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THE which mars the fair form of Religion in these sect-

SUPPRESSED ridden dominions, I


GOSPELS AND EPISTLES PREFACE. have modified the title to its present shape with the
OF THE ORIGINAL hope that in spite
NEW TESTAMENT of illiberal clerical influence, my fellow Christians
OF To uphold the "right of private judgment," and our will read and
"Christian liberty inwardly digest the sublime precepts they
JESUS THE CHRIST wherewith Christ hath made us free;" to add fuel to inculcate;--as pure, as holy,
the fire of and as charitable as those principles of Christianity
AND OTHER PORTIONS OF THE investigation, and in the crucible of deep inquiry, taught in the
ANCIENT HOLY SCRIPTURES. melt from the gold Scriptures they; now read by permission; although
NOW EXTANT, ATTRIBUTED TO of pure religion, the dross of man's invention; to their minds may, after
HIS APOSTLES, AND THEIR appeal from the mature reflection, doubt the truth of the miraculous
DISCIPLES, erring tribunals of a fallible Priesthood, and restore records therein
AND VENERATED BY THE PRIMITIVE to its original given.
CHRISTIAN CHURCHES DURING state the mutilated Testament of the Saviour; also to
THE FIRST FOUR CENTURIES, induce all earnest To ensure these Gospels and Epistles an
BUT SINCE, AFTER VIOLENT thinkers to search not a part, but the whole of the unprejudiced and serious
DISPUTATIONS Scriptures, if attention, which they are entitled to, equally with
FORBIDDEN BY THE therein they think they will find eternal life; I, as an those now patronised
BISHOPS OF THE NICENE advocate of by Church authority, I will briefly refer to that
COUNCIL, free thought and untrammelled opinion, dispute the disgraceful epoch in
IN THE REIGN OF THE EMPEROR authority of those Roman Ecclesiastical Annals, when the New
CONSTANTINE uncharitable, bickering, and ignorant Ecclesiastics Testament was mutilated, and
AND OMITTED FROM THE CATHOLICS who first suppressed priestly craft was employed for excluding these
AND PROTESTANT these gospels and epistles; and I join issue with their books from its pages.
EDITIONS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT, Catholic and HONE, in the preface to his first edition of the
BY ITS COMPILERS Protestant successors who have since excluded them Apocryphal New
from the New Testament, so called, without satisfactory grounds,
TRANSLATED FROM THE ORIGINAL Testament, of which they formed a part; and were by the Council of
TONGUES, WITH HISTORICAL venerated by the Nice, in the reign of the Emperor Constantine, thus
REFERENCES TO THEIR Primitive Churches, during the first four hundred opens the subject:--
AUTHENTICITY, years of the Christian
Era. "After the writings contained in the New Testament
BY were selected from the
ARCHBISHOP WAKE My opposition is based on two grounds; first, the numerous Gospels and Epistles then in existence,
AND OTHER right of every rational what became of the Books
LEARNED DIVINES being to become a "Priest unto himself," and by the that were rejected by the compilers?"
test of enlightened
reason, to form his own unbiased judgment of all This question naturally occurs on every investigation
THE ORDER OF ALL THE things natural and as to the period
FORBIDDEN BOOKS OF THE NEW spiritual: second, that the reputation of the Bishops when and the persons by whom the New Testament
TESTAMENT who extracted was formed. It has been
WITH THEIR PROPER NAMES, AND these books from the original New Testament, under supposed by many that the volume was compiled by
NUMBER OF CHAPTERS the pretence of being the first Council of
Apocryphal, and forbade them to be read by the Nice, which, according to Jortin (Rem. on Eccl. vol.
people, is proved by ii. p. 177),
authentic impartial history too odious to entitle them originated thus: Alexander, Bishop of Alexandria,
to any deference. and Arius, who was a
Since the Nicene Council, by a pious fraud, which I presbyter in his diocese, disputed together about the
shall further allude nature of Christ;
CONTENTS: to, suppressed these books, several of them have and the bishop being displeased at the notions of
been reissued from time Arius, and finding
Mary to time by various translators, who differed that they were adopted by other persons, "was very
Protevangelion considerably in their angry." He commanded
I. Infancy versions, as the historical references attached to them Arius to come over to his sentiments, and to quit his
II. Infancy in the following own; as if a man
Nicodemus pages will demonstrate. But to the late Mr. William could change his opinions as easily as he can change
Christ and Abgarus Hone we are indebted his coat! He then
Laodiceans for their complete publication for the first time in called a Council of War, consisting of nearly, a
Paul and Seneca one volume, about hundred bishops, and
Acts of Paul and Thecla the year 1820; which edition, diligently revised, and deposed, excommunicated, and anathematized Arius,
I. Clement purified of many and with him several
II. Clement errors both in the text and the notes attached thereto, ecclesiastics, two of whom were bishops.
Barnabas I have Constantine sent a letter, in
Ephesians re-published in numbers to enable all classes of the which he reprimanded the bishops for disturbing the
Magnesians nation to purchase church with their
Trallians and peruse them. As, however, instead of being insignificant disputes. But the affair was gone too far
Romans called by their own to be thus
Philadelphians designation "Apocryphal," (which yet remains to be composed. To settle this and other points, the Nicene
Smyrnaeans proved), they were Council was
Polycarp re-entitled THE FORBIDDEN BOOKS, and, from summoned, consisting of about 318 bishops. The
Philippians communications received, first thing they did was
I. Hermas--Visions appear to have agitated a portion of the great mass of to quarrel, and to express their resentments, and to
II. Hermas--Commands ignorant bigotry present accusations
III. Hermas--Similitudes

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to the Emperor against one another. "The Emperor 1 The Parentage of Mary. confounded with the shame of such
burnt all their libels, 7 Joachim her father, and Anna her mother, reproach, retired to the shepherds
and exhorted them to peace and unity." (See go to Jerusalem to the feast of the dedication. who were with the cattle in their
Mosheim's Eccle. Hist.) These 9 Issachar, the high priest, reproaches Joachim pastures;
were the kind of spiritual shepherds of whom for being childless.
Sabinus, the Bishop 12 For he was not inclined to
Heraclea affirms, that excepting Constantine himself, THE blessed and ever glorious return home, lest his neighbours,
and Eusebius Virgin Mary, sprung from who were present and heard all
Pamphilus, they "were a set of illiterate creatures, the royal race and family of David, this from the high-priest, should
that understood was born in the city of Nazareth, publicly reproach him in the same
nothing." And now intelligent Catholics, especially and educated at Jerusalem, in the manner.
Protestants who are temple of the Lord.
content to read only the books of the Testament
authorized by the Council 2 Her father's name was Joachim,
of Nice, and agreed to ever since by your own and her mother's Anna. CHAPTER II.
bishops, although they and The family of her father was of
you profess to dissent from the Papacy, hear what Galilee and the city of Nazareth. 1 An angel appears to Joachim,
Pappus in his Synodican The family of her mother was of 9 and informs him that Anna shall conceive and
to that Council says of their crafty contrivance when Bethlehem. bring forth a daughter, who shall be called Mary,
they separated the 11 be brought up in the temple,
books of the original New Testament:--He tells us, 3 Their lives were plain and 12 and while yet a virgin, in a way unparalleled,
that having right in the sight of the Lord, bring forth the Son of God:
"promiscuously put all the books that were referred pious and faultless before men; 13 Gives him a sign,
to the Council for for they divided all their substance 14 and departs.
deliberation under the communion-table in a church, into three parts;
they besought the BUT when he had been there for
Lord that the inspired writings might get on the 4 One of which they devoted to some time, on a certain day
table, while the the temple and officers of the when he was alone, the angel
spurious ones remained underneath; and that it temple; another they distributed of the Lord stood by him with
happened accordingly!" among strangers, and persons in a prodigious light.
(See Com. Mace's N. T. p. 875.) Therefore, good poor circumstances; and the third
reader, every Christian they reserved for themselves and 2 To whom, being troubled at
sect from the fourth century to the present period, the uses of their own family. the appearance, the angel who had
have been blessed appeared to him, endeavouring to
with the books that climbed upon the communion- 5 In this manner they lived for compose him, said:
table, and in consequence about twenty years chastely, in the
were deemed inspired and canonical; at the same favour of God, and the esteem of 3 Be not afraid, Joachim, nor
time have been forbidden men, without any children. troubled at the sight of me, for
to read the Gospels and Epistles herein published, I am an angel of the Lord sent by
because they could 6 But they vowed, if God should him to you, that I might inform
not perform the same feat, but remained under the favour them with any issue, they you that your prayers are heard,
table, and were would devote it to the service of and your alms ascended in the
condemned accordingly, as uninspired and the Lord; on which account they sight of God.
apocryphal writings. If you went at every feast in the year to
believe this popish legend, you will not read the the temple of the Lord. 4 For he hath surely seen your
good books I lay before shame, and heard you unjustly
you, but still continue to possess only HALF THE 7 And it came to pass, that reproached for not having children:
TESTAMENT, instead of when the feast of the dedication for God is the avenger of sin,
the PERFECT ONE, which will enable you to burst drew near, Joachim, with some and not of nature;
the trammels of others of his tribe, went up to
priestcraft, and by the light of God's whole truth Jerusalem, and at that time, 5 And so when he shuts the
become free. In Isachar was high-priest; womb of any person, he does it for
conclusion, I implore you to examine for yourselves, this reason, that he may in a more
and observe the 8 Who, when he saw Joachim wonderful manner again open it,
testimony of Archbishop Wake and other learned along with the rest of his and that which is born appear to
divines and historians neighbours, bringing his offerings, be not the product of lust, but the
appended thereto; and subscribe myself, despised both him and his offerings, gift of God.
and asked him,
Your well-wisher, 6 For the first mother of your
EDWARD 9 Why he, who had no children, nation, Sarah, was she not barren
HANCOCK. would presume to appear among even till her eightieth year: and
those who had? Adding, that his yet even in the end of her old age
offerings could never be acceptable brought forth Isaac, in whom the
to God, who was judged by him promise was made of a blessing to
unworthy to have children; the all nations.
Scripture having said, Cursed is
FORBIDDEN BOOKS every one who shall not beget a 7 Rachel, also, so much in
OF THE male in Israel. favour with God, and beloved so
NEW TESTAMENT. much by holy Jacob, continued
10 He further said, that he ought barren for a long time, yet
THE GOSPEL OF THE BIRTH OF first to be free from that curse by afterwards was the mother of Joseph,
MARY. begetting some issue, and then who was not only governor of
come with his offerings into the Egypt, but delivered many nations
presence of God. from perishing with hunger.
CHAPTER I.
11 But Joachim being much 8 Who among the judges was

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more valiant than Sampson, or more who shall be called Mary, and the Virgin to the temple of the
holy than Samuel? And yet both shall be blessed above all women. Lord with offerings.
their mothers were barren.
3 She shall be, immediately 2 And there were about the
9 But if reason will not convince upon her birth, full of the grace of temple, according to the fifteen
you of the truth of my words, that the Lord, and shall continue during Psalms of degrees, fifteen stairs
there are frequent conceptions in the three years of her weaning to ascend.
advanced years, and that those in her father's house, and afterwards,
who were barren have brought forth being devoted to the service of the Lord, 3 For the temple being built in
to their great surprise; therefore shall not depart from the temple, a mountain, the altar of burnt-
Anna your wife shall bring you a till she arrive to years of discretion. offering, which was without, could
daughter, and you shall call her not be come near but by stairs;
name Mary; 4 In a word, she shall there
serve the Lord night and day in 4 The parents of the blessed
10 She shall, according to your fasting and prayer, shall abstain Virgin and infant Mary put her
vow, be devoted to the Lord from from every unclean thing, and upon one of these stairs;
her infancy, and be filled with the
Holy Ghost from her mother's never know any man; 5 But while they were putting
womb; off their clothes, in which they had
5 But, being an unparalleled instance travelled, and according to custom
11 She shall neither eat nor without any pollution or defilement, putting on some that were more
drink any thing which is unclean, and a virgin not knowing any man, neat and clean,
nor shall her conversation be shall ring forth a son, and a maid
without among the common people, shall bring forth the Lord, who 6 In the mean time the Virgin
but in the temple of the Lord; both by his grace and name and works, of the Lord in such a manner went
that so she may not fall under any shall be the Saviour of the world. up all the stairs one after another,
slander or suspicion of what is bad. without the help of any to lead her
6 Arise therefore, and go up to or lift her, that any one would have
12 So in the process of her Jerusalem, and when you shall judged from hence, that she was of
years, as she shall be in a come to that which is called the perfect age.
miraculous manner born of one that golden gate (because it is gilt with
was barren, so she shall, while yet gold), as a sign of what I have told 7 Thus the Lord did, in the
a virgin, in a way unparalleled, you, you shall meet your husband, infancy of his Virgin, work this
bring forth the Son of the most for whose safety you have been so extraordinary work, and evidence by
High God, who shall, be called much concerned. this miracle how great she was like
Jesus, and, according to the to be hereafter.
signification of his name, be the 7 When therefore you find these
Saviour of all nations. things thus accomplished, believe 8 But the parents having offered
that all the rest which I have told up their sacrifice, according to the
13 And this shall be a sign to you, shall also undoubtedly be custom of the law, and perfected
you of the things which I declare, accomplished. their vow, left the Virgin with
namely, when you come to the other virgins in the apartments of
golden gate of Jerusalem, you 8 According therefore to the the temple, who were to be brought
shall there meet your wife Anna, command of the angel, both of up there, and they returned home.
who being very much troubled them left the places where they
that you returned no sooner, shall were, and when they came to the
then rejoice to see you. place specified in the angels
prediction, they met each other. CHAPTER V.
14 When the angel had said this,
he departed from him. 9 Then, rejoicing at each other's 2 Mary ministered unto by angels.
vision, and being fully satisfied in 4 The high priest orders all virgins of fourteen
the promise of a child, they gave years old to quit the temple and endeavour to be
due thanks to the Lord, who exalts married.
CHAPTER III. the humble. 5 Mary refuses,
6 having vowed her virginity to the Lord.
1 The angel appears to Anna; 10 After having praised the 7 The high-priest commands a meeting of the
2 tells her a daughter shall be born unto her, Lord, they returned home, and chief persons
3 devoted to the service of the Lord in the temple, lived in a cheerful and assured of Jerusalem,
5, who, being a virgin, and not knowing man, expectation of the promise of God. 11 who seek the Lord for counsel in the matter.
shall bring forth the Lord, 13 A voice from the mercy-seat.
6 and gives her a sign therefore. 11 So Anna conceived, and 15 The high-priest obeys it by ordering all the
8 Joachim and Anna meet, and rejoice, brought forth a daughter, and, unmarried
10 and praise the Lord. according to the angel's command, men of the house of David to bring their rods to
11 Anna conceives, and brings forth a daughter the parents did call her name Mary. the altar,
called Mary. 17 that his rod which should flower, and on which
the
AFTERWARDS the angel appeared Spirit of God should sit, should betroth the
to Anna his wife, saying; CHAPTER IV. Virgin.
Fear not, neither think that
which you see is a spirit; 1 Mary brought to the temple at three years old. BUT the Virgin of the Lord, as
6 Ascends the stairs of the temple by miracle. she advanced in years, increased
2 For I am that angel who hath 8 Her parents sacrifice and return home. also in perfections, and according
offered up your prayers and alms to the saying of the Psalmist,
before God, and am now sent to AND when three years were her father and mother forsook her,
you, that I may inform you, that expired, and the time of her but the Lord took care of her.
a daughter will be born unto you, weaning complete, they brought

