in him. For all that is in the world (as the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, & the pride of life) is not of the father, but of the world. And the world passeth a way and the lust thereof, but he that fulfilleth the will of God, abideth for ever. little children, it is the last time, and as ye have heard how that Antichrist shall come, even now are there many begoune to be Autichristes' all ready, whereby we know, that it is the last tyme. * Acts 〈◊〉. They went out from us, but they were not of us. For it they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us. But that it might appear, that they were not of us. Nevertheless, ye have an ointment of him that is holy, & ye know all things. ✚ I have not written unto you, as though ye knew not the truth: but as though ye knew it, & know also, that no lie cometh of truth. Who is a liar, but he that denieth that jesus is Christ the same is Antechriste, that denieth the father & the son. Whosoever denieth the son, the same hath not the father. ⚜ (he that knowledgeth the son hath the father also.) Let therefore abide in you that same which ye heard from the beginning. If that which ye heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us even eternal life. ⊢ These things have I written unto you, concerning them that deceive you. And the anointing which ye have received of him dwelleth in you. And ye need not, that any man teach you: but ‡ Esay. 54. d ●ho●. v. c as the anointing teacheth you of all things, and is true, & no lie, & as it hath taught you, even so bide therein. And now babes abide in him: that when he shall appear, we may be bold, & not be made ashamed of him at his coming: If ye know that he his righteous, know also that every one which doth righteousness, is borne of him. ¶ The singular love of God towards us: and how we again ought to love one another. CAPI. III. BEhold, what love the father hath showed on us, that we should be called * Luke xx. ● john. ●. ● (at. d be in deed) the sons of God. For this cause the world knoweth you not, because it knoweth not him. dearly beloved, no we are we the sons of God & yet it doth not appear, what we shallbe. But we know, that when it shall appear, we shallbe like him. For we shall see high as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him, purgeth himself, even as he also is pure. Whosoever committeth sin, committeth unrighteousness also, and sin is vurightuousnes. And ye know, that he appeared, to take away our sins, and in him is no sin. As many as bide in him, sin not: whosoever sinneth, hath not seen him, neither known him. Babes, let no man deceive you. He that both righteousness, is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin, Gene. iii. ● john. v●●●. ● is of the devil: for the devil sinneth sense the beginning. For this purpose appeared the son of God, to louse the works of the devil. Whosoever is borne of God sinneth not: for his seed remaineth in him, & he can not sine, because he is borne of god. In this are the children of god known, & the children of the devil. Whosoever doth not righteousness is not of god, nether he that loveth not his brother. For this is the tidings, that ye heard from the beginning, that ye should love one another, not as ‡ Gene. iiii. b cain which was that wisked, & slew his brother. And wherefore isle we he him? Because his own works were evil, & his brother's good. ✚ Marvel not my brethren though the world hate you. We know that we are translated from death unto life, because we love the brethren. ‡ levit. xi●. d He that loveth not his brother, abideth in death. Whosoever hateth his brother, is a man 〈◊〉. And ye know, that no man ●●a●, hath eternal life abiding in him. Hereby perceive we love: because he gave his life for us: and we ought to give out lives for the brethren. But whoso hath this worlds good and * Deute. 15. b. saith his brother have need: and shutteth up his compassion from him: how dwelleth the love of God in him? My babes, let us not love in word, neither in tongue: but in deed and in verity. ⊢ Hereby we know, that we are of the verity, and can quiet our hearts before him. For if our heart condemn us▪ God is greater than our heart, & knoweth all things. dearly beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we trust to God ward: and ‡ Math. 7. a and 〈◊〉. c. John xv. b and. xv●. t, jaco. i. a what soever we ask we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, & do those things which are pleasing in his sight. And this * ●. John ●, c john. xii▪ ● is his commandment, that we believe on the name of his son jesus christ, & love one another, as he gave commandment. And he that keepeth his commandments, dwelleth in him, & he in him, & hereby we know that he abideth in us, even by the spirit which he hath given us. ¶ Difference of spirits, and how the spirit of God may be known from the spirit of error. Of the love of god and of our neighbours. CAPI. four dearly beloved ‡ belue not every spycyt: but prove the spirrites, whether they are of God or not, for ‡ Mat. seven, ● duty. 〈◊〉. ● Mat 24. ●● 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. ● Luke. 21. ● many false Prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby shall ye know the spirit of God. Every spirit that confesseth that jesus Chryst is come in the flesh is of God. And every spirit which coufesseth not that jesus christ is come in the flesh, is not of God. And this is that spirit of Antichrist, of whom ye have herd how that the should come: & even now all ready is he in the world. little children, ye are of God, and have overcome them: for greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world, therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God. He that knoweth God, heareth us: he that is not of god, heareth us not. Hereby know we the spirit of verity, & the spirit of error. dearly beloved * john. ●3. d and. xv. b i. Thessalo. let us love one another: for love cometh of God. And every one that loveth, is borne of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not, knoweth not God: for ✚ God is love. In this appeared the love of God to us ward, because that * Ihon. iii. c Roma. v. b god sent his only begotten son into the world, that we might live thorough him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, & sent his son to make agreement for our sins. dearly beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. * Exodi. 33 o judit. v. ● and. xiii. d Deute. 4. d john. i. c and. vi. ● No man hath seen God at any tyme. If we love one another, god dwelleth in us, and his love is perfect in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he is in us: because he hath given us of his spirit. And we have seen, and do testify, that the father sent the son to be the saviour of the world. Whosoever confesseth, that jesus is the son of god, in him dwelleth God, & he in God. And we have known, & believed the love that God hath to us. God is love, & he that dwelleth in love, dwelleth in God, and god in him. Herein is the love perfect in us, that we should have trust in the day of judgement. For as he is, even so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear, for fear hath painfulness. He that feareth, is not perfect in love. We love him, for he loved us first. If a man say, I love God, and yet hate his brother he is a liar. For how can he that loveth not his Brother whom he hath seen, love GOD whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we of him: that he which loveth God, should love his brother also. ⊢ ¶ To love God, is to keep his commoundementes. Faith overcometh the world. Everlasting life ●o in the son of God. Of the son unto death. CAPI. V Whosoever believeth that jesus is Christ, is borne of God. And every one that loveth him which begat, loveth him also which was begotten of him. * Ihon. 14. ● By this we know, that we love the children of God, when we love God, & keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments, and * Math. two. d his commandments are not grievous ✚ For all that is borne of God, overcometh the world. And this is the * ●. Cor. xv. ● victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcometh the world: but he which believeth, that jesus is the son of God? This jesus Christ is he that came by water & blood, not by water only: but by water and blood. And it is the spirit that beareth witness, because the spirit is truth. ⚜ (For there are three which bear record in Heaven, the father, the word, and holy Ghost And these three are one.) And there are three which bear record ⚜ (in earth) the spirit & water, & blood: and these three are one. It we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater. For this is the witness of god ⚜ (that is greater) which he testifieth of his son. He that believeth on the son of God hath the witness in himself. ⊢ He that believeth not god, hath made him a liar, because he believed not the record that God gave of his son. And this is that record, how that god hath given unto us eternal life, & this life is in his son. He that hath the son hath life: and he that hath not the son of God, hath not life. These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the son of god, that ye may know, how that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the son of god. And this is the trust that we have in him: that * Math. 7. a and xxi. c Math. xi. d Luke. 〈◊〉. b John 14. b xv. b. xvi. f Jacobi. i. ●. Ihon. 3. d if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. And if we know that he hear us what soever we ask, we know, that we have the petitions, that we desire of him. If any man see his brother sine a sin not unto death, let him ask, & he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death, for which say I not that a man should pray. All unrighteousness is sine & there is sin not unto death. We know that whosoever is borne of God, sinneth not: but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked toucheth him not. We know, that we are of God, & the world is all together set on wickedness. We know, that the son of god is come, and hath given us a mind to know him which is true: and we are in him that is true, through his son jesus christ. This same is very God, and eternal life. Babes, keep yourselves from images. AMEN. He writeth unto a certain lady, rejoiceth that her children walk in the truth, exhorteth them unto low, warneth them to beware of such dysceavers as deny that josus christ came in the flesh, prayeth them to continue in the doctrine of Christ, and to have nothing to do with them that bring not thy learning. ❧: The second epistle of saint Ihon. THe elder to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth: and not I only, but also all that hath known the truth, for the truths sake which dwelleth in us, and shall be in us for ever. With us shall be grace, mercy and peace from God the father and from the Lord jesus Christ the son of the father, in truth & love. I rejoiced greatly, that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment of the father. And now beseech I the lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that same which we have had from the beginning, that we should * Ihon. 14. c. ●. Ihon. v. a love one another. And this is the love, that we should walk after his commandment. This commandment is (that as ye have heard from the beginning) ye should walk in it. For many deceivers are entered into the world, which confess not that jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an Antichrist. Look on yourselves that we lose not that we have wrought: but that we may have a full reward. Whosoever transgresseth and bideth not in the doctrine of christ, hath not God. He that endureth in the doctrine of christ, hath both the father and the son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this learning, him receive not to house: neither bid him God speed. For