Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File W. 6480, John White, Continental (Md. Or Va.)

SERVICE
NUMBER
Continental (Md. or Va.)
White John
W 6480
Eleanor
" Eleanor
CONTENTS

BIBLE AND FAMILY RECORD 1760-1808 OF JOHN WHITE CONT.-MD. OR VA.- W6480

THE NEW TESTAMENT
OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST,
TRANSLATED OUT OF THE ORIGINAL GREEK;
AND WITH THE FORMER TRANSLATIONS
DILIGENTLY COMPARED AND REVISED,
By His MAJESTY'S Special Command.
Appointed to be Read in CHURCHES.
EDINBURGH:
PRINTED BY MARK AND CHARLES KERR, His MAJESTY'S Printers. MDCCXCI.
Handwritten notes on the right margin: The first copy of the New Testament printed in 1791

James W. Smith Smith & Francis W. Smith Smith
I have still White born, I believe they of and 1800.

away: and after our end there is no returning: for Or, he. it is fast sealed, so that no man cometh again.
6 Come on therefore, let us enjoy the good things Isa. 22. 13. d that are present: and let us and 56. 12. 1 Cor. 15. 32 speedily use the creatures like as in youth.
7 Let us fill ourselves with costly wine and ointments: and let no flower of the spring pass by us. Or, earnestly.
8 Let us crown ourselves with rose-buds, before they be withered.
9 Let none of us go without his part of our † Or, jollity. voluptuousness: let us leave tokens of our joyfulness in every place; for this is our portion, and our lot is this.
10 Let us oppress the poor righteous man, let us not spare the widow, nor reverence the ancient gray hairs of the aged.
11 Let our strength be the law of justice: for that which is feeble is found to be nothing worth.
12 Therefore let us lie in wait for the righteous: because he is not for our turn, and he is clean contrary to our doings: he upbraideth us with our offending the law, and objecteth to our infamy the transgressings of our education.
13 He professeth to have the knowledge of God: and he calleth himself the child of the Lord.
14 He was made † John 7. 7. Eph. 5. 13. to reprove our thoughts.
15 He is grievous unto us even to behold: for Isa. 53. 3. his life is not like other mens', his ways are of another fashion.
16 We are esteemed of him as || Or, false coin. counterfeits: he abstaineth from our ways as from filthiness: he pronounceth the end of the just to be blessed, and maketh his boast that God is his father.
17 Let us see if his words be true: and let us prove what shall happen in the end of him.
18 For if the just man be the Psal. 22. 8. 9. Matt. 27. 43. son of God, he will help him, and deliver him from the hand of his enemies.
19 Let us Jer. 11. 19. examine him with despitefulness and torture, that we may know his meekness, and prove his patience.
20 Let us condemn him with a shameful death: for by his own saying he shall be respected.
21 Such things did they imagine, and were deceived: for their own wickedness hath blinded them.
22 As for the mysteries of God, they knew them not: neither hoped they for the wages of righteousness, nor † Gr. preferred, or, esteemed the reward. discerned a reward for blameless souls.
23 For God created man to be immortal, and made him to be an Gen. 1. 26. 27. & 5. 1. Eccl. 17. 3. image of his own eternity.
24 k Nevertheless, through envy of the devil came death into the world: and they that do hold of his side do find it.
k Gen. 3.
C H A P. III.
1 The godly are happy in their death, 5 and in their troubles, &c.
2 But the a souls of the righteous are in the hand of God, and there shall no torment touch them.
3 In the sight of the unwise they seemed to die: and their departure is taken for misery,
4 And their going from us to be utter destruction: but they are in peace.
4 For though they be punished in the sight of men, yet is their c hope full of immortality.
5 And having been a little chastised, they shall be 24. 2 Cor. 5. 1. 1 Pet. 1. 13. greatly † rewarded: for God d proved them and found them worthy for himself.
6 As gold in the furnace hath he tried them, and † Or, benefitted. d Exod. 16. 4. Deut. 8. 2. received them as a burnt-offering.
7 And in the time of their visitation e they shall || Or, meet. shine, and run to and fro like sparks among the stubble.
8 They f shall judge the nations, and have e Matt. 13. 43. i Matt. 19. 28. 1 Cor. 6. 2. dominion over the people, and their Lord shall reign for ever.
9 They that put their trust in him shall understand the truth: † and such as be faithful in love shall abide with him: for grace and mercy is to his saints, and he hath care for his elect. † Or, and such as be faithful shall remain with him in love. e Matt. 25. 41.
10 But the s ungodly shall be punished according to their own imaginations, which have neglected the righteous, and forsaken the Lord.
11 For whoso despiseth wisdom and nurture, he is miserable, and their hope is vain, their labours unfruitful, and their works unprofitable.
12 Their wives || are foolish, and their children || Or, light, or, unchaste. wicked.
13 Their offspring is cursed: wherefore blessed is the barren that is undefiled, which hath not known the sinful bed: she h shall have fruit in the visitation h Isa. 56. 5. of souls.
14 And blessed is the i eunuch, which with his hands i Isa. 56. 4. 5. hath wrought no iniquity, nor imagined wicked things against God: for unto him shall be given † the special gift of faith, and an inheritance || in the temple of the Lord, more acceptable to his mind. † Or, the chosen. || Or, amongst the people.
15 For glorious is the fruit of good labours; and the root of wisdom shall never fall away.
16 As for the children of adulterers, they shall not † come to their perfection, and the seed of an unrighteous bed shall be rooted out. † Or, be partakers of holy things.
17 For though they live long, yet shall they be nothing regarded: and their last age shall be without honour.
18 Or, if they die quickly, they have no hope, neither comfort in the day of || trial. || Or, hearing.
19 For horrible is the end of the unrighteous generation.
C H A P. IV.
1 The chaste man shall be crowned. 3 Bastard slips shall not thrive, &c.
2 Better it is to have no children, and to have virtue: for the memorial thereof is immortal: because it is † known with God and with men. † Or, approved.
3 When it is present men take example at it: and when it is gone they desire it: it weareth a crown, and triumpheth for ever, having gotten the victory, striving for undefiled rewards.
4 But the multiplying brood of the ungodly shall not thrive, nor take deep rooting from bastard slips, nor lay any fast foundation.
5 For though they flourish in branches for a time; yet, standing not fast, they shall be shaken with the wind, and through the force of winds they shall be rooted out. Mat. 7. 19.

iniquity shall lay waste the whole earth, and ill-dealing shall overthrow the thrones of the mighty.
CHAP. VI.
1 Kings must give ear: they have their power from God, &c.
HEAR therefore, O ye kings, and understand; learn, ye that be judges of the ends of the earth.
2 Give ear, ye that rule the people, and glory in the multitude of nations.
3 For a power is given you of the Lord, and sovereignty from the Highest, who shall try your works, and search out your counsels.
4 Because, being ministers of his kingdom, you have not judged aright, nor kept the law, nor walked after the counsel of God.
5 Horribly and speedily shall he come upon you: for a sharp judgment shall be to them that be in high places.
6 For mercy will soon pardon the meanest: but mighty men shall be mightily tormented.
7 For he which is Lord over all shall fear no b man's person, neither shall he stand in awe of any man's greatness: for he hath made the small and great, and careth for all alike.
8 But a sore trial shall come upon the mighty. 9 Unto you therefore, O kings, do I speak, that ye may learn wisdom, and not fall away.
10 For they that keep holiness, holily, shall be judged holy: and they that have learned such things shall find || what to answer.
11 Wherefore set your affection upon my words; desire them and ye shall be instructed.
12 Wisdom is glorious, and never fadeth away: yea, she is easily seen of them that love her, and found of such as seek her.
13 She preventeth them that desire her, in making herself first known unto them.
14 Who so seeketh her early shall have no great travel; for he shall find her sitting at his doors.
15 To think therefore upon her is perfection of wisdom: and who so watcheth for her shall quickly be without care.
16 For she goeth about seeking such as are worthy of her, sheweth herself favourably unto them in the ways, and meeteth them in every thought.
17 For the very true beginning of her is the desire of discipline; and the care of discipline is love;
18 And love is the keeping of her laws; and the giving heed to her laws is the assurance of incorruption;
19 And incorruption maketh us near unto God:
20 Therefore the desire of wisdom bringeth to a kingdom.
21 If your delight be then in thrones and sceptres, O ye kings of the people, honour wisdom, that ye may reign for evermore.
22 As for wisdom, what she is, and how she came up, I will tell you, and will not hide mysteries from you: but will seek her out from the beginning of her nativity, and bring the knowledge of her into light, and will not pass over the truth.
23 Neither will I go with consuming envy, for such a man shall have no fellowship with wisdom.
24 But the multitude of the wise is the welfare of the world: and a wise king is the upholding of the people.
25 Receive therefore instruction through my words, and it shall do you good.
CHAP. VII.
1 All men have their beginning and end alike. 8 Wisdom preferred before all things, &c.
Myself also am a mortal man, like to all, and the offspring of him that was first made of the earth,
2 And in my mother's womb was fashioned to be flesh in the time of ten months, a being compacted in blood, of the seed of man, and the pleasure that came with sleep.
3 And, when I was born, I drew in the common air, and fell upon the earth, which is of like nature, and the first voice that I uttered was crying, as all others do.
4 I was nursed in swaddling-clothes, and that with cares.
5 For there is no king that had any other beginning of birth.
6 b For all men have one entrance into life, and the like going out.
7 Wherefore I prayed, and understanding was given me: I called upon God, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.
8 I preferred her before sceptres and thrones, and esteemed riches nothing in comparison of her.
9 Neither compared I unto her any † precious stone: because all gold, in respect of her, is as a little of sand, and silver shall be counted as clay before her.
10 I loved her above health and beauty, and chose to have her instead of light: for the light that cometh from her never goeth out.
11 c All good things together came to me with her, and innumerable riches in her hands.
12 And I rejoiced in them all, because wisdom goeth before them: and I knew not that she was the mother of them.
13 I learned || diligently, and do communicate her † liberally: I do not hide her riches.
14 For she is a treasure unto men that never faileth: which they that use || become the friends of God, being commended for the gifts that come from learning.
15 † God hath granted me to speak as I would, and to conceive as is meet for the things that || are given me: because it is he that leadeth unto wisdom, and directeth the wise.
16 For in his hand are both we and our words: all wisdom also and knowledge of workmanship.
17 For he hath given me certain knowledge of the things that are, namely, to know how the world was made, and the operation of the elements:
18 The beginning, ending, and midst of the times: the alterations of the turning of the sun, and the change of seasons:
19 The circuits of years, and the positions of stars:

20 The natures of living creatures, and the furies of wild beasts: the violence of winds, and the reasonings of men: the diversities of plants, and the virtues of roots: 21 And all such things as are either secret or manifest, them I know. 22 For wisdom, which is the worker of all things, taught me: for in her is an understanding spirit, holy, † Or, only begotten. plain, not subject to hurt, loving the thing that is good, quick, which cannot be letted, ready to do good. 23 Kind to man, stedfast, sure, free from care, having all power, overseeing all things, and going through all understanding, pure and most subtle spirits. 24 For wisdom is more moving than any motion: she passeth and goeth through all things by reason of her pureness. 25 For she is the || Or, vapour breath of the power of God, and a pure † Or, stream influence flowing from the glory of the Almighty: therefore can no defiled thing fall into her. 26 For she is the d Heb. 1. 3. brightness of the everlasting light, the unspotted mirror of the power of God, and the image of his goodness. 27 And, being but one, she can do all things; and remaining in herself, she || Or, createth. maketh all things new: and, in all ages, entering into holy souls, she maketh them friends of God and prophets. 28 For God loveth none but him that dwelleth with wisdom. 29 For she is more beautiful than the sun, and above all the order of stars: being compared with the light, she is found before it. 30 For after this cometh night: but vice shall not prevail against wisdom.
C H A P. VIII.
2 He is in love with wisdom; 4 for he that hath it, hath every good thing, &c.  W isdom reacheth from one end to another mightily: and † Or, pro- sweetly doth she order all things. 2 I loved her, and sought her out from my youth: I desired || Or, to marry her to myself. to make her my spouse, and I was a lover of her beauty. 3 In that she is conversant with God, she magnifieth her nobility: yea, the Lord of all things himself loved her. 4 For she is † Or, teach- privy to the mysteries of the knowledge of God, and a || Or, chaser. lover of his works. 5 If riches be a possession to be desired in this life; what is richer than wisdom that worketh all things? 6 And if a Exod. 31. 3, 6. prudence work; who, of all that are, is a more cunning workman than she? 7 And if a man love righteousness, her labours are virtues; for she teacheth temperance and prudence, justice and fortitude; which are such things as men can have nothing more profitable in their life. 8 If a man desire much experience, she knoweth things of old, and conjectureth aright what is to come: she knoweth the subtleties of speeches, and can expound dark sentences: she foreseeeth signs and wonders, and the events of seasons and times.
9 Therefore I purposed to take her to me to live with me, knowing that she † would be a counsellor  † Gr. will. of good things, and a comfort in cares and grief. 10 For her sake I shall have estimation among the multitude, and honour with the elders, though I be young. 11 I shall be found of a quick conceit in judgment, and shall be admired in the sight of great men. 12 b When I hold my tongue they shall bide my b Job 29. 8, 9, 10. leisure, and when I speak they shall give good ear unto me: if I talk much, they shall lay their hands upon their mouth. 13 Moreover, by the means of her I shall obtain immortality, and leave behind me an everlasting memorial to them that come after me. 14 I shall || set the people in order, and the nations shall be subject unto me. 15 Horrible tyrants shall be afraid when they do but hear of me, I shall † be found good among the multitude, and valiant in war. 16 || After I am come into mine house I will repose myself with her: for her conversation hath no bitterness, and to live with her hath no sorrow, but mirth and joy. 17 Now when I considered these things in myself, and c pondered them in mine heart, how that to be c Prov. 7. 3. allied unto wisdom is immortality, 18 And great pleasure it is to have her friendship, and in the works of her hands are infinite riches, and, in the exercise of conference with her, prudence; and, in talking with her, a † good report: I went about seeking how to || take her to me. 19 For I was a witty child, and had a good spirit. 20 Yea, rather being good, I came into a body undefiled.
C H A P. IX.
21 Nevertheless, when I perceived that I could not otherwise obtain her, except God gave her me, (and that was a point of wisdom also to know whose gift she was,) I † prayed unto the Lord, and besought him, and with my whole heart I said, 1 A prayer unto God for his wisdom, without which the best man is nothing worth, 13 neither can he tell how to please God.  O God of my fathers, and Lord of mercy, who hast made all things with thy word, 2 And ordained man through thy wisdom, that a Gen. 1. 28. he should a have dominion over the creatures which thou hast made, 3 And order the world according to equity and righteousness, and execute judgment with an upright heart: 4 Give b me wisdom that sitteth by thy throne, b 1 Kings 3. and reject me not from among thy children: 5 For I c thy servant, and son of thine handmaid, c Psa. 116. 16. am a feeble person, and of a short time, and too young for the understanding of judgment and laws. 6 For though a man be ever so perfect among the children of men, yet if thy wisdom be not with him he shall be nothing regarded. 7 Thou hast chosen me to be a d king of thy people, d 1 Chron. 28. 5. 2 ch. and a judge of thy sons and daughters. 8 Thou
8 Thou hast commanded me to build a temple upon thy holy mount, and an altar in the city wherein thou dwellest, a resemblance of the holy tabernacle which thou hast prepared from the beginning. 9 And c wisdom was with thee: which knoweth thy works, and was present when thou madest the world, and knew what was acceptable in thy sight, and right in thy commandments. 10 O send her out of thy holy heavens, and from the throne of thy glory, that being present she may labour with me, that I may know what is pleasing unto thee. 11 For she knoweth and understandeth all things, and she shall lead me soberly in my doings, and preserve me † in her power. 12 So shall my works be acceptable, and then shall I judge thy people righteously, and be worthy to sit in my father's seat. 13 For t what man is he that can know the counsel of God? or who can think what the will of the Lord is. 14 For the thoughts of mortal men are || miserable, and our devices are but uncertain. 15 For the corruptible body presseth down the soul, and the earthly tabernacle weigheth down the mind that musteth upon many things. 16 And hardly do we guess aright at things that are upon earth, and with labour do we find the things that are † before us: but the things that are in heaven, who hath searched out? 17 And thy counsel who hath known, except thou give wisdom, and send thy Holy Spirit from above? 18 For so the ways of them which lived on the earth were reformed, and men were taught the things that are pleasing unto thee, and were saved through wisdom.
C H A P. X.
1 What wisdom did for Adam, 4 Noe, 5 Abraham, 6 Lot, and against the five cities, &c.  S HE preserved the first-formed father of the world, that was created alone, and brought him out of his fall, 2 And a gave him power to rule all things. 3 b But when the unrighteous went away from her in his anger, he perished also in the fury wherewith he murdered his brother. 4 For whose cause the c earth being drowned with the flood, wisdom again preserved it, and directed the course of the righteous in a piece of wood of small value. 5 Moreover, d the nations in their wicked conspiracy being confounded, she found out the righteous, and preserved him blameless unto God, and e kept him strong † against his tender compassion toward his son. 6 f When the ungodly perished, she delivered the righteous man, who fled from the fire which fell || down upon || the five cities. 7 Of whose wickedness, even to this day, the waste land that smoketh is a testimony, and plants bearing fruit that never come to ripeness: and a standing pillar of salt is a monument of an unbelieving soul.
8 For regarding not wisdom, they gat not only this hurt, that they knew not the things which were good: but also left behind them to the world a memorial of their foolishness: so that in the things wherein they offended, they could not so much as be hid. 9 But wisdom delivered from pain those that attended upon her. 10 When the righteous fled from his brother's wrath, she guided him in right paths, shewed him the kingdom of God, and gave him knowledge of holy things, made him rich in his travels, and multiplied the fruit of his labours. 11 In the covetousness of such as oppressed him, she stood by him, and made him rich. 12 She defended him from his enemies, and kept him safe from those that lay in wait, and in a fore conflict she gave him the victory; that he might know that godliness is stronger than all. 13 ‡ When the righteous was sold, she forsook ‡ Gen. 37. 28. and 39. 7. Acts 7. 10. him not, but delivered him from sin: she went down with him into the pit. 14 And left him not in bonds, till she brought him the sceptre of the kingdom, and † power against those † Or, the that oppressed him: as for them that had accused him, she shewed them to be liars, and gave him perpetual glory. that oppressed him: as for them that had accused him, she shewed them to be liars, and gave him perpetual glory. 15 b She delivered the || righteous people and blameless seed from the nation that oppressed them. b Exod. 1. 10. and 12. 42. 16 She entered into the soul of the servant of the Lord, and i withstood dreadful kings in wonders and || Or, holy. signs, || Exod. 5. 1. 17 Rendered to the righteous a reward of their labours, guided them in a marvellous way, and was unto them for a covert by day, and a † light of stars † Or, flame. in the night-season: 18 k Brought them through the Red-sea, and led k Exod. 14. 21, 22. Psa. 78. 13. them through much water. 19 But the drowned their enemies, and cast them up out of the bottom of the deep. 20 Therefore the righteous spoiled the ungodly, and l praised thy holy name, O Lord, and magnified l Exod. 15. 1. with one accord thine hand that fought for them. 21 For wisdom opened the mouth of the dumb, and made the tongues of them that cannot speak eloquent.
C H A P. XI.
5 The Egyptians were punished, and the Israelites reserved in the same thing, &c.  S HE prospered their works in the hand of the holy prophet. 2 a They went through the wilderness that was not a Exod. 16. inhabited, and pitched tents in places where there lay || no way. 3 b They stood against their enemies, and were b Exod. 17. 10, 11. avenged of their adversaries. 4 When they were thirsty they called upon thee, and water was given them out of the flinty rock, and their thirst was quenched out of the hard stone. 5 For by what things their enemies were punished, by the same they in their need were benefited. 6 For instead of a fountain of a perpetual running river troubled with foul blood, 7 For

7 For a manifest reproof of that commandment whereby the infants were slain, thou gavest unto them abundance of water by a means which they hoped not for:
8 Declaring, by that thirst then, c how thou hadst punished their adversaries. c Exod. 17. 20.
9 For when they were tried, albeit but in mercy chastised, they knew how the ungodly were judged in wrath and tormented, thirsting in another manner than the just.
10 For these thou didst admonish and try as a father: but the other, as a severe king, thou didst condemn and punish.
11 Whether they were absent or present, they were vexed alike.
12 For a double grief came upon them, and a groaning for the remembrance of things past.
13 For when they heard by their own punishments † Or, per- the other to be benefited, they † had some feeling of the Lord. ceived.
14 For whom they rejected with scorn, when he was long before thrown out at the casting forth of the infants, him in the end, when they saw what came to pass, they admired.
15 But for the foolish devices of their wickedness, wherewith being deceived they worshipped serpents void of reason, and vile beasts, thou didst send a multitude of unreasonable beasts upon them for vengeance:
16 That they might know that wherewithal a man sinneth, by the same also shall he be punished.
17 For thy almighty hand, that made the world of matter without form, wanted not means to send among them a multitude of bears, or fierce lions,
18 Or unknown wild beasts full of rage, newly created, breathing out either a fiery vapour, or filthy scents of scattered smoke, or shooting horrible sparkles out of their eyes:
19 Whereof not only the harm might dispatch them at once, but also the terrible sight utterly destroy them.
20 Yea, and without these might they have fallen down with one blast, being persecuted of vengeance, and scattered abroad through the breath of thy power: but thou hast ordered all things in measure, and number and weight.
21 For thou canst shew thy great strength at all times when thou wilt, and who may withstand the power of thine arm?
22 For the whole world before thee is as a || Or, little little grain of the balance, yea, as a drop of the morning dew that falleth down upon the earth. weight.
23 But thou hast mercy upon all; for thou canst do all things, and winkest at the sins of men: because they should amend.
24 For thou lovest all the things that are, and abhorrest nothing which thou hast made: for never wouldst thou have made any thing, if thou hadst hated it.
25 And how could any thing have endured, if it had not been thy will? or been preserved, if not called by thee?
26 But thou sparest all: for they are thine, O Lord, thou lover of souls.
C H A P. XII.
2 God did not destroy those of Chanann all at once: 12 if he had done so, who could controul him, &c.
FOR thine incorruptible Spirit is in all things: 2 Therefore chastenest thou them by little and little, that offend, and warnest them by putting them in remembrance wherein they have offended, that, leaving their wickedness, they may believe on thee, O Lord.
3 For it was thy will to destroy, by the hands of our fathers, both those † Or, an- old inhabitants of thy holy land: cient.
4 Whom thou hatedst for doing most odious works of || Or, for- witchcrafts, and wicked sacrifices: ceries.
5 And also those merciless murderers of children, and devourers of man's flesh, and the feasts of blood;
6 With their priests out of the midst of their idolatrous crew, and the parents that killed, with their own hands, souls destitute of help:
7 That the land which thou esteemedst above all other might receive a worthy † Or, new colony of God's children. inhabitants.
8 Nevertheless, even those thou sparedst as men, and didst send a wasps forerunners of thine host, to a Exod. 23. destroy them by little and little. 28. Deut. 7.
9 Not that thou wast unable to bring the ungodly 20. under the hand of the righteous in battle, or to destroy them at once with cruel beasts, or with one rough word:
10 But, executing thy judgments upon them by little and little, thou gavest them place of repentance, not being ignorant that they were a naughty generation, and that their malice was bred in them, and that their cogitation would never be changed.
11 For it was a b cursed seed from the beginning, b Gen. 9. neither didst thou, for fear of any man, give them 25. pardon for those things wherein they sinned.
12 For who shall say, c What hast thou done? or c Rom. 9. who shall withstand thy judgment? or who shall ac- 20. cuse thee for the nations that perish, whom thou hast made? or who shall come to stand || Or, in thy against thee to presence. † revenged for the unrighteous men?
13 For neither is there any God but thou, that † Or, a re- careth for all, to whom thou mightest shew that thy venger. judgment is not unright. d 1 Pet. 5. 7.
14 Neither shall king nor tyrant be able to set his face against thee, for any whom thou hast punished.
15 For so much then as thou art righteous thyself, thou orderest all things righteously: c thinking it note c Job 10. 2. agreeable with thy power to condemn him that hath not deserved to be punished.
16 For thy power is the beginning of righteousness, and, because thou art the Lord of all, it maketh thee to be gracious unto all.
17 For when men will not believe that thou art of a || full power, thou shewest thy strength, and among || Or, per- them that know it thou makest their boldness manifest.
18 But thou, mastering thy power, judgest with equity,
equity, and orderest us with great favour: for thou mayest use power when thou wilt.
19 But by such works hast thou taught thy people, that the just man should be merciful, and hast made thy children to be of a good hope, that thou givest repentance for sins.
20 For if thou didst punish the enemies of thy children, and the condemned to death, with such deliberation, giving them time and place whereby they might be delivered from their malice:
21 With how great circumspection didst thou judge thine own sons, unto whose fathers thou hast sworn, and made covenants of good promises?
22 Therefore, whereas thou dost chasten us, thou scourgest our enemies a thousand times more, to the intent that, when we judge, we should carefully think of thy goodness, and when we ourselves are judged we should look for mercy.
23 Wherefore, whereas men have lived dissolutely and unrighteously, thou hast tormented them with their own † Or, abo- abominations. minable i-
24 f For they went astray very far in the ways of f Chap. 11. error, and held them for gods which even amongst 15. Rom. 1. the beasts of their enemies were despised, being 23. deceived as children of no understanding.
25 Therefore unto them, as to children without the use of reason, thou didst send a judgment to mock them.
26 But they that would not be reformed by that correction, wherein he dallied with them, shall feel a judgment worthy of God.
27 For look for what things they grudged when they were punished, (that is) for them whom they thought to be gods, (now,) being punished in them. when they saw it, they acknowledged him to be the true God, whom before they denied to know, and therefore came extreme damnation upon them.
C H A P. XIII.
They were not excused that worshipped any of God's works, &c.
Surely vain are all men by nature, who are ignorant of God, and a could not, out of the good things that are seen, know him that is: neither, by considering the works, did they acknowledge the work-master;
2 b But deemed either fire, or wind, or the swift air, or the circle of the stars, or the violent water, or the lights of heaven to be the gods which govern the world.
3 With whose beauty, if they being delighted, took them to be gods; let them know how much better the Lord of them is; for the first author of beauty hath created them.
4 But if they were astonished at their power and virtue, let them understand by them, how much mightier he is that made them.
5 For by the greatness and beauty of the creatures, proportionably the maker of them is seen.
6 But yet for this they are the less to be blamed: for they peradventure err, seeking God, and desirous to find him.
7 For being c conversant in his works, they † search
bim diligently, and believe their fight: because the things are beautiful that are seen.
8 Howbeit neither are they to be pardoned.
9 For if they were able to know so much, that they could aim at the world; how did they not sooner find out the Lord thereof?
10 But miserable are they, and in dead things is their hope, who called them gods which are the works of mens' hands, gold and silver to shew art in, and resemblances of beasts, or a stone good for nothing, the work of an ancient hand.
11 d Now a || carpenter that felleth timber, after d Isa. 44. 13. hath fawn down a tree meet for the purpose, and || Or, tim- taken off all the bark skilfully round about and hath ber-wright. wrought it handsomely, and made a vessel thereof fit for the service of man's life;
12 And after, spending the † refuse of his work † Or, chips. to dress his meat, hath filled himself;
13 And taking the very refuse among those which served to no use, (being a crooked piece of wood and full of knots,) hath carved it diligently when he hath nothing else to do, and formed it by the skill of his understanding, and fashioned it to the image of a man;
14 Or made it like some vile beast, laying it over with vermilion and with paint, colouring it red, and covering every spot therein;
15 And when he had made a convenient room for it, set it in a wall, and made it fast with iron:
16 For he provided for it that it might not fall, knowing that it was unable to help itself, (for it is an image and hath need of help.)
17 Then maketh he prayer for his goods, for his wife and children, and is not ashamed to speak to that which hath no life.
18 For health, he calleth upon that which is weak; for life, prayeth to that which is dead: for aid humbly beseecheth || that which hath least means to help; || Gr. that and for a good journey, he asketh of that which can- which hath not set a foot forward: no experi-
19 And for gaining and getting, and for good success of his hands, asketh ability to do, of them that is most unable to do any thing.
C H A P. XIV.
1 Though men do not pray to their ships, 5 yet are they saved rather by them than by their idols, &c.
AGAIN one preparing himself to sail, and about to pass through the raging waves, calleth upon a piece of wood, more rotten than the † vessel that † Or, ship. carrieth him.
2 For verily desire of gain devised || that, and the || Or, vessel workman built it by his skill. or, ship.
3 But thy providence, O Father, governeth it: for b thou hast b Exod. 14. made a way in the sea, and a safe path in 22. the waves;
4 Shewing that thou canst save from all danger: yea, though a man went to sea without art.
5 Nevertheless thou wouldst not that the works of thy wisdom should be idle, and therefore do men commit their lives to a small piece of wood, and passing the rough sea in a weak vessel, are saved.
6 c For in the old time also, when the proud giants c Gen. 6. 4. and 7. 10. perished

perished, the hope of the world, governed by thy hand, escaped in a weak vessel, and left to all ages a seed of generation.
7 For blessed is the wood whereby righteousness cometh.
8 But that which is made with hands is cursed, as well it, as he that made it: he, because he made it; and it, because being corruptible it was called god.
9 For the ungodly and his ungodliness are both alike hateful unto God.
10 For that which is made shall be punished together with him that made it.
11 Therefore even upon the idols of the Gentiles shall there be a visitation: because in the creature of God they are become an abomination, and a snare to the feet of the unwise.
12 For the devising of idols was the beginning of spiritual fornication, and the invention of them the corruption of life.
13 For neither were they from the beginning, neither shall they be for ever.
14 For by the vain-glory of men they entered into the world, and therefore shall they come shortly to an end.
15 For a father afflicted with untimely mourning, when he hath made an image of his child soon taken away, now honoured him as a god, which was then a dead man, and delivered to those that were under him, ceremonies and sacrifices.
16 Thus, in process of time, an ungodly custom grown strong was kept as a law, and graven images were worshipped by the commandments of kings.
17 Whom men could not honour in presence, because they dwelt afar off, they took the counterfeit of his visage from far, and made an express image of a king whom they honoured, to the end that, by this their forwardness, they might flatter him that was absent as if he were present.
18 Also the singular diligence of the artificer did help to set forward the ignorant to more superstition.
19 For he, peradventure, willing to please one in authority, forced all his skill to make the resemblance of the best fashion.
20 And so the multitude, allured by the grace of the work, took him now for a god, which a little before was but honoured as a man.
21 And this was an occasion to deceive the world: for men, serving either calamity or tyranny, did ascribe unto stones and stocks the incommunicable name.
22 Moreover, this was not enough for them, that they erred in the knowledge of God, but whereas they lived in the great war of ignorance, those so great plagues called they peace.
23 For whilst they slew their children in sacrifices, or used sacred ceremonies, or made revellings of strange rites;
24 They kept neither lives nor marriages any longer undefiled; but either one slew another traitorously, or grieved him by adultery.
25 So that there reigned in all men without exception, blood, man-slaughter, theft and dissimulation, corruption, unfaithfulness, tumults, perjury,
26 Disquieting of good men, forgetfulness of good turns, defiling of souls, changing of kind, disorder in marriages, adultery, and shameless uncleanness.
27 For the worshipping of idols, not to be named, is the beginning, the cause, and the end of all evil.
28 For either they are mad when they be merry, or prophesy lies, or live unjustly, or else lightly forswear themselves.
29 For inasmuch as their trust is in idols, which have no life; though they swear falsely, yet they look not to be hurt.
30 Howbeit, for both causes shall they be justly punished; both because they thought not well of God, giving heed unto idols, and also unjustly sware in deceit, despising holiness.
31 For it is not the power of them by whom they swear: but it is the just vengeance of sinners, that punisheth always the offence of the ungodly.
CHAP. XV.
We do acknowledge the true God. 7 The folly of idol-makers, &c.
BUT thou, O God, art gracious and true: long-suffering, and in mercy ordering all things.
2 For if we sin we are thine, knowing thy power: but we will not sin, knowing that we are counted thine.
3 For to know thee is perfect righteousness: yea, to know thy power is the root of immortality.
4 For neither did the mischievous invention of men deceive us, nor an image spotted with divers colours, the painter's fruitless labour;
5 The sight whereof enticeth fools to lust after it, and so they desire the form of a dead image that hath no breath.
6 Both they that make them, they that desire them, and they that worship them, are lovers of evil things, and are worthy to have such things to trust upon.
7 For the potter, tempering soft earth, fashioneth every vessel with much labour for our service: yea of the same clay he maketh both the vessels that serve for clean uses: and likewise also all such as serve to the contrary: but what is the use of either sort, the potter himself is the judge.
8 And employing his labours lewdly, he maketh a vain god of the same clay, even he which a little before was made of earth himself, and within a little while after returneth to the same out of the which he was taken, when his life which was lent him shall be demanded.
9 Notwithstanding his care, is, not that he shall have much labour, nor that his life is short: but he striveth to excel gold-smiths, and silver-smiths, and endeavoureth to do like the workers in brass, and counteth it his glory to make counterfeit things.
10 His heart is ashes, his hope is more vile than earth, and his life of less value than clay.
11 Forasmuch as he knew not his Maker, and him that
that inspired into him an active soul, and breathed in a living spirit.
12 But they counted our life a pastime, and our time here a market for gain: for, say they, we must be getting every way, though it be by evil means.
13 For this man that of earthly matter maketh brittle vessels, and graven images, knoweth himself to offend above all others.
14 And all the enemies of thy people, that hold them in subjection, are most foolish, and are more miserable than very babes.
15 For they counted all the idols of the heathen to be gods, which neither have the use of eyes to see, nor noses to draw breath, nor ears to hear, nor fingers of hands to handle, and as for their feet, they are flow to go.
16 For man made them, and he that borrowed his own spirit fashioned them: but no man can make a god like unto himself.
17 For being mortal he worketh a dead thing with wicked hands: for he himself is better than the things which he worshippeth: whereas he lived once, but they never.
18 Yea, they worshipped those beasts also that are most hateful: for, being compared together, some are worse than others.
19 Neither are they beautiful, so much as to be desired in respect of beasts: but they went without the praise of God, and his blessing.
CHAP. XVI.
God gave strange meat to his people, to stir up their appetite, and vile beasts to their enemies, to take it from them, &c.
THEREFORE by the like were they punished worthily, and by the multitude of beasts tormented.
2 Instead of which punishment, dealing graciously with thine own people, thou preparedst for them meat of a strange taste, even quails to stir up their appetite:
3 To the end that they desiring food might, for the ugly sight of the beasts sent among them, lothe even that which they must needs desire; but these, suffering penury for a short space, might be made partakers of a strange taste.
4 For it was requisite, that upon them exercising tyranny, should come penury which they could not avoid; but to these it should only be shewed how their enemies were tormented.
5 For when the horrible fierceness of beasts came upon these, and they perished with the stings of crooked serpents, thy wrath endured not for ever.
6 But they were troubled for a small season, that they might be admonished, having a sign of salvation, to put them in remembrance of the commandment of thy law.
7 For he that turned himself towards it was not saved by the thing that he saw: but by thee that art the Saviour of all.
8 And in this thou madest thine enemies confess, that it is thou who deliverest from all evil.
9 For them the bitings of grasshoppers and flies killed, neither was there found any remedy for their life; for they were worthy to be punished by such.
10 But thy sons not the very teeth of venomous dragons overcame: for thy mercy was ever by them, and healed them.
11 For they were pricked, that they should remember thy words, and were quickly saved, that, not falling into deep forgetfulness, they might be continually mindful of thy goodness.
12 For it was neither herb, nor mollifying plaster that restored them to health: but thy word, O Lord, which healeth all things.
13 For thou hast power of life and death: thou leadest to the gates of hell, and bringest up again.
14 A man indeed killeth through his malice: and the spirit when it is gone forth returneth not: neither the soul received up cometh again.
15 But it is not possible to escape thine hand.
16 For the ungodly, that denied to know thee, were scourged by the strength of thine arm: with strange rains, hails, and showers were they persecuted, that they could not avoid, and through fire were they consumed.
17 For, which is most to be wondered at, the fire had more force in the water that quenched all things: for the world fighteth for the righteous.
18 For some time the flame was mitigated, that it might not burn up the beasts that were sent against the ungodly: but themselves might see and perceive that they were persecuted with the judgment of God:
19 And at another time it burneth even in the midst of the water, above the power of fire, that it might destroy the fruits of an unjust land.
20 Instead whereof thou feddest thine own people with angels' food, and didst send them from heaven bread prepared without their labour, able to content every man's delight, and agreeing to every taste.
21 For thy sustenance declared thy sweetness unto thy children, and serving to the appetite of the eater, tempered itself to every man's liking.
22 But snow and ice endured the fire, and melted not, that they might know, that fire burning in the hail, and sparkling in the rain, did destroy the fruits of the enemies.
23 But this again did even forget his own strength, that the righteous might be nourished.
24 For the creature, that serveth thee who art the Maker, increaseth his strength against the unrighteous for their punishment, and abateth his strength for the benefit of such as put their trust in thee.
25 Therefore even then it was altered into all fashions, and was obedient to thy grace that nourisheth all things, according to the desire of them that had need: prayed.
26 That thy children, O Lord, whom thou lovest, might know that it is not the growing of fruits that nourisheth man: but that it is thy word which serveth them that put their trust in thee.
27 For that which was not destroyed of the fire, being warmed with a little sun-beam, soon melted away:
28 That it might be known that we must prevent the sun to give thee thanks, and at the day-spring pray unto thee.
29 For the hope of the unthankful shall melt away

as the winter's hoar-frost, and shall run away as unprofitable water.
CHAP. XVII.
1 Why the Egyptians were punished with darkness: & the terrors of that darkness, &c.
F OR great are thy judgments, and cannot be expressed: therefore †unnurtured souls have erred. 2 For when unrighteous men thought to oppress the holy nation; they being shut up ‡in their houses the prisoners of darkness, and fettered with the bonds of a long night, lay (there) †exiled from the eternal Providence.
3 For while they supposed to lie hid in their secret sins, they were scattered ‡under a dark vail of forgetfulness, being horribly astonished; and troubled †Or, fight. with (strange) †apparitions.
4 For neither might the corner that held them keep them from fear: but noises (as of waters) falling down, founded about them, and sad visions appeared unto them with heavy countenances.
5 No power of the fire might give them light: neither could the bright flames of the stars endure to lighten that horrible night.
6 Only there appeared unto them a fire kindled of itself, very dreadful: for, being much terrified, they thought the things which they saw to be worse than the light they saw not.
7 As for the illusions of art magic, they were put down, and their vaunting in wisdom was reprov- a Exod. 7. 32. and 8. 7, 19.
8 For they that promised to drive away terrors, and troubles from a sick soul, were sick themselves of fear, worthy to be laughed at.
9 For though no terrible thing did fear them: yet, being scared with beasts that passed by, and hissing of serpents,
10 They died for fear, †denying that they saw the air, which could of no side be avoided. † Or, refus- ing to look upon.
11 For wickedness, condemned by her own witness, is very timorous, and, being pressed with conscience, always forecasteth grievous things.
12 For fear is nothing else, but a betraying of the succours which reason offereth.
13 And the expectation from within being less, counteth the ignorance more than the cause which bringeth the torment.
14 But they, sleeping the same sleep that night, †which was indeed intolerable, and which came upon them out of the bottoms of inevitable hell, † Or, where- in they could do nothing.
15 Were partly vexed with monstrous apparitions, and partly fainted, their heart failing them: for a sudden fear, and not looked for, came upon them.
16 So then, whosoever there fell down, was strait-ly kept, shut up in a prison without iron bars.
17 For whether he were husbandman, or shepherd, ‡Or, desert. or a labourer in the ‡field, he was overtaken, and endured that necessity which could not be avoided: for they were all bound with one chain of darkness.
18 Whether it were a whistling wind, or a melodious noise of birds among the spreading branches, or a pleasant fall of water running violently,
19 Or a †terrible sound of stones cast down, or a †Or, hide- running that could not be seen of skipping beasts, or a ‡ous. roaring voice of most savage wild beasts, or a rebounding echo from the hollow mountains: these things made them to swoon for fear.
20 For the whole world shined with clear light, and none were hindered in their labour.
21 Over them only was spread an heavy night, an image of that darkness which should afterward receive them: but yet were they unto themselves more grievous than the darkness.
CHAP. XVIII.
4 Why Egypt was punished with darkness, 5 and with the death of their children, &c.
N evertheless, thy saints had a very ‡great light, ‡Exod. 10. whose voice they hearing, and not seeing their ‡shape, because they also had not suffered the same things, they counted them happy.
2 But for that they did not hurt them now , of whom they had been wronged before, they thanked them, and besought them pardon, for that they had been enemies.
3 b Instead whereof thou gavest them a burning ‡Exod. 13. pillar of fire, both to be a guide of the unknown journey, and an harmless sun to entertain them ho- b 21. and 14. 24. Psal. 78. 14. & 105. 39.
4 For they were worthy to be deprived of light, and imprisoned in darkness, who had kept thy sons shut up, by whom the †uncorrupt light of the law †Or, incor- was to be given unto the world. ruptible.
5 c And when they had determined to slay the ‡Exod. 1. babes of the saints, one child being cast forth, and saved to reprove them, thou tookest away the multitude of their children, and destroyedst them altogether in a mighty water.
6 d Of that night were our fathers certified afore, ‡Exod. 11. that, assuredly knowing unto what oaths they had gi- 2 ven credence, they might afterwards be of good cheer:
7 So of thy people was accepted both the salvation of the righteous, and destruction of the enemies.
8 For wherewith thou didst punish our adversaries, by the same thou didst glorify us whom thou hadst called.
9 e For the righteous children of good men did ‡Exod. 12. sacrifice secretly, and with one consent made ‡a holy ‡Or, a co- law, that the saints should be alike partakers of the venant of same good and evil, the fathers now singing out the ‡God, or, songs of praise. † See Psal. 50. 5.
10 But on the other side there sounded an ill-ac- cording cry of the enemies, and a lamentable noise was carried abroad for children that were bewailed.
11 f The master and the servant were punished ‡Exod. 11. after one manner, and like as the king, so suffered ‡5. and 12. the common person. 29.
12 So they altogether had innumerable dead with one kind of death, neither were the living sufficient to bury them: for in one moment the noblest offspring of them was destroyed.
13 For whereas they would not believe any thing, by reason of the enchantments: upon the destruction of the first-born, they acknowledged this people to be the sons of God.
14 For while all things were in quiet silence, and that night was in the midst of her swift course,
15 Thine almighty Word leapt down from heaven, out of thy royal throne, as a fierce man of war into the midst of a land of destruction,
16 And brought thine unfeigned commandment as a sharp sword, and standing up filled all things with death, and it touched the heaven, but it stood upon the earth.
17 Then suddenly †visions of horrible dreams †Or, ima- troubled them sore, and terrors came upon them un- ginations. looked for.
18 And one thrown here, and another there, half dead, shewed the cause of his death.
19 For the dreams that troubled them did foreshew this, lest they should perish, and not know why they were afflicted.
20 Yea, the tasting of death touched the righteous ‡Num. 16. also, and there was a destruction of the ‡multitude ‡46. in the wilderness: but the wrath endured not long.
21 For then the blameless man made haste, and stood forth to defend them; and bringing the shield of his proper ministry, even prayer, and the propitiation of incense, set himself against the wrath, and so brought the calamity to an end, declaring that he was thy servant.
22 So he overcame the destroyer, not with strength of body, nor force of arms, but with a word subdued he him that punished, alledging the oaths and covenants made with the fathers.
23 For when the dead were now fallen down by heaps one upon another, standing between, he stayed the wrath, and ‡parted the way to the living. ‡ Or, cut off. b Exod. 28. 6. 9. 36.
24 b For in the long garment was the whole world, and in the four rows of the stones was the glory of the fathers graven, and thy majesty upon the diadem of his head.
25 Unto these the destroyer gave place, and was afraid of them; for it was enough that they only tasted of the wrath.
CHAP. XIX.
Why God shewed no mercy to the Egyptians, &c.
A S for the ungodly, wrath came upon them without mercy unto the end: for he knew before what they would do;
2 How that having given them leave to depart, and sent them hastily away, they would repent and pursue them.
3 For whilst they were yet mourning and making lamentation at the graves of the dead, they added another foolish device, and pursued them as fugitives, whom they had †intreated to be gone. † Or, cast out by in- treaty.
4 For the destiny whereof they were worthy, drew them into this end, and made them forget the things that had already happened, that they might fulfil the punishment which was wanting to their torments.
5 And that thy people might pass a wonderful way: but they might find a strange death.
6 For the whole creature, in his proper kind, was fashioned again anew, serving the peculiar command-
ments that were given unto them, that thy children might be kept without hurt:
7 As namely , a cloud shadowing the camp; and, where water stood before, dry land appeared; and, out of the red-sea, a way without impediment; and, out of the violent stream, a green field.
8 Wherethrough all the people went that were defended with thy hand, seeing thy marvellous strange wonders.
9 For they went at large like horses, and leaped like lambs, praising thee, O Lord, who hadst deliver- ed them.
10 For they were yet mindful of the things that were done, while they sojourned in the strange land, how the ground brought forth †flies instead of cattle, †Or, lice. and how the river cast up a multitude of frogs instead of fishes.
11 But afterwards they saw a new generation of fowls, when being led with their appetite they asked delicate meats.
12 For quails came up unto them from the sea, for their †contentment. † Or, com- fort.
13 And punishments came upon the sinners, not without former signs by the force of thunders: for they suffered justly, according to their own wickedness, inasmuch as they used a more hard and hateful behaviour toward strangers.
14 For the Sodomites did not receive those whom they knew not when they came: but these brought friends into bondage, that had well deserved of them.
15 And not only so, but peradventure some respect shall be had of those, because they used strangers not friendly.
16 But these very grievously afflicted them whom they had received with feastings, and were already made partakers of the same laws with them.
17 Therefore even with blindness were these stricken, as those were at the doors of the righteous man: when being compassed about with horrible great darkness, every one sought the passage of his own doors.
18 For the elements were changed †in themselves ‡Gr. by a kind of harmony, like as in a psaltery notes themselves. change the name of the tune, and yet are always sounds, which may well be perceived by the sight of the things that have been done.
19 For earthly things were turned into watry, and the things that before swam in the water, now went upon the ground.
20 The fire had power in the water forgetting his own virtue: and the water forgot his own quenching nature.
21 On the other side, the flames wasted not the flesh of the corruptible living things, though they walked therein, neither melted they the icy kind of heavenly meat, that was of nature apt to melt.
22 For in all things, O Lord, thou didst magnify thy people, and glorify them, neither didst thou lightly regard them; but didst assist them in every time and place.

The Wisdom of JESUS the Son of SIRACH, or ECCLESIASTICUS.
A Prologue made by an uncertain Author.
THIS Jesus was the son of Sirach, and grandchild to Jesus of the same name with him: this man therefore lived in the latter times, after the people had been led away captive, and called home again, and almost after all the prophets. Now his grandfather Jesus (as he himself witnesseth) was a man of great diligence and wisdom among the Hebrews, who did not only gather the grave and short sentences of wise men, that had been before him, but himself also uttered some of his own, full of much understanding and wisdom. When as therefore the first Jesus died, leaving this book almost perfected, Sirach his son receiving it after him, left it to his own son Jesus, who, having gotten it into his hands, compiled it all orderly into one volume, and called it Wisdom, entitling it both by his own name, his father's name, and his grandfather's, alluring the reader, by the very name of Wisdom, to have a greater love to the study of this book. It containeth therefore, wise sayings, dark sentences, and parables, and certain particular ancient godly stories of men that pleased God; also his prayer and song: moreover, what benefits God had vouchsafed his people, and what plagues he had heaped upon their enemies. This Jesus did imitate Solomon, and was no less famous for wisdom and learning, both being indeed a man of great learning, and so reputed also.
The Prologue of the Wisdom of JESUS the Son of SIRACH.
WHEREAS many and great things have been delivered unto us by the law and the prophets, and by others that have followed their steps, for the which things Israel ought to be commended for learning and wisdom; and whereof not only the readers must needs become skilful themselves, but also they that desire to learn be able to profit them which are without, both by speaking and writing: my grandfather Jesus, when he had much given himself to the reading of the law, and the prophets, and other books of our fathers, and had gotten therein good judgment, was drawn on also himself to write something pertaining to learning and wisdom, to the intent that those which are desirous to learn, and are addicted to these things, might profit much more in living according to the law. Wherefore, let me intreat you to read it with favour and attention, and to pardon us wherein we may seem to come short of some words which we have laboured to interpret. For the same things uttered in Hebrew, and translated into another tongue, have not the same force in them: and not only these things, but the law itself, and the prophets, and the rest of the books have no small difference, when they are spoken in their own language. For, in the eight and thirtieth year coming into Egypt, when Euergetes was king, and continuing there some time, I found a book of no small learning: therefore I thought it most necessary for me to bestow some diligence and travel to interpret it: using great watchfulness and skill in that space, to bring the book to an end, and set it forth for them also, which in a strange country are willing to learn, being prepared before in manners to live after the law.
CHAP. I.
1 All wisdom is from God: 10 he giveth it to them that love him, &c. ALL wisdom cometh from the Lord, and is with him for ever. 2 Who can number the sand of the sea, and the drops of rain, and the days of eternity? 3 Who can find out the height of heaven, and the breadth of the earth, and the deep, and wisdom? 4 Wisdom hath been created before all things, and the understanding of prudence from everlasting. 5 The word of God most high is the fountain of wisdom; and her ways are everlasting commandments. 6 To whom hath the root of wisdom been revealed? or who hath known her wise counsels? 7 (Unto whom hath the knowledge of wisdom been made manifest? and who hath understood her great experience?) 8 There is one wise and greatly to be feared; the Lord sitting upon his throne. 9 He created her, and saw her, and numbered her, and poured her out upon all his works. 10 She is with all flesh according to his gift, and he hath given her to them that love him. 11 The fear of the Lord is honour, and glory, and gladness, and a crown of rejoicing. 12 The fear of the Lord maketh a merry heart, and giveth joy and gladness, and a long life. 13 Who so feareth the Lord it shall go well with him at the last, and he shall find favour in the day of his death. 14 To fear the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and it was created with the faithful in the womb. 15 She hath built an everlasting foundation with men, and she shall continue with their seed. 16 To fear the Lord is fulness of wisdom, and filleth men with her fruits. 17 She filleth all their house with things desirable, and the garners with her increase.
Apocrypha.
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
17 She filleth all their house with things desirable, and the garners with her increase. 18 The fear of the Lord is a crown of wisdom, making peace and perfect health to flourish: both which are the gifts of God; and it enlargeth their rejoicing that love him. 19 Wisdom raineth down skill and knowledge of understanding, and exalteth them to honour that hold her fast. 20 The root of wisdom is to fear the Lord, and the branches thereof are long life. 21 The fear of the Lord driveth away sins: and, where it is present, it turneth away wrath. 22 A furious man cannot be justified, for the way of his fury shall be his destruction. 23 A patient man will bear for a time, and afterward joy shall spring up unto him. 24 He will hide his words for a time, and the lips of many shall declare his wisdom. 25 The parables of knowledge are in the treasures of wisdom: but godliness is an abomination to a sinner. 26 If thou desire wisdom, keep the commandments, and the Lord shall give her unto thee. 27 For the fear of the Lord is wisdom and instruction; and faith and meekness are his delight. 28 Distrust not the fear of the Lord when thou art poor; and come not unto him with a double heart. 29 Be not an hypocrite in the sight of men, and take good heed what thou speakest. 30 Exalt not thyself, lest thou fall, and bring dishonour upon thy soul, and so God discover thy secrets, and cast thee down in the midst of the congregation, because thou camest not in truth to the fear of the Lord, but thy heart is full of deceit.
CHAP. II.
1 God's servants must look for trouble, 7 and be patient, and trust in him: 12 for wo to them that do not so, &c. MY son, if thou come to serve the Lord, prepare thy soul for temptation. 2 Set thy heart aright, and constantly endure, and make not haste in time of trouble. 3 Cleave unto him, and depart not away, that thou mayest be increased at thy last end. 4 Whatsoever is brought upon thee take cheerfully, and be patient when thou art changed to a low estate. 5 For gold is tried in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of adversity. 6 Believe in him, and he will help thee; order thy way aright, and trust in him. 7 Ye that fear the Lord wait for his mercy, and go not aside, lest ye fall. 8 Ye that fear the Lord believe him, and your reward shall not fail. 9 Ye that fear the Lord hope for good, and for everlasting joy and mercy. 10 Look at the generations of old, and see: did ever any trust in the Lord, and was confounded? or did any abide in his fear, and was forsaken? or
CHAP. II, III.
Apocrypha.
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
whom did he ever despise, that called upon him? 11 For the Lord is full of compassion and mercy, long-suffering, and very pitiful, and forgiveth sins, and saveth in time of affliction. 12 Wo be to fearful hearts, and faint hands, and the sinner that goeth two ways. 13 Wo unto him that is faint-hearted, for he believeth not, therefore shall he not be defended. 14 Wo unto you that have lost patience: and what will ye do when the Lord shall visit you? 15 They that fear the Lord will not disobey his word, and they that love him will keep his ways. 16 They that fear the Lord will seek that which is well-pleasing unto him, and they that love him shall be filled with the law. 17 They that fear the Lord will prepare their hearts, and humble their souls in his sight. 18 Saying, We will fall into the hands of the Lord, and not into the hands of men: for as his majesty is, so is his mercy.
CHAP. III.
Children must honour and help both their parents, &c. HEAR me your father, O children, and do thereafter, that ye may be safe. 2 For the Lord hath given the father honour over the children, and hath confirmed the authority of the mother over the sons. 3 Who so honoureth his father maketh an atonement for his sins. 4 And he that honoureth his mother is as one that layeth up treasure. 5 Who so honoureth his father shall have joy of his own children, and when he maketh his prayer he shall be heard. 6 He that honoureth his father shall have a long life, and he that is obedient unto the Lord shall be a comfort to his mother. 7 He that feareth the Lord will honour his father, and will do service unto his parents as to his masters. 8 Honour thy father and mother, both in word and deed, that a blessing may come upon thee from them. 9 For the blessing of the father establisheth the houses of children, but the curse of the mother rooteth out foundations. 10 Glory not in the dishonour of thy father, for thy father's dishonour is no glory unto thee. 11 For the glory of a man is from the honour of his father: and a mother in dishonour is a reproach unto the children. 12 My son, help thy father in his age, and grieve him not as long as he liveth. 13 And, if his understanding fail, have patience with him, and despise him not when thou art in thy full strength. 14 For the relieving of thy father shall not be forgotten; and instead of sins it shall be added to build thee up. 15 In the day of thine affliction it shall be remembered: thy sins also shall melt away as the ice in the fair warm weather. 16 He that forsaketh his father is as a blasphemer, and

Before CHRIST cir. 200. and he that angereth his mother is cursed of God.
17 My son, go on with thy business in meekness, so shalt thou be beloved of him that is approved.
18 The greater thou art, the more humble thyself, and thou shalt find favour before the Lord.
19 Many are in high place, and of renown: but mysteries are revealed unto the meek.
20 For the power of the Lord is great, and he is honoured of the lowly.
21 Seek not out the things that are too hard for thee, neither search the things that are above thy strength.
22 But what is commanded thee, think thereupon with reverence; for it is not needful for thee to see with thine eyes the things that are in secret.
23 Be not curious in unnecessary matters: for more things are shewed unto thee than men understand.
24 For many are deceived by their own vain opinion, and an evil suspicion hath overthrown their judgment.
25 Without eyes thou shalt want light: profess not the knowledge therefore that thou hast not.
26 A stubborn heart shall fare evil at the last: and he that loveth danger shall perish therein.
27 An obstinate heart shall be laden with sorrows, and the wicked man shall heap sin upon sin.
28 In the punishment of the proud there is no remedy: for the plant of wickedness hath taken root in him.
29 The heart of the prudent will understand a parable, and an attentive ear is the desire of a wise man.
30 Water will quench a flaming fire, and alms maketh an atonement for sins.
31 And he that requiteth good turns is mindful of that which may come hereafter: and when he falleth he shall find a stay.
CHAP. IV.
1 We may not despise the poor and fatherless, but seek for wisdom, &c.
My son, defraud not the poor of his living, and make not the needy eyes to wait long.
2 Make not an hungry soul sorrowful, neither provoke a man in his distress.
3 Add not more trouble to an heart that is vexed, and defer not to give to him that is in need.
4 Reject not the supplication of the afflicted, neither turn away thy face from a poor man.
5 Turn not away thine eye from the needy, and give him none occasion to curse thee:
6 For if he curse thee in the bitterness of his soul, his prayers shall be heard of him that made him.
7 Get thyself the love of the congregation, and bow thy head to a great man.
8 Let it not grieve thee to bow down thine ear to the poor, and give him a friendly answer with meekness.
9 Deliver him that suffereth wrong from the hand of the oppressor, and be not faint-hearted when thou sittest in judgment.
10 Be as a father unto the fatherless, and instead of an husband unto their mother: so shalt thou be as
the son of the most High, and he shall love thee more than thy mother doth.
11 Wisdom exalteth her children, and layeth hold of them that seek her.
12 He that loveth her loveth life; and they that seek to her early shall be filled with joy.
13 He that holdeth her fast shall inherit glory, and where soever she entereth, the Lord will bless.
14 They that serve her shall minister unto the holy One; and them that love her the Lord doth love.
15 Who so giveth ear unto her shall judge the nations; and he that attendeth unto her shall dwell securely.
16 If a man commit himself unto her he shall inherit her: and his generation shall hold her in possession.
17 For at the first she will walk with him by crooked ways, and bring fear and dread upon him fear and dread upon him, and torment him with her discipline, until she may trust his soul, and try him by her laws.
18 Then will she return the straight way unto him, and comfort him, and shew him her secrets.
19 But if he go wrong she will forsake him, and give him over to his own ruin.
20 Observe the opportunity, and beware of evil; and be not ashamed when it concerneth thy soul.
21 For there is a shame that bringeth sin, and there is a shame which is glory and grace.
22 Accept no person against thy soul: and let not the reverence of any man cause thee to fall.
23 And refrain not to speak, when there is occasion to do good: and hide not thy wisdom in her of saving beauty.
24 For by speech wisdom shall be known, and learning by the word of the tongue.
25 In no wise speak against the truth: but be ashamed of the error of thine ignorance.
26 Be not ashamed to confess thy sins; and force not the course of the river.
27 Make not thyself an underling to a foolish man; neither accept the person of the mighty.
28 Strive for the truth unto death, and the Lord shall fight for thee.
29 Be not hasty in thy tongue, and in thy deeds slack and remiss.
30 Be not as a lion in thy house, nor frantic among thy servants.
31 Let not thine hand be stretched out to receive, and shut when thou shouldst repay.
CHAP. V.
1 We must not presume on our wealth and strength, nor on the mercy of God, to sin, &c.
SET not thy heart upon thy goods, and say not, I have enough for my life.
2 Follow not thine own mind, and thy strength, to walk in the ways of thy heart:
3 And say not, Who shall controul me for my works? for the Lord will surely revenge thy pride.
4 Say not, I have sinned, and what harm hath happened unto me? for the Lord is long-suffering, he will in no wise let thee go.
5 Concerning
Before CHRIST cir. 200. 5 Concerning propitiation, be not without fear to add sin unto sin:
6 And say not his mercy is great, he will be pacified for the multitude of my sins: for mercy and wrath come from him, and his indignation resteth upon sinners.
7 Make no tarrying to turn to the Lord, and put not off from day to day: for suddenly shall the wrath of the Lord come forth, and in thy security thou shalt be destroyed, and perish in the day of vengeance.
8 Set not thine heart upon goods unjustly gotten; for they shall not profit thee in the day of calamity.
9 Winnow not with every wind, and go not into every way: for so doth a sinner that hath a double tongue.
10 Be stedfast in thy understanding, and let thy word be the same.
11 Be swift to hear, and let thy life be sincere, and with patience give answer.
12 If thou hast understanding, answer thy neighbour; if not, lay thy hand upon thy mouth.
13 Honour and shame is in talk: and the tongue of man is his fall.
14 Be not called a whisperer, and lie not in wait with thy tongue: for a foul shame is upon the thief, and an evil condemnation upon the double tongue.
15 Be not ignorant of any thing, in a great matter or a small.
CHAP. VI.
2 Do not extol thine own conceit, but make choice of a friend, &c.
INstead of a friend, become not an enemy; for (thereby) thou shalt inherit an ill name, shame and reproach: even so shall a sinner that hath a double tongue.
2 Extol not thyself in the counsel of thine own heart; that thy soul be not torn in pieces as a bull (straying alone.)
3 Thou shalt eat up thy leaves, and lose thy fruit, and leave thyself as a dry tree.
4 A wicked soul shall destroy him that hath it, and shall make him to be laughed to scorn of his enemies.
5 Sweet language will multiply friends: and a fair-speaking tongue will increase kind greetings.
6 Be in peace with many: nevertheless have but one counsellor of a thousand.
7 If thou wouldst get a friend, prove him first, and be not hasty to credit him.
8 For some man is a friend for his own occasion, and will not abide in the day of thy trouble.
9 And there is a friend, who, being turned to enmity and strife, will discover thy reproach.
10 Again, some friend is a companion at the table, and will not continue in the day of thy affliction.
11 But in thy prosperity he will be as thyself, and will be bold over thy servants.
12 If thou be brought low, he will be against thee, and will hide himself from thy face.
13 Separate thyself from thine enemies, and take heed of thy friends.
14 A faithful friend is a strong defence: and he that hath found such an one, hath found a treasure.
15 Nothing doth countervail a faithful friend, and his excellency is unvaluable.
16 A faithful friend is the medicine of life, and they that fear the Lord shall find him.
17 Who so feareth the Lord shall direct his friendship aright: for as he is so shall his neighbour be also.
18 My son, gather instruction from thy youth up: so shalt thou find wisdom till thine old age.
19 Come unto her as one that ploweth and soweth, and wait for her good fruits: for thou shalt not toil much in labouring about her, but thou shalt eat of her fruits right soon.
20 She is very unpleasant to the unlearned: he that is without understanding will not remain with her.
21 She will lie upon him as a mighty stone of trial, and he will cast her from him ere it be long.
22 For wisdom is according to her name, and she is not manifest unto many.
23 Give ear, my son, receive my advice, and refuse not my counsel,
24 And put thy feet into her fetters, and thy neck into her chain.
25 Bow down thy shoulder, and bear her, and be not grieved with her bonds.
26 Come unto her with thy whole heart, and keep her ways with all thy power.
27 Search and seek, and she shall be made known unto thee: and, when thou hast got hold of her, let her not go.
28 For at the last thou shalt find her rest, and that shall be turned to thy joy.
29 Then shall her fetters be a strong defence for thee, and her chains a robe of glory.
30 For there is a golden ornament upon her, and her bands are purple lace.
31 Thou shalt put her on as a robe of honour: and shalt put her about thee as a crown of joy.
32 My son, if thou wilt, thou shalt be taught: and if thou wilt apply thy mind, thou shalt be prudent.
33 If thou love to hear, thou shalt receive understanding: and if thou bow thine ear, thou shalt be wise.
34 Stand in the multitude of the elders, and cleave unto him that is wise.
35 Be willing to hear every godly discourse, and let not the parables of understanding escape thee.
36 And if thou seest a man of understanding, get thee betimes unto him, and let thy foot wear the steps of his door.
37 Let thy mind be upon the ordinances of the Lord, and meditate continually in his commandments: he shall establish thine heart, and give thee wisdom at thine own desire.
CHAP. VII.
1 We are deboted from sin; 4 from ambition, 8 presumption, 10 and fainting in prayer, &c.