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2 For she every day had the betrothed; at the same time, and who had
conversation of angels, and every been appointed to attend her by
day received visitors from God, 14 For Isaiah saith, there shall the priest, returned to her parents'
which preserved her from all sorts come forth a rod out of the stem of house in Galilee.
of evil, and caused her to abound Jesse, and a flower shall spring
with all good things; out of its root,
CHAPTER VII.
3 So that when at length she 15 And the Spirit of the Lord
arrived to her fourteenth year, as shall rest upon him, the Spirit of 7 The salutation of the Virgin by Gabriel, who
the wicked could not lay any thing Wisdom and Understanding, the explains to her
to her charge worthy of reproof, Spirit of Counsel and Might, the that she shall conceive, without lying with a man,
so all good persons, who were Spirit of Knowledge and Piety, while a Virgin,
acquainted with her, admired her and the Spirit of the fear of the 19 by the Holy Ghost coming upon her without
life and conversation. Lord shall fill him. the heats of lust.
21 She submits.
4 At that time the high-priest 16 Then, according to this
made a public order, That all the prophecy, he appointed, that all NOW at this time of her first
virgins who had public settlements the men of the house and family coming into Galilee, the
in the temple, and were come to of David, who were marriageable, angel Gabriel was sent to her
this age, should return home, and, and not married, should bring their from God, to declare to her the
as they were now of a proper several rods to the altar, conception of our Saviour, and
maturity, should, according to the the manner and way of her
custom of their country, endeavour 17 And out of whatsoever conceiving him.
to be married. person's rod after it was brought,
a flower should bud forth, and on 2 Accordingly going into her,
5 To which command, though the top of it the Spirit of the Lord he filled the chamber where she
all the other virgins readily yielded should sit in the appearance of a was with a prodigious light, and
obedience, Mary the Virgin of the dove, he should be the man to in a most courteous manner saluting
Lord alone answered, that she whom the Virgin should be given her, he said,
could not comply with it, and be betrothed.
3 Hail, Mary! Virgin of the
6 Assigning these reasons, that Lord most acceptable! O Virgin
both she and her parents had full of grace! The Lord is with
devoted her to the service of the CHAPTER VI. you. You are blessed above all
Lord; and besides, that she had women, and you are blessed above
vowed virginity to the Lord, 1 Joseph draws back his rod. all men, that have been hitherto
which vow she was resolved never 5 The dove pitches on it. He betroths Mary and born.
to break through by lying with a returns to Bethlehem.
man. 7 Mary returns to her parents' house at Galilee. 4 But the Virgin, who had
before been well acquainted with
7 The high-priest being hereby AMONG the rest there was a the countenances of angels, and
brought into a difficulty, man named Joseph of the to whom such light from heaven
house and family of David, and a was no uncommon thing,
8 Seeing he durst neither on the person very far advanced in years,
one hand dissolve the vow, and who kept back his rod, when every 5 Was neither terrified with the
disobey the Scripture, which says, one besides presented his. vision of the angel, nor astonished
Vow and pay, at the greatness of the light, but
2 So that when nothing appeared only troubled about the angel's
9 Nor on the other hand agreeable to the heavenly voice, words,
introduce a custom, to which the high-priest judged it proper to
the people were strangers, commanded, consult God again. 6 And began to consider what
so extraordinary a salutation should
10 That at the approaching feast 3 Who answered that he to mean, what it did portend, or what
all the principal persons both of whom the Virgin was to be sort of end it would have.
Jerusalem and the neighbouring betrothed was the only person of
places should meet together, that those who were brought together, 7 To this thought the angel,
he might have their advice, how who had not brought his rod. divinely inspired, replies;
he had best proceed in so difficult
a case. 4 Joseph therefore was betrayed. 8 Fear not, Mary, as though
I intended anything inconsistent
11 When they were accordingly 5 For, when he did bring his with your chastity in this salutation:
met, they unanimously agreed to rod, and a dove coming from
seek the Lord, and ask counsel Heaven pitched upon the top of 9 For you have found favour
from him on this matter. it, every one plainly saw, that the with the Lord, because you made
Virgin was to be betrothed to him. virginity your choice.
12 And when they were all
engaged in prayer, the high-priest 6 Accordingly, the usual 10 Therefore while you are a
according to the usual way, went ceremonies of betrothing being over, Virgin, you shall conceive without
to consult God. he returned to his own city of sin, and bring forth a son.
Bethlehem, to set his house in
13 And immediately there was order, and make the needful 11 He shall be great, because
a voice from the ark, and the mercy provisions for the marriage. he shall reign from sea to sea, and
seat, which all present heard, that from the rivers even to the ends of
it must be enquired or sought out 7 But the Virgin of the Lord, the earth?
by a prophecy of Isaiah, to whom Mary, with seven other virgins of
the Virgin should be given and be the same age, who had been weaned 12 And he shall be called the

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Son of the Highest; for he who is months since she was betrothed
born in a mean state on earth, to him. [In the primitive ages there was a Gospel extant
reigns in an exalted one in heaven. bearing this name,
3 At length it plainly appeared attributed to St. Matthew, and received as genuine
13 And the Lord shall give him she was with child, and it could and authentic by
the throne of his father David, and not be hid from Joseph: several of the ancient Christian sects. It is to be
he shall reign over the house of found in the works
Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom 4 For going to the Virgin in a of Jerome, a Father of the Church, who flourished in
there shall be no end. free manner, as one espoused, and the fourth century,
talking familiarly with her, he from whence the present translation is made. His
14 For he is the King of Kings, perceived her to be with child, contemporaries,
and Lord of Lords, and his throne Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis, and Austin also
is forever and ever. 5 And thereupon began to be mention a gospel under
uneasy and doubtful, not knowing this title. The ancient copies differed from Jerome's,
15 To this discourse of the what course it would be best to take; for from one of
angel the Virgin replied, not, as them the learned Faustus, a native of Britain, who
though she were unbelieving, but 6 For being a just man, he was became Bishop of Riez,
willing to know the manner of it. not willing to expose her, nor in Provence, endeavoured to prove that Christ was
defame her by the suspicion of not the Son of God till
16 She said, How can that be? being a harlot, since he was a after his baptism; and that he was not of the house of
For seeing, according to my vow, pious man: David and tribe of
I have never known any man, how Judah, because, according to the Gospel he cited, the
can I bear a child without the 7 He purposed therefore privately Virgin herself was
addition of a man's seed. to put an end to their agreement, not of this tribe, but of the tribe of Levi; her father
and as privately to send her away. being a priest of
the name of Joachim. It was likewise from this
17 To this the angel replied 8 But while he was meditating Gospel that the sect of
and said, Think not, Mary, that these things, behold the angel of the Collyridians established the worship and offering
you shall conceive in the ordinary the Lord appeared to him in his of manchet bread
way. sleep, and said, Joseph, son of and cracknels, or fine wafers, as sacrificed to Mary,
David, fear not; whom they imagined
18 For, without lying with a to have been born of a Virgin, as Christ is related in
man, while a Virgin, you shall 9 Be not willing to entertain the Canonical
conceive; while a Virgin, you any suspicion of the Virgin's Gospels to have been born of her. Epiphanius
shall bring forth; and while a being guilty of fornication, or to likewise cites a passage
Virgin shall give suck. think any thing amiss of her, concerning the death of Zacharias, which is not in
neither be afraid to take her to wife: Jerome's copy, viz.:
19 For the Holy Ghost shall "That it was the occasion of the death of Zacharias in
come upon you, and the power of 10 For that which is begotten the temple, that
the Most High shall overshadow in her and now distresses your when he had seen a vision, he, through surprise, was
you, without any of the heats of mind, is not the work of man, but willing to disclose
lust. the Holy Ghost. it, and his mouth was stopped. That which he saw
was at the time of his
20 So that which shall be born 11 For she of all women is that offering incense, and it was a man standing in the
of you shall be only holy, because only Virgin who shall bring forth form of an ass.
it only is conceived without sin, the Son of God, and you shall call When he was gone out, and had a mind to speak thus
and being born, shall be called the his name Jesus, that is, Saviour: to the people, Woe
Son of God. for he will save his people from
their sins. unto you, whom do you worship? he who had
21 Then Mary stretching forth appeared to him in the temple
her hands, and lifting her eyes to 12 Joseph thereupon, according took away the use of his speech. Afterwards when he
heaven, said, Behold the handmaid to the command of the angel, recovered it, and was
of the Lord! Let it be unto me married the Virgin, and did not able to speak, he declared this to the Jews; and they
according to thy word. know her, but kept her in chastity. slew him. They add
(viz. the Gnostics in this book), that on this very
13 And now the ninth month account the
from her conception drew near, high-priest was appointed by their lawgiver (by God
CHAPTER VIII. when Joseph took his wife and to Moses) to carry
what other things were necessary little bells, that whensoever he went into the temple
1 Joseph returns to Galilee, to marry the Virgin to Bethlehem, the city from whence to sacrifice he,
he had betrothed; he came. whom they worshipped, hearing the noise of the
4 perceives she is with child, bells, might have time
5 is uneasy, 14 And it came to pass, while enough to hide himself, and not be caught in that
7 purposes to put her away privily, they were there, the days were ugly shape and figure."
8 is told by the angel of the Lord it is not the fulfilled for her bringing forth. The principal part of this Gospel is contained in the
work of man but the Holy Ghost; Protevangelion of
12 Marries her, but keeps chaste, 15 And she brought forth her James which follows next in order.]
13 removes with her to Bethlehem, first-born son, as the holy
15 where she brings forth Christ. Evangelists have taught, even our
Lord Jesus Christ, who with the
JOSEPH therefore went from Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, THE GOSPEL CALLED
Judaea to Galilee, with intention lives and reigns to everlasting ages. THE PROTEVANGELION;
to marry the Virgin who was
betrothed to him: Or, an Historical Account of the BIRTH of CHRIST,
REFERENCES TO MARY'S and the perpetual
2 For it was now near three GOSPEL

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VIRGIN MARY, his Mother, by JAMES THE IN the mean time his wife Anna very beasts of the earth, for even
LESSER, Cousin and Brother was distressed and perplexed the beasts of the earth are fruitful
of the Lord Jesus, chief Apostle and first Bishop of on a double account, and said, before thee, O Lord! Wo is me,
the Christians in I will mourn both for my widowhood to what can I be compared?
Jerusalem. and my barrenness.
4 I am not compared to the
2 Then drew near a great feast brute animal, for even the brute
of the Lord, and Judith her maid, animals are fruitful before thee,
CHAPTER I. said, How long will you thus O Lord! Wo is me, to what am I
afflict your soul? The feast of comparable?
1 Joachim, a rich man, the Lord is now come, when it is
2 offers to the Lord, unlawful for any one to mourn. 5 I cannot be comparable to
3 is opposed by Reuben the high priest, these waters, for even the waters
because he has not begotten issue in Israel, 3 Take therefore this hood are fruitful before thee, O Lord!
6 retires into the wilderness and fasts which was given by one who Wo is me, to what can I be compared?
forty days and forty nights. makes such things, for it is not
fit that I, who am a servant should 6 I am not comparable to the
wear it, but it well suits a person waves of the sea; for these,
IN the history of the twelve of your greater character. whether they are calm, or in motion,
tribes of Israel we read there with the fishes which are in them,
was a certain person called 4 But Anna replied, Depart praise thee, O Lord! Wo is me to
Joachim, who being very rich, made from me, I am not used to such what can I be compared?
double offerings to the Lord God, things; besides, the Lord hath
having made this resolution: greatly humbled me. 7 I am not comparable to the
My substance shall be for the very earth, for the earth produces
benefit of the whole people, that 5 I fear some ill-designing person its fruits, and praises thee, O Lord!
I may find mercy from the Lord hath given thee this, and thou
God for the forgiveness of my sins. art come to reproach me with my sin.

2 But at a certain great feast 6 Then Judith her maid answered, CHAPTER IV.
of the Lord, when the children of what evil shall I wish you,
Israel offered their gifts, and when you will not hearken to me? 1 An Angel appears to Anna and tells her she shall
Joachim also offered his, Reuben the conceive;
high-priest opposed him, saying, 7 I cannot wish you a greater two angels appear on the same errand.
it is not lawful for thee to offer curse than you are under, in that 5 Joachim sacrifices.
thy gifts, seeing thou hast not God hath shut up your womb, that 8 Anna goes to meet him,
begot any issue in Israel. you should not be a mother in 9 rejoicing that she shall conceive.
Israel.
3 At this, Joachim being THEN an angel of the Lord
concerned very much, went away to 8 At this Anna was exceedingly stood by her and said, Anna,
consult the registries of the twelve troubled, and having on her wedding Anna, the Lord hath heard thy
tribes, to see whether he was the garment, went about three o'clock prayer; thou shalt conceive and
only person who had begot no in the afternoon to walk in her bring forth, and thy progeny shall
issue. garden. be spoken of in all the world.

9 And she saw a laurel-tree and 2 And Anna answered, As the


4 But upon inquiry he found sat under it, and prayed unto the Lord my God liveth, whatever I
that all the righteous had raised Lord, saying, bring forth, whether it be male or
up seed in Israel; female, I will devote it to the Lord
10 O God of my fathers, bless my God and it shall minister to
5 Then he called to mind the me and regard my prayer, as thou him in holy things, during its
patriarch Abraham, How that God didst bless the womb of Sarah; whole life.
in the end of his life had given him and gavest her a son Isaac.
his son Isaac; upon which he was 3 And behold there appeared
exceedingly distressed, and would two angels, saying unto her,
not be seen by his wife: Behold Joachim thy husband is
CHAPTER III. coming with his shepherds.
6 But retired into the wilderness,
and fixed his tent there, and 1 Anna perceiving a sparrow's nest in the
fasted forty days and forty nights, laurels bemoans her barrenness. 4 For an angel of the Lord
saying to himself, hath also come down to him, and
AND as she was looking towards said, The Lord God hath heard
7 I will not go down either to heaven she perceive a sparrow's thy prayer, make haste and go
eat or drink, till the Lord my nest in the laurel, hence, for behold Anna thy wife
God shall look down upon me, but shall conceive.
prayer shall be my meat and drink. 2 And mourning within herself,
she said, Wo is me, who begat 5 And Joachim went down and
me? and what womb did bear called his shepherds, saying, Bring
me, that I should be thus me hither ten she-lambs without
CHAPTER. II. accursed before the children of spot or blemish, and they shall
Israel, and that they should be for the Lord my God.
1 Anna, the wife of Joachim mourns her reproach and deride me in the
barrenness, temple of my God: Wo is me, 6 And bring me twelve calves
6 is reproached with it by Judith her maid, to what can I be compared? without blemish, and the twelve
9 sits under a laurel tree and prays to the Lord. calves shall be for the priests and
3 I am not comparable to the the elders.

6
4 When she is a year old, Joachim makes a great 3 Mary being three years old, Joachim causes
7 Bring me also a hundred feast. certain virgins to
goats, and the hundred goats shall 7 Anna gives her the breast, and sings a song to light each a lamp, and goes with her to the
be for the whole people. the Lord. temple.
5 The high-priest places her on the third step of
8 And Joachim went down with AND the child increased in the altar, and
the shepherds, and Anna stood strength every day, so that sits dances with her feet.
by the gate and saw Joachim when she was nine months old, her
coming with the shepherds. mother put her upon the ground, BUT the girl grew, and when
to try if she could stand; and she was two years old, Joachim
9 And she ran, and hanging when she had walked nine steps, said to Anna, Let us lead her
about his neck, said, Now I know she came again to her mother's to the temple of the Lord,
that the Lord hath greatly blessed lap. that we may perform our vow,
me: which we have vowed unto the
2 Then her mother caught her Lord God, lest he should be angry
10 For behold, I who was as a up, and said, As the Lord my God with us, and our offering be
widow am no longer as a widow, and liveth, thou shalt not walk again unacceptable.
I who was barren shall conceive. on this earth, till I bring thee
into the temple of the Lord. 2 But Anna said, Let us wait
the third year, lest she should
3 Accordingly she made her be at a loss to know her father.
CHAPTER V. chamber a holy place, and suffered And Joachim said, Let us then
nothing uncommon or unclean to wait.
1 Joachim abides the first day in his house but come near her, but invited certain
sacrifices on the morrow. undefiled daughters of Israel, and 3 And when the child was
2 Consults the plate on the priests forehead, they drew her aside. three years old, Joachim said,
3 and is without sin. Let us invite the daughters of the
6 Anna brings forth a daughter, 4 But when the child was a year Hebrews, who are undefiled, and let
9 whom she calls Mary. old, Joachim made a great feast, them take each a lamp, and let
and invited the priests, scribes, them be lighted, that the child
AND Joachim abode the first elders, and all the people of may not turn back again, and her
day in his house, but on the Israel; mind be set against the temple of
morrow he brought his offerings, the Lord,
and said, 5 And Joachim then made an
offering of the girl to the chief- 4 And they did thus till they
2 If the Lord be propitious to priests, and they blessed her, ascended into the temple of the Lord.
me let the plate which is on the saying, The God of our fathers bless And the high-priest received her,
priests forehead make it manifest. this girl, and give her a name and blessed her, and said, Mary,
famous and lasting through all the Lord God hath magnified thy
3 And he consulted the plate generations. And all the people name to all generations, and to the
which the priest wore, and saw it, replied, So be it, Amen: very end of time by thee will the
and behold sin was not found in Lord shew his redemption to the
him. 6 Then Joachim a second time children of Israel.
offered her to the priests, and they
4 And Joachim said, Now I know blessed her, saying, O most high 5 And he placed her upon the
that the Lord is propitious God, regard this girl, and bless third step of the altar, and the
to me, and hath taken away all her with an everlasting blessing. Lord gave unto her grace, and she
my sins. dance with her feet, and all the
7 Upon this her mother took house of Israel loved her.
5 And he went down from the her up, and gave her the breast,
temple of the Lord justified, and sung the following song to the
and he went to his own house. Lord.
CHAPTER VIII.
6 And when nine months were 8 I will sing a song unto the
fulfilled to Anna, she brought Lord my God, for he hath visited 2 Mary fed in the temple by angels.
forth, and said to the midwife, me, and taken away from me the 3 When twelve years old the priests consult what
What have I brought forth? reproach of mine enemies, and to do with her.
hath given me the fruit of his 6 The angel of the Lord warns Zacharias to call
7 And she told her, A girl. righteousness, that it may now be together all the
told the sons of Reuben, that Anna widowers, each bringing a rod.
8 Then Anna said, The Lord gives suck.
hath this day magnified my soul; 7 The people meet by sound of trumpet.
and she laid her in bed. 9 Then she put the child to rest 8 Joseph throws away his hatchet, and goes to the
in the room which she had consecrated, meeting.
9 And when the days of her and she went out and ministered unto 11 A dove comes forth from his rod, and alights
purification were accomplished, them. on his head.
she gave suck to the child; and 12 He is chosen to betroth the Virgin,
called her name Mary. 10 And when the feast was 13 refuses because he is an old man,
ended, they went away rejoicing, 14 is compelled,
and praising the God of Israel. 16 takes her home, and goes to mind his trade of
building.
CHAPTER VI.
AND her parents went away
1 Mary at nine months old, walks nine steps. CHAPTER VII. filled with wonder, and praising God,
3 Anna keeps her holy. because the girl did not return back
to them.