he that biddeth him God speed, is partaker of his evyldedes ⚜ (Behold I have told you before, that ye should not be ashamed in the day of the lord.) I had many things to write unto you, nevertheless I would not write with paper and ink. but I trust to come unto you, and speak with you mouth to mouth. that our joy may be full. The sons of thy elect sister great the. AMEN. ¶ He is glad of Gayus, that he well●eth in the truth exhorteth them to be soving unto the poor christian in their perseruryon, showeth the unkind dealing of D●otrophes, and the good report of Demetrius. ❧: The third epistle of saint Ihon. THe elder unto the beloved Gayus, whom I love in the truth. Beloved I wyssh in all things that thou prosperedste, and faredst well, even as thy soul prospereth. For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came, and testified of the truth that is in thee, how thou walckeste in the truth. I have no greater joy, then for to hear. How that my sons walk in verity, Beloved, thou dost faithfully, what soever thou dost to the brethren, and to strangers, which bear witness of thy love before the congregation, Which brethren if thou bring for wards of their journey) after a godly sort) thou shalt do well: because that for his name's sake they went forth: and took nothing of the gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be helpers to the truth. I wrote unto the congregation: but Diotrephes which loveth to have the preempnence among them, receiveth us not. Wherefore if I come, I will declare his deeds which he doth, iestyuge on us with malicious words, neither is there with content. Not only he himself receiveth not the brethren: but also he forbiddeth them that would, and thrusteth them out of the congregation, Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doth well, is of God: but he that doth evil, saith not God. Demetrius hath good report of all men and of the truth itself, ye and we ourselves also bear record, and yeknowe, that our record is true, I had many things to write: but I will not with ink and pen write unto the. I trust I shall shortly see the and we shall speak mouth to mouth. Peace be unto the. The lovers salute the. great the lovers by name. ¶ He rebuketh such as being blinded with their own ●ust●●▪ resist the truth, and that we may know the● the better, he sayeth they be such as sin beastly against nature and despise rulers. etc. He exhorteth us to edify one another, to pray in the holy ghost to continue in love, to look for the coming of the Lord, and one to help another out of the fire. ❧: The epistle of saint jude. IUdas the servant of jesus Christ the brother of james. To them which are called and sanctified in god the father and preserved in jesus christ. Mercy unto you and peace and love be multiplied. Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the comen salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, to exhort you, that ye should continually labour in the faith, which was once given unto the saints. For there are certain ungodly men craftily crept in of which it was written afore time unto such judgement. They turn the grace of our god unto wantannes, and deny God (which is the only Lord) and our Lord jesus Christ. My mind is therefore to put you in remembrance, for as much as ye once know this, how that the Lord (after that he had delivered the people out of Egypt) destroyed them which afterward believed not. The angels also which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgement of the great day: * Gene. nineteen. ● even as Sodom and Gomor, and the cities about them (which in like manner defiled themselves with fornication, and followed ☞ strange flesh) are set forth for an ensample, and suffer the pain of eternal fire. Likewise, these being deceived by dreams, defile the flesh, despise rulers and speak evil of them that are in authority. Yet Michael the archangel when he strove against the devil, and disputed about the body of Moses, durst not give raylynge sentence, but said, the Lord rebuke the. But these speak evil of those things which they know not: and what things they know naturally (as beasts which are without reason) in though things they corrupt themselves. Woe be unto them, for they have followed the way of * Gene iiii. b Nu. xvi. c Cayn, and are utterly given to the errouce of Balan * for lukers' sake ‡ and perish in the treason of Core. These are spots which of your kindness feast together, without fear, feeding themselves. Clouds they are without water, carried about of wides, trees without fruit at gathering time twice deed, and plucked up by the roots. They are the raging waves of the see, foaming out their own shame. They are wand'ring stars, to whom is reserved the mist of darkness for ever. Enoch the seventh from Adam prophesied before of such, saying. * Apoca. i▪ b Esay. iii. c Behold, the Lord shall come with thousands of saints, to give judgement against all men, and to rebuke all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds, which they have ungodly committed, and of all their cruel speakings, which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. These are murmurers, maintainers walking after their own lusts, whose mouths speak proud things. They have men in great reverence because of advantage. But ye beloved, remember the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord jesus Christ, how that they told you * Acts. xx. ●. 1. Tim, 4. 8 2. Tim. 3. ●. 2. Petr. 〈◊〉. ● and. three ●. that there should be beguilers in the last time, which should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These are makers of sects, fleshly, having no spirit. But ye de●lye beloved, edify your selves in your mos●e holy faith, praying in the holy ghost, and keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord jesus christ, unto eternal life. And have compassion of some, separating them: and other save with fear pulling them out of the fire ⚜ (and have compassion on the other) and hate the filthy vesture of the flesh. Unto him that is able to keep you fire from sin, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with joy ⚜ (at the coming of our Lord jesus Christ) to god our saviour: (thorough jesus christ our Lord) which only is wise, be glory, majesty. dominion, & power, ⚜ (before all worlds) now and ever Amen. ❧: The revelation of saint John the divine. ¶ Happy are they that hear the word of God and keep it. He writeth to the seven congregations in Asi●, ●re●h seven candlesticks, and in the mids of them, one like unto the 〈◊〉 of man. CAPI. I. THe revelation of jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, for to show unto his servants, things which must shortly come to pass. ✚ And when he had sent, he showed by his angel unto his servant John, which vare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of jesus Chryst, and of all things that he saw. Happy is he that readeth and they that hear the words of the prophesy, and keep those things which are written therein. For the time is at hand. john to the seven congregations in Asia: Grace be unto you and peace, from him which is and which was, and which is to come, & from the seven spirits which are before his throne, & from jesus Christ, which is a faithful witness, and first begotten of the deed: and lord over the kings of the earth. Unto him that ‡ Hebre. xi. d ●. Petr. 〈◊〉. d ●. Ihon. ●, b loved us, & washed us from our sins in his own blood, ⊢ and made us Kings and priests unto God his father, be glory and dominion for evermore. Amen. ‡ Math 24. c 〈◊〉. x●v. c D●n, 〈◊〉. d Behold, he cometh with clouds, & all eyes shall see him, & they also which pierced him. And all kindreds of the earth shall wail. ⚜ (over him) Even so: Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, sayeth the Lord almighty, which is, and which was, and which is to come. I john your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom & patience in jesus Chryst, was in the isle that is called Pathmos, for the word of God, and for the witnessing of jesus Christ: I was in the spirit on a sunday, & heard behind me a great voice, as it had been of a trump, saying: I am Alpha and Omega, the first and last. That thou sayst, write in a book, and send it unto the seven congregations which are in Asia, unto Ephesus, & unto Smi●na and unto Pergamos, and unto Thiatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia and unto Laodieia. And I turned back to see the voice that spoke to me. And when I was turned: I saw seven golden candelstickes, & in the mids of the seven candelstirkes, one like unto the son of man, clathed with a linen garment down to the feet, and gird about the paps with a gold girdle. His heed, & his hears were white, as, white, will, and as snow: & his eyes were as a flame of fire: & his feet like unto brass, as though they brent in a furnace, & his voice as the sound of many waters. And he had in his right hand. v●●. stars. And out of his mouth went a sharp two edged sword. * M●●. seven. a And his face shone, even as the son in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his fool, even as deed. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me: fear not. * Esa. 44. b I am the first and the last, and am a live, and was deed. And behold ‡ Rom. vi. b I am alive for evermore and have the keys of hell and of death. Write therefore the things which thou hast leave, and the things which are, & the things which must be fulfilled hereafter: the mystery of the. vi●. stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the. vi●. golden candlesticks. The. vi●. stars are the messengers of the. vi●. congregations. And the seven candlesticks which thou sawest, are the seven congregations. ¶ He exhorteth four congregations 〈◊〉 amend, and 〈◊〉▪ weth the reward of him that overcometh. CAPI. II. Unto the messenger of the congregation of Ephesus write: these things sayeth he, that holdeth seven stars in his right hand, and that walcketh in the mids of seven golden candlesticks. I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou cannest not forbear them which are evil: and haste examined them, which say they are Apostles, and are not: and hast found them liars, and hast suffered. And hast patience: and for my name's sake haste laboured, and haste not fainted. Nevertheless, I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. Remember therefore, from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works. Or else I will come unto the shortly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place except thou repent. But this thou hast, because thou hatest the deeds of the * Acts. ●▪ 〈◊〉. Nicolaitans, which deeds I also hate. Let him that hath ears, hear what the spirit saith unto the congregations. To him that overcometh, ●●●●. ●. ● will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the mids of the Paradyse of God. And unto the Angel of the congregation of Smyrna write. These things saith he that is first, and the last, which was deed and is a live. I know thy works & tribulation and poverty, but thou art rich: And I know thee▪ blasphemy of them, which call themselves Jews and are not: but are the congregation of Satan. Fear none of those things, which thou shalt suffer Behold, the devil shall cast some of you into preson, to tempt you and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be faithful unto the death, and I will give the a crown of life. Let him that hath ears, hear, what the spirit saith to the congregations: He that overcometh, shall not be hurt of the second death. And to the messenger of the congregation in Pergamos write: This saith he, which hath the sharp sword with two edges: I know thy works, & where thou dwellest, even where Satan's seat is, and thou keepest my name, & hast not denied my faith. And in my days Antipas was a faithful witness of mine, which was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth. But