Before CHRIST cir. 200.
DO no evil, so shall no harm come unto thee. 2 Depart from the unjust, and iniquity shall turn away from thee.
3 My son, sow not upon the furrows of unrighteousness, and thou shalt not reap them seven-fold.
4 Seek not of the Lord pre-eminence, neither of the king the seat of honour.
5 Justify not thyself before the Lord, and boast not of thy wisdom before the king.
6 Seek not to be judge, being not able to take away iniquity, lest at any time thou fear the person of the mighty, and lay a stumbling-block in the way of thy uprightness.
7 Offend not against the multitude of a city, and then thou shalt not cast thyself down among the people.
8 Bind not one sin upon another, for in one thou shalt not be unpunished.
9 Say not, God will look upon the multitude of my oblations, and when I offer to the most high God, he will accept it.
10 Be not faint-hearted when thou makest thy prayer, and neglect not to give alms.
11 Laugh no man to scorn in the bitterness of his soul: for there is one which humbleth and exalteth.
12 Devise not a lie against thy brother: neither do the like to thy friend.
13 Use not to make any manner of lie: for the custom thereof is not good.
14 Use not many words in a multitude of elders, and make not much babbling when thou prayest.
15 Hate not laborious work, neither husbandry, which the most High hath ordained.
16 Number not thyself among the multitude of sinners, but remember that wrath will not tarry long.
17 Humble thy soul greatly: for the vengeance of the ungodly is fire and worms.
18 Change not a friend for any good by no means: neither a faithful brother for the gold of Ophir.
19 Forego not a wise and good woman: for her grace is above gold.
20 Whereas thy servant worketh truly, intreat him not evil, nor the hireling that bestoweth himself wholly for thee.
21 Let thy soul love a good servant, and defraud him not of liberty.
22 Hast thou cattle? have an eye to them: and, if they be for thy profit keep them with thee.
23 Hast thou children? instruct them, and bow down their neck from their youth.
24 Hast thou daughters? have a care of their body, and shew not thyself cheerful toward them.
25 Marry thy daughter, and so shalt thou have performed a weighty matter: but give her to a man of understanding.
26 Hast thou a wife after thy mind? forsake her not: but give not thyself over to a light woman.
27 Honour thy father with thy whole heart, and forget not the sorrows of thy mother.
28 Remember that thou wast begot of them, and how canst thou recompence them the things that they have done for thee.
29 Fear the Lord with all thy soul, and reverence his priests.
30 Love him that made thee with all thy strength, and forsake not his ministers.
31 Fear the Lord, and honour the priest: and give him his portion, as it is commanded thee: the first-fruits, and the trespass-offering, and the gift of the shoulders, and the sacrifice of sanctification, and the first-fruits of the holy things.
32 And stretch thine hand unto the poor, that thy blessing may be perfected.
33 A gift hath grace in the sight of every man living, and for the dead detain it not.
34 Fail not to be with them that weep, and mourn with them that mourn.
35 Be not slow to visit the sick: for that shall make thee to be beloved.
36 Whatsoever thou takest in hand, remember the end, and thou shalt never do amiss.
CHAP. VIII.
1 Whom we may not strive with, 8 nor despise, 10 nor provoke, 15 nor have to do with.
2 Strive not with a mighty man, lest thou fall into his hands.
3 Be not at variance with a rich man, lest he outweigh thee: for gold hath destroyed many, and perverted the hearts of kings.
4 Strive not with a man, that is full of tongue, and heap not wood upon his fire.
5 Jealous not with a rude man, lest thy ancestors be disgraced.
6 Reproach not a man that turneth from sin, but remember that we are all worthy of punishment.
7 Dishonour not a man in his old age: for even some of us wax old.
8 Rejoice not over thy greatest enemy being dead, but remember that we die all.
9 Despise not the discourse of the wise, but acquaint thyself with their proverbs: for of them thou shalt learn instruction, and how to serve great men with ease.
10 Misp not the discourse of the elders: for they also learned of their fathers, and of them thou shalt learn understanding, and to give answer as need requireth.
11 Kindle not the coals of a sinner, lest thou be burnt with the flame of his fire.
12 Rise not up (in anger) at the presence of an injurious person, lest he lie in wait to entrap thee in thy words.
13 Lend not unto him that is mightier than thyself: for if thou lendest him, count it but lost.
14 Be not surety above thy power: for if thou be surety, take care to pay it.
15 Go not to law with a judge, for they will judge for him according to his honour.
16 Travel not by the way with a bold fellow, lest he become grievous unto thee: for he will do according to his own will, and thou shalt perish with him through his folly.
17 Strive not with an angry man, and go not with him into a solitary place: for blood is as nothing.
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
Deut. 15. 20.
Or. thy liberality.
Mat. 5. 25.
Chap. 31. 6.
Or. of an evil tongue.
2 Cor. 2. 6.
Gal. 6. 2.
Lev. 19. 32.
Or. for thy mouth.
Or. opinion.
Gen. 4. 8.
Prov. 22. 24.
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
thing in his sight, and, where there is no help, he will overthrow thee.
17 Consult not with a fool, for he cannot keep counsel.
18 Do no secret thing before a stranger, for thou knowest not what he will bring forth.
19 Open not thine heart to every man, lest he requite thee with a shrewd turn.
CHAP. IX.
1 We are advised how to use our wives: 3 what women to avoid, &c.
2 Be not jealous over the wife of thy bosom, and teach her not an evil lesson against thyself.
3 Give not thy soul unto a woman, to set her foot upon thy substance.
4 Meet not with an harlot, lest thou fall into her snares.
5 Use not much the company of a woman that is a singer, lest thou be taken with her attempts.
6 Gaze not on a maid, that thou fall not by those things that are precious in her.
7 Give not thy soul unto harlots, that thou lose not thine inheritance.
8 Look not round about thee in the streets of the city, neither wander thou in the solitary places thereof.
Gen. 34. 2. 2 Sam. 11. 2. Jud. 10. 19.
8 Turn away thine eye from a beautiful woman, and look not upon another's beauty: for many have been deceived by the beauty of a woman, for herewith love is kindled as a fire.
9 Sit not at all with another man's wife, nor sit down with her in thine arms, and spend not thy money with her at the wine: lest thine heart incline unto her, and so through thy desire thou fall into destruction.
10 Forsake not an old friend, for the new is not comparable to him: a new friend is as new wine; when it is old thou shalt drink it with pleasure.
11 Envy not the glory of a sinner: for thou knowest not what shall be his end.
12 Delight not in the thing that the ungodly have pleasure in: but remember they shall not go unpunished unto their grave.
13 Keep thee far from the man that hath power to kill, so shalt thou not doubt the fear of death: and if thou come unto him make no fault, lest he take away thy life presently: remember that thou goest in the midst of snares, and that thou walkest upon the battlements of the city.
14 As near as thou canst, guess at thy neighbour, and consult with the wife.
15 Let thy talk be with the wise, and all thy communication in the law of the most High.
16 And let just men eat and drink with thee, and let thy glorying be in the fear of the Lord.
17 For the hand of the artificer the work shall be commended: and the wise ruler of the people, for his speech.
18 A man of an ill tongue is dangerous in his city, and he that is rash in his talk shall be hated.
CHAP. X.
The commodities of a wise ruler: 4 God setteth him up, &c.
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
Prov. 29. 12.
A wise judge will instruct his people, and the government of a prudent man is well ordered. 4 As the judge of the people is himself, so are his officers; and what manner of man the ruler of the city is, such are all they that dwell therein.
3 An unwise king destroyeth his people, but through the prudence of them which are in authority, the city shall be inhabited.
4 The power of the earth is in the hand of the Lord, and in due time he will set over it one that is profitable.
5 In the hand of God is the prosperity of man: and upon the person of the scribe shall he lay his honour.
6 Bear not hatred to thy neighbour for every wrong, and do nothing at all by injurious practices.
7 Pride is hateful before God and man: and by both doth one commit iniquity.
8 Because of unrighteous dealings, injuries, and riches got by deceit, the kingdom is translated from one people to another.
9 Why is earth and ashes proud? There is not a more wicked thing than a covetous man: for such an one setteth his own soul to sale, because while he liveth he casteth away his bowels.
10 The physician cutteth off a long disease, and he that is to-day a king to-morrow shall die.
11 For when a man is dead he shall inherit creeping things, beasts and worms.
12 The beginning of pride is when one departeth from God, and his heart is turned away from his Maker.
13 For pride is the beginning of sin, and he that hath it shall pour out abomination: and therefore the Lord brought upon them strange calamities, and overthrew them utterly.
14 The Lord hath cast down the thrones of proud princes, and set up the meek in their stead.
15 The Lord hath plucked up the roots of the proud nations, and planted the lowly in their place.
16 The Lord overthrew countries of the heathen, and destroyed them to the foundations of the earth.
17 He took some of them away, and destroyed them, and hath made their memorial to cease from the earth.
18 Pride was not made for men, nor furious anger for them that are born of a woman.
19 They that fear the Lord are a sure feed, and they that love him an honourable plant: they that regard not the law are a dishonourable feed: they that transgress the commandments are a deceivable feed.
Or. un-fable generation.
20 Among brethren, he that is chief is honourable, so are they that fear the Lord in his eyes.
21 The fear of the Lord goeth before the obtaining of authority: but roughness and pride is the losing thereof.
Or. principal.
22 Whether he be rich, noble, or poor, their glory is the fear of the Lord.
23 It is not meet to despise the poor man that hath understanding, neither is it convenient to magnify a sinful man.

Before CHRIST cir. 200. 24 Great men, and judges and potentates shall be honoured, yet is there none of them greater than he that feareth the Lord.
25 Unto the servant that is wise shall they that are free do service: and he that hath knowledge will not grudge when he is reformed.
26 Be not overwise in doing thy business, and boast not thyself in the time of thy distress.
27 Better is he that laboureth, and aboundeth in all things, than he that boasteth himself, and wanteth bread.
28 My son, glorify thy soul in meekness, and give it honour according to the dignity thereof.
29 Who will justify him that sinneth against his own soul? and who will honour him that dishonoureth his own life?
30 The poor man is honoured for his skill, and the rich man is honoured for his riches.
31 He that is honoured in poverty, how much more in riches? and he that is dishonourable in riches, how much more in poverty?
CHAP. XI.
We may not vaunt nor set forth ourselves, &c.
Wisdom listeth up the head of him that is of low degree, and maketh him to sit among great men.
2 Commend not a man for his beauty, neither abhor a man for his outward appearance.
3 The bee is little among such as fly, but her fruit is the chief of sweet things.
4 Boast not of thy cloathing and raiment, and exalt not thyself in the day of honour: for the works of the Lord are wonderful, and his works among men are hidden.
5 Many kings have sat down upon the ground, and one that was never thought of hath worn the crown.
6 Many mighty men have been greatly disgraced: and the honourable delivered into other men's hands.
7 Blame not before thou hast examined the truth: understand first, and then rebuke.
8 Answer not before thou hast heard the cause: neither interrupt men in the midst of their talk.
9 Strive not in a matter that concerneth thee not: and sit not in judgment with sinners.
10 My son, meddle not with many matters: for if thou meddle much, thou shalt not be innocent: and, if thou follow after, thou shalt not obtain, neither shalt thou escape by flying.
11 There is one that laboureth, and taketh pains, and maketh haste, and is so much the more behind.
12 Again, there is another that is slow, and hath need of help, wanting ability, and full of poverty: yet the eye of the Lord looked upon him for good, and set him up from his low estate.
13 And lifted up his head from misery, so that many that saw it marvelled at him.
14 Prosperity and adversity, life and death, poverty and riches, come of the Lord.
15 Wisdom, knowledge, and understanding of the law, are of the Lord: love, and the way of good works, are from him.
16 Error and darkness had their beginning together with sinners: and evil shall wax old with them that glory therein.
17 The gift of the Lord remaineth with the godly, and his favour bringeth prosperity for ever.
18 There is that waxeth rich by his wariness and pinching, and this is the portion of his reward.
19 Whereas he saith, I have found rest, and now I will eat continually of my goods, and yet he knoweth not what time shall come upon him, and that he must leave those things to others, and die.
20 Be stedfast in thy covenant, and be constant therein, and wax old in thy work.
21 Marvel not at the works of sinners, but trust in the Lord, and abide in thy labour: for it is an easy thing in the sight of the Lord, on the sudden to make a poor man rich.
22 The blessing of the Lord is in the reward of the godly, and suddenly he maketh his blessing to flourish.
23 Say not, what profit is there of my service? and what good things shall I have hereafter?
24 Again, say not, I have enough, and possess many things; and what evil can come to me hereafter?
25 In the day of prosperity there is a forgetfulness of affliction: and in the day of affliction there is no remembrance of prosperity.
26 For it is an easy thing unto the Lord, in the day of death, to reward a man according to his ways.
27 The affliction of an hour maketh a man forget pleasure: and in his end his deeds shall be discovered.
28 Judge none blessed before his death: for a man shall be known in his children.
29 Bring not every man into thine house: for the deceitful man hath many trains.
30 Like as a partridge taken (and kept) in a cage, so is the heart of the proud; and like as a spy watcheth he for thy fall.
31 For he lieth in wait, and turneth good into evil, and, in things worthy praise, will lay blame upon thee.
32 Of a spark of fire a heap of coals is kindled: and a sinful man layeth wait for blood.
33 Take heed of a mischievous man, (for he worketh wickedness,) lest he bring upon thee a perpetual blot.
34 Receive a stranger into thine house, and he will disturb thee, and turn thee out of thine own.
CHAP. XII.
2 Be not liberal to the ungodly. 10 Trust not thine enemy, nor the wicked.
When thou wilt do good, know to whom thou doest it: so shalt thou be thanked for thy benefits.
2 Do good to the godly man, and thou shalt find a recompence; and if not from him, yet from the most High.
3 There can no good come to him that is always occupied in evil: nor to him that giveth no alms.
4 Give to the godly man, and help not a sinner.
5 Do well unto him that is lowly, but give not to the
their device upon themselves, and make the an example that hath begun this against us. Before CHRIST cir. 200. 2 Remember, O Lord, make thyself known in (elsewhere of our affliction, and give me boldness, O King of the nations, and Lord of all power.
3 Give me eloquent speech in my mouth before the lion: turn his heart to hate him that fighteth against us, that there may be an end of him, and of all that are like-minded to him.
4 But deliver us with thine hand, and help me that am desolate, and which have no other helper but thee.
5 Thou knowest all things, O Lord; thou knowest that I hate the glory of the unrighteous, and abhor the bed of the uncircumcised, and of all the heathen.
6 Thou knowest my necessity: for I abhor the sign of my high estate, which is upon mine head, in the days wherein I shewed myself, and that I abhor it as a monstrous rag, and that I wear it not when I am private by myself.
7 And that thine handmaid hath not eaten at Aman's table, and that I have not greatly esteemed the king's feast, nor drunk the wine of the drink-offerings.
8 Neither had thine handmaid any joy, since the day that I was brought hither to this present, but in thee, O Lord God of Abraham.
9 O thou mighty God above all, hear the voice of the forlorn, and deliver us out of the hands of the mischievous, and deliver me out of my fear.
CHAP. XV.
6 Esther cometh into the king's presence: 7 he looketh angrily, and she fainteth: 8 the king doth take her up, and comfort her.
AND upon the third day, when she had ended her prayer, she laid away her mourning garments, and put on her glorious apparel.
2 And, being gloriously adorned, after she had called upon God, who is the beholder and saviour of all things, she took two maids with her.
3 And upon the one she leaned, as carrying herself daintily;
4 And the other followed, bearing up her train.
5 And she was ruddy through the perfection of her beauty, and her countenance was cheerful and very amiable: but her heart was in anguish for fear.
6 Then having passed through all the doors, she stood before the king, who sat upon his royal throne, and was clothed with all his robes of majesty, all glittering with gold and precious stones, and he was very dreadful.
7 Then lifting up his countenance, that shone with majesty, he looked very fiercely upon her: and the queen fell down and was pale, and fainted, and bowed herself upon the head of the maid that went before her.
8 Then God changed the spirit of the king into mildness, who in a fear leaped from his throne, and took her in his arms, till she came to herself again, and comforted her with loving words, and said unto her,
9 Either, what is the matter? I am thy brother, be of good cheer,
10 Thou shalt not die, though our commandment be general: come near.
11 And so he held up his golden sceptre, and laid it upon her neck,
12 And embraced her, and said, Speak unto me.
13 Then she said unto him, I saw thee, my lord, as an angel of God, and my heart was troubled for fear of thy majesty.
14 For wonderful art thou, lord, and thy countenance is full of grace.
15 And, as she was speaking, she fell down for faintness.
16 Then the king was troubled, and all his servants comforted her.
CHAP. XVI.
The letter of Artaxerxes, 10 wherein he taxeth Aman, &c.
THE great king Artaxerxes unto the princes and governors of an hundred and seven and twenty provinces from India unto Ethiopia, and unto all our faithful subjects, greeting:
2 Many, the more often they are honoured with the great bounty of their gracious princes, the more proud they are waxen;
3 And endeavour to hurt not our subjects only, but not being able to bear abundance, do take in hand to practise against those also that do them good.
4 And take not only thankfulness away from among men, but also, lifted up with the glorious words of lewd persons that were never good, they think to escape the justice of God, that seeth all things, and hateth evil.
5 Oftentimes also fair speech of those that are put in trust, to manage their friends' affairs, hath caused many that are in authority to be partakers of innocent blood, and hath enwrapped them in remediless calamities;
6 Beguiling, with the falsehood and deceit of their lewd disposition, the innocence and goodness of princes.
7 Now ye may see this, as we have declared, not so much by ancient histories, as ye may, if you search what hath been wickedly done of late through the pestilent behaviour of them that are unworthily placed in authority.
8 And we must take care for the time to come, that our kingdom may be quiet and peaceable for all men;
9 Both by changing our purposes, and always judging things that are evident, with more equal proceeding.
10 For Aman, a Macedonian, the son of Amadatha, being indeed a stranger from the Persian blood, and far distant from our goodness, and as a stranger received of us,
11 Had so far forth obtained the favour that we shewed toward every nation, as that he was called our father, and was continually honoured of all men, as the next person unto the king,
12 But he, not bearing his great dignity, went about to deprive us of our kingdom and life;
13 Having

13 Having manifold and cunning deceits sought of us the destruction as well of Mardocheus, who saved our life, and continually procured our good, as also of blameless Esther, partaker of our kingdom, with their whole nation.
14 For by these means he thought, finding us destitute of friends, to have translated the kingdom of the Persians to the Macedonians.
15 But we find that the Jews, whom this wicked wretch hath delivered to utter destruction, are no evil-doers, but live by most just laws.
16 And that they be children of the most High and most mighty living God, who hath + ordered the kingdom both unto us, and to our progenitors in the most excellent manner.
17 Wherefore ye shall do well not to put in execution the letters sent unto you by Aman the son of Amadatha.
18 For he that was the worker of these things is hanged at the gates of Susa, with all his family: God who ruleth all things, speedily rendering vengeance to him according to his deserts.
19 Therefore ye shall publish the copy of this letter in all places, that the Jews may freely live after their own laws.
20 And ye shall aid them, that even the same day, being the thirteenth day of the twelfth month Adar, they may be avenged on them who in the time of their affliction shall set upon them.
21 For Almighty God hath turned to joy unto them the day wherein the chosen people should have perished.
22 You shall therefore among your solemn feasts keep it an high day with all feasting:
23 That both now and hereafter there may be safety to us, and the well-affected Persians: but to those which do conspire against us, a memorial of destruction.
24 Therefore every city and country whatsoever, which shall not do according to these things, shall be destroyed without mercy, with fire and sword, and shall be made not only unpassable for men, but also most hateful to wild beasts and fowls for ever.
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
The Wisdom of SOLOMON.
CHAP. I.
2 To whom God sheweth himself, 4 and wisdom herself. 6 An evil speaker cannot lie hid, &c.
1 LOVE righteousness, ye that be judges of the earth: think of the Lord with a good (heart) and in simplicity of heart seek him.
2 For he will be found of them that tempt him and sheweth himself unto such as do not distrust him.
3 For froward thoughts separate from God: and his power, when it is tried, reproveth the unwise.
4 For into a malicious soul wisdom shall not enter: nor dwell in the body that is subject unto sin.
5 For the holy spirit of discipline will flee deceit, and remove from thoughts that are without understanding, and will not abide when unrighteousness cometh in.
6 For wisdom is a loving spirit: and will not acquit a blasphemer of his words: for God is witness of his reins, and a true beholder of his heart, and a hearer of his tongue.
7 For the Spirit of the Lord filleth the world: and that which containeth all things hath knowledge of the voice.
8 Therefore he that speaketh unrighteous things cannot be hid: neither shall vengeance, when it punisheth, pass by him.
9 For inquisition shall be made into the counsels of the ungodly; and the sound of his words shall come unto the Lord, for the manifestation of his wicked deeds.
10 For the ear of jealousy heareth all things: and the noise of murmurings is not hid.
11 Therefore beware of murmuring, which is unprofitable, and refrain your tongue from backbiting: for there is no word so secret, that shall go for nought: and the mouth that beliech, slayeth the foul.
12 Seek not death in the error of your life: and pull not upon yourselves destruction, with the works of your hands.
13 For God made not death: neither hath he pleasure in the destruction of the living.
14 For he created all things, that they might have their being: and the generations of the world were healthful: and there is no poison of destruction in them: nor the kingdom of death upon the earth.
15 For righteousness is immortal.
16 But ungodly men with their works and words called it to them; for when they thought to have it their friend, they consumed to nought, and made a covenant with it, because they are worthy to take part with it.
CHAP. II.
1 The wicked think this life short, 5 and of no other after this, &c.
FOR the ungodly said, reasoning with themselves, but not right, Our life is short and tedious, and in the death of a man there is no remedy: neither was there any man known to have returned from the grave.
2 For we are born at all adventure: and we shall be hereafter as though we had never been: for the breath in our nostrils is as smoke, and a little spark in the moving of our heart,
3 Which being extinguished, our body shall be turned into ashes, and our spirit shall vanish as the soft air,
4 And our name shall be forgotten in time, and no man shall have our works in remembrance, and our life shall pass away as the trace of a cloud, and shall be dispersed as a mist that is driven away with the beams of the sun, and overcome with the heat thereof.
5 For our time is a very shadow that passeth away: 29. 15.
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
the ungodly: hold back thy bread, and give it not unto him, lest he over-master thee thereby. For (else) thou shalt receive twice as much evil for all the good thou shalt have done unto him.
6 For the most High hateth sinners, and will repay vengeance unto the ungodly, and keepeth them against the mighty day of their punishment.
7 Give unto the good, and help not the sinner.
8 A friend cannot be known in prosperity, and an enemy cannot be hid in adversity.
9 In the prosperity of a man enemies will be grieved: but in his adversity even a friend will depart.
10 Never trust thine enemy: for like as iron rusteth, so is his wickedness.
11 Though he humble himself, and go crouching, yet take good heed, and beware of him, and thou shalt be unto him as if thou hadst wiped a looking-glass, and thou shalt know that his rust hath not been altogether wiped away.
12 Set him not by thee, lest, when he hath overthrown thee, he stand up in thy place; neither let him sit at thy right hand, lest he seek to take thy seat, and thou at the last remember my words, and be pricked therewith.
13 Who will pity a charmer that is bitten with a serpent, or any such as come nigh wild beasts?
14 So one that goeth to a sinner, and is desired with him in his sins, who will pity?
15 For a while he will abide with thee, but if thou begin to fall, he will not tarry.
16 An enemy speaketh sweetly with his lips, but in his heart he imagineth how to throw thee into a pit: he will weep with his eyes, but, if he find opportunity, he will not be satisfied with blood.
17 If adversity come upon thee, thou shalt find him there first, and though he pretend to help thee, yet shall he undermine thee.
18 He will shake his head, and clap his hands, and whisper much, and change his countenance.
CHAP. XIII.
Keep not company with the proud, or a mightier than thyself, &c.
HE that toucheth pitch shall be defiled therewith, and he that hath fellowship with a proud man shall be like unto him.
2 Burden not thyself above thy power while thou livest, and have no fellowship with one that is mightier and richer than thyself: for how agree the kettle and the earthen pot together? for if the one be smitten against the other, it shall be broken.
3 The rich man hath done wrong and yet he threateneth withal: the poor is wronged, and he must intreat also.
4 If thou be for his profit he will use thee; but if thou have nothing he will forsake thee.
5 If thou have any thing he will live with thee? yea, he will make thee bare, and will not be sorry for it.
6 If he have need of thee he will deceive thee, and smile upon thee, and put thee in hope; he will speak thee fair, and say, What wantest thou?
7 And he will shame thee by his meats, until he
have drawn thee dry twice or thrice, and at the last he will laugh thee to scorn: afterwards, when he seeth thee, he will forsake thee, and shake his head at thee.
8 Beware that thou be not deceived, and brought down in thy jollity.
9 If thou be invited of a mighty man withdraw thyself, and so much the more will he invite thee.
10 Press thou not upon him, lest thou be put back: stand not far off, lest thou be forgotten.
11 Affect not to be made equal unto him in talk, and believe not his many words; for with much communication will he tempt thee, and smiling upon thee will get out thy secrets:
12 But cruelly he will lay up thy words, and will not spare to do thee hurt, and to put thee in prison.
13 Observe, and take good heed, for thou walkest in peril of thy overthrowing: when thou hearest these things awake in thy sleep.
14 Love the Lord all thy life, and call upon him for thy salvation.
15 Every beast loveth his like, and every man loveth his neighbour.
16 All flesh comforteth according to kind, and a man will cleave to his like.
17 What fellowship hath the wolf with the lamb? so the sinner with the godly.
18 What agreement is there between the hyena and a dog? and what peace between the rich and the poor?
19 As the wild ass is the lion's prey in the wilderness, so the rich eat up the poor.
20 As the proud hate humility, so doth the rich abhor the poor.
21 A rich man beginning to fall is held up of his friends; but a poor man being down is thrust also away by his friends.
22 When a rich man is fallen he hath many helpers: he speaketh things not to be spoken, and yet men justify him: the poor man slipt, and yet they rebuked him too: he spake wisely, and could have no place.
23 When a rich man speaketh every man holdeth his tongue; and look, what he saith, they extol it to the clouds: but if the poor man speak, they say, What fellow is this? and if he stumble, they will help to overthrow him.
24 Riches are good unto him that hath no sin, and poverty is evil in the mouth of the ungodly.
25 The heart of a man changeth his countenance, whether it be for good or evil: and a merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.
26 A cheerful countenance is a token of a heart that is in prosperity, and the finding out of parables is a wearisome labour of the mind.
CHAP. XIV.
2 A good conscience maketh men happy. 5 The niggard doth good to none.
Blessed is the man that hath not slipt with his mouth, and is not pricked with the multitude of sins.
2 Blessed is he whose conscience hath not condemned him.
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
Or, brafs.
Or, mingled.
Jer. 41. 6.
Or, supplant.
Deut. 7. 2.
Gr. this shall smite against it, and be broken.
Deut. 23. 24.
Job 7. 1. Mat. 22. 23. 1 Cor. 15. 32.
Or, moist.
Or, oppressed.
1 Chron. 29. 15.
Or, profpered.
1 Kings 3. 3. Isa. 56. 1.
Deut. 4. not: 29. 2 Chro. 15. 4.
Or, maketh manifest.
Jer. 4. 22.
Or, is rebuked, or, sheweth itself.
Gal. 5. 22. Or, lips.
Or, upholdeth.
Or, re-proving.
Or, slant-breath.
Or, by thy simplicity.
Or, forbear not.
Or, but.
Ch. 19. 16. and 25. 8. James 3. 2. Or, forrow.

Apocrypha.
Before CHRIST cir. 200. ed him, and who is not fallen from his hope in the Lord.
3 Riches are not comely for a niggard: and what should an envious man do with money?
4 He that gathereth by defrauding his own soul, gathereth for others that shall spend his goods riotously.
5 He that is evil to himself, to whom will he be good? he shall not take pleasure in his goods.
6 There is none worse than he that envieth himself; and this is a recompence of his wickedness.
7 And if he doth good, he doth it unwillingly; and at the last he will declare his wickedness.
8 The envious man hath a wicked eye, he turneth away his face, and despiseth men.
b Prov. 27. 20. 9 A covetous man's eye is not satisfied with his portion, and the iniquity of the wicked drieth up his soul.
10 A wicked eye envieth (his) bread, and he is a niggard at his table.
11 My son, according to thy ability do good to thyself, and give the Lord his due offering.
12 Remember that death will not be long in coming, and that the covenant of the grave is not shewed unto thee.
c Tobit 4. 7. Luke 14. 4. 13 Do good unto thy friend before thou die, and according to thy ability stretch out thy hand, and give to him.
† Or, the feast-day. 14 Defraud not thyself of † the good day, and let not the part of a good desire overpass thee.
15 Shalt thou not leave thy travels unto another; and thy labours to be divided by lot?
16 Give, and take, and sanctify thy soul; for there is no seeking of dainties in the grave.
d Isa. 40. 6. Jam. 1. 10. 17 All flesh waxeth old as a garment; for the covenant from the beginning is, Thou shalt die the death.
18 As of the green leaves on a thick tree, some fall and some grow; so is the generation of flesh and blood, one cometh to an end, and another is born.
19 Every work rotteth and consumeth away, and the worker thereof shall go withal.
e Psal. 1. 2. 20 Blessed is the man that doth meditate good things in wisdom, and that reasoneth of holy things by his understanding.
21 He that considereth her ways in his heart shall also have understanding in her secrets..
22 Go after her as one that traceth, and lie in wait in her ways.
23 He that prieth in at her windows shall also hearken at her doors.
† Or, stake. 24 He that doth lodge near her house, shall also fasten a † pin in her walls.
25 He shall pitch his tent nigh unto her, and shall lodge in a lodging where good things are.
26 He shall set his children under her shelter, and shall lodge under her branches.
27 By her he shall be covered from heat, and in her glory shall he dwell.
CHAP. XV.
2 Wisdom embraceth those that fear God: 7 The wicked shall not get her, &c.
HE that feareth the Lord will do good; and he that hath the knowledge of the law shall obtain her:
2 And as a mother shall she meet him, and receive him as a wife married of a virgin.
3 With the bread of understanding shall she feed him, and give him the water of wisdom to drink.
4 He shall be stayed upon her, and shall not be moved; and shall rely upon her, and shall not be confounded.
5 She shall exalt him above his neighbours; and in the midst of the congregation shall she open his mouth.
6 He shall find joy, and a crown of gladness; and she shall cause him to inherit an everlasting name.
7 But foolish men shall not attain unto her, and sinners shall not see her.
8 For she is far from pride; and men that are liars cannot remember her.
9 † Praise is not seemly in the mouth of a sinner, † Or, A parable. for ‡ it was not sent him of the Lord.
10 For ‡ praise shall be uttered in wisdom, and the Lord will prosper it. ‡ Or, he was not sent of, &c.
11 Say not thou, It is through the Lord that I fell away; for thou oughtest not to do the things that he hateth. ‡ Or, rather, a parable.
12 Say not thou, He hath caused me to err; for he hath no need of the sinful man.
13 The Lord hateth all abomination, and they that fear God love it not.
14 He himself ‡ made man from the beginning, ‡ Gen. 1. 26. and left him in the hand of his counsel:
15 If thou wilt, to keep the commandments, and to perform acceptable faithfulness.
16 He hath set fire and water before thee: stretch forth thy hand unto whether thou wilt.
17 ‡ Before man is life and death, and whether ‡ Jer. 21. 8. him liketh shall be given him.
18 For the wisdom of the Lord is great, and he is mighty in power, and beholdeth all things:
19 And ‡ his eyes are upon them that fear him, ‡ Psal. 33. 18. and he knoweth every work of man.
20 He hath commanded no man to do wickedly, neither hath he given any man licence to sin.
CHAP. XVI.
It is better to have none than many lewd children, &c. Desire not a multitude of unprofitable children, neither delight in ungodly sons.
2 Though they multiply, rejoice not in them, except the fear of the Lord be with them.
3 Trust not thou in their life, neither respect their multitude: for one that is just is better than a thousand; and better it is to die without children, than to have them that are ungodly.
4 For by one that hath understanding shall the city be replenished: but the ‡ kindred of the wicked ‡ Or, tribe. shall speedily become desolate.
5 Many such things have I seen with mine eyes, and mine ear hath heard greater things than these.
6 ‡ In the congregation of the ungodly shall a fire ‡ Chap. 21. be kindled, and in a rebellious nation wrath ‡ is set ‡ Or, hath been.
7 He
Before CHRIST cir. 200. 7 ‡ He was not pacified towards the old giants, who fell away in the strength of their foolishness.
8 ‡ Neither spared he the place where Lot journeyed, but abhorred them for their pride.
9 ‡ He pitied not the people of perdition, who were taken away in their sins:
10 ‡ Nor the six hundred thousand footmen, who were gathered together in the hardness of their hearts.
11 ‡ And if there be one stiff-necked among the people, it is a marvel if he escape unpunished: for mercy and wrath are with him; he is mighty to forgive, and to pour out displeasure.
12 ‡ As his mercy is great, so is his correction also: he judgeth a man according to his works.
13 ‡ The sinner shall not escape with his spoils, and the patience of the godly shall not be frustrate.
14 ‡ Make way for every work of mercy: for every man shall find according to his works.
15 ‡ The Lord hardened Pharaoh, that he should not know him, that his powerful works might be known to the world.
16 ‡ His mercy is manifest to every creature, and he hath separated his light from the darkness, with
‡ Or, strong partition. 17 ‡ Say not thou, I will hide myself from the Lord: shall any remember me from above? I shall not be remembered among so many people: for what is my soul among such an infinite number of creatures?
18 ‡ Behold, the heaven, and the heaven of heavens, the deep, and the earth, and all that therein is, shall be moved when he shall visit.
19 ‡ The mountains also, and the foundations of the earth shall be shaken with trembling, when the Lord looketh upon them.
20 ‡ No heart can think upon these things worthily: and who is able to conceive his ways?
21 ‡ It is a tempest which no man can see: for the most part of his works are hid.
22 ‡ Who can declare the works of his justice? or who can endure them? for his covenant is afar off, and the trial of all things is in the end.
23 ‡ He that wanteth understanding will think upon vain things: and a foolish man erring, imagineth follies.
24 ‡ My son, hearken unto me, and learn knowledge, and mark my words with thy heart.
25 ‡ I will shew forth doctrine in weight, and declare his knowledge exactly.
26 ‡ The works of the Lord are done in judgment from the beginning: and, from the time he made them, he disposed the parts thereof.
27 ‡ He garnished his works for ever, and in his hand are the ‡ chief of them unto all generations: they neither labour, nor are weary, nor cease from their works.
28 ‡ None of them hindereth another, and they shall never disobey his word.
29 ‡ After this the Lord looked upon the earth, and filled it with his blessings.
30 ‡ With all manner of living things hath he covered the face thereof, and they shall return into it again.
CHAP. XVII. 1 How God created and furnished man. 14 Avoid all sin, &c. Before CHRIST cir. 200.
THE Lord ‡ created man of the earth, and turned ‡ Gen. 1. 27. him into it again.
2 ‡ He gave them few days, and a short time, and power also over the things therein. ‡ and 5. 2. Wis. 2. 23. and 7. 1. 6.
3 ‡ He endured them with strength by themselves, and ‡ made them according to his image, ‡ Gen. 1. 26.
4 ‡ And put the fear ‡ of man upon all flesh, and gave him dominion over beasts and fowls. ‡ 1 Cor. 11. 7. Col. 3. 10.
5 ‡ (They received the use of the five operations of the Lord, and in the sixth place he imparted them understanding, and in the seventh speech, an interpreter of the cogitations thereof.) ‡ Or, of him.
6 ‡ Counsel, and a tongue, and eyes, ears, and a heart, gave he them to understand.
7 ‡ Withal, he filled them with the knowledge of understanding, and shewed them good and evil.
8 ‡ He set his eye upon their hearts, that he might shew them the greatness of his works.
9 ‡ He gave them to glory in his marvellous acts for ever, that they might declare his works with understanding.
10 ‡ And the elect shall praise his holy name.
11 ‡ Besides this, he gave them knowledge, and the law of life for an heritage.
12 ‡ He made an everlasting covenant with them, and shewed them his judgments.
13 ‡ Their eyes saw the majesty of his glory, and their ears heard his glorious voice.
14 ‡ And he said unto them, beware of all unrighteousness, and he ‡ gave every man commandment, ‡ Exod. 20. concerning his neighbour. & 21. & 22.
15 ‡ Their ways are ever before him, and shall not ‡ be hid from his eyes. & 23.
16 ‡ Every man from his youth is given to evil, neither could they make to themselves fleshly hearts for stony.
17 ‡ For ‡ in the division of the nations of the whole ‡ Deut. 32. earth, he set a ‡ ruler over every people; but ‡ Israel ‡ 8. 9. is the Lord's portion: ‡ Rom. 13. 1.
18 ‡ Whom, being his first-born, he nourished with discipline, and, giving him the light of his love, doth not forsake him. ‡ Deut. 4. 20 and 10. 15.
19 ‡ Therefore all their works are as the sun before him, and his eyes are continually upon their ways.
20 ‡ None of their unrighteous deeds are hid from him, but all their sins are before the Lord.
21 ‡ But the Lord being gracious, and knowing his workmanship, neither left nor forsook them, but spared them.
22 ‡ The ‡ alms of a man is as a signet with him, ‡ Chap. 29. and he will keep the good deeds of man, as the apple ‡ of the eye, and give repentance to his sons and daughters.
23 ‡ Afterwards he will rise up and reward them, ‡ Matt. 25. and render their recompense upon their heads. ‡ 34. 35.
24 ‡ But unto them that repent he granted them ‡ Acts 3. 19. return, and comforted those that failed in patience.
25 ‡ Return unto the Lord and forsake thy sins, ‡ Jer. 3. 12. make

Before CHRIST cir. 200. make thy prayer before his face, and offend less. 26 Turn again to the most High, and turn away from iniquity; for he will lead thee out of darkness into the light of health, and hate thou abomination thy offence vehemently.
27 Who shall praise the most High in the grave, instead of them which live and give thanks?
28 Thanksgiving perisheth from the dead, as from one that is not: the living and found in heart shall praise the Lord.
29 How great is the loving-kindness of the Lord our God, and his compassion unto such as turn unto him in holiness!
30 For all things cannot be in men, because the son of man is not immortal.
31 What is brighter than the sun? yet the light thereof faileth: and flesh and blood will imagine evil.
32 He vieweth the power of the height of heaven, and all men are but earth and ashes.
CHAP. XVIII.
God's works are to be wondered at, &c.
1 HE that liveth for ever created all things in general.
2 The Lord only is righteous, and there is none other but he:
3 Who governeth the world with the palm of his hand, and all things obey his will: for he is the King of all, by his power dividing holy things among them from profane.
4 To whom hath he given power to declare his works? and who shall find out his noble acts?
5 Who shall number the strength of his majesty? and who shall also tell out his mercies?
6 As for the wondrous works of the Lord, there may nothing be taken from them, neither may any thing be put unto them, neither can the ground of them be found out:
7 When a man hath done, then he beginneth; and when he leaveth off, then he shall be doubtful.
8 What is man, and whereto serveth he? what is his good, and what is his evil?
9 The number of a man's days at the most are an hundred years.
10 As a drop of water unto the sea, and a gravel-stone in comparison of the sand, so are a thousand years to the days of eternity.
11 Therefore is God patient with them, and poureth forth his mercy upon them.
12 He saw and perceived their end to be evil; therefore he multiplied his compassion.
13 The mercy of man is toward his neighbour; but the mercy of the Lord is upon all flesh: he reproveth, and nurtureth, and teacheth, and bringeth again, as a shepherd his flock.
14 He hath mercy on them that receive discipline, and that diligently seek after his judgments.
15 My son, blemish not thy good deeds, neither use uncomfortable words when thou givest any thing.
16 Shall not the dew assuage the heat? so is a word better than a gift.
17 Lo, is not a word better than a gift? but both are with a gracious man.
18 A fool will upbraid churlishly, and a gift of the envious consumeth the eyes.
19 Learn before thou speak, and use physic or ever thou be sick.
20 Before judgment examine thyself, and in the day of visitation thou shalt find mercy.
21 Humble thyself before thou be sick, and in the time of sins shew repentance.
22 Let nothing hinder thee to pay thy vow in due time, and defer not until death to be justified.
23 Before thou prayest prepare thyself; and be not as one that tempteth the Lord.
24 Think upon the wrath that shall be at the end, and the time of vengeance, when he shall turn away his face.
25 When thou hast enough remember the time of hunger: and when thou art rich think upon poverty and need.
26 From the morning until the evening the time is changed, and all things are soon done before the Lord.
27 A wise man will fear in every thing, and in the day of sinning he will beware of offence: but a fool will not observe time.
28 Every man of understanding knoweth wisdom, and will give praise unto him that found her.
29 They that were of understanding in sayings became also wise themselves, and poured forth exquisite parables.
30 Go not after thy lusts, but refrain thyself from thine appetites.
31 If thou givest thy soul the desires that please her, she will make thee a laughing-stock to thine enemies that malign thee.
32 Take not pleasure in much good cheer, neither be tied to the expence thereof.
33 Be not made a beggar by banqueting upon borrowing, when thou hast nothing in thy purse: for thou shalt lie in wait for thine own life, and be talked on.
CHAP. XIX.
2 Wine and women seduce wise men. 7 Say not all thou hearest, &c.
1 LABOURING man that is given to drunkenness shall not be rich: and he that contemneth small things shall fall by little and little.
2 Wine and women will make men of understanding to fall away: and he that cleaveth to harlots will become impudent.
3 Moths and worms shall have him to heritage, and a bold man shall be taken away.
4 He that is hasty to give credit is light-minded, and he that sinneth shall offend against his own soul.
5 Whoso taketh pleasure in wickedness shall be condemned: but he that resisteth pleasures crowneth his life.
6 He that can rule his tongue shall live without strife, and he that hateth babbling shall have less evil.
7 Rehearse not unto another that which is told unto thee, and thou shalt fare never the worse.
8 Whether it be to a friend or foe, talk not of other foe.
other mens lives, and if thou canst without offence, reveal them not.
9 For he heard and observed thee: and when time cometh he will hate thee.
10 If thou hast heard a word let it die with thee, and be bold, it will not burst thee.
11 A fool travaileth with a word, as a woman in labour of a child.
12 As an arrow that sticketh in a man's thigh, so is a word within a fool's belly.
13 Admonish a friend, it may be he hath not done it: and, if he have done it, that he do it no more.
14 Admonish thy friend, it may be he hath not said it: and, if he have, that he speak it not again.
15 Admonish a friend, for many times it is a slander, and believe not every tale.
16 There is one that slippeth in his speech, but not from his heart: and who is he that hath not offended with his tongue.
17 Admonish thy neighbour before thou threaten him, and, not being angry, give place to the law of the most High.
18 The fear of the Lord is the first step to be accepted (of him) and wisdom obtaineth his love.
19 The knowledge of the commandments of the Lord is the doctrine of life: and they that do things that please him shall receive the fruit of the tree of immortality.
20 The fear of the Lord is all wisdom, and in all wisdom is the performance of the law, and the knowledge of his omnipotency.
21 If a servant say to his master, I will not do as it pleaseth thee, though afterwards he do it, he angereth him that nourisheth him.
22 The knowledge of wickedness is not wisdom, neither at any time the counsel of sinners prudence.
23 There is a wickedness, and the same an abomination, and there is a fool wanting in wisdom.
24 He that hath small understanding, and feareth God, is better than one that hath much wisdom, and transgresseth the law of the most High.
25 There is an exquisite subtilty, and the same is unjust, and there is one that turneth aside to make judgment appear: and there is a wise man that justifieth in judgment.
26 There is a wicked man that hangeth down his head sadly; but inwardly he is full of deceit,
27 Casting down his countenance, and making as if he heard not: where he is not known he will do thee a mischief, before thou be aware.
28 And if for want of power he be hindered from sinning, yet when he findeth opportunity he will do evil.
29 A man may be known by his look, and one that hath understanding by his countenance, when thou meetest him.
30 A man's attire, and excessive laughter, and gait shew what he is.
CHAP. XX.
1 Of silence and speaking. 10 Of gifts and gain, &c. There is a reproof that is not comely: again, some man holdeth his tongue, and he is wise.
2 It is much better to reprove, than to be angry secretly; and he that confesseth his fault shall be preserved from hurt.
3 How good is it when thou art reproveth to shew repentance! for so shalt thou escape wilful sin.
4 As is the lust of an eunuch to deflower a virgin: so is he that executeth judgment with violence.
5 There is one that keepeth silence, and is found wise: and another by much babbling becometh hateful.
6 Some man holdeth his tongue, because he hath not to answer: and some keepeth silence, knowing his time.
7 A wise man will hold his tongue till he see opportunity: but a babbler and a fool will regard no time.
8 He that useth many words shall be abhorred; and he that taketh to himself authority therein shall be hated.
9 There is a sinner that hath good success in evil things: and there is a gain that turneth to loss.
10 There is a gift that shall not profit thee; and there is a gift whose recompence is double.
11 There is an abasement because of glory; and there is that lifteth up his head from a low estate.
12 There is that buyeth much for a little, and repayeth it sevenfold.
13 A wise man by his words maketh himself beloved; but the graces of fools shall be poured out.
14 The gift of a fool shall do thee no good when thou hast it; neither yet of the envious for his necessity: for he looketh to receive many things for one.
15 He giveth little, and upbraideth much, he openeth his mouth like a crier: to-day he lendeth and to-morrow will he ask it again: such a one is to be hated of God and man.
16 The fool saith, I have no friends, I have no thank for all my good deeds, and they that eat my bread speak evil of me.
17 How oft, and of how many shall he be laughed to scorn! for he knoweth not aright what it is to have; and it is all one to him as if he had it not.
18 To slip upon a pavement, is better than to slip with the tongue: so the fall of the wicked shall come speedily.
19 An unseasonable tale will always be in the mouth of the unwise.
20 A wise sentence shall be rejected when it cometh out of a fool's mouth: for he will not speak it in due season.
21 There is that is hindered from sinning through want: and when he taketh rest he shall not be troubled.
22 There is that destroyeth his own soul through bashfulness, and by excepting of persons overthroweth himself.
23 There is that for bashfulness promiseth to his friend, and maketh him his enemy for nothing.
24 A lie is a foul blot in a man, yet it is continually in the mouth of the untaught.
25 A thief

Before CHRIST cir. 200. 25 A thief is better than a man that is accustomed to lie: but they both shall have destruction to heritage.
|| Or, igno- miny. 26 The disposition of a liar is || dishonourable, and his shame is ever with him.
27 A wise man shall promote himself to honour with his words: and he that hath understanding will please great men.
† Prov. 12. 11. and 28. 28 He that tilleth his land shall increase his heap: and he that pleaseth great men shall get pardon for iniquity.
‡ Exod. 23. 8. Deut. 16. and 19. 29 Presents and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, and stop up his mouth that he cannot reprove.
† Or, as a muzzle in the mouth. 30 Wisdom that is hid, and treasure that is hoarded up, what profit is in them both?
31 Better is he that hideth his folly, than a man that hideth his wisdom.
32 Necessary patience in seeking the Lord, is better than he that leadeth his life without a guide.
CHAP. XXI.
2 Flee from sin as from a serpent: 4 his oppression will undo the rich, &c.
‡ Psa. 41. 4. Luke. 15. 21. MY son, hast thou sinned? do so no more, but ask pardon for thy former sins.
2 Flee from sin as from the face of a serpent: for if thou comest too near it, it will bite thee: the teeth thereof are as the teeth of a lion, slaying the souls of men.
3 All iniquity is as a two-edged sword, the wounds whereof cannot be healed.
4 To terrify and do wrong will waste riches: thus the house of proud men shall be made desolate.
‡ Exod. 3. 9. and 22. 23. 5 A prayer out of a poor man's mouth reacheth to the ears of God, and his judgment cometh speedily.
|| Gr. be con- verted. 6 He that hateth to be reproved is in the way of sinners: but he that feareth the Lord will || repent from his heart.
7 An eloquent man is known far and near, but a man of understanding knoweth when he slippeth.
8 He that buildeth his house with other men's money, is like one that gathereth himself stones for the tomb of his burial.
‡ Chap. 16. 6. 9 The congregation of the wicked is like tow wrapped together: and the end of them is as a flame of fire to destroy them.
10 The way of sinners is made plain with stones, but at the end thereof is the pit of hell.
11 He that keepeth the law of the Lord getteth the understanding thereof: and the perfection of the fear of the Lord is wisdom.
† Or, witty. ‡ Ecc. 1. 18. ‡ Or, subtil- ty. 12 He that is not † wise will not be taught: but there is a || wisdom which multiplieth bitterness.
13 The knowledge of a wise man shall abound like a flood: and his counsel is like a pure fountain of life.
‡ Chap. 33. 5. 14 The inner parts of a fool are like a broken vessel, and he will hold no knowledge as long as he liveth.
15 If a skilful man hear a wise word, he will com-
mend it, and † add unto it: but as soon as one of no understanding heareth it, it displeaseth him, and he casteth it behind his back.
16 The talking of a fool is like a burden in the way: but grace shall be found in the lips of the wife.
17 They enquire at the mouth of the wise man in the congregation, and they shall ponder his words in their heart.
18 As is a house that is destroyed, so is wisdom to a fool: and the knowledge of the unwise is as talk † without sense.
19 Doctrine unto fools is as fetters on the feet, and like manacles on the right hand.
20 ‡ A fool lifteth up his voice with laughter, but a wise man doth scarce smile a little.
21 Learning is unto a wise man as an ornament of gold, and like a bracelet upon his right arm.
22 A foolish man's foot is soon in his (neighbour's) house: but a man of experience is ashamed of him.
23 A fool will peep in at the door into the house, but he that is well nurtured will stand without.
24 It is the rudeness of a man to hearken at the door: but a wise man will be grieved with the disgrace.
25 The lips of talkers will be telling such things as pertain not unto them: but the words of such as have understanding are weighed in the balance.
26 The heart of fools is in their mouth, but the mouth of the wise is in their heart.
27 When the ungodly curseth Satan, he curseth his own soul.
28 ‡ A whisperer defileth his own soul, and is hated wherefoever he dwelleth.
CHAP. XXII.
1 Of the slothful man, 3 and a foolish daughter, &c.
A slothful man is compared to a filthy stone, and every one will hiss him out to his disgrace.
2 A slothful man is compared to the filth of a dunghill: every man that takes it up will shake his hand.
3 An evil nurtured son is the dishonour of his father that begat him; and a (foolish) daughter is born to his loss.
4 ‡ A wise daughter † shall bring an inheritance to her husband: but she that liveth dishonestly is her father's heaviness.
5 She that is bold dishonoureth both her father and her husband, but they both shall despise her.
6 A tale out of season (is as) music in mourning: but stripes and correction of wisdom are never out of time.
7 Whofo teacheth a fool is as one that glueth a potsherd together, and as he that waketh one from a found sleep.
8 He that telleth a tale to a fool, speaketh to one in a slumber: when he hath told his tale he will say, What is the matter?
9 If children live honestly, and have || where- withal, they shall cover the baseness of their parents.
10 But children being haughty, through disdain and
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
† Prov. 9. 9.
† Or, not to be enquired after.
‡ Chap. 19. 30.
‡ Chap. 28. 13.
‡ Prov. 13. 22. † Or, shall be the heir of her husband.
|| Or, an art.
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
‡ Chap. 38. 16.
‡ Chap. 12. 13.
† Or, when he shakes off his filth.
|| Or, wearied.
‡ Prov. 27. 5.
† Or of a po- lished wall.
‡ Psa. 141. 3.
and want of nurture, do stain the nobility of their kindred.
11 ‡ Weep for the dead, for he hath lost the light: and weep for the fool, for he wanteth understanding; make little weeping for the dead, for he is at rest; but the life of the fool is worse than death.
12 Seven days do men mourn for him that is dead; but, for a fool, and an ungodly man, all the days of his life.
13 Talk not much with a fool, and go not to him that hath no understanding: † beware of him, lest thou have trouble, and thou shalt never be defiled † with his fooleries: depart from him, and thou shalt find rest, and never be || disquieted with madness.
14 What is heavier than lead? and what is the name thereof, but a fool?
15 ‡ Sand, and salt, and a mass of iron, is easier to bear, than a man without understanding.
16 As timber girt, and bound together in a building, cannot be loosed with shaking: so the heart that is established by advised counsel shall fear at no time.
17 A heart settled, upon a thought of understand- ing, is as a fair plaistering † on the wall of a gallery. 18 Pales set on an high place will never stand against the wind: so a fearful heart, in the imagina- tion of a fool, cannot stand against any fear.
19 He that pricketth the eye will make tears to fall: and he that pricketth the heart maketh it to shew her knowledge.
20 Whofo casteth a stone at the birds frayeth them away: and he that upbraideth his friend break- eth friendship.
21 Though thou drewest a sword at thy friend yet despair not: for there may be a returning to (favour.)
22 If thou hast opened thy mouth against thy friend, fear not: for there may be a reconciliation, except for upbraiding, or pride, or disclosing of se- crets, or a treacherous wound: for, for these things every friend will depart.
23 Be faithful to thy neighbour in his poverty, that thou mayest rejoice in his prosperity: abide steadfast unto him in the time of his trouble, that thou mayest be heir with him in his heritage: for a mean estate is not always to be contemned: nor the rich that is foolish to be had in admiration.
24 As the vapour and smoke of a furnace goeth before the fire; so reviling before blood.
25 I will not be ashamed to defend a friend: nei- ther will I hide myself from him.
26 And, if any evil happen unto me by him, every one that heareth it will beware of him.
27 ‡ Who shall set a watch before my mouth, and a seal of wisdom upon my lips, that I fall not sudden- ly by them, and that my tongue destroy me not.
CHAP. XXIII.
1 A prayer for grace to flee sin. 9 We may not use swearing, &c.
Lord, Father and Governor of all my whole life, leave me not to their counsels, and let me not fall by them.
2 Who will set scourges the discipline of wisdom over mine heart: spare me not for mine ignorances, and it par- my sins:
3 Let mine ignorances increase, and my sins a- bound to my destruction, and I fall before mine ad- versaries, and mine enemy rejoice over me, whose hope is far from thy mercy.
4 O Lord, Father and God of my life, give me not a proud look, but turn away from thy servants always † a haughty mind.
5 Turn away from me vain hopes, and concu- pi-scence, and thou shalt hold him up that is desirous always to serve thee.
6 Let not the greediness of the belly, nor lust of the flesh take hold of me, and give not over me thy servant into an impudent mind.
7 Hear, O ye children, the discipline of the mouth: he that keepeth it shall never be taken in his lips.
8 The sinner shall be left in his foolishness: both the evil-speaker and the proud shall fall thereby.
9 ‡ Accustom not thy mouth to swearing: neither use thyself to the naming of the holy One.
10 For as a servant that is continually beaten shall not be without a blue mark: so he that sweareth, and nameth God continually, shall not be faultless.
11 A man that useth much swearing shall be filled with iniquity, and the plague shall never depart from his house: if he shall offend, his sin shall be upon him: and, if he acknowledge not his sin, he maketh a double offence; and, if he swear in vain, he shall not be || innocent, but his house shall be full of cala- mities.
12 There is a word that is clothed about with death, God grant that it be not found in the heritage of Jacob; for all such things shall be far from the godly, and they shall not wallow in their sins.
13 Use not thy mouth to intemperate swearing, for therein is the word of sin.
14 Remember thy father and thy mother, when thou sittest among great men. Be not forgetful be- fore them, and so thou by thy custom become a fool, and wish that thou hadst not been born, and curse the day of thy nativity.
15 ‡ The man that is accustomed to opprobrious words will never be reformed all the days of his life.
16 Two sorts of men multiply sin, and the third will bring wrath: a hot mind is as a burning fire, it will never be quenched till it be consumed: a forni- cator, in the body of his flesh, will never cease till he hath kindled a fire.
17 ‡ All bread is sweet to a whoremonger, he will not leave off till he die.
18 A man that breaketh wedlock, saying thus in his heart, ‡ Who seeth me? I am compassed about with darkness, the walls cover me, and no body seeth me; what need I to fear? the most High will not remember my sins:
19 Such a man only seareth the eyes of men, and knoweth not that the eyes of the Lord are ten thou- sand times brighter than the sun, beholding all the ways