7
and remember how God dealt with among women.
2 But Mary continued in the Dathan, Korah, and Abiram, how
temple as a dove educated there, the earth opened and swallowed 8 And she looked round to the
and received her food from the them up, because of their right and to the left (to see) whence
hand of an angel. contradiction. that voice came, and then trembling
went into her house, and laying
3 And when she was twelve 15 Now therefore, Joseph, fear
years of age, the priests met in a God lest the like things should down the water-pot, she took
council, and said, Behold, Mary is happen in your family. the purple, and sat down in her
twelve years of age, what shall we seat to work it.
do with her, for fear lest the holy 16 Joseph then being afraid,
place of the Lord our God should took her unto his house, and 9 And behold the angel of the
be defiled? Joseph said unto Mary, Behold, I Lord stood by her, and said, Fear
have taken thee from the temple not, Mary, for thou hast found
4 Then replied the priests to of the Lord, and now I will leave favour in the sight of God.
Zacharias the high-priest, Do you thee in my house; I must go to
stand at the altar of the Lord, and mind my trade of building. The 10 Which when she heard, she
enter into the holy place, and make Lord be with thee. reasoned with herself what that
petitions concerning her, and sort of salutation meant.
whatsoever the Lord shall manifest
unto you, that do. 11 And the angel said unto her,
CHAPTER IX. The Lord is with thee, and thou
5 Then the high-priest entered shalt conceive:
into the Holy of Holies, and taking 1 The priests desire a new veil for the temple,
away with him the breast-plate of 3 seven virgins cast lots for making different parts 12 To which she replied, What!
judgment made prayers concerning her; of it, shall I conceive by the living God
4 the lot to spin the true purple falls to Mary. and bring forth as all other
6 And behold the angel of the 5 Zacharias, the high priest, becomes dumb. women do?
Lord came to him, and said, 7 Mary takes a pot to draw water, and hears a
Zacharias, Zacharias, Go forth and voice, 13 But the angel returned
call together all the widowers 8 trembles and begins to work, answer, Not so, O Mary, but the
among the people, and let every 9 an angel Appears and salutes her, and tells her Holy Ghost shall come upon thee,
one of them bring his rod, and she and the power of the Most High
he by whom the Lord shall shew shall conceive by the Holy Ghost, shall overshadow thee;
a sign shall be the husband of 17 she submits.
Mary. 19 Visits her cousin Elizabeth, whose child in her 14 Wherefore that which shall
womb leaps. be born of thee shall be holy,
7 And the criers went out and shall be called the Son of the
through all Judaea, and the trumpet AND it came to pass, in a council Living God, and thou shalt call his
of the Lord sounded, and all of the priests, it was said, name Jesus; for he shall save his
the people ran and met together. Let us make a new veil for the people from their sins.
temple of the Lord.
8 Joseph also throwing away 15 And behold thy cousin Elizabeth,
his hatchet, went out to meet 2 And the high-priest said, she also hath conceived a son in her
them; and when they were met, Call together to me seven undefiled old age.
they went to the high-priest; virgins of the tribe of David.
taking every man his rod. 16 And this now is the sixth
3 And the servants went and month with her, who was called
9 After the high-priest had brought them into the temple of barren: for nothing is impossible
received their rods, he went the Lord, and the high-priest said with God.
into the temple to pray; unto them, Cast lots before me
now, who of you shall spin the 17 And Mary said, Behold the
10 And when he had finished golden thread, who the blue, who handmaid of the Lord; let it be
his prayer, he took the rods, and the scarlet, who the fine linen, and unto me according to thy word.
went forth and distributed them, who the true purple.
and there was no miracle attended 18 And when she had wrought
them. 4 Then the high-priest knew her purple, she carried it to the
Mary; that she was of the tribe of high-priest, and the high-priest
11 The last rod was taken by David; and he called her, and the blessed her, saying, Mary, the
Joseph, said behold a dove true purple fell to her lot to spin, Lord God hath magnified thy name,
proceeded out of the rod, and and she went away to her own and thou shalt be blessed in all the
flew upon the head of Joseph. house. ages of the world.

12 And the high-priest said, 5 But from that time Zacharias 19 Then Mary, filled with joy,
Joseph, Thou art the person the high-priest became dumb, and went away to her cousin Elizabeth,
chosen to take the Virgin of the Samuel was placed in his room till and knocked at the door.
Lord, to keep her for him: Zacharias spoke again.
20 Which when Elizabeth heard,
13 But Joseph refused, saying, 6 But Mary took the true purple; she ran and opened to her, and
I am an old man, and have children, and did spin it. blessed her, and said, Whence is
but she is young, and I fear this to me, that the mother of my
lest I should appear ridiculous 7 And she took a pot, and Lord should come unto me?
in Israel. went out to draw water, and heard
a voice saying unto her, Hail thou 21 For lo! as soon as the voice
14 Then the high-priest replied, who art full of grace, the Lord of thy salutation reached my ears,
Joseph, Fear the Lord thy God, is with thee; thou art blessed that which is in me leaped and

8
blessed thee. and told him, Joseph in whom you
10 But she, with a flood of tears, placed so much confidence, is
22 But Mary, being ignorant of replied, I am innocent, and have guilty of a notorious crime, in
all those mysterious things which known no man. that he hath defiled the Virgin
the archangel Gabriel had spoken whom he received out of the temple
to her, lifted up her eyes to heaven, 11 Then said Joseph, How of the Lord, and hath privately
and said, Lord! What am I, that comes it to pass you are with married her, not discovering it to
all the generations of the earth child? the children of Israel.
should call me blessed?
12 Mary answered, As the Lord 5 Then said the priest, Hath
23 But perceiving herself daily my God liveth, I know not by what Joseph done this?
to grow big, and being afraid, she means.
went home, and hid herself from 6 Annas replied, If you send
the children of Israel; and was 13 Then Joseph was exceedingly afraid, any of your servants you will find
fourteen years old when all these and went ay from her, considering that she is with child.
things happened. what he should do with her;
and he thus reasoned with himself: 7 And the servants went, and
found it as he said.
14 If I conceal her crime, I shall
CHAPTER X. be found guilty by the law of the 8 Upon this both she and Joseph
Lord; were brought to their trial, and
1 Joseph returns from building houses, finds the the priest said unto her, Mary,
Virgin 15 And if I discover her to the what hast thou done?
grown big, being six months gone with child, children of Israel, I fear, lest
2 is jealous and troubled, she being with child by an angel, 9 Why hast thou debased thy
8 reproaches her, I shall be found to betray the life soul, and forgot thy God, seeing
10 she affirms her innocence, of an innocent person. thou wast brought up in the Holy
13 he leaves her, of Holies, and didst receive thy
16 determines to dismiss her privately, 16 What therefore shall I do? food from the hands of angels, and
17 is warned in a dream that Mary is with child I will privately dismiss her. heardest their songs?
by the Holy Ghost,
20 and glorifies God who had shewn him such 17 Then the night was come 10 Why hast thou done this?
favour. upon him, when behold an angel
of the Lord appeared to him in a 11 To which with a flood of
AND when her sixth month was dream, and said, tears she answered, As the Lord
come, Joseph returned from my God liveth, I am innocent in
his building houses abroad, which 18 Be not afraid to take that his sight, seeing I know no man.
was his trade, and entering into the young woman, for that which is
house, found the Virgin grown big: within her is of the Holy Ghost, 12 Then the priest said to Joseph,
Why hast thou done this?
2 Then smiting upon his face, 19 And she shall bring forth
he said, With what face can I look a son, and thou shalt call his name 13 And Joseph answered, As
up to the Lord my God? or, what Jesus, for he shall save his people the Lord my God liveth, I have
shall I say concerning this young from their sins. not been concerned with her.
woman?
20 Then Joseph arose from his 14 But the priest said, Lie not,
3 For I received her a Virgin sleep, and glorified the God of but declare the truth; thou hast
out of the temple of the Lord my Israel, who had shewn him such privately married her, and not
God, and have not preserved her favour, and preserved the Virgin. discovered it to the children of
such! Israel, and humbled thyself under
the mighty hand (of God), that thy
4 Who has thus deceived me? seed might be blessed:
Who has committed this evil in CHAPTER XI.
my house, and seducing the Virgin 15 And Joseph was silent.
from me, hath defiled her? 3 Annas visits Joseph, perceives the Virgin big
with child, 16 Then said the priest
5 Is not the history of Adam exactly 4 informs the high priest that Joseph had privately (to Joseph), You must restore to
accomplished in me? married her. the temple of the Lord the Virgin
8 Joseph and Mary brought to trial on the charge. which you took thence.
6 For in the very instant of his 17 Joseph drinks the water of the Lord as an
glory, the serpent came and found ordeal, 17 But he wept bitterly, and the
Eve alone, and seduced her. and receiving no harm, returns home. priest added, I will cause you both
to drink the water of the Lord,
7 Just after the same manner it THEN came Annas the scribe, which is for trial, and so your
has happened to me. and said to Joseph, Wherefore iniquity shall be laid open before
have we not seen you since you.--[bitter water that causeth the curse]
8 Then Joseph arising from the your return?
ground, called her, and said, O 18 Then the priest took the water,
thou who hast been so much 2 And Joseph replied, Because and made Joseph drink, and sent him
favoured by God, why hast thou I was weary after my journey, and to a mountainous place,
done this? rested the first day.
19 And he returned perfectly
9 Why hast thou thus debased 3 But Annas turning about well, and all the people wondered
thy soul, who wast educated in the perceived the Virgin big with child. that his guilt was not discovered.
Holy of Holies, and received thy
food from the hand of angels? 4 And went away to the priest, 20 So the priest said, Since the

9
Lord hath not made your sins 11 But Joseph replied, Whither 11 A great light in the cave, gradually
evident, neither do I condemn shall I take thee? for the place is increases until the infant is born.
you. a desert. 13 The mid-wife goes out, and tells Salome
that she has seen a virgin bring forth.
21 So he sent them away. 12 Then said Mary again to Joseph, 17 Salome doubts it.
take me down, for that which is 20 her hand withers,
22 Then Joseph took Mary, and within me mightily presses me. 22 she supplicates the Lord,
went to his house, rejoicing and 28 is cured,
praising the God of Israel. 13 And Joseph took her down. 30 but warned not to declare what she had seen.

14 And he found there a cave, THEN I beheld a woman coming


and let her into it. down from the mountains,
CHAP. XII. and she said to me, Where art thou
going, O man?
1 A decree from Augustus for taxing the Jews.
5 Joseph puts Mary on an ass, to return to CHAPTER XIII. 2 And I said to her, I go to
Bethlehem, enquire for a Hebrew midwife.
6 she looks sorrowful, 1 Joseph seeks a Hebrew midwife,
7 she laughs, 2 perceives the owls stopping in their flight, 3 She replied to me, Where is
8 Joseph inquires the cause of each, 3 the working people at their food not moving, the woman that is to be delivered?
9 she tells him she sees two persons, 8 the sheep standing still,
one mourning and the other rejoicing. 9 the shepherd fixed and immoveable, 4 And I answered, In the cave,
10 The delivery being near, he takes her 10 and kids with their mouths touching and she is betrothed to me.
from the ass, and places her in a cave. the water but not drinking.
5 Then said the midwife, Is she
AND it came to pass, that there AND leaving her and his sons not thy wife?
went forth a decree from in the cave, Joseph went
the Emperor Augustus, that all forth to seek a Hebrew midwife in 6 Joseph answered, It is Mary,
the Jews should be taxed, who the village of Bethlehem. who was educated in the Holy of
were of Bethlehem in Judaea. Holies, in the house of the Lord,
2 But as I was going (said Joseph), and she fell to me by lot, and is
2 And Joseph said, I will take I looked up into the air, not my wife, but has conceived by
care that my children be taxed; the Holy Ghost.
but what shall I do with this young and I saw the clouds astonished,
woman? and the fowls of the air stopping in 7 The midwife said, Is this true?
the midst of their flight.
3 To have her taxed as my wife 8 He answered, Come and see.
I am ashamed; and if I tax her as 3 And I looked down towards
my daughter, all Israel knows she the earth, and saw a table spread, 9 And the midwife went along
is not my daughter. and working people sitting around with him, and stood in the cave.
it, but their hands were upon the
4 When the time of the Lord's table and they did not move to 10 Then a bright cloud over-
appointment shall come, let him do eat. shadowed the cave, and the mid-
as seems good to him. wife said, This day my soul is
4 They who had meat in their magnified, for mine eyes have seen
5 And he saddled the ass, and mouths did not eat. surprising things, and salvation is
put her upon it, and Joseph and brought forth to Israel.
Simon followed after her, and 5 They who lifted their hands
arrived at Bethlehem within three up to their heads did not draw 11 But on a sudden the cloud
miles. them back, became a great light in the cave,
so that their eyes could not bear it.
6 Then Joseph turning about 6 And they who lifted them up
saw Mary sorrowful, and said to their mouths did not put any 12 But the light gradually
within himself, Perhaps she is in thing in; decreased, until the infant appeared,
pain through that which is within and sucked the breast of his mother,
her. 7 But all their faces were fixed Mary.
upwards.
7 But when he turned about 13 Then the midwife cried out,
again, he saw her laughing, and 8 And I beheld the sheep dispersed, and said, How glorious a day is
said to her, and yet the sheep stood still. this, wherein mine eyes have seen
this extraordinary sight!
8 Mary, how happens it, that I 9 And the shepherd lifted up
sometimes see sorrow, and sometimes his hand to smite them, and his 14 And the midwife went out
laughter and joy in thy countenance? hand continued up. from the cave, and Salome met
her.
9 And Mary replied to him, 10 And I looked unto a river,
I see two people with mine eyes, and saw the kids with their mouths 15 And the midwife said to her,
the one weeping and mourning, close to the water, and touching it, Salome, Salome, I will tell you a
the other laughing and rejoicing. but they did not drink. most surprising thing which I saw,

10 And he went again across 16 A virgin hath brought forth,


the way, and Mary said to Joseph, which is a thing contrary to
Take me down from the ass, for CHAPTER XIV. nature.
that which is in me presses to come
forth. 1 Joseph finds a midwife. 17 To which Salome replied, As
10 A bright cloud overshadows the cave. the Lord my God liveth unless I

10
receive particular proof of this 11 and being warned in a dream, do not return to CHAPTER XVI.
matter, I will not believe that a Herod,
virgin hath brought forth. but go home another way. 1 Herod enraged, orders the infants in Bethlehem
to be slain.
18 If Then Salome went in, and THEN Joseph was preparing to 2 Mary puts her infant in an ox-manger.
the midwife said, Mary, shew thyself, go away, because there arose 3 Elizabeth flees with her son John to the
for a controversy is risen a great disorder in Bethlehem by mountains.
concerning thee. the coming of some wise men 6 A mountain miraculously divides and receives
from the east, them.
19 And Salome received satisfaction. 9 Herod incensed at the escape of John, causes
2 Who said, Where is the King Zacharias
20 But her hand was withered, of the Jews born? For we have to be murdered at the altar.
and she groaned bitterly; seen his star in the east, and are 23 The roofs of the temple rent, the body
come to worship him. miraculously
21 And said, Woe to me, because conveyed, and the blood petrified.
of mine iniquity; for I have 3 When Herod heard this, he 25 Israel mourns for him.
tempted the living God, and my was exceedingly troubled, and sent 27 Simeon chosen his successor by lot.
hand is ready to drop off. messengers to the wise men, and
to the priests, and enquired of THEN Herod perceiving that
22 Then Salome made her them in the town-hall, he was mocked by the wise
supplication to the Lord, and said, men, and being very angry,
O God of my Fathers, remember me, 4 And said unto them, Where commanded certain men to go and
for I am of the seed of Abraham, have you it written concerning to kill all the children that were
and Isaac, and Jacob. Christ the king, or where should in Bethlehem, from two years old
he be born? and under.
23 Make me not a reproach
among the children of Israel, but 5 Then they say unto him, In 2 But Mary hearing that the
restore me sound to my parents. Bethlehem of Judaea; for thus it children were to be killed, being
is written: And thou Bethlehem in under much fear, took the child,
24 For thou well knowest, the land of Judah, art not the least and wrapped him up in swaddling
O Lord, that I have performed many among the princes of Judah, for clothes, and laid him in an
offices of charity in thy name, out of thee shall come a ruler, ox-manger, because there was no
and have received my reward from who shall rule my people Israel. room for them in the inn.
thee.
6 And having sent away the 3 Elizabeth also, hearing that
25 Upon this an angel of the chief priests, he enquired of the her son John was about to be
Lord stood by Salome, and said, wise men in the town-hall, and searched for, took him and went
The Lord God hath heard thy said unto them, What sign was it up unto the mountains, and looked
prayer, reach forth thy hand to ye saw concerning the king that is around for a place to hide him;
the child, and carry him, and by born?
that means thou shalt be restored. 4 And there was no secret place
7 They answered him, We saw to be found.
26 Salome filled with exceeding an extraordinary large star shining
joy, went to the child, and said, among the stars of heaven, and so 5 Then she groaned within herself,
I will touch him. out-shined all the other stars, as and said, O mountain of the Lord,
that they became not visible, and receive the mother with the child.
27 And she purposed to worship we knew thereby that a great king
him, for she said, This is a great was born in Israel, and therefore 6 For Elizabeth could not climb up,
king, which is born in Israel. we are come to worship him.
7 And instantly the mountain
28 And straightway Salome was 8 Then said Herod to them, Go was divided and received them.
cured. and make diligent inquiry; and if
ye find the child, bring me word 8 And there appeared to them
29 Then the midwife went out again, that I may come and worship an angel of the Lord to preserve
of the cave, being approved by God. him also. them.