I have a few things against thee: because thou hast there, them that maintain the doctrine of Balam * ●● 〈◊〉▪ c which taught in Balake, to put occasion of sin before the children of Israel, that they should eat of meat dedicate unto idols, and commit fornication. Even so hast thou them that maintain the doctrine of the Nycolaytans, which thing I hate. But be converted, or else I will come unto the shortly, and will fight against the with the sword of my mouth. Let him that hath ears, hear, what the spirit saith unto the congregations. To him that overcometh, will I give to eat Manna that is hid, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth, saving he that receiveth it. And unto the messenger of the congregation of Thiatira write. This saith the son of god, which hath eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like brass: I know thy works and thy love, service, & faith, and thy patience, and thy deeds, which are more at the last then at the first. notwithstanding I have a few things against thee, because thou sufferest that woman ‡ 3. Re. 16. ● 4. Reg. x. d jesabel, which called herself a prophetess, to teach and to deceive my servants, to make them commit fornication, and to eat meats offered up unto idols. And I gave her space to repent of her fornication, and she repented not. Behold, I will cast her into a bed: and them that commit fornication with her, into great adversity, except they turn from their deades. And I will kill her children with death. And all the congregations shall know, that * jere. 27. ●. I am he which searcheth the reins & hearts. And I will give unto every one of you according unto his works. Unto you I say, & unto other of them of Thiatira, as many as have not this learning and which have not known the de●nes of Satan (as they say) I will put upon you none other burden, but that which ye have already. Hold fast till I come, and whosoever overcometh and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over nations, * Psal. 〈◊〉. b and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and as the vessels of a potter, shall they be broken to shivers. Even as I received of my father, so will I give him the morning star. Let him that hath ears, hear, what the spirit saith to the congregations. ¶ He instrueteth and informeth the Angels of the co●● gregacyons, declaring also the reward of him that overcometh. CAPI. III. ANd write unto the messenger of the congregation that is at Sardis: this saith he that hath the seven spirits of god and the seven stars. I know thy works: thou hast a name that thou livest, and thou art deed. Be awake, and strength the things which remain, that are ready to die. For I have not foude thy works perfaycte before ⚜ (my) God. Remember therefore, how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. * 1. The. v. ● 2. Pet. iii. ● If thou shall not watch, I will come on the as a these, 〈◊〉 thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon the. Thou hast a few names in Sardys, which have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with me in white, for they are worthy. He that overcometh, shallbe thus clothed in white array, & I will not put out his name out of the book of life, and I will confess his name before my father, and before his angels. Let him that hath ears, hear, what the spirit saith unto the congregations. And write unto the angel of the congregation of Phyladelphia: this saith he that is holy and true, which hath the key of David * Esa. xx●i. ● job. x●●. ●. which openeth and no man shutteth, and shutteth, and no man openeth, & know thy works. Behold, I have set before the an open door, and no man can shut it, for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my sayings: and hast not denied my name. Behold, I make them of the congregation of Satan, which call themselves Jews, and are not, but do lie: Eeholde, I will make them that they shall come, and worship before thy feet: and shall know, that I have loved the. Because thou hast kept the words of my patience, therefore I will keep the from the hour of temptation, which will come upon all the world, to tempt them that dwell upon the earth. Behold, I come shortly. Hold that which thou haste, that no man take away thy crown. Him that overcometh, will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out. And I will write upon him, the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, new jerusalem: which cometh down out of heaven from my God, and I will write upon him my new name. Let him that hath hears, hear, what the spirit sayeth unto the congregations. And unto the messenger of the congregation which is in Laodicia, write: This saith (Amen) the faithful and true wytues, the beginning of the creatures of God. I know thy works, that thou act neither cold nor hot: I would thou were cold or hot. So then because thou art between both, and nether cold nor hot, I will spew the out of my mouth, because thou sayest: I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing, and knowest not, how thou art wretched and miserable, & poor, and blind, and naked. I council the to buy of me, gold tried in the tire, that y● mayest be rich: & white raiment, that thou mayst be * ●●. Cori. ●. a clothed, that thy filthy nakedness do not appear: and anoint thine eyes with eye salve that thou mayest se. * Prove. two. b 〈◊〉. xi●. ● As many as I love, I rebuke, & chasten. Be fervent therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock. If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come into him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my seat, even as I overcame, and have sitten with my father in his seat Let him that hath ears hear, what the spirit saith unto the congregations. ¶ He seeth the heaven open, and the scent and one sitting upon it▪ but▪ xx●ii●. seats about it with▪ xxi●●i. ●●ders syt●●●g upon them, and four beasts praising God day and night. CAPI. four A ✚ Fter this I looked, & behold a door was open in heaven, & the first voice which I heard, was as it were of a trumpet talking with me, which said: come up hither, & I will show the things: which must be fulfilled here after. And immediately I was in the spirit: & behold, a seat was set in heaven, and one sat on the seat. And he that sat, was to look upon, like unto a jasper stone and a sardine stone: And there was a rain bow about the seat, in sight like to an emerald. And about the seat were. xxiv. seats. And upon the seats. xxiv elders sitting, clothed in white raiment, & had on their heads crowns of Gold. And out of the seat proceeded lightnings, and thondringes, and voices, and there were seven lamps of fire, burning before the seat, which are the seven spirits of God. And before the seat there was a see of glass, like unto crystal, and in the mids of the seat, and round about the seat were four beasts, full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, & the second beast like a calf: and the third beast had a face as a man, & the fourth beast was like a flying Egle. And the four beasts had each one of them. v●. wings about him, and they were full of eyes within. And they had no rest day nether night saying. * Esa●●. vi. ● Holy, holy, holy, Lord God almighty, which was and is, and is to come. And when those beasts gave glory and honour & thanks to him that sat on the seat, (which liveth for ever & ever) the, xx●●●●. elders fell down before him that sat on the throne, and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever ⊢ and cast their crowns before the throne saying: thou art worthy O Lord ⚜ (our God) to receive glory & honour, and power, for y● haste created all things, & for thy wills sake they are, and were created. ¶ He seeth the lamb opening the book, and therefore the four beasts, the. xx●i●●. elders, & the angels praise the lamb, and do him worship. CAPI. V AND I saw the right hand of him, the sat in the throne, a book written with in and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel, which preached with a loud voice: Who is worthy to open the book, and to lose the seals thereof. And no man in heaven nor in earth neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon. And I wept much because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, nether to look thereon. And one of the elders said unto me: weep not: Behold a lion of the tribe of juda, the rote of David, hath obtained to open the book, & to lose the seven seals thereof. And I beheld, and lo, in the mids of the seat, and of the four beasts, and in the mids of the elders, stood a lamb as though he had been killed having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent into all the world. And he came, and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the seat. And when he had taken the book, the four beasts &. xxiv. elders fell down before the lamb, having (every one of them) haps & golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints, and they song a new song: saying: thou art worthy to take the book and to open the seals thereof: for thou waste killed, & hast redeemed us by thy blood out of all kindreds, & tongues, & people, & nations, and hast made us unto our God, kings, & priests, and we shall reign on the earth. And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels about the throne, & oboute the beasts & the elders, and I heard thousand thousands, saying with a loud voice: Worthy is the lamb that was killed to receive power, & riches, and wisdom, & strength, and honour, & glory, and blessing. And all the creatures which are in heaven, & on the earth, and under the earth, & in the see, and all that are in them, heard I saying, blessing, honour: glory, and power be unto him that sitteth upon the seat &, unto the lamb for evermore And the four beasts said: Amen. And the. xxiv. elders fell upon their faces, & worshipped him that liveth for evermore. ¶ The lamb openeth the. vi. seal. s, and many things follow the opening ● thereof. CAPI. VI AND I saw, when the lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard one of the four beasts say, as it were the noise of thunder: come and see: & I saw. And beheld there was a white horse and he that sat on him, had a bow and a crown was given unto him, & he went forth conquering & for to overcome. And when he had opened the second scale, I heard the second best, say: come & se. And there went out another horse that was red, & power was given to him that sat thereon, to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another. * Esay. 27. ●. And there was given unto him a great sword. And when he had opened the third seal I heard the third ●●●●e say, come & se. And I beheld, & lo, a black horse: and he that sat on him, had a pair of balances in his hand. And I hard a voice in the mids of the four beasts, say: a measure of where for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny, and oil and wine se thou hurt not. And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth best say, come & see: and I looked. And behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was death, & hell followed after him, and power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword and with hunger, and with death that cometh of vermin of the earth. And when he had opened the fift seal, I saw under the aultre * job. xxii. ●. the souls of them that were killed for the word of God, and for the testimony which they had, & they cried with a loud voice, saying: How long ●aryest thou Lord, holy and true, to judge and to avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And long white garments were given unto every one of them. And it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season until the number of their fellows, and brethren, and of them that should be killed as they were, were fulfilled. And I beheld, when he had opened the sixth seal: and lo, there was a great earth quake, & the sun was as