Before CHRIST cir. 200. 25 A thief is better than a man that is accustomed to lie: but they both shall have destruction to heritage.
|| Or, igno- miny. 26 The disposition of a liar is || dishonourable, and his shame is ever with him.
27 A wise man shall promote himself to honour with his words: and he that hath understanding will please great men.
† Prov. 12. 11. and 28. 28 He that tilleth his land shall increase his heap: and he that pleaseth great men shall get pardon for iniquity.
‡ Exod. 23. 8. Deut. 16. 29 Presents and gifts blind the eyes of the wise, and stop up his mouth that he cannot reprove.
† Or, as a muzzle in the mouth. 30 Wisdom that is hid, and treasure that is hoarded up, what profit is in them both?
31 Better is he that hideth his folly, than a man that hideth his wisdom.
32 Necessary patience in seeking the Lord, is better than he that leadeth his life without a guide.
CHAP. XXI.
2 Flee from sin as from a serpent: 4 his oppression will undo the rich, &c.
‡ Psa. 41. 4. Luke. 15. 21. MY son, hast thou sinned? do so no more, but ask pardon for thy former sins.
2 Flee from sin as from the face of a serpent: for if thou comest too near it, it will bite thee: the teeth thereof are as the teeth of a lion, slaying the souls of men.
3 All iniquity is as a two-edged sword, the wounds whereof cannot be healed.
4 To terrify and do wrong will waste riches: thus the house of proud men shall be made desolate.
‡ Exod. 3.9. and 22. 23. 5 A prayer out of a poor man's mouth reacheth to the ears of God, and his judgment cometh speedily.
|| Gr. be con- verted. 6 He that hateth to be reproved is in the way of sinners: but he that feareth the Lord will || repent from his heart.
7 An eloquent man is known far and near, but a man of understanding knoweth when he slippeth.
8 He that buildeth his house with other men's money, is like one that gathereth himself stones for the tomb of his burial.
‡ Chap. 16. 6. 9 The congregation of the wicked is like tow wrapped together: and the end of them is as a flame of fire to destroy them.
10 The way of sinners is made plain with stones, but at the end thereof is the pit of hell.
11 He that keepeth the law of the Lord getteth the understanding thereof: and the perfection of the fear of the Lord is wisdom.
† Or, witty. d Ecc. 1.18. || Or, subtil- ty. 12 He that is not † wise will not be taught: but there is a || wisdom which multiplieth bitterness.
13 The knowledge of a wise man shall abound like a flood: and his counsel is like a pure fountain of life.
‡ Chap. 33. 5. 14 The inner parts of a fool are like a broken vessel, and he will hold no knowledge as long as he liveth.
15 If a skilful man hear a wise word, he will com-
mend it, and † add unto it: but as soon as one of no understanding heareth it, it displeaseth him, and he casteth it behind his back.
16 The talking of a fool is like a burden in the way: but grace shall be found in the lips of the wife.
17 They enquire at the mouth of the wise man in the congregation, and they shall ponder his words in their heart.
18 As is a house that is destroyed, so is wisdom to a fool: and the knowledge of the unwise is as talk † without sense.
19 Doctrine unto fools is as fetters on the feet, and like manacles on the right hand.
20 ‡ A fool listeth up his voice with laughter, but a wise man doth scarce smile a little.
21 Learning is unto a wise man as an ornament of gold, and like a bracelet upon his right arm.
22 A foolish man's foot is soon in his (neighbour's) house: but a man of experience is ashamed of him.
23 A fool will peep in at the door into the house, but he that is well nurtured will stand without.
24 It is the rudeness of a man to hearken at the door: but a wise man will be grieved with the disgrace.
25 The lips of talkers will be telling such things as pertain not unto them: but the words of such as have understanding are weighed in the balance.
26 The heart of fools is in their mouth, but the mouth of the wise is in their heart.
27 When the ungodly curseth Satan, he curseth his own soul.
28 ‡ A whisperer defileth his own soul, and is hated wherefoever he dwelleth.
CHAP. XXII.
1 Of the slothful man, 3 and a foolish daughter, &c.
A slothful man is compared to a filthy stone, and every one will hiss him out to his disgrace.
2 A slothful man is compared to the filth of a dunghill: every man that takes it up will shake his hand.
3 An evil nurtured son is the dishonour of his father that begat him; and a (foolish) daughter is born to his loss.
4 ‡ A wise daughter † shall bring an inheritance to her husband: but she that liveth dishonestly is her father's heaviness.
5 She that is bold dishonoureth both her father and her husband, but they both shall despise her.
6 A tale out of season (is as) music in mourning: but stripes and correction of wisdom are never out of time.
7 Who so teacheth a fool is as one that glueth a potsherd together, and as he that waketh one from a found sleep.
8 He that telleth a tale to a fool, speaketh to one in a slumber: when he hath told his tale he will say, What is the matter?
9 If children live honestly, and have || where- withal, they shall cover the baseness of their parents.
10 But children being haughty, through disdain and
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
† Prov. 9.9.
† Or, not to be enquired after.
‡ Chap. 19. 30.
‡ Chap. 28. 13.
‡ Pro. 13.22. † Or, shall be the heir of her husband.
|| Or, an art.
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
‡ Chap. 38. 16.
‡ Chap. 12. 12.
† Or, when he shakes off his filth.
|| Or, wearied.
‡ Prov. 27. 5.
† Or of a apo- lished wall.
‡ Psa. 141. 3.
and want of nurture, do stain the nobility of their kindred.
11 ‡ Weep for the dead, for he hath lost the light: and weep for the fool, for he wanteth understanding; make little weeping for the dead, for he is at rest; but the life of the fool is worse than death.
12 Seven days do men mourn for him that is dead; but, for a fool, and an ungodly man, all the days of his life.
13 Talk not much with a fool, and go not to him that hath no understanding: ‡ beware of him, lest thou have trouble, and thou shalt never be defiled † with his fooleries: depart from him, and thou shalt find rest, and never be || disquieted with madness.
14 What is heavier than lead? and what is the name thereof, but a fool?
15 ‡ Sand, and salt, and a mass of iron, is easier to bear, than a man without understanding.
16 As timber girt, and bound together in a building, cannot be loosed with shaking: so the heart that is established by advised counsel shall fear at no time.
17 A heart settled, upon a thought of understand- ing, is as a fair plaistering † on the wall of a gallery. 18 Pales set on an high place will never stand a- gainst the wind: so a fearful heart, in the imagina- tion of a fool, cannot stand against any fear.
19 He that pricketth the eye will make tears to fall: and he that pricketth the heart maketh it to shew her knowledge.
20 Who so casteth a stone at the birds frayeth them away: and he that upbraideth his friend break- eth friendship.
21 Though thou drewest a sword at thy friend yet despair not: for there may be a returning to (favour.)
22 If thou hast opened thy mouth against thy friend, fear not: for there may be a reconciliation, except for upbraiding, or pride, or disclosing of se- crets, or a treacherous wound: for, for these things every friend will depart.
23 Be faithful to thy neighbour in his poverty, that thou mayest rejoice in his prosperity: abide stedfast unto him in the time of his trouble, that thou mayest be heir with him in his heritage: for a mean estate is not always to be contemned: nor the rich that is foolish to be had in admiration.
24 As the vapour and smoke of a furnace goeth before the fire; so reviling before blood.
25 I will not be ashamed to defend a friend: nei- ther will I hide myself from him.
26 And, if any evil happen unto me by him, every one that heareth it will beware of him.
27 ‡ Who shall set a watch before my mouth, and a seal of wisdom upon my lips, that I fall not sudden- ly by them, and that my tongue destroy me not.
CHAP. XXIII.
1 A prayer for grace to flee sin. 9 We may not use swearing, &c.
O Lord, Father and Governor of all my whole life, leave me not to their counsels, and let me not fall by them.
2 Who will set scourges over my thoughts, and the discipline of wisdom over mine heart? that they spare me not for mine ignorances, and it pass not by my sins:
3 Lest mine ignorances increase, and my sins a- bound to my destruction, and I fall before mine ad- versaries, and mine enemy rejoice over me, whose hope is far from thy mercy.
4 O Lord, Father and God of my life, give me not a proud look, but turn away from thy servants always † a haughty mind.
5 Turn away from me vain hopes, and concu- piscence, and thou shalt hold him up that is desirous always to serve thee.
6 Let not the greediness of the belly, nor lust of the flesh take hold of me, and give not over me thy servant into an impudent mind.
7 Hear, O ye children, the discipline of the mouth: he that keepeth it shall never be taken in his lips.
8 The sinner shall be left in his foolishness: both the evil-speaker and the proud shall fall thereby.
9 ‡ Accustom not thy mouth to swearing: neither use thyself to the naming of the holy One.
10 For as a servant that is continually beaten shall not be without a blue mark: so he that sweareth, and nameth God continually, shall not be faultless.
11 A man that useth much swearing shall be filled with iniquity, and the plague shall never depart from his house: if he shall offend, his sin shall be upon him: and, if he acknowledge not his sin, he maketh a double offence; and, if he swear in vain, he shall not be || innocent, but his house shall be full of cala- mities.
12 There is a word that is clothed about with death, God grant that it be not found in the heritage of Jacob; for all such things shall be far from the godly, and they shall not wallow in their sins.
13 Use not thy mouth to intemperate swearing, for therein is the word of sin.
14 Remember thy father and thy mother, when thou sittest among great men. Be not forgetful be- fore them, and so thou by thy custom become a fool, and with that thou hadst not been born, and curse the day of thy nativity.
15 ‡ The man that is accustomed to opprobrious words will never be reformed all the days of his life.
16 Two sorts of men multiply sin, and the third will bring wrath: a hot mind is as a burning fire, it will never be quenched till it be consumed: a forni- cator, in the body of his flesh, will never cease till he hath kindled a fire.
17 ‡ All bread is sweet to a whoremonger, he will not leave off till he die.
18 A man that breaketh wedlock, saying thus in his heart, ‡ Who seeth me? I am compassed about with darkness, the walls cover me, and no body seeth me; what need I to fear? the most High will not remember my sins:
19 Such a man only searcheth the eyes of men, and knoweth not that the eyes of the Lord are ten thou- sand times brighter than the sun, beholding all the ways
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
† Or, giant- like.
‡ Exod. 22. 7. Chap. 27. 14. Mat. 5. 33. 34.
|| Gr. justi- fied.
‡ Sam. 16. 17.
‡ Prov. 9. 17.
‡ Job 24. 15. Isa. 29. 15.

ways of men, and considering the most secret parts. Before CHRIST cir. 200. 20 He knew all things ere ever they were created; so also after they were perfected he looked upon them all.
e Lev. 20. 10. Deut. 22. 22. 21 This man shall be punished in the streets of the city, and where he suspecteth not he shall be taken.
22 Thus shall it go also with the wife that leaveth her husband, and bringeth in an heir † Or, a stranger. by another.
† Exod. 20. 14. 23 For first she hath disobeyed the law of the most High; and secondly, she hath trespassed against her own husband; and thirdly, she hath played the whore in adultery, and brought children by another man.
24 She shall be brought out into the congregation, and || Or, visitation. inquisition shall be made of her children.
25 Her e Wisd. 4. 3. children shall not take root, and her branches shall bring forth no fruit.
26 She shall leave her memory to be cursed, and her reproach shall not be blotted out.
27 And they that remain shall know, that there is nothing better than the fear of the Lord, and that there is nothing sweeter than to take heed unto the commandments of the Lord.
28 It is great glory to follow the Lord, and to be received of him is long life.
CHAP. XXIV.
2 Wisdom doth praise herself, sheweth her beginning, 4 her dwelling, 13 her glory, 17 her fruit, 26 her increase and perfection.
The praise of wisdom. Wisdom shall praise herself, and shall glory in the midst of her people.
2 In the congregation of the most High shall she open her mouth, and triumph before his power.
3 I came out of the mouth of the most High, and covered the earth as † Or, a mist. a cloud.
‡ Job 22. 14. 4 I dwelt in high places, and my throne is in a cloudy pillar.
5 I alone compassed the circuit of heaven, and walked in the bottom of the deep.
6 In the waves of the sea, and in all the earth, and in every people and nation, I got a possession.
7 With all these I sought rest: and in whose inheritance shall I abide?
8 So the Creator of all things gave me a commandment, and he that made me caused my tabernacle to rest, and said, Let thy dwelling be in Jacob, and thine inheritance in Israel.
¶ Prov. 8. 41. 9 He created me from the beginning before the world, and I shall never fail.
¶ Exod. 31. 3. 10 In the holy tabernacle I served before him: and so was I established in Zion.
¶ Psa. 132. 8. 11 Likewise in the beloved city he gave me rest, and in Jerusalem was my power.
|| Or, holy. 12 And I took root in an honourable people, even in the portion of the Lord's inheritance.
13 I was exalted like a cedar in Libanus, and as a cypress tree upon the mountains of Hermon.
† Or, Cedars. 14 I was exalted like a palm-tree in Engaddi, and as a rose-plant in Jericho, as a fair olive-tree in a pleasant field, and grew up as a plane-tree || Or, in the water. by the water.
15 I gave a sweet smell like cinnamon and Aspalathus, and I yielded a pleasant odour like the best
myrrh, as galbanum, and onyx, and sweet storax, and as the fume of frankincense in the Before CHRIST cir. 200. tabernacle.
16 As the turpentine-tree, I stretched out my branches, and my branches are the branches of Exod. 30. 34. honour and grace.
17 As the vine brought I forth pleasant savour, † John 15. 1. and my flowers are the fruit of honour and riches.
18 I am the mother of fair love, and fear, and knowledge, and holy hope: I therefore being eternal am given to all my children which are † Or, chosen. named of him.
19 Come unto me, all ye that be desirous of me, and fill yourselves with my fruits.
20 For my memorial is sweeter than honey, and ‡ Psa. 19. 10, 11. mine inheritance than the honey-comb.
21 They that eat me shall yet be hungry, and they that drink me shall yet be thirsty.
22 He that obeyeth me shall never be confounded, and they that work by me shall not do amiss.
23 All these things are the book of the covenant of the most high God, even the b law which Moses b Exod. 19. 1. and 24. 3. Deut. 4. 1. and 29. Jacob.
24 Faint not to be strong in the Lord; that he may confirm you, cleave unto him: for the Lord Almighty is God alone, and besides him there is no other Saviour.
25 He filleth all things with his wisdom, as 1 Phison 1 Gen. 2. 11. and as Tigris in the time of the new fruits.
26 He maketh the understanding to abound like Euphrates, and as k Jordan in the time of the harvest. k Josh. 3. 15.
27 He maketh the doctrine of knowledge appear as the light, and as Geon in the time of vintage.
28 The first man knew her not perfectly: no more shall the last find her out.
29 For her thoughts are more than the sea, and her counsels profounder than the great deep.
30 I also came out as a || Or, drain, or, ditch. brook from a river, and as a conduit into a garden.
31 I said, I will water my best garden, and will water abundantly my garden-bed: and lo my brook became a river, and my river became a sea.
32 I will yet make doctrine to shine as the morning, and will send forth her light afar off.
33 I will yet pour out doctrine as prophecy, and leave it to all ages for ever.
34 Behold that I have not laboured for myself 1 Chap. 33. 17. only, but for all them that seek wisdom.
CHAP. XXV.
1 What things are beautiful, and what hateful. 6 What is the crown of age, &c.
IN three things I was beautified, and stood up † Or, glorified. beautified both before God and men: the a unity a Gen. 13. 8. Rom. 12. 10.
of brethren, the love of neighbours, a man and a wife that agree together.
2 Three sorts of men my soul hateth, and I am greatly offended at their life: a poor man that is proud, a rich man that is a liar, and an old adulterer that doteth.
3 If thou hast gathered nothing in thy youth, how canst thou find any thing in thine age? † Jaci.
4 Oh how comely a thing is judgment for gray hairs,
Before CHRIST cir. 200. hairs, and for ancient men to know counsel!
5 Oh how comely is the wisdom of old men, and understanding and counsel to men of honour!
6 Much experience is the crown of old men, and the fear of God is their glory.
7 There be nine things which I have judged in mine heart to be happy, and the tenth I will utter with my tongue: A man that hath joy of his children, and he that liveth to see the fall of his enemy.
8 Well is him that dwelleth with a wife of understanding, and that hath not b slipped with his b Chap. 14. 1. and 19. 26. James 3. 2. || Or, a friend.
9 Well is him that hath found || prudence, and he that speaketh in the ears of them that will hear.
10 Oh how great is he that findeth wisdom! yet is there none above him that feareth the Lord.
11 But the love of the Lord passeth all things for illumination: he that holdeth it, † Or, to whom. whereto shall he be likened?
12 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of his love: and faith is the beginning of cleaving unto him.
13 (Give me) any plague, but the plague of the heart: and any wickedness, but the wickedness of a woman:
14 And any affliction, but the affliction from them that hate me: and any revenge, but the revenge of enemies.
15 There is no head above the head of a serpent, and there is no wrath above the wrath of an enemy.
16 c I had rather dwell with a lion and a dragon, than to keep house with a wicked woman. c Prov. 21. 19.
17 The wickedness of a woman changeth her face, and darkeneth her countenance like || Or, like a bear. sackcloth.
18 Her husband shall sit among his neighbours: and when he heareth it shall sigh bitterly.
19 All wickedness is but little to the wickedness of a woman, let the portion of a sinner fall upon her.
20 As the climbing up a sandy way is to the feet of the aged, so is a wife † Or, scolding. full of words to a quiet man.
d 2 Sam. 11. 2. Chap. 24. 12. 21 Stumble not at the beauty of a woman, and desire her not for pleasure.
22 A woman, if she maintain her husband, is full of anger, impudence, and much reproach.
23 A wicked woman abateth the courage, maketh an heavy countenance, and a wounded heart. A woman that will not comfort her husband in distress, maketh weak hands and feeble knees.
e Gen. 3. 6. 1 Tim. 2. 14. 24 Of the woman came the beginning of sin, and through her we all die.
25 Give the water no passage: neither a wicked woman liberty to gad abroad.
26 If she go not as thou wouldst have her, cut her off from thy flesh, and give her a bill of divorce, and let her go.
CHAP. XXVI.
1 A good wife, 4 and a good conscience do glad men, &c.
Blessed is the man that hath a virtuous wife, for the number of his days shall be double.
2 A virtuous woman rejoiceth her husband, and he shall fulfil the years of his life in peace.
Before CHRIST cir. 200. 3 A good wife is a good portion, which shall be given in the portion of them that fear the Lord.
4 Whether a man be rich or poor, if he have a good heart towards the Lord, he shall at all times rejoice with a cheerful countenance.
5 There be three things that my heart feareth; and for the fourth I was fore afraid: || the slander || Gr. An evil of a city, the gathering together of an unruly multitude, and a false accusation: all these are worse than death.
6 But a grief of heart and sorrow is a woman that is jealous over another woman, and a scourge of the tongue which communicateth with all.
7 An evil wife is † Or, a yoke a yoke shaken to and fro: he that hath hold of her is as though he held a scorpion. of oxen.
8 A drunken woman, and a gadder abroad, causeth great anger, and she will not cover her own shame.
9 The whoredom of a woman may be known in her haughty looks, and eye-lids.
10 a If thy daughter be shameless, keep her in a Chap. 47. straitly, lest she abuse herself through over-much liberty.
11 Watch over an impudent eye: and marvel not if she trespass against thee.
12 She will open her mouth as a thirsty traveller, when he hath found a fountain, and drink of every water near her: by every || hedge will she sit down, † Or, stake.
13 The grace of a wife delighteth her husband, and her discretion will fatten his bones.
14 A silent and loving woman is a gift of the Lord, and there is nothing so much worth as a mind well instructed.
15 A shame-faced and faithful woman is a double grace, and her continent mind cannot be valued.
16 As the sun when it ariseth † in the high heaven: so is the beauty of a good wife in the ordering of her house. † Gr. in the highest places of the Lord.
17 As the clear light is upon the holy candlestick; so is the beauty of the face || Or, ornament. in ripe age.
18 As the golden pillars are upon the sockets of silver: so are the || fair feet with a constant † Or, inconstant age. heart.
19 My son, keep the flower of thine age found: and give not thy strength to strangers. || Or, comely. † Or, breast.
20 When thou hast gotten a fruitful possession, through all the field, sow it with thine own feed, trusting in the goodness of thy flock.
21 So thy race which thou leavest shall be magnified, having the confidence of their good descent.
22 An harlot shall be accounted as || Or, a swine spittle: but a married woman is a tower against death to her husband.
23 A wicked woman is given as a portion to a wicked man: but a godly woman is given to him that feareth the Lord.
24 A dishonest woman contemneth shame: but an honest woman will reverence her husband.
25 A shameless woman shall be counted as a dog: but she that is shame-faced will fear the Lord.
26 A woman that honoureth her husband shall be judged wise of all: but she that dishonoureth him in her pride shall be counted ungodly of all.

27 A loud crying woman, and a scold, shall be sought out to drive away the enemies.
28 There be two things that grieve my heart; and the third maketh me angry: a man of war that suffereth poverty, and men of understanding that are not set by, and one that returneth from righteousness to sin, the Lord prepareth such an one for the sword.
29 A merchant shall hardly keep himself from doing wrong: and an huckster shall not be freed from sin.
CHAP. XXVII.
1 Of sins in selling and buying, 7 Our speech will tell what is in us, &c.
2 Any a have sinned for b a small matter: and he that c seeketh for abundance will turn his eyes away.
3 As a nail sticketh fast between the joinings of the stones: so doth sin stick close between buying and selling.
4 Unless a man hold himself diligently in the fear of the Lord, his house shall soon be overthrown.
5 As when one lifteth with a sieve, the refuse remaineth: so the filth of man in his † talk.
6 The furnace proveth the potter's vessel: so the trial of man is in his reasoning.
7 The fruit declareth if the tree have been dressed: so is the utterance of a conceit in the heart of man.
8 Praise no man before thou hearest him speak; for this is the trial of men.
9 If thou followest righteousness thou shalt obtain her, and put her on as a glorious long robe.
10 The birds will resort unto their like: so will truth return unto them that practise in her.
11 As the lion lieth in wait for the prey: so sin for them that work iniquity.
12 The discourse of a godly man is always with wisdom: but a fool changeth as the moon.
13 If thou be among the indiscreet, observe the time: but be continually among men of understanding.
14 The discourse of fools is irksome, and their sport is the wantonness of sin.
15 The talk of him that sweareth much maketh the hair stand upright: and their brawls make one stop his ears.
16 The strife of the proud is blood-shedding, and their revilings are grievous to the ear.
17 Who so discovereth secrets loseth his credit: and shall never find a friend to his mind.
18 Love thy friend, and be faithful unto him; but if thou bewrayest his secrets, follow no more after him.
19 For as a man hath destroyed his enemy: so hast thou lost the love of thy neighbour.
20 As one that letteth a bird go out of his hand; so hast thou let thy neighbour go, and shalt not get him again.
21 Follow after him no more, for he is too far off, he is as a roe escaped out of the snare.
22 As for a wound, it may be bound up; and
after reviling there may be reconciliation: but he that bewrayeth secrets is without hope.
23 He c that winketh with the eyes worketh evil: and he that knoweth him will depart from him.
24 When thou art present he will speak sweetly, and will admire thy words: but at the last he will || Or, alter his speech. writhe his mouth, and slander thy sayings.
25 I have hated many things, but nothing like him, for the Lord will hate him.
26 Who so casteth a stone on high, casteth it on his own head; and a deceitful stroke shall make wounds.
27 Who so diggeth a pit shall fall therein: and he that setteth a trap shall be taken therein.
28 He that worketh mischief it shall fall upon him, and he shall not know whence it cometh.
29 Mockery and reproach are from the proud: but vengeance, as a lion, shall lie in wait for them.
30 They that rejoice at the fall of the righteous, shall be taken in the snare, and anguish shall consume them before they die.
31 Malice and wrath, even these are abominations, and the sinful man shall have them both.
CHAP. XXVIII.
1 Against revenge, 8 quarrelling, 10 anger, 15 and backbiting.
2 HE that revengeth shall find vengeance from the Lord, and he will surely keep his sins (in remembrance.)
3 Forgive thy neighbour the hurt that he hath done unto thee, so shall thy sins also be forgiven when thou prayest.
4 One man beareth hatred against another, and doth he seek pardon from the Lord?
5 He sheweth no mercy to a man, which is like himself: and doth he ask forgiveness of his own sins?
6 If he that is but flesh nourish hatred, who will intreat for pardon of his sins?
7 Remember thy end, and let enmity cease; (remember) corruption and death, and abide in the commandments.
8 Remember the commandments, and bear no malice to thy neighbour: (remember) the covenant of the Highest, and wink at ignorance.
9 Abstain from strife, and thou shalt diminish thy sins: for a furious man will kindle strife.
10 A sinful man disquieteth friends, and maketh debate among them that be at peace.
11 As the matter of the fire is, so it burneth; and as aeth; and as a man's strength is, so is his wrath; and according to his riches his anger riseth; and the stronger they are which contend, the more they will be inflamed.
12 An hasty contention kindleth a fire: and an hasty fighting sheddeth blood.
13 If thou blow the spark it shall burn; if thou spit upon it, it shall be quenched: and both these come out of thy mouth.
14 A curse the whisperer, and double-tongued: for such have destroyed many that were at peace.
15 A backbiting tongue hath disquieted many, and driven them from nation to nation; strong cities hath
hath it pulled down, and overthrown the houses of great men.
15 A || Or, third. backbiting tongue hath cast out virtuous women, and deprived them of their labours.
16 Who so hearkeneth unto it shall never find rest, and never dwell quietly.
17 The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh; but the stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones.
18 Many have fallen by the edge of the sword; but not so many as have fallen by the tongue.
19 Well is he that is defended from it, and hath not passed through the venom thereof; who hath not drawn the yoke thereof, nor hath been bound in her bands.
20 For the yoke thereof is a yoke of iron, and the bands thereof are bands of brass.
21 The death thereof is an evil death, the grave were better than it.
22 It shall not have rule over them that fear God, neither shall they be burnt with the flame thereof.
23 Such as forsake the Lord shall fall into it, and it shall burn in them, and not be quenched; it shall be sent upon them as a lion, and devour them as a leopard.
24 Look that thou hedge thy possession about with thorns, and bind up thy silver and gold:
25 And weigh thy words in a balance, and make a door, and bar for thy mouth.
26 Beware thou slide not by it, lest thou fall before him that lieth in wait.
CHAP. XXIX.
1 We must shew mercy, and lend: 4 but the borrower must not defraud the lender, &c.
2 HE that is merciful will lend unto his neighbour, and he that strengtheneth his hand keepeth the commandments.
3 Lend to thy neighbour in time of his need, and pay thou thy neighbour again in due season.
4 Keep thy word and deal faithfully with him, and thou shalt always find the thing that is necessary for thee.
5 Many, when a thing was lent them, reckoned it to be found, and put them to trouble that helped them.
6 Till he hath received he will kiss a man's hand; and for his neighbour's money he will speak submissly: but when he should repay, he will prolong the time, and return words of grief, and complain of the time.
7 If he prevail, he shall hardly receive the half, and he will count as if he had found it: if not he hath deprived him of his money, and he hath gotten him an enemy without cause: he payeth him with cursings and railings: and for honour he will pay him disgrace.
8 Many therefore have refused to lend for other men's ill-dealing, fearing to be defrauded.
9 Yet have thou patience with a man in poor estate, and delay not to shew him mercy.
10 Help the poor for the commandment's sake, and turn him not away because of his poverty.
11 Lend thy money for thy brother and thy friend, and let it not rust under a stone to be lost.
11 b Lay up thy treasure according to the commandments of the most High, and it shall bring thee more profit than gold.
12 c Shut up alms in thy store-houses: and it shall deliver thee from all affliction.
13 It shall fight for thee against thine enemies, better than a mighty shield and strong spear.
14 An honest man is surety for his neighbour; but he that is impudent will || forsake him.
15 Forget not the friendship of thy surety, for he hath given his life for thee.
16 A sinner will overthrow the good estate of his surety:
17 And he that is of an unthankful mind will leave him in (danger) that delivered him.
18 Suretyship hath undone many of good estate, and shaken them as a wave of the sea: mighty men hath it driven from their houses, so that they wandered among strange nations.
19 A wicked man, transgressing the commandments of the Lord, shall fall into suretyship: and he that undertaketh and followeth other men's business, for gain, shall fall into suits:
20 Help thy neighbour according to thy power, and beware that thou thyself fall not into the same.
21 The d chief thing for life is water and bread, and clothing, and an house to cover shame.
22 Better is the life of a poor man in a mean cottage, than delicate fare in another man's house.
23 Be it little or much, hold thee contented, that thou hear not the reproach of thy house.
24 For it is a miserable life to go from house to house: for, where thou art a stranger, thou darest not open thy mouth.
25 Thou shalt entertain, and feast, and have no thanks: moreover, thou shalt hear bitter words.
26 Come, thou stranger, and furnish a table, and feed me of that thou hast ready;
27 Give place, thou stranger, to an honourable man, my brother cometh to be lodged, and I have need of mine house.
28 These things are grievous to a man of understanding: the upbraiding of house-room, and reproaching of the lender.
CHAP. XXX.
1 It is good to correct our children, 7 and not to cocker them, &c.
2 HE a that loveth his son causeth him oft to feel the rod, that he may have joy of him in the end.
3 He that chastiseth his son shall have || joy in him, and shall rejoice of him among his † acquaintances.
4 He that b teacheth his son grieveth the enemy: and before his friends he shall rejoice of him.
5 Though his father die, yet he is as though he were not dead: for he hath left one behind him that is like himself.
6 While he lived he c saw, and rejoiced in him: and when he died he was not sorrowful.
7 He left behind him an avenger against his enemies, and one that shall requite kindness to his friend.
7 He

Before CHRIST cir. 200.
7 He that maketh too much of his son shall bind up his wounds, and his bowels will be troubled at every cry.
8 An horse not broken becometh headstrong: and a child left to himself will be wilful.
|| Or, after-nished.
9 Cocker thy child, and he shall make thee afraid: play with him, and he will bring thee to heaviness.
10 Laugh not with him, lest thou have sorrow with him, and lest thou gnash thy teeth in the end.
d Ch. 7. 23.
11 Give him no liberty in his youth, and wink not at his follies.
12 Bow down his neck while he is young, and beat him on the sides while he is a child, lest he wax stubborn, and be disobedient unto thee, and so bring sorrow to thine heart.
13 Chastise thy son, and hold him to labour, lest his lewd behaviour be an offence unto thee.
Of health.
14 Better is the poor, being sound and strong of constitution, than a rich man that is afflicted in his body.
15 Health and good state of body are above all gold, and a strong body above infinite wealth.
16 There is no riches above a found body, and no joy above the joy of the heart.
17 Death is better than a bitter life, or continual sickness.
18 Delicates poured upon a mouth shut up, are as messes of meat set upon a grave.
19 What good doth the offering unto an idol? for neither can it eat nor smell; so is he that is persecuted of the Lord.
+ Or, afflicted.
20 He seeth with his eyes, and groaneth as an eunuch that embraceth a virgin, and sigheth.
e Pro. 12. 25. and 15. 13. and 17. 22.
21 Give not over thy mind to heaviness, and afflict not thyself in thine own counsel.
22 The gladness of the heart is the life of man, and the joyfulness of a man prolongeth his days.
|| Or, exaltation.
23 Love thine own soul, and comfort thy heart, remove sorrow far from thee: for sorrow hath killed many, and there is no profit therein.
24 Envy and wrath shorten the life, and carefulness bringeth age before the time.
+ Or, A noble.
25 A chearful and good heart will have a care of his meat and diet.
CHAP. XXXI.
1 Of the desire of riches. 12 Of moderation and excess in eating, or drinking wine.
+ 1 Tim. 6. 9, 10.
Watching for riches consumeth the flesh, and the care thereof driveth away sleep.
2 Watching care will not let a man slumber, as a sore disease breaketh sleep.
3 The rich hath great labour in gathering riches together, and when he resteth he is filled with his delicacies.
4 The poor laboureth in his poor estate, and when he leaveth off he is still needy.
5 He that loveth gold shall not be justified, and he that followeth corruption shall have enough thereof.
b Chap. 8. 2.
6 Gold hath been the ruin of many, and their destruction was present.
7 It is a stumbling-block unto them that sacrifice unto it, and every fool shall be taken therewith.
8 Blessed is the rich that is found without blemish, and hath not gone after gold.
9 Who is he? and we will call him blessed: for wonderful things hath he done among his people.
10 Who hath been tried thereby, and found perfect? then let him glory. Who might offend, and hath not offended? or done evil, and hath not done it?
11 His goods shall be established, and the congregation shall declare his alms.
12 If thou sit at a bountiful table, be not greedy upon it, and say not, There is much meat on it.
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
c Luke 6. 24.
13 Remember that a wicked eye is an evil thing: and what is created more wicked than an eye? therefore it weepeth upon every occasion.
14 Stretch not thine hand whithersoever it looketh, and thrust it not with him into the dish.
15 Judge of thy neighbour by thyself: and be discreet in every point.
16 Eat as it becometh a man, those things which are set before thee; and devour not, lest thou be hated.
17 Leave off first for manner's sake; and be not unsatiable, lest thou offend.
18 When thou sittest among many, reach not thine hand out first of all.
19 A very little is sufficient for a man well nurtured, and he fetcheth not his wind short upon his bed.
20 Sound sleep cometh of moderate eating, he riseth early and his wits are with him: but the pain of watching, and choler, and pangs of the belly, are with an unsatiable man.
21 And if thou hast been forced to eat, arise, go forth, vomit, and thou shalt have rest.
22 My son, hear me, and despise me not, and at the last thou shalt find as I told thee: in all thy works be quick, so shall there no sickness come unto thee.
23 Whofo is liberal of his meat men shall speak well of him, and the report of his good house-keeping will be believed.
24 But against him that is a niggard of his meat, the whole city shall murmur, and the testimonies of his niggardness shall not be doubted of.
25 Shew not thy valiantness in wine, for wine hath destroyed many.
26 The furnace proveth the edge by dipping: so doth wine the hearts of the proud by drunkenness.
27 Wine is as good as life to a man, if it be drunk moderately: what life is then to a man that is without wine? for it was made to make men glad.
28 Wine measurably drunk, and in season, bringeth gladness of the heart, and chearfulness of the mind.
29 But wine drunken with excess maketh bitterness of the mind, with brawling and quarrelling.
30 Drunkenness increaseth the rage of a fool till he offend: it diminisheth strength, and maketh wounds.
d Psa. 141. 4. Pro. 23. 1, 2, 3.
e Gr. open not thy throat upon it.
f Or, before every thing that is presented.
g Chap. 37. 20.
h Or, and lieth not puffing and blowing.
i Isa. 5. 22. b Judith 13.
j Isa. 5. 22. b Judith 13.
k Prov. 22. 9.
l Prov. 22. 9.
m Prov. 22. 9.
n Prov. 22. 9.
o Prov. 22. 9.
p Prov. 22. 9.
q Prov. 22. 9.
r Prov. 22. 9.
s Prov. 22. 9.
t Prov. 22. 9.
u Prov. 22. 9.
v Prov. 22. 9.
w Prov. 22. 9.
x Prov. 22. 9.
y Prov. 22. 9.
z Prov. 22. 9.
a Prov. 22. 9.
b Prov. 22. 9.
c Prov. 22. 9.
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
31 Rebuke not thy neighbour at the wine, and despise him not in his mirth: give him no despiteful words, and press not upon him, with urging him (to drink.)
CHAP. XXXII.
1 Of his duty that is chief or master in a feast. 14 Of the fear of God, &c.
If thou be made the master (of a feast) lift not thyself up, but be among them as one of the rest, take diligent care for them, and so sit down.
2 And when thou hast done all thy office, take thy place that thou mayest be merry with them, and receive a crown for thy well-ordering of the feast.
3 Speak thou that art the elder, for it becometh thee, but with sound judgment, and hinder not music.
a Eccl. 3. 7. Chap. 20. 7.
4 Pour not out words where there is a musician, and shew not forth wisdom out of time.
5 A concert of music in a banquet of wine is as a signet of carbuncle set in gold.
6 As a signet of an emerald set in a work of gold, so is the melody of music with pleasant wine.
7 Speak, young man, if there be need of thee: and yet scarcely when thou art twice asked.
8 Let thy speech be short, comprehending much in few words; be as one that knoweth, and yet holdeth his tongue.
b Job 32. 6.
9 If thou be among great men, make not thyself equal with them: and when ancient men are in place, use not many words.
10 Before the thunder goeth lightning, and before a shame-faced man shall go favour.
11 Rise up betimes, and be not the last, but get thee home without delay.
12 There take thy paltime, and do what thou wilt: but sin not by proud speech.
13 And for these things bless him that made thee, and hath replenished thee with his good things.
14 Whofo feareth the Lord will receive his discipline, and they that seek him early shall find favour.
15 He that seeketh the law shall be filled therewith: but the hypocrite will be offended thereat.
16 They that fear the Lord shall find judgment, and shall kindle justice as a light.
17 A sinful man will not be reproved, but findeth an excuse according to his will.
18 A man of counsel will be considerate, but a strange and proud man is not daunted with fear, even when of himself he hath done without counsel.
19 Do nothing without advice; and, when thou hast once done, repent not.
20 Go not in a way wherein thou mayest fall, and stumble not among the stones.
21 Be not confident in a plain way.
22 And beware of thine own children.
23 In every good work trust thy own soul, for this is the keeping of the commandments.
24 He that believeth in the Lord taketh heed to the commandment, and he that trusteth in him shall fare never the worse.
|| Or, shall the commandment, and he that trusteth in him || shall not be hurt.
25 If
CHAP. XXXIII.
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
1 The safety of him that feareth the Lord. 2 The wise and the foolish, &c.
There shall no evil happen unto him that feareth the Lord, but in temptation even again he will deliver him.
2 A wise man hateth not the law; but he that is an hypocrite therein is as a ship in a storm.
3 A man of understanding trusteth in the law, and the law is faithful unto him, as an oracle.
+ Or, as the asking of Urim.
4 Prepare what to say, and so thou shalt be heard: and bind up instruction, and then make answer.
5 The heart of the foolish is like a cart-wheel: his thoughts are like a rolling axle-tree.
|| Gr. bowels Chap. 21. 14, 16.
6 A stallion horse is as a mocking friend, he neigheth under every one that sitteth upon him.
7 Why doth one day excel another, when as all the light of every day in the year is of the sun?
8 By the knowledge of the Lord they were distinguished: and he altered seasons and feasts.
9 Some of them hath he made high days, and hallowed them, and some of them hath he made ordinary days.
+ Or, ordained for the number of days.
10 And all men are from the ground, and Adam was created of earth.
b Gen. 1. 27. and 2. 7.
11 In much knowledge the Lord hath divided them, and made their ways divers.
12 Some of them hath he blessed, and exalted, and some of them hath he sanctified, and set near himself: but some of them hath he cursed, and brought low, and turned out of their places.
|| Or, stand-ings.
13 As the clay is in the potter's hand, to fashion it at his pleasure: so man is in the hand of him that made him, to render them as liketh him best.
c Isa. 45. 9. Rom. 9. 20. 21.
14 Good is set against evil, and life against death: so is the godly against the sinner, and the sinner against the godly.
15 So look upon all the works of the most High, and there are two and two, one against another.
16 I awaked up last of all, as one that gathereth after the grape-gatherers: by the blessing of the Lord I profited, and filled my wine-press like a gatherer of grapes.
+ Or, glean-eth.
17 Consider that I laboured not for myself only, but for all them that seek learning.
d Chap. 24. 34.
18 Hear me, O ye great men of the people, and hearken with your ears, ye rulers of the congregation.
19 Give not thy son and wife, thy brother and friend, power over thee while thou livest, and give not thy goods to another: lest it repent thee, and thou intreat for the same again.
20 As long as thou livest, and hast breath in thee, give not thyself over to any.
|| Or, sell not.
21 For better it is that thy children should seek to thee, than that thou shouldst stand to their courtesy.
+ Or, look to their hands.
22 In all thy works keep to thyself the pre-eminence, leave not a stain in thine honour.
23 At the time when thou shalt end thy days, and finish thy life, distribute thine inheritance.
24 Fodder, a wand, and burdens, are for the ass: Of servants and bread, correction, and work, for a servant.
25 If

Before CHRIST cir. 200. 25 If thou set thy servant to labour, thou shalt find rest; but if thou let him go idle, he shall seek liberty.
26 A yoke and a collar do bow the neck: so are tortures and torments for an evil servant.
27 Send him to labour, that he be not idle: for idleness teacheth much evil.
28 Set him to work as is fit for him: if he be not obedient, put on more heavy fetters.
29 But be not excessive toward any, and without discretion do nothing.
30 If thou have a servant, let him be unto thee as thyself, because thou hast bought him with a price.
31 If thou have a servant, intreat him as a brother: for thou hast need of him, as of thine own soul: if thou intreat him evil, and he run from thee, which way wilt thou go to seek him?
CHAP. XXXIV.
1 Of dreams. 13 The praise and blessing of them that fear the Lord, &c.
Of dreams. THE hopes of a man void of understanding are vain and false: and dreams lift up fools.
2 Who so regardeth dreams is like him that catcheth at a shadow, and followeth after the wind.
3 The vision of dreams is the resemblance of one thing to another, even as the likeness of a face to a face.
4 Of an unclean thing what can be cleansed? and from that thing which is false what truth can come?
5 Divinations, and soothsayings, and dreams are vain, and the heart fancieth as a woman's heart in travail.
6 If they be not sent from the most High, in thy visitation, set not thy heart upon them.
7 For dreams have deceived many, and they have failed that put their trust in them.
8 The law shall be found perfect without lies: and wisdom is perfection to a faithful mouth.
9 A man that hath travelled knoweth many things: and he that hath much experience will declare wisdom.
10 He that hath no experience knoweth little: but he that hath travelled is full of prudence.
11 When I travelled I saw many things, and I understand more than I can express.
12 I was oft-times in danger of death: yet I was delivered because of these things.
13 The spirit of those that fear the Lord shall live, for their hope is in him that saveth them.
14 Who so feareth the Lord shall not fear, nor be afraid, for he is his hope.
15 Blessed is the soul of him that feareth the Lord: to whom doth he look? and who is his strength?
16 For the eyes of the Lord are upon them that love him, he is their mighty protection, and strong stay, a defence from heat, and a cover from the sun at noon, a preservation from stumbling, and an help from falling.
17 He raiseth up the soul, and lighteneth the eyes: he giveth health, life, and blessing.
18 He that sacrificeth of a thing wrongfully gotten, his offering is ridiculous; and the gifts of un- ten men are not accepted.
19 The most High is not pleased with the offerings of the wicked: neither is he pacified for sin, by the multitude of sacrifices.
20 Who so bringeth an offering of the goods of the poor, doth as one that killeth the son before his father's eyes.
21 The bread of the needy is their life: he that defraudeth him thereof is a man of blood.
22 He that taketh away his neighbour's living slayeth him: and he that defraudeth the labourer of his hire, is a blood-thedder.
23 When one buildeth, and another pulleth down, what profit have they then but labour?
24 When one prayeth and another curseth, whose voice will the Lord hear?
25 He that washeth himself after the touching of a dead body, if he touch it again, what availeth his washing?
26 So is it with a man that fasteth for his sins, and goeth again and doth the same: who will hear his prayer? or what doth his humbling profit him?
CHAP. XXXV.
1 Sacrifices pleasing to God. 14 The prayer of the fatherless, and of the widow, &c.
HE that keepeth the law bringeth offerings enough: he that taketh heed to the commandment offereth a peace-offering.
2 He that requiteth a good turn offereth fine flour: and he that giveth alms sacrificeth praise.
3 To depart from wickedness is a thing pleasing to the Lord, and to forsake unrighteousness is a propitiation.
4 Thou shalt not appear empty before the Lord.
5 For all these things (are to be done) because of the commandment.
6 The offering of the righteous maketh the altar fat, and the sweet savour thereof is before the most High.
7 The sacrifice of a just man is acceptable, and the memorial thereof shall never be forgotten.
8 Give the Lord his honour with a good eye, and diminish not the first-fruits of thine hands.
9 In all thy gifts shew a cheerful countenance, and dedicate thy tythes with gladness.
10 Give unto the most High according as he hath enriched thee, and, as thou hast gotten, give with a cheerful eye.
11 For the Lord recompenceth and will give thee seven times as much.
12 Do not think to corrupt with gifts, for such he will not receive: and trust not to unrighteous sacrifices, for the Lord is judge, and with him is no respect of persons.
13 He will not accept any person against a poor man, but will hear the prayer of the oppressed.
14 He will not despise the supplication of the fatherless: nor the widow when she poureth out her complaint.
15 Do not the tears run down the widow's cheeks? and
Before CHRIST cir. 200. and is not her cry against him that causeth them to fall?
16 He that serveth the Lord shall be accepted with favour, and his prayers shall reach unto the clouds.
17 The prayer of the humble pierceth the clouds; and till it come nigh he will not be comforted: and will not depart till the most High shall behold to judge righteously, and execute judgment.
18 For the Lord will not slack, neither will the Mighty be patient towards them, till he have smitten in sunder the loins of the unmerciful, and repaid vengeance to the heathen: till he have taken away the multitude of the proud, and broken the sceptre of the unrighteous;
19 Till he have rendered to every man according to his deeds, and to the works of men according to their devices; till he have judged the cause of his people, and made them to rejoice in his mercy.
20 Mercy is seasonable in the time of affliction, as clouds of rain in the time of drought.
CHAP. XXXVI.
A prayer for the church against the enemies thereof, &c.
HAVE mercy upon us, O Lord God of all; and behold us:
2 And send thy fear upon all the nations that seek not after thee.
3 Lift up thy hand against the strange nations, and let them see thy power.
4 As thou wast sanctified in us before them: so be thou magnified among them before us.
5 And let them know thee, as we have known thee, that there is no God but only thou, O God.
6 Shew new signs, and make other strange wonders; glorify thy hand, and thy right arm, that they may set forth thy wondrous works.
7 Raise up indignation, and pour out wrath: take away the adversary, and destroy the enemy.
8 Make the time short, remember the covenant, and let them declare thy wonderful works.
9 Let him that escapeth be consumed by the rage of the fire, and let them perish that oppress the people.
10 Smite in sunder the heads of the rulers of the heathen, that say, There is none other but we.
11 Gather all the tribes of Jacob together, and inherit thou them as from the beginning.
12 O Lord, have mercy upon the people that is called by thy name, and upon Israel, whom thou hast named thy first-born.
13 O be merciful unto Jerusalem, thy holy city, the place of thy rest.
14 Fill Sion with thine unspeakable oracles, and thy people with thy glory.
15 Give testimony unto those that thou hast possessed from the beginning, and raise up prophets that have been in thy name.
16 Reward them that wait for thee, and let thy prophets be found faithful.
17 O Lord, hear the prayer of thy servants, according to the blessing of Aaron over thy people, that all they which dwell upon the earth may
know that thou art the Lord the eternal God. Before CHRIST cir. 200. 18 The belly devoureth all meats, yet is one meat better than another.
19 As the palate tasteth divers kinds of venison: so doth an heart of understanding false speeches.
20 A froward heart causeth heaviness: but a man of experience will recompence him.
21 A woman will receive every man, yet is one daughter better than another.
22 The beauty of a woman cheareth the countenance, and a man loveth nothing better.
23 If there be kindness, meekness, and comfort in her tongue, then is not her husband like other men.
24 He that getteth a wife beginneth a possession, a help like unto himself, and a pillar of rest.
25 Where no hedge is, there the possession is spoiled: and he that hath no wife, will wander up and down mourning.
26 Who will trust a thief well-appointed, that skippeth from city to city? so (who will believe) a man that hath no house, and lodgeth where soever the night taketh him.
CHAP. XXXVII.
How to know friends and counsellors, &c.
VERY friend saith, I am his friend also: but there is a friend which is only a friend in name.
2 Is it not a grief unto death, when a companion and a friend is turned to an enemy?
3 O wicked imagination, whence camest thou in to cover the earth with deceit?
4 There is a companion which rejoiceth in the prosperity of a friend: but, in the time of trouble, will be against him.
5 There is a companion which helpeth his friend for the belly, and taketh up the buckler against the enemy.
6 Forget not thy friend in thy mind, and be not unmindful of him in thy riches.
7 Every counsellor extolleth counsel; but there is some that counselleth for himself.
8 Beware of a counsellor, and know before what need he hath, (for he will counsel for himself,) lest use there be of him.
9 And say unto thee, Thy way is good: and afterward he stand on the other side, to see what shall befall thee.
10 Consult not with one that suspecteth thee: and hide thy counsel from such as envy thee.
11 Neither consult with a woman, touching her of whom she is jealous; neither with a coward in matters of war; nor with a merchant, concerning exchanges; nor with a buyer, of selling; nor with an envious man, of thankfulness; nor with an unmerciful man, touching kindness; nor with the slothful, for a man's work; nor with an hireling for a year of finishing work: nor with an idle servant of much business: hearken not unto these in any matter of counsel.
12 But be continually with a godly man, whom thou knowest to keep the commandments of the Lord, whose mind is according to thy mind, and will forrow with thee, if thou shalt miscarry,

Before CHRIST cir. 200.
13 And let the counsel of thine own heart stand: for there is no man more faithful unto thee than it. 14 For a man's mind is sometime wont to tell him more than seven watchmen, that sit above in an high tower.
15 And above all this pray to the most High, that he will direct thy way in truth. 16 Let reason go before every enterprise, and counsel before every action.
17 The countenance is a sign of changing of the heart. 18 Four manner of things appear: good and evil, life and death: but the tongue ruleth over them continually.
19 There is one that is wise, and teacheth many, and yet is unprofitable to himself. 20 There is one that sheweth wisdom in words and is hated: he shall be destitute of all food.
21 For grace is not given him from the Lord: because he is deprived of all wisdom. 22 Another is wise to himself: and the fruits of understanding are commendable in his mouth. 23 A wise man instructeth his people, and the fruits of his understanding fail not.
24 A wise man shall be filled with blessing, and all they that see him shall count him happy. 25 The days of the life of man may be numbered: but the days of Israel are innumerable.
26 A wise man shall inherit glory among his people, and his name shall be perpetual. 27 My son prove thy soul in thy life, and see what is evil for it, and give not that unto it. 28 For all things are not profitable for all men, neither hath every soul pleasure in every thing.
29 Be not unsatiable in any dainty thing, nor too greedy upon meats: 30 For excess of meats bringeth sickness, and surfeiting will turn into choler. 31 By surfeiting have many perished, but he that taketh heed prolongeth his life.
CHAP. XXXVIII.
1 Honour due to the physician, and wherewithal weep and mourn for the dead, &c.
Honour a physician with the honour due unto him, for the uses which you may have of him: for the Lord hath created him.
2 For of the most High cometh healing, and he shall receive honour of the king. 3 The skill of the physician shall lift up his head: and in the sight of great men he shall be in admiration.
4 The Lord hath created medicines out of the earth; and he that is wise will not abhor them. 5 Was not the water made sweet with wood, that the virtue thereof might be known?
6 And he hath given men skill, that he might be honoured in his marvellous works. 7 With such doth he heal (men,) and taketh away their pains. 8 Of such doth the apothecary make a confection; and of his works there is no end, and from him is peace over all the earth.
9 My son, in thy sickness be not negligent; but pray unto the Lord, and he will make thee whole. 10 Leave off from sin, and order thine hands aright, and cleanse thy heart from all wickedness.
11 Give a sweet savour, and a memorial of fine flour; and make a fat offering, as not being. 12 Then give place to the physician, for the Lord hath created him: let him not go from thee, for thou hast need of him.
13 There is a time when in their hands there is good success. 14 For they shall also pray unto the Lord, that he would prosper that which they give for ease and remedy to prolong life.
15 He that sinneth before his Maker, let him fall into the hand of the physician. 16 My son, let tears fall down over the dead, and begin to lament, as if thou hadst suffered great harm thyself: and then cover his body according to the custom, and neglect not his burial.
17 Weep bitterly, and make great moan, and use lamentation as he is worthy, and that a day or two, lest thou be evil spoken of: and then comfort thyself for thy heaviness.
18 For of heaviness cometh death, and the heaviness of the heart breaketh strength. 19 In affliction also sorrow remaineth: and the life of the poor is the curse of the heart.
20 Take no heaviness to heart: drive it away, and remember the last end. 21 Forget it not, for there is no turning again: thou shalt not do him good, but hurt thyself.
22 Remember my judgment: for thine also shall be so: yesterday for me, and to-day for thee. 23 When the dead is at rest let his remembrance rest, and be comforted for him, when his spirit is departed from him.
24 The wisdom of a learned man cometh by opportunity of leisure: and he that hath little business shall become wise. 25 How can he get wisdom that holdeth the plough, and that glorieth in the goad; that driveth oxen, and is occupied in their labours, and whose talk is of bullocks?
26 He giveth his mind to make furrows: and is diligent to give the kine fodder. 27 So every carpenter and work-master, that labourereth night and day; and they that cut and grave seals, and are diligent to make great variety, and give themselves to counterfeit imagery, and watch to finish a work.
28 The smith also sitting by the anvil, and considering the iron-work, the vapour of the fire wasteth his flesh, and he fighteth with the heat of the furnace: the noise of the hammer and the anvil is ever in his ears, and his eyes look still upon the pattern of the thing that he maketh; he setteth his mind to finish his work, and watcheth to polish it perfectly.
29 So doth the potter sitting at his work, and turning the wheel about with his feet, who is always carefully set at his work; and maketh his work by number.
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
b Isa. 38. 2.
† Or, as a dead man.
c Pro. 15. 13. and 17. 22.
† Or, the sentence upon him.
d 2 Sam. 12. 20.
† Gr. of the breed of bullocks.
3 He
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
|| Or, tempereth it with his feet.
30 He fashioneth the clay with his arm, and boweth down his strength before his feet; he applieth himself to lead it over; and he is diligent to make clean the furnace.
31 All these trust to their hands: and every one is wise in his work. 32 Without these cannot a city be inhabited: and they shall not dwell where they will, nor go up and down.
33 They shall not be sought for in public council, nor sit high in the congregation: they shall not sit on the judge's seat, nor understand the sentence of judgment: they cannot declare justice and judgment, and they shall not be found where parables are spoken.
34 But they will maintain the state of the world, and (all) their desire is in the work of their craft.
CHAP. XXXIX.
A description of him that is truly wise, &c.
BUT he that giveth his mind to the law of the most High, and is occupied in the meditation thereof will seek out the wisdom of all the ancient, and be occupied in prophecies.
2 He will keep the sayings of the renowned men: and where subtile parables are, he will be there also. 3 He will seek out the secrets of grave sentences, and be conversant in dark parables.
4 He shall serve among great men, and appear before princes: he will travel through strange countries; for he hath tried the good and the evil among men.
5 He will give his heart to resort early to the Lord that made him, and will pray before the most High, and will open his mouth in prayer, and make supplication for his sins. 6 When the great Lord will, he shall be filled with the spirit of understandings; he shall pour out his wise sentences, and give thanks unto the Lord in his prayer.
7 He shall direct his counsel and knowledge, and in his secrets shall he meditate. 8 He shall shew forth that which he hath learned, and shall glory in the law of the covenant of the Lord.
9 Many shall commend his understanding, and so long as the world endureth, it shall not be blotted out; his memorial shall not depart away, and his name shall live from generation to generation.
10 Nations shall shew forth his wisdom, and the congregation shall declare his praise. 11 If he die, he shall leave a greater name than a thousand: and, if he live, he shall increase it.
12 Yet have I more to say which I have thought upon; for I am filled as the moon at the full. 13 Harken unto me, ye holy children, and bud forth as a rose growing by the brook of the field:
14 And give ye a sweet savour as frankincense, and sing a song of praise; send forth a smell, and sing a song of praise; bless the Lord in all his works. 15 Magnify his name, and shew forth his praise with the songs of your lips, and with harps; and in praising him you shall say after this manner: 16 All the works of the Lord are exceeding good,
a Chap. 44. 15.
† Or, gain unto it.
|| Or, rivers of water.
b Gen. 1. 34. Mark 7. 37.
and whatsoever he commandeth shall be accomplished in due season.
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
17 And none may say, What is this? Wherefore is that? for, at time convenient, they shall all be sought out: at his commandment the waters flood as an heap, and at the words of his mouth the receptacles of waters.
18 At his commandment is done whatsoever pleaseth him, and none can hinder when he will save. 19 The works of all flesh are before him, and nothing can be hid from his eyes. 20 He seeth from everlasting to everlasting; and there is nothing wonderful before him.
21 A man need not to say, What is this? Wherefore is that? for he hath made all things for their uses. 22 His blessing covered the dry land as a river, and watered it as a flood.
23 As he hath turned the waters into saltness: so shall the heathen inherit his wrath. 24 As his ways are plain unto the holy, so are they stumbling-blocks unto the wicked.
25 For the good are good things created from the beginning: so evil things for sinners. 26 The principal things for the whole use of man's life, are water, fire, iron, and salt, flour of wheat, honey, milk, and the blood of the grape, and oil, and clothing.
27 All these things are for good to the godly: so to the sinners they are turned into evil. 28 There are spirits that are created for vengeance, which in their fury lay on fore strokes, in the time of destruction they pour out their force, and appease the wrath of him that made them.
29 Fire, and hail, and famine, and death, all these were created for vengeance: 30 Teeth of wild beasts, and scorpions, || serpents, || or, vipers. and the sword, punishing the wicked to destruction.
31 They shall rejoice in his commandment, and they shall be ready upon earth when need is, and when their time is come they shall not transgress his word. 32 Therefore from the beginning I was resolved, and thought upon these things, and have left them in writing.
33 All the works of the Lord are good: and he will give every needful thing in due season. 34 So that a man cannot say, This is worse than that: for in time they shall all be well approved.
35 And therefore praise ye the Lord with the whole heart and mouth, and bless the name of the Lord.
CHAP. XL.
Many miseries in a man's life, &c.
GREAT travel is created for every man, and an heavy yoke is upon the sons of Adam, from the day that they go out of their mother's womb, till the day that they return to the mother of all things.
2 Their imagination of things to come, and the day of death, (trouble) their thoughts, and (cause) fear of heart; 3 From him that sitteth on a throne of glory, unto him that is humbled in earth and ashes; 4 From
c Eccl. 1. 3.

4 From him that weareth purple and a crown, || unto him that is clothed with a linen frock.
5 Wrath and envy, trouble and unquietness, fear of death, and anger and strife, and in the time of rest upon his bed his night-sleep, do change his knowledge.
6 A little or nothing is his rest, and afterward he is in his sleep, as in a day of keeping watch, troubled in the vision of his heart, as if he were escaped out of a battle:
7 When all is safe he awaketh, and marvelleth that the fear was nothing.
8 (Such things happen) unto all flesh, both man and beast, and that is seven-fold more upon sinners.
9 Death and blood-shed, strife and sword, calamities, famine, tribulation and the scourge;
10 These things are created for the wicked, and for their sakes came the flood.
11 All things that are of the earth shall turn to the earth again: and that which is of the waters doth return unto the sea.
12 All bribery and injustice shall be blotted out: but true-dealing shall endure for ever.
13 The goods of the unjust, shall be dried up like a river, and shall vanish with noise like a great thunder in rain.
14 While he openeth his hand he shall rejoice; so shall transgressors come to nought.
15 The children of the ungodly shall not bring forth many branches: but are as unclean roots upon a hard rock.
16 The weed growing upon every water, and bank of a river, shall be pulled up before all grass.
17 Bountifulness is as a most fruitful garden, and mercifulness endureth for ever.
18 To labour, and to be content with that a man hath, is a sweet life: but he that findeth a treasure is above them both.
19 Children and the building of a city continue a man's name: but a blameless wife is counted above them both.
20 Wine and music rejoice the heart: but the love of wisdom is above them both.
21 The pipe and the psalter make sweet melody: but a pleasant tongue is above them both.
22 Thine eye desireth favour and beauty: but more than both, corn while it is green.
23 A friend and a companion never meet amiss: but above both is a wife with her husband.
24 Brethren and help are against time of trouble: but alms shall deliver more than them both.
25 Gold and silver make the foot stand sure: but counsel is esteemed above them both.
26 Riches and strength lift up the heart: but the fear of the Lord is above them both: there is no want in the fear of the Lord, and it needeth not to seek help.
27 The fear of the Lord is a fruitful garden, and covereth him above all glory.
28 My son, lead not a beggar's life, for better it is to die than to beg.
29 The life of him that dependeth on another
man's table, is not to be counted for a life: for he polluteth himself with other men's meat, but a wise man well nurtured will beware thereof.
30 Begging is sweet in the mouth of the shameless: but in his belly there shall burn a fire.
CHAP. XLI.
The remembrance of death. 3 Death is not to be feared, &c.
Death, how bitter is the remembrance of thee to a man that liveth at rest in his possessions, unto the man that hath nothing to vex him, and that hath prosperity in all things; yea, unto him that is yet able to receive meat!
2 O death, acceptable is thy sentence unto the needy, and unto him whose strength faileth, that is now in the last age, and is vexed with all things, and to him that despaireth, and hath lost patience!
3 Fear not the sentence of death, remember them that have been before thee, and that come after, for this is the sentence of the Lord over all flesh.
4 And why art thou against the pleasure of the most High? there is no inquisition in the grave, whether thou have lived ten, or an hundred, or a thousand years.
5 The children of sinners are abominable children, and they that are conversant in the dwellings of the ungodly.
6 The inheritance of sinners' children shall perish, and their posterity shall have a perpetual reproach.
7 The children will complain of an ungodly father, because they shall be reproached for his sake.
8 Wo be unto you, ungodly men, which have forsaken the law of the most high God: for, if you increase, it shall be to your destruction.
9 And, if you be born, you shall be born to a curse: and, if you die, a curse shall be your portion.
10 All that are of the earth shall turn to earth again: so the ungodly shall go from a curse to destruction.
11 The mourning of men is about their bodies: but an ill name of sinners shall be blotted out.
12 Have regard to thy name: for that shall continue with thee above a thousand great treasures of gold.
13 A good life hath but few days; but a good name endureth for ever.
14 My children, keep discipline in peace: for wisdom that is hid, and a treasure that is not seen, what profit is in them both?
15 A man that hideth his foolishness is better than a man that hideth his wisdom.
16 Therefore be shamefaced according to my word: for it is not good to retain all shamefacedness, neither is it altogether approved in every thing.
17 Be ashamed of whoredom before father and mother, and of a lie before a prince and a mighty man.
18 Of an offence before a judge and ruler: of iniquity before a congregation and people: of unjust dealing before thy partner and friend:
19 And of theft in regard of the place where thou sojournest, and in regard of the truth of God and
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
Or, to whom every thing is troublesome
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
and his covenant; and to lean with thine elbow upon the meat, and of scorning to give and take:
20 And of silence before them that salute thee, and to look upon an harlot:
21 And to turn away thy face from thy kinsman, or to take away a portion or a gift, or to gaze upon another man's wife:
22 Or, to be over-busy with his maid, and come not near her bed; or of upbraiding speeches before friends: and, after thou hast given, upbraid not:
23 Or of iterating and speaking again that which thou hast heard, and of revealing of secrets.
24 So shalt thou be truly shamefaced, and find favour before all men.
CHAP. XLII.
1 Whereof we should not be ashamed. 9 Be careful of thy daughter, &c.
Of these things be not thou ashamed, and accept no person to sin thereby:
2 Of the law of the most High, and his covenant, and of judgment to justify the ungodly:
3 Of reckoning with thy partners and travellers, or of the gift of the heritage of friends:
4 Of exactness of balance and weights, or of getting much or little:
5 And of merchants indifferent selling, of much correction of children, and to make the side of an evil servant to bleed.
6 Sure keeping is good where an evil wife is, and shut up where many hands are.
7 Deliver all things in number and weight, and put all in writing that thou givest out, or receivest in.
8 Be not ashamed to inform the unwise and foolish, and the extreme aged that contendeth with buke.
9 Those that are young: thus shalt thou be truly learned, and approved of all men living.
10 The father waketh for the daughter when no man knoweth, and the care for her taketh away sleep; when she is young, lest she pass away the flower of her age; and being married, lest she should be hated:
11 In her virginity, lest she should be desired, and gotten with child in her father's house; and having an husband, lest she should misbehave herself; and when she is married, lest she should be barren.
12 Keep a sure watch over a shameless daughter, lest she make thee a laughing-stock to thine enemies, and a by-word in the city, and a reproach among the people, and make thee ashamed before the multitude.
13 Behold not every body's beauty, and sit not in the midst of women.
14 For from garments cometh a moth, and from women wickedness.
15 Better is the churlishness of a man, than a courteous woman, a woman, I say, which bringeth shame and reproach.
16 I will now remember the works of the Lord, and declare the things that I have seen: in the words of the Lord as his works.
17 The sun that giveth light looketh upon all things, and the work thereof is full of the glory of the Lord.
18 The Lord hath not given power to the saints
to declare all his marvellous works, which the Almighty Lord firmly settled, that whatsoever is, might be established for his glory.
19 He seeketh out the deep, and the heart, and considereth their crafty devices: for the Lord knoweth all that may be known, and he beholdeth the signs of Highest.
20 He declareth the things that are past, and for to come, and revealeth the steps of hidden things.
21"> 21 No thought escapeth him, neither any word is hidden from him.
22 He hath garnished the excellent works of his wisdom, and he is from everlasting to everlasting: unto him may nothing be added, neither can he be diminished, and he hath no need of any counsellor.
23 Oh how desirable are all his works! and that a man may see even to a spark.
24 All these things live and remain for ever, for all uses, and they are all obedient.
25 All things are double one against another: and he hath made nothing imperfect.
26 One thing establisheth the good of another; and who shall be filled with beholding his glory?
CHAP. XLIII.
The works of God in heaven, and in earth, and in the sea, are exceeding glorious, &c.
THE pride of the height, the clear firmament, the beauty of heaven, with his glorious shews;
2 The sun when it appeareth, declaring at his rising a marvellous instrument, the work of the most High.
3 At noon it parcheth the country, and who can abide the burning heat thereof?
4 A man blowing a furnace is in works of heat, but the sun burneth the mountains three times more; breathing out fiery vapours, and sending forth bright beams, it dimmeth the eyes.
5 Great is the Lord that made it, and at his commandment it runneth hastily.
6 He made the moon also to serve in her season, for a declaration of times, and a sign of the world.
7 From the moon is the sign of feasts, a light that decreaseth in her perfection.
8 The month is called after her name, increasing wonderfully in her changing, being an instrument of the armies above, shining in the firmament of heaven;
9 The beauty of heaven, the glory of the stars, an ornament giving light in the highest places of the Lord.
10 At the commandment of the holy One they will stand in their order, and never faint in their watches.
11 Look upon the rainbow, and praise him that made it, very beautiful it is in the brightness thereof.
12 It compasseth the heaven about with a glorious circle, and the hands of the most High have bended it.
13 By his commandment he maketh the snow to fall apace, and sendeth swiftly the lightnings of his judgment.
14 Through
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
Job 42. 1. Isa. 29. 15.
Or, he playeth his course.
Gen. 1. 16.
Exod. 12. 2.
Gen. 9. 13.
Isa. 40. 12. &c.