30 And lo! a voice came to Salome. 9 So the wise men went forth, 9 But Herod made search after
Declare not the strange things and behold, the star which they John, and sent servants to Zacharias,
which thou hast seen, till saw in the east went before them, when he was (ministering) at the altar,
the child shall come to Jerusalem. till it came and stood over the cave and said unto him, Where hast thou hid
where the young child was with thy son?
31 So Salome also departed, Mary his mother.
approved by God. 10 He replied, to them, I am a
10 Then they brought forth out minister of God, and a servant at
of their treasures, and offered unto the altar: how should I know
him gold and frankincense, and where my son is?
myrrh.
CHAPTER XV. 11 So the servants went back,
11 And being warned in a dream and told Herod the whole; at
1 Wise men come from the east. by an angel, that they should not which he was incensed, and said,
3 Herod alarmed; return to Herod through Judaea, Is not this son of his like to be
8 desires them if they find the child to bring him they departed into their own country king of Israel?
word. by another way.
10 They visit the cave and offer the child their 12 He sent therefore again his
treasure, servants to Zacharias, saying, Tell
us the truth, where is thy son, for

11
you know that your life is in my rabbis and slew them upon his (viz. Zacharias's)
hand. (I James wrote this History in Jerusalem: and blood, and he was not
when the disturbance yet appeased. Next he took the young boys from the
13 So the servants went and told was I retired into a desert place, until the death of schools, and slew them
him all this: Herod, and the upon his blood; and yet it bubbled. Then he brought
disturbances ceased at Jerusalem. That which the young priests and
14 But Zacharias replied to remains is, that I slew them in the same place, and yet it still bubbled.
them, I am a martyr for God, and glorify God that he hath given me such wisdom to So he slew at
if ye shed my blood, the Lord will write unto you who length ninety-four thousand persons upon his blood,
receive my soul. are spiritual, and who love God: to whom (be and it did not as yet
ascribed) glory and cease bubbling; then he drew near to it, and said, O
15 Besides know that ye shed dominion for ever and ever. Amen.) Zacharias,
innocent blood. Zacharias, thou halt occasioned the death of the chief
of thy
16 However Zacharias was murdered countrymen, shall I slay them all? then the blood
in the entrance of the temple ceased, and did bubble
said altar, and about the partition; THE PROTEVANGELION. no more."
Note on the death of Zacharias in Chap. 16.
17 But the children of Israel
knew not when he want killed. There is a story both in the Jerusalem and
Babylonish Talmud very similar
18 Then at the hour of salutation to this. It is cited by Dr. Lightfoot, Talmud, Hierosol, REFERENCES TO THE
in Taanith, fol. PROTEVANGELION.
the priests went into the temple 69; and Talmud. Babyl. in Sanhedr., fol. 96. "O
but Zacharias did not according Rabbi Jochanan said, [This Gospel is ascribed to James. The allusions to it
to custom, meet them and bless them. Eighty thousand priests were slain for the blood of in the ancient
Zacharias. Rabbi Fathers are frequent, and their expressions indicate
19 Yet they still continued Judas asked Rabbi Achan, Where did they kill that it had
waiting for him to salute them; Zacharias? Was it in the obtained a very general credit in the Christian world.
woman's court, or in the court of Israel? He The controversies
20 And when they found he did answered, Neither in the founded upon it chiefly relate to the age of Joseph at
not in a long time come, one of court of Israel, nor in the court of women, but in the the birth of
them ventured into the holy place court of the Christ, and to his being a widower with children,
where the altar was, and he saw priests; and they did not treat his blood in the same before his marriage
blood lying upon the ground manner as they were with the Virgin. It seems material to remark, that the
congealed: wont to treat the blood of a ram or young goat. For legends of the
of these it is latter ages affirm the virginity of Joseph,
21 When, behold, a voice from written, He shall pour out his blood, and cover it notwithstanding Epiphanius,
heaven said, Zacharias is murdered, with dust. But it is Hilary, Chrysostom, Cyril, Euthymius, Thephylaet,
and his blood shall not be written here, The blood is in the midst of her: she set Occumenius, and indeed
wiped away, until the revenger it upon the top all the Latin Fathers till Ambrose, and the Greek
of his blood come. of a rock; she poured it not upon the ground. (Ezek. Fathers afterwards,
xxiv. 7.) But why maintain the opinions of Joseph's age and family,
22 But when he heard this, he was this? That it might cause fury to come up to take founded upon their
was afraid; and went forth and told vengeance: I have belief in the authenticity of this book. It is supposed
the priests what he had seen and set his blood upon the top of a rock, that it should not to have been
heard; and they all went in, and be covered. originally composed in Hebrew. Postellus brought
saw the fact. They committed seven evils that day: they murdered the MS. of this Gospel
a priest, a prophet, from the Levant, translated it into Latin, and sent it
23 Then the roofs of the temple and a king; they shed the blood of the innocent; they to Oporimus,
howled, and were rent from the polluted the court: a printer at Basil, where Bibliander, a Protestant
top to the bottom: that day was the Sabbath: and the day of expiation. Divine, and the
When therefore Professor of Divinity at Zurich, caused it to be
24 And they could not find the Nebuzaradan came there (viz. to Jerusalem,) he saw printed in 1552.
body, but only blood made hard his blood bubbling, Postellus asserts that it was publicly read as
like stone. and said to them, What meaneth this? They canonical in the eastern
answered, It is the blood of churches they making no doubt that James was the
25 And they went away, and calves, lambs, and rams, which we have offered author, of it. It is,
told the people, that Zacharias upon the altar. He nevertheless considered apocryphal by some of the
was murdered, and all the tribes commanded then, that they should bring calves, and most learned divines in
of Israel heard thereof, and mourned lambs, and rams, and the Protestant and Catholic churches.]
for him, and lamented three days: said I will try whether this be their blood:
accordingly they brought
26 Then the priests took and slew them, but the blood of Zacharias still
council together concerning bubbled, but the blood of
a person to succeed him. these did not bubble. Then he said, Declare to me the
truth of this
27 And Simeon and the other matter, or else I will comb your flesh with iron THE FIRST GOSPEL OF
priests cast lots, and the lot fell combs. Then said they to THE INFANCY OF JESUS CHRIST.
upon Simeon. him, He was a priest, prophet, and judge, who
prophesied to Israel all
28 For he had been assured by these calamities which we have suffered from you;
the Holy Spirit, that he should not but we arose against CHAPTER I.
die, till he had seen Christ come in him, and slew him. Then, said he, I will appease
the flesh. him; then he took the 1 Caiphas relates that Jesus, when in his cradle,
informed his mother that he was the Son of God.

12
5 Joseph and Mary going to Bethlehem to be
taxed, Mary's 13 St. Mary replied, She was. 3 And she had a son who was a
time of bringing forth arrives, and she goes into a druggist, to whom she said, Take
cave. 14 On which the old woman heed thou sell not this alabaster-
8 Joseph fetches in a Hebrew woman. The cave said, Thou art very different from box of spikenard-ointment, although
filled with all other women. thou shouldst be offered three
great lights. hundred pence for it.
11 The infant born, 15 St. Mary answered, As there
17 and cures the woman. is not any child like to my son, 4 Now this is that alabaster-
19 Arrival of the shepherds. so neither is there any woman like box which Mary the sinner procured,
to his mother. and poured forth the ointment out
THE following accounts we found of it upon the head and the feet
in the book of Joseph the 16 The old woman answered, of our Lord Jesus Christ, and wiped
high-priest, called by some and said, O my Lady, I am come them off with the hairs of her head.
Caiphas: hither that I may obtain an
everlasting reward. 5 Then after ten days they
2 He relates, that Jesus spake brought him to Jerusalem, and on
even when he was in the cradle, 17 Then our Lady St. Mary the fortieth day from his birth
and said to his mother: said to her, Lay thine hands upon they presented him in the temple
the infant, which, when she had before the Lord, making the proper
3 Mary, I am Jesus the Son of done, she became whole. offerings for him, according
God, that word, which thou didst to the requirement of the law of
bring forth according to the 18 And as she was going forth, Moses: namely, that every male
declaration of the angel Gabriel to she said, From henceforth, all the which opens the womb shall be
thee, and my father hath sent me days of my life, I will attend upon called holy unto God.
for the salvation of the world. and be a servant of this infant.
6 At that time old Simeon saw
4 In the three hundred and 19 After this, when the shepherds him shining as a pillar of light,
ninth year of the era of Alexander, came, and had made a fire, and they when St. Mary the Virgin, his
Augustus published a decree that were exceedingly rejoicing, the mother, carried him in her arms,
all persons should go to be taxed heavenly host appeared to them, and was filled with the greatest
in their own country. praising and adoring the supreme God. pleasure at the sight.

5 Joseph therefore arose, and 20 And as the shepherds were 7 And the angels stood around
with Mary his spouse he went to engaged in the same employment, him, adoring him, as a king's
Jerusalem, and then came to Bethlehem, the cave at that time seemed like guards stand around him.
that he and his family might be taxed a glorious temple, because both
in the city of his fathers. the tongues of angels and men 8 Then Simeon going near to
united to adore and magnify God, St. Mary, and stretching forth his
6 And when they came by the cave, on account of the birth of the Lord hands towards her, said to the
Mary confessed to Joseph that her Christ. Lord Christ, Now, O My Lord,
time of bringing forth was come, thy servant shall depart in peace,
and she could not go on to the city, 21 But when the old Hebrew according to thy word;
and said, Let us go into this cave. woman saw all these evident miracles,
she gave praises to God, and 9 For mine eyes have seen thy
7 At that time the sun was very said, I thank thee, O God, thou mercy, which thou hast prepared
near going down. God of Israel, for that mine eyes for the salvation of all nations;
have seen the birth of the Saviour a light to all people, and the glory
8 But Joseph hastened away, of the world. of thy people Israel.
that he might fetch her a midwife;
and when he saw an old Hebrew 10 Hannah the prophetess was
woman who was of Jerusalem, he also present, and drawing near,
said to her, Pray come hither, CHAP. II. she gave praises to God, and
good woman, and go into that cave, celebrated the happiness of Mary.
and you will there see a woman 1 The child circumcised in the cave,
just ready to bring forth. 2 and the old woman preserving his foreskin or
navel-string in a
9 It was after sunset, when the box of spikenard, Mary afterwards anoints Christ CHAPTER III.
old woman and Joseph with her with it.
reached the cave, and they both 5 Christ brought to the temple; 1 The wise men visit Christ. Mary gives them
went into it. 6 He shines, one of his swaddling clothes.
7 and angels stand around him adoring. 3 An angel appears to them in the form of a star.
10 And behold, it was all filled 8 Simeon praises Christ. 4 They return and make a fire, and worship the
with lights, greater than the light swaddling cloth, and put it in the fire where it
of lamps and candles, and greater AND when the time of his remains unconsumed.
than the light of the sun itself. circumcision was come: namely,
the eighth day, on which the AND it came to pass, when the
11 The infant was then wrapped law commanded the child to be Lord Jesus was born at Bethlehem,
up in swaddling clothes, and sucking circumcised; they circumcised a city of Judaea, in the time of Herod
the breasts of his mother St. him in the cave. the King;--the wise men came from the
Mary. East to Jerusalem, according to the
2 And the old Hebrew woman prophecy of Zoradascht, [Zoroaster]
12 When they both saw this took the foreskin (others say she and brought with them offerings:
light, they were surprised; the took the navel-string), and preserved namely, gold, frankincense, and myrrh,
old woman asked St. Mary, Art it in an alabaster-box of old oil and worshipped him, and offered to him
thou the mother of this child? of spikenard. their gifts.

13
the death of the Lord Jesus Christ. forsook.
2 Then the Lady Mary took one
of his swaddling clothes in which 3 But an angel of the Lord 15 And when the Lady St. Mary
the infant was wrapped, and gave appeared to Joseph in his sleep, had washed the swaddling clothes
it to them instead of a blessing, and said, Arise, take the child and of the Lord Christ, and hanged
which they received from her as a his mother, and go into Egypt as soon them out to dry upon a post, the
most noble present. as the cock crows. So he arose, boy possessed with the devil took
and went. down one of them, and put it upon
3 And at the same time there his head.
appeared to them an angel in the 4 And as he was considering
form of that star which had before with himself about his journey, 16 And presently the devils
been their guide in their journey; the morning came upon him. began to come out of his mouth,
the light of which they followed and fly away in the shape of crows
till they returned into their own 5 In the length of the journey and serpents.
country. the girts of the saddle broke.
17 From that time the boy was
4 On their return their kings 6 And now he drew near to a great healed by the power of the Lord
and princes came to them inquiring, city, in which there was an idol, Christ and he began to sing
whom they had seen and done? to which the priests of the other praises, and give thanks to the
What sort of journey and return idols and gods of Egypt brought Lord who had healed him.
they had? What Company their offerings and vows.
they had on the road? 18 When his father saw him
7 And there was by this idol a restored to his former state of
5 But they produced the swaddling priest ministering to it, who, as health, he said, My son, what has
cloth which St. Mary had given often as Satan spoke out of that happened to thee, and by what
them, on account whereof they kept idol, related the things he said to means wert thou cured?
a feast. the inhabitants of Egypt, and those
countries. 19 The son answered, When the
6 And having, according to the devils seized me, I went into the
custom of their country, made 8 This priest had a son three inn, and there found a very
a fire, they worshipped it. years old, who was possessed with handsome woman with a boy, whose
a great multitude of devils, who swaddling clothes she had just
7 And casting the swaddling uttered many strange things and before washed, and hanged out upon
cloth into it, the fire took it when the devils seized him, walked a post.
and kept it. about naked with his clothes torn,
throwing stones at those whom 20 One of these I took, and put
8 And when the fire was put out, he saw. it upon my head, and immediately
they took forth the swaddling cloth the devils left me, and fled away.
unhurt, as much as if the fire had 9 Near to that idol was the inn
not touched it. of the city, into which when Joseph 21 At this the father exceedingly
and St. Mary were come, and had rejoiced, and said, My son,
9 Then they began to kiss it, turned into that inn, all the perhaps this boy is the son of the
and put it upon their heads and inhabitants of the city were living God, who made the heavens
their eyes saying, This is certainly astonished. and the earth.
an undoubted truth, and it is really
surprising that the fire could not 10 And all the magistrates and 22 For as soon as he came
burn it, and consume it. priests of the idols assembled amongst us, the idol was broken,
before that idol, and made inquiry and all the gods fell down, and
10 Then they took it, and with there, saying, What means all this were destroyed by a greater power.
the greatest respect laid it up consternation, and dread, which
among their treasures. has fallen upon all our country? 23 Then was fulfilled the prophecy
which saith, Out of Egypt I have
11 The idol answered them, called my son.
The unknown God is come thither,
CHAPTER IV. who is truly God; nor is there any
one besides him, who is worthy of
1 Herod intends to put Christ to death. divine worship for he is truly the CHAPTER V.
3 An angel warns Joseph to take the child Son of God.
and his mother into Egypt. 1 Joseph and Mary leave Egypt.
6 Consternation on their arrival. 12 At the fame of him this 3 Go to the Haunts of robbers,
13 The idols fall down. country trembled, and at his 4 Who hearing a mighty noise,
15 Mary washes Christ's swaddling clothes, hangs coming it is under the present as of a great army flee away.
them to commotion and consternation, and
dry on a post, and the son of a priest puts one on we ourselves are afrighted by the NOW Joseph and Mary when
his head; greatness of his power. they heard that the idol was
16 And being possessed of devils they leave him. fallen down and destroyed, were
13 And at the same instant this seized with fear and, trembling,
NOW Herod perceiving that the idol fell down, and at his fall all and said, When we Were in the
wise men did delay and not return the inhabitants of Egypt, besides land of Israel, Herod, intending
to him, called together the priest others ran together. to kill Jesus, slew for that purpose
and wise men, and said, Tell me in all the infants at Bethlehem, and
what place the Christ should be born. 14 But the son of the priest, that neighbourhood.
when his usual disorder came upon
2 And when they replied, in him going into the inn, found 2 And there is no doubt but
Bethlehem,--a city of Judaea, he there Joseph and St. Mary, whom the Egyptians if they come to
began to contrive in his own mind all the rest had left behind and hear that this idol is broken and

14
fallen down, will burn us with fire. of thee, Mary, and thy son. 14 When she had consented,
and as soon as the woman had
3 They went therefore hence to 4 So the woman was delivered moved the child, Satan left her,
the secret places of robbers, who from her torment; but considering and fled away, nor did the woman
robbed travellers as they pass by, herself naked, she blushed, ever afterwards see him.
of their carriages and their clothes and avoided seeing any man and
and carried them away bound. having put on her clothes, went 15 Hereupon all the neighbors
home, and gave an account of her praised the Supreme God, and the
4 These thieves upon their case to her father and relations woman reward them with ample,
coming heard a great noise such who, as they were the best of the beneficence.
as the noise of a king with a great city, entertained St. Mary and
army, and many horse and the Joseph with the greatest respect. 16 On the morrow, the same
trumpets sounding at his departure woman brought perfumed water to
from his own city, at which they 5 The next morning having wash the Lord Jesus; and when
were so affrighted, as to leave received a sufficient supply of she had washed him, she preserved
all their booty behind them and provisions for the road, they went the water.
fly away in haste. from them, and about the evening of
the day arrived at another town, 17 And there was a girl there,
5 Upon this the prisoners arose, where a marriage was then about whose body was white with a
and loosed each other's bonds, to be solemnized; but by the arts leprosy, who being sprinkled with
and taking each man his bags, of Satan and the practices of a this water, and washed, was
they went way, and saw Joseph sorcerers, the bride was become instantly cleansed from her leprosy.
and Mary coming towards them, so dumb, that she could not so
and inquired, Where is that king, much as open her mouth. 18 The people therefore said
the noise of whose approach the Without doubt Joseph and Mary,
robbers heard, and left us, 6 But when this dumb bride and that boy are Gods, for they do
so that we are now come off safe? saw the Lady St. Mary entering not look like mortals.
into the town, and carrying
6 Joseph answered, He will come Lord Christ in her arms, she 19 And when they were making
after us. stretched out her hands to the ready to go away, the girl, who
Lord Christ, and-took him in her had been troubled with the leprosy,
arms, and closely hugging him, came and desired they would
very often kissed him, continually permit her to go along with them;
CHAPTER VI. moving him and, pressing him to so they consented and the girl went
her body. with them till they came to a city
1 Mary looks on a woman in whom Satan had in which was the palace of a great
taken 7 Straightway the string of her king, and whose house was not far
up his abode, and she becomes dispossessed. tongue was loosed, and her ears from the inn.
5 Christ kissed by a bride made dumb by were opened, and she began to
sorcerers, sing praises unto God, who had 20 Here they staid, and when
cures her. restored her. the girl went one day to the
11 Miraculously cures a gentlewoman in whom prince's wife, and found her in a
Satan 8 So there was great joy among sorrowful and mournful condition,
had taken up his abode. the inhabitants of the town that she asked her the reason of her
16 A leprous girl cured by the water in which he night, who thought that God and tears.
was his angels were come down among
washed, and becomes the servant of Joseph and them. 21 She replied, wonder not at
Mary. my groans, for I am under a great
20 The leprous son of a prince's wife cured in like 9 In this place they abode misfortune, of which I dare not
manner. three days, meeting with the greatest tell any one.
37 Has mother offers large gifts to Mary, and respect and most splendid entertainment.
dismisses her. 22 But, says the, girl, if you
10 And being then furnished by will entrust me with your private
the people with provisions for the grievance, perhaps I may find you
THEN they went into another road, they departed and went to a remedy for it.
city where there was a woman another city, in which they were
possessed with a devil, and in inclined to lodge, because it was a 23 Thou, therefore, says the
whom Satan, that cursed rebel, famous place. prince's wife, shall keep the
had taken up his abode. secret, and not discover it to
11 There was in this city a any one alive.
2 One night, when she went to gentlewoman, who, as she went down
fetch water, she could neither one day to the river to bathe, behold 24 I have been married to this
endure her clothes on, nor to be cursed Satan leaped upon her in the prince, who rules as king over
in any house; but as often as they form of a serpent. large dominions, and lived long
tied her with chains or cords, she with him before he had any child
brake them, and went out into desert 12 And folded himself about her by me.
places, and sometimes standing belly, and every night lay upon
where roads crossed, and in her. 25 At length I conceived by
church yards, would throw stones him, but alas! I brought forth a
at men. 13 This woman seeing the Lady leprous son; which, when he saw
St. Mary, and the Lord Christ the him would not own to be his, but
3 When St. Mary saw this infant in her bosom, asked the said to me,
woman, she pitied her; where Lady St. Mary, that she would
upon Satan presently left her, and give her the child to kiss, and 26 Either do thou kill him, or
fled away in the form of a young carry in her arms. send him to some nurse in such a
man, saying, Wo to me, because place, that he may be never heard