black as sack clouth made of here. And the moan waxed all, even as blood, and the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as fig tree casteth from her her figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And heaven vanished away, as a scroll when it is rolled together. And all mountains and yles, were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men and the chief captains, & the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in dens, and in rocks of the hills: * Dsec. ●. ● Luk. xxiii. d and said to the hills and rocks: fall on us, and hide us from the presence of him that sitteth on the seat, and from the wrath of the lamb: for the great day of his wrath is come, and who is able to endure? ¶ He seeth the servants of God sealed in their foreheads out of all nacyo●● and people, which though they suffer trouble, yet the lamb feo●●● them, ●e●eth them to the fountains of living water, and God shall wipe away all ●●●●●s from their eyes. CAPI. VII. AND after that, I saw. iiij. Angels stand on the. iiij. corners of the earth holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth: nether on the see, on any tree. ✚ And I saw another angel ascend from the rising of the sun, which had the seal of the living God, & he cried with a loud voice to the four Angels (to whom power was given to hurt the earth and the see) saying: hurt not the earth nether the see, nether the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. And I heard the number of them which were sealed, & there were sealed an. C. &. xliiij M. of all the tribes of the children of Israel. Of the tribe of juda were sealed. xij. M. Of the tribe of Rubin were sealed. xij. M. Of the tribe of Gad were sealed. xij. M. Of the tribe of Aser were sealed. xij. M. Of the tribe of Neptalim were sealed. xij. M. Of the tribe of Manasses were sealed. xij. M. Of the tribe of Symeon were sealed. xij. M. Of the tribe of Levy were sealed. xij. M. Of the tribe of Isacar were sealed. xij. M. Of the tribe of Zabulon were sealed. xij. M. Of the tribe of joseph were sealed. xij. M. Of the tribe of Benjamin were sealed. xij. M. After this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude (which noman could number) of all nations & people, & tongues, stood before the seat, and before the lamb, clothed with long white garments, & palms in their hands, and cried which a loud voice, saying: salvation be ascribed to him that sitteth upon the seat of our God, & unto the lamb. And all the angels stood in the compass of the seat, & of the elders and of the four beasts, and fell before the seat on their faces, and worshipped God saying. Amen: Blessing & glory & wisdom and thanks, & honour, & power, & might, be ●nto our God for evermore. Amen. ⊢ And one of the elders answered, laying unto me: what are these which are arrayed in long white garments, & whence came they? And I said unto him: Lord thou wottest. And he said to me: these are they, which came out of great tribulation, & made their garments large, and made them white by the blood of the lamb: therefore are they in the presence of the seat of God & serve him day & night in his temple, & he that sitteth in the seat will dwell among them. They shall hong●●r no more neither thirst, neither shall the sun light on them, nether any heat. For the lamb which is the midst of the seat, shall f●●de them, and shall lead them unto fountains of living water, and God shall wipe alway all tears from their eyes. ¶ The seventh seal ●o opened, there is silence in heaven, the four angels blow their trompetes, and great plagues follow v●●on the earth. CAPI. VIII. AND when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw angels standing before God, & to them were given seven trumpets. And another angel came and stood before the aultre, having a golden senser, & much of odours was given unto him, that he should offer of the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar, which was before the seat. And the smoke of the odours which came of the prayers of all saints, ascended up before God out of the Angels hand. And the Angel took the senser, and filled it with fire of the altar, & cast it into the earth, & voices were made, & thondrynges and lightnings, and earthquake. And the seven Angels which had the seven trumpets, prepared themselves to blow. The first Angel blewe; & there was made hail and fire, which were mingled with blood, and they were cast into the earth: and the third part ⚜ (of the earth was set on fire, and the third part) of trees was burnt, and all green grass was brent. And the second angel blewe: and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the see, and the thrde part of the see turned to blood, & the third part of the creatures which had life, died, and the third part of ships were destroyed. And the third angel blewe, and there fell a great star from heaven, burning as it were a lamp, & it fell into the third part of the rivers, & into fountains of waters, & the name of the star is called wormwod. And the third part was turned to wormwood. And many men died of the waters because they were made bitter. And the fourth Angel blewe, & the third part of the sun was smitten, & the third part of the moan, and the third part of stars: so that the third part of them was darkened. And the day was smitten, that the third part of it should not shine, & like wise the night. And I beheld and heard an Angel flying thorough the midst of the heaven, saying with a loud voice: woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth, because of the voices to come of the trump of the three Angels, which were yet to blow. ¶ The fift and sixth Angel blow their trumpets: the star falleth from heaven: the locusts come out of the smoke The first woe is pa●●e: the fo●●● angels that were bound are loosed, and the third part o● men is killed. CAPI. IX. AND the fift angel blue, & I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth. And ●o him was given the kaye of the bottomless pit. And he opened the bottomless pit, and the smoke of the pit arose as the smoke of a great furnace. And the sun, and the air were darkened by the reason of the smoke of the pit. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth, and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. And it was commanded them, that they shude not hurt the grass of the earth: nether any green thing: nether any tree: but only those men which have not the seal in their foreheads. And to them was commanded, that they should not kill them, but that they should be vexed. v. months, and their pain was as the pain that cometh of a scorpion, when he hath stonge a man. * Isaiah. two. d. Oset. x. i Luk. xxiii. d And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it, and shall desire to die, and death shall fly from them. And the similitude of the locusts was like unto horses prepared unto battle, & on their heads were as it were crowns like unto gold, and their faces were as it had been the faces of men. And they had here as the here of women. And their teeth were as the teeth of lions. And they had habbergyons, as it were habbergyons of iron. And the sound of their wings, was as the sound of charettes, when many horses run together to battle. And they had rails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails. And their power was to hurt men. v. months. And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue, is Abadon: but in the Greek tongue, Apollion that is to say: a destroyer. One woe is past, and behold, two woes come yet after this. And the sixth Angel blue, and I heard avoyce from the. iiij. corners of the golden aultre, which is before God, saying to the sixth Angel, which had the trump: Lose the four Angels, which are bound in the great river Euphrates. And the four Angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, for a day, for a month, & for a year, for to slay the three part of men. And the number of horsemen of war were twenty times ten M. And I heard the number of them: & thus I saw the horses in a vision, and them that ●ate on them, having fiery habergions of a hyacinth colour, and brimstone, and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions. And out of their mouths went forth fire and smoke and brimstone. And of these three was the third part of men killed: that is to say, of fire, smoke, and brimstone, which proceeded out of the months of them: For their power was in their mouths & in their tails, for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they did hurt: And the remnant of the men which were not killed by these plagues, repented not of the deeds of their hands that they should not worship devils, and images of gold and silver, and brass, & stone, and of wood, which nether can see, nether hear, neither go. Also they repented not of their mutther and of their sorcery, nether of their fornication, nether of their theft. The Angel hath the b●ke open: he sweareth there shallbe no more time he giveth the book unto John, which eateth it up CAPI. X. AND I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven clothed with a cloud, and the rain bow upon his heed. And his face as it were the sun, and his feet as it were pillars of fire, and he had in his hand a little book open, and he put his right foot upon the see, and his lift foot on the earth. And cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth. And when he had cried. seven thunders spoke their voices. And when the vij thunders had spoken their voices, I was about to write. And I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me: seal up those things which the. seven. thunders spoke, and write them not. And the Angel which I saw stand upon the see, & upon the earth, lift up his hand to heaven, and swore by him that liveth for ever more, which created heaven, & the things that therein are, and the land and th● things that therein are, and the see, and the things which therein are: that there should be no longer time: but in the days of the voice of the seventh Angel, when he shall begin to blow: even the mystery of God shallbe finished, as he preached by his servants the prophets. And the voice which I heard from heaven, spoke unto me again, & said * Eze. two. ● go & take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the see, ● upon the earth. And I went unto the angel, & said to him: give me the little book, and he said unto me: take it, & eat it up, & it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shallbe in thy● nouth as sweet as honey. * E●e. three ●. And I took the lytl ● book out of his hand, and eat it up, and it was in my mouth as sweet ashony, and ●s soon as I had eaten it, my belly was bite ere. And he said unto me: y● must prophesy again among the people, and nations, and tongues, and to many kings. ¶ The temple is measured. The second woe io past. CAPI. XI. ANd then was given me a reed, like unto a rod, and it was said unto me. Rise & meat the temple of god, & the altar & them that worship therein, & the queer which is within the temple, cast out & meat it not for it is given unto the gentiles, & the holy city shall they tread under foot. xli●. months. And I will give power unto my two witnesses, & they shall prophesy a thousand, two hundredth and. lx. days, clothed in sack cloth. These are two olive trees, & two candlesticks, standing before the god of the earth. And if any man will hurt them, fire shall proceed out of their mouths, and consume their enemies. And if any man will hurt them, this wise must he be killed. These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophesying: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, & to smite the earth with all manner plagues, as often as they will. And when they have finished their testimony, the beast that came out of the bottom less pit, shall make war against them, & shall overcome thee, and kill them. And their bodies shall lie in