Before CHRIST cir. 200. 14 Through this the treasures are opened; and clouds fly forth as fowls.
15 By his great power he maketh the clouds firm, and the hailstones are broken small.
16 At his sight the mountains are shaken, and at his will the south wind bloweth.
17 The noise of the thunder maketh the earth to tremble: so doth the northern storm and the whirlwind: as birds flying he scattereth the snow, and the falling down thereof is as the lighting of grasshoppers.
18 The eye marvelleth at the beauty of the whiteness thereof, and the heart is astonished at the raining of it.
19 The hoar-frost also as salt he poureth on the earth, and being congealed it lieth on the top of the point of sharp flakes.
20 When the cold north-wind bloweth, and the water is congealed into ice, it abideth upon every gathering together of water, and clotheth the water as with a breast-plate.
21 It devoureth the mountains, and burneth the wilderness, and consumeth the grass as fire.
22 A present remedy of all is a milt coming speedily: a dew coming after heat refresheth.
23 By his counsel he appeaseth the deep, and planteth islands therein.
24 They that sail on the sea tell of the danger thereof; and, when we hear it with our ears, we marvel thereat.
25 For therein be strange and wondrous works, variety of all kinds of beasts, and whales created.
26 By him the end of them hath prosperous success, and by his word all things consist.
27 We may speak much, and yet come short: wherefore, in sum, he is all.
28 How shall we be able to magnify him? for he is great above all his works.
29 The Lord is terrible, and very great, and marvellous is his power.
30 When you glorify the Lord, exalt him as much as you can; for even yet will he far exceed: and when you exalt him put forth all your strength, and be not weary; for you can never go far enough.
31 Who have seen him that he might tell us? and who can magnify him as he is?
32 There are yet hid greater things than these be, for we have seen but a few of his works:
33 For the Lord hath made all things, and to the godly hath he given wisdom.
CHAP. XLIV.
The praise of certain holy men: 16 of Enoch, 17 Noah, 19 Abraham, 22 Isaac, 23 and Jacob.
LET us now praise famous men, and our fathers that begat us.
2 The Lord hath wrought great glory by them, through his great power from the beginning.
3 Such as did bear rule in their kingdoms, men renowned for their power, giving counsel by their understanding, and declaring prophecies:
4 Leaders of the people by their counsels, and by
their knowledge of learning meet for the people, wise and eloquent in their instructions.
5 Such as found out musical tunes, and recited verses in writing.
6 Rich men furnished with ability, living peaceably in their habitations.
7 All these were honoured in their generations, and were the glory of their times.
8 There be of them that have left a name behind them, that their praises might be reported.
9 And some there be which have no memorial, who are perished as though they had never been, and are become as though they had never been born, and their children after them.
10 But these were merciful men, whose righteousness hath not been forgotten.
11 With their seed shall continually remain a good inheritance, and their children are within the covenant.
12 Their seed standeth fast, and their children for their sakes.
13 Their seed shall remain for ever, and their glory shall not be blotted out.
14 Their bodies are buried in peace, but their name liveth for evermore.
15 The people will tell of their wisdom, and the congregation will shew forth their praise.
16 Enoch pleased the Lord, and was translated, being an example of repentance to all generations.
17 Noah was found perfect and righteous; in the time of wrath, he was taken in exchange (for the world,) therefore was he left as a remnant unto the earth, when the flood came.
18 An everlasting covenant was made with him, that all flesh should perish no more by the flood.
19 Abraham was a great father of many people: in glory was there none like unto him;
20 Who kept the law of the most High, and was in covenant with him: he established the covenant in his flesh; and, when he was proved, he was found faithful.
21 Therefore he assured him by an oath, that he would bless the nations in his seed, and that he would multiply him as the dust of the earth, and exalt his seed as the stars, and cause them to inherit from sea to sea, and from the river unto the utmost part of the land.
22 With Isaac did he establish likewise, (for Abraham his father's sake,) the blessing of all men, and the covenant,
23 And made it rest upon the head of Jacob. He acknowledged him in his blessing, and gave him an heritage, and divided his portions; among the twelve tribes did he part them.
CHAP. XLV.
The praise of Moses, 6 of Aaron, 23 and of Phinees.
AND he brought out of him a merciful man, which found favour in the sight of all flesh, even Moses, beloved of God and men, whose memorial is blessed.
2 He made him like to the glorious saints, and magnified
Before CHRIST cir. 200. magnified him, so that his enemies stood in fear of him.
3 By his words he caused the wonders to cease, and he made him glorious in the sight of kings, and gave him a commandment for his people, and shewed him part of his glory.
4 He sanctified him in his faithfulness and meekness, and chose him out of all men.
5 He made him to hear his voice, and brought him into the dark cloud, and gave him commandments before his face; even the law of life and knowledge, that he might teach Jacob his covenants, and Israel his judgments.
6 He exalted Aaron an holy man like unto him, even his brother, of the tribe of Levi.
7 An everlasting covenant he made with him, and gave him the priesthood among the people, and beautified him with comely ornaments, and clothed him with a robe of glory.
8 He put upon him perfect glory: and strengthened him with rich garments, with breeches, with a long robe, and the ephod.
9 And he compassed him with pomegranates, and with many golden bells round about, that, as he went there might be a sound, and a noise made that might be heard in the temple, for a memorial to the children of his people;
10 With an holy garment, with gold, and blue silk, and purple, the work of the embroiderer, with a breast-plate of judgment, and with Urim and Thummim;
11 With twisted scarlet, the work of the cunning workman, with precious stones graven like seals, and set in gold, the work of the jeweller, with a writing engraved for a memorial, after the number of the tribes of Israel.
12 He set a crown of gold upon the mitre, wherein was engraved, Holiness, an ornament of honour, a costly work, the desires of the eyes, goodly and beautiful.
13 Before him there was none such, neither did ever any stranger put them on, but only his children, and his children's children perpetually.
14 Their sacrifices shall be wholly consumed every day twice continually.
15 Moses consecrated him, and anointed him with holy oil: this was appointed unto him by an everlasting covenant, and to his seed so long as the heavens should remain, that they should minister unto him, and execute the office of the priesthood, and bless the people in his name.
16 He chose him out of all men living to offer sacrifices to the Lord, incense and a sweet savour, for a memorial, to make reconciliation for his people.
17 He gave unto him his commandments, and authority in the statutes of judgments, that he should teach Jacob the testimonies, and inform Israel in his laws.
18 Strangers conspired together against him, and maligned him in the wilderness, even the men that were ofathan and Abiran's side, and the congregation of Core, with fury and wrath.
Before CHRIST cir. 200. 19 This the Lord saw, and it displeased him, and in his wrathful indignation were they consumed: he did wonders upon them, to consume them with the fiery flame.
20 But he made Aaron more honourable, and gave him an heritage, and divided unto him the first-fruits of the increase, especially he prepared bread in abundance.
21 For they eat of the sacrifices of the Lord, which he gave unto him and his seed.
22 Howbeit, in the land of the people he had no inheritance, neither had he any portion among the people: for the Lord himself is his portion and inheritance.
23 The third in glory is Phinees the son of Eleazar because he had zeal in the fear of the Lord, and stood up with good courage of heart, when the people were turned back, and made reconciliation for Israel.
24 Therefore was there a covenant of peace made with him, that he should be the chief of the sanctuary, and of his people, and that he and his posterity should have the dignity of the priesthood for ever.
25 According to the covenant made with David son of Jesse, of the tribe of Judah, that the inheritance of the king should be to his posterity alone: so the inheritance of Aaron should also be unto his seed.
26 God give you wisdom in your heart to judge his people in righteousness, that their good things be not abolished, and that their glory may endure for ever.
CHAP. XLVII.
The praise of Joshua, 9 of Caleb, 13 of Samuel.
Jesus the son of Nave, was valiant in the wars, and was the successor of Moses in prophecies, who, according to his name, was made great for the saving of the elect of God, and taking vengeance of the enemies that rose up against them, that he might set Israel in their inheritance.
2 How great glory gat he, when he did lift up his hands, and stretched out his sword against the cities!
3 Who before him so stood to it? for the Lord himself brought his enemies unto him.
4 Did not the sun go back by his means? and was not one day as long as two?
5 He called upon the most high Lord, when the enemies pressed upon him on every side, and the great Lord heard him.
6 And with hailstones of mighty power he made the battle to fall violently upon the nations, and in the descent (of Beth-horon) he destroyed them that resisted, that the nations might know all their strength, because he fought in the sight of the Lord, and he followed the mighty One.
7 In the time of Moses also he did a work of mercy, he and Caleb the son of Jephunne, in that they withstood the congregation, and withheld the people from sin, and appeased the wicked murmuring.
8 And, of six hundred thousand people on foot, they two were preserved to bring them into the heritage, 35, 36.

Before CHRIST cir. 200. tages, even unto the land that floweth with milk and honey.
9 The Lord gave strength also unto Caleb, which remained with him unto his old age: so that he entered upon the high places of the land, and his seed obtained it for an heritage:
10 That all the children of Israel might see that it is good to follow the Lord.
11 And concerning the judges, every one by name whose heart went not a whoring, nor departed from the Lord, let their memory be blessed.
d Chap. 49. 10. 12 Let their bones flourish out of their place, and let the name of them that were honoured be continued upon their children.
e 1 Sam. 10. 1. & 16. 13. 13 Samuel the prophet of the Lord, beloved of his Lord, established a kingdom, and anointed princes over his people.
14 By the law of the Lord he judged the congregation, and the Lord had respect unto Jacob.
15 By his faithfulness he was found a true prophet, and by his word he was known to be faithful in vision.
f 1 Sam. 7. 9. 16 He called upon the mighty Lord, when his enemies pressed upon him on every side, when he offered the sucking lamb.
17 And the Lord thundered from heaven, and with a great noise he made his voice to be heard.
18 And he destroyed the rulers of the Tyrians, and all the princes of the Philistines.
g 1 Sam. 12. 3. 19 And before his long sleep he made protestations, in the sight of the Lord and his anointed, I have not taken any man's goods, so much as a shoe: and no man did accuse him.
h 1 Sam. 28. 18, 19. 20 And after his death he prophesied, and shewed the king his end, and lifted up his voice from the earth in prophecy, to blot out the wickedness of the people.
CHAP. XLVII.
1 The praise of Nathan, 2 of David, 12 of Solomon, his glory and infirmities, 23 of his end and punishment.
i 2 Sam. 12. 1. AND after him rose up Nathan to prophesy in the time of David:
2 As is the fat taken away from the peace-offering, so was David chosen out of the children of Israel.
† Or, He smote lions. 3 He played with lions as with kids, and with bears as with lambs.
b 1 Sam. 17. 34. 4 Slew he not a giant when he was yet but young? and did he not take away reproach from the people, when he lifted up his hand with the stone in the sling, and beat down the boasting of Goliath?
5 For he called upon the most high Lord, and he gave him strength in his right hand to slay that mighty warrior, and set up the horn of his people.
d 1 Sam. 18. 7. 6 So the people honoured him with ten thousands, and praised him in the blessings of the Lord, in that he gave him a crown of glory.
e 2 Sam. 5. 7. ‖ Or, contemned. 7 For he destroyed the enemies on every side, and brought to nought the Philistines his adversaries, and brake their horn in sunder unto this day.
8 In all his works he praised the holy One most
high, with words of glory, with his whole heart he sung songs, and loved him that made him.
9 He set fingers also before the altar, that by their voices they might make sweet melody, and daily sing praises in their songs.
10 He beautified their feasts, and set in order the solemn times † until the end, that they might praise his holy name, and that the temple might sound from morning.
11 The Lord took away his sins, and exalted his horn for ever: he gave him a covenant of kings, and a throne ‖ of glory in Israel.
12 After him, rose up a wise son, and for his sake he dwelt at large.
13 Solomon reigned in a peaceable time, and was honoured, for God made all quiet round about him, that he might build an house in his name, and prepare his sanctuary for ever.
14 How wise wast thou in thy youth, and as a flood filled with understanding!
15 Thy soul covered the whole earth, and thou filledst it with dark parables.
16 Thy name went far into the islands; and for thy peace thou wast beloved.
17 The countries marvelled at thee for thy songs, and proverbs, and parables, and interpretations.
18"> 18 By the name of the Lord God, which is called the Lord God of Israel, thou didst gather gold as tin, and didst multiply silver as lead.
19 Thou didst bow thy loins unto women, and by thy body thou wast brought into subjection.
20 Thou didst stain thy honour, and pollute thy seed: so that thou broughtest wrath upon thy children, and wast grieved for thy folly.
21 So the kingdom was divided, and out of Ephraim ruled a rebellious kingdom.
22 But the Lord will never leave off his mercy, neither shall any of his works perish, neither will he abolish the posterity of his elect, and the seed of him that loveth him he will not take away; wherefore he gave a remnant unto Jacob, and out of him a root unto David.
23 Thus rested Solomon with his fathers, and of his seed he left behind him Roboam, even the foolishness of the people, and one that had no understanding, who turned away the people through his counsel. There was also Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin, and shewed Ephraim the way of sin.
24 And their sins were multiplied exceedingly, that they were driven out of the land.
25 For they sought out all wickedness, till the vengeance came upon them.
CHAP. XLVIII.
1 The praise of Elias, 12 of Eliseus, 17 and of Ezechias.
Then stood up Elias the prophet as fire, and his word burnt like a lamp.
2 He brought a sore famine upon them, and by his zeal he diminished their number.
3 By the word of the Lord he shut up the heaven, and also three times brought down fire.
4 O Elias,
Before CHRIST cir. 200. 4 O Elias, how wast thou honoured in thy wondrous deeds! and who may glory like unto thee!
5 Who didst raise up a dead man from death, and his soul from the place of the dead, by the word of the most High:
6 Who broughtest kings to destruction, and honourable men from their bed:
7 Who heardest the rebuke of the Lord in Sinai, and in Horeb the judgment of vengeance:
8 Who anointest kings to take revenge, and prophets to succeed after him:
9 Who was taken up in a whirlwind of fire, and in a chariot of fiery horses:
10 Who wast ordained for reproofs in their times, to pacify the wrath of the Lord's judgment before it brake forth into fury, and to turn the heart of the father unto the son, and to restore the tribes of Jacob.
11 Blessed are they that saw thee, and ‖ slept in love, for we shall surely live.
12 Elias it was who was covered with a whirlwind: and Eliseus was filled with his spirit: whilst he lived he was not moved with the presence of any prince, neither could any bring him into subjection.
13 No word could overcome him; and after his death his body prophesied.
14 He did wonders in his life, and at his death were his works marvellous.
15 For all this the people repented not, neither departed they from their sins, till they were spoiled through all the earth: yet there remained a small people, and a ruler in the house of David:
16 Of whom some did that which was pleasing to God, and some multiplied sins.
17 Ezechias fortified his city, and brought in water into the midst thereof: he digged the hard rock with iron and made wells for waters.
18 In his time Sennacherib came up, and sent Rabfaces, and lifted up his hand against Zion, and boasted proudly.
19 Then trembled their hearts and hands, and they were in pain as women in travail.
20 But they called upon the Lord which is merciful, and stretched out their hands towards him: and immediately the holy One heard them out of heaven, and delivered them by the ministry of Esay.
21 He smote the host of the Assyrians, and his angel destroyed them.
22 For Ezechias had done the thing that pleased the Lord, and was strong in the ways of David his father, as Esay the prophet, who was great and faithful in his vision, had commanded him.
23 In his time the sun went backward, and he lengthened the king's life.
24 He saw by an excellent spirit what should come to pass at the last, and he comforted them that mourned in Zion.
25 He shewed what should come to pass for ever, and secret things or ever they came.
CHAP. XLIX.
1 The praise of Josias, 4 of David, and Ezechias, 6 of Jeremiah, 8 of Ezechiel, &c.
Before CHRIST cir. 200. THE remembrance of Josias is like the composition of the perfume that is made by the art of the apothecary: it is sweet as honey in all mouths, and as music at a banquet of wine.
2 He behaved himself uprightly in the conversion of the people, and took away the abominations of iniquity.
3 He directed his heart unto the Lord, and in the time of the ungodly he established the worship of God.
4 All, except David, and Ezechias, and Josias, were defective: for they forsook the law of the most High, even the kings of Juda failed:
5 Therefore he gave their power unto others, and their glory to a strange nation.
6 They burnt the chosen city of the sanctuary, and made the streets desolate, according to the prophecy of Jeremiah.
7 For they entreated him evil, who, nevertheless, was a prophet sanctified in his mother's womb, that he might root out, and afflict, and destroy, and that he might build up also and plant.
8 It was Ezekiel who saw the glorious vision, which was shewed him upon the chariot of the cherubims.
9 For he made mention of the enemies under the figure of the rain, and directed them that went right.
10 And of the twelve prophets let the memorial be blessed, and let their bones flourish again out of their place: for they comforted Jacob, and delivered them by assured hope.
11 How shall we magnify Zorobabel? even he was as a signet on the right hand.
12 So was Jesus the son of Josedec: who, in their time, builded the house, and set up an holy temple to the Lord, which was prepared for everlasting glory.
13 And among the elect was Neemias, whose renown is great, who raised up for us the walls that were fallen, and set up the gates and the bars, and raised up our ruins again.
14 But upon the earth was no man created like Enoch; for he was taken from the earth.
15 Neither was there a man born like unto Joseph, a governor of his brethren, a stay of the people, whose bones were regarded of the Lord.
16 Sem and Seth were in great honour among men, and so was Adam above every living thing in the creation.
CHAP. L.
1 Of Simon the son of Onias. 2 How the people were taught to praise God, &c.
Simon the high priest the son of Onias, who, in his life, repaired the house again, and, in his days, fortified the temple.
2 And by him was built from the foundation the double height, the high fortress of the wall about the temple:
3 In his days the cistern to receive water, being in compass as the sea, was covered with plates of brass.
4 He took care of the temple that it should not fall, and fortified the city against besieging:
5 How was he honoured in the midst of the people, in his coming out of the sanctuary!
N
6 He

Before CHRIST cir. 200.
6 He was as the morning-star in the midst of a cloud, and as the moon at the full:
7 As the sun shining upon the temple of the most High, and as the rainbow giving light in the bright clouds:
8 And as the flower of roses in the spring of the year, as lilies by the rivers of waters, and as the branches of the frankincense-tree in the time of summer:
9 As fire and incense in the censer, and as a vessel of beaten gold set with all manner of precious stones:
10 And as a fair olive-tree budding forth fruit, and as a cypress-tree which groweth up to the clouds.
11 When he put on the robe of honour, and was clothed with the perfection of glory, when he went up to the holy altar, he made the garment of holiness honourable.
12 When he took the portions out of the priests' hands, he himself stood by the hearth of the altar, compassed with his brethren round about, as a young cedar in Libanus, and as palm trees compassed they him round about.
13 So were all the sons of Aaron in their glory, and the oblations of the Lord in their hands, before all the congregation of Israel.
14 And, finishing the service at the altar, that he might adorn the offering of the most high Almighty.
15 He stretched out his hand to the cup, and poured of the blood of the grape, he poured out at the foot of the altar, a sweet-smelling favour unto the most high King of all.
16 Then shouted the sons of Aaron, and founded the silver trumpets, and made a great noise to be heard, for a remembrance before the most High.
|| Or, trumpets beaten forth with the hammer.
17 Then all the people together hailed, and fell down to the earth upon their faces, to worship their Lord God Almighty, the most High.
18 The fingers also sang praises with their voices, with great variety of sounds was there made sweet melody.
19 And the people besought the Lord, the most High, by prayer before him that is merciful, till the solemnity of the Lord was ended, and they had finished his service.
20 Then he went down, and lifted up his hands over the whole congregation of the children of Israel, to give the blessing of the Lord with his lips, and to rejoice in his name.
21 And they bowed themselves down to worship the second time, that they might receive a blessing from the most High.
22 Now therefore bless ye the God of all, which only doth wondrous things every where, which exalteth our days from the womb, and dealeth with us according to his mercy.
23 He grant us joyfulness of heart, and that peace may be in our days in Israel for ever:
24 That he would confirm his mercy with us, and deliver us at his time!
25 There be two manner of nations which my heart abhorreth, and the third is no nation:
26 They that sit upon the mountain of Samaria,
and they that dwell among the Philistines, and that foolish people that dwell in Sichem.
27 Jesus the son of Sirach of Jerusalem hath written in this book, the instruction of understanding and knowledge, who, out of his heart, poured forth wisdom.
28 Blessed is he that shall be exercised in these things; and he that layeth them up in his heart shall become wise.
29 For, if he do them, he shall be strong to all things; for the light of the Lord leadeth him, who giveth wisdom to the godly. Blessed be the Lord for ever. Amen, amen.
CHAP. LI.
¶ A prayer of Jesus the son of Sirach. I will thank thee, O Lord and King, and praise thee, O God my Saviour, I do give praise unto thy name:
2 For thou art my defender and helper, and hast preserved my body from destruction, and from the snare of the slanderous tongue, and from the lips that forge lies, and hast been my helper against mine adversaries:
3 And hast delivered me according to the multitude of thy mercies, and greatness of thy name, from the teeth of them that were ready to devour me, and out of the hands of such as sought after my life, and from the manifold afflictions which I had;
4 From the choking of fire on every side, and from the midst of the fire which I kindled not;
5 From the depth of the belly of hell, from an unclean tongue, and from lying words:
6 By an accusation to the king from an unrighteous tongue, my soul drew near even unto death, my life was near to the hell beneath.
7 They compassed me on every side, and there was no man to help me: I looked for the succour of men, but there was none.
8 Then thought I upon thy mercy, O Lord, and upon thy acts of old, how thou deliverest such as wait for thee; and savest them out of the hands of the enemies.
9 Then lifted I up my supplication from the earth, and prayed for deliverance from death.
10 I called upon the Lord the Father of my Lord, that he would not leave me in the days of my trouble, and in the time of the proud when there was no help.
11 I will praise thy name continually, and will sing praise with thanksgiving, and so my prayer was heard.
12 For thou savedst me from destruction, and deliverest me from the evil time: therefore will I give thanks, and praise thee, and bless thy name, O Lord.
13 When I was yet young, or ever I went abroad, I desired wisdom openly in my prayer.
14 I prayed for her before the temple, and will seek her out even to the end.
15 Even from the flower, till the grape was ripe, hath my heart delighted in her: my foot went the right way, from my youth up sought I after her.
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
|| Gr. the gnashing of the teeth.
|| Or, went astray.
16 I bowed
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
16 I bowed down mine ear a little, and received her, and gat much learning.
17 I profited therein, therefore will I ascribe the glory unto him that giveth me wisdom.
18 For I purposed to do after her, and earnestly I followed that which is good; so shall I not be confounded.
19 My soul hath wrestled with her, and my doings I was exact: I stretched forth my hands to the heaven above, and bewailed my ignorances of her.
|| Or, I got understanding.
20 || I directed my soul unto her, and I found her in pureness: I have had my heart joined with her from the beginning, therefore shall I not be forsaken.
† Or, bowels.
21 My heart was troubled in seeking her: therefore have I gotten a good possession.
22 The Lord hath given me a tongue for my reward, and I will praise him therewith.
23 Draw near unto me, you unlearned, and dwell in the house of learning.
Before CHRIST cir. 200.
24 Wherefore are you slow, and what say you of these things, seeing your souls are very thirsty?
25 I opened my mouth, and said, Buy her for yourselves without money.
26 Put your neck under the yoke, and let your soul receive instruction; she is hard at hand to find.
27 Behold with your eyes, how that I have had but little labour, and have gotten unto me much reit.
28 Get learning with a great sum of money, and get much gold by her.
29 Let your soul rejoice in his mercy, and be not ashamed of his praise.
30 Work your work betimes, and in his time he will give you your reward.
BARUCH.
CHAP. I.
Baruch wrote a book in Babylon: 5 the Jews there wept at the reading of it, &c.
AND these are the words of the book which Baruch, the son of Nerias, the son of Maasias, the son of Sedecias, the son of Afadías, the son of Chelcias, wrote in Babylon.
2 In the fifth year, and in the seventh day of the month, what time as the Chaldeans took Jerusalem, and burnt it with fire.
|| Or, Joachim
3 And Baruch did read the words of this book in the hearing of Jechonias the son of || Joachim king of Juda, and in the ears of all the people that came to hear the book.
4 And in the hearing of the nobles, and of the king's sons, and in the hearing of the elders, and of all the people, from the lowest unto the highest, even of all them that dwelt at Babylon, by the river Sud.
† Or, and vowed vows
5 Whereupon they wept, fasted † and prayed before the Lord
6 They made also a collection of money, according to every man's power.
|| Or, Joachim
7 And they sent it to Jerusalem unto || Joachim the high priest, the son of Chelcias, son of Salem, and to the priests, and to all the people which were found with him at Jerusalem.
8 At the same time when he received the vessels of the house of the Lord, that were carried out of the temple, to return them into the land of Juda the tenth day of the month Sivan, namely, silver vessels, which Sedecias the son of Josias king of Juda had made,
9 After that Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon had carried away Jechonias, and the princes, and the captives, and the mighty men, and the people of the land from Jerusalem, and brought them unto Babylon:
† Gr. prisoners.
10 And they said, Behold we have sent you money to buy you burnt-offerings, and sin-offerings, and incense, and prepare ye || manna, and offer upon the altar of the Lord our God.
|| Or, cor-ruptly for mincha, that is, a meat-offering.
11 And pray for the life of Nabuchodonosor king
of Babylon, and for the life of Balthasar his son, that their days may be upon earth as the days of heaven,
12 And the Lord will give us strength, and lighten our eyes, and we shall live under the shadow of Nabuchodonosor king of Babylon, and under the shadow of Balthasar his son, and we shall serve them many days, and find favour in their sight.
13 Pray for us also unto the Lord our God; for we have sinned against the Lord our God; and unto this day the fury of the Lord and his wrath is not turned from us.
14 And ye shall read this book which we have sent unto you, to make confession in the house of the Lord, upon the feasts and solemn days.
15 And ye shall say, To the Lord our God be- || longeth righteousness, but unto us the confusion of faces, as it is come to pass this day unto them of Juda, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem,
|| Chap. 2. 6.
16 And to our kings, and to our princes, and to our priests, and to our prophets, and to our fathers.
17 For we have sinned before the Lord, ||
|| Dan. 9. 5.
18 And disobeyed him, and have not hearkened unto the voice of the Lord our God, to walk in the commandments that he gave us openly:
19 Since the day that the Lord brought our forefathers out of the land of Egypt, unto this present day, we have been disobedient unto the Lord our God, and we have been negligent in not hearing his voice.
20 Wherefore the evils cleaved unto us, and the curse which the Lord appointed by Moses his servant, at the time that he brought our fathers out of the land of Egypt, to give us a land that floweth with milk and honey, like as it is to see this day.
|| Deut. 28. 15.
21 Nevertheless we have not hearkened unto the voice of the Lord our God, according unto all the words of the prophets whom he sent unto us;
22 But every man followed the imagination of his own wicked heart, to serve strange gods, and to do evil in the sight of the Lord our God.
CHAP. II.
The prayer and confession which the Jews at Babylon made.

T herefore the Lord hath made good his word, which he pronounced against us, and against our judges that judged Israel, and against our kings, and against our princes, and against the men of Israel and Juda.
2 To bring upon us great plagues, such as never happened under the whole heaven, as it came to pass in Jerusalem, according to the things that were written in the law of Moses;
3 That a man should a eat the flesh of his own son, and the flesh of his own daughter.
4 Moreover, he hath delivered them to be in subjection to all the kingdoms that are round about us, to be as a reproach and desolation among all the people round about, where the Lord hath scattered them.
5 Thus we || were cast down, and not exalted, because we have sinned against the Lord our God, and have not been obedient unto his voice.
6 b To the Lord our God appertaineth righteousness: but unto us and to our fathers open shame, as appeareth this day.
7 For all these plagues are come upon us, which the Lord hath pronounced against us.
8 Yet have we not prayed before the Lord, that we might turn every one from the imaginations of his wicked heart.
9 Wherefore the Lord watched over us for evil, and the Lord hath brought it upon us: For the Lord is righteous in all his works which he hath commanded us.
10 Yet we have not hearkened unto his voice, to walk in the commandments of the Lord, that he hath set before us.
11 c And now, O Lord God of Israel, that hast brought thy people out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and high arm, and with signs, and with wonders, and with great power, and hast gotten thyself a name, as appeareth this day:
12 O Lord our God, we have sinned, we have done ungodly, † we have dealt unrighteously in all thine ordinances.
13 Let thy wrath turn from us: for we are but a few left among the heathen, where thou hast scattered us.
14 Hear our prayers, O Lord, and our petitions, and deliver us for thine own sake, and give us favour in the sight of them which have led us away:
15 That all the earth may know that thou art the Lord our God, because † Israel and his posterity is called by thy name.
16 O Lord, d look down from thy holy house, and consider us: bow down thine ear, O Lord, to hear us.
17 Open thine eyes and behold, for the e dead that are in the graves, whose || souls are taken from || their bodies, will give unto the Lord neither praise nor righteousness:
18 But the soul that is greatly vexed, which goeth stooping and feeble, and the eyes that fail, and the hungry soul will give thee praise and righteousness, O Lord.
19 f Therefore we do not make our humble supplication before thee, O Lord our God, for the righteousness of our fathers, and of our kings.
20 For thou hast sent out thy wrath and indignation upon us, as thou hast spoken by thy servants the prophets, saying,
21 g Thus saith the Lord, bow down your shoulders to serve the king of Babylon: so shall ye remain in the land that I gave unto your fathers.
22 But, if ye will not hear the voice of the Lord, to serve the king of Babylon,
23 I will cause to cease out of the cities of Juda, and from without Jerusalem, the voice of mirth, and the voice of joy, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride; and the whole land shall be desolate of inhabitants.
24 But we would not hearken unto thy voice, to serve the king of Babylon: therefore hast thou made good the words that thou spakest by thy servants the prophets, namely, that the bones of our kings, and the bones of our fathers, should be taken out of their places.
25 And lo, they are cast out to the heat of the day, and to the frost of the night, and they died in great miseries, by famine, by sword, and by pestilence.
26 And the house which is called by thy name hast thou laid waste as it is to be seen this day, for the wickedness of the house of Israel, and the house of Juda.
27 O Lord our God, thou hast dealt with us after all thy goodness, and according to all that great mercy of thine,
28 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,
29 h If ye will not hear my voice, surely || this very great multitude shall be turned into a small number among the nations where I will scatter them.
30 For I knew that they would not hear me, because it is a stiff-necked people: but, in the land of their captivities, they shall † remember themselves,
31 And shall know that I am the Lord their God: for I will give them an heart, and ears to hear:
32 And they shall praise me in the land of their captivity, and think upon my name,
33 And return from their stiff || neck, and from their wicked deeds; for they shall remember the way of their fathers, which sinned before the Lord.
34 And I will bring them again into the land which I promised with an oath unto their fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and they shall be lords of it: and I will increase them, and they shall not be diminished.
35 And I will make an everlasting covenant with them to be their God, and they shall be my people: and I will no more drive my people of Israel out of the land that I have given them.
C H A P. III.
The rest of their prayer and confession contained in that book which Baruch wrote and sent to Jerusalem, &c.
O Lord Almighty. God of Israel, the soul in anguish, the troubled spirit crieth unto thee.
2 Hear,
2 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy; for thou art merciful: and have pity upon us, because we have sinned before thee.
3 For thou endurest for ever, and we perish utterly.
4 O Lord Almighty, thou God of Israel, hear now the prayers of the dead Israelites, and of their children, which have sinned before thee, and not hearkened unto the voice of thee their God: for the which cause these plagues cleave unto us.
5 Remember not the iniquities of our forefathers; but think upon thy power and thy name now at this time.
6 For thou art the Lord our God; and thee, O Lord, will we praise.
7 And for this cause thou hast put thy fear in our hearts, to the intent that we should call upon thy name, and praise thee in our captivity: for a we have called to mind all the iniquity of our forefathers that sinned before thee.
8 Behold we are yet this day in our captivity, where thou hast scattered us for a reproach and a curse, and to be subject to payments, according to all the iniquities of our fathers, which departed from the Lord our God.
9 Hear, Israel, the commandments of life: give ear to understand wisdom.
10 How happeneth it, Israel, that thou art in thine enemies' land, that thou art waxen old in a strange country, that thou art defiled with the dead,
11 That thou art counted with them that go down into the grave?
12 Thou hast forsaken the fountain of wisdom.
13 For, if thou hadst walked in the way of God, thou shouldst have dwelled in peace for ever.
14 Learn where is wisdom, where is strength, where is understanding; that thou mayest know also where is length of days and life, where is the light of the eyes and peace.
15 b Who hath found out her place? or who hath come into her treasures?
16 Where are the princes of the heathen become and such as ruled the beasts upon the earth;
17 They that had their pastime with the fowls of the air, and they that hoarded up silver and gold, wherein men trust, and made no end of their getting?
18 For they that wrought in silver, and were so careful, and whose works are unsearchable,
19 They are vanished and gone down to the grave, and others are come up in their steads.
20 Young men have seen light, and dwelt upon the earth: but the way of knowledge have they not known,
21 Nor understood the paths thereof, nor laid hold of it: their children were far off from that way.
22 It hath not been heard of in Chanaan, neither hath it been seen in Theman.
23 The Agarenens that seek wisdom upon earth, the merchants of Meran, and of Theman, the authors of fables, and searchers out of understanding: none of these have known the way of wisdom, or remember her paths.
24 O Israel, how great is the house of God, and how large is the place of his possession!
25 Great, and hath none end; high, and unmeasurable.
26 There were the giants famous from the beginning, that were of so great stature, and so expert in war:
27 Those did not the Lord choose, neither gave he the way of knowledge unto them.
28 But they were destroyed, because they had no wisdom, and perished through their own foolishness.
29 Who hath gone up into heaven, and taken her, and brought her down from the clouds?
30 Who hath gone over the sea, and found her, and will bring her for pure gold?
31 No man knoweth her way, nor thinketh of her path.
32 But he that knoweth all things knoweth her, and hath found her out with his understanding: he that prepared the earth for evermore hath filled it with four-footed beasts;
33 He that sendeth forth light, and it goeth; calleth it again, and it obeyeth him with fear.
34 The stars shined in their watches, and rejoiced: when he calleth them, they say, Here we be; and so with cheerfulness they shewed light unto him that made them.
35 This is our God, and there shall none other be accounted of in comparison of him.
36 He hath found out all the way of knowledge, and hath given it unto Jacob his servant, and to Israel his beloved.
37 c Afterward did he shew himself upon earth, and conversed with men.
C H A P. IV.
The books of the commandments, is that wisdom which was commended in the former chapter, &c.
T HIS is the book of the commandments of God, and the law that endureth for ever: all they that keep it shall come to life; but such as leave it shall die.
2 Turn thee, O Jacob, and take hold of it; walk † in the presence of the light thereof, that thou mayest be illuminated.
3 Give not thine honour to another, nor the things that are profitable unto thee to a strange nation.
4 O Israel, happy are we; for things that are pleasing to God are made known unto us.
5 Be of good cheer, my people, the memorial of Israel.
6 Ye were sold to the nations, not for (your) destruction; but, because ye moved God to wrath, ye were delivered unto the enemies.
7 For ye provoked him that made you, by sacrificing unto devils, and not to God.
8 Ye have forgotten the everlasting God that brought you up, and ye have grieved Jerusalem that nursed you.
9 For, when she saw the wrath of God coming upon you, she said, Harken, O ye that dwell about Zion: God hath brought upon me great mourning.
10 For I saw the captivity of my sons and daughters,

daughters, which the Everlasting brought upon them.
11 With joy did I nourish them; but sent them away with weeping and mourning.
12 Let no man rejoice over me a widow, and forsaken of many, who, for the sins of my children, am left desolate: because they departed from the law of God.
13 They knew not his statutes, nor walked in the ways of his commandments, nor trode in the paths of discipline in his righteousness.
† Or, of his discipline in righteousness.
14 Let them that dwell about Zion come, and remember ye the captivity of my sons and daughters, which the Everlasting hath brought upon them.
15 For he hath brought a nation upon them from far, a shameless nation, and of a strange language, who neither revered old man, nor pitied child.
16 These have carried away the dearly-beloved children of the widow, and left her that was alone desolate without daughters.
17 But what can I help you?
18 For he that brought these plagues upon you will deliver you from the hands of your enemies.
19 Go your way, O my children, go your way: for I am left desolate.
‡ Or, prosperity.
20 I have put off the clothing of ‡ peace, and put upon me the sackcloth of my prayer: I will cry unto the Everlasting † b in my days.
† Or, in the time of mine afflictions.
‡ Psa. 116. Lord, and he shall deliver you from the power and 2. and 137. hand of the enemies.
21 Be of good cheer, O my children, cry unto the Lord, and he shall deliver you from the power and hand of the enemies.
22 For my hope is in the Everlasting that he will save you, and joy is come unto me from the holy One, because of the mercy which shall soon come unto you from the Everlasting our Saviour.
23 For I sent you out with mourning and weeping: but God will give you to me again, with joy and gladness for ever.
24 Like as now the neighbours of Zion have seen your captivity; so shall they see shortly your salvation from our God, which shall come upon you with great glory, and brightness of the Everlasting.
25 My children, suffer patiently the wrath that is come upon you from God, for thine enemy hath persecuted thee: but shortly thou shalt see his destruction, and shall tread upon his neck.
‡ Or, My darlings.
26 ‡ My delicate ones have gone rough ways, and were taken away as a flock caught of the enemies.
27 Be of good comfort, O my children, and cry unto God; for you shall be remembered of him that brought these things upon you.
28 For as it was your mind to go astray from God, so, being returned, seek him ten times more.
29 For he that hath brought these plagues upon you shall bring you everlasting joy again with your salvation.
30 Take a good heart, O Jerusalem; for he that gave thee that name will comfort thee.
31 Miserable are they that afflicted thee, and rejoiced at thy fall.
32 Miserable are the cities which thy children served: miserable is she that received thy sons.
33 For, as she rejoiced at thy ruin, and was glad
of thy fall: so shall she be grieved for her own desolation.
34 For I will take away the rejoicing of her great multitude, and her pride shall be turned into mourning.
35 For fire shall come upon her from the Everlasting, long to endure, and she shall be inhabited of devils for a great time.
36 O Jerusalem, look about thee toward the east, and behold the joy that cometh unto thee from God.
37 Lo, thy sons come, whom thou sentest away, they come gathering together from the east to the west, by the word of the holy One, rejoicing in the glory of God.
C H A P. V.
Jerusalem is moved to rejoice, &c.
PUT off, O Jerusalem, the garment of thy mourning and affliction, and put on the comeliness of the glory that cometh from God for ever.
2 Cast about thee a double garment of the righteousness which cometh from God; and set a diadem on thine head of the glory of the Everlasting.
3 For God will shew thy brightness unto every country under heaven.
4 For thy name shall be called of God for ever, The peace of righteousness, and the glory of God's worship.
5 Arise, O Jerusalem, and stand on high, and look about toward the east, and behold thy children gathered from the west unto the east by the word of the holy One, rejoicing in the remembrance of God.
6 For they departed from thee on foot, and were led away of their enemies: but God bringeth them unto thee exalted with glory, as children of the kingdom.
7 For God hath appointed that every high hill, and banks of long continuance, should be cast down, and valleys filled up, to make even the ground, that Israel may go safely in the glory of God.
8 Moreover even the woods, and every sweet smelling tree, shall overshadow Israel, by the commandment of God.
9 For God shall lead Israel with joy, in the light of his glory, with the mercy and righteousness that cometh from him.
¶ The EPISTLE of JEREMY.
C H A P. VI.
The cause of their captivity, is their sin, &c.
A Copy of an epistle which Jeremy sent unto them which were to be led captives into Babylon, by the king of the Babylonians, to certify them as it was commanded him of God.
2 Because of the sins which ye have committed before God, ye shall be led away captives into Babylon, by Nabuchodonosor king of the Babylonians.
3 So, when ye be come unto Babylon, ye shall remain there many years, and for a long season, namely, seven generations; and after that I will bring you away peaceably from thence.
4 Now shall ye see in Babylon gods of silver, and of gold, and of wood, borne upon shoulders, which cause the nations to fear.
a Psa. 115. b Isa. 44. 8. c 9. 10. and 46. 5. 7. Wis. 13. 10.
5 Beware
5 Beware therefore that ye in no wise be like to strangers, neither be ye afraid of them, when ye see the multitude before them, and behind them, worshipping them.
6 But say ye in your hearts, O Lord, we must worship thee.
7 For mine angel is with you, and I myself caring for your souls.
8 As for their tongue, it is polished by the workman, and they themselves are gilded, and laid over with gold, yet are they but false, and cannot speak.
9 And taking gold as it were for a virgin that loveth to go gay, they make crowns for the heads of their gods.
10 Sometimes also the priests convey from their gods gold and silver, and bestow it upon themselves.
† Or, which prostitute themselves openly.
11 Yea, they will give thereof to the † common harlots, and deck them as men with garments, (being) gods of silver, and gods of gold, and wood.
12 Yet cannot these gods save themselves from rust and moths, though they be covered with purple raiment.
13 They wipe their faces because of the dust of the temple, when there is much upon them.
14 And he that cannot put to death one that offendeth him, holdeth a sceptre, as though he were a jugde of the country.
15 He hath also in his right hand a dagger, and an ax: but cannot deliver himself from war and thieves:
16 Whereby they are known not to be gods: therefore fear them not.
17 For like as a vessel, that a man useth, is nothing worth when it is broken; even so it is with their gods: when they be set up in the temple, their eyes be full of dust, through the feet of them that come in.
‡ Or, courts
18 And as the ‡ doors are made sure on every side, upon him that offendeth the king, as being committed to suffer death: even so the priests make fast their temples, with doors, with locks and bars, lest their gods be spoiled with robbers.
19 They light them candles, yea, more than for themselves, whereof they cannot see one.
† Gr. licked.
20 They are as one of the beams of the temple, yet they say their hearts are † gnawed upon by things creeping out of the earth, and when they eat them and their clothes, they feel it not.
21 Their faces are black through the smoke that cometh out of the temple.
22 Upon their bodies and heads sit bats, swallows, and birds, and the cats also.
23 By this you may know that they are no gods: therefore fear them not.
24 Notwithstanding the gold that is about them to make them beautiful, except they wipe off the rust, they will not shine: for neither when they were molten did they feel it.
‡ Or, any price.
25 The things wherein there is no breath are bought for ‡ a most high price.
‡ Isa. 46. 7.
26 b They are borne upon shoulders, having no feet, whereby they declare unto men that they be nothing worth.
27 They also that serve them are ashamed: for if they fall to the ground at any time, they cannot rise up again of themselves: neither, if one set them upright, can they move of themselves: neither, if they be bowed down, can they make themselves straight: but they set † gifts before them as unto dead men.
28 As for the things that are sacrificed unto them, their priests sell and ‡ abuse: in like manner their wives lay up a part thereof in salt, but unto the poor and impotent they give nothing of it.
29 Menstruous women, and women in child-bed eat their sacrifices: by these things ye may know ‡ that they are no gods: fear them not.
30 For how can they be called gods? because women set meat before the gods of silver, gold, and wood.
31 And the priests sit in their temples, having their clothes rent, and their heads and beards shaven, and nothing upon their heads.
32 They roar and cry before their gods, as men do at the feast when one is dead.
33 The priests also take off their garments, and clothe their wives and children.
34 Whether it be evil that one doth unto them, or good, they are not able to recompense it: they can neither set up a king, nor put him down.
35 In like manner, they can neither give riches nor money: though a man make a vow unto them, and keep it not, they will not require it.
36 They can save no man from death, neither deliver the weak from the mighty.
37 They cannot restore a blind man to his sight, nor help any man in his distress.
38 They can shew no mercy to the widow, nor do good to the fatherless.
39 Their gods of wood, and which are overlaid with gold and silver, are like the stones that be hewn out of the mountain: they that worship them shall be confounded.
40 How should a man then think and say that they are gods, when even the Chaldeans themselves dishonour them?
41 Who if they shall see one dumb that cannot speak, they † bring him, and intreat Bel that he may speak, as though he were able to understand.
42 Yet they cannot understand this themselves, and leave them: for they have no ‡ knowledge.
43 The women also with cords about them, sitting in the ways, burn bran for perfume: but if any of them, drawn by some that passeth by, lie with him; she reproacheth her fellow that she was not thought as worthy as herself, nor her cord broken.
44 Whatsoever is done among them is false: how may it then be thought or said that they are gods?
45 They are made of carpenters, and goldsmiths: they can be nothing else than the workman will have them to be.
46 And they themselves that made them can never continue long; how should then the things that are made of them be gods?
47 For they lift lies and reproaches to them that come after.
48 For
† Or, bid him call upon Bel.
‡ Or, sense.

48 For when there cometh any war or plague upon them, the priests consult with themselves, where they may be hidden with them.
49 How then cannot men perceive that they be no gods, which can neither save themselves from war, nor from plague?
50 4 Psa. 115. 4 Wis. 30. 10. For, seeing they be but of wood and overlaid with silver and gold, it shall be known hereafter that they are false:
51 And it shall manifestly appear to all nations and kings that they are no gods, but the works of mens' hands, and that there is no work of God in them.
52 Who then may not know that they are no gods?
53 For neither can they set up a king in the land, nor give rain unto men.
54 Neither can they judge their own cause, nor redress a wrong, being unable: for they are as crows between heaven and earth.
55 Whereupon when fire falleth upon the house of gods of wood, or laid over with gold or silver, their priests will flee away and escape; but they themselves shall be burnt asunder like beams.
56 Moreover, they cannot withstand any king or enemies: how can it then be thought or said that they be gods?
57 Neither are those gods of wood, and laid over with silver or gold, able to escape either from thieves or robbers.
58 Whose gold, and silver, and garments where-with they are clothed, they that are strong do take, and go away withal: neither are they able to help themselves.
59 Therefore it is better to be a king that sheweth his power or else a profitable vessel in an house, which the owner shall have use of, than such false gods; or to be a door in an house, to keep such things safe as
be therein, than such false gods; or a pillar of wood in a palace, than such false gods.
60 For sun, moon, and stars being bright, and sent to do their offices, are obedient.
61 In like manner the lightening, when it breaketh forth, is easy to be seen, and † Or, the same wind. after the same manner the wind bloweth in every country.
62 And when God commandeth the clouds to go over the whole world, they do as they are bidden.
63 And the fire sent from above, to consume hills and woods, doth as it is commanded: but these are like unto them neither in shew nor power.
64 Wherefore it is neither to be supposed nor said, that they are gods, seeing they are able neither to judge causes, nor to do good unto men.
65 Knowing therefore that they are no gods, fear them not.
66 For they can neither curse nor bless kings.
67 Neither can they shew signs in the heavens among the heathen, nor shine as the sun, nor give light as the moon.
68 The beasts are better than they: for they can get under a covert, and help themselves.
69 It is then by no means manifest unto us that they are gods: therefore fear them not.
70 For as a scarecrow in a garden of cucumbers keepeth nothing: so are their gods of wood, and laid over with silver and gold.
71 And likewise their gods of wood, and laid over with silver and gold, are like to a white thorn in an orchard, that every bird sitteth upon; as also to a dead body that is cast into the dark.
72 And you shall know them to be no gods, by the || Or, purple bright purple that rotteth upon them: and they themselves afterwards shall be eaten and shall be a and bright- reproach in the country.
73 Better therefore is the just man that hath none idols: for he shall be far from reproach.
¶ The SONG of the three holy Children, which followeth in the third Chapter of DANIEL after this place— fell down bound into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. That which followeth is not in the Hebrew, to wit, And they walked —unto these words, Then Nebuchadnezzar —verse 24.
2 Azarias his prayer and confession in the flame, &c.
AND they walked in the midst of the fire, praising God, and blessing the Lord.
2 Then Azarias stood up, and prayed on this manner; and, opening his mouth in the midst of the fire, said,
3 Blessed art thou, O Lord God of our fathers: thy name is worthy to be praised and glorified for evermore.
4 For thou art righteous in all the things that thou hast done to us: yea, true are all thy works, thy ways are right, and ¶ Psa. 25. 10. all thy judgments truth.
5 In all the things that thou hast brought upon us and upon the holy city of our fathers, even Je-
rusalem, thou hast executed true judgment: for according to truth and judgment didst thou bring all these things upon us, because of our sins.
6 For we have sinned, and committed iniquity, departing from thee.
7 In all things have we trespassed, and not obeyed thy commandments, nor kept them, neither done as thou hast commanded us, that it might go well with us.
8 Wherefore all that thou hast brought upon us, and every thing that thou hast done to us, thou hast done in true judgment.
9 And thou didst deliver us into the hands of lawless enemies, most hateful forsakers of God, and to
to an unjust king, and the most wicked in all the world.
10 And now we cannot open our mouths, we are become a shame and reproach to thy servants, and to them that worship thee.
11 Yet deliver us not up wholly, for thy name's sake, neither disannul thou thy covenant;
12 And cause not thy mercy to depart from us, for thy beloved Abraham's sake, for thy servant Isaac's sake, and for thy holy Israel's sake;
13 To whom thou hast spoken and promised, That thou wouldst multiply their seed as the stars of heaven, and as the sand that lieth upon the sea-shore.
14 For we, O Lord, are become less than any nation, and be kept under this day in all the world, because of our sins.
15 Neither is there at this time prince, or prophet, or leader, or burnt-offering, or sacrifice, or oblation, or incense, or place to sacrifice before thee, and to find mercy.
16 Nevertheless, in a contrite heart, and an humble spirit, let us be accepted.
17 Like as in the burnt-offerings of rams and bullocks, and like as in ten thousands of fat lambs; so let our sacrifice be in thy sight this day, and grant that we may wholly go after thee: for they shall not be confounded that put their trust in thee.
18 And now, we follow thee with all our heart; we fear thee, and seek thy face.
19 Put us not to shame; but deal with us after thy loving kindness, and according to the multitude of thy mercies.
20 Deliver us also according to thy marvellous works, and give glory to thy name, O Lord; and let all them that do thy servants hurt be ashamed;
21 And let them be confounded || Or, by thy power and might. in all their power and might, and let their strength be broken;
22 And let them know that thou art Lord, the only God, and glorious over the whole world.
23 And the king's servants, that put them in, ceased not to make the oven hot with † Or, naphtha, which is a certain kind of fat and chalky clay. Plin. lib. 2. cap. 105. rosin, pitch, tow, and small wood;
24 So that the flame streamed forth above the furnace forty and nine cubits.
25 And it passed through and burned those Chaldeans it found about the furnace.
26 But the angel of the Lord came down into the oven, together with Azarias and his fellows, and smote the flame of the fire out of the oven;
27 And made the mids of the furnace as it had been a || Or, cool. moist whistling wind, so that the fire touched them not at all, neither hurt nor troubled them.
28 Then the three, as out of one mouth, praised, glorified, and blessed God in the furnace, saying,
29 Blessed art thou, O Lord God of our fathers: and to be praised and exalted above all for ever.
30 And blessed is thy glorious and holy name: and to be praised and exalted above all for ever.
31 Blessed art thou in the temple of thine holy glory: and to be praised and glorified above all for ever.
32 Blessed art thou that beholdest the depths, and sittest upon the cherubims: and to be praised, and exalted above all for ever.
33 Blessed art thou on the glorious throne of thy kingdom: and to be praised and glorified above all for ever.
34 Blessed art thou in the firmament of heaven: and above all to be praised and glorified for ever.
35 O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: praise and † Or, highly exalt: and join the rest b Psa. 148. exalt him above all for ever.
36 O ye heavens, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
37 O ye angels of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
38 O all ye waters that be above the heaven, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
39 O all ye powers of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
40 O ye sun and moon, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
41 O ye stars of heaven, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
42 O every shower and dew, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
43 O all ye winds, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
44 O ye fire and heat, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
45 O ye winter and summer, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
46 O ye dews and storms of snow, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
47 O ye nights and days, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
48 O ye light and darkness, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
49 O ye ice and cold, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
50 O ye frost and snow, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
51 O ye lightnings and clouds, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
52 O let the earth bless the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
53 O ye mountains and little hills, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
54 O all ye things that grow on the earth, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
55 O ye fountains bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
56 O ye seas and rivers, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
57 O ye whales, and all that move in the waters, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
58 O all ye fowls of the || Gr heaven air, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
59 O all ye beasts and cattle, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
60 O ye children of men, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.