15
of; and now take care of yourself; mule miraculously cured by Christ being put on and left us a very large estate, and
I will never see you more. his back, we had only this brother, and we
28 and is married to the girl who had been cured endeavoured to procure him a suitable
27 So here I pine, lamenting of leprosy. match, and thought he should
my wretched and miserable be married as other men, some
circumstances. Alas, my son! alas, giddy and jealous women bewitched
my husband; Have I disclosed it THEY came afterwards to another him without our knowledge.
to you? city, and had a mind to lodge there.
15 And we one night, a little before
28 The girl replied I have found day, while the doors of the house
a remedy for your disease, which 2 Accordingly they went to a man's were all shut fast, saw this our
I promise you, for I also was house, who was newly married brother was changed into a mule,
leprous, but God hath cleansed but by the influence of sorcerers such as you now see him to be:
me, even he who is called Jesus could not enjoy his wife.
the son of the Lady Mary. 16 And we in the melancholy
3 But they lodging at his house condition in which you see us,
29 The woman inquiring where that night, the man was freed of having no father to comfort us,
that God was, whom she spake his disorder. have applied to all the wise men,
of; the girl answered, He lodges magicians, and diviners in the
with you here, in the same house. 4 And when they were preparing world, but they have been of no
early in the morning to go forward service to us.
30 But how can this be? says on their journey, the new-married
she; where is he? Behold, replied person hindered them, and 17 As often therefore as we find
the girl, Joseph and Mary; and provided a noble entertainment ourselves oppressed with grief, we
the infant who is, with them is for them. rise and go with this our mother
called Jesus; and it is he who to our father's tomb, where, when
delivered me from my disease and 5 But going forward on the we have cried sufficiently, we
torment. morrow, they came to another return home.
city, and saw three women going
31 But by what means, says she, from a certain grave with great 18 When the girl had heard this
were you cleansed from your leprosy? weeping. she said, Take courage, and cease
Will not you tell me that? your fears, for you have a remedy
6 When St. Mary saw them, she for your afflictions near at hand
32 Why not? says the girl; I spake to the girl who was their even amoung you and in the midst
took the water with which his companion, saying, Go and inquire of your house.
body had been washed, and poured of them, what is the matter with
it upon me, and my leprosy them, and what misfortune has 19 For I was also leprous; but
vanished. befallen them? when I saw this woman, and this
little infant with her, whose name
33 The prince's wife then arose 7 When the girl asked them, is Jesus, I sprinkled my body with
and entertained them, providing a they made her no answer, but the water with which his mother
great feast for Joseph among a asked her again, Who are ye? and had washed him and I was
where are you going? For the day presently made well.
large company of men. is far spent, and night is at hand.
20 And I am certain that he is
34 And the next day took 8 We are travellers, saith the also capable of relieving you under
perfumed water to wash the Lord girl, and we are seeking for an inn your distress. Wherefore arise,
Jesus, and afterwards poured the to lodge at. go to my mistress Mary, and when
same water upon her son, whom you have brought her into your
she had brought with her, and her 9 They replied, Go along with own parlour, disclose to her the
son was instantly cleansed from us, and lodge with us. secret, at the same time earnestly
his leprosy, beseeching her to compassionate
10 They then followed them, your case.
35 Then she sang thanks and and were introduced into a new
unto God, and said, Blessed house, well furnished with all 21 As soon as the women had
is the mother that bare thee, sorts of furniture. heard the girl's discourse, they
O Jesus! hastened away to the Lady St.
11 Now it was winter-time, and Mary, introduced themselves to
36 Dost thou thus cure men of the girl went into the parlour her, and sitting down before her,
the same nature with thyself, with where these women were, and they wept.
the water with which thy body is found them weeping and lamenting
washed? as before. 22 And said, O our Lady St.
Mary, pity your handmaids, for
37 She then offered very large 12 By them stood a mule, covered we have no head of our family, no
gifts to the Lady Mary, and sent over with silk, and an ebony collar one elder than us; no father or
her away with all imaginable hanging down from his neck, whom brother to go in or out before us.
respect. they kissed and were feeding.
23 But this mule, which you
13 But when the girl said, How see, was our brother, which some
handsome, ladies, that mule is! women by witchcraft have brought
CHAPTER VII. they replied with tears, and said, into this condition which you see:
This mule, which you see, was our we therefore entreat you to
1 A man who could not enjoy his wife, freed from brother, born of this same mother compassionate us.
his disorder. as we;
5 A young man who had been bewitched, and 24 Hereupon St. Mary was
turned into a 14 For when our father died, grieved at their case, and taking

16
the Lord Jesus, put him upon the forty groats to let Joseph and Mary pass forth, in which St. Mary washed
back of the mule. unmolested. his coat;
6 Jesus prophecies that the thieves Dumachus and
25 And said to her son, O Jesus Titus shall be 11 And a balsam is produced,
Christ, restore (or heal) according crucified with him and that Titus shall go before or grows, in that country, from
to thy extraordinary power this him into paradise.
mule, and grant him to have again 10 Christ causes a well to spring from a sycamore the sweat which ran down there
the shape of a man and a rational tree, and Mary from the Lord Jesus.
creature, as he had formerly. washes his coat in it.
11 A balsam grows there from his sweat. They go 12 Thence they proceeded to
26 This was scarce said by the to Memphis, where Memphis, and saw Pharoah, and
Lady St. Mary, but the mule Christ works more miracles. Return to Judea. abode three years in Egypt.
immediately passed into a human 15 Being warned, depart for Nazareth.
form, and became a young man 13 And the Lord Jesus did very
without any deformity. many miracles, in Egypt, which
IN their journey from hence they are neither to be found in
27 Then he and his mother and came into a desert country and Gospel of the Infancy nor in the
the sisters worshipped the Lady were told it was infested with Gospel of Perfection.
St. Mary, and lifting the child robbers; so Joseph and St. Mary
upon their heads, they kissed him, prepared to pass through it in the 14 At the end of three years
and said, Blessed is thy mother, night. he returned out of Egypt, and
O Jesus, O Saviour of the world! when he came near to Judea,
Blessed are the eyes which are 2 And as they were going along, Joseph was afraid to enter;
so happy to see thee. behold they saw two robbers asleep
in the road, and with them a great 15 For hearing that Herod was
28 Then both the sisters told number of robbers, who were their dead, and that Archelaus his son
their mother, saying, Of a truth, confederates, also asleep. reigned in his stead, he was afraid.
our brother is restored to his former
shape by the help of the Lord 3 The names of these two were 16 And when he went to Judea,
Jesus Christ, and the kindness Titus and Dumachus; and Titus an, angel of God appeared to
of that girl who told us of Mary said to Dumachus, I beseech thee him, and said, O Joseph go
and her son. let these persons go along quietly, into the city of Nazareth, and
that our company may not perceive abide there.
29 And inasmuch as our brother anything of them.
is unmarried, it is fit that we 17 It is strange indeed, that he,
marry him to this girl their 4 But Damachus refusing, Titus who is the Lord of all countries,
servant. again said, I will give thee forty should be thus carried backward and
groats, and as a pledge take my forward, through so many countries.
30 When they had consulted girdle, which he gave him before
Mary in this matter, and she had he had done speaking, that he
given her consent, they made a might not open his mouth or make
splendid wedding for this girl. a noise. CHAPTER IX.

31 And so their sorrow being 5 When the Lady St. Mary saw 2 Two sick children cured by water
turned into gladness, and their the kindness which this robber did wherein Christ was washed.
mourning into mirth, they began shew them, she said to him, The
to rejoice, and to make merry, Lord God will receive thee to his WHEN they came afterwards
and sing, being dressed in their right hand and grant thee pardon into the city of Bethlehem,
richest attire, with bracelets. of thy sins. they found there several very
desperate distempers, which became
32 Afterwards they glorified and 6 Then the Lord Jesus answered, so troublesome to children by seeing
praised God, saying, O Jesus, son and said to his mother, When them, that most of them died.
of David, who changest sorrow thirty years are expired, O mother,
into gladness, and mourning into the Jews will crucify me at 2 There was there a woman who
mirth! Jerusalem; had a sick son, whom she brought,
when he was at the point of death,
33 After this Joseph and Mary 7 And these two thieves shall to the Lady St. Mary, who saw
tarried there ten days, then went be with me at the same time upon her when she was washing Jesus
away, having received great the cross, Titus on my right hand, Christ.
respect from these people. and Dumachus on my left, and
from that time Titus shall go before 3 Then said the woman, O my
34 Who, when they took their me into paradise; Lady Mary, look down upon this
leave of them, and returned home, my son, who is afflicted with most
cried, 8 And when she had said, God dreadful pains.
forbid this should be thy lot, O
35 But especially the girl. my son, they went on to a city in 4 St. Mary hearing her, said,
which were several idols; which, Take a little of that water with
as soon as they came near to it, which I have washed my son, and
was turned into hills of sand. sprinkle it upon him.
CHAPTER VIII.
9 Hence they went to that 5 Then she took a little of that
1 Joseph and Mary pass through a country sycamore tree, which is now called water, as St. Mary had commanded,
infested by robbers. Matarea. and sprinkled it upon her son,
3 Titus a humane thief, offers Dumachus, his who being wearied with his violent
comrade, 10 And in Materea the Lord pains, was fallen asleep; and after
Jesus caused a well to spring he had slept a little, awaked

17
perfectly well and recovered. small swaddling cloth. they who ran to her assistance
found her skull broken, and bones
6 The mother being abundantly 3 To this Mary agreed, and bruised.
glad of this success, went again to when the mother of Caleb was
St. Mary, and St. Mary said to gone, she made a coat for her son 14 So she came to a bad end,
her, Give praise to God, who hath of the swaddling cloth, put it on and in her was fulfilled that saying
cured this thy son. him, and his disease was cured; of the author, They digged a well,
but the son of the other wife died. and made it deep, but fell themselves
7 There was in the same place into the pit which they prepared.
another woman, a neighbour of 4 Hereupon there arose between
her, whose son was now cured. them a difference in doing
the business of the family by turns,
8 This woman's son was afflicted each her week; CHAPTER XI.
with the same disease, and his eyes
were now almost quite shut, and 5 And when the turn of Mary 1 Bartholomew, when a child and sick,
she was lamenting for him day the mother of Caleb came, and she miraculously
and night. was heating the oven to bake restored by being laid on Christ's bed.
bread, and went away to fetch the
9 The mother of the child which meal, she left her son Caleb by the ANOTHER woman in that city
was cured, said to her, Why do oven; had likewise two son's sick.
you not bring your son to St. Mary,
as I brought my son to her, when 2 And when one was dead, the
he was in the agonies of death; 6 Whom the other wife, her other, who lay at the point of
and he was cure by that water, rival, seeing to be by himself, death, she took in her arms to the
with which the body of her son took and cast him into the oven, Lady St. Mary, and in a flood of
Jesus was washed? which was very hot, and then went tears addressed herself to her,
away. saying,
10 When the woman heard her
say this, she also went, and having 7 Mary on her return saw her 3 O my Lady, help and relieve
procured the same water, washed son Caleb lying in the middle of me; for I had two sons, the one I
her son with it, whereupon his the oven laughing, and the oven have just now buried, the other I
body and his eyes were instantly quite as cold as though it had not see is fast at the point of death
restored to their former state. been before heated, and knew that behold how I (earnestly) seek for
her rival the other wife had thrown your from God, and pray to him.
11 And when she brought her him into the fire.
son to St. Mary, and opened his 4 Then she said, O Lord, thou
case to her, she commanded her to 8 When she took him out, she art gracious, and merciful, and
give thanks to God for the recovery brought him to the Lady St. Mary, kind; thou, hast given me two
of her son's health, and tell and told her the story, to whom sons; one of them thou halt taken
no one what had happened. she replied, Be quiet, I am to thyself, O spare me this other.
concerned lest thou shouldest make
this matter known. 5 St. Mary then perceiving the
greatness of her sorrow, pitied her
CHAPTER X. 9 After this her rival, the other and said, Do thou place thy son in
wife, as she was drawing water at my son's bed, and cover him with
1 Two wives of one man, each have a son sick. the well, and saw Caleb playing his clothes.
2 One of them named Mary, and whose son's by the well, and that no one was
name was Caleb, near, took him, and threw him 6 And when she had placed him
presents the Virgin with a handsome carpet, and into the well. in the bed wherein Christ lay,
Caleb is cured; at the moment when his eyes were
but the son of the other wife dies, 10 And when some men came to just closed by death; as soon as
4 which occasions a difference between the fetch water from the well, they ever the small of the garments of
women. saw the boy sitting on the the Lord Jesus Christ reached the
5 The other wife puts Caleb into a hot oven, and superficies of the water, and boy, his eyes were opened, and
he is drew him out with ropes, and were calling with a loud voice to his
miraculously preserved, exceedingly surprised at the child, mother, he asked for bread, and
9 she afterwards throws him into a well, and praised God. when he had received it, he sucked
and he is again preserved; it.
11 his mother appeals to the Virgin against the 11 Then came the mother and
other wife, took him and carried him to the 7 Than his mother said, O Lady
12 whose downfall the Virgin prophecies, Lady St. Mary, lamenting, and Mary, now I am assured that the
13 and who accordingly falls into the well, saying, O my Lady, see what my powers of God do dwell in you, so
14 therein fulfilling a saying of old. rival hath done to my son, and that thy son can cure children who
how she hath cast him into the are of the same sort as himself, as
THERE were in the same city well, and I do not question but soon as they touch his garments.
two wives of one man, who one time or other she will be the
had each a son sick. One of them occasion of his death. 8 This boy, who was thus cured,
was called Mary, and her son's is the same who in the Gospel is
name was Caleb. 12 St. Mary replied to her, God called Bartholomew.
will vindicate your injured cause.
2 She arose, and taking her son,
went to the Lady St. Mary, the 13 Accordingly a few days after,
mother of Jesus, and offered her a when the other wife came to the CHAPTER XII.
very handsome carpet, saying, O well to draw water, her foot was
my Lady Mary accept this carpet entangled in the rope, so that she A leprous woman healed by Christ's washing
of me, and instead of it give me a fell headlong into the well, and water.