the streets of the great city, which spiritually is called Zodom & Egypte, where our Lord was crucified. And they of the people and kindreds, & tongues, and they of the nations, shall see their bodies. iij. days and an half, & shall not suffer their bodies to be put in graves. And they that dwell upon the earth, shall rejoice over them, & be glad, and shall send gifts one to another, for these two prophets vexed them that dwelled on the earth. And after. three days & an half, the spirit of life from God, entered into them. And they stood up upon their feet, & great fear came upon them which saw them. And they heard a great voice from heaven, saying unto them Come up hither. And they ascended up into heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them. And the same hour was there a great earthquake, & the tenth part of the city fell, and in the earth quake were slain names of men seven. M. and the remnant were feared, and gave glory to God of heaven. The second woe is past, & behold, the third woe will come anon. And the seventh angel blewe, & there were made great voices in heaven, saying: the kingdoms of this world are our Lords, & his Christ's, & he shall reign for evermore And the. xxiv. elders, which sit before God on their seats, fell upon their faces, & worshipped God, saying: we give the thanks O Lord God almighty: which art & waist, and art to come, for thou hast received thy great might, and hast reigned. And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead that they should be judged and that thou shouldest give reward unto thy servants the Prophets and saints, and to them that fear thy name small and great and shouldest destroy them, which destroy the earth. And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple, the ark of his testament, and there followed lightnings, and voices, and thondrynges and earthquake, and much hail. ¶ The seventh Angel bloweth his crompet. There appeareth in heaven a woman dothed with the son: Michael ●igh teeth with the dragon, which persecuteth the woman. CAPI. XII. ANd there appeared a great wonder in heaven: A woman clothed with the son and the moan under her feet, and upon her head a crown of. xij. stars. And she was with child, & cried travailing in birth, & pained ready to be delivered. And there a●red another wonder in heaven, for behold, a great red dragon having. seven. heads, & ten horns & crowns upon his heads: and his tail drew the third part of the stars and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered: for to devour her child as soon as it were borne. And she brought forth a man child, which should rule all nations with a rod ofyron. And her son was taken up unto god, and to his seat. And the woman fled into wilderness, where she had a place, prepared of God, that they should feed her there ●. M. ij. hundredth and, lx. days. And there was a great battle in heau●, Michael & his Angels fought with the dragon, and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not, neither was there place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon, that old serpent, called the devil and Sathanas, was cast out. Which deceiveth all the world. And he was cast into the earth and his angels werecast out also. And I heard a loud voice saying: in heaven is now made salvation and strength & the kingdom of our God, and the power of his Christ. For he is cast down which accused them before God day and night. And they overcame him by the blood of the lamb and by the word of their testimony, & they loved not their lives unto the death. Therefore rejoice heavens, and ye that dwell in them. woe to the inhabiters of the earth, and of the see: for the devil is come down unto you, which hath great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short tyme. And when the dragon saw, that he was cast unto the earth, he persecuted the woman which brought forth the man child. And to the woman were given two wings of a great Egle, that she might fly into the wilderness into her place, where she is nourished for a time, times, and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. And the dragon cast out of his mouth water after the woman as it had been a river, because she should have been caught of the flood. And the earth holp the woman, and the earth opened her mouth and swallowed up the river, which the dragon cast out of his mouth. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went, and made war with the remnant of hyrsede, which keep the commandments of God, & have the testimony of jesus Christ. And I stood on the see sand. ¶ A beast riseth out of the see with seven heads and ten hururs. Another beast cometh out of the earth with two horns. CAPI. XIII. ANd I saw a beast tyse out of the see, having seven heads, and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his head, the name of blasphemy. And the beast which I saw, was like a cat of the mountain, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lie on. And the dragon gave him his power & his seat, and great authority: & I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world wondered at the beast, and they worshipped the dragon, which gave power unto the beast, & they worshyiped the beast saying: who is like unto the beast? who is able to war with him. And there was given unto him a mouth, that spoke great things and blasphemies, and power was given unto him, to do. xlij. months. And he opened his mouth unto blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name and his tabernacle, and then that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the Saints, and to over come them. And power was given him over all kindred, and tongue, and nation, & all that dwell upon the earth worshypt him: whose names are not written in the book of life of the lamb, which was killed from the beginning of the world. If any man have an ear let him hear. He that leadeth into captivity, shall go into captivity: * Mat 26. ●. Gene. ix. a he that killeth with a sword, must be killed with a sword. Hear is the patience, and the faith of the saints. And I beheld another best coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke as did the Dragon. And he did all that the first beast could do in his presence, and he caused the earth, and them which dwelled therein, to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he did great wonders, so that he made fire come down from heaven into the earth in the sight of men. And deceived them that dwell on the earth, by the means of those signs which he had power to do in the sight of the beast, saying to them that dwelled on the earth: that they should make an image unto the beast, which had the wound of a sword, and did live. And he had power to give a spirit unto the image of the beast, & that the image of the beast should speak, and should cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast, should be killed. And he made all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hands or in their foreheads. And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark or the name of the beast, either the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath wit, count the number of the beast For it is the number of a man, and his number is six hundreth, threescore and six. CAPI. XIIII. ¶ The lamb standeth upon the mount Zion, and the undesyled congregation with him, The angel exhorteth to the fcare of God and tilleth of the fall of Babylon. ANd I looked, and lo, a lamb stood on the mount Zion, and with him an. C and, xliuj. thousand having his ⚜ (name and his) fathers name written in their foreheads. And I herd a voice from heaven, as the sound of many waters, and as the voice of a great thondre. And I heard the voice of harper's harping with their haps. And they song as it were a new song before the seat, & before the four beasts, & the elders, & no man could learn that song, but the. C. &. xliiij. M. which were redeemed from the earth. These are they, which were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These follow the lamb whither soever he goeth. These were redeemed from men being the first fruits unto God & to the lamb, & in their mouths was found no guile. For they are without spot before the throne of God. And I saw, another angel fly in the mids of heaven having the everlasting gospel, to preach unto them that sit & dwell on the earth, and to all nations, kindreds, & tongues & people, saying with a loud voice: * Acts. ●4. c Fere God, & give honour to him, for the hour of his judgement is come: & worship him, that made heaven and earth, & the see, & fountains of water. And there followed another angel, saying: * Es●ye. 2●. ● H●●re. ●, ●. Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, for she made all nations drink of the wine of her fornication. And the third angel followed them saying with a loud voice: If any man worship the beast & his image, & receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink the wine of the wrath of god, which is powered in the cup of his wrath. And he shall be punished in fire & brimstone, before the holy angels, and before the lamb. And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up evermore. And they have no rest day nor night, which worship the beast & his image & whosoever receiveth the print of his name. Here is the patience of saints. Here are they that keep the commandments & the faith of Iesu. And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me: write. Blessed are the dead, which hereafter die in the Lord, even so sayeth the spirit: that they rest from their labours, but their works follow them. And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sitting like unto the son of man, having on his head a golden crown, & in his hand a sharp sickle. And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud. * joel. ii● c. Thrust in thy sykle and reap, for the time is come to reap, for the corn of the earth is ripe. And he that sat on the cloud, thrust in his sycle on the earth, & the earth was reaped. And another angel came out of the temple, which is in heaven, having also a sharp sickle. And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire, and cried which a loud cry to him that had the sharp sykle, and said: thrust in thy sharp sykle, and gather the clusters of the earth, for her grapes are ripe. And the angel thrust in his sykle on the earth, and cut down the grapes of the vineyard of the earth: & cast them into the great winefat of the wrath of God, and the winefat was trodden without the city, & blood came out of the fat, even unto the horse bridals, by the space of a thousand & vj. C. furlongs. CAPI. XV. ¶ He saith seven Angels, having seven Uyalles full of wrath. ANd I saw another sign in heaven great & marvelous, seven angels, having the seven last plagues, for in them is fulfilled the wrath of God. And I saw as it were a glassy see, mingled with fire, & them that had gotten victory of the beast, & of his image, & of his mark, and of the number of his name, stand on the glassy see, having the haps of God, and they song the song of Moses the servant of god, and the song of the lamb, saying: Great and marvelous are thy works: * Esay 〈◊〉. ● 〈…〉 Lord God almighty, just and true are thy ways, thou king of saints. Who shall not fear O Lord, & glorify thy name? For thou only atte holy, and all gentles shall come and worship before thee, for thy judgements are made manifest. And after that, I looked, & behold, the temple of the tabernacle of testimony was open in heaven, and the seven angels came out of the temple, which had the seven plagues, clothed in pure and bright linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles. And one of the four beasts gave unto the seven angels seven golden vials, full of the wrath of God, which liveth for evermore. And the temple was full of the smoke of the glory of God and of his power, & no man was able to enter