61 O Israel, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
62 O ye priests of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
63 O ye servants of the Lord, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
64 O ye spirits and souls of the righteous, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
† Or, faints. 65 O ye † holy and humble men of heart, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever.
66 O Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, bless ye the Lord: praise and exalt him above all for ever: for he hath delivered us from || hell, and saved us from || Or, the hand of death, and delivered us out of the midst || grave. of the furnace, and burning flame: even out of the midst of the fire hath he delivered us.
67 O give thanks unto the Lord, because he is gracious: for his mercy endureth for ever.
68 O all ye that worship the Lord, bless the God of gods, praise him, and give him thanks: for his mercy endureth for ever.
¶ The History of SUSANNA, set apart from the beginning of DANIEL, because it is not in the Hebrew, as neither the narration of || BEL and the DRAGON.
|| Gr. Bel's dragon.
16 Two judges hide themselves in the garden of Susanna to have their pleasure of her, &c.
THERE dwelt a man in Babylon, called Joacim:
2 And he took a wife whose name was Susanna, the daughter of Chelcias, a very fair woman, and one that feared the Lord.
3 Her parents also were righteous, and taught their daughter according to the law of Moses.
4 Now Joacim was a great rich man, and had a fair garden joining unto his house, and to him resorted the Jews; because he was more honourable than all others.
5 ¶ The same year were appointed two of the ancients of the people to be judges, such as the Lord spake of, that wickedness came from Babylon from ancient judges, who seemed to govern the people.
6 These kept much at Joacim's house; and all that had any suits in law came unto them.
7 Now when the people departed away at noon, Susanna went into her husband's garden to walk.
8 And the two elders saw her going in every day, and walking; so that their lust was inflamed toward her.
9 And they perverted their own mind, and turned away their eyes, that they might not look unto heaven, nor remember just judgments.
10 And, albeit they both were wounded with her love, yet durst not one shew another his grief.
11 For they were ashamed to declare their lust, that they desired to have to do with her.
12 Yet they watched diligently from day to day to see her.
13 And the one said to the other, Let us now go home; for it is dinner time.
14 So, when they were gone out, they parted the one from the other, and, turning back again, they came to the same place, and, after that they had asked one another the cause, they acknowledged their lust: then appointed they a time both together, when they might find her alone.
15 ¶ And it fell out as they watched a fit time, she went in † as before, with two maids only, and she was desirous to wash herself in the garden; for it was hot. † Gr. as yesterday and the day before.
16 And there was no body there save the two elders that had hid themselves, and watched her.
17 Then she said to her maids, Bring me oil and washing-balls, and shut the garden doors, that I may wash me.
18 And they did as she bade them, and shut the garden-doors, and went out themselves at || privy- || Or, side- doors to fetch the things that she had commanded doors. them; but they saw not the elders, because they were hid.
19 Now when the maids were gone forth, the two elders rose up, and ran unto her, saying,
20 Behold, the garden-doors are shut that no man can see us, and we are in love with thee, therefore consent unto us, and lie with us.
21 If thou wilt not, we will bear witness against thee, that a young man was with thee; and therefore thou didst send away thy maids from thee.
22 Then Susanna sighed, and said, I am straitened on every side; for, if I do this thing, it is death unto me: and, if I do it not, I cannot escape your hands.
23 It is better for me to fall into your hands, and not do it, than to sin in the sight of the Lord.
24 With that Susanna cried with a loud voice; and the two elders cried out against her.
25 Then ran the one, and opened the garden-door.
26 So, when the servants of the house heard the cry in the garden, they rushed in at a privy-door, to see what was done unto her.
27 But, when the elders had declared their matter, the servants were greatly ashamed: for there was never such a report made of Susanna.
28 And it came to pass the next day, when the people were assembled to her husband Joacim, the two elders came also full of mischievous imagination against Susanna to put her to death;
29 And said before the people, Send for Susanna, the daughter of Chelcias, Joacim's wife. And so they sent.
30 So she came with her father and mother, her children, and all her kindred.
31 Now Susanna was a very delicate woman, and beauteous to behold.
32 And
32 And these wicked men commanded to uncover her face, (for she was covered,) that they might be filled with her beauty.
33 Therefore her friends, and all that saw her, wept.
34 Then the two elders stood up in the midst of the people, and laid their hands upon her head.
35 And she, weeping, looked up towards heaven: for her heart trusted in the Lord.
36 And the elders said, As we walked in the garden alone, this woman came in with two maids, and shut the garden-doors, and sent the maids away.
37 Then a young man, who was there hid, came unto her, and lay with her.
38 Then we that stood in a corner of the garden, seeing this wickedness, ran unto them.
39 And, when we saw them together, the man we could not hold: for he was stronger than we, and opened the door, and leaped out.
40 But, having taken this woman, we asked who the young man was, but she would not tell us: these things do we testify.
41 Then the assembly believed them, as those that were the elders and judges of the people: so they condemned her to death.
42 Then Susanna cried out with a loud voice, and said, O everlasting God, that knowest the secrets, and knowest all things before they be;
43 Thou knowest that they have borne false witness against me, and behold, I must die, whereas, I never did such things as these men have maliciously invented against me.
44 And the Lord heard her voice.
45 Therefore, when she was led to be put to death, the Lord raised up the holy spirit of a young youth, whose name was Daniel,
46 Who cried with a loud voice, I am clear from the blood of this woman.
47 Then all the people turned them toward him, and said, What mean these words that thou hast spoken?
48 So he, standing in the midst of them, said, Are ye such fools, ye sons of Israel, that, without examination, or knowledge of the truth, ye have condemned a daughter of Israel?
49 Return again to the place of judgment: for they have borne false witness against her.
50 Wherefore all the people turned again in haste, and the elders said unto him, Come, sit down among us, and shew it us, seeing God hath given thee the honour of an elder.
51 Then said Daniel unto them, Put these two aside one far from another, and I will examine them.
52 So, when they were put asunder one from another, he called one of them, and said unto him, O thou that art waxen old in wickedness, now thy sins which thou hast committed aforetime are come to light:
53 For thou hast pronounced false judgment, and hast condemned the innocent, and hast let the guilty go free, albeit the Lord saith, The innocent and ‡ Exod. 23. righteous shalt thou not slay.
54 Now then, if thou hast seen her, tell me, Under what tree sawest thou them companying together? Who answered, Under a ‡ mastick-tree.
55 And Daniel said, Very well; thou hast lied ‡ Gr. lentisk against thine own head: for even now the angel of tree. God hath received the sentence of God to cut thee in two.
56 So he put him aside, and commanded to bring the other, and said unto him, O thou son of Chanaan, and not of Juda, beauty hath deceived thee, and lust hath perverted thine heart.
57 Thus have ye dealt with the daughters of Israel, and they for fear companied with you: but the daughter of Juda would not abide your wickedness.
58 Now therefore tell me, Under what tree didst thou take them companying together? Who answered, Under a ‡ holm-tree.
59 Then said Daniel unto him, Well; thou hast ‡ Or, kind of oak. also lied against thine own head: for the angel of God waiteth with the sword to cut thee in two, that he may destroy you.
60 With that all the assembly cried out with a loud voice, and praised God who saveth them that trust in him.
61 And they arose against the two elders, (for Daniel had convicted them of false witness by their own mouth,)
62 And, according to the law of Moses, ‡ they did ‡ Deut. 19. unto them in such sort as they maliciously intended ‡ Prov. 19. 5. to do to their neighbour: and they put them to death. Thus the innocent blood was saved the same day.
63 Therefore Chelcias and his wife praised God for their daughter Susanna, with Joacim her husband, and all the kindred, because there was no dishonesty found in her.
64 From that day forth was Daniel had in great reputation in the sight of all the people.
|| Gr. Bel's dragon. ¶ The History of the Destruction of || BEL and the DRAGON, cut off from the end of DANIEL.
19 The fraud of Bel's priests is discovered by Daniel, 27 and the Dragon slain which was worshipped, &c.
AND king Astyages was gathered to his fathers, and Cyrus of Persia received his kingdom.
2 And Daniel ‡ conversed with the king, and was ‡ Or, lived with the king. honoured above all his friends.
3 Now the Babylonians had an idol called Bel, and there was spent upon him every day twelve great measures of fine flour, and forty sheep, and six vessels of wine.
4 And the king worshipped it, and went daily to adore it: but Daniel worshipped his own God. And the king said unto him, Why dost thou not worship Bel?
O 2 5 Who

5 Who answered and said, Because I may not worship idols made with hands, but the living God, who hath created the heaven and the earth, and hath sovereignty over all flesh.
6 Then said the king unto him, Thinkest thou not that Bel is a living god? seest thou not how much he eateth and drinketh every day?
7 Then Daniel smiled, and said, O king, be not deceived; for this is but clay within, and bras without; and did never eat or drink any thing.
8 So the king was wroth, and called for his priests, and said unto them, If ye tell me not who this is that devoureth these expences, ye shall die.
9 But if ye can certify me that Bel devoureth them, then Daniel shall die: for he hath spoken blasphemy against Bel. And Daniel said unto the king, let it be according to thy word.
10 Now the priests of Bel were threescore and ten, beside their wives and children: and the king went with Daniel into the temple of Bel.
11 So Bel's priests said, Lo, we go out: but thou, O king, set on the meat, and make ready the wine, and shut the door fast, and seal it with thine own signet.
12 And to-morrow, when thou comest in, if thou findest not that Bel hath eaten up all, we will suffer death; or else Daniel, that speaketh falsely against us.
13 And they little regarded it; for under the table they had made a privy entrance, whereby they entered in continually, and consumed those things.
14 So, when they were gone forth, the king set meats before Bel. Now Daniel had commanded his servants to bring ashes, and those they strewed throughout all the temple, in the presence of the king alone: then went they out, and shut the door, and sealed it with the king's signet, and so departed.
15 Now, in the night, came the priests with their wives and children, (as they were wont to do,) and did eat and drink up all.
16 In the morning betime the king arose, and Daniel with him.
17 And the king said, Daniel, are the seals whole? And he said, Yes, O king, they be whole.
18 And, as soon as he had opened the door, the king looked upon the table, and cried with a loud voice, Great art thou, O Bel, and with thee is no deceit at all.
19 Then laughed Daniel, and held the king that he should not go in, and said, Behold now the pavement, and mark well whose footsteps are these.
20 And the king said, I see the footsteps of men, women, and children. And then the king was angry.
21 And took the priests, with their wives and children, who shewed him the privy-doors where they came in, and consumed such things as were upon the table.
22 Therefore the king flew them, and delivered Bel into Daniel's power, who destroyed him and his temple.
23 ¶ And in that same place there was a great dragon, which they of Babylon worshipped.
24 And the king said unto Daniel, Wilt thou also say that this is of bras? lo, he liveth, he eateth, and drinketh; thou canst not say that he is no living god: therefore worship him.
25 Then said Daniel unto the king, I will worship the Lord my God: for he is the living God.
26 But give me leave O king, and I shall slay this dragon without sword or staff. The king said, I give thee leave.
27 Then Daniel took pitch, and fat, and hair, and did seethe them together, and made lumps thereof: this he put in the dragon's mouth, and so the dragon burst in sunder: and Daniel said, Lo, these are the gods you worship.
28 When they of Babylon heard that, they took great indignation, and conspired against the king, saying, The king is become a Jew, and he hath destroyed Bel, he hath slain the dragon, and put the priests to death.
29 So they came to the king, and said, Deliver us Daniel, or else we will destroy thee and thine house.
30 Now, when the king saw that they pressed him sore; being constrained, he delivered Daniel unto them.
31 Who cast him into the lions' den; where he was six days.
32 And in the den there were seven lions, and they had given them every day two carcases, and two sheep: which then were not given to them, to the intent they might devour Daniel.
33 Now there was in Jewry a prophet called Habbacuc, who had made pottage, and had broken bread in a bowl: and was going into the field, for to bring it to the reapers.
34 But the angel of the Lord said unto Habbacuc, Go carry the dinner that thou hast into Babylon: unto Daniel, who is in the lions' den.
35 And Habbacuc said, Lord, I never saw Babylon: neither do I know where the den is.
36 Then the angel of the Lord took him by the crown, and bare him by the hair of his head, and through the vehemency of his spirit, set him in Babylon over the den.
37 And Habbacuc cried, saying, O Daniel, Daniel, take the dinner which God hath sent thee.
38 And Daniel said, Thou hast remembered me, O God: neither hast thou forsaken them that seek thee, and love thee.
39 So Daniel arose, and did eat: and the angel of the Lord set Habbacuc in his own place again immediately.
40 Upon the seventh day the king went to bewail Daniel: and, when he came to the den, he looked in, and behold, Daniel was sitting.
41 Then cried the king with a loud voice, saying, Great art thou, O Lord God of Daniel, and there is none other beside thee.
42 And he drew him out, and cast those that were the cause of his destruction into the den: and they were devoured in a moment before his face.
¶ The
¶ The Prayer of MANASSE King of Juda, when he was holden captive in Babylon.
Before CHRIST cir. 676.
O LORD, Almighty God of our fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and of their righteous seed: who hast made heaven and earth, with all the ornaments thereof; who hast bound the sea by the word of thy commandment; who hast shut up the deep, and sealed it by thy terrible and glorious name; whom all men fear, and tremble before thy power; for the majesty of thy glory cannot be borne, and thine angry threatening towards sinners is importable: but thy merciful promise is unmeasurable and unsearchable; for thou art the most high Lord, of great compassion, long-suffering, very merciful, and repentest of the evils of men. Thou, O Lord, according to thy great goodness, hast promised repentance and forgiveness to them that have sinned against thee: and of thine infinite mercies hast appointed repentance unto sinners that they may be saved. Thou therefore, O Lord, that art the God of the just, hast not appointed repentance to the just, as to Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, which have not sinned against thee; but thou hast appointed repentance unto me that am a sinner: for I have sinned above the number of the sands of the sea. My transgressions, O Lord, are multiplied; my transgressions are multiplied, and I am not worthy to behold and see the height of heaven, for the multitude of mine iniquities. I am bowed down with many iron bands, that I cannot lift up mine head, † neither have any release: for I have provoked thy wrath, and done evil before thee, I did not thy will, neither kept I thy commandments: I have set up abominations, and have multiplied offences. Now therefore I bow the knee of mine heart, beseeching thee of grace: I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned, and I acknowledge mine iniquities: wherefore I humbly beseech thee forgive me, O Lord forgive me, and destroy me not with mine iniquities. Be not angry with me for ever, by reserving evil for me; neither condemn me into the lower parts of the earth. For thou art the God, even the God of them that repent: and in me thou wilt shew all thy goodness; for thou wilt save me that am unworthy, according to thy great mercy. Therefore I will praise thee for ever all the days of my life: for all the powers of the heavens do praise thee, and thine is the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
† Or, neither take my breath.
¶ The First Book of the MACCABEES.
CHAP. I.
14 Antiochus gave leave to set up the fashions of the Gentiles in Jerusalem, 22 and spoiled it, and the temple in it, &c.
A ND it happened, after that Alexander son of Philip, the Macedonian, who came out of the land of † Chettiim, had smitten Darius king of the Persians and Medes, that he reigned in his stead, the first over Greece,
2 And made many wars, and won many strong holds, and flew the kings of the earth,
3 And went through to the ends of the earth, and took spoils of many nations, insomuch that the earth was quiet before him; whereupon ‡ he was exalted,
4 And he gathered a mighty strong host, and ruled over countries, and nations, and † kings, who became tributaries unto him.
5 And after these things he fell sick, and perceived that he should die.
6 Wherefore he called his servants, such as were honourable, and had been brought up with him from his youth, and parted his kingdom among them, while he was yet alive.
7 So Alexander reigned twelve years, and then died.
8 And his servants bare rule every one in his place.
9 And, after his death, they all put crowns upon themselves; so did their sons after them many years; and evils were multiplied in the earth.
10 And there came out of them a wicked root,
† Gr. Chettiim.
‡ Or, his heart was lifted up.
† Or, king.
became, &c.
‡ Or, that he dieth.
323.
Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, son of Antiochus the king, who had been an hostage at Rome, and he reigned in the hundred and thirty and seventh year of the kingdom of the Greeks.
11 In those days went there out of Israel wicked men, who persuaded many, saying, Let us go, and make a covenant with the heathen that are round about us: for since we departed from them † we have had much sorrow.
12 So this device pleased them well.
13 Then certain of the people were so forward herein, that they went to the king, who gave them licence to do after the ordinances of the heathen:
14 Whereupon they ‡ built a place of exercise at Jerusalem, according to the customs of the heathen:
15 And made themselves uncircumcised, and forsook the holy covenant, and joined themselves to the heathen, and were sold to do mischief.
16 Now when the kingdom was established before Antiochus, he thought to reign over Egypt, that he might have the dominion of two realms.
17 Wherefore he entered into Egypt with a great multitude, with chariots, and elephants, and horsemen, and a great navy.
18 And made war against Ptolemee king of Egypt: but Ptolemee was afraid of him, and fled; and many were wounded to death.
19 Thus they got the strong cities in the land of Egypt, and he took the spoils thereof.
20 And, after that Antiochus had smitten Egypt,
Before CHRIST cir. 176.
175.
174.
† Gr. many evils have found us.
‡ Or, set up an open school at Jerusalem.
170.
he

Before CHRIST cir. 170. He returned again in the hundred forty and third year, and went up against Israel and Jerusalem with a great multitude.
21 And entered proudly into the sanctuary, and took away the golden altar, and the candlestick of light, and all the vessels thereof.
22 And the table of the shew-bread, and the pouring-vessels, and the vials, and the censers of gold, and the vail, and the crowns, and the golden ornaments of the temple, || all which he pulled off.
23 He took also the silver and the gold, and the precious vessels: also he took the hidden treasures which he found.
24 And when he had taken all away, he went into his own land, having made a great massacre, and spoken very proudly.
25 Therefore there was great mourning in Israel, in every place where they were;
26 So that the princes and elders mourned, the virgins and young men were made feeble, and the beauty of women was changed.
27 Every bridegroom took up lamentation, and she that sat in the marriage-chamber was in heaviness.
28 The land also was moved for the inhabitants thereof, and all the house of Jacob was covered with confusion.
29 And, after two years fully expired, the king sent his chief collector of tribute unto the cities of Juda, who came unto Jerusalem with a great multitude,
30 And spake peaceable words unto them, but all was deceit: for, when they had given him credence, he fell suddenly upon the city, and smote it very sore, and destroyed much people of Israel.
31 And, when he had taken the spoils of the city, he set it on fire, and pulled down the houses and walls thereof on every side.
32 But the women and children took they captive, and possessed the cattle.
33 Then builded they the city of David with a great and strong wall, and with mighty towers; and made it a strong hold for them.
34 And they put therein a sinful nation, wicked men, and fortified themselves therein.
35 They stored it also with armour, and victuals, and, when they had gathered together the spoils of Jerusalem, they laid them up there, and so they became a sore snare:
36 For it was a place to lie in wait against the sanctuary, and an evil adversary to Israel.
37 Thus they shed innocent blood on every side of the sanctuary, and defiled it:
38 Inasmuch that the inhabitants of Jerusalem fled because of them: whereupon the city was made an habitation of strangers, and became strange to those that were born in her, and her own children left her.
39 Her sanctuary was laid waste like a wilderness, her feasts were turned into mourning, her sabbaths into reproach, her honour into contempt.
40 As had been her glory, so was her dishonour
increased, and her excellency was turned into mourning.
41 Moreover king Antiochus wrote to his whole kingdom, that all should be one people,
42 And every one should leave his laws: so all the heathen agreed, according to the commandment of the king.
43 Yea, many also of the Israelites consented to his religion, and sacrificed unto idols, and profaned the sabbath.
44 For the king had sent letters by messengers unto Jerusalem, and the cities of Juda, that they should follow || the strange laws of the land,
45 And forbid burnt-offerings, and sacrifice, and drink-offerings in the temple; and that they should profane the sabbaths, and festival-days:
46 And pollute the sanctuary and holy people:
47 Set up altars, and groves, and chapels of idols, and sacrifice swine's flesh, and unclean beasts:
48 That they should also leave their children uncircumcised, and make their souls abominable with all manner of uncleanness, and profanation.
49 To the end that they might forget the law, and change all the ordinances.
50 And whosoever would not do according to the commandment of the king, he said he should die.
51 In the self-same manner wrote he to his whole kingdom, and appointed overseers, over all the people, commanding the cities of Juda to sacrifice, city by city.
52 Then many of the people were gathered unto them, to wit, every one that forsook the law, and so they committed evils in the land;
53 And drove the Israelites into secret places, even where soever they could flee for succour.
54 Now the fifteenth day of the month Casleu, in the hundred forty and fifth year they set up the abomination of desolation upon the altar, and builded idol-altars throughout the cities of Juda, on every side;
55 And burnt incense at the doors of their houses, and in the streets.
56 And, when they had rent in pieces the books of the law, which they found, they burnt them with fire.
57 And where soever was found with any the book of the testament, or if any consented to the law, the king's commandment was, that they should put him to death.
58 Thus did they, by their authority, unto the Israelites every month, to as many as were found in the cities.
59 Now, the five and twentieth day of the month, they did sacrifice upon the idol-altar which was upon the altar of God.
60 At which time, according to the commandment, they put to death certain women, that had caused their children to be circumcised.
61 And they hanged the infants about their necks, and rifled their houses, and slew them that had circumcised them.
62 Howbeit, many in Israel were fully resolved and confirmed in themselves, not to eat any unclean thing.
63 Wherefore
Before CHRIST cir. 168.
Before CHRIST cir. 167.
63 Wherefore they chose rather to die, that they might not be defiled with meats, and that they might not profane the holy covenant: so then they died.
64 And there was very great wrath upon Israel.
CHAP. II.
6 Mattathias lamenteth the case of Jerusalem, &c.
168. IN those days || arose Mattathias the son of John, the son of Simeon, a priest of the sons of Joarib, from Jerusalem, and dwelt in Modin.
2 And he had five sons, Joannan + called || Caddis:
3 Simon, called Thassi:
4 Judas, who is called Maccabeus:
5 Eleazar, called + Avaran, and Jonathan, whose surname was Apphus.
6 And, when he saw the blasphemies that were committed in Juda and Jerusalem,
7 He said, Wo is me, wherefore was I born to see this misery of my people, and of the holy city, and to dwell there, when it was delivered into the hand of the enemy, and the sanctuary into the hand of strangers?
8 Her temple is become as a man without glory.
9 Her glorious vessels are carried away into captivity, her infants are slain in the streets, her young men with the sword of the enemy.
10 What nation hath not had a part in her kingdom, and gotten of her spoils?
11 All her ornaments are taken away, of a free-woman she is become a bond-slave.
12 And behold, our || sanctuary, even our beauty and our glory, is laid waste, and the Gentiles have profaned it.
13 To what end therefore shall we live any longer?
14 Then Mattathias and his sons rent their clothes, and put on sackcloth, and mourned very sore.
15 In the mean while the king's officers, such as compelled the people to revolt, came into the city Modin, to make them sacrifice.
16 And, when many of Israel came unto them, Mattathias also and his sons came together.
17 Then answered the king's officers, and said to Mattathias on this wise, Thou art a ruler, and an honourable and great man in this city, and strengthened with sons and brethren:
18 Now therefore come thou first, and fulfil the king's commandment, like as all the heathen have done, yea, and the men of Juda also, and such as remain at Jerusalem: so shalt thou and thy house be in the number of the king's friends, and thou and thy children shall be honoured with silver, and gold, and many rewards.
19 Then Mattathias answered, and spake with a loud voice, Though all the nations that are under the king's dominion obey him, and fall away every one from the religion of their fathers, and give consent to his commandments:
20 Yet will I, and my sons, and my brethren, walk in the covenant of our fathers.
21 God forbid that we should forsake the law and the ordinances.
22 We will not hearken to the king's words, to go
from our religion, either to the right hand, or the left.
23 Now, when he had left speaking these words, there came one of the Jews in the sight of all, to sacrifice on the altar which was at Modin, according to the king's commandment.
24 Which thing when Mattathias saw, he was inflamed with zeal, and his reins trembled, neither could he forbear to shew his anger according to judgment: wherefore he ran, and slew him upon the altar.
25 Also the king's commissioner, who compelled men to sacrifice, he killed at that time, and the altar he pulled down.
26 Thus dealt he zealously for the law of God, like as Phinees did unto Zambri the son of Salom.
27 And Mattathias cried throughout the city with a loud voice, saying, Whosoever is zealous of the law, and maintaineth the covenant, let him follow me.
28 So he and his sons fled into the mountains, and left all that ever they had in the city.
29 Then many, that sought after justice and judgment, went down into the wilderness, to dwell there:
30 Both they, and their children, and their wives, and their cattle, because || afflictions increased fore upon them.
31 Now, when it was told the king's servants, and the host that was at Jerusalem, in the city of David, that certain men, who had broken the king's commandment, were gone down into the secret places in the wilderness,
32 They pursued after them, a great number, and, having overtaken them, they encamped against them, and made war against them on the sabbath-day.
33 And they said unto them, Let that which you have done hitherto suffice; come forth, and do according to the commandment of the king, and you shall live.
34 But they said, We will not come forth, neither will we do the king's commandment, to profane the sabbath-day.
35 So then they gave + them the battle with all speed.
36 Howbeit, they answered them not, neither cast they a stone at them, nor stopped the places where they lay hid;
37 But said, Let us die all in our || innocence: heaven and earth shall testify for us, that you put us to death wrongfully.
38 So they rose up against them in battle on the sabbath, and they slew them with their wives and children, and their cattle to the number of a thousand + people.
39 Now when Mattathias and his friends understood thereof, they mourned for them right sore.
40 And one of them said to another, If we all do as our brethren have done, and fight not for our lives and laws against the heathen, they will now quickly root us out of the earth.
41 At that time therefore they decreed, saying, Whosoever shall come to make battle with us on the sabbath-day,
Before CHRIST cir. 168.
|| Or, the laws and rites of the strangers of the land.
|| Or, holy thing.
|| Gr. And they made Israel hide themselves in holes in every place of succour.
|| Gr. the king's commandment put him to death.
|| Gr. that had circumcised their children.
167.
a Num. 25.
|| Gr. sit, or abide.
|| Gr. evils were multiplied upon them.
|| Or, the Jews.
|| Gr. innocence: heaven and earth shall testify for us, that you put us to death wrongfully.
|| Gr. souls of men.

Before CHRIST 168. sabbath-day, we will fight against him, neither will we die all, as our brethren that were murdered in the secret places.
42 Then there came unto him a company of Assideans, who were mighty men of Israel, even all such as were voluntarily devoted unto the law.
43 Also all they that fled for persecution joined themselves unto them, and were a stay unto them.
44 So they joined their forces, and smote sinful men in their anger, and wicked men in their wrath: but the rest fled to the heathen for succour.
45 Then Mattathias and his friends went round about, and pulled down the altars.
46 And what children soever they found within the coast of Israel uncircumcised, those they circumcised † valiantly.
47 They pursued also after the proud men, and the work prospered in their hands.
48 So they recovered the law out of the hand of the Gentiles, and out of the hand of kings, neither ‖ suffered they the sinner to triumph.
49 Now, when the time drew near that Mattathias should die, he said unto his sons, Now hath pride and rebuke gotten strength, and the time of destruction, and the wrath of indignation:
50 Now therefore, my sons, be ye zealous for the law, and give your lives for the covenant of your fathers.
51 Call to remembrance what acts our fathers did in their † time, so shall ye receive great honour, and an everlasting name.
52 b Was not Abraham found faithful in temptation, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness?
53 c Joseph, in the time of his distress, kept the commandment, and was made Lord of Egypt.
54 d Phinees our father, in being zealous and fervent, obtained the covenant of an everlasting priesthood.
55 e Jesus for fulfilling the word was made a judge in Israel.
56 f Caleb, for bearing witness before the congregation, received the heritage of the land.
57 g David, for being merciful, possessed the throne of an everlasting kingdom.
58 h Elias, for being zealous and fervent for the law, was taken up into heaven.
59 i Ananias, Azarias, and Misael, by believing, were saved out of the flame.
60 k Daniel for his innocence, was delivered from the mouth of lions.
61 And thus consider ye throughout all ages, that none that put their trust in him shall be overcome.
62 Fear not then the words of a sinful man: for his glory shall be dung and worms.
63 To-day he shall be lifted up, and to-morrow he shall not be found, because he is returned into his dust, and his thought is come to nothing.
64 Wherefore, ye my sons, be valiant, and shew yourselves men in the behalf of the law, for by it shall you obtain glory.
65 And behold, I know that your brother Simon is a man of counsel, give ear unto him alway: he shall be a father unto you.
66 As for Judas Maccabeus, he hath been mighty and strong, even from his youth up: let him be your captain, and ‖ fight the battle of the people.
67 Take also unto you all those that observe the law, and avenge ye the wrong of your people.
68 Recompense fully the heathen, and take heed to the commandments of the law.
69 So he blessed them, and was gathered to his fathers.
70 And he died in the hundred forty and sixth year, and his sons buried him in the sepulchres of his fathers at Modin, and all Israel made great lamentation for him.
CHAP. III.
1 The valour and fame of Judas Maccabeus, &c. T hen his son Judas, called Maccabeus, rose up in his stead.
2 And all his brethren helped him, and so did all they that held with his father, and they fought with cheerfulness the battle of Israel.
3 So he gat his people great honour, and put on a breast-plate as a giant, and girt his warlike harness about him, and he made battles, protecting the host with his sword.
4 In his acts he was like a lion, and like a lion's whelp, roaring for his prey.
5 For he pursued the wicked, and sought them out, and burnt up those that vexed his people.
6 Wherefore the wicked thrunk for fear of him, and all the workers of iniquity were troubled, because salvation prospered in his hand.
7 He grieved also many kings, and made Jacob glad with his acts, and his memorial is blessed for ever.
8 Moreover he went through the cities of Juda, destroying the ungodly out of them, and turning away wrath from Israel.
9 So that he was renowned unto the utmost part of the earth, and he † received unto him such as were ready to perish.
10 Then Apollonius gathered the Gentiles together, and a great host out of Samaria, to fight against Israel.
11 Which thing when Judas perceived, he went forth to meet him, and so he smote him, and slew him: many also fell down slain; but the rest fled.
12 Wherefore Judas took their spoils, and Apollonius' sword also, and therewith he fought all his life long.
13 Now when Seron, a prince of the army of Syria, heard say that Judas had gathered unto him a multitude and company of the faithful, to go out with him to war.
14 He said, I will get me a name and honour in the kingdom, for I will go fight with Judas, and them that are with him, who despise the king's commandment.
15 So he made him ready to go up, and there went with him a mighty host of the ungodly to help him, and to be avenged of the children of Israel.
16 And when he came near to the going up of Beth-horon, Judas went forth to meet him with a small company.
17 Who,
Before CHRIST cir. 166. 17 Who, when they saw the host coming to meet them, said unto Judas, How shall we be able, being so few, to fight against so great a multitude and so strong, seeing we are ready to faint with fasting all this day.
18 Unto whom Judas answered, a It is no hard matter for many to be shut up in the hands of a few; and with the God of heaven it is all one to deliver with a great multitude, or a small company.
19 For the victory of battle standeth not in the multitude of an host, but strength cometh from heaven.
20 They come † against us ‖ in much pride and iniquity to destroy us, and our wives and children, and to spoil us:
21 But we fight for our lives and our laws.
22 Wherefore the Lord himself will overthrow them before our face: and, as for you, be ye not afraid of them.
23 Now, as soon as he had left off speaking, he leapt suddenly upon them; and so Seron and his host was overthrown before him.
24 And they pursued them † from the going down of Bethoron unto the plain, where were slain about eight hundred men of them; and the residue fled into the land of the Philistines.
25 Then began the fear of Judas and his brethren, and an exceeding great dread to fall upon the nations round about them:
26 Inasmuch as his fame came unto the king, and all nations talked of the battles of Judas.
27 Now, when king Antiochus heard these things, he was full of indignation: wherefore he sent and gathered together all the forces of his realm, even a very strong army.
28 He opened also his treasure, and gave his soldiers pay for a year, commanding them to be ready whensoever he should need them.
29 Nevertheless, when he saw that the money of his treasures failed, and † that the tributes in the country were small, because of the dissention and plague which he had brought upon the land, ‖ in taking away the laws which had been of old time;
30 He feared † that he should not be able to bear the charges any longer, nor to have such gifts to give so liberally; as he did before: for he had abounded above the kings that were before him.
31 Wherefore, being greatly perplexed in his mind, he determined to go into Persia, there to take the tributes of the countries, and to gather much money.
32 So he left Lysias, a noblemen, and one of the blood-royal, to oversee the affairs of the king, from the river Euphrates, unto the borders of Egypt:
33 And to bring up his son Antiochus, until he came again.
34 Moreover, he delivered unto him the half of his forces, and the elephants, and gave him charge of all things that he would have done, as also concerning them that dwelt in Juda and Jerusalem;
35 To wit, that he should send an army against them, to destroy and root out the strength of Israel, and the remnant of Jerusalem, and to
take away their memorial from that place: Before CHRIST cir. 166. 36 And that he should place strangers in all their quarters, and divide their land by lot.
37 So the king took the half of the forces that remained, and departed from Antioch ‖ his royal city, ‖ Gr. a city the hundred forty and seventh year; and, having passed the river Euphrates, he went through the high countries.
38 Then Lysias chose Ptolemee the son of Dorymenes, and Nicanor, and Gorgias, mighty men of the king's friends:
39 And with them he sent forty thousand foot-men, and seven thousand horse-men, to go into the land of Juda, and to destroy it, as the king commanded.
40 So they went forth with all their power, and came and pitched by Emmaus, in the plain country.
41 And the merchants of the country, hearing the fame of them, took silver and gold very much, with † servants, and came into the camp to buy the children of Israel for slaves: a power also of Syria, and of the land ‖ of the Philistines, joined themselves unto them. † Or, fetters. ‡ Or, of strangers.
42 Now, when Judas and his brethren saw that miseries were multiplied, and that the forces did encamp themselves in their borders, (for they knew how the king had given commandment to destroy the people, and utterly abolish them,)
43 They said one to another, Let us restore the decayed estate of our people, and let us fight for our people, and the sanctuary.
44 Then was the congregation gathered together, that they might be ready for battle, and that they might pray, and ask mercy and compassion.
45 Now Jerusalem lay void as a wilderness, there was none of her children that went in or out: the sanctuary also was trodden down, and aliens kept the strong hold: the heathen had their habitation in that place, and joy was taken from Jacob, and the pipe with the harp ceased.
46 Wherefore the Israelites assembled themselves together, and came to † Maspha, over against Jerusalem; for in Maspha was the place where they prayed aforetime in Israel. † Or, Milza-pa.
47 Then they fasted that day, and put on sackcloth, and cast ashes upon their heads, and rent their clothes,
48 And laid open the book of the law, ‖ wherein ‡ Or, for the which the heathen had sought to paint the likeness of their images. the heathen had made diligent
49 They brought also the priest's garments, and the first-fruits, and the tithes: and the ‡ Nazarites they stirred up, who had accomplished their days.
50 Then cried they with a loud voice toward heaven, saying, What shall we do with these, and whither shall we carry them away.
51 For thy sanctuary is trodden down and profaned, and thy priests are in heaviness, and brought low. ‡ Num. 6. 2.
52 And lo, the heathen are assembled together against us to destroy us: what things they imagine against us thou knowest.
53 How shall we be able to stand against them, except thou, O God, be our help?
54 Then

Before CHRIST cir. 166. 54 Then founded they with trumpets, and cried with a loud voice.
55 And after this Judas ordained captains over the people, even captains over thousands, and over hundreds, and over fifties, and over tens.
c Deut. 20. 5. 56 But, as for such as c were building houses, or had betrothed wives, or were planting vineyards, or d were fearful, those he commanded that they should return, every man to his own house, according to the law.
57 So the camp removed, and pitched upon the south side of Emmaus.
58 And Judas said, Arm yourselves, and be valiant men, and see that ye be in readiness against the morning, that ye may fight with these nations that are assembled together against us, to destroy us and our sanctuary:
59 For it is better for us to die in battle, than to behold the calamities of our people, and our sanctuary.
60 Nevertheless, as the will of God is in heaven, so let him do.
CHAP. IV.
Judas defeateth the plot, &c.
THEN took Gorgias five thousand foot-men, and a thousand of the best horsemen, and removed out of the camp by night;
2 To the end he might rush in upon the camp of the Jews, and smite them suddenly. And the men of the fortress were his guides.
3 Now, when Judas heard thereof, he himself removed, and the valiant men with him, that he might smite the king's army which was at Emmaus.
4 While as yet the forces were dispersed from the camp.
5 In the mean season came Gorgias by night into the camp of Judas; and when he found no man there he sought them in the mountains: For, he said, these fellows flee from us.
6 But, as soon as it was day, Judas shewed himself in the plain with three thousand men, who, nevertheless, had neither † armour, nor swords to their minds.
† Or, tar-gets. 7 And they saw the camp of the heathen, that it was strong and well harnessed, and compassed round about with horsemen; and these were expert in war.
8 Then said Judas, to the men that were with him, Fear ye not their multitude, neither be ye afraid of their assault.
9 Remember how our fathers were delivered in the Red-sea, when Pharaoh pursued them with an army.
10 Now therefore let us cry unto heaven, if peradventure the Lord will have mercy upon us, and remember the covenant of our fathers, and destroy this host before our face this day:
11 That so all the heathen may know, that there is one who delivereth and saveth Israel.
12 Then the strangers lift up their eyes, and saw them coming over against them.
13 Wherefore they went out of the camp to battle, but they that were with Judas sounded their trumpets.
14 So they joined battle, and the heathen being discomfited fled into the plain.
15 Howbeit, all the hindmost of them were slain
with the sword: for they pursued them unto || Gaze-ra, and unto the plains of Idumea, and Azotus, and Jamnia, so that there were slain of them about three thousand men.
16 This done, Judas returned again with his host from pursuing them,
17 And said to the people, Be not greedy of the spoils, in as much as there is a battle before us;
18 And Gorgias and his host are here by us in the mountain: but stand ye now against our enemies, and overcome them, and after this ye may boldly take the spoils.
19 As Judas was yet speaking these words, there appeared a part of them looking out of the mountain;
20 Who, when they perceived that the Jews had put their host to flight, and were burning the tents, (for the smoke that was seen declared what was done.)
21 When therefore they perceived these things, they were sore afraid, and seeing also the host of Judas in the plain ready to fight,
22 They fled every one into the land of strangers.
23 Then Judas returned to spoil the tents, where they got much gold and silver, and blue silk, and purple of the sea, and great riches.
24 After this they went home, and sung a song of thanksgiving, and praised the Lord in heaven: because he is good, because his mercy endureth for ever. 25 Thus Israel had a great deliverance that day. 26 Now all the strangers that had escaped, came and told Lyfias what had happened.
27 Who, when he heard thereof, was confounded and discouraged, because neither such things as he would were done unto Israel, nor such things as the king commanded him were come to pass.
28 The next year therefore following, Lyfias gathered together three score thousand chosen men of foot, and five thousand horsemen, that he might subdue them.
29 So they came into Idumea, and pitched their tents at Bethfura; and Judas met them with ten thousand men.
30 And, when he saw that mighty army, he prayed, and said, Blessed art thou, O Saviour of Israel, who didst quell the violence of the mighty man by the hand of thy servant David, and gavest the host of † strangers into the hands of b Jonathan the son of Saul, and his armour-bearer:
31 Shut up this army in the hand of thy people Israel, and let them be confounded in their power and horsemen.
32 Make them to be of no courage, and cause the boldness of their strength to || fall away, and let || them quake at their destruction.
33 Cast them down with the sword of them that love thee, and let all those that know thy name praise thee with thanksgiving.
34 So they joined battle, and there were slain of the host of Lyfias, about five thousand men, even before them were they slain.
35 Now when Lyfias saw his army put to flight, and the manliness of Judas' soldiers, and how they were ready either to live or die valiantly, he went into Antiochia,
Before CHRIST cir. 166. || Gr. Affa-ramoth.
165.
a 1 Sam. 17. 50, 51. † Or, Philistines. b 1 Sam. 14. 13, 14.
|| Gr. melt.
Before CHRIST cir. 165. tiochia, and gathered together a company of strangers, and, having made his army greater than it was, he purposed to come again into Judea.
36 Then said Judas and his brethren, Behold, our enemies are discomfited: let us go up to cleanse and † Or, repair. † dedicate the sanctuary.
37 Upon this all the host assembled themselves together, and went up into mount Zion.
38 And when they saw the sanctuary desolate, and the altar profaned, and the gates burnt up, and shrubs growing in the courts as in a forest, or in one of the mountains, yea, and the priests' chambers pulled down;
39 They rent their clothes, and made great lamentation, and cast ashes upon their heads,
40 And fell down flat to the ground upon their faces, and blew an alarm with the trumpets, and cried towards heaven.
41 Then Judas appointed certain men to fight against those that were in the fortress, until he had cleansed the sanctuary.
42 So he chose priests of blameless conversation, such as had pleasure in the law:
43 Who cleansed the sanctuary, and bare out the defiled stones into an unclean place.
44 And, when as they consulted what to do with the altar of burnt-offerings, which was profaned,
45 They thought it best to pull it down, lest it should be a reproach to them, because the heathen had defiled it; wherefore they pulled it down,
46 And laid up the stones in the mountain of the temple in a convenient place, until there should come a prophet, to shew what should be done with them.
47 Then took they whole stones c according to the law, and built a new altar, according to the former:
48 And made up the sanctuary and the things that were within the temple, and hallowed the courts:
49 They made also new holy vessels; and into the temple they brought the candlestick, and the altar of burnt-offerings, and of incense, and the table.
50 And upon the altar they burnt incense, and the lamps that were upon the candlestick they lighted, that they might give light in the temple.
51 Furthermore, they set the loaves upon the table, and || Or, spread abroad the which they had begun to make.
c Exod. 20. 25. Deut. 27. 5. Josh. 8. 31. || Or, spread abroad the hangings, or, banged up the vails. 52 Now, on the five and twentieth day of the ninth month, (which is called the month Casleu,) in the hundred forty and eighth year, they arose up betimes in the morning,
53 And offered sacrifice according to the law, upon the new altar of burnt-offerings, which they had made.
54 Look, at what time and at what day the heathen had profaned it, even in that it was dedicated with songs, and citherns, and harps, and cymbals.
55 Then all the people fell upon their faces, worshipping and praising the God of heaven, who had given them good success.
56 And so they kept the dedication of the altar eight days, and offered burnt-offerings with gladness, and sacrificed the sacrifice of † Or, peace-offerings. † deliverance and praise.
57 They decked also the forefront of the temple with crowns of gold, and with shields: and the gates and the chambers they || renewed, and † hanged doors upon them.
58 Thus was there very great gladness among the people, for that the reproach of the heathen was put away.
59 Moreover, Judas and his brethren, with the whole congregation of Israel, ordained that the days of the dedication of the altar should be kept in their season from year to year, by the space of eight days, from the five and twentieth day of the month Casleu, with mirth and gladness.
60 At that time also they builded up the mount Zion with high walls, and strong towers round about, lest the Gentiles should come and tread it down, as they had done before.
61 And they set there a garrison to keep it: and fortified Bethfura to preserve it, that the people might have a defence against Idumea.
CHAP. V.
Judas smiteth the children of Esau, Bean, and Ammon, &c.
NOW, when the nations round about heard that the altar was built, and the sanctuary renewed as before, it displeased them very much.
2 Wherefore they thought to destroy the generation of Jacob that was among them, and thereupon they began to slay and destroy the people.
3 Then Judas fought against the children of Esau in Idumea at † Arrabattine, because they besieged Israel: and he gave them a great overthrow, and abated their courage, and took their spoils.
4 Also he remembered the || injury of the children of † Bean, who had been a snare and an offence unto the people, in that they lay in wait for them in the ways.
5 He shut them up therefore in the towers, and encamped against them, and destroyed them utterly, and burnt the towers of that place with fire, and all that were therein.
6 Aterward he passed over to the children of Ammon, where he found a mighty power, and much people, with Timotheus their captain.
7 So he fought many battles with them, till at length they were discomfited before him; and he smote them.
8 And when he had taken Jazar, with the towns belonging thereto, he returned into Judea.
9 Then the heathen that were at Galaad assembled themselves together against the Israelites that were in their quarters, to destroy them; but they fled to the fortress of Dathema,
10 And sent letters unto Judas and his brethren: The heathen that are round about us are assembled together against us to destroy us;
11 And they are preparing to come and take the fortress whereunto we are fled, Timotheus being captain of their host.
12 Come now therefore, and deliver us from their hands, for many of us are slain.
13 Yea, all our brethren that were in the places
Before CHRIST cir. 165. || Or, dedicated. † Or, made doors for them.
164.
† Or, Arrabattine, or, Arabattine, or, Akarabattine. || Or, malice. † Or, Hakan. Gen. 36. 27. Num. 33. 31, 32.

Before CHRIST cir. 164.
of Tobie, are put to death: their wives and their children also they have carried away captives, and borne away their stuff, and they have destroyed there about a thousand men.
14 While these letters were yet reading, behold, there came other messengers from Galilee with their clothes rent, who reported on this wise,
15 And said, They of Ptolemais, and of Tyrus, and Sidon, and all Galilee of the Gentiles, are assembled together against us to consume us.
16 Now, when Judas and the people heard these words, there assembled a great congregation together to consult what they should do for their brethren that were in trouble, and assaulted of them.
17 Then said Judas unto Simon his brother, Chuse thee out men, and go and deliver thy brethren that are in Galilee, for I and Jonathan my brother will go into the country of Galaad.
18 So he left Joseph the son of Zacharias, and Azarias, captains of the people, with the remnant of the host in Judea to keep it:
19 Unto whom he gave commandment, saying, Take ye the charge of this people, and see that you make not war against the heathen until the time that we come again.
20 Now, unto Simon were given three thousand men to go into Galilee, and unto Judas eight thousand men for the country of Galaad.
21 Then went Simon into Galilee, where he fought many battles with the heathen, so that the heathen were discomfited by him.
22 And he pursued them unto the gate of Ptolemais: and there were slain of the heathen about three thousand men, whose spoils he took.
23 And † those that were in Galilee, and in Arbattis, with their wives and their children, and all that they had, took he away with him, and brought them into Judea with great joy.
24 Judas Maccabeus also and his brother Jonathan, went over Jordan, and travelled three days journey in the wilderness:
25 Where they met with the Nabathites, who came unto them in peaceable manner, and told them every thing that had happened to their brethren in the land of Galaad;
26 And how that many of them were shut up in Bofora, and Bofor, and Alemo, † Casphor, Maked and Cairnaim, (all these cities are strong and great,)
27 And that they were shut up in the rest of the cities of the country of Galaad, and that against tomorrow † they had appointed to bring their host against the forts, and to take them, and to destroy them all in one day.
28 Hereupon Judas and his host turned suddenly by the way of the wilderness unto † Bofora; and, when he had won the city, he flew all the males with the edge of the sword, and took all their spoils, and burnt the city with fire.
29 From whence he removed by night, and went till he came to the fortress.
30 And betimes in the morning they † looked up, and behold, there was an innumerable people bearing
ladders, and other engines of war to take the fortress; for they assaulted them.
31 When Judas therefore saw that the battle was begun, and that the cry of the city went up to heaven, with trumpets, and a great sound,
32 He said unto his host, Fight this day for your brethren.
33 So he went forth behind them in three companies, who sounded their trumpets, and cried with prayer.
34 Then the host of Timotheus, knowing that it was Maccabeus, fled from him; wherefore he smote them with a great slaughter: so that there were killed of them that day about eight thousand men.
35 This done, Judas turned aside to Maspha; and after he had assaulted it, he took it, and flew all the males therein, and received the spoils thereof, and burnt it with fire.
36 From thence went he and took Casphon, Maged, Bofor, and the other cities of the country of Galaad.
37 After these things gathered Timotheus another host, and encamped against Raphon beyond the brook.
38 So Judas sent men to espie the host, who brought him word, saying, All the heathen that be round about us are assembled unto them, even a very great host.
39 He hath also hired the Arabians to help them, and they have pitched their tents beyond the brook, ready to come and fight against thee: upon this Judas went to meet them.
40 Then Timotheus said unto the captains of his host, When Judas and his host come near the brook, if he pass over first unto us, we shall not be able to withstand him: for he will mightily prevail against us.
41 But if he be afraid, and camp beyond the river, we shall go over unto him, and prevail against him.
42 Now when Judas came near the brook, he caused the scribes of the people to remain by the brook; unto whom he gave commandment, saying, Suffer no man to remain in the camp, but let all come to the battle.
43 So he went first over unto them, and all the people after him: then all the heathen, being discomfited before him, cast away their weapons, and fled unto the temple that was at Carnaim.
44 But † they took the city and burnt the temple with all that were therein. Thus was Carnaim subdued, neither could they stand any longer before Judas.
45 Then Judas gathered together all the Israelites that were in the country of Galaad, from the least unto the greatest, even their wives, and their children, and their stuff, a very great host, to the end they might come into the land of Judea.
46 Now when they came unto Ephron, (this was a great city in the way as they should go, very well fortified,) they could not turn from it, either on the right hand or the left, but must needs pass through the midst of it.
Before CHRIST cir. 164.
† Or, the heathen afaulted the Jews.
Before CHRIST cir. 164.
47 Then they of the city shut them out, and stopped up the gates with stones.
48 Whereupon Judas sent unto them in peaceable manner, saying, Let us pass through your land to go into our own country, and none shall do you any hurt; we will only pass through on foot: howbeit, they would not open unto him.
48 Wherefore Judas commanded a proclamation to be made throughout the host, that every man should pitch his tent in the place where he was.
50 So the soldiers pitched, and assaulted the city all that day and all that night, till at the length the city was delivered into his hands:
51 Who then flew all the males with the edge of the sword, and razed the city, and took the spoils thereof, and passed through the city over them that were slain.
52 After this went they over Jordan, into the great plain before Bethsan.
‡ Or, went hindmost.
53 And Judas gathered together those that ‡ came behind, and † exhorted the people all the way through, till they came into the land of Judea.
† Or, comforted, or, encouraged. || peace of-cause not one of them were slain until they had returned in peace. Joseph. Anti. 12. 12.
54 So they went up to mount Sion with joy and gladness, where they offered † burnt-offerings, because not one of them were slain until they had returned in peace.
55 Now, what time as Judas and Jonathan were in the land of Galaad, and Simon his brother in Galilee before Ptolemais,
56 Joseph the son of Zacharias, and Azarias, captains of the garrisons, heard of the valiant acts and warlike deeds which they had done.
57 Wherefore they said, Let us also get us a name, and go fight against the heathen that are round about us.
58 So when they had given charge unto the garrison that was with them, they went towards Jamnia.
|| Gr. to meet them in battle.
59 Then came Gorgias and his men out of the city † to fight against them.
60 And so it was that Joseph and Azarias were put to flight, and pursued unto the borders of Judea: and there were slain that day of the people of Israel, about two thousand men.
61 Thus was there a great overthrow among the children of Israel, because they were not obedient unto Judas and his brethren, but thought to do some valiant act.
62 Moreover, these men came not of the seed of those by whose hand deliverance was given unto Israel.
63 Howbeit, the man Judas and his brethren were greatly renowned in the sight of all Israel, and of all the heathen wherefoever their name was heard of:
64 Infomuch as the people assembled unto them with joyful acclamations.
65 Afterward went Judas forth with his brethren, and fought against the children of Esau in the land towards the south, where he smote Hebron, and the
towns thereof, and pulled down the fortress of it, and burnt the towers thereof round about.
|| Gr. daughters.
66 From thence he removed to go into the land of the Philistines, and passed through Samaria.
† Gr. stran-gers.
67 At that time certain priests, desirous to shew
their valour, were slain in battle, for that they went out to fight unadvisedly.
68 So Judas turned to Azotus in the land of the Philistines; and when he had pulled down their altars, and burned their carved images with fire, and spoiled their cities, he returned into the land of Judea.
CHAP. VI.
8 Antiochus dieth, 12 and confesseth that he is plagued for the wrong done to Jerusalem, &c.
ABOUT that time king Antiochus, travelling through the high countries, heard say that Elymais, in the country of Persia, was a city greatly renowned for riches, silver and gold.
2 And that there was in it a very rich temple, wherein were † coverings of gold, and breast-plates, and † shields, which Alexander son of Philip the Macedonian king, who reigned first among the Grecians, had left there.
3 Wherefore he came and sought to take the city, and to spoil it; but he was not able, because they of the city, having had warning thereof,
4 Rose up against him in battle: so he fled, and departed thence with great heaviness, and returned to Babylon.
5 Moreover there came one who brought him tidings into Persia, that the armies which went against the land of Judea were put to flight:
6 And that Lyfias who went forth first with a great power, was driven away of the Jews: and that they were made strong by the armour, and power, and store of spoils, which they had gotten of the armies whom they had destroyed:
7 Also, that they had pulled down the abomination which he had set up upon the altar in Jerusalem, and that they had compassed about the sanctuary with high walls as before, and his city Bethsura.
8 Now, when the king heard these words, he was astonished, and fore moved: whereupon he laid him down upon his bed, and fell sick for grief, because it had not befallen him as he looked for.
9 And there he continued many days: for his grief was ever more and more, and he made account that he should die.
10 Wherefore he called for all his friends, and said unto them, The sleep is gone from mine eyes, and my heart faileth for very care.
11 And I thought with myself, Into what tribulation am I come, and how great a flood of misery is it wherein now I am! for I was bountiful, and beloved in my power.
12 But now I remember the evils that I did at Jerusalem, and that I took all the vessels of gold and silver that were therein, and sent to destroy the inhabitants of Judea without a cause.
13 I perceive therefore that for this cause these troubles are come upon me, and behold I perish through great grief in a strange land.
14 Then called he for Philip, one of his friends, whom he made ruler over all his realm,
15 And gave him the crown, and his robe, and his signet, to the end † he should bring up his son Antiochus, and nourish him up for the kingdom.
Before CHRIST cir. 164.
† Or, shields.
CHAP. VI.
8 Antiochus dieth, 12 and confesseth that he is plagued for the wrong done to Jerusalem, &c.
ABOUT that time king Antiochus, travelling through the high countries, heard say that Elymais, in the country of Persia, was a city greatly renowned for riches, silver and gold.
2 And that there was in it a very rich temple, wherein were † coverings of gold, and breast-plates, and † shields, which Alexander son of Philip the Macedonian king, who reigned first among the Grecians, had left there.
3 Wherefore he came and sought to take the city, and to spoil it; but he was not able, because they of the city, having had warning thereof,
4 Rose up against him in battle: so he fled, and departed thence with great heaviness, and returned to Babylon.
5 Moreover there came one who brought him tidings into Persia, that the armies which went against the land of Judea were put to flight:
6 And that Lyfias who went forth first with a great power, was driven away of the Jews: and that they were made strong by the armour, and power, and store of spoils, which they had gotten of the armies whom they had destroyed:
7 Also, that they had pulled down the abomination which he had set up upon the altar in Jerusalem, and that they had compassed about the sanctuary with high walls as before, and his city Bethsura.
8 Now, when the king heard these words, he was astonished, and fore moved: whereupon he laid him down upon his bed, and fell sick for grief, because it had not befallen him as he looked for.
9 And there he continued many days: for his grief was ever more and more, and he made account that he should die.
10 Wherefore he called for all his friends, and said unto them, The sleep is gone from mine eyes, and my heart faileth for very care.
11 And I thought with myself, Into what tribulation am I come, and how great a flood of misery is it wherein now I am! for I was bountiful, and beloved in my power.
12 But now I remember the evils that I did at Jerusalem, and that I took all the vessels of gold and silver that were therein, and sent to destroy the inhabitants of Judea without a cause.
13 I perceive therefore that for this cause these troubles are come upon me, and behold I perish through great grief in a strange land.
14 Then called he for Philip, one of his friends, whom he made ruler over all his realm,
15 And gave him the crown, and his robe, and his signet, to the end † he should bring up his son Antiochus, and nourish him up for the kingdom.
16 So

Before CHRIST cir. 164.
Before CHRIST cir. 163.
Before CHRIST cir. 163.
Before CHRIST cir. 162.
16 So king Antiochus died there in the hundred forty and ninth year.  17 Now, when Lysias knew that the king was dead, he set up Antiochus his son, (whom he had brought up being young,) to reign in his stead, and his name he called Eupator.  18 About this time, they that were in the tower, shut up the Israelites round about the sanctuary, and fought always their hurt and the strengthening of the heathen.  19 Wherefore Judas, purposing to destroy them, called all the people together to besiege them.  20 So they came together, and besieged them in the hundred and fiftieth year, and he made mounts for shot against them, and other engines.  21 Howbeit, certain of them that were besieged got forth, unto whom some ungodly men of Israel joined themselves.  22 And they went unto the king, and said, How long will it be ere thou execute judgment, and avenge our brethren?  23 We have been willing to serve thy father, and to do as he would have us, and to obey his commandments;  24 For which cause they of our nation besiege the tower, and are alienated from us: moreover, as many of us as they could light on, they slew, and spoiled our inheritance.  25 Neither have they stretched out their hand against us only, but also against all their borders.  26 And behold, this day are they besieging the tower at Jerusalem to take it: the sanctuary also, and Bethsura have they fortified.  27 Wherefore, if thou dost not prevent them quickly, they will do greater things than these, neither shalt thou be able to rule them.  28 Now, when the king heard this, he was angry, and gathered together all his friends, and the captains of his army, and those that had charge of the horse.  29 There came also unto him from other kingdoms, and from isles of the sea, bands of hired soldiers.  30 So that the number of his army was an hundred thousand footmen, and twenty thousand horsemen, and two and thirty elephants exercised in battle.  31 These went through Idumea, and pitched against Bethsura, which they assaulted many days, making engines of war; but they of Bethsura came out, and burnt them with fire and fought valiantly.  32 Upon this Judas removed from the tower, and pitched in Bathzacharias, over against the king's camp.  33 Then the king, rising very early, marched very fiercely with his host towards Bathzacharias, where his armies made them ready to battle, and sounded the trumpets.  34 And to the end they might provoke the elephants to fight, they shewed them the blood of grapes and mulberries.  35 Moreover, they divided the beasts among the armies, and for every elephant they appointed a thousand men armed with coats of mail, and with helmets of brass on their heads; and besides this, for
every beast were ordained five hundred horsemen of the best.  36 These were ready at every occasion: wherefoever the beast was, and whithersoever the beast went, they went also, neither departed they from him.  37 And upon the beasts there were strong towers of wood, which covered every one of them, and were girt fast unto them with devices: there were also upon every one two and thirty strong men that fought upon them, besides the Indian that ruled him.  38 As for the remnant of the horsemen, they set them on this side, and that side, at the two parts of the host, || giving them signs what to do, and being harnessed all over amidst the ranks.  39 Now when the sun shone upon the shields of gold, and brass, the mountains glistened therewith, and shined like lamps of fire.  40 So part of the kings army being spread upon the high mountains, and part on the valleys below, they marched on safely, and in order.  41 Wherefore all that heard the noise of their multitude, and the marching of the company, and the rattling of the harness, were moved: for the army was very great and mighty.  42 Then Judas and his host drew near, and entered into battle, and there were slain of the king's army six hundred men.  43 ¶ Eleazar, also surnamed Savaran, perceiving that one of the beasts, armed with royal harness, was higher than all the rest, and, supposing that the king was upon him.  44 Put himself in jeopardy, to the end he might deliver his people, and get him a perpetual name.  45 Wherefore he ran upon him courageously through the midst of the battle, slaying on the right hand, and on the left, † so that they were divided from him on both sides.  46 Which done, he crept under the elephant, and thrust him under, and slew him: whereupon the elephant fell down upon him, and there he died.  47 Howbeit, the rest of the Jews, seeing the strength of the king, and the violence of his forces, turned away from them.  48 ¶ Then the king's army went up to Jerusalem to meet them, and the king pitched his tents || against Judea, and against mount Zion.  49 But with them that were in Bethsura he made peace: † for they came out of the city, because they had no victuals there, to endure the siege, it being a year of rest to the land.  50 So the king took Bethsura, and set a garrison there to keep it,  51 As for the sanctuary, he besieged it many days: || and set there artillery with engines, and instruments to cast fire and stones, and pieces to cast darts and slings:  52 Whereupon † they also made engines against their engines, and held them battle a long season.  53 Yet at the last their vessels being without victuals, (for that it was the seventh year, and they in Judea, that were delivered from the Gentiles, had eaten up the residue of the store,)  54 There were but a few left in the sanctuary, because
|| Or stirring them up, and being compassed with the ranks, or defended with the valleys.
† Or, so that he cut them in pieces.
|| Or, in Judea.
† Or, Add, out of Jerusalem, and they yielded themselves.
|| Or, made there mounts for shot. † Or, the Jews.
cause the famine did so prevail against them, that they were fain to disperse themselves, every man to his own place.  55 At that time Lysias heard say, that Philip (whom Antiochus the king, while he lived, had appointed to bring up his son Antiochus, that he might be king,)  56 Was returned out of Persia, and Media, and the king's host also that went with him, and that he sought to take unto him the ruling of the affairs.  57 Wherefore he went in all haste, and said to the king, and the captains of the host, and the company, We decay daily, and our victuals are but small, and the place we lay siege unto is strong, and the affairs of the kingdom lie upon us.  58 Now therefore let us || be friends with these men, and make peace with them, and with all their nation;  59 And covenant with them, that they shall live after their laws, as they did before: for they are therefore displeased, and have done all these things because we have abolished their laws.  60 So the king and the princes were content: wherefore he sent unto them to make peace, and they accepted thereof.  61 Also the king and the princes made an oath unto them: whereupon they went out of the strong hold.  62 Then the king entered into mount Zion, but, when he saw the strength of the place, he brake his oath that he had made, and gave commandment to pull down the wall round about.  63 Afterward departed he in all haste, and returned unto Antiochia, where he found Philip to be master of the city: So he fought against him, and took the city by force.  CHAP. VII.  Antiochus is slain, and Demetrius reigneth in his stead, &c.  1 IN the hundred and one and fiftieth year, Demetrius the son of Seleucus departed from Rome, and came up with a few men unto † a city of the sea-coast, and reigned there.  2 And as he entered into the || palace of his ancestors, so it was that his forces had taken Antiochus and Lysias to bring them unto him.  3 Wherefore, when he knew it, he said, Let me not see their faces.  4 So his host slew them. Now, when Demetrius was set upon the throne of his kingdom,  5 There came unto him all the wicked and ungodly men of Israel, having Alcimus (who was desirous to be high priest) for their captain.  6 And they accused the people to the king, saying, Judas and his brethren have slain all thy friends, and driven us out of our own land.  7 Now therefore send some man whom thou trustest, and let him go and see what havock he hath made amongst us, and in the king's land, and let him punish them with all them that aid them.  8 Then the king chose Bacchides, a friend of the king, who ruled beyond the flood, and was a great man in the kingdom, and faithful to the king.
† Or, Tripolis. Joseph. Antiq. lib. 12. cap. 16. || Gr. house of the kingdom of his father.
9 And him he sent with that wicked Alcimus, whom he made high priest, and commanded that he should take vengeance of the children of Israel.  10 So they departed, and came with a great power into the land of Judea, where they sent messengers to Judas and his brethren with peaceable words deceitfully.  11 But they gave no heed to their words, for they saw that they were come with a great power.  12 Then did there assemble unto Alcimus and Bacchides, a company of || scribes, to require justice.  13 Now the Assideans were the first among the children of Israel that sought peace of them.  14 For, said they, one that is a priest of the seed of Aaron is come with this army, and he will do us no wrong.  15 So he spake unto them peaceably, and sware unto them, saying, We will procure the harm neither of you nor your friends.  16 Whereupon they believed him: howbeit, he took of them threescore men, and slew them in one day, according to the words which he wrote,  17 † The flesh of thy saints have they cast out, and their blood have they shed round about Jerusalem, ‡ and there was none to bury them.  18 Wherefore the fear and dread of them fell upon all the people, who said, There is neither truth nor † righteousness in them, for they have broken the covenant and oath that they made.  19 After this removed Bacchides from Jerusalem, and pitched his tents in Bezeth, where he sent and took many of the men that had forsaken him, and certain of the people also; and, when he had slain them, he cast them into the great pit.  20 Then committed he the country to Alcimus, and left with him a power to aid him: so Bacchides went to the king.  21 But Alcimus † contended for the high priesthood.  22 And unto him resorted all such as troubled the people, who, after they had gotten the land of Judea into their power, did much hurt in Israel.  23 Now, when Judas saw all the mischief that Alcimus and his company had done among the Israelites, even above the heathen,  24 He went out into all the coasts of Judea round about, and took vengeance of them that had || revolted from him; so that they durst no more † go forth into the country.  25 On the other side, when Alcimus saw that Judas and his company || had gotten the upper hand, and knew that he was not able † to abide their force, he went again to the king, and said all the worst of them that he could.  26 Then the king sent Nicanor, one of his honourable princes, a man that bare deadly hatred unto Israel, with commandment to destroy the people.  27 So Nicanor came to Jerusalem with a great force: and sent unto Judas and his brethren deceitfully with || friendly words, saying,  28 Let there be no battle between me and you, I will come with a few men, that I may see † you in peace, your faces.  29 He
|| Or, officers governors, chief men, or, men in authority.
† Gr. judgment.
† Or, laboured to defend his high priesthood.
|| Or, fled from him to the enemy.
† Or, invade the country, || Or, were grown very strong.
† Gr. to abide them.
161.
|| Gr. peaceable.
† Gr. see your faces.

Before CHRIST cir. 161.
29 He came therefore to Judas, and they saluted one another peaceably. Howbeit, the enemies were prepared to take away Judas by violence.
30 Which thing after it was known to Judas, to wit, that he came unto him with deceit, he was fore afraid of him, and would see his face no more.
31 Nicanor also, when he saw that his counsel was discovered, went out to fight against Judas beside Gr. meet Judasinbatt- Judas in Bat- tle. + Capharfalama.
32 Where there was slain of Nicanor's side about five thousand men, and the rest fled into the city of David.
33 After this went Nicanor up to mount Zion, and there came out of the sanctuary certain of the priests, and certain of the elders of the people to salute him peaceably, and to shew him the burnt sacrifice that was offered for the king.
34 But he mocked them, and laughed at them, Gr. desired and and abused them shamefully, and spake proudly: them.
35 And sware in his wrath, saying, Unless Judas and his host be now delivered into my hands, if ever I come again Gr. Greek, in in safety, I will burn up this house: peace. and with that he went out in a great rage.
36 Then the priests entered in, and stood before the altar, and the temple, weeping, and saying,
37 Thou, O Lord, didst chuse this house to be called by thy name, and to be a house of prayer and petition for thy people.
38 Be avenged of this man and his host, and let them fall by the sword: remember their blasphemies, and suffer them not to continue any longer.
39 So Nicanor went out of Jerusalem, and pitched his tents in Bethoron, where an host out of Syria met him.
40 But Judas pitched in Adasa with three thousand men, and there he prayed, saying,
41 2 King. 19. 35. Isa. 37. 36. Eccl. 48. 21. 2 Mac. 8. 19. O Lord, when they that were sent from the king of the Assyrians blasphemed, thine angel went out, and smote an hundred fourscore and five thousand of them:
42 Even so destroy thou this host before us this day, that the rest may know that he hath spoken blasphemously against thy sanctuary, and judge thou him according to his wickedness.
43 So, the thirteenth day of the month Adar, the hosts joined battle: but Nicanor's host was discomfited, and he himself was first slain in the battle.
44 Now, when Nicanor's host saw that he was slain, they cast away their weapons, and fled.
45 Then Or, the Jews. they pursued after them a day's journey, from Adasa unto Gazera, founding an alarm after them with their trumpets.
46 Whereupon they came forth out of all the towns of Judea round about, and closed them in, so that they, turning back upon them that pursued them were all slain with the sword, and not one of them was left.
47 Afterwards they took the spoils and the prey, and smote off Nicanor's head, and his right hand, which he stretched out so proudly, and brought them away, and hanged them up towards Jerusalem.
48 For this cause the people rejoiced greatly
and they kept that day a day of great gladness. 49 Moreover, they ordained to keep yearly this day, being the thirteenth of Adar.
50 Thus the land of Juda was in rest a little while.
CHAP. VIII.
Judas is informed of the power and policy of the Romans, &c.
NOW Judas had heard of the fame of the Romans, that they were mighty and valiant men, and such as would lovingly accept all that joined themselves unto them, and make a league of amity with all them that came unto them;
2 And that they were men of great valour. It was told him also of their wars and noble acts which they had done amongst the Or, French Galatians, and how they had conquered them, and brought them under men. tribute;
3 And what they had done in the country of Spain, for the winning of the mines of the silver and gold which is there;
4 And that, by their policy and patience, they had conquered Or, every all the place, (though it were very far from them,) and the kings also that came against them from the uttermost part of the earth, till they had discomfited them, and given them a great overthrow, so that the rest did give them tribute every year:
5 Besides this, how they had discomfited in battle Philip, and Perseus king of the Or, Macedonians. Citims, with others that listed up themselves against them, and had overcome them:
6 How also Antiochus the great king of Asia, that came against them in battle, having an hundred and twenty elephants, with horsemen and chariots, and a very great army was discomfited by them;
7 And how they took him alive, and covenanted that he, and such as reigned after him, should pay a great tribute, and give hostages, and that which was agreed upon,
8 And the country of India, and Media, and Lydia, and of the goodliest countries which they took of him, and gave to king Eumenes:
9 Moreover, how the Grecians had determined to come and destroy them;
10 And that they, having knowledge thereof, sent against them a certain captain, and, lighting with them, slew many of them, and carried away captives, their wives and their children, and spoiled them, and took possession of their lands, and pulled down their strong holds, and brought them to be their servants unto this day.
11 It was told him besides, how they destroyed and brought under their dominion all other kingdoms and isles that at any time resisted them;
12 But with their friends, and such as relied upon them, they kept amity: and that they had conquered kingdoms both far and nigh, inasmuch as all that heard of their name were afraid of them:
13 Also, that whom they would help to a kingdom, those reign; and whom again they would, they displace: finally, that they were greatly exalted:
Before CHRIST cir. 161.
Before CHRIST cir. 161.
14 Yet for all this none of them wore a crown, or was clothed in purple, to be magnified thereby: 15 Moreover, how they had made for themselves a senate-house, wherein three hundred and twenty men sat in council daily; consulting alway for the people, to the end they might be well ordered:
16 And that they committed their government to one man every year, who ruled over all their country, and that all were obedient to that one, and that there was neither envy nor emulation among them.
17 In consideration of these things, Judas chose Eupolemus the son of John, the son of Accos, and Jason the son of Eleazar, and sent them to Rome, to make a league of amity and confederacy with them,
18 And to entreat them, that they would take the yoke from them; for they saw that the kingdom of the Grecians did oppress Israel with servitude.
19 They went therefore to Rome, (which was a very great journey,) and came into the senate, where they spake and said,
20 Judas Maccabeus, with his brethren, and the people of the Jews, have sent us unto you, to make a confederacy and peace with you, and that we might be registered your confederates and friends.
21 So that matter pleased the Romans well.
22 And this is the copy of the epistle which the senate wrote back again, in tables of brass, and sent to Jerusalem, that there they might have by them a memorial of peace and confederacy:
23 Good success be to the Romans, and to the people of the Jews, by sea and by land for ever: the sword also and the enemy be far from them.
24 If there come first any war upon the Romans, or any of their confederates throughout all their dominion,
25 The people of the Jews shall help them, as the time shall be appointed, with all their heart.
26 Neither shall they give any thing unto them that make war upon them, or aid them with victuals, weapons, money, or ships, as it hath seemed good unto the Romans; but they shall keep their covenants without taking any thing therefore.
27 In the same manner also, if war come first upon the nation of the Jews, the Romans shall help them with all their heart, according as the time shall be appointed them.
28 Neither shall victuals be given to them that take part against them, or weapons, or money, or ships, as it hath seemed good to the Romans; but they shall keep their covenants, and that without deceit.
29 According to these articles did the Romans make a covenant with the people of the Jews.
30 Howbeit, if hereafter the one party or the other shall think meet to add or diminish any thing, they may do it at their pleasures, and whatsoever they shall add or take away shall be ratified.
31 And, as touching the evils that Demetrius doth to the Jews, we have written unto him, saying, Wherefore hast thou made thy yoke heavy upon our friends and confederates the Jews?
32 If therefore they complain any more against
thee, we will do them justice, and fight with thee, by sea and by land.
Before CHRIST cir. 161.
CHAP. IX.
Alcimus and Bacchides come again with new forces into Judea, &c.
FURTHERMORE, when Demetrius heard that Nicanor and his host were slain in battle, he sent Bacchides and Alcimus into the land of Judea the second time, and with them Gr. he added, or proceeded to the chief strength of his host:
2 Who went forth by the way that leadeth to Or, the Galgala, and pitched their tents before Masaloth, right wing. which is in Arbela, and, after they had won it, they Or, Gal- slew much people.
3 Also the first month of the hundred fifty and second year, they encamped before Jerusalem.
4 From whence they removed, and went to Or, Be- Bethanias, with twenty thousand foot-men, and two thou- retha. Jos. sand horsemen.
5 Now Judas had pitched his tents at Eleasa, and three thousand chosen men with him;
6 Who seeing the multitude of the other army to be so great, were fore afraid, whereupon many conveyed themselves out of the host, inasmuch as there abode of them no more but eight hundred men.
7 When Judas therefore saw that his host slipt away, and that the battle pressed upon him, he was fore troubled in mind, and much distressed, for that he had no time to gather them together.
8 Nevertheless unto them that remained, he said, Let us arise, and go up against our enemies, if peradventure we may be able to fight with them.
9 But they deborted him, saying, We shall never be able: Gr. let us let us now rather save our lives, and here- we follow the after we will return with our brethren, and fight Roman co- against them for we are but few.
10 Then Judas said, God forbid that I should do this thing, and flee away from them: if our time be come, let us die manfully for our brethren, and Gr. let us let us not stain our honour.
11 With that the host of Bacchides removed out of their tents, and stood over against Gr. let us them, their horsemen being divided into two troops, and their not leave any just cause behind us slingers and archers going before the host, and they why our horsemen that marched in the fore-ward were all mighty men.
12 As for Bacchides, he was in the right wing, so the host drew near on the two parts, and founded their trumpets.
13 They also of Judas' side, even they sounded their trumpets also, so that the earth shook at the noise of the armies: and the battle continued from morning till night.
14 Now, when Judas perceived that Bacchides and the strength of his army were on the right side, he took with him all the hardy men,
15 Who discomfited the right wing, and pursued them unto the mount Azotus.
16 But, when they of the left wing saw that they of the right wing were discomfited, they followed upon Judas and those that were with him, hard at the heels from behind:
17 Whereupon there was a sore battle, inasmuch as many were slain on both parts.