18
7 A princess healed by it and restored to her a woman named Mary, who had a say, Wo, Wo is me, that there is
husband. son called Jesus. no one to be found, who can deliver
me from that impious dragon!
15 She seeing me to be leprous,
AGAIN, there was a leprous was concerned for me, and gave 4 Her father and mother, and
woman who went to the Lady me some water with which she all who were about her and saw
St. Mary, the mother of Jesus, had washed her son's body, with her, mourned and wept over her;
and said, O my Lady, help me. that I sprinkled my body, and
became clean. 5 And all who were present
2 St. Mary replied, What help would especially be under sorrow
does thou desire? Is it gold or 16 Then said these women, Will and in tears, when they heard her
silver, or that thy body be cured you Mistress, go along with us, bewailing and saying, My brethren
of its leprosy? and show the Lady St. Mary to and friends, is here no one who can
us? deliver me from this murderer?
3 Who, says the woman, can
grant me this? 17 To which she consenting, 6 Then the prince's daughter,
they arose and went to the Lady who had been cured of her leprosy,
4 St. Mary replied to her, Wait St. Mary, taking with them very hearing the complaint of that girl,
a little till I have washed my son noble presents. went upon the top of her castle,
Jesus, and put him to bed. and saw her with her hands twisted
18 And when they came in and about her head, pouring out a flood
5 The woman waited, as she offered their presents to her, of tears, and all the people that
was commanded; and Mary when they showed the leprous young woman were about her in tears.
she had put Jesus in bed, giving whom they brought with them to
her the water with which she had her. 7 Then she asked the husband
washed his body, said, Take some of the possessed person, Whether
of the water, and pour it upon thy 19 Then said St. Mary, The his wife's mother was alive? He
body; mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ told her, That her father and
rest upon you; mother were both alive,
6 Which when she had done,
she instantly became clean, and 20 And giving them a little of 8 Then she ordered her mother
praised God, and gave thanks to that water, with which she had to be sent to her; to whom, when
him. washed the body of Jesus Christ, she saw her coming, she said,
she bade them wash the diseased Is this possessed girl thy daughter?
7 Then she went away, after person with it, which when they She moaning and bewailing said,
she had abode with her three had done, she was presently Yes madam I bore her.
days; cured;
9 The prince's daughter answered,
8 And going into the city, she 21 So they, and all who were Disclose the secret of her case to me,
saw a certain prince, who had present, praised God; and being for I confess to you that I was leprous,
married another princes daughter; filled with joy, they went back to but the Lady Mary, the mother of
their own city, and gave praises to Jesus Christ, healed me.
9 But when he came to see her, God on that account.
he perceived between her eyes the 10 And if you desire your
signs of leprosy like a star, and 22 Then the prince hearing that daughter to be restored to her
thereupon declared the marriage his wife was cured, took her home former state, take her to Bethlehem,
dissolved and void. and made a second marriage, giving and inquire for Mary the mother
thanks unto God for the recovery of Jesus, and doubt not but your
10 When the woman saw these of his wife's health. daughter will be cured; for I do
persons in this condition, exceeding not question but you will come
sorrowful, and shedding abundance home with great joy at your
of tears, she inquired of them daughter's recovery.
the reason of their crying; CHAPTER XIII.
11 As soon as ever she had done
11 They replied, inquire not 1 A girl, whose blood Satan sucked receives one speaking, she arose and went with
into our circumstances; for we of Christ's swaddling clothes from the Virgin, her daughter to the place appointed,
are not able to declare our 14 Satan comes like a dragon, and she shews it to and to Mary, and told her the case
misfortunes to any, person, him; of her daughter.
whatsoever. flames and burning coals proceed from it and fall
upon him; 12 When St. Mary had heard
12 But she still pressed and 19 he is miraculously discomfited, and leaves the her story, she gave her a little
desired them to communicate their girl. of the water with which she had
case to her; intimating, that she washed the body of her son Jesus,
might be able to direct them THERE was also a girl, who and bade her pour it upon the
to a remedy. was afflicted by Satan, body of her daughter.

13 So when they showed the young 2 For that cursed spirit did 13 Likewise she gave her one of
woman to her, and the signs frequently appear to her in the shape the swaddling cloths of the Lord
of the leprosy, which appeared of a dragon, and was inclined to Jesus, and said, Take this swaddling
between her eyes; swallow her up, and had so sucked cloth, and shew it to thine
out all her blood, that she looked enemy as often as thou seest him
14 She said, I also whom ye like a dead carcass. and she sent them away in
see in this place, was afflicted peace.
with the same distemper, and going 3 As often as she came to herself,
on some business to Bethlehem, I with her hands wringed about 14 After they bad left that
went into a certain cave, and saw her head she would cry out, and city and returned home, and the

19
time was come in which Satan was Joses had taken away the infant, fly, and when he commanded to
wont to seize her, in the same the Lord Jesus, to play at a proper stand still, did stand still; and if
moment this cursed spirit appeared season with other children; he gave them meat and drink, they
to her in the shape of a huge and when they went forth, they did eat and drink.
dragon, and the girl seeing him sat down and the Lord Jesus with
was afraid, them. 7 When at length the boys went
away, and related these things to
15 The mother said to her, Be 5 Then Judas, who was possessed, their parents, their fathers said to
not afraid, daughter; let him alone came and sat down at the right hand them, Take heed, children, for the
till he come nearer to thee! then of Jesus. future of his company, for he is a
shew him the swaddling cloth, sorcerer; shun and avoid him, and
which the Lady Mary gave us, and 6 When Satan was acting upon him from henceforth never play with
we shall see the event. as usual, he went about to bite him.
the Lord Jesus.
16 Satan then coming like a 8 On a certain day also, when
dreadful dragon, the body of the 7 And because he could not do the Lord Jesus was playing with
girl trembled for fear. it, he struck Jesus on the right the boys, and running about, he
side, so that he cried out. passed by a dyer's shop, whose
17 But as soon as she had put name was Salem.
the swaddling cloth upon her 8 And in the same moment Satan
head, and about her eyes, and went out of the boy, and ran 9 And there were in his shop
chewed it to him, presently there away like a mad dog. many pieces of cloth belonging to
issued forth from the swaddling the people of that city, which they
cloth flames and burning coals, 9 This same boy who struck designed to dye of several colours.
and fell upon the dragon. Jesus, and out of whom Satan went
in the form of a dog, was Judas 10 Then the Lord Jesus going
18 Oh! how great a miracle was Iscariot, who betrayed him to the into the dyer's shop, took all the
this, which was done: as soon as Jews. cloths, and threw them into the
the dragon saw the swaddling furnace.
cloth of the Lord Jesus, fire went 10 And that same side, on which
forth and was scattered upon his Judas: struck him, the Jews 11 When Salem came home, and
head and eyes; so that he cried pierced with a spear. saw the cloths spoiled, he began to
out with a loud voice, What have make a great noise, and to chide
I to do with thee, Jesus, thou son the Lord Jesus, saying,
of Mary? Whither shall I flee
from thee? CHAPTER XV. 12 What hast thou done to me,
O thou son of Mary? Thou hast
19 So he drew back much 1 Jesus and other boys play together, injured both me and my neighbours;
affrighted, and left the girl. and make clay figures of animals. they all desired their cloths
4 Jesus causes them to walk, of a proper colour; but thou hast
20 And she was delivered from 6 also makes clay birds, which he causes to fly, come and spoiled them all.
this trouble, and sang praises and and eat and drink.
thanks to God, and with her all 7 The children's parents alarmed, 13 The Lord Jesus replied, I
who were present at the working and take Jesus for a sorcerer. will change the colour of every
of the miracle. 8 He goes to a dyer's shop, and throws all the cloth to what colour thou desirest.
cloths into the furnace, and works a miracle
therewith. 14 And then he presently began
15 Whereupon the Jews praise God. to take the cloths out of the furnace,
CHAPTER XIV. and they were all dyed of those same
AND when the Lord Jesus was colours which the dyer desired.
1 Judas when a boy possessed by Satan, and seven years of age, he was
brought up on a certain day with other boys 15 And when the Jews saw this
by his parents to Jesus to be cured, whom he tries his companions about the same surprising miracle, they praised
to bite, age; God.
7 but failing, strikes Jesus and makes him cry out.
Whereupon Satan goes from Jesus in the shape of 2 Who, when they were at play,
a dog. made clay into several shapes,
namely--asses, oxen, birds, and CHAP. XVI.
ANOTHER woman likewise other figures;
lived there, whose son was 1 Christ miraculously widens or contracts the
possessed by Satan, 3 Each boasting of his work, gates,
and endeavouring to exceed the milk pails, sieves, or boxes, not properly made by
2 This boy, named Judas, as rest. Joseph,
often as Satan seized him, was 4 he not being skilful at his carpenter's trade.
inclined to bite all that were 4 Then the Lord Jesus said to 5 The King of Jerusalem gives Joseph an order
present; and if he found no one else the boys, I will command these for a throne.
near him, he would bite his own figures which I have made to 6 Joseph works on it for two years in the king's
hands and other parts. walk. palace,
and makes it two spans too short. The king being
3 But the mother of this miserable 5 And immediately they moved, angry with him,
boy, hearing of St. Mary and her son and when he commanded them to 10 Jesus comforts him,
Jesus, arose presently and taking return, they returned. 13 commands him to pull one side of the throne,
her son in her arms, brought him while he
to the Lady Mary. 6 He had also made the figures pulls the other, and brings it to its proper
of birds and sparrows, which, dimensions.
4 In the meantime, James and when he commanded to fly, did 14 Whereupon the bystanders praise God.

20
the shape of boys.
AND Joseph, wheresoever he 16 The throne was made of the
went in the city, took the same wood which was in being
Lord Jesus with him, where he in Solomon's time, namely, wood
was sent for to work to make adorned with various shapes, and CHAPTER XVIII.
gates, or milk-pails, or sieves, or figures.
boxes; the Lord Jesus was with 1 Jesus becomes the king of his playfellows,
him, wheresoever he went. and they crown him with flowers;
4 miraculously causes a serpent who had
2 And as often as Joseph had CHAP. XVII. bitten Simon the Canaanite, then a boy,
anything in his work, to make to suck out all the poison again;
longer, or shorter, or wider, or 1 Jesus plays with boys at hide and seek. 16 the serpent bursts, and Christ restores the boy
narrower, the Lord Jesus would 3 Some women put his playfellows in a furnace, to health.
stretch his hand towards it. 7 where they are transformed by Jesus into kids.
10 Jesus calls them to go and play, and they
3 And presently it became as are restored to their former shape. IN the month Adar Jesus
Joseph would have it: gathered together the boys, and
ON another day the Lord Jesus ranked them as though he had
4 So that he had no need to going out into the street, been a king.
finish anything with his own hands, and seeing some boys who were
for he was not very skilful at his met to play, joined himself to their 2 For they spread their garments
carpenter's trade. company. on the ground for him to sit
on; and having made a crown of
5 On a certain time the King 2 But when they saw him, they flowers, put it upon his head, and
of Jerusalem sent for him, and hid themselves, and left him to stood on his right and left as the
said, I would have thee make me seek for them; guards of a king.
a throne of the same dimensions
with that place in which I 3 The Lord Jesus came to the 3 And if any one happened to
commonly sit. gate of a certain house, and asked pass by, they took him by force,
some women who were standing and said, Come hither, and worship
6 Joseph obeyed, and forthwith there, Where the boys were gone? the king, that you may have a
began the work, and continued two prosperous journey.
years in the king's palace before 4 And when they answered,
he finished it. That there was no one there; the 4 In the mean time, while
Lord Jesus said, Who are those these things were doing, there
7 And when he came to fix it whom ye see in the furnace? came certain men, carrying a boy
in its place, he found it wanted upon a couch;
5 They answered, They were
two spans on each side of the kids of three years old. 5 For this boy having gone with
appointed measure. his companions to the mountain to
6 Then Jesus cried out aloud, gather wood, and having found
8 Which when the king saw, and said, Come out hither, O ye there a partridge's nest, and put
he was very angry with Joseph; kids, to your shepherd; his hand in to take out the eggs,
was stung by a poisonous serpent,
9 And Joseph afraid of the 7 And presently the boys came which leaped out of the nest; so
king's anger, went to bed without forth like kids, and leaped about that he was forced to cry out for
his supper, taking not any thing him; which when the women saw, the help of his companions; who,
to eat. they were exceedingly amazed, and when they came, found him lying
trembled, upon the earth like a dead person.
10 Then the Lord Jesus asked
8 Then they immediately worshipped, 6 After which his neighbours
him, What he was afraid of? the Lord Jesus, and beseeched him, came and carried him back into
saying, O our Lord Jesus, son of the city.
11 Joseph replied, Because I Mary, thou art truly that good
have lost my labour in the work shepherd of Israel! have mercy 7 But when they came to the
which I have been about these two on thy handmaids, who stand before place where the Lord Jesus, was
years. thee, who do not doubt, but that sitting like a king, and the other
thou, O Lord, art come to save, boys stood around him like his
12 Jesus said to him, Fear not, and not to destroy. ministers, the boys made haste to
neither be cast down; meet him, who was bitten by the
9 After that, when the Lord serpent, and said to his neighbours,
13 Do thou lay hold on one side Jesus said, the children of Israel Come and pay your respects to the
of the throne, and I will the other, are like Ethiopians among the king;
and we will bring it to its just people; the women said, Thou,
dimensions. Lord, knowest all things, nor is 8 But when, by reason of their
any thing concealed from thee: sorrow, they refused to come, the
14 And when Joseph had done but now we entreat thee, and boys drew them, and forced them
as the Lord Jesus said, and each beseech of thy mercy, that thou against their wills to come.
of them had with strength drawn wouldest restore those boys to
his side, the throne obeyed, and their former state. 9 And when they came to the
was brought to the proper Lord Jesus, he inquired, On what
dimensions of the place: 10 Then Jesus said, Come hither, account they carried that boy?
O boys, that we may go and
15 Which miracle when they play; and immediately, in the 10 And when they answered that
who stood by saw, they were presence of these women, the kids a serpent had bitten him, the Lord
astonished, and praised God. were changed, and returned into Jesus said to the boys, Let us go

21
and kill that serpent. three on a side.
3 The Lord Jesus seeing him in
11 But when the parents of the this condition, came to him, and 18 But it was the Sabbath day,
boy desired to be excused, because blowed upon the place where the and the son of Hanani a Jew came
their son lay at the point of death; viper had bit him, and it was by, and saw them making these
the boys made answer, and said, instantly well. things, and said, Do ye thus make
Did not ye hear what the king figures of clay on the Sabbath?
said? Let us go and kill the serpent; 4 On a certain day the Lord And he ran to them, and broke
and will not ye obey him? Jesus was with some boys, who down their fish-pools.
were playing on the house-top,
12 So they brought the couch and one of the boys fell down, and 19 But when the Lord Jesus
back again, whether they would presently died. clapped his hands over the sparrows
or not. which he had made, they fled away
5 Upon which the other boys all chirping.
13 And when they were come to running away, the Lord Jesus was
the nest, the Lord Jesus said to left alone on the house-top. 20 At length the son of Hanani
the boys, Is this the serpent's coming to the fish-pool of Jesus
lurking place? They said, It was. 6 And the boy's relations came to destroy it, the water vanished
to him and said to the Lord Jesus, away, and the Lord Jesus said to
14 Then the Lord Jesus calling Thou didst throw our son down him,
the serpent, it presently came forth from the house-top.
and submitted to him; to whom he 21 In like manner as this water
said, Go and suck out all the poison 7 But he denying it, they cried had vanished, so shall thy life
which thou hast infused into that out, Our son is dead, and this is vanish; and presently the boy
boy: he who killed him. died.

15 So the serpent crept to the 8 The Lord Jesus replied to 22 Another time, when the
boy, and took away all its poison them, Do not charge me with a Lord Jesus was coming home in
again. crime of which you are not able to the evening with Joseph, he met
convict me, but let us go and ask a boy, who ran so hard against
16 Then the Lord Jesus cursed the boy himself, who will bring him, that he threw him down;
the serpent, so that it immediately the truth to light.
burst asunder, and died; 23 To whom the Lord Jesus
9 Then the Lord Jesus going said, As thou hast thrown me
17 And he touched the boy with down stood over the head of the down, so shalt thou fall, nor ever
his hand to restore him to his dead boy, and said with a loud rise.
former health; voice, Zeinunus, Zeinunus, who
threw thee down from the housetop? 24 And that moment the boy
18 And when he began to cry, fell down and died.
the Lord Jesus said, Cease crying 10 Then the dead boy answered,
for hereafter thou shall be my thou didst not throw me down,
disciple; but such a one did.
CHAPTER XX.
19 And this is that Simon the 11 And when the Lord Jesus
Canaanite, who is mentioned in bade those who stood by to take 4 Christ sent to school to Zaccheus to learn
the Gospel. present praised God on account his letters, and teaches Zaccheus.
of that miracle. 13 Sent to another schoolmaster,
14 refuses to tell his letters, and the schoolmaster
12 On a certain time the going to whip him, his hand withers and he dies.
CHAPTER XIX. Lady St. Mary had commanded
the Lord Jesus to fetch her some THERE was also at Jerusalem
1 James being bitten by a viper, water out of the well; one named Zaccheus, who
Jesus blows on the wound and cures him. was a schoolmaster:
4 Jesus charged with throwing a boy from 13 And when he had gone to
the roof of a house, fetch the water, the pitcher, when 2 And he said to Joseph, Joseph,
10 miraculously raises the dead boy to acquit it was brought up full, brake; why dost thou not send Jesus to me,
him; that he may learn his letters?
12 fetches water for his mother, breaks the pitcher 14 But Jesus spreading his mantle
and miraculously gathers the water in his mantle gathered up the water again, 3 Joseph agreed, and told St. Mary;
and brings it home; and brought it in that to his
16 makes fish pools on the Sabbath, mother; 4 So they brought him to that
20 causes a boy to die who broke them down, master; who, as soon as he saw
22 another boy runs against him, 15 Who, being astonished at him, wrote out an alphabet for him,
whom he also causes to die. this wonderful thing, laid up this,
and all the other things which she 5 And he bade him say Aleph;
ON another day Joseph sent his had seen, in her memory. and when he had said Aleph, the
son James to gather wood, master bade him pronounce Beth.
and the Lord Jesus went with 16 Again on another day the
him; Lord Jesus was with some boys 6 Then the Lord Jesus said to
by a river, and they drew water him, Tell me first the meaning of
2 And when they came to the out of the river by little channels, the letter Aleph, and then I will
place where the wood was, and and made little fish-pools. pronounce Beth.
James began to gather it, behold,
a venomous viper bit him, so that 17 But the Lord Jesus had 7 And when the master threatened
he began to cry, and make a made twelve sparrows, and placed to whip him, the Lord Jesus
noise. them about his pool on each side, explained to him the meaning of