into the temple, till the seven plagues of the seven Angels were fulfilled. ¶ The Angel's power out their vials full of wrath. CAPI. XVI. ANd I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven Angels, go your ways, pour out your vials of wrath upon the earth. And the first Angel went, and powered out his Uyall upon the earth, and there fell a noisome & a sore botch upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image. And the second Angel shed out his vial upon the see, and it turned as it were into the blood of a dead man: and every living thing died in the see. And the third Angel shed out his vial upon the ryvets & fountains of waters, and they turned to blood. And I heard an angel say: Lord, which art and waste, thou art righteous and holy, because thou hast given such judgements, for they shed out the blood of saites, and Prophets, & therefore haste thou genen them blood to drink: for they are worthy. And I heard another out of the altar say: even so Lord God almighty, true & righteous are thy judgements. And the fourth angel powered out his vial on the sun, & power was given unto him to vex men with heat of fire. And the men raged in great heat: & spoke evil of the name of god, which hath power over those plagues and they repented not, to give him glory. And the fift angel powered out his vial upon the seat of the beast, and his kingdom waxed dark, & they gnewe their tongues for sorrow and blasphemed the God of heaven for sorrow and pain, of their sores, and repented not of their deeds. And the sixth Angel powered out his vial upon the great river Euphrates, and the water dried up; that the ways of the kings of the east should be prepared. And I saw three unclean spirits like froggꝭ come out of the mouth of the Dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false Prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, to go out unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of the great day of God almighty. * Mat. 〈◊〉. d. 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. three ●●. 〈◊〉. ●. ● Behold, I come as a thief. Happy is he that watcheth and keepeth his garments, left he walk naked, & men see his 〈◊〉. And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armagedon. And the seventh angel powered out his vial into the air. And there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven from the seat, saying, it is done. And there 〈◊〉, voices, thondrynges, & lightnings, & there was a great earthquake, such as was not sense men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake & so great. And the great city was divided into three parties, & the cities of all nations fel. And great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. Every isle also fled away, & the mountains were not found. And there fell a great hail (as it had been talentes) out of heaven upon the men, and the men blasphemed God: because of the plague of the hail, for it was great & the plague of it sore. ¶ He descrydeth the woman sitting upon the ●●ast with ten horns. CAPI. XVII. ANd there came one of the seven angels, which had the seven vials: and talked with me, saying unto me: come, I will show the the judgement of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters, with whom have committed fornication the kings of the earth, & the inhabiters of the earth are dronc ken with the wine of her fornication. And the spirit carried me away into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sit upon a rose coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, which had seven hedes and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple & rose colour, & decked with gold, precious stone, & pearls, and had a cup of gold in her hand, full of abominations & filthiness of her fornication. And in her forehead was a name written, a mystery, great Babylon the mother of whoredom & abominations of the earth. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of saints, & with the blood of the witnesses of Iesu. And when I saw her: I wondered with great marvel. And the angel said unto me: wherefore maruaylest thou? I will show the the mystery of the woman, & of the beast that beareth her, which hath seven heads and ten horns The beast that thou seest, was, and is not, ● shall ascend out of the bottomless pit, and shall go into perdition, and they that dwell on the earth shall wonder (whose names are not written in the book of life from the begin ning of the world) when they behold the beast that was, & is not. And here is a mind that hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth, they are also seven kings. five are fallen, and one is, and another is not yet come. And when he cometh, he must continued a short space. And the beast that was, & is not, is even the eight, and is one of the seven, and shall go into destruction. And the ten horns which thou sawest, are ten hinges which have received no kingdom as yet, but shall receive power as kings at one hour with the beast. These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast. These shall fight with the lamb, and the lamb shall over come them * ●. 〈◊〉, vi. ● For he is Lord of Lords, and King of kings, and they that are on his side, are called, and chosen, and faithful. And he said unto me●the waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are people, and folk, and nations, and tongues. And the ten horns, which thou sawest upon the beast, are they that shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall ●at● her flesh, & burn her which fire. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, & and to do with one consent, for to give her kingdom unto the beast, until the words of god be fulfilled. And the woman which thou sawest is that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth. ¶ The 〈◊〉 of the world are ●o●y for the fall of Babylon, but the● that be of God have cause to rejoice for h●● 〈◊〉 Leuction. CAPI. XVIII. ANd after that, I saw another angel come from heaven, having great power, and the earth was lyght●ed with his brightness. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying. * Es●●●. 21. c 〈◊〉. ●. 〈◊〉 Great Babylon is fallen, is fallen, and is become the inhabytation of devils & the hold of all fowl spiritis, & a cage of all unclean & hateful birds, for all nations have drunken of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. And the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich of the abundance of her pleasures. And I heard another voice from heaven, say, come away from her my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, & that ye receive not of her plagues. For her sins are gone up to heaven, & God hath remembered her wickedness. Reward her even as she rewarded you, & give her double according to her works. And power in double to her in the same cup w●●che she filled unto you. And as much as she glorified herself and lived wanton, so much power ye in for her of punishment and sorrow, for she said in herself: * E●●. xivii▪ ● I sit beyinge a queen, & am no widow, and shall see no sorrow. Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, & sorrow, and hunger, & she shallbe brent with fire: for strong is the Lord God which shall judge her. And the kings of the earth shallbe weep her and wail over her, which have committed fornication with her, & have lived wantonly with her, when they shall see the smoke of her burning, and shall stand a far of, for fear of her punishment saying. * 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. ● Alas, Alas, that great city Babison, the mighty city: for at one hour is thy judgement come And the merchants of the earth shall weep and wail in themselves, for no man will buy their ware any more, the ware of gold & silver, & precious stones, nether of pearl, & rains, & purple & scarlet, & all th●u●n wood, & all manner vessels of ivory, & all manner vessels of most precious wood, & of 〈◊〉 & iron▪ & marble, & synamun, & odours, & ointments & frankinse●●e, ● wine, & oil, & fine flower, & wheat, beasts, and sheep, and horses, and charettes, and bodies, and souls of men. And the apples that thy soul lusted after, are departed from the. And all things which were dainty, and had in price, are departed from thee, & thou shalt find them no more. The merchants of these things which were waxed rich, shall stand a far of from her, for fear of the punishment of her, weeping, and wailing, & saying: Alas, Alas, that great 〈◊〉. 〈◊〉. ●. city, that was clothed in reins & purple, and scarlet, and decked with gold, 〈◊〉 precious stones, & pearls: for at 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 so great riches is come to nought. And every ship governor, and all they that occupied ships, and shipmen 〈◊〉 work in the see stood a far of, and 〈◊〉, when they saw the smoke of her 〈◊〉▪ saying: what city is like unto this great●● tytie? And they cast dust on their hedes, and cried weeping, & wailing, and sayda▪ 〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉▪ 〈◊〉 Alas, that great city, wher●● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 che all that had ships in the see, by 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 son of her costliness, for at one ho●●● is 〈◊〉 made desolate. Rejoice over her thou heaven, and ye holy Apostles and Prophets: for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ven your judgement on her. And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great 〈◊〉, ● cast it into the see, saying, with such 〈◊〉 shall that great city Babylon 〈◊〉 cast, & 〈◊〉 be ●o●ds no more. And the voice of 〈◊〉 & musicians, and of pipers, and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 shallbe heard no more in thee: and no 〈◊〉 man, of whatsoever craft he be shallbe 〈◊〉 any more in thee: And the se●de of a mill shallbe heard no more in thee: and the light of the lamp, shall no more shine in thee: and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride, shallbe heard no more in thee, for thy matchaū●es were the great men of the earth. And with 〈◊〉 enchantment were deceived all nations: ● in her was found the blood of the Prophets, and of the saynetes, and of all that were sia yne upon the earth. ¶ Pray●e is given unto God for iudg●●● the whore, and for avenging the blood of his 〈◊〉. The Angel 〈◊〉 not be worshipped. The 〈◊〉 and dyr●●● are failed to the slaughter. CAPI. XIX. ANd after that, I herd a great voice of much people in heaven saying: Allel●ia. Salvation and glory and honour and power be ascribed to the Lord our God, for true and righteous are his judgements, for he hath judged the great whore which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, & hath avenged the blood of his servants of her hand. And again they said. Alleluia. And smoke rose up for evermore. And the. xxiv. elders, & the. iiij. beasts fell down, and worshipped God that sat on the seat, saying: Amen, Alleluia. And a voice came out of the seat, saying: praise our Lord God all ye that are his senruauntes, & ye that feet him both small and great. And I herd the voice of much people, even as the voice of many waters, & as the voice of strong thondrynges, saying: Alleluia, for the Lord our God omnipotent reigneth. Let us be glad and rejoice, & give honour to him for the marriage of the lamb is come, and his wife made herself ready. And to her was granted, that she should be arrayed with pure & godly reins. For the reins is the righteousness of saints. And he said unto me, writ, * Math. 22. a Luke. ●4. a happy are they which are called unto the lambs supper. And he said unto me: these are the true sayings of god. And I fell at his feet, to worship him. And he said unto me: see thou do it not. For I am thy fellow servant, & one of thy brethren, even of them that have the testimony of jesus. Worship God. For the testimony of jesus is the spirit of prophecy. And I saw heaven open, & behold, a whit horse: & he that sat upon him was faithful & true, & in righteousness did judge & make battle. His eyes were as a flame of fire: and on his head were many crowns: & he had a name written, that noman knew but he himself. * Esay, 〈◊〉. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood, & his name is called the word of God. And the warriors which were in heaven, followed him upon white horses, clothed with white & pure rains: and out of his mouth went out a sharp two edged sword, that with it he should smite the heythen. And he shall rule them with a rod of iron, and he trod the winefat of fierceness & wrath of almighty God. And hath on his vesture & on his thigh a name written: king of kings, & Lord of Lords. And I saw an angel stand in the son, and he cried with aloud voice, saying: to all the fowls that fly by the mids of heaven: come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great god, that ye may eat the flesh of kings, & the flesh of high captains, and the flesh of mighty men, & the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, & the flesh of all free men & bond men, & of small & great. And I saw the beast, & the kings of the earth, & their warriors gathered together to make battle against him that sat on the horse, and against his soldiers. And the beast was taken, & with him that false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that received the beasts mark, & them that worshipped his image. These both were cast quick into a pond of fire burning with brimstone: & the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth, & all the fowls were fulfilled with their flesh. ¶ The Dragon is bound for a. M. years. The dead arise and receive judgement. CAPI. XX. ANd I saw an Angel come down from heaving, having the key of the bottom less pit, & a great chain in his hand. And he took the dragon the old serpent, which is t●e devil & Satanas, & he bound him a. M. years: & cast him into the bottomless pit, & he bound him, & set a seal on him, that he should deceive the people no more, till the. M. years were fulfilled. And after that he 〈…〉 be loosed for a little season. And I saw seats, and they sat upon them, & judgement was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of jesus, and for the word of God: which had not worshipped the beast, nether his image, neither had taken his mark upon their foreheads, or on their hands: and they lived, and reigned with Christ a. M. year but the other of the deed men lived not again until the thousand year were finished. This is that first resurrection Blessed & holy is he, that hath part in the first resurrection. For on such shall the second death have no power, but they shallbe the priests of god and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand year. And when the thousand years are expired, Ezechiel 38 and. 39 Satan shallbe loosed out of his prison, and shall go out to deceive the people, which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog & Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the see: and they went up in the plain of the earth: & con pased the tents of the saints about, & the beloved city. And fire came down from god out of heaven, and devoured them: and the devil that deceived them, was cast into a lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet shallbe tormented day and night for ever more. And I saw a great white seat, and him that fate on it, from whose face fled away both the earth and heaven, and their place was no more found. And I saw the deed, both great and small stand before God: and the books were opened, and another Book was opened, which is the book of life, & the dded were judged of those things which were written in the books according to their deeds: & the see gave up her deed, which were in her, and death and hell delivered up the deed, which were in them: & they were judged every man according to his deeds. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire, This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life, was cast into the lake of fire. ¶ In this chapter is describe the new and spiritual jerusalem. CAPI. XXI. ANd I saw a new heaven & a new earth. For the first heaven, & the first earth were vanished away, & there was no more see. ✚ And I john saw that holy city, new Jerusalem come down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride garnished for her husband. And I herd a great voice out of heaven saying: behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, & he will dwell with them. And they shallbe ●is people, & God himself shall be with them, & be their God. * Esay. xlv. ● a●d. lxvi. 〈◊〉. 〈…〉. iii. And God shall wipe away all rears from their eyes. And there shallbe no more death, nether sorrow, neither crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the old things are gone. And he that sat upon the seat, said: * Esay. 25. Behold, I Esa. xliii d ●. ●orin. 5. d make all things new. ✚ And he said unto me: write, for these words are faithful and true. And he said unto me: it is done, I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning & the end. I will give to him that is a thirst of the well of the water of life, fire. He that overcometh, shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shallbe my son. But the fearful and unbelieving, and the abominable and murderers and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burnith with fire and brimstone, which is the second death. And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven viands full of the seven last plagues: & talked with me saying: come hither, I will show the the bride, the lambs wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and an high mountain, and he showed me the great cite holy jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God having the brightness of god. And her shining was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper clear as Crystal, & had walls great & high, & had. xij. gates & at the gates. xij. angels: and names written, which are the names of the. xij. tribes of Israel: on the East part. iij. gates, & on the northside. iij. gates, & towards the South. iij. gates, & from the west three gates, and the wall of the city had. xij. foundations: & in them the twelve names of the lambs. xij. apostles, And he that talked with me, had a golden read to measure the city withal & the gatis thereof, and the wall thereof. And the city was built. iiij. square, and the length was as large as the breadth, and he measured the city with the golden read. xij. M. furlongs: & the length & the breadth, & the height of it, were equal. And he measured the wall thereof, an. cxliiij. cubytes: the measure that the angel had, was after the measure that man useth. And the bilding of the wall of it was of jasper. And the C●tie was pure gold, like unto clear glass, & the foundations of the wall of the city w●●● garnished with all manner of ●●●cious ●●ones▪ The first foundation was jaspis, the second Sapphire, the third a Calcedony, the four●● an Emerad, the fift Sardonir, the se●● Sardeos, the seventh Crisolite, the eight Beral, the. ix. a Topas, the tenth a Crusoprasos, the eleventh a jacynte, the twelfth an Amethyst. The twelve gates were. xi●. pearls, every gate was of one pearl, & the street of the city was pure gold as thorough shining glass. And I saw no temple therein. For the Lord God almighty & the lamb are the temple of it. * ●●●ye. 〈◊〉. d & the city hath no need of the son neither the moan to lighten it. For the brightness of God did light it & the lamb was the light of it. And the people which are saved shall walk in the light of it. And the kings of the earth shall bring their glory ⚜ (and honour) unto it. * Esay. lx. c And the gates of it are not shut by day. For there shall be no night there ⚜ (And in to it shall they bring the glory and honour of the nations). And there shall enter into it none unclean thing, neither what soever worketh abhommacio● or maketh lies: but they only which are written in the lambs book of like. ¶ The river of the water of life, the fruitfulness and light of the city of God. The Lord giveth ever his servants w●●●ynge of things for to come, the angel will not be worshipped. To the word of God may nothing be added nor ●●ynisshed. CAPI. XXII. ANd he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as Crystal: proceeding out of the seat of God and of the lamb. In the mids of the street of it, and of either side of the river was there wood of life: which bore twelve manner of fruits: and gave fruit every month: & the leaves of the wood served to heal the people with al. And there shallbe no more curse, but the seat of God and the lamb shallbe in it: and his servants shall serve him. And they shall see his face, and his name shallbe in their forheddes. ‡ Isaiah. ●x. d And there shallbe no night there, and they need no candle, neither light of the Sun: for the Lord giveth them light, & they shall reign for evermore. And he said unto me: these sayings are faithful and true. And the Lord God of Saints and Prophets sent his Angel to show unto his servants, the things which must shortly be fulfilled. Behold, I come shortly. ‡ 〈◊〉. ●. ● Happy is he that keepeth the saying of the prophecy of this book. I am john which saw these things & heard them. And when I had herd and seen, * ●●o●. nineteen. ●. I fell down, to worship before the feet of the Angel which showed me these things. And he said unto me: see thou do it not, for I am thy fellow servant, & the fellow servant of thy brethren the Prophets, & of them which keep the sayings of the prophecy of this book. But worship God. And he said unto me: seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book. For the time is at hand. He that doth evil, let him do evil still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be more righteous: & he that is holy, let him be more holy. And behold, I come shortly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his deeds shallbe. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end: the first and the last. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that their power may be in the tree of life, and may enter in thorough the gates into the city. * ●●ay. 44. ●●p●c●. ●. b For without shallbe dogs and enchanters, and whoremongers, and mortherers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth or maketh leasings, I jesus sent mine Angel, to testify unto you these things in the congregations. I am the rote and the generation of David and the bright morning star. And the spirit, and the bride say come. And let him that heareth, say also: come. * Esay. 〈◊〉. ● john. 7. ● And let him that is a thirst: come. And let whosoever will▪ take of the water of life, fire. I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this Book: * Deute. 