18 Judas also was killed, and the remnant fled. 19 Then Jonathan and Simon took Judas their brother, and buried him in the sepulchre of his fathers in Modin. 20 Moreover, they bewailed him, and all Israel made great lamentation for him, and mourned many days, saying, 21 How is the valiant man fallen, that delivered Israel! 22 As for the other things concerning Judas and his wars, and the noble acts which he did, and his greatness, they are not written: for they were very many. 23 ¶ Now after the death of Judas, the wicked began to put forth their heads in all the coasts of Israel, and there arose up all such as wrought iniquity. 24 In those days also was there a very great famine, by reason whereof the country revolted, and went with † them. 25 Then Bacchides chose the wicked men, and made them lords of the country. 26 And they made enquiry and search for Judas' friends, and brought them unto Bacchides, who took vengeance of them, and ‖ used them despitefully. 27 So was there a great affliction in Israel, the like whereof was not since the time that a prophet was not seen amongst them. 28 For this cause all Judas' friends came together, and said unto Jonathan, 29 Since thy brother Judas died, we have no man like him to go forth against our enemies, and Bacchides, and against them of our nation that are adversaries to us; 30 Now therefore we have chosen thee this day to be our prince and captain in his stead, that thou mayest fight our battles. 31 Upon this Jonathan took the governance upon him at that time, and rose up instead of his brother Judas. 32 But when Bacchides gat knowledge thereof, he sought for to slay him. 33 Then Jonathan, and Simon his brother, and all that were with him, perceiving that, fled into the wilderness of Thecoe, and pitched their tents by the water of the pool Asphar. 34 † Which when Bacchides understood, he came near to Jordan with all his host upon the sabbath-day. 35 Now Jonathan had sent his brother ‖ John, a captain of the people, to pray his friends the Nabathites, † that they might leave with them their carriage, which was much. 36 But the children of ‖ Jambri came out of Medaba, and took John and all that he had, and went † Gr. that he might leave with them their carriage, or marriage, and were bringing the bride from † Na-dabatha with a great train, as being the daughter of one of the great princes of Chanaan. 38 Therefore they remembered John their brother, and went up and hid themselves under the covert of the mountain;
39 Where they lift up their eyes and looked, and behold, there was much ado, and great carriage: and the bridegroom came forth, and his friends and brethren, to meet them with ‖ drums and † instruments of music, and many weapons. 40 Then Jonathan, and they that were with him, rose up against them from the place where they lay in ambush, and made a slaughter of them in such sort as many fell down dead, and the remnant fled into the mountain, and they took all their spoils. 41 Thus was the marriage turned into mourning, and the noise of their melody into lamentation. 42 So when they had avenged fully the blood of their brother, they turned again to the marsh of Jordan. 43 Now when Bacchides heard thereof, he came on the sabbath-day unto the banks of Jordan with a great power. 44 Then Jonathan said to his company, Let us go up now and fight for our lives, for it standeth not with us to-day as in time past: 45 For behold, the battle is before us and behind us, and the water of Jordan on this side and that side, the marsh likewise, and wood, neither is there place for us to turn aside. 46 Wherefore cry ye now unto heaven, that ye may be delivered from the hand of your enemies. 47 With that they joined battle; and Jonathan stretched forth his hand to smite Bacchides, but he turned back from him. 48 Then Jonathan and they that were with him, leapt into Jordan, and swam over unto the farther bank: howbeit the other passed not over Jordan unto them. 49 So there were slain of Bacchides' side that day about ‖ a thousand men. 50 Afterward returned Bacchides to Jerusalem, and repaired the strong cities in Judea; the fort in Jericho, and Emmaus, and Bethoron, and Bethel, and Thamnatha, Pharathoni, and ‖ Taphon, these did he † Gr. built, strengthen with high walls, with gates, and with bars. 51 And in them he set a garrison, that they might work malice upon Israel. 52 He fortified also † the city Bethfura, and Gazara, and the tower, and put forces in them, and provision of victuals. 53 Besides, he took the chief mens' sons in the country for hostages, and put them into the tower at Jerusalem to be kept. 54 Moreover, in the hundred fifty and third year, in the second month, Alcimus commanded that the wall of the inner court of the sanctuary should be pulled down; he pulled down also the works of the prophets. 55 And as he began to pull down, even at that time was Alcimus plagued, and his enterprizes hindered: for his mouth was stopped, and he was taken with a palsy, so that he could no more speak anything, nor give order concerning his house. 56 So Alcimus died at that time with great torment. 57 Now, when Bacchides saw that Alcimus was dead,
dead, he returned to the king, whereupon the land of Judea was in rest two years. 58 Then all the ungodly men held a counsel, saying, Behold, Jonathan and his company are at ease, and dwell without care: now therefore we will bring Bacchides hither, who shall take them all in one night. 59 So they went and consulted with him. 60 Then removed he, and came with a great host, and sent letters privily to his adherents in Judea, that they should take Jonathan, and those that were with him: howbeit, they could not, because their counsel was known unto them. 61 Wherefore they took of the men of the country, that were authors of that mischief, about fifty persons, and slew them. 62 Afterward Jonathan, and Simon, and they that were with him, got them away to Bethbasi, which is in the wilderness, and they repaired the decays thereof, and made it strong. 63 Which thing, when Bacchides knew, he gathered together all his host, and sent word ‖ to them that were of Judea. 64 Then went he and laid siege against Bethbasi, and they fought against it a long season, and made engines of war. 65 But Jonathan left his brother Simon in the city, and went forth himself into the country, and with a certain number went he forth. 66 And he smote † Odonarkes and his brethren, and the children of Phasiron in their tent. 67 And, when he began to smite them, and came up with his forces, Simon and his company went out of the city, and burnt up the engines of war. 68 And fought against Bacchides, who was discomforted by them, and they afflicted him fore: for his counsel and travel was in vain. 69 Wherefore he was very wroth at the wicked men that gave him counsel to come into the country, inasmuch as he slew many of them, and purposed to return into his own country. 70 Whereof when Jonathan had knowledge, he sent ambassadors unto him, to the end he should make peace with him, and deliver them the prisoners. 71 Which thing he accepted, and did according to his demands, and sware unto him, that he would never do him harm all the days of his life. 72 When therefore he had restored unto him the prisoners that he had taken aforetime out of the land of Judea, he returned and went his way into his own land, neither ‖ came he any more into their borders. 73 Thus the sword ceased from Israel: but Jonathan dwelt at Machmas, and began to † govern the people, and he destroyed the ungodly men out of Israel.
CHAP. X.
3 Demetrius maketh large offers to have peace with Jonathan: 25 his letters to the Jews, &c. IN the hundred and sixtieth year, Alexander ‖ the son of Antiochus surnamed Epiphanes, went up and took Ptolemais: for the people had received him, by means whereof he reigned there. 2 Now, when king Demetrius heard thereof, he
gathered together an exceeding great host, and went forth against him to fight. 3 Moreover, Demetrius sent letters unto Jonathan with loving words, so as he magnified him. 4 For, said he, let us first make peace with him, before he join with Alexander against us: 5 Else he will remember all the evils that we have done against him, and against his brethren, and his people. 6 Wherefore he gave him authority to gather together an host, and to provide weapons that he might aid him in battle: he commanded also that the hostages that were in the tower should be delivered him. 7 Then came Jonathan to Jerusalem, and read the letters in the audience of all the people, and of them that were in the tower: 8 Who were fore afraid, when they heard that the king had given him authority to gather together an host. 9 Whereupon they of the tower delivered their hostages unto Jonathan, and he delivered them unto their parents. 10 This done, Jonathan settled himself in Jerusalem, and began to build and repair the city. 11 And he commanded the workmen to build the walls, and the mount Zion round about with square stones, for fortification; and they did so. 12 Then the strangers, that were in the fortresses which Bacchides had built, fled away: 13 Inasmuch as every man left his place, and went into his own country. 14 Only at Bethfura certain of those, that had forsaken the law and the commandments, remained still: for it was their place of refuge. 15 Now, when king Alexander had heard what promises Demetrius had sent unto Jonathan; when also it was told him of the battles and noble acts which he and his brethren had done, and of the pains that they had endured, 16 He said, Shall we find such another man? Now therefore we will make him our friend and confederate. 17 Upon this he wrote a letter, and sent it unto him, according to these words, saying, 18 King Alexander to his brother Jonathan, sendeth greeting. 19 We have heard of thee, that thou art a man of great power, and meet to be our friend. 20 Wherefore now this day we ordain thee to be the high-priest of thy nation, and to be called the king's friend (and therewithal he sent him a purple robe, and a crown of gold,) and require thee to take our part, and keep friendship with us. 21 So, in the seventh month of the hundred and sixtieth year, at the feast of the tabernacles, Jonathan put on the holy robe, and gathered together forces, and provided much armour. 22 Whereof when Demetrius heard, he was very sorry, and said, 23 What have we done, that Alexander hath prevented us, in making amity with the Jews to strengthen himself?

Apocrypha.
Before CHRIST cir. 153.
24 I also will write unto them words of encouragement, and promise them dignities and gifts, that I may have their aid.
25 He sent unto them therefore, to this effect: king Demetrius unto the people of the Jews sendeth greeting.
26 Whereas you have kept covenants with us, and continued in our friendship, not joining yourselves with our enemies, we have heard hereof, and are glad.
27 Wherefore now continue ye still to be faithful unto us, and we will well recompense you for all things you do in our behalf.
28 And will grant you many immunities, and give you rewards.
29 And now do I free you, and for your sake I release all the Jews from tributes, and from the customs of salt, and from crown-taxes,
30 And from that which appertaineth unto me to receive for the third part of the seed, and the half of the fruit of the trees, I release it from this day forth, so that they shall not be taken of the land of Judea, nor of the three governments which are added thereunto out of the country of Samaria, and Galilee, from this day forth for evermore.
31 Let Jerusalem also be holy and free, with the borders thereof, both from tenths and tributes.
32 And as for the tower which is at Jerusalem, I yield up my authority over it, and give it to the high priest, that he may set in it such men as he shall chuse to keep it.
33 Moreover, I freely set at liberty every one of the Jews that were carried captives out of the land of Judea, into any part of my kingdom, and I will that all my officers remit the tributes, even of their cattle.
34 Furthermore, I will that all the feasts and sabbaths, and new-moons, and solemn days, and the three days before the feast, and the three days after the feast, shall be all days of immunity and freedom for all the Jews in my realm.
35 Also, no man shall have authority to meddle with them, or to molest any of them in any matter.
36 I will further, that there be enrolled among the king's forces about thirty thousand men of the Jews, unto whom pay shall be given as belongeth to all the king's forces.
37 And of them some shall be placed in the king's strong holds, of whom also some shall be set over the affairs of the kingdom, which are of trust: and I will that their overseers and governors be of themselves, and that they live after their own laws, even as the king hath commanded in the land of Judea.
38 And concerning the three governments that are added to Judea, from the country of Samaria, let them be joined with Judea, that they may be reckoned to be under one, nor bound to obey other authority than the high priest's.
39 As for Ptolemais, and the land pertaining thereto, I give it as a free gift to the sanctuary of || Or, of the Jerusalem, for the necessary expences || of the sanctuary.
40 Moreover, I give every year fifteen thousand
shekels of silver out of the king's accounts from the places appertaining.
41 And all the overplus which the officers paid not in, as in former time, from henceforth shall be given toward the works of the temple.
42 And besides this, the five thousand shekels of silver, which they took from the uses of the temple, out of the accounts year by year, even those things shall be released, because they appertain to the priests that minister.
43 And whosoever they be that flee unto the temple at Jerusalem, or be within the liberties thereof, being indebted unto the king, or for any other matter, let them be at liberty, and all that they have in my realm.
44 For the building also, and repairing of the works of the sanctuary, expences shall be given of the king's accounts.
45 Yea, and for the building of the walls of Jerusalem, and the fortifying thereof round about, expences shall be given out of the king's accounts, as also for the building of the walls in Judea.
46 Now, when Jonathan and the people heard these words, they gave no credit unto them, nor received them, because they remembered the great evil that he had done in Israel; for he had afflicted them very sore.
47 But with Alexander they were well pleased, because he was the first that intreated of true peace with them, and they were confederate with him always.
48 Then gathered king Alexander great forces, and encamped over against Demetrius.
49 And, after the two kings had joined battle, Demetrius' host fled: but Alexander followed after him, and prevailed against them.
50 And he continued the battle very sore until the sun went down, and that day was Demetrius slain.
51 Afterward Alexander sent ambassadors to Ptolemy king of Egypt, with a message to this effect:
52 Forasmuch as I am come again to my realm, and am set in the throne of my progenitors, and have gotten the dominion, and overthrown Demetrius, and recovered our country:
53 (For, after I had joined battle with him, both he and his host was discomfited by us, so that we sit in the throne of his kingdom:)
54 Now therefore let us make a league of amity together, and give me now thy daughter to wife: and I will be thy son-in-law, and will give both thee and her gifts, according to thy dignity.
55 Then Ptolemy the king gave answer, saying, Happy be the day wherein thou didst return into the land of thy fathers, and satest in the throne of their kingdom.
56 And now will I do to thee, as thou hast written: meet me therefore at Ptolemais, that we may see one another; for I will marry my daughter to thee according to thy desire.
57 So Ptolemy went out of Egypt with his daughter Cleopatra, and they came unto Ptolemais in the hundred threescore and second year:
58 Where
Before CHRIST cir. 153.
Before CHRIST cir. 150.
58 Where king Alexander meeting him, he gave unto him his daughter Cleopatra, and celebrated her marriage at Ptolemais with great glory as the manner of kings is.
59 Now king Alexander had written unto Jonathan, that he should come and meet him.
60 Who thereupon went honourably to Ptolemais where he met the two kings, and gave them and their friends silver and gold, and many presents, and found favour in their sight.
61 At that time certain pestilent fellows of Israel, men of a wicked life, assembled themselves against him, to accuse him: but the king would not hear them.
62 Yea, more than that, the king commanded to take off his garments, and clothe him in purple: and they did so.
63 Also he made him sit by himself, and said unto his princes, Go with him into the midst of the city, and make proclamation, that no man complain against him of any matter, and that no man trouble him for any manner of cause.
64 Now, when his accusers saw that he was honoured according to the proclamation, and clothed in purple, they fled all away.
65 So the king honoured him, and wrote him amongst his chief friends, and made him a duke, and partaker of his dominion.
|| Or, governor of a province.
66 Afterward, Jonathan returned to Jerusalem with peace and gladness.
67 Furthermore, in the hundred threescore and fifth year, came Demetrius son of Demetrius, out of Crete into the land of his fathers.
68 Whereof when king Alexander heard tell, he was right sorry, and returned into Antioch.
69 Then Demetrius made Apollonius the governor of Celosyria his general, who gathered together a great host, and camped in Jamnia, and sent unto Jonathan the high priest, saying,
70 Thou alone liftest up thyself against us, and I am laughed to scorn for thy sake, and reproached, and why dost thou vaunt thy power against us in the mountains?
71 Now, therefore, if thou trustest in thine own strength, come down to us into the plain field, and there let us try the matter together: for with me is the power of the cities.
72 Ask and learn who I am, and the rest that take our part, and they shall tell thee, That thy foot is not able to stand before our face; for thy fathers have been twice put to flight in their own land.
73 Wherefore now thou shalt not be able to abide the horsemen, and so great a power in the plain, where is neither stone nor flint, nor place to flee unto.
74 So when Jonathan heard these words of Apollonius, he was moved in his mind, and chusing ten thousand men, he went out of Jerusalem, where Simon his brother met him for to help him.
75 And he pitched his tents against Joppe: but they of Joppe shut him out of the city, because Apollonius had a garrison there.
76 Then Jonathan laid siege unto it: whereupon
Before CHRIST cir. 148.
they of the city let him in for fear: and so Jonathan won Joppe.
77 Whereof when Apollonius heard, he took three thousand horsemen, with a great host of footmen, and went to Azotus † as one that journeyed, and therewithal || drew him forth into the plain, because he had a great number of horsemen, in whom he put his trust.
78 Then Jonathan followed after him to Azotus, || Or, led his company. where the armies joined battle.
79 Now Apollonius had left a thousand horsemen in ambush.
80 And Jonathan knew that there was an ambushment behind him; for they had compassed in his host, and cast darts at the people from morning till evening.
81 But the people stood still, as Jonathan had commanded them: and so the enemies' † horses were tired.
† Jof. Anti. lib. 13. cap. 8.
82 Then brought Simon forth his host, and set them against the footmen, (for the horsemen were spent,) who were discomfited by him, and fled.
83 The horsemen also, being scattered in the field, fled to Azotus, and went into Beth-dagon, their idol's temple, for safety.
84 But Jonathan set fire on Azotus, and the cities round about it, and took their spoils; and the temple of Dagon, with them that were fled into it, he burnt with fire.
85 Thus there were burnt and slain with the sword, well nigh eight thousand men.
86 And from thence Jonathan removed his host, and camped against Ascalon, where the men of the city came forth, and met him with great pomp.
87 After this returned Jonathan and his host unto Jerusalem having many spoils.
88 Now, when king Alexander heard these things, he honoured Jonathan yet more,
89 And sent him a buckle of gold, as the use is to be given to such as are of the king's blood: he gave him also Accaron with the borders thereof in possession.
12 Ptolemy taketh away his daughter from Alexander, and entereth upon his kingdom, &c.
AND the king of Egypt gathered together a great host, like the sand that lieth upon the sea-shore, and many ships, and went about through deceit to get Alexander's kingdom, and join it to his own.
2 Whereupon he took his journey into Syria in peaceable manner; so as they of the cities opened unto him, and met him: for king Alexander had commanded them so to do, because he was his father-in-law.
3 Now, as Ptolemy entered into the cities, he set in every one of them a garrison of soldiers to keep it.
4 And, when he came near to Azotus, they shewed him the temple of Dagon that was burnt, and Azotus and the suburbs thereof that were destroyed, and the bodies that were cast abroad, and them that he had burnt in the battle; for they had made heaps of them by the way where he should pass.
5 Also they told the king whatsoever Jonathan had
146.

Before CHRIST cir. 146.
had done to the intent he might blame him: but the king held his peace.
6 Then Jonathan met the king with great pomp at Joppe, where they saluted one another, and lodged.
7 Afterward Jonathan, when he had gone with the king to the river called Eleutherus, returned again to Jerusalem.
8 King Ptolemee therefore, having gotten the dominion of the cities by the sea, unto Seleucia upon the sea-coast, imagined wicked counsels against Alexander.
9 Whereupon he sent ambassadors unto king Demetrius, saying, Come, let us make a league betwixt us, and I will give thee my daughter whom Alexander hath, and thou shalt reign in thy father's kingdom:
10 For I repent that I gave my daughter unto him, for he sought to slay me.
11 Thus did he slander him, because he was desirous of his kingdom.
12 Wherefore he took his daughter from him, and gave her to Demetrius, and forsook Alexander, so that their hatred was openly known.
13 Then Ptolemee entered into Antioch, where he set two crowns upon his head, the crown of Asia, and of Egypt.
14 In the mean season was king Alexander in Cilicia, because those that dwelt in those parts had revolted from him.
15 But, when Alexander heard of this, he came to war against him: whereupon king Ptolemee brought forth his host and met him with a mighty power, and put him to flight.
16 So Alexander fled into Arabia, there to be defended: but king Ptolemee was exalted.
17 For Zabdai the Arabian took off Alexander's head, and sent it unto Ptolemee.
18 King Ptolemee died also the third day after, and they that were in the strong holds were slain one of another.
19 By this means Demetrius reigned in the hundred threescore and seventh year.
20 At the same time Jonathan gathered together them that were in Judea, to take the tower that was in Jerusalem: and he made many engines of war against it.
21 Then certain ungodly persons, who hated their own people, went unto the king, and told him that Jonathan besieged the tower.
22 Whereof when he heard, he was angry, and immediately removing, he came to Ptolemais, and wrote unto Jonathan, that he should not lay siege to the tower, but come and speak with him at Ptolemais, in great haste.
23 Nevertheless, Jonathan, when he heard this, commanded to besiege it still: and he chose certain of the elders of Israel, and the priests, and put himself in peril;
24 And took silver, and gold, and raiment, and divers presents besides, and went to Ptolemais, unto the king, where he found favour in his sight.
25 And though certain ungodly men of the people had made complaints against him,
26 Yet the king entreated him as his predecessors had done before, and promoted him in the sight of all his friends,
27 And confirmed him in the high priesthood, and in all the honours that he had before, and gave him pre-eminence among his chief friends.
28 Then Jonathan desired the king, that he would make Judea free from tribute, as also the three governments with the country of Samaria: and he promised him three hundred talents.
29 So the king consented, and wrote letters unto Jonathan of all these things after this manner:
30 King Demetrius unto his brother Jonathan, and unto the nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting:
31 We send you here a copy of the letter which we did write unto our cousin Lashenes concerning you, that you might see it.
32 King Demetrius unto his father Lashenes, sendeth greeting:
33 We are determined to do good to the people of the Jews, who are our friends, and keep covenants with us, because of their good will towards us.
34 Wherefore we have ratified unto them the borders of Judea, with the three governments of Apherema, and Lydda, and Ramathem, that are added
unto Judea from the country of Samaria, and all things appertaining unto them, for all such as do sacrifice in Jerusalem, instead of the payments which the king received of them yearly aforetime, out of the fruits of the earth, and of trees.
35 And as for other things that belong unto us, of the tithes and customs pertaining unto us, as also the salt-pits, and the crown-taxes, which are due unto us, we discharge them of them all for their relief.
36 And nothing hereof shall be revoked from this time forth for ever.
37 Now therefore see that thou make a copy of these things, and let it be delivered unto Jonathan, and set upon the holy mount in a conspicuous place.
38 After this, when king Demetrius saw that the land was quiet before him, and that no resistance was made against him, he sent away all his forces, every one to his own place, except certain bands of strangers whom he had gathered from the isles of the heathen: wherefore all the forces of his fathers hated him.
39 Moreover, there was one Tryphon, that had been of Alexander's part afore, who, seeing that all the host murmured against Demetrius, went to Simalcuc the Arabian, that brought up Antiochus the young son of Alexander.
40 And lay fore upon him, to deliver him this young Antiochus, that he might reign in his father's stead: he told them therefore all that Demetrius had done, and how his men of war were at enmity with him, and there he remained a long season.
41 In the mean time Jonathan sent unto king Demetrius, that he would cast those of the tower out of Jerusalem, and those also in the fortresses: for they fought against Israel.
42 So Demetrius sent unto Jonathan, saying, I will not only do this for thee and thy people, but I
Before CHRIST cir. 145.
Jos. Ant. lib. 13. cap.
Before CHRIST cir. 145.
will greatly honour thee and thy nation, if opportunity serve.
43 Now therefore thou shalt do well if thou send me men to help me; for all my forces are gone from me.
44 Upon this, Jonathan sent him three thousand strong men unto Antioch, and, when they came to the king, the king was very glad of their coming.
45 Howbeit, they that were of the city gathered themselves together into the midst of the city, to the number of an hundred and twenty thousand men, and would have slain the king.
46 Wherefore the king fled into the court, but they of the city kept the passages of the city, and began to fight.
47 Then the king called to the Jews for help, who came unto him all at once, and, dispersing themselves through the city, slew that day in the city to the number of an hundred thousand.
48 Also they set fire on the city, and gat many spoils that day, and delivered the king.
49 So when they of the city saw that the Jews had got the city as they would, their courage was abated: wherefore they made supplication to the king, and cried, saying,
|| Or, Befriends with us.
50 || Grant us peace, and let the Jews cease from assaulting us and the city.
51 With that they cast away their weapons, and made peace, and the Jews were honoured in the sight of the king, and in the sight of all that were in his realm, and they returned to Jerusalem, having great spoils.
52 So king Demetrius sat on the throne of his kingdom, and the land was quiet before him.
53 Nevertheless, he dissembled in all that ever he spake, and estranged himself from Jonathan, neither rewarded he him according to the benefits which he had received of him, but troubled him very sore.
144.
54 After this returned Tryphon, and with him the young child Antiochus, who reigned and was crowned.
55 Then there gathered unto him all the men of war, whom Demetrius had put away, and they fought against Demetrius, who turned his back and fled.
|| Gr. beasts.
56 Moreover, Tryphon took the elephants, and won Antioch.
57 At that time young Antiochus wrote unto Jonathan, saying, I confirm thee in the high priesthood, and appoint thee ruler over the four governments, and to be one of the king's friends.
|| Gr. and service.
58 Upon this he sent him golden vessels || to be served in, and gave him leave to drink in gold, and to be clothed in purple, and to wear a golden buckle.
|| Or, went beyond the river, and passed through the cities, or, went and passed beyond the river, and through the cities. Gr.
59 His brother Simon also he made captain, from the place called, The ladder of Tyrus, unto the borders of Egypt.
60 Then Jonathan went forth, and passed through the cities beyond the water, and all the forces of Syria gathered themselves unto him for to help him, and, when he came to Ascalon, they of the city met him honourably.
61 From whence he went to Gaza, but they of
Before CHRIST cir. 144.
Gaza shut him out: wherefore he laid siege unto it, and burned the suburbs thereof with fire, and spoiled them.
62 Afterwards, when they of Gaza made supplication unto Jonathan, he made peace with them, and took the sons of their chief men for hostages, and sent them to Jerusalem, and passed through the country unto Damascus.
|| Or, the place whereabout. || Gr. he gave them the right hand.
63 Now, when Jonathan heard that Demetrius' princes were come to Cades which is in Galilee, with a great power, purposing to remove him out of the country,
|| Or, to remove him from the affairs of the kingdom.
64 He went to meet them, and left Simon his brother in the country.
65 Then Simon encamped against Bethfura, and fought against it a long season, and shut it up:
66 But they desired to have peace with him, which he granted them, and then put them out from thence, and took the city, and set a garrison in it.
67 As for Jonathan and his host, they pitched at the water of Genesar, from whence betimes in the morning they gat them to the plain of Nasor.
68 And behold, the host of strangers met them in the plain, who, having laid men in ambush for him in the mountains, came themselves over against him.
69 So, when they that lay in ambush rose out of their places, and joined battle, all that were of Jonathan's side fled;
70 Inasmuch as there was not one of them left, except Mattathias the son of Absalom, and Judas the son of Calphi, the captains of the host.
71 Then Jonathan rent his clothes, and cast earth upon his head, and prayed.
72 Afterwards, turning again to battle, he put them to flight, and so they ran away.
73 Now, when his own men that were fled saw this, they turned again unto him, and with him pursued them to Cades, even unto their own tents, and there they encamped.
74 So there were slain of the heathen that day, about three thousand men: but Jonathan returned to Jerusalem.
CHAP. XII.
Jonathan reneweth his league with the Romans, and Lacedemonians, &c.
NOW, when Jonathan saw that the time served him, he chose certain men, and sent them to Rome, for to confirm and renew the friendship that they had with them.
2 He sent letters also to the Lacedemonians, and to other places, for the same purpose.
3 So they went unto Rome, and entered into the senate, and said, Jonathan the high priest, and the people of the Jews sent us unto you, to the end you should renew the friendship which you had with them, and league, as in former time.
4 Upon this the Romans gave them letters unto the governors of every place, that they should bring them into the land of Judea peaceably.
5 And this is the copy of the letters which Jonathan wrote to the Lacedemonians:
6 Jonathan the high priest, and the elders of the nation,

Before CHRIST cir. 146.
had done to the intent he might blame him: but the king held his peace.
6 Then Jonathan met the king with great pomp at Joppe, where they saluted one another, and lodged.
7 Afterward Jonathan, when he had gone with the king to the river called Eleutherus, returned again to Jerusalem.
8 King Ptolemee therefore, having gotten the dominion of the cities by the sea, unto Seleucia upon the sea-coast, imagined wicked counsels against Alexander.
9 Whereupon he sent ambassadors unto king Demetrius, saying, Come, let us make a league betwixt us, and I will give thee my daughter whom Alexander hath, and thou shalt reign in thy father's kingdom: 10 For I repent that I gave my daughter unto him, for he sought to slay me. 11 Thus did he slander him, because he was desirous of his kingdom.
12 Wherefore he took his daughter from him, and gave her to Demetrius, and forsook Alexander, so that their hatred was openly known.
13 Then Ptolemee entered into Antioch, where he set two crowns upon his head, the crown of Asia, and of Egypt.
14 In the mean season was king Alexander in Cilicia, because those that dwelt in those parts had revolted from him.
15 But, when Alexander heard of this, he came to war against him: whereupon king Ptolemee brought forth his host and met him with a mighty power, and put him to flight.
16 So Alexander fled into Arabia, there to be defended: but king Ptolemee was exalted.
17 For Zabbai the Arabian took off Alexander's head, and sent it unto Ptolemee.
18 King Ptolemee died also the third day after, and they that were in the strong holds were slain those that one of another.
19 By this means Demetrius reigned in the hundred threescore and seventh year.
20 At the same time Jonathan gathered together them that were in Judea, to take the tower that was in Jerusalem: and he made many engines of war against it.
21 Then certain ungodly persons, who hated their own people, went unto the king, and told him that Jonathan besieged the tower.
22 Whereof when he heard, he was angry, and immediately removing, he came to Ptolemais, and wrote unto Jonathan, that he should not lay siege to the tower, but come and speak with him at Ptolemais, in great haste.
23 Nevertheless, Jonathan, when he heard this, commanded to besiege it still: and he chose certain of the elders of Israel, and the priests, and put himself in peril;
24 And took silver, and gold, and raiment, and divers presents besides, and went to Ptolemais, unto the king, where he found favour in his sight.
25 And though certain ungodly men of the people had made complaints against him,
26 Yet the king entreated him as his predecessors had done before, and promoted him in the sight of all his friends,
27 And confirmed him in the high priesthood, and in all the honours that he had before, and gave him pre-eminence among his chief friends.
28 Then Jonathan desired the king, that he would make Judea free from tribute, as also the three governments with the country of Samaria: and he promised him three hundred talents.
29 So the king consented, and wrote letters unto Jonathan of all these things after this manner:
30 King Demetrius unto his brother Jonathan, and unto the nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting:
31 We send you here a copy of the letter which we did write unto our cousin Lasthenes concerning you, that you might see it.
32 King Demetrius unto his father Lasthenes, sendeth greeting:
33 We are determined to do good to the people of the Jews, who are our friends, and keep covenants with us, because of their good will towards us.
34 Wherefore we have ratified unto them the borders of Judea, with the three governments of Apherema, and Lydda, and Ramathem, that are added unto Judea from the country of Samaria, and all things appertaining unto them, for all such as do sacrifice in Jerusalem, instead of the payments which the king received of them yearly aforetime, out of the fruits of the earth, and of trees.
35 And as for other things that belong unto us, of the tithes and customs pertaining unto us, as also the salt-pits, and the crown-taxes, which are due unto us, we discharge them of them all for their relief.
36 And nothing hereof shall be revoked from this time forth for ever.
37 Now therefore see that thou make a copy of these things, and let it be delivered unto Jonathan, and set upon the holy mount in a conspicuous place.
38 After this, when king Demetrius saw that the land was quiet before him, and that no resistance was made against him, he sent away all his forces, every one to his own place, except certain bands of strangers whom he had gathered from the isles of the heathen: wherefore all the forces of his fathers hated him.
39 Moreover, there was one Tryphon, that had been of Alexander's part afore, who, seeing that all the host murmured against Demetrius, went to Simalcuc the Arabian, that brought up Antiochus the young son of Alexander.
40 And lay fore upon him, to deliver him this young Antiochus, that he might reign in his father's stead: he told them therefore all that Demetrius had done, and how his men of war were at enmity with him, and there he remained a long season.
41 In the mean time Jonathan sent unto king Demetrius, that he would cast those of the tower out of Jerusalem, and those also in the fortresses: for they fought against Israel.
42 So Demetrius sent unto Jonathan, saying, I will not only do this for thee and thy people, but I will
Before CHRIST cir. 145.
Jos. Ant. lib. 13. cap.
Before CHRIST cir. 145.
will greatly honour thee and thy nation, if opportunity serve.
43 Now therefore thou shalt do well if thou send me men to help me; for all my forces are gone from me.
44 Upon this, Jonathan sent him three thousand strong men unto Antioch, and, when they came to the king, the king was very glad of their coming.
45 Howbeit, they that were of the city gathered themselves together into the midst of the city, to the number of an hundred and twenty thousand men, and would have slain the king.
46 Wherefore the king fled into the court, but they of the city kept the passages of the city, and began to fight.
47 Then the king called to the Jews for help, who came unto him all at once, and, dispersing themselves through the city, slew that day in the city to the number of an hundred thousand.
48 Also they set fire on the city, and gat many spoils that day, and delivered the king.
49 So when they of the city saw that the Jews had got the city as they would, their courage was abated: wherefore they made supplication to the king, and cried, saying,
|| Or, Be- friends with us.
50 || Grant us peace, and let the Jews cease from assaulting us and the city.
51 With that they cast away their weapons, and made peace, and the Jews were honoured in the sight of the king, and in the sight of all that were in his realm, and they returned to Jerusalem, having great spoils.
52 So king Demetrius sat on the throne of his kingdom, and the land was quiet before him.
53 Nevertheless, he dissembled in all that ever he spake, and estranged himself from Jonathan, neither rewarded he him according to the benefits which he had received of him, but troubled him very sore.
144.
54 After this returned Tryphon, and with him the young child Antiochus, who reigned and was crowned.
55 Then there gathered unto him all the men of war, whom Demetrius had put away, and they fought against Demetrius, who turned his back and fled.
† Gr. beasts.
56 Moreover, Tryphon took the † elephants, and won Antioch.
57 At that time young Antiochus wrote unto Jonathan, saying, I confirm thee in the high priesthood, and appoint thee ruler over the four governments, and to be one of the king's friends.
|| Gr. and service.
58 Upon this he sent him golden vessels || to be served in, and gave him leave to drink in gold, and to be clothed in purple, and to wear a golden buckle.
† Or, went beyond the river, and passed through the cities, or, went and passed beyond the river, and through the cities. Gr.
59 His brother Simon also he made captain, from the place called, The ladder of Tyrus, unto the borders of Egypt.
60 Then Jonathan † went forth, and passed through the cities beyond the water, and all the forces of Syria gathered themselves unto him for to help him, and, when he came to Ascalon, they of the city met him honourably.
61 From whence he went to Gaza, but they of
Gaza shut him out: wherefore he laid siege unto it, and burned || the suburbs thereof with fire, and spoiled them.
Before CHRIST cir. 144.
62 Afterwards, when they of Gaza made supplication unto Jonathan, † he made peace with them, and took the sons of their chief men for hostages, and sent them to Jerusalem, and passed through the country unto Damascus.
|| Or, the place thereabout.
63 Now, when Jonathan heard that Demetrius' princes were come to Cades which is in Galilee, with a great power, purposing || to remove him out of the country,
|| Or, to remove him from the affairs of the kingdom.
64 He went to meet them, and left Simon his brother in the country.
65 Then Simon encamped against Bethfura, and fought against it a long season, and shut it up:
66 But they desired to have peace with him, which he granted them, and then put them out from thence, and took the city, and set a garrison in it.
67 As for Jonathan and his host, they pitched at the water of Genesar, from whence betimes in the morning they gat them to the plain of Nasor.
68 And behold, the host of strangers met them in the plain, who, having laid men in ambush for him in the mountains, came themselves over against him.
69 So, when they that lay in ambush rose out of their places, and joined battle, all that were of Jonathan's side fled;
70 Inasmuch as there was not one of them left, except Mattathias the son of Absalom, and Judas the son of Calphi, the captains of the host.
71 Then Jonathan rent his clothes, and cast earth upon his head, and prayed.
72 Afterwards, turning again to battle, he put them to flight, and so they ran away.
73 Now, when his own men that were fled saw this, they turned again unto him, and with him pursued them to Cades, even unto their own tents, and there they encamped.
74 So there were slain of the heathen that day, about three thousand men: but Jonathan returned to Jerusalem.
CHAP. XII.
Jonathan reneweth his league with the Romans, and Lacedemonians, &c.
NOW, when Jonathan saw that the time served him, he chose certain men, and sent them to Rome, for to confirm and renew the friendship that they had with them.
2 He sent letters also to the Lacedemonians, and to other places, for the same purpose.
3 So they went unto Rome, and entered into the senate, and said, Jonathan the high priest, and the people of the Jews sent us unto you, to the end you should renew the friendship which you had with them, and league, as in former time.
4 Upon this the Romans gave them letters unto the governors of every place, that they should bring them into the land of Judea peaceably.
5 And this is the copy of the letters which Jonathan wrote to the Lacedemonians:
6 Jonathan the high priest, and the elders of the nation,

Before CHRIST cir. 144. nation and the priests, and the other people of the Jews, unto the Lacedemonians their brethren send greeting:
7 There were letters sent in times past unto Onias the high priest from Darius, who reigned then among you, to signify that you are our brethren, as the copy here underwritten doth specify.
8 At which time Onias entreated the ambassador that was sent honourably, and received the letters, wherein declaration was made of the league and friendship.
9 Therefore we also, albeit we need none of these things, for that we have the holy books of scripture in our hands to comfort us,
10 Have nevertheless, attempted to send unto you, for the renewing of brotherhood and friendship, lest we should become strangers unto you altogether: for there is a long time passed since you sent unto us.
11 We therefore at all times without ceasing, both in our feasts and other convenient days, do remember you in the sacrifices which we offer, and in our prayers, as reason is, and as it becometh us to think upon our brethren:
12 And we are right glad of your honour. 13 As for ourselves, we have had great troubles and wars on every side, forasmuch as the kings that are round about us have fought against us.
14 Howbeit, we would not be troublesome unto you, nor to others of our confederates and friends, in these wars:
15 For we have help from heaven that succoureth us, so as we are delivered from our enemies, and our enemies are brought under foot.
16 For this cause we chose Numenius the son of Antiochus, and Antipater the son of Jason, and sent them unto the Romans, to renew the amity that we had with them and the former league.
17 We commanded them also to go unto you, and to salute you, and to deliver you our letters concerning the renewing of our brotherhood.
18 Wherefore now ye shall do well to give us an answer thereto.
19 And this is the copy of the letters which Onias sent.
20 Areus king of the Lacedemonians, to Onias the high priest, greeting:
21 It is found in writing, that the Lacedemonians and Jews are brethren, and that they are of the stock of Abraham:
22 Now therefore, since this is come to our knowledge, you shall do well to write unto us of your prosperity.
23 We do write back again to you, that your cattle and goods are ours, and ours are yours. We do command therefore our ambassadors to make report unto you on this wife.
24 Now, when Jonathan heard that Demetrius' princes were come to fight against him, with a greater
25 He removed from Jerusalem, and met them in the land of Amathis: for he gave them no respite to enter his country.
26 He sent spies also unto their tents, who came again and told him, that they were appointed to come upon them in the night season.
27 Wherefore, so soon as the sun was down, Jonathan commanded his men to watch, and to be in arms, that all the night long they might be ready to fight: also he sent forth centinels round about the host.
28 But, when the adversaries heard that Jonathan and his men were ready for battle, they feared, and trembled in their hearts, and they kindled fires in their camp.
29 Howbeit, Jonathan and his company knew it not till the morning; for they saw the lights burning.
30 Then Jonathan pursued after them, but overtook them not: for they were gone over the river Eleutherus.
31 Wherefore Jonathan turned to the Arabians, who were called Zabadeans, and smote them, and took their spoils.
32 And removing thence, he came to Damascus, and so passed through all the country.
33 Simon also went forth, and passed through the country unto Ascalon, and the holds there adjoining, from whence he turned aside unto Joppe, and won it.
34 For he had heard that they would deliver the hold unto them that took Demetrius' part, wherefore he set a garrison there to keep it.
35 After this came Jonathan home again, and, calling the elders of the people together, he consulted with them about building strong holds in Judea,
36 And making the walls of Jerusalem higher, and raising a great mount between the tower and the city, for to separate it from the city, that so it might be alone, that men might neither sell nor buy in it.
37 Upon this they came together, to build up the city, forasmuch as part of the wall toward the brook on the east-side was fallen down, and they repaired that which was called Caphenatha.
38 Simon also set up Adida in Sephela, and made it strong with gates and bars.
39 Now Triphon went about to get the kingdom of Asia, and to kill Antiochus the king, that he might set the crown upon his own head.
40 Howbeit, he was afraid that Jonathan would not suffer him, and that he would fight against him, wherefore he sought a way how to take Jonathan, that he might kill him. So he removed and came to Bethsan.
41 Then Jonathan went out to meet him with forty thousand men chosen for the battle, and came to Bethsan.
42 Now, when Triphon saw that Jonathan came with so great a force, he durst not stretch his hand against him;
43 But received him honourably, and commended him unto all his friends, and gave him gifts, and commanded his men of war to be as obedient unto him as to himself.
44 Unto Jonathan also he said, Why hast thou put all this people to so great trouble, seeing there is no war betwixt us?
45 Therefore send them now home again, and chuse
Before CHRIST cir. 144.
† Jos. Ant. lib. 13. cap. 9. they went away.
† Jos. Gr. Nabatheans or, Zaba- theans.
† Or, according to the Roman reading, and he came near to the wall of the brook toward the east.
Before CHRIST cir. 144.
chuse a few men to wait on thee, and come thou with me to Ptolemais, for I will give it thee, and the rest of the strong holds and forces, and all that have any charge: as for me, I will return and depart; for this is the cause of my coming.
46 So Jonathan, believing him, did as he bade him, and sent away his host, who went into the land of Judea.
47 And with himself he retained but three thousand men, of whom he sent two thousand into Galilee, and one thousand went with him.
48 Now as soon as Jonathan entered into Ptolemais, they of Ptolemais shut the gates and took him: and all them that came with him they slew with the sword.
49 Then sent Tryphon an host of footmen and horsemen into Galilee, and into the great plain, to destroy all Jonathan's company.
50 But, when they knew that Jonathan and they that were with him were taken and slain, they encouraged one another, and went close together prepared to fight.
51 They therefore that followed upon them, perceiving that they were ready to fight for their lives, turned back again.
52 Whereupon they all came to the land of Judea peaceably, and there they bewailed Jonathan, and them that were with him, and they were sore afraid; wherefore all Israel made great lamentation.
53 Then all the heathen that were round about them sought to destroy them; for, said they, They have no captain, nor any to help them: now therefore let us make war upon them, and take away their memorial from among men.
CHAP. XIII.
Simon is made captain in his brother Jonathan's room, &c.
NOW, when Simon heard that Tryphon had gathered together a great host, to invade the land of Judea, and destroy it.
2 And saw that the people was in great trembling and fear, he went up to Jerusalem and gathered the people together,
3 And gave them exhortations, saying, Ye yourselves know what great things I and my brethren, and my father's house have done for the laws and the sanctuary, the battles also and troubles which we have seen:
4 By reason whereof all my brethren are slain for Israel's sake, and I am left alone.
5 Now therefore be it far from me, that I should spare mine own life in any time of trouble: for I am no better than my brethren.
6 Doubtless I will avenge my nation and the sanctuary, and our wives, and our children: for all the heathen are gathered to destroy us of very malice.
7 Now, as soon as the people heard these words their spirit revived,
8 And they answered with a loud voice, saying, Thou shalt be our leader instead of Judas and Jonathan thy brother.
9 Fight thou our battles, and whatsoever thou commandest us, that will we do.
10 So then he gathered together all the men of war, and made haste to finish the walls of Jerusalem, and he fortified it round about.
11 Also he sent Jonathan the son of Absalom, and with him a great power to Joppe: who, casting out them that were therein, remained there in it.
12 So Tryphon removed from Ptolemais, with a great power to invade the land of Judea: and Jonathan was with him in ward.
13 But Simon pitched his tents at Adida, over against the plain.
14 Now, when Tryphon knew that Simon was risen up in stead of his brother Jonathan, and meant to join battle with him, he sent messengers unto him, saying,
15 Whereas we have Jonathan thy brother in hold, it is for money that he is owing unto the king's treasure, concerning the business that was committed unto him.
16 Wherefore now send an hundred talents of silver, and two of his sons for hostages, that when he is at liberty he may not revolt from us, and we will let him go.
17 Hereupon Simon, albeit he perceived that they spake deceitfully unto him, yet sent he the money and the children, lest peradventure he should procure to himself great hatred of the people:
18 Who might have said, Because I sent him not the money, and the children, therefore is Jonathan dead.
19 So he sent them the children, and the hundred talents: howbeit Tryphon dissembled, neither would he let Jonathan go.
20 And after this came Tryphon to invade the land, and destroy it, going round about by the way that leadeth unto Adora: but Simon and his host marched against him in every place wherefoever he went.
21 Now they that were in the tower sent messengers unto Tryphon, to the end that he should hasten his coming unto them by the wilderness, and send them victuals.
22 Wherefore Tryphon made ready all his horsemen to come that night, but there fell a very great snow, by reason whereof he came not. So he departed, and came into the country of Galaad.
23 And, when he came near to Bascama, he slew Jonathan, who was buried there.
24 Afterward Tryphon returned, and went into his own land.
25 Then sent Simon, and took the bones of Jonathan his brother, and buried them in Modin, the city of his fathers.
26 And all Israel made great lamentation for him, and bewailed him many days.
27 Simon also built a monument upon the sepulchre of his father and his brethren, and raised it aloft to the sight, with hewn stone behind and before.
28 Moreover, he set up seven pyramids one against another, for his father and his mother, and his four brethren.
29 And in these he made cunning devices, about
Before CHRIST cir. 144.
† Or, for the affairs, or, offices, that he had, or, the necessary uses which he had.

Before CHRIST cir. 143. the which he set great pillars, and upon the pillars he made all their armour for a perpetual memory, and by the armour ships carved, that they might be seen of all that sail on the sea.
30 This is the sepulchre which he made at Modin, and it standeth yet unto this day.
31 Now Tryphon dealt deceitfully with the young king Antiochus, and slew him.
32 And he reigned in his stead, and crowned himself king of Asia, and brought a great calamity upon the land.
33 Then Simon built up the strong holds in Judea, and fenced them about with high towers, and great walls, and gates, and bars, and laid up victuals † therein.
34 Moreover, Simon chose men, and sent to king Demetrius, to the end he should give the land an immunity, because ‖ all that Tryphon did was to spoil.
35 Unto whom king Demetrius answered, and wrote after this manner:
36 King Demetrius unto Simon the high-priest, and friend of kings, as also unto the elders and nation of the Jews, sendeth greeting:
37 The golden crown and the scarlet robe which ye sent unto us we have received: and we are ready to make a steadfast peace with you, yea, and to write unto our officers, to confirm the immunities which we have granted.
38 And whatsoever covenants we have made with you shall stand; and the strong holds which ye have builded shall be your own.
39 As for any oversight, or fault committed unto this day, we forgive it, and the crown-tax also which ye owe us: and if there were any other tribute paid in Jerusalem, it shall no more be paid.
40 And look who are meet among you to be in our court, let them be enrolled, and let there be peace betwixt us.
41 Thus the yoke of the heathen was taken away from Israel, in the hundred and seventieth year.
42 Then the people of Israel began to write in their instruments and contracts, In the first year of Simon the high-priest, the governor and leader of the Jews.
43 In those days Simon camped against Gaza, and besieged it round about; he made also an engine of war, and set it by the city, and battered a certain tower and took it.
44 And they that were in the engine leaped into the city; whereupon there was a great uproar in the city:
45 Inasmuch as the people of the city rent their clothes, and climbed upon the walls with their wives and children, and cried with a loud voice, beseeching Simon † to grant them peace.
46 And they said, Deal not with us according to our wickedness, but according to thy mercy.
47 So Simon was appeased toward them, and fought no more against them, but put them out of the city, and cleansed the houses wherein the idols were: and so entered into it with songs and thanksgiving.
48 Yea, he put all uncleanness out of it, and pla-
ced such men there as would keep the law, and made it stronger than it was before, and built therein a dwelling-place for himself.
49 They also of the tower in Jerusalem were kept so strait, that they could neither come forth, nor go into the country, nor buy, nor sell: wherefore they were in great distress for want of victuals, and a great number of them perished through famine.
50 Then cried they to Simon, beseeching him ‖ to be at one with them: which thing he granted them, and, when he had put them out from thence, he cleansed the tower from pollutions:
51 And entered into it the three and twentieth day of the second month, in the hundred seventy and first year, with thanksgiving, and branches of palm-trees, and with harps, and cymbals, and with viols, and hymns, and songs: because there was destroyed a great enemy out of Israel.
52 He ordained also that that day should be kept every year with gladness. Moreover, the hill of the temple that was by the tower he made stronger than it was, and there he dwelt himself with his company.
53 And when Simon saw that John his son was a valliant man, he made him captain of all the host, and he dwelt in Gazara.
C H A P. XIV.
Demetrius is taken by the king of Persia, &c.
NOW, in the hundred three-score and twelfth year, king Demetrius gathered his forces together, and went into Media, to get him help to fight against Tryphon.
2 But when Arsaces, the king of Persia and Media, heard that Demetrius was entered within his borders, he sent one of his princes to take him alive;
3 Who went and smote the host of Demetrius, and took him, and brought him to Arsaces, by whom he was put in ward.
4 As for the land of Judea, that was quiet all the days of Simon; for he fought the good of his nation in such wise, as that evermore his authority and honour pleased them well.
5 And as he was honourable in all his acts, so in this, that he took Joppe for an haven, and made an entrance to the isles of the sea,
6 And enlarged the bounds of his nation, and recovered the country,
7 And gathered together a great number of captives, and had the dominion of Gazara and Bethsura, and the tower, out of the which he took all uncleanness, neither was there any that resisted him.
8 Then did they till their ground in peace, and the earth gave her increase, and the trees of the field their fruit.
9 The ancient men sat all in the streets, communing together of † good things, and the young men put on glorious and warlike apparel.
10 He provided victuals for the cities, and set in them all manner of munition, so that his honourable name was renowned unto the end of the world.
11 He made peace in the land, and Israel rejoiced with great joy:
12 For every man sat under his vine, and
Before CHRIST cir. 142.
Or, to make peace with them.
141.
Or, the wealth of the land.
1 Kings 4. his 25.
Before CHRIST cir. 141.
his fig-tree, and there was none to fray them: 13 Neither was there any left in the land to fight against them: yea, the kings themselves were overthrown in those days.
14 Moreover, he strengthened all those of his people that were brought low: the law he searched out; and every contemner of the law and wicked person he took away.
15 He beautified the sanctuary, and multiplied the vessels of the temple.
16 Now, when it was heard at Rome, and as far as Sparta, that Jonathan was dead, they were very sorry.
17 But, as soon as they heard that his brother Simon was made high-priest in his stead, and ruled the country and the cities therein,
18 They wrote unto him in tables of brass, to renew the friendship and league which they had made with Judas and Jonathan his brethren:
19 Which writings were read before the congregation at Jerusalem.
20 And this is the copy of the letters that the Lacedemonians sent; The rulers of the Lacedemonians, with the city, unto Simon the high-priest, and the elders, and priests and residue of the people of the Jews, our brethren, send greeting:
21 The ambassadors, that were sent unto our people, certified us of your glory and honour, wherefore we were glad of their coming:
22 And did register the things that they spake in the council of the people, in this manner, Numenius son of Antiochus, and Antipater son of Jason, the Jews' ambassadors, came unto us to renew the friendship they had with us.
23 And it pleased the people to entertain the men honourably, and to put the copy of their embassy in public records, to the end the people of the Lacedemonians might have a memorial thereof: furthermore, we have written a copy thereof unto Simon the high-priest.
24 After this, Simon sent Numenius to Rome, with a great shield of gold of a thousand pound weight, to confirm the league with them.
25 Whereof when the people heard, they said, What thanks shall we give to Simon and his sons?
26 For he and his brethren, and the house of his father have established Israel, and chased away in fight their enemies from them, and confirmed their liberty.
27 So then they wrote it in tables of brass, which they set upon pillars in mount Zion: and this is the copy of the writing. The eighteenth day of the month Elul, in the hundred three-score and twelfth year, being the third year of Simon the high-priest,
28 At † Saramel, in the great congregation of the priests and people, and rulers of the nation, and elders of the country, were these things notified unto us.
29 Forasmuch as oftentimes there have been wars in the country, wherein, for the maintenance of their sanctuary, and the law, Simon the son of Mattathias of the posterity of Jarib, together with his brethren,
† Or, Jerusalem, adventure by corruption and transposition of letters; or, as some think, the common hall where they met to consult of matters of estate.
put themselves in jeopardy, and, resisting the enemies of their nation, did their nation great honour:
30 (For, after that Jonathan having gathered his nation together, and been their high priest, was added to his people,
31 Their enemies purposed to invade their country, that they might destroy it, and lay hands on the sanctuary:
32 At which time Simon rose up, and fought for his nation, and spent much of his own substance, and armed ‖ the valliant men of his nation, and gave them wages,
33 And fortified the cities of Judea, together with Bethsura, that lieth upon the borders of Judea, where the † armour of the enemies had been before; but he set a garrison of Jews there.
34 Moreover, he fortified Joppe which lieth upon the sea, and ‖ Gazara that bordereth upon Azotus, ‖ Or, Gaza, where the enemies had dwelt before: but he placed Jews there, and furnished them with all things convenient for the reparation thereof.)
35 The people therefore seeing the acts of Simon, and unto what glory he thought to bring his nation, made him their governor, and chief priest, because he had done all these things, and for the justice and faith which he kept to his nation, and for that he sought by all means to exalt his people.
36 For in his time things prospered in his hands, so that the heathen were taken out of their country, and they also that were in the city of David in Jerusalem, who had made themselves a tower, out of which they issued and polluted all about the sanctuary, and did much hurt † in the holy place:
37 But he placed Jews therein, and fortified it for the safety of the country, and the city, and raised up the walls of Jerusalem.
38 King Demetrius also confirmed him in the high priesthood, according to those things,
39 And made him one of his friends, and honoured him with great honour:
40 For he had heard say, that the Romans had called the Jews their friends, and confederates, and brethren, and that they had entertained the ambassadors of Simon honourably;
41 Also, that the Jews and priests were well pleased that Simon should be their governor and high-priest for ever, until there should arise a faithful prophet:
42 Moreover, that he should be their captain, and should take charge of the sanctuary, to set them over their works, and over the country, and over the armour, and over the fortresses, that (I say) he should take charge of the sanctuary;
43 Besides this, that he should be obeyed of every man, and that all the writings in the country should be made in his name, and that he should be clothed in purple, and wear gold;
44 Also, that it should be lawful for none of the people or priests to break any of these things, or to gainsay his words, or to gather an assembly in the country without him, or to be clothed in purple, or wear a buckle of gold:
Before CHRIST cir. 141.
‖ Or, the men of war.
† Or, weapons.
† Or, unto religion.