22
the letters Aleph and Beth; 2 But the Lord Jesus continued 17 How the soul operated upon
behind in the temple among the the body;
8 Also which were the straight doctors and elders, and learned
figures of the letters, which the men of Israel; to whom he proposed 18 What its various sensations
oblique, and what letters had several questions of learning, and faculties, were;
double figures; which had points, and also gave them answers:
and which had none; why one 19 The faculty of speaking, anger,
letter went before another; and 3 For he said to them, Whose desire;
many other things he began to tell son is the Messiah? They answered,
him, and explain, of which the the son of David. 20 And lastly the manner of its
master himself had never heard, composition and dissolution; and
nor read in any book. 4 Why then, said he, does he in other things, which the
the spirit call him Lord? When he understanding of no creature
9 The Lord Jesus farther said saith, The Lord said to my Lord, had ever reached.
to the master, Take notice how I sit thou at my right hand, till I
say to thee; then he began clearly have made thine enemies thy foot- 21 Then that philosopher arose,
and distinctly to say Aleph, Beth, stool. and worshipped the Lord Jesus,
Gimel, Daleth, and so on to the and said, O Lord Jesus, from
end of the alphabet. 5 Then a certain principal Rabbi henceforth I will be thy disciple
asked him, Hast thou read books? and servant.
10 At this the master was so
surprised, that he said, I believe 6 Jesus answered, he had read 22 While they were discoursing
this boy was born before Noah; both books, and the things which on these and such like things,
were contained in books. the Lady St. Mary came in, having
11 And turning to Joseph, he been three days walking about
said, Thou hast brought a boy to 7 And he explained to them the with Joseph, seeking for him.
me to be taught, who is more books of the law, and precepts,
learned than any master. and statutes: and the mysteries 23 And when she saw him sitting
which are contained in the books among the doctors, and in his turn
12 He said also to St. Mary, of the prophets; things which proposing questions to them, and
This your son has no need of any the mind of no creature could giving answers, she said to him,
learning. reach. My son, why hast thou done thus
by us? Behold I and thy father
13 They brought him then 8 Then said that Rabbi, I never have been at much pains in
to a more learned master, who, yet have seen or heard of such seeking thee.
when he saw him, said, say Aleph; knowledge! What do you think
that boy will be? 24 He replied, Why did ye seek
14 And when he had said Aleph, me? Did ye not know that I ought
the master bade him pronounce 9 When a certain astronomer, to be employed in my father's
Beth; to which the Lord Jesus who was present, asked the Lord house?
replied, Tell me first the meaning Jesus, Whether he had studied
of the letter Aleph, and then I astronomy? 25 But they understood not the
will pronounce Beth. words which he said to them.
10 The Lord Jesus replied, and
15 But this master, when he did told him the number of the spheres 26 Then the doctors asked Mary,
lift up his hand to whip him, had and heavenly bodies, as also their Whether this were her son? And
his hand presently withered, and triangular, square, and sextile when she said, He was, they said,
he died. aspect; their progressive and O happy Mary, who hast borne
retrograde motion; their size and such a son.
16 Then said Joseph to St. Mary, several prognostications; and other
Henceforth we will not allow him things which the reason of man 27 Then he returned with them
to go out of the house; for every had never discovered. to Nazareth, and obeyed them in
one who displeases him is killed. all things.
11 There was also among them
a philosopher well skilled in 28 And his mother kept all these
physic and natural philosophy, things in her mind;
CHAPTER XXI. who asked the Lord Jesus, Whether
he had studied physic? 29 And the Lord Jesus grew in
[Compare Luke ii. 42, whose meagre account is stature and wisdom, and favour
deficient 12 He replied, and explained to with God and man.
of the sublime details here given of the subjects him physics and metaphysics.
disputed upon.]
13 Also those things which were
1 Disputes learnedly with the doctors in the above and below the power of nature; CHAPTER XXII.
temple,
7 on law, 14 The powers also of the body, 1 Jesus conceals his miracles,
9 on astronomy, its humours, and their effects. 2 studies the law,
12 on physics and metaphysics. 3 and is baptized.
21 Is worshipped by a philosopher, 15 Also the number of its members,
28 and fetched home by his mother. and bones, veins, arteries, NOW from this time Jesus began
and nerves; to conceal his miracles and
AND when he was twelve years secret works,
old, they brought him to 16 The several constitutions of
Jerusalem to the feast; and when body, hot and dry, cold and moist, 2 And gave himself to the study
the feast was over, they returned. and the tendencies of them; of the law, till he arrived to the
end of his thirtieth year;

23
Ocobius de Castro mentions a Gospel of Thomas, it necessary to make known to
3 At which time the Father publicly which he says, he saw and our brethren among the Gentiles,
owned him at Jordan, sending had translated to him by an Armenian Archbishop at the actions and miracles of Christ
down this voice from heaven, This Amsterdam, that was in his childhood, which our Lord
is my beloved son, in whom I am read in very many churches of Asia and Africa, as and God Jesus Christ wrought
well pleased; the only rule of their after his birth in Bethlehem in our
faith. Fabricius takes it to be this Gospel. It has been country, at which I myself, was
4 The Holy Ghost being also supposed, that astonished; the beginning of which
present in the form of a dove. Mahomet and his coadjutors used it in compiling the was as followeth.
Koran. There are
5 This is he whom we worship several stories believed of Christ, proceeding from 2 When the child Jesus was
with all reverence, because he gave this Gospel; as that five years of age, and there had
us our life and being, and brought which Mr. Sike relates out of La Brosse's Persic been a shower of rain, which was
us from our mother's womb, Lexicon, that Christ now over, Jesus was playing with
Glory to God, practised the trade of a dyer, and his working a other Hebrew boys by a running
miracle with the stream; and the water running
6 Who, for our sakes, took a colours; from whence the Persian dyers honour him over the banks, stood in little
human body, and hath redeemed as their patron, and lakes;
us, that so he might embrace call a dye-house the shop of Christ. Sir John Chardin
us with everlasting mercy, and mentions Persian 3 But the water instantly became
shew his free, large, bountiful legends concerning Christ's dispute with his clear and useful again; he
grace and goodness to us. schoolmaster about his ABC; having smote them only by his
and his lengthening the cedar-board which Joseph word, they readily obeyed him.
7 To him be glory and praise, sawed too short.]
and power, and dominion, from 4 Then he took from the bank
henceforth said for evermore. of the stream some soft clay, and
Amen. formed out of it twelve sparrows;
and there were other boys playing
(The end of the whole Gospel of Note on the Miracles of Christ in the preceding with him.
the Infancy, by the assistance of Gospels.
the Supreme God, according to 5 But a certain Jew seeing the
what we found in the original.) A great void in the early life of the Saviour is filled things which he was doing, namely,
up by these his forming clay into the figures
Gospels. In none of the Canonical Evangelists is any of sparrows on the Sabbath day,
mention made of the went presently away, and told
childhood of Jesus. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, his father Joseph, and said,
REFERENCES TO THE FIRST Luke, and John, more
GOSPEL OF rapidly than satisfactorily, pass over the period 6 Behold, thy boy is playing by
THE INFANCY OF JESUS CHRIST intervening between His the river side, and has taken clay,
birth and ministry. It is natural to suppose that the and formed it into twelve sparrows,
[Mr. Henry Sike, Professor of Oriental Languages at Infant Redeemer's and profaneth the Sabbath.
Cambridge, first earliest days were spent in the society of other young
translated and published this Gospel in 1697. It was children, and it 7 Then Joseph came to the
received by the is quite consistent with every sincere Christians faith place where he was, and when he
Gnostics, a sect of Christians in the second century; to believe that saw him, called to him, and said,
and several of its He had the power to perform the miracles here Why doest thou that which it is
relations were credited in the following ages by other ascribed to him otherwise, not lawful to do on the Sabbath
Christians, viz., a limit will be set to His divine attributes, doubts day?
Eusebius, Athanasius, Epiphanius; Chrysostom. &c. raised against His
Sozomen says, he was performance of the miracles related by the four 8 Then Jesus clapping together
told by many, and he credits the relations, of the Evangelists, in the the palms of his hands, called to
idols in Egypt falling authorised version of the Testament, and a denial the sparrows, and said to them
down on Joseph, and Mary's flight thither with given of the Go, fly away; and while ye live
Christ; and of Christ declaration therein, "With GOD nothing is remember me.
making a well to wash his clothes in a sycamore- impossible!"
tree, from whence balsam 9 So the sparrows fled away
afterwards proceeded; which stories are from this making a noise.
Gospel. Chemnitius, out
of Stipulensis, who had it from Peter Martyr, Bishop 10 The Jews seeing this, were
of Alexandria, in THE SECOND, OR ST. THOMAS'S astonished, and went away, and
the third century, says, that the place in Egypt where GOSPEL OF told their chief persons what a
Christ was THE INFANCY OF JESUS CHRIST. strange miracle they had seen
banished is now called Matarea, about ten miles wrought by Jesus.
beyond Cairo; that the An Account of the ACTIONS and MIRACLES of
inhabitants constantly burn a lamp in remembrance our Lord and Saviour
of it; and that there JESUS CHRIST in his INFANCY.
is a garden of trees yielding a balsam, which were CHAPTER II.
planted by Christ when
a boy. M. La Crosse cites a synod at Angamala, in CHAPTER I. 2 Causes a boy to wither who broke down his
the Mountain of fish-pools;
Malabar, A. D. 1599, which shows this Gospel was 2 Jesus miraculously clears the water after rain. 6 Partly restores him.
commonly read by the 4 Plays with clay sparrows, which he animates 7 Kills another boy.
Nestorians in the country. Ahmed Ibu Idris, a 16 causes blindness to fall on his accusers,
Mahometan divine, says, it on the Sabbath day. 18 for which, Joseph pulls him by the ear.
was used by some Christians in common with the
other four Gospels; and I THOMAS, an Israelite, judged BESIDES this, the son of Annas

24
the scribe, was standing there 2 The boy Jesus going to the
with Joseph, and took a bough 16 And immediately they who young man who was doing this,
of a willow tree, and scattered had accused him became blind, took also some of the cloths ......
the waters which Jesus had
gathered into lakes. 17 And all they who saw it were (Here endeth the fragment of
exceedingly afraid and confounded, Thomas's Gospel of the Infancy
2 But the boy Jesus seeing what and said concerning him, Whatsoever of Jesus Christ.)
he had done, became angry, and he saith, whether good or bad,
said to him, Thou fool, what harm immediately cometh to pass and
did the lake do thee, that thou they were amazed.
shouldest scatter the water?
18 And when they saw this action REFERENCE TO ST. THOMAS'S
of Christ, Joseph arose, and GOSPEL OF THE
3 Behold, now thou shalt wither plucked him by the ear, at which INFANCY OF JESUS CHRIST.
as a tree, and shalt not bring forth the boy was angry, and said to
either leaves, or branches, or fruit. him, Be easy; [The original in Greek, from which this translation is
made, will be
4 And immediately he became 19 For if they seek for us, they found printed by Cotelerius, in his notes on the
withered all over. shall not find us: thou hast done constitutions of the
very imprudently. Apostles, from a MS. in the French King's Library,
5 Then Jesus went away home. No. 2279.--It is
But the parents of the boy who 20 Dost thou not know that I attributed to St. Thomas, and conjectured to have
was withered, lamenting the am thine? Trouble me no more. been originally
misfortune of his youth, took and connected with the, Gospel of Mary. Unfortunately
carried him to Joseph, accusing him, this ancient MS. was
and said, Why dost thou keep a found torn at the second verse of the fourth chapter.]
son who is guilty of such actions? CHAPTER III.

6 Then Jesus at the request of 1 Astonishes his schoolmaster by his learning.


all who were present did heal him,
leaving only some small member A CERTAIN schoolmaster
to continue withered, that they named Zaccheaus, standing
might take warning. in a certain place, heard Jesus THE GOSPEL OF NICODEMUS,
speaking these things to his father. FORMERLY CALLED THE ACTS OF
7 Another time Jesus went PONTIUS PILATE.
forth into the street, and a boy 2 And he was much surprised,
running by, rushed upon his that being a child he should speak
shoulder; such things; and after a few days The Gospel of NICODEMUS, the disciple,
he came to Joseph, and said, concerning the Sufferings and Resurrection
8 At which Jesus being angry, of our Master and Saviour, JESUS CHRIST.
said to him, Thou shalt go no 3 Thou hast a wise and sensible
farther; child, send him to me, that he may
learn to read. CHAPTER I.
9 And he instantly fell down
dead: 4 When he sat down to teach 1 Christ accused to Pilate by the Jews
the letters to Jesus, he began with of healing on the Sabbath.
10 Which when some persons the first letter Aleph; 9 Summoned before Pilate by a messenger
saw, they said, Where was this who does him honour.
boy born, that every thing which 5 But Jesus pronounced the 20 Worshipped by the standards bowing down to
he says presently cometh to pass? second letter Mpeth (Beth) Cghimel him.
(Gimel), and said over all the
11 Then the parents of the dead letters to him to the end. ANNAS and Caiphas, and
boy going to Joseph, complained, Summas, and Datam, Gamaliel,
saying, You are not fit to live with 6 Then opening a book, he Judas, Levi, Nepthalim, Alexander,
us, in our city, having such a boy taught his master the prophets Cyrus, and other Jews, went
as that: but he was ashamed, and was at a to Pilate about Jesus, accusing
loss to conceive how he came to him with many bad crimes.
12 Either teach him that he know the letters.
bless and not curse, or else depart 2 And said, We are assured that
hence with him, for he kills our 7 And he arose and went home, Jesus is the son of Joseph, the
children. wonderfully surprised at so strange carpenter, and born of Mary, and
a thing. that he declares himself the Son of
13 Then Joseph calling the God, and a king; and not only so,
boy Jesus by himself, instructed but attempts the dissolution of the
him, saying, Why doest thou such Sabbath, and the laws of our
things to injure the people so, that CHAPTER IV. fathers.
they hate us and prosecute us?
1 Fragment of an adventure at a dyer's. 3 Pilate replied, What is it
14 But Jesus replied, I know which he declares? and what is it
that what thou sayest is not of AS Jesus was passing by a certain which he attempts dissolving?
thyself, but for thy sake I will shop, he saw a young man dipping
say nothing; (or dyeing) some cloths and stockings 4 The Jews told him, We have
in a furnace, of a sad colour, doing a law which forbids doing cures
15 But they who have said these them according to every person's on the Sabbath day; but he cures
things to thee, shall suffer particular order; both the lame and the deaf, those
everlasting punishment. afflicted with the palsy, the blind,

25
the lepers, and demoniacs, on that who before had borne the standards,
day, by wicked methods. 16 And he explained it to me, and swore to them, that if they
saying, they cry out, Hosannah, had not borne the standards in
5 Pilate replied, How can he which being interpreted, is, O that manner when Jesus before
do this by wicked methods? They Lord, save me; or, O Lord, save. entered in, he would cut off
answered He is a conjurer, and their heads.
casts out devils by the prince of 17 Pilate then said to them,
the devils; and so all things, Why do you yourselves testify to 30 Then the governor commanded
become subject to him. the words spoken by the children, Jesus to come in again.
namely, by your silence? In what
6 Then said Pilate, Casting out has the messenger done amiss? 31 And the messenger did as he
devils seems not to be the work of And they were silent. had done before, and very much
an unclean spirit, but to proceed entreated Jesus that he would go
from the power of God. 18 Then the governor said unto upon his cloak, and walk on it;
the messenger, Go forth and and he did walk upon it, and went
7 The Jews replied to Pilate, endeavour by any means to bring in.
We entreat your highness to summon him in.
him to appear before your tribunal, 32 And when Jesus went in,
and hear him yourself. 19 But the messenger went forth the standards bowed themselves as
and did as before; and said, Lord before, and worshipped him.
8 Then Pilate called a messenger, come in, for the governor calleth
and said to him, By what means thee.
will Christ be brought hither?
20 And as Jesus was going in CHAPTER II.
9 Then went the messenger by the ensigns, who carried the
forth, and knowing Christ, standards, the tops of them bowed 2 Is compassionated by Pilate's wife,
worshipped him; and having spread down and worshipped Jesus. 7 charged with being born in fornication.
the cloak which he had in his hand 12 Testimony to the betrothing of his parents.
upon the ground, he said, Lord, 21 Whereupon the Jews exclaimed 15 Hatred of the Jews to him.
walk upon this, and go in, for the more vehemently against the ensigns.
governor calls thee. NOW when Pilate saw this, he
22 But Pilate said to the Jews, was afraid, and was about to
10 When the Jews perceived I know it is not pleasing to you rise from his seat.
what the messenger had done, that the tops of the standards did
they exclaimed (against him) to of themselves bow and worship 2 But while he thought to rise,
Pilate, and said, Why did you not Jesus; but why do ye exclaim his own wife who stood at a
give him his summons by a beadle, against the ensigns, as if they had distance, sent to him, saying, Have
and not by a messenger?--For the bowed and worshipped? thou nothing to do with that just
messenger, when he saw him, man; for I have suffered much
worshipped him, and spread the 23 They replied to Pilate, concerning him in a vision this
cloak which he had in his hand We saw the ensigns themselves night.
upon the ground before him, and bowing and worshipping Jesus.
said to him, Lord, the governor 3 When the Jews heard this
calls thee. 24 Then the governor called the they said to Pilate, Did we not say
ensigns, and said unto them, Why unto thee, He is a conjuror? Behold,
11 Then Pilate called the did you do thus? he hath caused thy wife to dream.
messenger, and said, Why hast thou
done thus? 25 The ensigns said to Pilate, 4 Pilate then calling Jesus, said,
We are all Pagans and worship thou hast heard what they testify
12 The messenger replied, When the gods in temples; and how against thee, and makest no answer?
thou sentest me from Jerusalem to should we think anything about
Alexander, I saw Jesus sitting in worshipping him? We only held 5 Jesus replied, If they had not
a mean figure upon a she-ass, and the standards in our hands, a power of speaking, they could
the children of the Hebrews cried and they bowed themselves and not have spoke; but because every
out, Hosannah, holding boughs of worshipped him. one has the command of his own
trees in their hands. tongue, to speak both good and
26 Then said Pilate to the rulers bad, let him look to it.
13 Others spread their garments of the synagogue, Do ye yourselves
in the way, and said, Save us, thou choose some strong men, and let 6 But the elders of the Jews
who art in heaven; blessed is he them hold the standards, and we answered, and said to Jesus, What
who cometh in the name of the shall see whether they will then shall we look to?
Lord. bend of themselves.
7 In the first place, we know
14 Then the Jews cried out, 27 So the elders of the Jews this concerning thee, that thou
against the messenger, and said, sought out twelve of the most wast born through fornication;
The children of the Hebrews made strong and able old men, and made secondly, that upon the account of
their acclamations in the Hebrew them hold the standards, and they thy birth the infants were slain in
language; and how couldst thou, stood in the presence of the governor. Bethlehem; thirdly, that thy father
who art a Greek, understand the and mother Mary fled into Egypt,
Hebrew? 28 Then Pilate said to the because they could not trust their
messenger, Take Jesus out, and by own people.
15 The messenger answered some means bring him in again.
them and said, I asked one of the And Jesus and the messenger went 8 Some of the Jews who stood
Jews and said, What is this which out of the hall. by spake more favourably, We
the children do cry out in the cannot say that he was born
Hebrew language? 29 And Pilate called the ensigns through fornication; but we know

26
that his mother Mary was betrothed CHAPTER III.
to Joseph, and so he was not born
through fornication. 1 Is exonerated by Pilate. CHAPTER IV.
11 Disputes with Pilate concerning truth.
9 Then said Pilate to the Jews 1 Pilate finds no fault in Jesus.
who affirmed him to be born THEN Pilate, filled with anger, 16 The Jews demand his crucifixion.
through fornication, This your went out of the hall, and said
account is not true, seeing there was to the Jews, I call the whole THEN Pilate left Jesus in the hall,
a betrothment, as they testify who world to witness that I find no and went out to the Jews, and said,
are of your own nation. fault in that man. I find not any one fault in Jesus.