4. ● and. xii. d. Prou. 30, ● if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this Book. And if any man shall minish of the words of the Book of this prophesy, God shall take away his part out of the Book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this Book: He which testifieth these things, saith: be it. I come quickly. Amen. Even so come Lord Iesu. The grace of our Lord jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. ❧: The end of the new Testament. ❧: A Table to find the epistles and Gospels usually red in the church/ after Salysbury use, whereof the first line is the Epistle, and the other the Gospel: whose beginning thou shalt find in the book marked with a cross ✚ & the end with half a cross, ⊢ contained within the letters. A. B. C. D. etc. ¶ On the first sunday in advent. Roma, xiij. B This time also. Math. xxi. A And when he dreweny● ¶ On the wednesday. jacob. v. B Be patient therefore bre. Mark. i A The beginning of. ¶ On the friday. Isaiah. li. A hearken unto me. Math. iij. A Than came jesus from ¶ On the second sunday in advent. Roma. xv A For what things soever Luk. xxi C And there shallbe tokens ¶ On the wednesday. Zacha. viij A Thus sayeth the Lord Math. xi B verily I say unto ¶ On the friday. Esa. lxii B I will set watchmen Ihon. i B John beareth witness ¶ On the third sunday in advent. ●. Corin. iiii A Let men so esteem us Mat. xi. A But when John heard ¶ On the wednesday. Esa. two A This is the word Luce. i. B And in the sixth month ¶ On the friday. Esa. xi A There shall come a rod Luke. i D And Mary rising in On the fourth sunday in advent. Philip. iiij A Rejoice in the Lord john. i B And this is the recor. On the wednesday. joel. two E. iij. C. Be glad than Luce. seven B And this saying of ¶ On the friday. Zacha. ij B Be glad and rejoice Mar. viij. B Take heed & beware ¶ On christmas even Roma. i A Paul the servant Math. i C The generation of ¶ In christmas night at the. i. mass. Tit. ij B For the grace of god Luke. two A And it be fell in those ¶ At the second mass. Titum. iij. A But when the kindness Luce. two C The shepherd spoke to ¶ At the third mass. Hebre. i A God speaking in times john, i A In the beginning was ¶ On saint Steuens day. Actu. vi B Steven full of faith Mat. xxiv E Therefore I say to you ¶ On. S. john the evangelist day. Eccle. xv A He that feareth God john. xxi D Follow me. Peter being ¶ On Chyldermasse day. Apo. xiv A And I saw & behold Math. two C The angel of the Lord ¶ On the sunday after Christmas. Galat. iiij A But I say as long as Luce. two E And his father & mother On new years day. Tit. two B For the grace of God Luce. two C And when eight days ¶ On the twelve even. Tit. two B For the grace of God Math. two D When Herode was deed ¶ On the twelve day. Esa. lx A Get the up by times Math. two A When jesus therefore was ¶ On the, i. sunday after. xii. day. Esa. xiij A O Lord I thank the john. i D The next day again stood ¶ On the. two. sunday after. xii. day. Roma. xij A I beseech you therefore Luce. two F And when he was twelve ¶ On the. iij. sunday after xii. day. Rom. xii A Like as we have many john. two A And upon the third day On the. iiij. sunday after. xii. days. Rom. xii C Be not wise in your Math. viii A When jesus came ¶ On the. v. sunday after. xii. daye● Roma. xii B Own nothing to any man Math. viij C And when he went into ¶ On the. vi. sunday after. xii. day Colo. iij B Put ye on therefore Mat. xiii D The kingdom of heaven ¶ On Septuagesima sunday. i Corin. ix D know ye not that they Math. xx A The Kingdom of heaven. ¶ On Sexagesime sunday. two. Corin. xi C Ye suffer fools gladly Luce. viij. A When much people came ¶ On Quinquagesima sunday i. Corin. iij. A If I speak Luce. xviij D And jesus took to him the ¶ On ash wednesday. joel. two. C And now therefore 〈◊〉 Math. vi A 〈…〉 Mat. v E Ye have herd that it is ¶ On the first sunday in lent. ij. Corin. vi A But we as helpers ex. Math. iiij A Then was jesus led of ¶ On the wednesday. Exo. xxiv C And. iii. Reg. nineteen. A Mat. xii D Then answered him cer. ¶ On the friday. Ezee. xviij C Thus sayeth the Lord john. v▪ A After that there was ●. ¶ On the second sunday in lent. i. Tessa. iij A furthermore brethren Math. xv C And jesus departed ¶ On the wednesday. Hest. xiij D But mardoch thought Math. xx B And jesus going up to ¶ On the friday. Gene. xxxviij A joseph said unto his bre Math. xxi D Hear another parable ¶ On the. iii. sunday in lent. Ephe v A Be ye therefore the Luke. xi B And he was casting out ¶ On the wednesday. Exo. xx B Honour thy father Math. xv A Then came unto him ¶ On the friday. Nun. xx A And the congregation had john. iiij A He came therefore into ¶ On the fourth sunday in lent. Gala. iiij C For it is written that john. vi A When jesus life up his ¶ On the wednesday. Esa. i C And Eze. xxxvi. D john. ix A And jesus going by ¶ On the friday. ●●●. Re. xvij C And after these acts Ihon. xi A There was one sick called ¶ On the. v. sunday in lent. Hebre. ix B But Christ being john. viij. D Which of you can rebuke ¶ On the wednesday. Levi. nineteen A And the Lord talked john. x C And it was the ● dication ¶ On the friday. jere. xvii C Lord, all they that for john. xi E Then gathered the high ¶ On Palm sunday. Phili. two A Let the same mind be Math. xxvi A Ye know that after two ¶ On the wednesday. Esa. iiij A Lord who giveth Luce. xxii A The feast day of sweet. ¶ On good friday. 〈◊〉▪ xii A The Lord said unto 〈…〉 two▪ 〈…〉 as spoken Mat. xxviij A Upon the evening of the ¶ On easter day. ●. Corin. v B purge therefore the old Math. xvi A And when the sabbath was ¶ On the monday. Actu. x D But Peter opening Luce. xxiv B And behold two of them ¶ On the tuesday. Actu. xiij C Ye men, & brethren, ye chil. Luce. xxiiii C jesus stood in the mid ¶ On the wednesday. Actu. iii B▪ Ye men of Israel, why john. xi A afterward did jesus ¶ On the thursday. Actu viii C The angel of the Lord john. xx B Mary stood without at ¶ On the friday. i Pet. two C Christ also suffered for us Math. xxviij C Than the eleven disciples ¶ On the saturday. i Pet. two A Say away therefore john. xx A On the first day of the ¶ On the first sunday after Easter i. john. v A For all that is borne of john. xx C When it was now late. ¶ On the second sunday after Easter. i Pet. ij C Christ also suffered for john. x B I am a good shepherd ¶ On the. iii. sondaye after Easter. i Pet. two B Dearly beloved I. john. xvi B It is yet a little while, & ¶ On the. iiij. sondaye after easter. jaco. i B Every good gift john. xvi A And now I go unto him ¶ On the. v. sunday. jaco. i C Beye doers of the john. xvi C verily. etc. if ye ask ¶ On the monday. jaco. v C Knowledge your sins Luce. xi A Which of you shall On the twesdaye. i Timo. two A I exhort therefore Mar. xii D And as jesus sat over ¶ On the wednesday. Actu. iiij D The multitude of the john. xiv A This said jesus, and On the ascension day. Actu. i A The first treatise Mar. xvi B Butler, at the last he ¶ On the sunday after the ascension. i Pet. iiij B Be ye therefore wise an▪ john. xx C But when the comfort ¶ On whitsun even. Actu. nineteen A It fortuned, when apol. john. xiv B If ye lone me, keep my ¶ On whitsunday. Actu▪ two A And when the days john. xiv C If any man love me ¶ On the monday. Acts. x E And he commanded us john. iiij C For God did so love the ¶ On the twesdaye. Actu. viij B When the apostles john. x A verily verily. etc. He that ¶ On the wednesday. Acts. ij B Than Peter life up john. vi C No man can come unto ¶ On the Thursday. Acts. viij A And Philip going Luke. ix A when the twelve apostles ¶ On the friday. Acts. ij C Ye men of Israel, hear Luke. two C And it befell upon a day On the saturday. Acts. xiij E But on the next Sab. Luk. iiij E And jesus rose up out of ¶ On the trinity sunday. Apo. iii● A After this I looked, and john. iij A There was a man of the ¶ On corpus Christi day. i Corin. xi C I received of the Lord john. vi F For my flesh is meat ¶ On the first sunday after Trini. i. john. iiij C God is love, and he that Luke. xvi C Theridamas was a certain ¶ On the second soudaye after Trini. i. john. iii B marvel not brethren Luke. xiv B A certain man made ¶ On the third sunday after Trini. i Pet. v A Beye therefore Luke. xv. A There were approaching ¶ On the fourth sunday after Tri. Roma. viij C For I suppose that the Luke. vi D Be ye therefore mercy ¶ On the. v. sunday after Tri. i Pet. iii B But in conclusion beye Luce. v A It came to pass when ¶ On the. vi. sondaye after Tri. Rom. vi B know ye not, that Math. v B I say unto you that ¶ On the. seven. sunday. Rom. vi C I speak after the ma. Mar. viij A In those days when ¶ On the. viij. sunday. Rom. viij B Therefore brethren ●● Math. seven. B Beware of ●a●se ¶ On the. ix. sondaye i. Corin. ● A We should not lust after Luke. xvi A And he said also unto ¶ On the. x. sunday. i Corin. xii A Ye know that when Luke. nineteen D And as he was come i Corin. xv A I declare unto you bre. Luk. x ●iij B And unto certaye On the twelfth sunday. two. Corin. iij. A We have such trust Mark. seven. A And he went forth ¶ On the. xiij. sunday. Galat. iii C Unto Abraham and his Luke. x C Blessed are the eyes ¶ On the. xiv. sunday. Gala. v C I say in Christ ● walk Luke. xvii C And it fortuned as he ¶ On the. xv. sunday. Gala. v C If we live in the spirit. Mat. vi C No man may serve two ¶ On the. xvi. sunday. Ephe. iii B Wherefore I desire the Luke. seven B And if fortuned after ¶ On the. xvii. sunday. Ephe. iiii A I therefore a prisoner Luke. xiiii A And it happened when ¶ On the xviii fond ye. i Corin. i A I thank my God Mat. xxii D The Pharisees heard ¶ On the. nineteen. sunday. Ephe. iiii C Butler be ye renewed in Math. ix A And jesus going ¶ On the. xx. sunday Ephe. v B Take heed therefore Math. xxii A And jesus answered ¶ On the. xxi. sunday. Ephe. vi B Finally brethren be ye john. iiij F And there was a certain ¶ On the. xxii. sunday. Philip i A I thank my God Math. xviij C Therefore is the king do, On the. xxiii. sunday. Philip. iii C Be ye followers Mat. xxij. B Than the Phacyses went On the. xxiiii. sunday. Colos. i A Therefore we also send Math. ix. C while he spoke these ¶ On the last sunday after Trini. jere. xxiii. A Behold, the time come Ihon. vi. A Altar these things ¶ On the wednesday in the Ember week afore Michaelmas. Amos. ix C Behold the time come. Mar. ix B And one of the people ¶ On the friday. Osee. xiiii A Turn the now Luke. seven A And one of the Phari. ¶ On the saturday. Hebre. ix A For that fyrst●a●er. Luk. xiii A A certain man had ¶ In the dedication of the church. ¶ On the ascension day. Apo. xii A And I john sa●● the Luke. ix A And he went in and ¶ Here endeth the Table of the epistles and Gospels of the Sundays. ❧: Here followeth the table of the epistles and Gospels which are used to be red on divers saints days in the year. ¶ On saynent Andrew's day Roma. x B For to believe with Math. iiij C jesus wal●kynge by ¶ On the concepeyon of our lady▪ Eccle xxiv C As the vine have I Math. i A The book of the gone ¶ On S. Thomas the apostle day. Ephes. two C Therefore are ye not john. xx C Butler Thomas one of ¶ On cande●●nasse day. Mala. iii I Behold, I will send Luke. two D And when the days ¶ On S. Mathias the apostle. Acts. i C And in those days Pe. Math. xi E In that time jesus ¶ On the day of the Annunriation▪ or greeting of our lady Esa▪ seven B God spoke unto Achas Luke. i B And in the sixth month▪ ¶ On S. George day. Io●o. i A Count it all manner ●ope john. xv A I am the true vine ¶ On S. Marks day. Ephe. iii A But unto every one of john. xv A I am the true vine▪ ¶ On S. Philippe & jacob's day Sap. v A Then shall the right john xiv A And he said unto his ¶ On the nativity of S. John ●a. Esa. xlix A hearken unto me ye Luke. i E And Elysabeths' time ¶ On S. Peter & Paul's day Acts. xii A And at the same time Math. xvi B jesus came into the ¶ On S. james the apostle day Ephe. two C Therefore are ye not Mat xx C Then came unto him ¶ On the Assumpeyon of our lady Eccle. xxiv B In all these things Math. i D It fortuned as they ¶ On S. Barthy●●ews day. Ephe. two C Therefore are ye not Luke. xxii B But there rose a ●●ry●e ¶ On the nativity of our lady. Eccle. xxiv. C As the vine have I Math. i A The book of generation ¶ On S. Mathewes day▪ Ezehe. i B The similitude of the. Math. ix B And when jesus went ¶ On S. Michael's day. Apoca. i A And he showed it. Math. xviij A In the bower came the ¶ On S. Luke's day. Ezech. i B The similitude of the Luke. x A After this appointed ¶ On S. Simon & Jude day. Roma. viij D But we know that john. xv. B This is my comma●n. ¶ On all hallow day. Apoca. seven A And I saw another Math. v A jesus saying the people ¶ On all soul's day. 1 Tessa. iiij B But we will not have john. xi C Then said Martha ❧: The end of the Table▪ ❧ The end of the new Testament: and of the whole Bible. Finisshed in Apryll. ANNO. M. CCCCC. XL. ¶ Imprinted at London by Robert Redman/ and Thomas Pe●yt/ for Thomas Berthelet: printer unto the kings Grac●. CUM PRIVILEGIO AD IMPRI MENDUM SOLUM.