Apocrypha.
I. MACCABEES.
Apocrypha.
Before CHRIST cir. 141.
45 And whosoever should do otherwise, or break any of these things, he should be punished.
46 Thus it liked all the people to deal with Simon, and to do as hath been said.
47 Then Simon accepted hereof, and was well pleased to be high-priest, and captain, and governor of the Jews and priests, and to defend them all.
48 So they commanded that this writing should be put in tables of brass, and that they should be set up within the compass of the sanctuary in a conspicuous place;
49 Also, that the copies thereof should be laid up in the treasury, to the end that Simon and his sons might have them.
CHAP. XV.
Antiochus desireth leave to pass through Judea, and granteth great honours to Simon, and the Jews, &c.
140.
Moreover, Antiochus, son of Demetrius the king, sent letters from the isles of the sea, unto Simon the priest, and prince of the Jews, and to all the people;
2 The contents whereof were these: King Antiochus to Simon the high-priest, and prince of his nation, and to the people of the Jews, greeting:
3 Forasmuch as certain pestilent men have usurped the kingdom of our fathers, and my purpose is to challenge it again, that I may restore it to the old estate, and to that end have gathered a multitude of foreign soldiers together, and prepared ships of war;
4 My meaning also being to go through the country, that I may be avenged of them that have destroyed it, and made many cities in the kingdom desolate:
139.
5 Now therefore I confirm unto thee all the oblations which the kings before me granted thee, and whatsoever gifts besides they granted.
6 I give thee leave also to coin money for thy country with thine own stamp.
7 And as concerning Jerusalem and the sanctuary, let them be free, and all the armour that thou hast made, and fortresses that thou hast built, and keepest in thine hands, let them remain unto thee.
8 And if any thing be, or shall be owing to the king, let it be forgiven thee from this time forth forevermore.
9 Furthermore, when we have obtained our kingdom, we will honour thee, and thy nation, and thy temple with great honour, so that your honour shall be known throughout the world.
10 In the hundred threescore and fourteenth year went Antiochus into the land of his fathers: at which time all the forces came together unto him, so that few were left with Tryphon.
11 Wherefore, being pursued by king Antiochus, he fled unto Dora, which lieth by the sea side.
12 For he saw that troubles came upon him all at once, and that his forces had forsaken him.
13 Then camped Antiochus against Dora, having with him an hundred and twenty thousand men of war, and eight thousand horsemen.
14 And, when he had compassed the city round about, and joined ships close to the town on the sea side, he vexed the city by land and by sea, neither suffered he any to go out or in.
15 In the mean season came Numenius and his company from Rome, having letters to the kings and countries; wherein were written these things:
16 Lucius consul of the Romans, unto king Ptolemee, greeting:
17 The Jews' ambassadors, our friends and confederates came unto us to renew the old friendship and league, being sent from Simon the high-priest, and from the people of the Jews:
18 And they brought a shield of gold, of a thousand pound.
19 We thought it good therefore to write unto the kings and countries, that they should do them no harm, nor fight against them, their cities or countries, nor yet aid their enemies against them.
20 It seemed also good to us to receive the shield of them.
21 If therefore there be any pestilent fellows that have fled from their country unto you, deliver them unto Simon the high-priest, that he may punish them according to their own law.
22 The same things wrote he likewise unto Demetrius the king, and Attalus, to † Ariarathes, and † Or, Arathes, Arfaces,
23 And to all the countries, and to ‡ Sampfames, and the Lacedemonians, and to Delus, and Myndus, and Sicyon, and Caria, and Samos, and Pamphylia, and Lycia, and Halicarnassus, and Rodus, and †† Or, Basilis. Phaselis, and Cos, and Side, and Aradus and Gortyna, and Cnidus, and Cyprus, and Cyrene.
24 And the copy hereof they wrote to Simon the high-priest.
25 So Antiochus the king encamped against Dora the second day, ‖ assaulting it continually, and making engines, by which means he shut up Tryphon, that he could neither go out nor in. || Gr. bringing his forces to it.
26 At that time Simon sent him two thousand chosen men to aid him: silver also and gold and much armour.
27 Nevertheless, he would not receive them, but brake all the covenants which he had made with him afore, and became strange unto him.
28 Furthermore, he sent unto him Athenobius one of his friends to commune with him, and say, You withhold Joppe, and Gazara, with the tower that is in Jerusalem, which are cities of my realm.
29 The borders thereof ye have wasted, and done great hurt in the land, and got the dominion of many places within my kingdom.
30 Now therefore deliver the cities which ye have taken, and the tributes of the places whereof ye have gotten dominion † without the borders of Judea. † Or, except the borders, &c.
31 Or else give me for them five hundred talents of silver; and for the harm that you have done, and the tributes of the cities, other five hundred talents: if not, we will come and ‖ fight against you. || Or, subdue you in fight.
32 So Athenobius the king's friend came to Jerusalem: and, when he saw the glory of Simon, and the cupboard of gold and silver plate, and his great attendance, he was astonished, and told him the king's message.
33 Then answered Simon, and said unto him, We have
Before CHRIST cir. 139.
Apocrypha.
CHAP. XVI.
Apocrypha.
Before CHRIST cir. 139.
have never taken other mens' land, nor holden that which appertaineth to others, but the inheritance of our fathers, which our enemies had wrongfully in possession a certain time.
34 Wherefore we, having opportunity, hold the inheritance of our fathers.
35 And whereas thou demandest Joppe and Gazara, albeit they did great harm unto the people in our country, yet will we give an hundred talents for them. Hereunto Athenobius answered him not a word;
36 But returned in a rage to the king, and made report unto him of these speeches, and of the glory of Simon, and of all that he had seen: whereupon the king was exceeding wroth.
37 In the mean time fled Tryphon by ship unto Orthosias.
38 Then the king made Cendebeus captain of the sea-coast, and gave him an host of footmen and horsemen,
39 And commanded him to remove his host toward Judea; also he commanded him to build up Cedron, and to fortify the gates, and to war against the people: but, as for the king himself, he pursued Tryphon.
40 So Cendebeus came to Jamnia, and began to provoke the people, and to invade Judea, and to take the people prisoners, and slay them.
41 And, when he had built up Cedron, he set horsemen there, and an host of footmen, to the end that, issuing out, they might make out-roads upon the ways of Judea, as the king had commanded him.
CHAP. XVI.
Judas and John prevail against the forces sent by Antiochus, &c.
THEN came up John from Gazara, and told Simon his father what Cendebeus had done.
2 Wherefore Simon called his two eldest sons, Judas and John, and said unto them, I and my brethren, and my father's house, have ever from our youth unto this day fought against the enemies of Israel; and things have prospered so well in our hands, that we have delivered Israel oftentimes.
3 But now I am old, and ye, by God's mercy, are of a sufficient age; be ye instead of me and my brother, and go and fight for our nation, and the help from heaven be with you.
4 So he chose out of the country twenty thousand men of war, with horsemen, who went out against Cendebeus, and rested that night at Modin.
5 And when as they rose in the morning, and went into the plain, behold, a mighty great host, both of footmen and horsemen, came against them: howbeit, there was a water-brook betwixt them.
6 So he and his people pitched over against them: and, when he saw that the people were afraid to go over the water-brook, he went first over himself, and then the men, seeing him, passed through after him.
7 That done, he divided his men, and set the horsemen in the midst of the footmen: for the enemies' horsemen were very many,
8 Then founded they with the holy trumpets; whereupon Cendebeus and his host were put to flight, so that many of them were slain, and the remnant gat them to the strong hold. Before CHRIST cir. 139.
9 At that time was Judas (John's brother) wounded, but John still followed after them until he came to Cedron, which Cendebeus had built.
10 ‖ So they fled even unto the towers in the fields of Azotus, wherefore he burnt it with fire: so that there were slain of them about two thousand men. Afterward he returned into the land of Judea in peace. || Or, Which when he had set on fire, they fled unto the towers in the fields of Azotus; & there were slain, &c. 135.
11 Moreover, in the plain of Jericho, was Ptolemee, the son of Abubus, made captain, and he had abundance of silver and gold;
12 For he was the high-priest's son-in-law.
13 Wherefore, his heart being lifted up, he thought to get the country to himself, and thereupon consulted deceitfully against Simon and his sons, to destroy them.
14 Now Simon was visiting the cities that were in the country, and taking care for the good-ordering of them, at which time he came down himself to Jericho with his sons, Mattathias and Judas, in the hundred threescore and seventeenth year, in the eleventh month called Sabat:
15 Where the son of Abubus, receiving them deceitfully, into a little hold called Docus, which he had built, made them a great banquet: howbeit, he had hid men there.
16 So, when Simon and his sons had drunk largely, Ptolemee and his men rose up, and took their weapons, and came upon Simon, in the banqueting place, and slew him, and his two sons, and certain of his servants:
17 In which doing he committed a great treachery, and recompensed evil for good.
18 Then Ptolemee wrote these things, and sent to the king that he should send him an host to aid him, and he would deliver him the country and cities.
19 He sent others also to Gazara to kill John; and unto the † tribunes he sent letters to come unto him, that he might give them silver, and gold, and rewards. † Gr. captains of thousands.
20 And others he sent to take Jerusalem, and the mountain of the temple.
21 Now, one had run afore to Gazara, and told John that his father and brethren were slain, and, quoth he, Ptolemee hath sent to slay thee also.
22 Hereof when he heard he was sore astonished: so he laid hands on them that were come to destroy him, and slew them; for he knew that they sought to make him away.
23 As concerning the rest of the acts of John, and his wars, and worthy deeds which he did, and the building of the walls which he made, and his doings,
24 Behold, these are written in the chronicles of his priesthood, from the time he was made high-priest after his father.
The

The second Book of the MACCABEES.
CHAP. I.
A letter of the Jews from Jerusalem to them of Egypt, to thank God for the death of Antiochus, &c.
Before CHRIST cir. 144.
THE brethren, the Jews that be at Jerusalem, and in the land of Judea, with unto the brethren the Jews that are throughout Egypt, health and peace:
2 God be gracious unto you, and remember his covenant that he made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, his faithful servants;
3 And give you all an heart to serve him, and to do his will with a good courage, and a willing mind;
4 And open your hearts in his law and commandments, and send you peace,
5 And hear your prayers, and be at one with you, and never forsake you in time of trouble.
6 And now we be here praying for you,
7 What time as Demetrius reigned, in the hundred threescore and ninth year, we the Jews wrote unto you in the extremity of trouble that came upon us in those years, from the time that Jason and his company revolted from the holy land and kingdom,
8 And burned the porch, and shed innocent blood: then we prayed unto the Lord, and were heard; we offered also sacrifices, and fine flour, and lighted the lamps, and set forth the loaves.
9 And now see that ye keep the feast of a tabernacles in the month Casleu.
10 In the hundred fourscore and eighth year, the people that were in Jerusalem, and in Judea, and the council, and Judas, sent greeting and health unto Aristobulus, king Ptolemeus' master, who was of the flock of the anointed priests, and to the Jews that were in Egypt;
11 Inasmuch as God hath delivered us from great perils, we thank him highly, as having been in battle against a king.
12 For he cast them out that fought within the holy city.
13 For, when the leader was come into Persia, and the army with him that seemed invincible, they were slain in the temple of Nanea, by the deceit of Nanea's priests.
14 For Antiochus, as though he would marry her, came into the place, and his friends that were with him, to receive money in name of a dowry.
15 Which, when the priests of Nanea had set forth, and he was entered with a small company into the compass of the temple, they shut the temple as soon as Antiochus was come in.
16 And, opening a privy door of the roof, they threw stones like thunderbolts, and struck down the captain, hewed them in pieces, smote off their heads, and cast them to those that were without.
17 Blessed be our God in all things, who hath delivered up the ungodly.
18 Therefore, whereas we are now purposed to keep the purification of the temple, upon the five and twentieth day of the month Casleu, we thought
it necessary to certify you thereof, that ye also might keep it, as the feast of the tabernacles, and of the fire, which was given us when Neemias offered sacrifice, after that he had builded the temple and the altar.
19 For, when our fathers were led into Persia, the priests, that were then devout, took the fire of the altar privily, and hid it in a hollow place of a pit, without water, where they kept it sure, so that the place was unknown to all men.
20 Now, after many years, when it pleased God, Neemias, being sent from the king of Persia, did send of the posterity of those priests that had hid it, to the fire: but when they told us they found no fire, but thick water;
21 Then commanded he them to draw it up, and to bring it; and when the sacrifices were laid on, Neemias commanded the priests to sprinkle the wood and the things laid thereupon with the water.
22 When this was done, and the time came that the sun shone, which afore was hid in the cloud, there was a great fire kindled, so that every man marvelled.
23 And the priests made a prayer whilst the sacrifice was consuming, I say, both the priests and all the rest, Jonathan beginning, and the rest answering thereunto, as Neemias did.
24 And the prayer was after this manner: O Lord, Lord God, Creator of all things, who art fearful, and strong, and righteous, and merciful, and the only and gracious King,
25 The only giver of all things, the only just, almighty and everlasting, thou that deliverest Israel from all trouble, and didst choose the fathers, and sanctify them;
26 Receive the sacrifice, for thy whole people Israel, and preserve thine own portion, and sanctify it.
27 Gather those together that are scattered from us, deliver them that serve among the heathen, look upon them that are despised and abhorred, and let the heathen know that thou art our God.
28 Punish them that oppress us, and with pride do us wrong.
29 Plant thy people again in thy holy place, as Moses hath spoken.
30 And the priests sung psalms of thanksgiving.
31 Now, when the sacrifice was consumed, Neemias commanded the water that was left, to be poured on the great stones.
32 When this was done, there was kindled a flame: but it was consumed by the light that shined from the altar.
33 So, when this matter was known, it was told the king of Persia, that in the place where the priests, that were led away, had hid the fire, there appeared water, and that Neemias had purified the sacrifices therewith;
34 Then the king, inclosing the place, made it holy, after he had tried the matter.
35 And
Apocrypha.
35 And the king took many gifts, and bestowed thereof on those whom he would gratify.
36 And Neemias called this thing Naphthar, which is as much as to say, a cleansing: but many men call it Nephil.
CHAP. II.
1 What Jeremy the prophet did: 5 How he bid the tabernacle, the ark, and the altar, &c.
IT is also found in the records, that Jeremy the prophet commanded them that were carried away, to take of the fire, as it hath been signified:
2 And how that the prophet, having given them the law, charged them not to forget the commandments of the Lord, and that they should not err in their minds, when they see images of silver and gold, with their ornaments.
3 And with other such speeches exhorted he them, that the law should not depart from their hearts.
4 It was also contained in the same writing, that the prophet, being warned of God, commanded the tabernacle and the ark to go with him, as he went forth into the mountain, where Moses climbed up, and saw the heritage of God.
5 And, when Jeremy came thither, he found an hollow cave, wherein he laid the tabernacle, and the ark, and the altar of incense, and so stopped the door.
6 And some of those that followed him came to mark the way, but they could not find it.
7 Which when Jeremy perceived, he blamed them, saying, As for that place, it shall be unknown until the time that God gather his people again together, and receive them unto mercy.
8 Then shall the Lord shew them these things, and the glory of the Lord shall appear, and the cloud also as it was shewed under Moses, and as when Solomon desired that the place might be honourably sanctified.
9 It was also declared, that he, being wise, offered the sacrifice of dedication, and of the finishing of the temple.
10 And, as when Moses prayed unto the Lord, the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the sacrifices: even so prayed Solomon also, and the fire came down from heaven, and consumed the burnt-offerings.
11 And Moses said, Because the sin-offering was not to be eaten, it was consumed.
12 So Solomon kept those eight days.
13 The same things also were reported in the writings and commentaries of Neemias; and how he, founding a library, gathered together the acts of the kings, and the prophets, and of David, and the epistles of the kings concerning the holy gifts.
14 In like manner also Judas gathered together all those things that were lost, by reason of the war we had, and they remained with us.
15 Wherefore, if ye have need thereof, send some to fetch them unto you.
16 Whereas, we then are about to celebrate the purification, we have written unto you, and ye shall do well if ye keep the same days.
CHAP. II, III.
Apocrypha.
17 || We hope also that the God that delivered all his people, and gave them all an heritage, and the kingdom, and the priesthood, and the sanctuary, all his people,
18 As he promised in the law, will shortly have mercy upon us, and gather us together, out of every land under heaven, into the holy place: for he hath delivered us out of great troubles, and hath purified the place.
19 Now, as concerning Judas Maccabeus, and his brethren, and the purification of the great temple, and the dedication of the altar,
20 And the wars against Antiochus Epiphanes, and Eupator his son.
21 And the manifest signs that came from heaven, unto those that behaved themselves manfully to their honour for Judaism: so that, being but a few, they overcame the whole country, and chased barbarous multitudes,
22 And recovered again the temple, renowned all the world over, and freed the city, and upheld the laws, which were going down, the Lord being gracious unto them with all favour:
23 All these things, I say, being declared by Jason of Cyrene in five books, we will essay to abridge in one volume.
24 For, considering the infinite number, and the difficulty, which they find that desire to look into the narrations of the story, for the variety of the matter,
25 We have been careful, that they that will read might have delight, and that they that are desirous to commit to memory might have ease, and that all into whose hands it comes might have profit.
26 Therefore to us that have taken upon us this painful labour of abridging, it was not easy, but a matter of sweat and watching;
27 Even as it is no ease unto him that prepareth a banquet, and seeketh the benefit of others: yet, for the pleasing of many, we will undertake gladly this service with many pains;
28 Leaving to the author the exact handling of every particular, and labouring to follow the rules of an abridgment.
29 For as the master-builder of a new house must care for the whole building; but he that undertaketh to set it out, and paint it, must seek out fit things for the adorning thereof: even so I think it is with us.
30 To stand upon every point, and go over things at large, and to be curious in particulars, belongeth to the first author of the story.
31 But to use brevity, and avoid much labouring of the work, is to be granted to him that will make an abridgment.
32 Here then will we begin the story: only adding thus much to that which hath been said, That it is a foolish thing to make a long prologue, and to be short in the story itself.
CHAP. III.
Of the honour done to the temple by the kings of the Gentiles, &c.
NOW, when the holy city was inhabited with all peace, and the laws were kept very well, because

Apocrypha.
II. MACCABEES.
Apocrypha.
Before CHRIST cir. 187.
cause of the godliness of Onias the high-priest, and his hatred of wickedness.
2 It came to pass that even the kings themselves did honour the place, and magnify the temple with their best gifts;
3 Inasmuch that Seleucus king of Asia, of his own revenues, bare all the costs belonging to the service of the sacrifices.
4 But one Simon, of the tribe of Benjamin, who was made governor of the temple, fell out with the high-priest about disorder in the city.
5 And when he could not overcome Onias, he gat him to Apollonius the son of Thraseus, who then was governor of Celosyria and Phenice,
6 And told him that the treasury in Jerusalem was full of infinite sums of money, so that the multitude of their riches, which did not pertain to the account of the sacrifices, was innumerable, and that it was possible to bring all into the king's hand.
7 Now, when Apollonius came to the king, and had shewed him of the money, whereof he was told, the king chose out Heliodorus his treasurer, and sent him with a commandment to bring him the foresaid money.
8 So forthwith Heliodorus took his journey, under a colour of visiting the cities of Celosyria and Phenice, but indeed to fulfil the king's purpose.
9 And when he was come to Jerusalem, and had been courteously received of the high-priest of the city, he told him what intelligence was given of the money, and declared wherefore he came, and asked if these things were so indeed.
10 Then the high-priest told him that there was such money laid up, for the relief of widows and fatherless children:
11 And that some of it belonged to Hircanus son of Tobias, a man of great dignity, and not as that wicked Simon had misinformed; the sum whereof in all was four hundred talents of silver, and two hundred of gold.
12 And that it was altogether impossible that such wrong should be done unto them, that had committed it to the holiness of the place, and to the majesty and inviolable sanctity of the temple, honoured over all the world.
13 But Heliodorus, because of the king's commandment given him, said, That in any wise it must be brought into the king's treasury.
14 So, at the day which he appointed, he entered in to order this matter: wherefore there was no small agony throughout the whole city.
15 But the priests, prostrating themselves before the altar in their priests vestments, called unto heaven upon him that made a law concerning things given to be kept, that they should safely be preserved for such as had committed them to be kept.
16 Then whoso had looked the high-priest in the face, it would have wounded his heart: for his countenance, and the changing of his colour, declared the inward agony of his mind.
17 For the man was so compassed with fear, and horror of the body, that it was manifest to them
that looked upon him, what sorrow he had now in his heart.
18 Others ran flocking out of their houses || to the general supplication, because the place was like to come into contempt,
19 And the women, girt with sackcloth under their breasts, abounded in the streets, and the virgins, that were kept in, ran, some to the gates, and some to the walls, and others looked out of the windows.
20 And all, holding their hands towards heaven, made supplication.
21 Then it would have pitied a man to see the falling down of the multitude of all sorts, and the † fear of the high-priest, being in such an agony. † Gr. expectation.
22 They then called upon the Almighty Lord, to keep the things committed of trust, safe and sure, for those that had committed them.
23 Nevertheless, Heliodorus executed that which was decreed.
24 Now as he was there present himself with his guard about the treasury, the || Lord of spirits, and || Or, Lord the Prince of all power, caused a great apparition, so that all that presumed to come in with him were astonished at the power of God, and fainted, and were sore afraid.
25 For there appeared unto them an horse with a terrible rider upon him, and adorned with a very fair covering, and he ran fiercely, and smote at Heliodorus with his forefeet, and it seemed that he that sat upon the horse had compleat harness of gold.
26 Moreover, two other young men appeared before him notable in strength, excellent in beauty, and comely in apparel, who stood by him on either side, and scourged him continually, and gave him many sore stripes.
27 And Heliodorus fell suddenly unto the ground, and was compassed with great darkness: but they that were with him took him up, and put him into a litter.
28 Thus him, that lately came with a great train, and with all his guard into the said treasury, they carried out; being unable to help himself with his weapons: and manifestly they acknowledged the power of God.
29 For he by the hand of God was cast down, and lay speechless without all hope of life.
30 But they praised the Lord that had miraculously honoured his own place: for the temple, which a little afore was full of fear and trouble, when the Almighty Lord appeared, was filled with joy and gladness.
31 Then straightways certain of Heliodorus' friends prayed Onias that he would call upon the most High, to grant him his life, who lay ready to give up the ghost.
32 So the high-priest suspecting lest the king should misconceive, that some treachery had been done to Heliodorus by the Jews, offered a sacrifice for the health of the man.
33 Now, as the high-priest was making an atonement, the same young men, in the same clothing, appeared, and stood beside Heliodorus, saying, Give Onias
Before CHRIST cir. 187.
|| Or, to make general supplication.
|| Or, Lord
|| Or, Lord
|| Or, Lord
|| Or, Lord
|| Or, Lord
|| Or, Lord
|| Or, Lord
|| Or, Lord
|| Or, Lord
|| Or, Lord
|| Or, Lord
|| Or, Lord
|| Or, Lord
|| Or, Lord
|| Or, Lord
|| Or, Lord
|| Or, Lord
|| Or, Lord
|| Or, Lord
Apocrypha.
CHAP. IV.
Apocrypha.
Before CHRIST cir. 187.
Onias the high-priest great thanks, insomuch as for his sake the Lord hath granted thee life.
34 And, seeing that thou hast been scourged from heaven, declare unto all men the mighty power of God: and, when they had spoken these words, they appeared no more.
35 So Heliodorus, after he had offered sacrifice unto the Lord, and made great vows unto him that had saved his life, and saluted Onias, returned with his host to the king.
36 Then testified he to all men the works of the great God, which he had seen with his eyes.
37 And, when the king asked Heliodorus who might be a fit man to be sent yet once again to Jerusalem, he said,
38 If thou hast any enemy, or traitor, send him hither, and thou shalt receive him well scourged, if he escape with his life: for in that place, no doubt, there is an especial power of God.
39 For he that dwelleth in heaven hath his eye on that place, and defendeth it, and he beateth and destroyeth them that come to hurt it.
40 And the things concerning Heliodorus, and the keeping of the treasury, fell out on this sort.
CHAP. IV.
Simon slandereth Onias, &c.
THIS Simon now, (of whom we spake afore,) having been a bewrayer of the money, and of his country, slandered Onias, as if he had terrified Heliodorus, and been the worker of these evils.
2 Thus was he bold to call him a traitor, that had deserved well of the city, and tendered his own nation, and was so zealous of the laws.
3 But, when their hatred went so far, that, by one of Simon's faction, murders were committed;
4 Onias seeing the danger of this contention, and that Appollonius, as being the governor of Celosyria and Phenice, did rage, and increase Simon's malice,
5 He went to the king, not to be an accuser of his countrymen, but seeking the good of all, both public and private:
6 For he saw that it was impossible that the state should continue quiet, and Simon leave his folly, unless the king did look thereunto.
7 But, after the death of Seleucus, when Antiochus, called Epiphanes, took the kingdom, Jason the brother of Onias laboured under-hand to be high-priest,
8 Promising unto the king by intercession, three hundred and threescore talents of silver, and of another revenue, eighty talents:
9 Besides this, he promised to assign an hundred and fifty more, if he might have licence to set him up a place for exercise, and for the training up of youth in the fashions of the heathen, and to write them of Jerusalem by the name of Antiochians.
10 Which when the king had granted, and he had gotten into his hand the rule, he forthwith brought his own nation to the Greekish fashion.
11 And the royal privileges granted of special favour to the Jews, by the means of John the father of Eupolemus, who went ambassador to Rome for amity and aid, he took away: and, putting down the
governments which were according to the law, he brought up new customs against the law.
12 For he built gladly a place of exercise under the tower itself, and brought the chief young men under his subjection, and made them wear a hat.
13 Now, such was the height of Greek fashions, and increase of heathenish manners, through the exceeding profaneness of Jason, that ungodly wretch, and no high-priest:
14 That the priests had no courage to serve any more at the altar; but despising the temple, and neglecting the sacrifices, hastened to be partakers of the unlawful allowance in the place of exercise, after the game of † Discus called them forth:
15 Not setting by the honours of their fathers, but liking the glory of the Grecians best of all. † Or, the Discus: which was a stone with a hole in the midst.
16 By reason whereof sore calamity came upon them: for they had them to be their enemies and avengers, whose customs they followed so earnestly, and unto whom they desired to be like in all things.
17 For it is not a light thing to do wickedly against the laws of God: but the time following shall declare these things.
18 Now, when the game that was used every fifth year was kept at Tyrus, the king being present,
19 This ungracious Jason sent || special messengers from Jerusalem, who were Antiochians, to carry three hundred drachms of silver to the sacrifice of Hercules, which even the bearers thereof thought fit not to bestow upon the sacrifice, because it was not convenient, but to be reserved for other charges. || Gr. who were religious ambassadors.
20 This money then, in regard of the sender, was appointed to Hercules' sacrifice; but, because of the bearers thereof, it was employed to the making of galleys.
21 Now, when Apollonius the son of Menestheus was sent into Egypt, for the † coronation of king † Or, en- Ptolemy Philometer, Antiochus understanding him not to be well-affected to his affairs, provided for his own safety: whereupon he came to Joppe, and from thence to Jerusalem:
22 Where he was honourably received of Jason, and of the city, and was brought in with torch-light, and with great shoutings: and so afterward went with his host unto Phenice.
23 Three years after Jason sent Menelaus, the foresaid Simon's brother, to bear the money unto the king, and to put him in mind of certain necessary matters.
24 But he, being brought to the presence of the king, when he had magnified him for the glorious appearance of his power, got the priesthood to himself, offering more than Jason by three hundred talents of silver.
25 So he came with the king's mandate, bringing nothing worthy the high priesthood, but having the fury of a cruel tyrant, and the rage of a savage beast.
26 Then Jason, who had undermined his own brother, being undermined by another, was compelled to flee into the country of the Ammonites.
27 So Menelaus got the principality: but as for the
Before CHRIST cir. 175.
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175.
171.

Before CHRIST cir. 171.
the money that he had promised unto the king, he took no good order for it, albeit Sostratus the ruler of the castle required it:
28 For unto him appertained the gathering of the customs. Wherefore they were both called before the king.
29 Now Menelaus left his brother Lysimachus in his stead in the priesthood; and Sostratus left Crates, who was governor of the Cyprians.
30 While those things were in doing, they of Tarsus and Mallos made insurrection, because they were given to the king's concubine called Antiochis.
31 Then came the king in all haste to appease matters, leaving Andronicus, a man in authority, for his deputy.
32 Now Menelaus, supposing that he had gotten a convenient time, stole certain vessels of gold out of the temple, and gave some of them to Andronicus, and some he sold into Tyrus, and the cities round about.
33 Which when Onias knew of a surety, he reproved him, and withdrew himself into a sanctuary at Daphne, which lieth by Antiochia.
34 Wherefore Menelaus, taking Andronicus apart, prayed him to get Onias into his hands: who, being persuaded thereunto, and coming to Onias in deceit, gave him his right-hand with oaths; and, though he were suspected by him, yet persuaded he him to come forth of the sanctuary: whom forthwith he shut up without regard of justice.
35 For the which cause not only the Jews, but many also of other nations took great indignation, and were much grieved for the unjust murder of the man.
36 And, when the king was come again from the places about Cilicia, the Jews that were in the city, and certain of the Greeks that abhorred the fact also, complained because Onias was slain without cause.
37 Therefore Antiochus was heartily sorry, and moved to pity, and wept, because of the sober and modest behaviour of him that was dead.
38 And, being kindled with anger, forthwith he took away Andronicus his purple, and rent off his clothes, and, leading him through the whole city unto that very place where he had committed impiety against Onias, there slew he the cursed murderer. Thus the Lord rewarded him his punishment, as he had deserved.
39 Now when many sacrileges had been committed in the city by Lysimachus, with the consent of Menelaus, and the bruit thereof was spread abroad, the multitude gathered themselves together against Lysimachus, many vessels of gold being already carried away.
40 Whereupon the common people rising, and, being filled with rage, Lysimachus armed about three thousand men, and began first to offer violence; one † Auranus being the leader, a man far gone in years, and no less in folly.
41 They then seeing the attempt of Lysimachus, some of them caught stones, some clubs, others taking handfuls of dust, that was next at hand, cast them
altogether upon Lysimachus, and those that set upon them.
42 Thus many of them they wounded, and some they struck to the ground, and all of them they forced to flee: but, as for the church-robber himself, him they killed beside the treasury.
43 Of these matters therefore there was an accusation laid against Menelaus.
44 Now, when the king came to Tyrus, three men that were sent from the senate pleaded the cause before him:
45 But Menelaus being now convicted, promised Ptolemee, the son of Dorymenes, to give him much money, if he would pacify the king toward him.
46 Whereupon Ptolemee, taking the king aside into a certain gallery, as it were to take the air, brought him to be of another mind:
47 Inasmuch that he discharged Menelaus from the accusations, who notwithstanding, was cause of all the mischief: and those poor men, who, if they had told their cause, yea, before the Scythians, should have been judged innocent, them he condemned to death.
48 Thus they that followed the matter for the city, and for the people, and for the holy vessels, did soon suffer unjust punishment.
49 Wherefore, even they of Tyrus, moved with hatred of that wicked deed, caused them to be honourably buried.
50 And so, through the covetousness of them that were in power, Menelaus remained still in authority, increasing in malice, and being a great traitor to the citizens.
CHAP. V.
Of the signs and tokens seen in Jerusalem, &c.
A bout the same time Antiochus prepared his second voyage into Egypt:
2 And then it happened, that, through all the city, for the space almost of forty days, there were seen horsemen running in the air, in cloth of gold, and armed with lances, like a band of soldiers,
3 And troops of horsemen in array, encountering and running one against another with shaking of shields, and multitude of † pikes, and drawing of swords, and casting of darts, and glittering of golden ornaments, and harness of all sorts.
4 Wherefore every man prayed, that that apparition might turn to good.
5 Now, when there was gone forth a false rumour, as though Antiochus had been dead, Jason took at the least a thousand men, and suddenly made an assault upon the city: and they that were upon the walls being put back, and the city at length taken, Menelaus fled into the castle:
6 But Jason slew his own citizens without mercy, not considering that to get the day of them of his own nation, would be a most unhappy day for him: but thinking they had been his enemies, and not his countrymen whom he conquered.
7 Howbeit, for all this he obtained not the principality, but at the last received shame for the reward of his treason, and fled again into the country of the Ammonites.
Before CHRIST cir. 170.
Before CHRIST cir. 170.
|| Or, executioner.
8 In the end therefore he had an unhappy return, being accused before Aretas the king of the Arabians, fleeing from city to city, pursued of all men, hated as a forsaker of the laws, and being had in abomination, as an open || enemy of his country and countrymen, he was cast out into Egypt.
9 Thus he, that had driven many out of their country, perished in a strange land, retiring to the Lacedemonians, and thinking there to find succour by reason of his kindred.
10 And he, that had cast out many unburied, had none to mourn for him, nor any solemn funerals at all, nor sepulchre with his fathers.
11 Now, when this that was done came to the king's ear, he thought that Judea had revolted: whereupon removing out of Egypt, in a furious mind, he took the city by force of arms,
12 And commanded his men of war not to spare such as they met, and to slay such as went up upon the houses.
13 Thus there was killing of young and old, making away of men, women, and children, slaying of virgins and infants.
14 And there were destroyed within the space of three whole days, fourscore thousand, whereof forty thousand were slain in the conflict; and no fewer sold than slain.
15 Yet was he not content with this, but presumed to go into the most holy temple of all the world; Menelaus, that traitor to the laws, and to his own country, being his guide:
16 And taking the holy vessels with polluted hands, and with profane hands pulling down the things that were dedicated by other kings to the augmentation, and glory, and honour of the place, he gave them away.
17 And so haughty was Antiochus in mind, that he considered not that the Lord was angry for a while for the sins of them that dwelt in the city, and therefore his eye was not upon the place.
18 For, had they not been formerly wrapped in many sins, this man as soon as he had come, had forthwith been scourged, and put back from his presumption, as Heliodorus was, whom Seleucus the king sent to view the treasury.
19 Nevertheless, God did not chuse the people for the place's sake, but the place for the people's sake.
20 And therefore the place itself, that was partaker with them of the adversity that happened to the nation, did afterward communicate in the benefits sent from the Lord: and, as it was forsaken in the wrath of the Almighty, so again, the great Lord being reconciled, it was set up with all glory.
21 So when Antiochus had carried out of the temple a thousand and eight hundred talents, he departed in all haste unto Antiochia, weening in his pride to make the land navigable, and the sea passable by foot: such was the haughtiness of his mind.
22 And he left governors to vex the nation: at Jerusalem, Philip, for his country a Phrygian, and for manners more barbarous than he that set him there:
23 And at Garizim, Andronicus; and besides,
Menelaus, who, worse than all the rest, bare an heavy hand over the citizens, having a malicious mind against his countrymen the Jews.
24 He sent also that detestable ringleader Apollonius, with an army of two and twenty thousand, commanding him to slay all those that were in their best age, and to sell the women, and the younger sort:
25 Who coming to Jerusalem and pretending peace, did forbear till the holy day of the sabbath, when taking the Jews keeping holy-day, he commanded his men to arm themselves.
26 And so he slew all them that were gone to the celebrating of the sabbath, and running through the city with weapons, slew great multitudes.
27 But Judas Maccabeus, † with nine others, or † Gr. who thereabout, withdrew himself into the wilderness, and lived in the mountains after the manner of beasts, with his company, who fed on herbs continually, lest they should be partakers of the pollution.
CHAP. VI.
1 The Jews are compelled to leave the law of God. 4 the temple is desiled, &c.
N OT long after this, the king sent an old man of † Athens, to compel the Jews to depart from the laws of their fathers, and not to live after the laws of God:
2 And to pollute also the temple in Jerusalem, and to call it the temple of Jupiter Olympius, and that in Garizim, of Jupiter the defender of strangers, as † Out of Jos. lib. 12. cap. 7. or, as they were.
3 The coming in of this mischief was fore and grievous to the people:
4 For the temple was filled with riot and revelling by the Gentiles, who dallied with harlots, and had to do with women within the circuit of the holy places, and besides that, brought in things that were not lawful.
5 The altar also was filled with profaned things, which the law forbiddeth.
6 Neither was it lawful for a man to keep sabbath-days, or ancient feasts, or to profess himself at all to be a Jew.
7 And in the day of the king's birth, every month, they were brought by bitter constraint to eat of the sacrifices; and, when the feast of Bacchus was kept, the Jews were compelled to go in procession to Bacchus, carrying ivy.
8 Moreover, there went out a decree to the neighbour cities of the † heathen, by the suggestion of Pto- † Gr. Grecians. lemee, against the Jews, that they should observe the same fashions and be partakers of their sacrifices:
9 And whoso would not conform themselves to the manners of the Gentiles, should be put to death. Then might a man have seen the present misery.
10 For there were two women brought, who had circumcised their children; whom when they had openly led round about the city, the babes hanging at their breast, they cast them down headlong from the wall.
11 And others that had run together into caves near by, to keep the sabbath-day secretly, being discovered
Before CHRIST cir. 168.
|| Or, executioner.

Before CHRIST cir. 168.
covered to Philip, were all burnt together, because they made a conscience to help themselves, for the honour of the most sacred day.
12 Now, I beseech those that read this book, that they be not discouraged for these calamities, but that they judge those punishments not to be for destruction but for a chastening of our nation.
13 For it is a token of his great goodness, when wicked doers are not suffered any long time, but forthwith punished.
14 For, not as with other nations whom the Lord patiently forbearith to punish, till they be come to the fulness of their sins, so dealeth he with us;
15 Lest that, being come to the height of sin, afterwards he should take vengeance of us;
16 And therefore he never withdraweth his mercy from us: and though he punish with adversity, yet doth he never forsake his people.
167.
17 But let this that we have spoken be for a warning unto us. And now will we come to the declaring of the matter in few words.
18 Eleazar, one of the principal scribes, an aged man, and of a well-favoured countenance, was constrained to open his mouth, and to eat swine's flesh.
19 But he, chusing rather to die gloriously, than to live stained with such an abomination, spit it forth, and came of his own accord to the torment,
20 As it behoved them to come, that are resolute to stand out against such things as are not lawful for love of life to be tasted.
21 But they that had the charge of that wicked feast, for the old acquaintance they had with the man, taking him aside, besought him to bring flesh of his own provision, such as was lawful for him to use, and make as if he did eat of the flesh taken from the sacrifice commanded by the king;
22 That in so doing, he might be delivered from death, and, for the old friendship with them, find favour.
23 But he began to consider discreetly, and as became his age, and the excellency of his ancient years, and the honour of his grey head, whereunto he was come, and his most honest education from a child, or rather the holy law made and given by God: therefore he answered accordingly, and willed them straightways to send him to the grave.
24 For it becometh not our age (said he) in any wise to dissemble, whereby many young persons might think that Eleazar, being fourscore years old and ten, were now gone to a strange religion:
25 And so they through mine hypocrisy, and desire to live a little time, and a moment longer, should be deceived by me, and I get a stain to mine old age, and make it abominable.
26 For though, for the present time, I should be delivered from the punishment of men: yet should I not escape the hand of the Almighty, neither alive, nor dead.
27 Wherefore now manfully changing this life, I will shew myself such an one as mine age requireth,
28 And leave a notable example to such as be young, to die willingly, and courageously, for the
honourable and holy laws: and, when he had said these words, immediately he went to the torment; 29 They that led him, changing the good-will they bare him a little before into hatred, because the foresaid speeches proceeded, as they thought, from a desperate mind.
30 But, when he was ready to die with stripes, he groaned, and said, It is manifest unto the Lord, that hath the holy knowledge, that, whereas I might have been delivered from death, I now endure sore pains in body, by being beaten: but in soul am well content to suffer these things, because I fear him.
31 And thus this man died, leaving his death for an example of a noble courage, and a memorial of virtue, not only unto young men, but unto all his nation.
CHAP. VII.
The constancy and cruel death of seven brethren and their mother in one day, because they would not eat swine's flesh at the king's commandment, &c.
I came to pass also, that seven brethren with their mother were taken, and compelled by the king against the law to taste swine's flesh, and were tormented with scourges and whips.
2 But one of them that spake first said thus, What wouldst thou ask or learn of us? we are ready to die, rather than to transgress the laws of our fathers.
3 Then the king, being in a rage, commanded pans and caldrons to be made hot.
4 Which forthwith being heated, he commanded to cut out the tongue of him that spake first, and to cut out the utmost parts of his body, the rest of his brethren and his mother looking on.
5 Now, when he was thus maimed in all his members, he commanded him, being yet alive, to be brought to the fire, and to be fried in the pan: and, as the vapour of the pan was for a good space dispersed, they exhorted one another, with the mother; to die manfully, saying thus,
6 The Lord God looketh upon us, and in truth hath comfort in us, as Moses in his song, which Deut. 32. witnessed to their faces, declared, saying, And he 36. shall be comforted in his servants.
7 So, when the first was dead after this manner, they brought the second to make him a mocking-stock: and, when they had pulled off the skin of his head with the hair, they asked him, Wilt thou eat before thou be punished throughout every member of thy body?
8 But he answered in his own language, and said, No. Wherefore he also received the next torment in order, as the former did.
9 And, when he was at the last gasp, he said, Thou like a fury takest us out of this present life, but the King of the world shall raise us up, who have died for his laws, unto everlasting life.
10 After him was the third made a mocking-stock: and, when he was required, he put out his tongue, and that right soon, holding forth his hands manfully.
11 And said courageously, These I had from Heaven; and for his laws I despise them, and from him I hope to receive them again.
12 Inasmuch
Before CHRIST cir. 167.
† Or, madness, or, pride.
Before CHRIST cir. 167.
12 Inasmuch that the king, and they that were with him, marvelled at the young man's courage, for that he nothing regarded the pains.
13 Now, when this man was dead also, they tormented and mangled the fourth in like manner.
14 So, when he was ready to die, he said thus, It is good, being put to death by men, to look for hope from God, to be raised up again by him; as for thee thou shalt have no resurrection to life.
15 Afterward they brought the fifth also, and mangled him.
16 Then looked he unto the king, and said, Thou hast power over men, thou art corruptible, thou doest what thou wilt; yet think not that our nation is forsaken of God.
17 But abide a while, and behold his great power, how he will torment thee and thy seed.
18 After him also they brought the sixth, who, being ready to die, said, Be not deceived without cause: for we suffer these things for ourselves, having sinned against our God; therefore marvellous things are done unto us.
19 But think not thou, that takest in hand to strive against God, that thou shalt escape unpunished.
20 But the mother was marvellous above all, and worthy of honourable memory: for, when she saw her seven sons slain within the space of one day, she bare it with a good courage, because of the hope that she had in the Lord.
21 Yea, she exhorted every one of them in her own language, filled with courageous spirits; and, stirring up her womanish thoughts with a manly stomach, she said unto them,
22 I cannot tell how you came into my womb: for I neither gave you breath nor life, neither was it I that formed the members of every one of you.
23 But doubtless, the Creator of the world, who formed the generation of man, and found out the beginning of all things, will also of his own mercy give you breath and life again, as you now regard not your own selves for his law's sake.
24 Now Antiochus thinking himself despised, and suspecting it to be a reproachful speech, whilst the youngest was yet alive, did not only exhort him by words, but also assured him with oaths, that he would make him both a rich and a happy man, if he would turn from the laws of his fathers; and that also he would take him for his friend, and trust him with affairs.
25 But, when the young man would in no case hearken unto him, the king called his mother, and exhorted her, that she would counsel the young man to save his life.
26 And, when he had exhorted her with many words, she promised him that she would counsel her son.
27 But she bowing herself towards him, laughing the cruel tyrant to scorn, spake in her country language on this manner: O my son, have pity upon me that bare thee nine months in my womb, and gave thee suck three years, and nourished thee, and brought
thee up unto this age, and endured the troubles of education.
28 I beseech thee, my son, look upon the heaven, and the earth, and all that is therein, and consider that God made them of things that were not; and so was mankind made likewise.
29 Fear not this tormentor; but, being worthy of thy brethren, take thy death, that I may receive thee again in mercy with thy brethren.
30 While she was yet speaking these words, the young man said, Whom wait ye for? I will not obey the king's commandment; but I will obey the commandment of the law that was given unto our fathers by Moses.
31 And thou, that hast been the author of all mischief against the Hebrews, shalt not escape the hands of God:
32 For we suffer because of our sins.
33 And though the living Lord be angry with us a little while, for our chastening and correction, yet shall he be at one again with his servants.
34 But thou, O godless man, and of all other most wicked, be not lifted up without a cause, nor puffed up with uncertain hopes, lifting up thy hand against the servants of God:
35 For thou hast not yet escaped the judgment of Almighty God, who seeth all things.
36 For our brethren, who now have suffered a short pain, are dead under God's covenant of everlasting life; but thou, through the judgment of God, shalt receive just punishment for thy pride.
37 But I, as my brethren, offer up my body and life for the laws of our fathers, beseeching God, that he would speedily be merciful unto our nation, and that thou, by torments and plagues, mayest confess that he alone is God;
38 And that in me, and my brethren, the wrath of the Almighty, which is justly brought upon all our nation, may cease.
39 Then the king, being in a rage, handled him worse than all the rest, and took it grievously that he was mocked.
40 So this man died undefiled, and put his whole trust in the Lord.
41 Last of all, after the sons, the mother died.
42 Let this be enough now to have spoken concerning the idolatrous feast, and the extreme tortures.
CHAP. VIII.
Judas gathereth an host, &c.
THEN Judas Maccabeus, and they that were with him, went privily into the towns, and called their kinsfolks together, and took unto them all such as continued in the Jews' religion, and assembled about six thousand men.
2 And they called upon the Lord, that he would look upon the people that was trodden down of all, and also pity the temple, profaned of ungodly men,
3 And that he would have compassion upon the city, fore defaced, and ready to be made even with the ground, and hear the blood that cried unto him,
4 And remember the wicked slaughter of harmless infants,
Before CHRIST cir. 167.
166.

Before CHRIST cir. 166. infants, and the blasphemies committed against his name, and that he would shew his hatred against the wicked.
5 Now, when Maccabeus had his company about him, he could not be withstand by the heathen: for the wrath of the Lord was turned into mercy.
6 Therefore he came at unawares, and burnt up towns and cities, and got into his hands the most commodious places, and overcame and put to flight no small number of his enemies.
7 But especially took he advantage of the night for such privy attempts, insomuch that the bruit of his manliness was spread every where.
8 So, when Philip saw that this man increased by little and little, and that things prospered with him still more and more, he wrote unto Ptolemeus the governor of Celosyria and Phenice, to yield more aid to the king's affairs.
9 Then, forthwith chusing Nicanor the son of Patroclus, one of his special friends, he sent him with no fewer than twenty thousand of all nations under him, to root out the whole generation of the Jews: and with him he joined also Gorgias a captain, who, in matters of war, had great experience.
10 So Nicanor undertook to make so much money of the captive Jews, as should defray the tribute of two thousand talents, which the king was to pay to the Romans.
11 Wherefore, immediately he sent to the cities upon the sea-coast, proclaiming a sale of the captive Jews, and promising that they should have fourscore and ten bodies for one talent, not expecting the vengeance that was to follow upon him from the Almighty God.
12 Now, when word was brought unto Judas of Nicanor's coming, and he had imparted unto those that were with him, that the army was at hand.
13 They that were fearful, and distrusted the justice of God, fled, and conveyed themselves away.
14 Others sold all that they had left, and withal besought the Lord to deliver them, being sold by the wicked Nicanor before they met together:
15 And, if not for their own sakes, yet for the covenants he had made with their fathers, and for his holy and glorious name's sake, by which they were called.
16 So Maccabeus called his men together unto the number of six thousand, and exhorted them not to be stricken with terror of the enemy, nor to fear the great multitude of the heathen, who came wrongfully against them, but to fight manfully.
17 And to set before their eyes the injury that they had unjustly done to the holy place, and the cruel handling of the city, whereof they made a mockery, and also the taking away of the government of their forefathers.
18 For they (said he) trust in their weapons and boldness: but our confidence is in the Almighty God, who at a beck can cast down both them that come against us, and also all the world.
19 Moreover, he recounted unto them what helps their forefathers had found, and how they were deli-
vered, when under Sennacherib, an hundred fourscore and five thousand perished.
20 And he told them of the battle that they had in Babylon with the Galatians, how they came but eight thousand in all to the business, with four thousand Macedonians, and that the Macedonians being perplexed, the eight thousand destroyed an hundred and twenty thousand, because of the help that they had from heaven, and so received a great booty.
21 Thus, when he had made them bold with these words, and ready to die for the laws and the country, he divided his army into four parts:
22 And joined with himself his own brethren, leaders of each band, to wit, Simon, and Joseph, and Jonathan, giving each one fifteen hundred men.
23 Also he appointed Eleazar to read the holy book: and, when he had given them this watch-word, The help of God, himself leading the first band, he joined battle with Nicanor.
24 And, by the help of the Almighty, they flew above nine thousand of their enemies, and wounded and maimed the most part of Nicanor's host, and so put all to flight;
25 And took their money that came to buy them, and pursued them far; but, lacking time, they returned:
26 For it was the day before the sabbath, and therefore they would no longer pursue them.
27 So, when they had gathered || their armour together, and spoiled their enemies, they occupied themselves about the sabbath, yielding exceeding praise and thanks to the Lord, who had preserved them unto that day, which was the beginning of mercy distilling upon them.
28 And, after the sabbath, when they had given part of the spoils to the † maimed, and the widows, † Or, lamed and orphans, the residue they divided among themselves, and their servants.
29 When this was done, and they had made a common supplication, they besought the merciful Lord to be reconciled with his servants for ever.
30 Moreover, of those that were with Timotheus and Bacchides, who fought against them, they flew above twenty thousand, and very easily got high and strong holds, and divided among themselves many spoils more, and made the || maimed, orphans, widows, yea, and the aged also, equal in spoils with themselves.
31 And, when they had gathered their armour together, they laid them up all carefully in convenient places, and the remnant of the spoils they brought to Jerusalem.
32 They flew also Philarches, that wicked person who was with Timotheus, and had annoyed the Jews many ways.
33 Furthermore, at such time as they kept the feast of the victory in their country, they burnt Callisthenes that had set fire upon the holy gates, who had fled into a little house, and so he received a reward meet for his wickedness.
34 As for that most ungracious Nicanor, who had brought
Before CHRIST cir. 166.
Before CHRIST cir. 166.
brought a thousand merchants to buy the Jews, 35 He was, through the help of the Lord, brought down by them of whom he made least account; and, putting off his glorious apparel, and discharging his company, he came like a fugitive servant through the mid-land unto Antioch, having very great dishonour for that his host was destroyed.
36 Thus he, that took upon him to make good to the Romans their tribute, by means of the captives in Jerusalem, told abroad, That the Jews had God to fight for them, and therefore they could not be hurt, because they followed the laws that he gave them.
CHAP. IX.
1 Antiochus is chased from Persepolis: 5 He is stricken with a sore disease, &c.
|| Or, disorderly.
ABOUT that time came Antiochus || with dishonour out of the country of Persia.
2 For he had entered the city called Persepolis, and went about to rob the temple, and to hold the city; whereupon the multitude, running to defend themselves with their weapons, put them to flight: and so it happened, that Antiochus, being put to flight of the inhabitants, returned with shame.
3 Now, when he came to Ecbatane, news was brought him what had happened unto Nicanor and Timotheus.
4 Then, swelling with anger, he thought to avenge upon the Jews the disgrace done unto him by those that made him flee. Therefore commanded he his chariot-man to drive without ceasing, and to dispatch the journey, the judgment of God now following him: for he had spoken proudly in this sort, That he would come to Jerusalem, and make it a common burying-place of the Jews.
5 But the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, smote him with an incurable and invisible plague; for, as soon as he had spoken these words, a pain of the bowels that was remediless came upon him, and foretorments of the inner parts;
6 And that most justly: for he had tormented other men's bowels with many and strange torments.
7 Howbeit, he nothing at all ceased from his bragging, but still was filled with pride, breathing out fire in his rage against the Jews, and commanding to hasten the journey: but it came to pass that he fell down from his chariot, carried violently: so that having a sore fall, all the members of his body were much pained.
8 And thus he, that a little afore thought he might command the waves of the sea (so proud was he beyond the condition of man,) and weigh the mountains in a balance, was now cast on the ground, and carried in a horse-litter, shewing forth unto all the manifest power of God.
9 So that the worms rose up out of the body of this wicked man; and, while he lived in sorrow and pain, his flesh fell away, and the filthiness of his smell was noisome to all his army.
10 And the man that thought a little afore he could reach to the stars of heaven, no man could endure to carry for his intolerable stink.
11 Here therefore, being plagued, he began to leave
off his great pride, and to come to the knowledge of himself, by the scourge of God, his pain increasing every moment.
12 And when he himself could not abide his own smell, he said these words, It is meet to be subject unto God, and that a man that is mortal should not proudly think of himself, as if he were God.
13 This wicked person vowed also unto the Lord, who now no more would have mercy upon him, saying thus,
14 That the holy city (to the which he was going in haste to lay it even with the ground, and to make it a common burying-place) he would set at liberty.
15 And, as touching the Jews, whom he had judged not worthy to be so much as buried, but to be cast out with their children to be devoured of the fowls and wild beasts, he would make them all equals to the citizens of † Athens: † Or, Antioch.
16 And the holy temple, which before he had spoiled, he would garnish with goodly gifts, and restore all the holy vessels with many more, and out of his own revenue defray the charges belonging to the sacrifices:
17 Yea, and that also he would become a Jew himself, and go through all the world that was inhabited, and declare the power of God.
18 But for all this his pains would not cease; for the just judgment of God was come upon him: therefore, despairing of his health, he wrote unto the Jews the letters underwritten, containing the form of a supplication, after this manner:
19 Antiochus king and governor, to the good Jews his citizens, wisheth much joy, health and prosperity;
20 If ye and your children fare well, and your affairs be to your contentment, I give very great thanks to God, having my hope in heaven.
21 As for me, I was weak, or else I would have remembered kindly your honour and good will. Returning out of Persia, and being taken with a grievous disease, I thought it necessary to care for the common safety of all:
22 Not distrusting mine health, but having great hope to escape this sickness;
23 But considering that even my father, at what time he led an army into the high countries, appointed a successor,
24 To the end, that if any thing fell out contrary to expectation, or if any tidings were brought that were grievous, they of the land, knowing to whom || the state was left, might not be troubled. || Or, common affairs.
25 Again, considering how that the princes that are borderers, and neighbours unto my kingdom, wait for opportunities, and expect what shall be the event, I have appointed my son Antiochus king, whom I often committed and commended unto many of you, when I went up into the high provinces; to whom I have written as followeth:
26 Therefore I pray and request you to remember the benefits that I have done unto you generally, and in special, and that every man will be still faithful to me and my son.

Before CHRIST cir. 164.
27 For I am persuaded, that he, || understanding my mind, will favourably and graciously yield to your desires.
|| Or, following.
28 Thus the murderer and blasphemer, having suffered most grievously, as he intreated other men, so died he a miserable death in a strange country in the mountains,
29 And Philip, that was brought up with him, carried away his body, who also, fearing the son of Antiochus, went into Egypt to Ptolemæus Philometor.
C H A P. X.
165.
Judas recovereth the city, and purifieth the temple, &c.
NOW Maccabeus and his company, the Lord guiding them, recovered the temple, and the city.
2 But the altars, which the heathen had built in the open street, and also the chapels, they pulled down.
3 And, having cleansed the temple, they made another altar, and, striking stones, they took fire out of them, and offered a sacrifice after two years, and set forth incense, and lights, and shew bread.
4 When that was done, they fell flat down, and besought the Lord that they might come no more into such troubles, but, if they sinned any more against him, that he himself would chasten them with mercy, and that they might not be delivered unto the blasphemous and barbarous nations.
5 Now, upon the same day that the strangers profaned the temple, on the very same day it was cleansed again, even the five and twentieth day of the same month, which is Casleu.
6 And they kept eight days with gladness, as in the feast of the tabernacles, remembering that, not long afore, they had held the feast of the tabernacles, when as they wandered in the mountains and dens like beasts.
7 Therefore they bare branches, and fair boughs, and palms also, and sang psalms unto him that had given them good success in cleansing his place.
8 They ordained also, by a common statute and decree, That every year those days should be kept of the whole nation of the Jews.
164. beginning.
9 And this was the end of Antiochus called Epiphanes.
10 Now will we declare the acts of Antiochus Eupator, who was the son of this wicked man, gathering briefly the calamities of the wars.
11 So, when he was come to the crown, he set one Lyfias over the affairs of his realm, and appointed him chief governor of Celosyria and Phenice.
12 For Ptolemæus, that was called Macron, chusing rather to do justice unto the Jews, for the wrongs that had been done unto them, endeavoured to continue peace with them.
13 Whereupon, being accused of the king's friends before Eupator, and called traitor at every word, because he had left Cyprus that Philometor had committed unto him, and departed to Antiochus Epiphanes,
|| Or, and not hearing his authority as it becometh a nobleman.
and seeing that he was in no honourable place, he was so discouraged, that he poisoned himself, and died.
14 But, when Gorgias was governor of the || holds, he hired soldiers, and nourished war continually with the Jews.
Before CHRIST cir. 164.
15 And therewithal the Idumeans, having gotten into their hands the most commodious holds, kept the Jews occupied, and, receiving those that were banished from Jerusalem, they went about to nourish war.
|| Or, strong places.
16 Then they that were with Maccabeus made supplication, and besought God that he would be their helper; and so they ran with violence upon the strong holds of the Idumeans.
17 And, assaulting them strongly, they won the holds, and kept off all that fought upon the wall, and slew all that fell into their hands, and killed no fewer than twenty thousand.
18 And because certain (who were no less than nine thousand) were fled together into two very strong castles, having all manner of things convenient to sustain the siege,
19 Maccabeus left Simon, and Joseph, and Zaccheus also, and them that were with him, who were enough to besiege them, and departed himself unto those places which more needed his help.
20 Now † they that were with Simon, being led with covetousness, were persuaded for money, (through certain of those that were in the castle,) and took seventy thousand drachms, and let some of them escape.
† Or, Simon.
21 But, when it was told Maccabeus what was done, he called the governors of the people together, and accused those men that they had sold their brethren for money, and set their enemies free to fight against them.
22 So he slew those that were found traitors, and immediately took the two castles.
23 And, having good success with his weapons in all things he took in hand, he slew in the two holds more than twenty thousand.
24 Now Timotheus, whom the Jews had overcome before, when he had gathered a great multitude of foreign forces, and horses out of Asia not a few, came as though he would take Jewry by force of arms.
25 But, when he drew near, || they that were with Maccabeus turned themselves to pray unto God, and sprinkled earth upon their heads, and girded their loins with sackcloth,
|| Or, Maccabeus and they that were with him.
26 And fell down at the foot of the altar, and besought him to be merciful to them, and to be an enemy to their enemies, and an adversary to their adversaries, as the law declareth.
Deut. 28.
27 So, after the prayer, they took their weapons, and went on further from the city: and, when they drew near to their enemies, they kept by themselves.
28 Now, the sun being newly risen, they joined both together; the one part having, together with their virtue, their refuge also unto the Lord, for a pledge of their success and victory: the other side making their rage leader of their battle.
† Or, warrant, or, surety.
29 But, when the battle waxed strong, there appeared unto the enemies from heaven, five comely men
Before CHRIST cir. 164.
men upon horses, with bridles of gold, and two of them led the Jews,
30 And took Maccabeus betwixt them, and covered him on every side with their weapons, and kept him safe, but shot arrows and lightnings against the enemies: so that, being confounded with blindness, and full of trouble, they were killed.
31 And there were slain of footmen twenty thousand and five hundred, and six hundred horsemen.
32 As for Timotheus himself, he fled into a very strong hold, called Gazara, where Chereas was governor.
33 But they that were with Maccabeus, laid siege against the fortress courageously four days.
34 And they that were within, trusting to the strength of the place, blasphemed exceedingly, and uttered wicked words.
35 Nevertheless upon the fifth day early, twenty young men of Maccabeus' company, inflamed with anger because of the blasphemies, assaulted the wall manly, and with a fierce courage killed all that they met withal.
36 Others likewise ascending after them, whiles they were busied with them that were within, burnt the towers, and kindling fires burnt the blasphemers alive; and others broke open the gates, and, having received in the rest of the army, took the city,
37 And killed Timotheus, that was hid in a certain pit, and Chereas his brother, with Apollophanes.
38 When this was done, they praised the Lord with psalms and thanksgiving, who had done so great things for Israel, and given them the victory.
C H A P. XI.
|| Gr. tutor.
Lyfias is put to flight in taking Jerusalem, &c. NOT long after this Lyfias the king's || protector and cousin, who also managed the affairs, took sore displeasure for the things that were done.
† Or, Grecians.
2 And when he had gathered about fourscore thousand with all the horsemen, he came against the Jews, thinking to make the city an habitation of the † Gentiles,
3 And to make a gain of the temple, as of the other chapels of the heathen, and to set the high priesthood to sale every year:
|| Maccabeus and his company.
4 Not at all considering the power of God, but puffed up with his ten thousands of footmen, and his thousands of horsemen, and his fourscore elephants.
5 So he came to Judea, and drew near to Bethfura, which was a strong town, but distant from Jerusalem about five furlongs, and he laid sore siege unto it.
6 Now when || they that were with Maccabeus heard that he besieged the holds, they and all the people, with lamentation and tears, besought the Lord that he would send a good angel to deliver Israel.
7 Then Maccabeus himself first of all took weapons, exhorting the other that they would jeopard themselves together with him to help their brethren: so they went forth together with a willing mind.
8 And as they were at Jerusalem, there appeared before them on horseback one in white clothing, shaking his armour of gold.
9 Then they praised the merciful God all together, and took heart, insomuch that they were ready, not only to fight with men, but with most cruel beasts, and to pierce through walls of iron.
Before CHRIST cir. 164.
10 Thus they marched forward in their armour, having an helper from heaven: for the Lord was merciful unto them.
11 And giving a charge upon their enemies like lions, they slew eleven thousand footmen, and sixteen hundred horsemen, and put all the other to flight.
12 Many of them also being wounded escaped naked; and Lyfias himself fled away shamefully, and so escapea.
13 Who, as he was a man of understanding, casting with himself what loss he had had, and considering that the Hebrews could not be overcome, because the Almighty God helped them, he sent unto them,
14 And persuaded them to agree to all reasonable conditions, and promised that he would persuade the king, that he must needs be a friend unto them.
15 Then Maccabeus consented to all that Lyfias desired, being careful of the common good; and whatsoever Maccabeus wrote unto Lyfias concerning the Jews, the king granted it.
16 For there were letters written unto the Jews from Lyfias to this effect: Lyfias unto the people of the Jews sendeth greeting:
17 John and Absalom, who were sent from you, delivered me the petition subscribed, and made request for the performance of the contents thereof.
165.
18 Therefore, what things soever were meet to be reported to the king, I have declared them, and he hath granted as much as might be.
19 If then you will keep yourselves loyal to the state, hereafter also will I endeavour to be a means of your good.
20 But of the particulars I have given order, both to these and the other that came from me, to commune with you.
21 Fare ye well. The hundred and eight and fortieth year, the four and twentieth day of the month † Dioscorinthius.
† Or, Dioscorus.
22 Now the king's letter contained these words: King Antiochus unto his brother Lyfias sendeth greeting:
23 Since our father is translated unto the gods, our will is, that they that are in our realm live quietly, that every one may attend upon his own affairs.
24 We understand also that the Jews would not consent to our father, for to be brought into the custom of the Gentiles, but had rather keep their own manner of living: for the which cause they require of us, that we should suffer them to live after their own laws.
25 Wherefore our mind is, that this nation shall be in rest, and we have determined to restore them their temple, that they may live according to the customs of their forefathers.
26 Thou shalt do well therefore to send unto them, and grant them peace, that when they are certified of our mind, they may be of good comfort, and ever go cheerfully about their own affairs.
|| Or, give them assurance.
T 27 And

Before CHRIST cir. 163.
27 And the letter of the king unto the nation of the Jews was after this manner: king Antiochus sendeth greeting unto the council, and the rest of the Jews:
28 If ye fare well we have our desire, we are also in good health.
29 Menelaus declared unto us, that your desire was to return home, and to follow your own business.
30 Wherefore, they that will depart shall have safe conduct, till the thirtieth day of Xanthicus with security.
31 And the Jews shall use their own kind of meats, and laws, as before; and none of them any manner of ways shall be molested for things ignorantly done.
32 I have sent also Menelaus, that he may comfort you.
33 Fare ye well. In the hundred forty and eighth year, and the fifteenth day of the month || Xanthicus.
|| Or, April
34 The Romans also sent unto them a letter containing these words: Quintus Memmius, and Titus Manlius, † ambassadors of the Romans, send greeting unto the people of the Jews.
† Or, consuls
35 Whatsoever Lyfias the king's cousin hath granted, therewith we also are well pleased.
36 But touching such things as he judged to be referred to the king, after you have advised thereof, send one forthwith, that we may declare as it is convenient for you: for we are now going to Antioch.
37 Therefore send some with speed, that we may know what is your mind.
38 Farewell. This hundred and eight and fortieth year, the fifteenth day of the month Xanthicus.
C H A P. XII.
1 The king's lieutenants vex the Jews. 3 They of Joppe drown two hundred Jews, &c.
164.
WHEN these covenants were made, Lyfias went unto the king, and the Jews were about their husbandry.
2 But of the governors of several places, Timotheus, and Apollonius the son of Genneus, also Hieronymus, and Demophon, and beside them Nicanor the governor of Cyprus, would not suffer them to be quiet, and live in peace.
3 The men of Joppe also did such an ungodly deed: they prayed the Jews that dwelt among them to go with their wives and children into the boats which they had prepared, as though they had meant them no hurt.
4 Who accepted of it according to the common decree of the city, as being desirous to live in peace, and suspecting nothing: but, when they were gone forth into the deep, they drowned no less than two hundred of them.
5 When Judas heard of this cruelty done unto his countrymen, he commanded those that were with him to make them ready.
6 And, calling upon God the righteous judge, he came against those murderers of his brethren, and burnt the haven by night, and set the boats on fire, and those that fled thither he slew.
|| Or, with
7 And, when the town was shut up, he went backward to ward, || as if he would return to root out all them of the city of Joppe.
to purpose to ward, ||
8 But, when he heard that the Jamnites were minded to do in like manner unto the Jews that dwelt among them,
9 He came upon the Jamnites also by night, and set on fire the haven and the navy, so that the light of the fire was seen at Jerusalem, two hundred and forty furlongs off.
10 Now, when they were gone from thence nine furlongs in their journey toward Timotheus, no fewer than five thousand men on foot and five hundred horsemen of the Arabians set upon him.
11 Whereupon there was a very sore battle; but Judas' side by the help of God got the victory; so that the Nomades of Arabia, being overcome, besought Judas for peace, promising both to give him cattle, and to pleasure him otherwise.
12 Then Judas, thinking indeed that they would be profitable in many things, granted them peace: whereupon they shook hands, and so they † departed to their tents.
† Or, went from place to place with their families and cattle.
13 He went also about to make a bridge to a certain strong city, which was fenced about with walls, and inhabited by people of divers countries; and the name of it was Caspis.
14 But they that were within it put such trust in the strength of the walls and provision of victuals, that they behaved themselves rudely toward them that were with Judas, railing and blaspheming, and uttering such words as were not to be spoken.
15 Wherefore Judas with his company, calling upon the great Lord of the world, who without any rams or engines of war did cast down Jericho in the time of Joshua, gave a fierce assault against the walls,
16 And took the city, by the will of God, and made unspeakable slaughters, insomuch that a lake two furlongs broad near adjoining thereunto, being filled full, was seen running with blood.
17 Then departed they from thence seven hundred and fifty furlongs, and came to Characa unto the Jews that are called Tubieni.
18 But as for Timotheus, they found him not in the places: for before he had dispatched any thing, he departed from thence, having left a very strong garrison in a certain hold.
19 Howbeit Dositheus and Sosipater, who were of Maccabeus' captains, went forth, and slew those that Timotheus had left in the fortress, above ten thousand men.
20 And Maccabeus ranged his army by bands, and set || them over the bands, and went against Timotheus, who had about him an hundred and twenty thousand men of foot, and two thousand and five hundred horsemen.
|| Dositheus and Sosipater.
21 Now when Timotheus had knowledge of Judas' coming, he sent the women and children, and the other baggage, unto a fortress called Carnion: for the town was hard to besiege, and uneasy to come unto, by reason of the straitness of all the places.
22 But, when Judas his first band came in sight, the enemies, being smitten with fear and terror through the appearing of him that seeth all things, fled amain, one running this way, another that way, so as that they
Before CHRIST cir. 164.
Before CHRIST cir. 166.
they were often hurt of their own men, and wounded with the points of their own swords.
23 Judas also was very earnest in pursuing them, killing those wicked wretches, of whom he slew about thirty thousand men.
24 Moreover, Timotheus himself fell into the hands of Dositheus and Sosipater, whom he besought with much craft to let him go with his life, because he had many of the Jew's parents, and the brethren of some of them, who, if they put him to death, should not be regarded.
25 So, when he had assured them with many words, that he would restore them without hurt, according to the agreement, they let him go for the saving of their brethren.
|| That is, Venus.
26 Then Maccabeus marched forth to Carnion, and to the temple of || Atargatis, and there he slew five and twenty thousand persons.
27 And, after he had put to flight and destroyed them, Judas removed the host toward Ephron, a strong city, wherein Lyfias abode, and a great multitude of divers nations; and the strong young men kept the walls, and defended them mightily; wherein also was great provision of engines and darts.
28 But, when Judas and his company had called upon almighty God, (who with his power breaketh the strength of his enemies,) they wan the city, and slew twenty and five thousand of them that were within.
29 From thence they departed to Scythopolis, which lieth six hundred furlongs from Jerusalem.
30 But when the Jews that dwelt there had testified that the Scythopolitans dealt lovingly with them, and entreated them kindly in the time of their adversity:
31 They gave them thanks, desiring them to be friendly still unto them: and so they came to Jerusalem, the feast of the weeks approaching.
32 And after the feast, called Pentecost, they went forth against Gorgias the governor of Idumea,
33 Who came out with three thousand men of foot and four hundred horsemen.
34 And it happened that in their fighting together a few of the Jews were slain.
35 At which time Dositheus, one of Bacenor's company, who was on horseback, and a strong man, was still upon Gorgias, and taking hold of his coat drew him by force; and when he would have taken that cursed man alive, a horseman of Thracia coming upon him † smote off his shoulder, so that Gorgias fled into Marisa.
† Or, put by his arm; or, wounded him in the shoulder; or, struck him in the shoulder.
36 Now when they that were with Gorgias had fought long, and were weary, Judas called upon the Lord, that he would shew himself to be their helper and leader of the battle.
37 And with that he began in his own language, and sung psalms with a loud voice, and rushing unawares upon Gorgias' men, he put them to flight.
38 So Judas gathered his host, and came into the city of Odollam. And when the seventh day came, they purified themselves, as the custom was, and kept the sabbath in the same place.
39 And, upon the day following, || as the use had been, Judas and his company came to take up the bodies of them that were slain, and to bury them with their kinsmen in their fathers' graves.
40 Now under the coats of every one that was slain they found things consecrated to the idols of the Jamnites, which is forbidden the Jews by the law. Deut. 21. 22. Then every man saw that this was the cause wherefore they were slain.
41 All men therefore praising the Lord, the righteous Judge, who had opened the things that were hid,
42 Betook themselves unto prayer, and besought him that the sin committed might wholly be put out of remembrance. Besides, that noble Judas exhorted the people to keep themselves from sin, for so much, as they saw before their eyes the things that came to pass for the sins of those that were slain.
43 And when he had made a gathering throughout the company to the sum of two thousand drachms of silver, he sent it to Jerusalem to offer a sin-offering doing therein very well and honestly, in that he was mindful of the resurrection:
44 For if he had not hoped that they that were slain should have risen again, it had been superfluous and vain to pray for the dead.
45 And also in that he perceived that there was great favour laid up for those that died godly, it was an holy and good thought. Whereupon he made a reconciliation for the dead, that they might be delivered from sin.
C H A P. XIII.
1 Eupater invadeth Judea. 15 Judas by night slayeth many, &c.
163.
IN the hundred forty and ninth year it was told Judas, that Antiochus Eupater was coming with a great power into Judea,
2 And with him Lyfias his protector and ruler of his affairs, having either of them a Grecian power, of footmen an hundred and ten thousand, and horsemen five thousand and three hundred, and elephants two and twenty, and three hundred chariots armed with hooks.
3 Menelaus also joined himself with them, and with great dissimulation encouraged Antiochus, not for the safeguard of the country, but because he thought to have been made governor.
4 But the King of kings moved Antiochus' mind against this wicked wretch, and Lyfias informed the king that this man was the cause of all mischief, so that the king commanded to bring him unto Berea, and to put him to death, as the manner is in that place.
5 Now, there was in that place a tower of fifty cubits high, full of ashes, and it had a round instrument which on every side hanged down into the ashes.
6 And whosoever was condemned of sacrilege, or had committed any other grievous crime, there did all men thrust him unto death.
7 Such a death it happened that wicked man to die, not having so much as burial in the earth, and that most justly:
8 For inasmuch as he had committed many sins about
Before CHRIST cir. 164.
|| Or, at such time, &c.

Before CHRIST cir. 163.
about the altar, whose fire and ashes were holy, he received his death in ashes.
9 Now the king came with a barbarous and haughty mind, to do far worse to the Jews than had been done in his father's time.
10 Which things, when Judas perceived, he commanded the multitude to call upon the Lord night and day, that, if ever at any other time, he would now also help them, being at the point to be put from their law, from their country, and from the holy temple:
11 And that he would not suffer the people, that had even now been but a little refreshed, to be in subjection to the blasphemous nations.
† Or, had had a little respite.
12 So, when they had all done this together, and besought the merciful Lord with weeping and fasting, and lying flat upon the ground three days long, Judas, having exhorted them, commanded they should be in a readiness.
13 And Judas, being apart with the elders, determined, before the king's host should enter into Judea, and get the city, to go forth and try the matter in fight by the help of the Lord.
‡ Or, Lord.
14 So when he had committed all to the Creator of the world, and exhorted his soldiers to fight manfully, even unto death, for the laws, the temple, the city, the country, and the commonwealth, he camped by Modin:
15 And having given the watchword to them that were about him, Victory is of God; with the most valiant and choice young men he went in into the king's tent by night, and slew in the camp about four thousand men, and the chiefest of the elephants, with all that were upon him:
16 And at last they filled the camp with fear and tumult, and departed with good success.
17 This was done in the break of the day, because the protection of the Lord did help him.
18 Now when the king had taken a taste of the manliness of the Jews, he went about to take the holds by policy,
19 And marched toward Bethsura, which was a strong hold of the Jews: but he was put to flight, failed and lost of his men:
20 For Judas had conveyed unto them that were in it such things as were necessary.
21 But Rhodocus, who was in the Jews' host, disclosed the secrets to the enemies; therefore he was sought out, and when they had gotten him, they put him in prison.
22 The king treated with them in Bethsura the second time, gave his hand, took theirs, departed, fought with Judas, was overcome;
23 Heard that Philip, who was left over the affairs in Antioch, † was desperately bent, confounded, ill-treated the Jews, submitted himself, and sware to all equal conditions, agreed with them, and offered sacrifice, honoured the temple, and dealt kindly with the place,
† Or, rebelled.
24 And accepted well of Maccabeus, made him principal governor from Ptolemais unto the Gertheneans;
25 Came to Ptolemais: the people there were grieved for the covenants; for they stormed because they would make their covenants void:
26 Lysias went up to the judgment-seat, said as much as could be in defence of the cause, persuaded, pacified, made them well-affected, returned to Antioch. Thus it went touching the king's coming and departing.
CHAP. XIV.
6 Alcimus accuseth Judas. 18 Nicanor maketh peace with Judas, &c.
Before CHRIST cir. 163.
After three years was Judas informed, that Demetrius the son of Seleucus, having entered by the haven of Tripolis with a great power and navy,
2 Had taken the country, and killed Antiochus, and Lysias his protector.
3 Now one Alcimus, who had been high-priest, and had defiled himself wilfully in the times of their mingling with the Gentiles, seeing that by no means he could save himself, nor have any more access to the holy altar,
4 Came to king Demetrius in the hundred and one and fiftieth year, presenting unto him a crown of gold, and a palm, and also of the boughs which were † used solemnly in the temple: and so that day he held his peace.
† Or, thought to be of the temple.
5 Howbeit, having gotten opportunity to further his foolish enterprise, and being called into council by Demetrius, and asked how the Jews stood affected, and what they intended, he answered thereunto,
6 Those of the Jews that be called Assideans, whose captain is Judas Maccabeus, nourish war and are seditious, and will not let the realm be in peace: 7 Therefore I, being deprived of mine ancestor's honour, (I mean the high priesthood,) am now come hither:
8 First, verily for the unfeigned care I have of things pertaining to the king; and, secondly, even for that I intend the good of mine own countrymen: for all our nation is in no small misery, through the unadvised dealing of them aforesaid,
9 Wherefore, O king, seeing thou knowest all these things, be careful for the country, and our nation which is pressed on every side, according to the clemency that thou readily shewest unto all.
10 For, as long as Judas liveth, it is not possible that the state should be quiet.
11 This was no sooner spoken of him, but others of the king's friends, being maliciously set against Judas, did more incense Demetrius.
12 And forthwith calling Nicanor, who had been master of the elephants, and making him governor over Judea, he sent him forth,
13 Commanding him to slay Judas, and to scatter them that were with him, and to make Alcimus high-priest of the great temple.
14 Then the heathen, that had fled out of Judea from Judas, came to Nicanor by flocks, thinking the harm and calamities of the Jews to be their welfare.
15 Now when the Jews heard of Nicanor's coming, and that the heathen ‡ were up against them, they cast earth upon their heads, and made supplication to him.
‡ Or, were joined to them.
Before CHRIST cir. 162.
him that had established his people for ever, and who always helpeth his portion with manifestation of his presence.
16 So, at the commandment of the captain, they removed straightways from thence, and came near unto them, at the town of Dessau.
17 Now Simon, Judas' brother, had joined battle with Nicanor, but was somewhat discomfited through the sudden silence of his enemies.
18 Nevertheless, Nicanor hearing of the manliness of them that were with Judas, and the courageousness that they had to fight for their country, durst not try the matter by the sword.
19 Wherefore he sent Prosidonius, and Theodotus, and Mattathias, to make peace.
20 So when they had taken long advisement thereupon, and the captain had made the multitude acquainted therewith, and it appeared that they were all of one mind, they consented to the covenants,
21 And appointed a day to meet in together by themselves: and when the day came, and stools were set for either of them,
22 Judas placed armed men ready in convenient places, lest some treachery should be suddenly practised by the enemies: so they made a peaceable conference.
23 Now Nicanor abode in Jerusalem, and did no hurt, but sent away the people that came flocking unto him
24 And he would not willingly have Judas out of his sight: for he loved the man from his heart.
25 He prayed him also to take a wife, and to beget children: so he married, was quiet, and † took part of this life.
† Or, lived with him.
26 But Alcimus perceiving the love that was betwixt them, and considering the covenants that were made, came to Demetrius, and told him that Nicanor was not well affected towards the state: for that he had ordained Judas, a traitor to his realm, to be the king's successor.
27 Then the king, being in a rage, and provoked with the accusations of the most wicked man, wrote to Nicanor, signifying that he was much displeased with the covenants, and commanding him that he should send Maccabeus prisoner in all haste unto Antioch.
28 When this came to Nicanor's hearing, he was much confounded in himself, and took it grievously that he should make void the articles which were agreed upon, the man being in no fault.
29 But, because there was no dealing against the king, he watched his time to accomplish this thing by policy.
30 Notwithstanding when Maccabeus saw that Nicanor began to be churlish unto him, and that he entreated him more roughly than he was wont, perceiving that such sour behaviour came not of good, he gathered together not a few of his men, and withdrew himself from Nicanor.
31 But the other, knowing that he was notably prevented by Judas' policy, came into the great and holy temple, and commanded the priests that were
offering their usual sacrifices, to deliver him the man.
Before CHRIST cir. 161.
32 And, when they sware that they could not tell where the man was whom he sought,
33 He stretched out his right-hand toward the temple, and made an oath in this manner, If you will not deliver me Judas as ‡ a prisoner, I will lay ‡ this temple of God even with the ground, and I will break down the altar, and erect a notable temple unto Bacchus.
34 After these words he departed. Then the priests lifted up their hands toward heaven, and besought him that was ever a defender of their nation, saying in this manner,
35 Thou, O Lord of all things, who hast need of nothing, wast pleased that the temple of thine habitation should be among us:
36 Therefore now, O holy Lord of all holiness, keep this house ever undefiled, which lately was cleansed, and stop every unrighteous mouth.
37 Now was there accused unto Nicanor, one Razis, one of the elders of Jerusalem, a lover of his countrymen, and a man of very good report, who for his kindness was called a father of the Jews.
38 For, in the former times, when they mingled not themselves with the Gentiles, he had been accused of Judaism, and did boldly jeopard his body and life with all vehemency for the religion of the Jews.
39 So Nicanor, willing to declare the hate that he bare unto the Jews, sent above five hundred men of war to take him.
40 For he thought, by taking him, to do the Jews much hurt.
41 Now, when the multitude would have taken the tower, and violently broken into the outer door, and bade that fire should be brought to burn it, he, being ready to be taken on every side, fell upon his sword;
42 Chusing rather to die manfully, than to come into the hands of the wicked, to be abused otherwise than beseemed his noble birth:
43 But missing his stroke through haste, the multitude also rushing within the doors, he ran boldly up to the wall, and cast himself down manfully among the thickest of them.
44 But they quickly giving back, and a space being made, he fell down into the midst of the void place.
45 Nevertheless, while there was yet breath within him, being inflamed with anger, he rose up, and, though his blood gushed out like spouts of water, and his wounds were grievous, yet he ran through the midst of the throng; and standing upon a steep rock,
46 When as his blood was now quite gone, he plucked out his bowels, and, taking them in both his hands, he cast them upon the throng, and calling upon the Lord of life and spirit to restore him those again, he thus died.
CHAP. XV.
5 Nicanor's blasphemy 8 Judas encourageth his men by his dream, 28 Nicanor is slain.
But

II. MACCABEES.
Apocrypha.
Before CHRIST cir. 161.
B UT Nicanor, hearing that Judas and his company were in the strong places about Samaria, resolved without any danger to set upon them on the sabbath day.
2 Nevertheless the Jews that were compelled to go with him said, O destroy not so cruelly, and barbarously, but give honour to that day, which he that seeth all things, hath honoured with holiness above other days.
3 Then the most ungracious wretch demanded, if there were a Mighty One in heaven, that had commanded the sabbath day to be kept.
4 And when they said, There is in heaven a living Lord, and mighty, who commanded the seventh day to be kept:
5 Then said the other, And I also am mighty upon earth, and I command to take arms, and to do the king's business. Yet he obtained not to have his wicked will done.
6 So Nicanor, in exceeding pride and haughtiness, determined to set up a public monument of his victory over Judas and them that were with him.
7 But Maccabeus had ever sure confidence that the Lord would help him.
8 Wherefore he exhorted his people not to fear the coming of the heathen against them, but to remember the help which in former times they had received from heaven, and now to expect the victory and aid, which should come unto them from the Almighty.
9 And so comforting them out of the law and the prophets, and withal putting them in mind of the battles that they won afore, he made them more cheerful.
10 And when he had stirred up their minds, he gave them their charge, shewing them therewithal the falsehood of the heathen, and the breach of oaths.
11 Thus he armed every one of them, not so much with defence of shields and spears, as with comfortable and good words: and beside that, he told them a dream worthy to be believed, as if it had been so indeed, which did not a little rejoice them.
12 And this was his vision: That Onias, who had been high priest, a virtuous and a good man, reverend in conversation, gentle in condition, well spoken also, and exercised from a child in all points of virtue, holding up his hands prayed for the whole body of the Jews.
13 This done, in like manner there appeared a man with grey hairs, and exceeding glorious, who was of a wonderful and excellent majesty.
14 Then Onias answered, saying, This is a lover of the brethren, who prayeth much for the people, and for the holy city, to wit, Jeremias the prophet of God.
15 Whereupon Jeremias holding forth his right hand gave to Judas a sword of gold, and in giving it spake thus,
16 Take this holy sword, a gift from God, with the which thou shalt wound the adversaries.
17 Thus being well comforted by the words of Judas, which were very good, and able to stir them up
Apocrypha.
Before CHRIST cir. 161.
to valour, and to encourage the hearts of the young men, they determined not to pitch camp, but courageously to set upon them, and manfully to try the matter by conflict, because the city, and the sanctuary, and the temple, were in danger.
18 For the care that they took for their wives and their children, their brethren and kinsfolk, was in least account with them: but the greatest and principal fear was for the holy temple.
19 Also, they that were in the city took not the least care, being troubled for the conflict abroad:
20 And now, when as all looked what should be the trial, and the enemies were already come near, and the army was set in array, and the beasts conveniently placed, and the horsemen set in wings,
21 Maccabeus, seeing the coming of the multitude, and the divers preparations of armour, and the fierceness of the beasts, stretched out his hands toward heaven, and called upon the Lord that worketh wonders, knowing that victory cometh not by arms, but, even as it seemeth good to him, he giveth it to such as are worthy.
22 Therefore in his prayer, he said after this manner, O Lord, thou didst send thine angel in the time of Ezekias king of Judea, and didst slay in the host of Sennacherib, an hundred fourscore and five thousand.
23 Wherefore now also, O Lord of heaven, send a good angel before us, for a fear and dread unto them.
24 And through the might of thine arm, let those be stricken with terror that come against thy holy people to blaspheme. And he ended thus.
25 Then Nicanor, and they that were with him, came forward with trumpets and songs.
26 But Judas and his company encountered the enemies with invocation and prayer.
27 So, that fighting with their hands, and praying unto God with their hearts, they flew no less than thirty and five thousand men: for through the appearance of God they were greatly cheered.
28 Now, when the battle was done, returning again with joy, they knew that Nicanor lay dead in his harness.
29 Then they made a great shout, and a noise, praising the Almighty in their own language.
30 And Judas, who was ever the chief defender of the citizens, both in body and mind, and who continued his love towards his countrymen all his life, commanded to strike off Nicanor's head, and his hand, with his shoulder, and bring them to Jerusalem.
31 So when he was there, and had called them of his nation together, and set the priests before the altar, he sent for them that were of the tower,
32 And shewed them vile Nicanor's head, and the hand of that blasphemer, which with proud brags he had stretched out against the holy temple of the Almighty.
33 And, when he had cut out the tongue of that ungodly Nicanor, he commanded that they should give it by pieces unto the fowls, and hang up the reward of his madness before the temple.
34 So
CHAP. XV.
Apocrypha.
Before CHRIST cir. 161.
Before CHRIST cir. 161.
34 So every man praised toward the heaven the glorious Lord, saying, Blessed be he that hath kept his own place undefiled.
35 He hanged also Nicanor's head upon the tower, an evident and manifest sign unto all of the help of the Lord.
36 And they ordained all with a common decree, in no case to let that day pass without solemnity, but to celebrate the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which in the Syrian tongue is called Adar, the day before Mardocheus' day.
37 Thus went it with Nicanor: and from that time forth the Hebrews had the city in their power. And here I will make an end.
38 And if I have done well, and as is fitting the story, it is that which I desired; but, if slenderly and meanly, it is that which I could attain unto.
39 For as it is hurtful to drink wine or water alone, and as wine mingled with water is pleasant, and delighteth the taste; even so, speech finely framed delighteth the ears of them that read the story. And here shall be an end.
The End of the APOCRYPHA.
White, John Cont. (Ms. Va) W 6480

John White born the 20 th day of July in the year of our Lord 1750
Linah Williams born the 9 th day of June in the year of our Lord 1760
13
Abel White and Linah Williams. Married the 13 th day of March in the year of our Lord 1783
Family Record as found in the possession of the late Mrs. Mary White
Peggy White born the 25 th day of July in the year of our Lord 1789
Rebecca White born the 2 nd day of May in the year of our Lord 1791
Sarah White born the 27 th day of November in the year 1792
Susanna White born the 22 nd day of August in the year 1794
Elizabeth White born the 13 th day of May in the year 1796

11.77A Penna Pitts:
Eleanor White dec d
widow of John
who died on the
of in the State of
who was a priv. of cav l in the
by Captain of the
by in the Revolution
time for 22 months.
commanded Recommended
Inscribed on the Roll of Pittsburgh at the rate of 91 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1836.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th day of Aug t 1855. and
H. D. Foster
Arrears to the 4th of Semi-annual allowance ending Greensburgh Pa:
Revolutionary Claim, Act July 7, 1838.
G. T. Gray
Clerk.
Recorded by Book Vol.
Page 235
Ques

State of Pennsylvania County of Westmoreland } 55-
Personally appeared in open Court before the Hon. J. M. Brumle President Judge and his Associates Hon. David Cook and Hon. James Bell Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Westmoreland in the State aforesaid at a Court of Common Pleas Held at Greensburg in and for said County on the twenty third day of April A. D. 1855- John White, adminis- trator of the estate of Eleanor White who being first duly sworn according to law in open Court Before the said Judges of said Court declare that he is a son of John White who was a private in the service of the United States in the Revolutionary war that the said John White was a private in said war in the Virginia Legion commanded by Lt Colonel Henry Lee Junior. (Called Lees Legion) That he understood from his father the said John White and also from his mother the said Eleanor White that the said John White served as a private in the Revolutionary war for the period of three years and nine months.

that the said John White was Honorably discharged on the 23 day of July A. D. 1781 at the High Hills of Santee as will appear by a part of his original discharge which is hereto annexed and Marked A. That the said John White was Born in Maryland and Entered the Service in Virginia or Maryland, He further states that the said John White while in the Service of the United States was wounded in Battle with a Baynot in the upper part of the thigh that he has frequently seen him point to the place and there where he received the wound in the thigh and that he knows him to be always a little lame from the wound sometimes he would be worse than others and would complain that it was from the wound, He finally got a healing in his groin which became worn from time to time until he finally died and he complained that the healing proceeded from the wound which he had received - That he had frequently heard him in his life time speak of his Service in the Revolutionary war under Colonel Lee

He further states that the said John White was married to the said Eleanor White on the 13 th day of May A.D. 1788 as will appear by the family record here with for evidence. Mark a B, and that the maiden name of the said Eleanor White was Eleanor Williams previous to her marriage with the said John White She being a daughter of Richard Williams Esquire of Donegal Township in the said County of Westmoreland. He further states that the said Richard Williams the father of the said Eleanor White was a Justice of the Peace in and/or said County of Westmoreland and that he performed the marriage ceremony between the said John White and the said Eleanor White as the deponent was informed by his mother the said Eleanor White
He further states that the said John White died in Donegal Township in Westmoreland County Penna, in the month of August in the year A.D. one thousand eight hundred and eighteen and that Eleanor White the wife of the said John White died in Donegal Township in the said County of Westmoreland Penna, on the Eleventh

day of October in the year A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty one (11 October A. D. 1851) and that the said John White at the time of his death left surviving him the said Eleanor White who remained his widow until her death - He further states that the said John White and Eleanor White had by their marriage eleven children to wit Margaret, Rosannah, Sarah, Susannah, Dorothy, Elizabeth, Eleanor, John White the decedent, Isaac, S. Matilda & Isaac - That all the children above named of the said John White & Eleanor White were living at the time of the death of the said John White in the month of August in the year A. D. 1818 except Isaac S. White who died in infancy - He further states, all the above named children of John White and Eleanor White were living on the 11 th of October A. D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty one the time of the death of the said Eleanor White except Sarah & Isaac S. - That the said Sarah died intestate and unmarried on the thirteenth

day of September in the year A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty one - That since the death of the said Eleanor White the Widow of the said John White Matilda a daughter of the said Eleanor and John White has since leaving her previous to her death married to John Reuhr and that she left is sue by her marriage with the said John Reuhr, Isaac, Philip Ellen Reuhr, Nancy, Margaret, Matilda John and David to wit eight children and her husband John Reuhr. Previous to her marriage with John Reuhr she had removed to our residence above and at the time of the death of the said Matilda in the State of Illinois. He further states that the family record here with reference is in the proper hands of the said John White the soldier, and was obtained from among his family papers and books. He further states that the proper Matilda is purported to be the daughter of the said John White was found by him among the papers of the said John White after

his death and that he has made diligent and careful search for the balance of the I is charge but cannot find it. John White Jos Gup's Poet
J. Joseph Goff Prothonotary of the County of Carbon Pa. of West moreland County acknowledged that the foregoing declaration of John White was made subscribed and sworn to in open Court on the 23 day of April A. D 1855. Before the Hon J. M. Gurnee President Judge of the same Court and his associates Hon James Miller & Hon Daniel Cook in West moreland I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this Twenty third day of April A D 1855.
Jos Gup. Pub.

State of Pennsylvania County of Westmoreland
At a Court of Common Pleas held at Greensburg for said County of Westmoreland on the 23 d day of April A.D. 1855. Evidence of Disinterested reputable and respectable Witness was offered in open Court proving to the entire satisfaction of the Court, that John White in account of Military Service in the Revolutionary War Arrearages of Pension are claimed by his Children and heirs at Law, was legally Married to Ellen Williams as set forth in the family record marked B. Which is Satisfactorily proved to be the family record that he after Ward died in the Month of August A.D. 1818 leaving his Widow Ellen surviving him and that she remained his Widow until her death and that she died Intestate on the Eleventh day of October A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty one, and that at the time of her death she left surviving her Nine Children who were his only heirs at Law and who were also the only surviving children and heirs at Law of the said John White. to Wit Margaret Brannen, Deborah Carson, Susannah Brindle, Drusilla Brock, Elizabeth Patterson, Ellen Brindle, John White, Isaac White and Matilda Kuhn and that since the death of the said Ellen, the Widow the Widow of John White, Matilda Kuhn has died leaving issue Eight Children & her husband John Kuhn surviving her to Wit Ysaac, Isaac, Philip, Ellen, Nancy, Margaret, Matilda & David. It is further, further, Satisfactorily proven to the Court that the papers, marked A. purporting to be the Original discharge of John White was found among his papers, and the paper of his Widow Ellen after his death and that that part of the discharge lost has not been found after careful Search. By the Court.
I Joseph Grop Puthenbury of the Court of Common Pleas of the said County of Westmoreland do certify that the above is the true substance of said Court made upon the evidence adduced before the Court in open Court touching the Application of the Children & heirs at law of Ellen White deceased for Arrearage of Pension. And I further certify that the Affidavits of Henry Montrose and William Duffharty annexed were made subscribed and sworn to by them severally in open Court on the 23 d day of April 1855 before the Hon. J. M. Burrell President Judge of the same Court and his Associates Hon. James Bell & Hon. David Bell. In testimony of all which I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my Official Seal of Office this Thirteenth day of July A.D. 1855.
Is Grop Puthenbury

State of Pennsylvania County of Westmoreland ss.
Personally appeared in open court before the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County to wit before the Hon. J. M. Murrill President Judge of said Court and his associates the Hon. David Cook and the Hon. Jarry Bell Henry Montaine a disinterested and credible Witness and a resident of said County of Westmoreland who being first duly sworn according to law before the Judges of said Court at a Court of Common Pleas held at Greensburg in and for said County on the 23 rd day of April A. D. 1855 deposeth and saith that he was well acquainted with Eleanor White the Widow of John White who was reported to be a Soldier in the Revolutionary war and that she died at his dwelling House in the Township of Donegal in the said County

of Westmoreland on the Eleventh day of October A.D. one thousand eight hundred and fifty one that she had been living with him for eight or nine years before her death and that he resides on the farm where her husband John White lived and died and that he did not know the said John White personally but has frequently heard his widow Eleanor White and the neighbours in the immediate vicinity where she lives say that he the said John White died in the month of August in the year A.D. one thousand eight hundred and eighteen. That the said John White is buried on the old farm where he resided in Doveydale Township in Lake County of Westmoreland and that this deponent has frequently been at his grave as it was pointed out to him on the old farm. He further states that he knows all the children of the said John White and Eleanor White who are now, living and that they many are Margaret intermarried with Doctor William Bronson, residing in Lake County of Westmoreland & Boston not

inter marime with James O'Connor residing in Franklin County Pennsylvania. Since Susan not married to Henry Prindle residing in the State of Illinois. Mary after married to John S. Brooks residing in Lawrence County Pennsylvania. Elizabeth married to John Patterson residing in Fulton County Pennsylvania. Eleanor married to John Prindle residing in said Westmoreland County John White residing in said County of Westmoreland. Matilda married to John Baker residing in Skuylers County in the State of Illinois. (The said Matilda having died since the death of the said Eleanor widow of John White and leaving issue eight children to wit Isaac, Philip, Eleanor Nancy, Margaret, Matilda, John and David also her husband surviving her) & Isaac White That he also knew Sarah who died previous to the said Eleanor White widow of John White. Intestate unmarried and without The deponent further states that the record herewith forwarded marked B is the genuine and original family record of John White and

Eleazar White the widower of Lucia John White that he has often seen it in the family among the other Masons and knows Henry Mounties his Groom

State of Pennsylvania
(County of Westmoreland)
Personally appeared in open court before the Hon. J. M. Purcell President Judge and the Hon. David Cook and James Bell Associate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas of Westmoreland County aforesaid at a Court of Common Pleas held at Greensburg in and for said County on the 23 day of April A. D. 1855. William Duff aged thirty years a resident of Westmoreland County in the Hon. aforesaid and a disinterested and credible witness, who being first duly sworn according to law in open court before the said Judges of said Court deponeth and saith That he was well acquainted with Ellenora White the widow of John White, and that he is married to a grand daughter of the said Ellenora White and that word was sent to him indirectly after her death that she had died at the residence of Henry Montecue in Westmoreland County on the Eleventh day of October

A. Done than since eight hundreds and fiftyone and that he has often heard his friends and neighbors since then say that she died on the eleventh day of October A. D 1851 Hepunther Hotel that he knows the children of the said Eleanor which she had by her marriage with the said John White who survived her to wit Margaret residing in Westmoreland County after marriage with Doctor William Brown Providence after marriage with James O. Carson residing in Franklin County Pennsylvania. Susan not married to Henry Brindle residing in the state of Illinois Illinois. Dorothy married to John S. Brooks residing in Lawrence County Pennsylvania Elizabeth married to John Potter residing in Fulton County Pennsylv- ania. Eleanor residing in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania and married to John Brindle - John White residing in Westmoreland County Matilda married to John Kenner residing in Illinois and Isaac White The said Matilda has died since the death of the said

Elleanor white the widow of the said John White leaving her in her her free hand John Kenon and issue to wit Francis, Philip Elleanor, Nancy, Margaret, Matilda John & David - He further states that the said John White the above said John is reputed among all his neighbors and friends to have died in said County of Westmoreland no the year A. D 1818
for Grafton Brod
William Duff

State of Pennsylvania
County of Westmoreland,
Personally appeared before the Subscribers a Justice of the Peace in and for said County Christopher Overly a resident of said County of Westmoreland in the State of Pennsylvania aged eighty three years past who on his oath deposes and saith that he was acquainted with John White both before and after his marriage with Eleanor Williams and that he also knew Eleanor White his wife both before and after her marriage with John White and knew her father Richard Williams Esquire. That he lived within a mile and a half of where Richard Williams Esquire lived in Donegal Township in the said County of Westmoreland. That there was a block house on the farm of Richard Williams Esquire the father of the said Eleanor Williams who after was married John White and that during the Indian frontier Wars he was in the block house with Richard Williams Esquire and his family and knew Eleanor his daughter well Who was after married to John White

that he was in the Black nation with Richard Williams, Esquire before John White came to this country. That John White came to this country, from Maryland some five or six years before he married Eleanor Williams. That he was invited by John White to be present at his marriage with Eleanor Williams, in the year A.D. 1788 that he could not get the wedding, on account of a prior engagement which he had made to attend to some business of his own that at the time he only lived between one and two miles from Richard Williams, Esquire and John White resided in the family of his wife, for three or four years before he was married to Eleanor Williams. That he was invited to the wedding of John White. That he was not present at the wedding but was there a few days afterwards and saw both John White and Eleanor his wife that they both told him they were married and talked about the wedding. This was in the year A.D. 1788 He further states that John White after his marriage with Eleanor Williams, purchased a piece of land off the old farm from his father-in-law Richard Williams, built a house on it and lived there with

his wife Eleanor until he died. That he knew the said John White and Eleanor White to live together as a man and wife and cohabit together from the time he was in a little to the wedding in the year A.D. 1788 until his death and raise a large family of children That Peggy White was one of the children he knew her he also knew Phebe White one of their children, he also knew Sarah White one of their children and Susanna & Grissell & Elizabeth & Eleanor. - That he also knew John White a son of the said John White dead and Eleanor White also a son named Isaac White. That John White the husband of Eleanor White died in the year A.D. 1818 and was buried on his father's Richard Williams farm. That he thinks he was at his funeral. That at the time of his death he left surviving him his widow Eleanor White that she never married again but continued his widow until she died. That she died in the  house Yarmouth in Westmore and County of Port from where I now reside on or about the Eleventh day of October A.D. 1851.
That John White was elected a marine captain after his marriage with Eleanor Williams,

and the deponent has frequently heard him speak of having been out in the Revolutionary war - That when he was late Captain he said to White you have got a military commission now White then told him that he had been out in the Revolutionary war and had been active since - He recalls this distinctly - There was one or two of my brothers at John White's wedding they are now dead - He further states that Richard Williams was a Justice of the Peace and he was informed that he performed the marriage ceremony between his daughter Eleanor & John White
Sworn & Subscribed before me
this 18 th June A. D. 1855
William Johnston J.P.
Christopher Overy most-
Witness Present
David Newingham
David Overy
H. P. Water
H. P. Laine
I hereby certify that Christopher Overy above named is a man of high respectability and undoubted veracity
Augh Druce
June 30. 1855

6 We Henson M c Laine and David Rivers have residents of Northumberland County in the State of Pennsylvania upon our oaths declare that the foregoing affidavit of Christopher Backy was signed and acknowledged by him in our presence and that we know him to be the person he represented himself to be
H. M c Laine David Newingham
The foregoing affidavits of Christopher Backy H. M c Laine & David Newingham were sworn to and subscribed before me on the day and year above written and I certify that I know the affiants to be each the person and that I have no interest in this claim
William Johnston J. P.

State of Pennsylvania,
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, SS.
I, Job Grop .....PROTHONOTARY of the Court of Common Pleas of the County of Westmoreland, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby certify that.....
William Johnston Esqr. .....before whom the foregoing Declaration & affidavit were duly made and whose name, in his own proper handwriting is to the foregoing certificate appended, was then and now is an acting..... Prothonotary .....in and for said County of Westmoreland, duly elected and commissioned, and to all whose official acts and deeds full faith and credit are of right due.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the SEAL of said Court, at Greensburgh, the 22nd day of July .....in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty- five
Job Grop .....Prothonotary.

No. 8. A. D. 1855.
Letters of Administration on the Estate of Eleanor White late of Donegal Sp. Deceased.
Filed 22 nd Feb. 1855
Fees - $3.50
Ent "

LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION.
WESTMORELAND COUNTY, SS.
J. M. Miller Register for the Probate of Wills and granting Letters of Administration in and for the county aforesaid, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. To
John White
GREETING.
Whereas, Eleanor White of the Township of Donegal Westmoreland County, and State of Pennsylvania, deceased, lately died intestate, [as is affirmed] She having whilst She lived and at the time of her death, divers goods, chattels and credits within said state and counties, by means whereof the full disposition and power of granting the Administration of all and singular, the goods, chattels and credits of the said decedent, and auditing the accounts, calculation and reckoning of said administration, and a final dismissal of the same from me, is manifestly known to belong: I desire that the goods, chattels and credits of the said decedent may be well and truly administered and disposed of to pious uses, and do hereby grant unto the said John White of the Borough of West Newton in said County.
[in whose fidelity in this behalf I very much confide,] full power by the tenor of these presents , to administer the goods, chattels and credits of the said decedent within the said counties: and also to ask, collect, sue for, levy, recover, and receive the credits whatsoever of the said decedent, which at the time of her death were owing, or to her did in any wise belong, and to pay the debts in which the said decedent stood obliged, so far forth as the said goods, chattels and credits will extend, according to the rate and order of law, especially of well and truly administering the goods, chattels and credits of the said decedent, and making a true and perfect inventory of all and singular the goods, chattels and credits of the said decedent, and exhibiting the same into the Register's Office, at Greensburg, on or before the 22 nd day of March next ensuing, and settling in this office a true and just account, calculation and reckoning of the said administration, on or before the 22 nd day of February which will be in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty Six or when thereunto lawfully required. And I do by these presents ordain, constitute and depute you the said John White
Administrator of all and singular the goods, chattels and credits of the said decedent within the limits aforesaid, saving harmless and forever indemnifying me, and all other officers against all other persons by reason of your administration aforesaid, and saving to every one their rights. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my seal of office at Greensburg the 22 nd day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty five
Jacob M. Miller Register

Rev. and 1812 Wars Section
MMHF/HMM
A carbon was lists- made to both lists- furnished, but I had originals both verified, only saved one carbon
March 12, 1930.
Miss Rosanna Carson 1809 C Street Lincoln Nebraska.
Dear Madam:
I advise you from the papers in Revolutionary War pension claim W. 6480, it appears that John White was born May 20, 1760 in Maryland, place not designated.
He enlisted in Maryland or Virginia, as a private in Lieutenant Colonel Henry Lee's Legion; served three years and nine months and was discharged July 23, 1781. It is also stated that he was elected captain in the militia after his marriage. He received a bayonet wound in the thigh in battle; name of the battle not shown.
The soldier married May 13, 1788 in Donegal Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, Eleanor or Elenear Williams, born June 9, 1768, daughter of Richard Williams of said Donegal Township. They were married by her father who was then Justice of the Peace for said Westmoreland County.
The soldier died in August 1818 in Donegal Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, and was buried on the farm which he had purchased from his father-in-law in said Donegal Township. His widow, Eleanor, died October 11, 1851 in the same Township.
John and Eleanor White had the following children:
Margaret or Peggy born July 25, 1789 married Dr. William Brannon, living in Westmoreland County, Pa., in 1855 Rosannah " May 2, 1791 " James O. Carson, liv- ing in Franklin County, Pennsylvania in 1855

Children - continued:
   Sarah  born  November 27, 1792  unmarried  died September 11, 1851    Susanna  "  August 22, 1794  married  Henry Brindle, living in Illinois in 1855    Drusylla  "  May 13, 1796  "  John A. Brooks living in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania in 1855    Elizabeth  "  January 3, 17??  "  John Patterson, living in Fulton County, Pennsylvania in 1855    Eleanor  "  November 20, 1800  "  John Brindle, living in Westmoreland Co., Pennsylvania in 1855    John  "  July 20, 1802      Isaac Stull  "  June 3, 1804  died in infancy     Matilda S.  "  October 20, 1806  married  John Kuhn who was living in Schuylker County Illinois in 1855, but wife had died subsequent to her mother's death    Isaac S.  "  August 4, 1808     
John Kuhn and his wife, Matilda, soldier's daughter, had eight children, named as follows:
Isaac Philip Elleanor Nancy Margaret Matilda John David.
On April 23, 1855, John White, soldier's son, then a resident of the Borough of West Newton, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, applied for pension due their mother in behalf of himself and the other surviving children. The claim was allowed.
One William Duff was living in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, in 1855, aged thirty-four years. He married soldier's granddaughter, her name not designated.

In regard to photostatic copy of the "Brief" in the above named pension claim, it is proper to state that the data therein were assembled from statements made in the original papers filed in the claim, and such briefs are not included in photostatic copies.
It is suggested that you apply to the Adjutant General, U.S.A. War Department, this city, for a statement in regard to the military service of John White in Lee's Legion referred to in said brief.
The amount of your remittance, forty cents ($.40) will be refunded to you in due time.
Very truly yours,
Earl D. Church Commissioner.

The Carson National Bank.
Successor to the Brownville Bank of Jno L. Carson. Established in 1857.
South Auburn, Neb. 189
Bureau of Pensions Washington - D.C. -
Sir -
As I have been anxious to find out about a revolutionary ancestor and my information is very ragged indeed I have been told to write to you - Here is the little infor- =mation I possess -
My father's - John L. Carson mother was the daughter of John White whose wife - Sylvia Williams White - after his death drew a pension as the widow of a revolution- =ary soldier - Their home was I think at Greenberg - West- moreland County Pennsylvania

as the lawyer family whom it was buried & lived there.
As to his work in the army I have not the slightest idea -
Hoping this will en- able you to find out I am
Yours Sincerely -
Barbara Carson
Brownville
Nebraska County
Nebraska

original copy
Sir
In any matter touching this application whereby H. B. Foster & H. B. Cairns attys in fact for the applicant at Green Lodge Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania Foster & Cairns

Eleanor White dec d , widow of John Westmoreland Co Pa
adm d . July 7 1838 V s ,
22 mos pri law $91 60
per annum from 4 March 1835 to 11 October 1837, when she died , to  except 2 years pay to John White adm r . for the benefit of himself and Marga- ret Brannen 2 - Rosannah Casson 3 - Susannah Brin- kle 4 - Duncilla Brooks 5 - Elizabeth Patterson 6 - Elean- or Brindle 7 & 8. Isaac White Surviving Children,
Asst C o H. D. Foster Esq Greensburg Pa

22 months car
22 d Sep 1779 ent d
23 July 1781 disc d
Mrs White d d 1808
Eleanor White d d 11 Octo 87
Married 1788
Margaret Brannon 1 Rosannah Carson 2 Susannah Brindle 3 Gravilla Brooks 4 Elizabeth Patterson 5 Eleann Brindle 6 John White 7 Isaac White 8
Summary Children
John White adm r

M.O.# 80675 - #45
August 9, 1929.
Glenshaw Inn SHIPLEY, PENNSYLVANIA
U.S Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Dear Sir -
Enclosed is a money order for four dollars and fifteen cents ( 4.\frac{15}{100} ) to cover cost of a photostatic copy of papers on file in Revolutionary War Pension Claim (W. 648) made on account of the services of John White, widow Eleanor. 26 pages at 15 cent a page and 25 cents for the certification Thanking you -
Rosanna Cawson
Send to Hotel Stacy Hunt Trenton, N.J.

Heirs pen- na Carson ownville, Neb
POOR WIDOW, &c.
File No. 6480  Eleanor White  Widow  John White  Pat. Rev. War  Act: Feby. 2 d 1848  Index: —Vol. 16 , Page 329
[Arrangement of 1870.]
Oct. 6 '96. joined to Rosa Br 1929 July 5 - John D. Carson ady. cost of photos. 2.00 1929 July 26 - Photos to John D. Carson & Miss Dec. 1929 - 9.00 1929 Aug. 12 - Photos to Margaret B. Pettis through Mary E. Pettis & friends. ntld. 9.00. 1929 Aug 3 - Rosanna Carson ady cost of photos. M.M. 1.00 1929 Aug 28 - Photos mailed to Rosanna Carson & friends. ntld. 9.00. 1930 - Mar 1 - Two photos - sent Miss Rosanna Carson. 2.00 1930 - Mar 1 - 4.00 to be refunded

M.O.# 279404 - 40 cents.
MISS ROSANNA CARSON 1809 C STREET LINCOLN, NEBRASKA
February 4, 1930.
U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Pensions, Washington, D.C.
Re: John White-(W6480) Rev. War-
Dear Sirs:-
Will you please send me a statement of the Military record in the Revolutionary War of JOHN WHITE (W.6480) for necessary record for admission to the D.A.R. Please send Two(2) statements-for two applications.
Also-last summer when in Washington I found a document that was not enclosed in my photostatic copy.
"Brief in the case of Eleanor White, decd, widow of John Westmoreland County, Penn.
Acts July 7, 1838 &c.
"This claim is asserted for a pension for the services of John White, in Lee's Legion.
Proof Exhibited:
Our rolls show that on 22nd of September 1779 a John "White" etc etc etc-
I would like a photostatic copy of this and would like to have it certified, for which I am enclosing forty cents
Thanking you,
Yours Truly,
Rosanna Carson

no 15-332
Eleanor White, deceased, widow of John White - Penn a .
Ltr. A. D. Hostler July 30, 1855. " G. W. Clutter " " "
A. A. July 7, 1838.

6350 Pennsylvania Whitaker Eleanor White, dec d . widow of John White who served in the Revolutionary war, as a Private of Cavalry
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 91. Dollars 66.
Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1848. and end 11 October 1851.
Certificate of Pension issued the 11 th day of August 1855. and sent to
H. D. Foster Greensburg Pa.
Recorded on Roll of Pensioners under act February 9, 1848, Page 289 Vol. 2.

1889 April 3. For D. S. Mark-history - Prior

no 15.332
Eleanor White, deceased, widow of John White - Penn a ,
Ltr. H. D. Hostet July 30, 1855.
" G. W. Clutter " " "
At. July 7, 1838

Penn a 9619 Pitts; Eleanor White dec d widow of Peter who was a private of Cavalry in the Revolution
Inscribed on the Roll at the rate of 91 Dollars 66 Cents per annum, to commence on the 4th day of March, 1843.
Certificate of Pension issued the 10 th day of Aug t 1855. - and sent to H D Foster Greensburg Pa!
[Acts of March 3, 1843, and June 17, 1844.]
Recorded in Book A Vol. 2. Page 119.

Baltimore 28 July 1855
Dear Sir
If I do not return to Washing- ton on Monday, will you determine to allow the claim of Elena White, his I wish you to make the certificate payable to the her Administrators. I believe there is a certificate attached to the papers showing who he is. He has given bonds for the faithful distri- bution of the fund among the heirs. It is possible I may return on Monday
Very Name J. S. Foster
To the Commr of Pensions

L. P. Waldo
Commr.
Auditors Office Richmond
August 2 nd 1855
In answer to your letter of the 30 th July - I have to inform you that there is nothing in this department to show that John White was in Lee's Legion. —
The name of John White appears several times as a soldier of Infantry in the State Line & seven or eight times as a soldier of Infantry in the Continental Line, once as a Sergeant of Infantry & once as a soldier of Cavalry none of these seem to have drawn land. —
I submitted your letter to Col. Mumford, the Secretary of the Commonwealth, with the hope that something might be elicited, having a bearing upon the point of identity, his report entirely confirms the above statement. —
I am respectfully
Your O bt Serv t
G. W. Clutter
And P. Beck.

Gunsburg Aug 7/1855
Dear Sir
I recd yours of the 30 th July in relation to the appropriation of Ellenor Wheeler's her for pension I thought the record examined with the church and Clapton accompanying much better than the case or would challenge the more rigid scrutiny or how any orthodox force could be given to it by testimony of any kind. I think I may safely say that the records of the pension office will afford few cases so fully established I will be glad to hear from you on how or you receive an answer to your letter from Richmond

I have no doubt of there is any evidence there at all it will tend to restore that always in your department
Very Respectfully
Wm H. West
H. D. Foster
To The Comm ee of Revenue

Whenever photos are ordered from this claim in the future, have them made from a set of positive copies of pages in claim, which are in cupboard, with other pack- ages of correspondence etc. in the vault. (Never in- clude briefs in the claim - copies have not been made of any.) M.W.F.
Aug - 28 - 1929 -

Rodanna Carson - 1809 - West Lincoln - Nebraska
(Don't send to Newton)
copy of papers on file in Revolutionary War Pension claim (W. 6480) - John White
Later address

Rev.&187 MMHF
THE PENN-HARRIS HARRISBURG, PENN.
July 30-1929
Department of the Interior Pension Bureau.
Dear Sirs,
I would like to have a certified copy of the applica- tion of the heirs of John and Eleanor for a pension for his services in the Revolutionary War. This was procured for them April 25-1855 from Luzerne Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Also are there any other records I could get and where?

Please answer this to me at
Belvedere Hotel
Baltimore, Maryland
and I will send you necessary check. Thanking you
Yours Truly
Moanna Carson
Permanent address
1809 C Street
Omaha, Nebraska

12 Wars Section.
August 3, 1929.
Roxanna Carson, Belvedere Hotel, Baltimore, Maryland.
Dear Madam:
I advise you that photostatic copies of papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, (W. 6480) made on account of the services of John White, widow Eleanor, will be furnished you, under the provisions of the Act of August 24, 1912, at the rate of fifteen cents a page with twenty-five cents extra for certification if that is desired.
The number of pages to be copied is twenty-six.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this bureau by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior.
With your remittance please state to which address you desire the copies to be mailed.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH, Commissioner.
Handwritten notes: 265 130 2690 3.925 H 1.5

July 25, 1929
Mr. John L. Carson 844 West Delavan Avenue Buffalo, New York
Dear Sir:
I advise you that your money order was received and your photostatic copies of papers in the Revolutionary War claim for pension made on account of the services of John White (W.6480) will no doubt reach you in a few days.
Due to numerous similar inquiries the bureau is unable to comply with each one at once, but in order of receipt as promptly as possible.
Very truly yours,
EARL D. CHURCH Commissioner.

Rev. and 1812 Pens Section MHP/eel
JOHN L. CARSON 844 WEST DELAVAN AVENUE BUFFALO, N. Y.
July 22 nd 1929
Hon Commissioner of Pensions Washington D.C.
In reply to your letter July 5 th , I answered the 8 th enclosing P.O. money order as requested but have not received the photostatic copies of the papers or any acknowledgement of my letter, please advise if it was received and when I may expect the copies requested.
Yours very truly John L. Carson
M.O. # 268744 rec'd. July 10, 1929. Letter to Rev. and 1812 Section.

All _____ regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 33723 for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON
CHIEF Division of Publications, Room G 137.
July 13, 192 9.
Please furnish work specified below.
Bureau ordering Pension Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostatic copies of 26 pages from Revolutionary war pension claim of John White, W.6480, Virginia Troops. Continental
No. of copies 1 of each Shall form be kept standing? _____ days
For further information see Mrs. M. M. H. Finch Room No. 5033 Phone No. 541
Approved:
[Signature] Chief Clerk of Bureau.
[Signature: Margaret M. H. Finch] Chief of Branch of Division XXXXXX
NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering
CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate
Multigraph
single or double space? _____
Facsimile signature? _____
Mimeograph
one side or both sides? _____
Facsimile signature? _____
Folding
once or twice? _____
Assembling
Once? _____ Twice? _____ Side? _____
Stapling
Electric typewriter
Fill in addresses? _____
Dated? _____
Addressograph from lists _____
Envelopes, size _____
Proof list _____
Labels (submit sample) _____
Fill in letters _____
Cards, size _____
Pay rolls _____
Corrections _____
Tabulation sheets _____
Photostat Size actual
Official use? _____
Repay? _____
yes
$ 3.90
Blue Print Size _____
Official use? _____
Repay? _____
$ _____
Remarks _____
(OVER)

NOTE: Routine changes of addresses may be made on this reference through or initialing of chiefs of branch. bureaus.
192
(Date)
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
 Make new addressograph plate  Change present addressograph plate  Destroy present addressograph plate 
} On list.....
as follows:
Now Sho - Ope Rem
On list - all painted pages of this Bible except the one title page "The New Testament" that has family record on reverse side
AND SOGF made IGRAF type set
Please place this ribbon aside so these birth dates will show
MIMEOGRAPH
Operator ..... Date ..... Cut by .....
Remarks: .....

SUBMIT IN D'
ino blank space should be or chief clerk to be
JOHN L. CARSON 844 WEST DELAVAN AVENUE BUFFALO, N. Y.
July 8 th 1929
Hon. SpJ Earl D. Church Commissioner. Bureau of Pensions Department of the Interior, Washington D.C.
M.O.# 268744 - $4 15
FINANCE DIVISION BOOK-KEEPER'S DESK JUL 10 1929 BUREAU OF PENSIONS
Dear Sir:-
Replying to your letter July 5 th , I am enclosing herewith money order for $4 15 payable to the Secretary of the Interior for photostatic copies of papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim (W.6480) made on account of the services of John White, at the rate of 15¢ per page for 26 pages, also 25¢ for certification.
With thanks for your prompt attention,
Yours very respectfully,
John L. Carson

1812 Wars Section.
July 5, 1929.
John L. Carson, 844 West Delavan Avenue, Buffalo, New York.
Sir:
I advise you that photostatic copies of papers on file in Revolutionary War pension claim, (W.6480) made on account of the services of John White, widow Eleanor, will be furnished you, under the provisions of the Act of August 24, 1912, at the rate of fifteen cents a page with twenty-five cents extra for certification if that is desired.
The number of pages to be copied is twenty-six.
The proper amount should be forwarded to this bureau by money order drawn to the order of the Secretary of the Interior.
Respectfully,
EARL D. CHURCH, Commissioner.
26 150 1360 260 3.90 4.15

JOHN L. CARSON 844 WEST DELAVAN AVENUE BUFFALO, N. Y.
June 24 th 1929
Hon. Commissioner of Pensions Washington, D.C.
Dear Mr. Commissioner;
I wish to make application for admission into the Society S.A.R. and am wondering if you would do me the great kindness of referring back into your files to give me a copy of such data as you have, including a copy of the application of the heirs of John White for pension April 25 th 1855.
For your reference and convenience, am enclosing of letter copy of one of your predecessor Commissioners, Hon. D. J. Murphy. I would especially like to know the day and year of his birth and death, and whether he was killed or wounded and in what battle. The enclosed copy of letter is addressed to my cousin Miss. Rosanna Carson, John White was our great grandfather.
Any information you can give me about this Revolutionary War soldier will be very gratefully received.
Yours Respectfully,
John Carson

JOHN L. CARSON 844 WEST DELAVAN AVENUE BUFFALO, N. Y.
Copy
O. W. N. Div. W 6480 L. W. B
" Department of the Interior Bureau of Pensions
Washington D.C. Oct. 6 th 1896 "
" Madam:
Replying to your communication requesting information concerning the military record of John White, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you are advised that the heirs of John and Eleanor White made application for pension April 25 th 1855, executed in Westmoreland County, Pa. and their claim was allowed for the actual services of the soldier, John White, as a private in the Virginia Troops, Revolutionary War, for a period of twenty-two months; a part of the time he served under Lieut. Col. Henry Lee. Residence on day of enlistment not given.
Very Respectfully,
(Signed) D. I. Murphy
Commissioner. "
" Miss. Rosanna Carson, Brownville, Nemaha County, Nebraska.

SUBMIT IN DUPLICATE.
1-681
PHONE Branch 476
All inquiries regarding this job should refer to Requisition No. 34661
Requisition for Duplicating, Addressograph, Photostat, and Blue Print Work.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR WASHINGTON
CHIEF, Division of Publications, Room G 137.
August 12, 192 9.
Please furnish work specified below.
Bureau ordering Pension
Deliver to Room No. 5033
(ALL COPY FOR DUPLICATING WORK SHOULD BE PLAIN AND WRITTEN IN ELITE TYPE, EXACTLY LINE FOR LINE AS IT IS TO APPEAR ON FINISHED JOB.)
Title and description of job photostatic copies of four pages from Revolutionary War pension claim of John White, Cont. Troops, W. 6480.
No. of copies 1 of each Shall form be kept standing?  days
For further information see Mrs. M. M. H. Finch  5033  541 Room No. Phone No.
Approved: W. Wilkinson
Margaret M. H. Finch Chief of Branch 5033
Chief Clerk of Bureau.
NOTE: No order made "SPECIAL" unless statement showing necessity is written below and approved by Chief Clerk of Bureau ordering
CHECK WORK DESIRED
Duplicate
Multigraph
single or double space?
Facsimile signature?
Mimeograph
one side or both sides?
Facsimile signature?
Folding
once or twice?
Assembling
Stapling
Once? Twice? Side? End?
Electric typewriter
Fill in addresses?
Dated?
Addressograph from lists
Envelopes, size
Proof list
Labels (submit sample)
Fill in letters
Cards, size
Pay rolls
Corrections
Tabulation sheets
Photostat Size actual Official use? Repay? yes $ .60 Blue Print Size Official use? Repay? $ 
Remarks
(OVER)

NOTE: Routine change of address may be made on blank without formal reference through or initiating of change orders or chief clerks of bureaus.
.....192 . (Date)
INDICATE BY AN X IN PROPER SQUARE ACTION TO BE TAKEN.
 Make new addressograph plate  Change present addressograph plate } On list.....  Destroy present addressograph plate 
as follows:
Now reads        1 ..... 2 ..... 3 ..... 4 ..... 5 .....
Should read      1 ..... 2 ..... 3 ..... 4 ..... 5 .....
FOR USE OF DUPLICATING AND ADDRESSING SECTION
ADDRESSOGRAPH
The above change was made ..... 192 .
Operator .....
MULTIGRAPH
Operator ..... Date ..... Type set by ..... Date .....
Remarks: .....
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Mrs. Finch:
On second thought I realize that the photostatic copy of the affidavit of Christopher Overly can be sent to my cousin in better form by you than by me, and I can inform her by separate communication this evening how this good fortune came about. If my change of mind has come too late for a change of your process of delivery of the copy, dispose of it in whatever way is most expedient, and I shall be very grateful to you in any event.
Mary E. Pettis, Law Division.
The address of my cousin who asked for information in regard to Christopher Overly is enclosed herewith.
Miss Margaret B. Pettis, 1842 Penrose Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio.
Mail to

August 12, 1929.
Commissioner of Pensions, Washington, D. C.
Dear Sir:
Please furnish me photostatic copies of four pages from Revolutionary War pension claim of John White, Continental Troops, W. 6480, uncertified.
Very truly yours,
(Miss) Mary E. Pettis 1302 N St. n.w., Washington, D.C.
Received payment 60¢ August 12, 1929.
Centuria N-For
Rev.&1812 Wars Section.

O. W. & N. Div. W 6430 L. W. B.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR, BUREAU OF PENSIONS, WASHINGTON, D. C.,
October 6, 1896.
Madam:
Replying to your communication requesting information concerning the military record of John White, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, you are advised that the heirs of John and Eleanor White made application for pension April 25, 1855, executed in Westmoreland county, Pa., and their claim was allowed for the actual services of the soldier, John White, as a private in the Virginia troops, Revolutionary War, for a period of twenty-two months; a part of the time he served under Lieut. Col. Henry Lee. Residence on day of enlistment not given.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Miss Rosanna Carson, Brownville, Nemaha County, Nebraska.

Brief in the case of Eleanor White dec d widow of John Westmoreland County and State of Pennsylvania acts July 7 1838 &c
This Claim, ( original ) is asserted for a pension for the services of John White in Lee's Legion -
Proof exhibited, ( original ) Our Rolls show that on the 22 d of September 1779 a John White enlisted in Lee's Legion for the war. The claimants present what is evidently a part of an original discharge, endorsed "John White's discharge" signed by L t Col Lee and attested by O Williams dated High Hills of Santee S.C. and dated July 23 1781 - The discharge is incontestable evidence of service rendered by somebody up to the date of its being given. The holder of the discharge has ever been regarded as the man who received it, especially where it can be shown that he did hold it as evidence of his service at a time when its possession could be of no pecuniary advantage to him, as is the case here for he died in 1818. That the holder of this discharge was the person who enlisted as our Rolls show, is rendered almost certain by the fact that the Rolls ( for increased ) show but one man of the name in service under Lee.
Has additional evidence been filed since the admission of the claim? If so, what?
The date of the marriage being clearly shown by an original, ancient family Record, and the identity death & kinship being shown by affidavits & certificates of Court, the only question to be considered is that of the identity of the man for whose services the pension is claimed, with the Record. I think that is settled by the paper referred to as being an original discharge. For the Rolls show there was but one John White in Lee's Legion; the discharge shows who that John White was. The case is further strengthened by the fact that no application has ever been made, heretofore, for a pension for this service, and the John White whose children now apply died in 1818 before he could have been pensioned,
Name and residence of Agent H. D. Foster Esq Greensburg Pa
Thornton Triplett Examining Clerk.

Witnesses marked A referred to an evidence letter for proof of fact.
Given in camp at High Hills of Santee this 23 rd July 1781
Subt. O. Williams A
D. Williams Lieut. Genl. M aj Genl.