10 Annas and Caiphas spake to 2 The Jews replied to Pilate, 2 The Jews say unto him, But
Pilate, All this multitude of people If he had not been a wicked person, he said, I can destroy the temple
is to be regarded, who cry out, we had not brought him before thee. of God, and in three days build it
that he was born through fornication, up again.
and is a conjurer; but they who deny 3 Pilate said to them, Do ye take
him to be born through fornication, him and try him by your law. 3 Pilate saith to them, What
are his proselytes and disciples. sort of temple is that of which he
4 Then the Jews said, It is not speaketh?
11 Pilate answered Annas and lawful for us to put any one to
Caiphas, Who are the proselytes? death. 4 The Jews say unto him,
They answered, They are those That which Solomon was forty-six
who are the children of Pagans, 5 Pilate said to the Jews, The years in building, he said he
and are not become Jews, but command, therefore, thou shalt would destroy, and in three days
followers of him. not kill, belongs to you, but build up.
not to me.
12 Then replied Eleazer, and 5 Pilate said to them again, I
Asterius, and Antonius, and James, 6 And he went again into the am innocent from the blood of that
Caras and Samuel, Isaac and Phinees, hall, and called Jesus by himself, man! do ye look to it.
Crispus and Agrippa, Annas and Judas, and said to him, Art thou the king
We are not proselytes, but children of the Jews? 6 The Jews say to him, His
of Jews, and speak the truth, blood be upon us and our children.
and were present when Mary was 7 And Jesus answering, said Then Pilate calling together the
betrothed. to Pilate, Dost thou speak this elders and scribes, priests and
of thyself, or did the Jews tell Levites, saith to them privately,
13 Then Pilate addressing it thee concerning me? Do not act thus; I have found
himself to the twelve men who nothing in your charge (against
spake this, said to them, I conjure 8 Pilate answering, said to him) concerning his curing sick
you by the life of Caesar, that ye Jesus, Am I a Jew? The whole persons, and breaking the sabbath,
faithfully declare whether he was nation and rulers of the Jews have worthy of death.
born through fornication, and those delivered thee up to me. What
things be true which ye have related. hast thou done? 7 The priests and Levites replied
to Pilate, By the life of Caesar,
14 They answered Pilate, We 9 Jesus answering, said, My if any one be a blasphemer, he is
have a law whereby we are forbid kingdom is not of this world: worthy of death; but this man hath
to swear, it being a sin: Let them if my kingdom were of this world, blasphemed against the Lord.
swear by the life of Caesar that it then would my servants fight,
is not as we have said, and we will and I should not have been 8 Then the governor again
be contented to be put to death. delivered to the Jews: but now commanded the Jews to depart out
my kingdom is not from hence. of the hall; and calling Jesus,
15 Then said Annas and Caiphas said to him, What shall I do with
to Pilate, Those twelve men will 10 Pilate said, Art thou a king thee?
not believe that we know him to be then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest
basely born, and to be a conjurer, that I am a king: to this end 9 Jesus answered him, Do according
although he pretends that he is was I born, and for this end came as it is written.
the Son of God, and a king: which I into the world; and for this
we are so far from believing, that purpose I came, that I should bear 10 Pilate said to him, How is it
we tremble to hear. witness to the truth; and every written?
one who is of the truth, heareth
16 Then Pilate commanded my voice. 11 Jesus saith to him, Moses
every one to go out except the and the prophets have prophesied
twelve men who said he was not 11 Pilate saith to him, What is concerning my suffering and
born through fornication, and truth? resurrection.
Jesus to withdraw to a distance,
and said to them, Why have the Jews 12 Jesus said, Truth is from 12 The Jews hearing this, were
a mind to kill Jesus? heaven. provoked, and said to Pilate,
Why wilt thou any longer hear the
17 They answered him, They 13 Pilate said, Therefore truth blasphemy of that man?
are angry because he wrought is not on earth.
cures on the sabbath day. Pilate 13 Pilate saith to them, If these
said, Will they kill him for a 14 Jesus saith to Pilate, words seem to you blasphemy, do
good work? They say unto him, Believe that truth is on earth ye take him, bring him to your
Yes, Sir. among those, who when they have court, and try him according to
the power of judgment, are governed your law.
by truth, and form right judgment.
14 The Jews reply to Pilate,

27
Our law saith, he shall be obliged him what day it was on which he
to receive nine and thirty stripes, 5 Thus Moses, when he was was cured of his infirmity.
but if after this manner he shall sent by God into Egypt, wrought
blaspheme against the Lord, he the miracles which God commanded 18 The infirm person replied,
shall be stoned. him, before Pharaoh king of Egypt; It was on the sabbath.
and though the magicians of that
15 Pilate saith unto them, If country, Jannes and Jambres, 19 The Jews said to Pilate, Did
that speech of his was blasphemy, wrought by their magic the same we not say that he wrought his
do ye try him according to your miracles which Moses did, yet they cures on the sabbath, and cast out
law. could not work all which he did; devils by the prince of devils?

16 The Jews say to Pilate, Our 6 And the miracles which the 20 Then another certain Jew
law command us not to put any one magicians wrought, were not of came forth, and said, I was blind,
to death. We desire that he may be God, as ye know, O Scribes and could hear sounds, but could not
crucified, because he deserves the Pharisees; but they who wrought see any one; and as Jesus was
death of the cross. them perished, and all who going along, I heard the multitude
believed them. passing by, and I asked what
17 Pilate saith to them, It is not was there?
fit he should be crucified: let him 7 And now let this man go;
be only whipped and sent away. because the very miracles for 21 They told me that Jesus was
which ye accuse him, are from passing by: then I cried out,
18 But when the governor looked God; and he is not worthy of saying, Jesus, Son of David, have
upon the people that were present death. mercy on me. And he stood still,
and the Jews, he saw many of the and commanded that I should be
Jews in tears, and said to the 8 The Jews then said to Nicodemus, brought to him, and said to me,
chief priests of the Jews, All Art thou become his disciple, What wilt thou?
the people do not desire his death. and making speeches in his favour?
22 I said, Lord, that I may
19 The elders of the Jews answered 9 Nicodemus said to them, Is receive my sight.
to Pilate, We and all the people the governor become his disciple
came hither for this very purpose, also, and does he make speeches 23 He said to me, Receive thy
that he should die. for him? Did not Caesar place sight: and presently I saw, and
him in that high post? followed him, rejoicing and giving
20 Pilate saith to them, Why should thanks,
he die? 10 When the Jews heard this
they trembled, and gnashed their 24 Another Jew also came forth,
21 They said to him, Because teeth at Nicodemus, and said to and said, I was a leper, and he
he declares himself to be the Son him, Mayest thou receive his cured me by his word only, saying,
of God and a King. doctrine for truth, and have I will, be thou clean; and presently
thy lot with Christ! I was cleansed from my leprosy.

11 Nicodemus replied, Amen; 25 And another Jew came


CHAP. V. I will receive his doctrine, and forth, and said I was crooked,
my lot with him, as ye have said. and he made me straight by his
1 Nicodemus speaks in defence of Christ, word.
and relates his miracles. 12 Then another certain Jew
12 Another Jew, rose up, and desired leave of the 26 And a certain woman
26 with Veronica, governor to hear him a few words. named Veronica, said, I was
34 Centurio, and others, afflicted with an issue of blood
testify of other miracles. 13 And the governor said, twelve years, and I touched the
Speak, what thou hast a mind. hem of his garment, and presently
BUT Nicodemus, a certain Jew, the issue of blood stopped.
stood before the governor, 14 And he said, I lay for thirty-
and said, I entreat thee, eight years by the sheep-pool at
O righteous judge, that thou Jerusalem, labouring under a great 27 The Jews then said, We
wouldst favour me with the infirmity, and waiting for a cure have a law, that a woman shall
liberty of speaking a few words. which should be wrought by the not be allowed as an evidence.
coming of an angel, who at a
2 Pilate said to him, Speak on. certain time troubled the water: and 28 And, after other things,
whosoever first after the troubling another Jew said, I saw Jesus
3 Nicodemus said, I spake to of the water stepped in, was made invited to a wedding with his
the elders of the Jews, and the whole of whatsoever disease he had. disciples, and there was a want
scribes, and priests and Levites, of wine in Cana of Galilee;
and all the multitude of the Jews, 15 And when Jesus saw me languishing
in their assembly; What is it ye there, he said to me, Wilt thou be 29 And when the wine was all
would do with this man? made whole? And I answered, Sir, drank, he commanded the servants
I have no man, when the water is that they should fill six pots which
4 He is a man who hath wrought troubled, to put me into the pool. were there with water, and they
many useful and glorious miracles, filled them up to the brim, and he
such as no man on earth ever 16 And he said unto me, Rise, blessed them and turned the water
wrought before, nor will ever take up thy bed and walk. And into wine, and all the people drank,
work. Let him go, and do him I was immediately made whole, being surprised at this miracle,
no harm; if he cometh from God, and took up my bed and walked.
his miracles, (his miraculous 30 And another Jew stood forth,
cures) will continue; but if from 17 The Jews then said to Pilate, and said, I saw Jesus teaching
men, they will come to nought. Our Lord Governor, pray ask in the synagogue at Capernaum;

28
and there was in the synagogue 42 Some of them farther said, Son of God, and a king. But are
a certain man who had a devil; This power can proceed from none you inclined that he should be
and he cried out, saying, but God. king, and not Caesar?
let me alone; what have we to
do with thee, Jesus of Nazareth? 43 Pilate said to the Jews, Why 9 Then Pilate filled with anger
Art thou come to destroy us? are not the devils subject to your said to them, Your nation hath
I know that thou art the Holy One doctors? always been seditious, and you are
of God. always against those who have
44 Some of them said, The been serviceable to you.
31 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, power of subjecting devils cannot
Hold thy peace, unclean spirit, proceed but from God. 10 The Jews replied, Who are those
and come out of the man; and who have been serviceable to us?
presently he came out of him, and 45 But others said to Pilate,
did not at all hurt him. That he had raised Lazarus from 11 Pilate answered them, Your
the dead, after he had been four God who delivered you from the
32 The following things were days in his grave. hard bondage of the Egyptians,
also said by a Pharisee: I saw and brought you over the Red Sea
that a great company came to 46 The governor hearing this, as though it had been dry land,
Jesus from Galilee and Judea, and trembling, said to the multitude of and fed you in the wilderness with
the sea-cost, and many countries the Jews, What will it profit you manna and the flesh of quails, and
about Jordan; and many infirm to shed innocent blood? brought water out of the rock, and
persons came to him, and he healed gave you a law from heaven.
them all.
12 Ye provoked him all ways,
33 And I heard the unclean CHAPTER VI. and desired for yourselves a
spirits crying out, and saying, molten calf, and worshipped it,
Thou art the Son of God. And 1 Pilate dismayed by the turbulence of the Jews, and sacrificed to it, and said,
Jesus strictly charged them, that 5 who demand Barabbas to be released, and These are thy Gods, O Israel,
they should not make him known. Christ
to be crucified. which brought thee out of the
34 After this another person, 9 Pilate warmly expostulates with them, land of Egypt:
whose name was Centurio, said, 20 washes his hands of Christ's blood,
I saw Jesus in Capernaum, and I 23 and sentences him to be whipped and 13 On account of which your
entreated him, saying, Lord, my crucified. God was inclined to destroy you;
servant lieth at home sick of the but Moses interceded for you, and
palsy. THEN Pilate having called your God heard him, and forgave
together Nicodemus, and the your iniquity.
35 And Jesus said to me, I fifteen men who said that Jesus
will come and cure him. was not born through fornication, 14 Afterwards ye were enraged
said to them, What shall I do, against, and would have killed
36 But I said, Lord, I am not seeing there is like to be a tumult your prophets, Moses and Aaron,
worthy that thou shouldst come among the people. when they fled to the tabernacle,
under my roof; but only speak and ye were always murmuring
the word, and my servant shall be 2 They say unto him, We know against God and his prophets.
healed. not; let them look to it who raise
the tumult. 15 And arising from his
37 And Jesus said unto me, Go judgment seat, he would have gone
thy way; and as thou hast believed 3 Pilate then called the out; but the Jews all cried out,
so be it done unto thee. And my multitude again, and said to them, We acknowledge Caesar to be king,
servant was healed from that same Ye know that ye have a custom, that and not Jesus;
hour. I should release to you one prisoner
at the feast of the passover: 16 Whereas this person, as
38 Then a certain nobleman soon as he was born, the wise
said, I had a son in Capernaum, 4 I have a noted prisoner, a men came and offered gifts unto
who lay at the point of death; and murderer, who is called Barabbas, him; which when Herod heard,
when I heard that Jesus was come and Jesus who is called Christ, in he was exceedingly troubled,
into Galilee, I went and besought whom I find nothing that deserves and would have killed him:
him that he would come down to death; which of them, therefore,
my house, and heal my son, for he have you a mind that I should 17 When his father knew this,
was at the point of death. release to you? he fled with him and his mother
Mary into Egypt. Herod, when
39 He said to me, Go thy way, 5 They all cry out, and say, he heard he was born, would have
thy son liveth. Release to us Barabbas. slain him; and accordingly sent
and slew all the children which
40 And my son was cured from 6 Pilate saith to them, What were in Bethlehem, and in all the
that hour. coasts thereof, from two years old
then shall I do with Jesus who is and under.
called Christ?
41 Besides these, also many 18 When Pilate heard this
others of the Jews, both men and 7 They all answer, Let him be account, he was afraid; and
Women, cried out and said, He is crucified. commanding silence among the
truly the Son of God, who cures people, who made a noise, he said
all diseases only by his word, and 8 Again they cry out and say to to Jesus, Art thou therefore a king?
to whom the devils are altogether Pilate, You are not the friend of
subject. Caesar, if you release this man; 19 All the Jews replied to
for he hath declared that he is the Pilate, he is the very person

29
whom Herod sought to have slain.
9 And Pilate wrote the title 7 The centurion went to the
20 Then Pilate taking water, upon the cross in Hebrew, Latin, governor, and related to him all
washed his hands before the people and Greek letters, viz., THIS IS that had passed:
and said, I am innocent of the THE KING OF THE JEWS.
blood of this just person; look ye 8 And when he had heard all
to it. 10 But one of the two thieves these things, he was exceedingly
who were crucified with Jesus, sorrowful;
21 The Jews answered and said, whose name was Gestas, said to
His blood be upon us and our Jesus, If thou art the Christ, 9 And calling the Jews together,
children. deliver thyself and us. said to them, Have ye seen the
miracle of the sun's eclipse, and
22 Then Pilate commanded Jesus 11 But the thief who was the other things which came to
to be brought before him, and crucified on his right hand, pass, while Jesus was dying?
spake to him in the following whose name was Dimas, answering,
words; rebuked him, and said, Dost not 10 Which when the Jews heard,
thou fear God, who art condemned they answered to the governor,
23 Thy own nation hath charged to this punishment? We indeed The eclipse of the sun happened
thee as making thyself a king; receive rightly and justly the according to its usual custom.
wherefore I, Pilate, sentence thee demerit of our actions; but this
to be whipped according to the Jesus, what evil hath he done. 11 But all those who were the
laws of former governors; and acquaintance of Christ, stood at
that thou be first bound, then 12 After this, groaning, he said a distance, as did the women who
hanged upon a cross in that place to Jesus, Lord, remember me had followed Jesus from Galilee,
where thou art now a prisoner; when thou comest into thy kingdom. observing all these things.
and also two criminals with thee,
whose names are Dimas and Gestas. 13 Jesus answering, said to 12 And behold a certain man
him, Verily I say unto thee, that of Arimathaea, named Joseph, who
this day thou shalt be with me in was also a disciple of Jesus, but
Paradise. not openly so, for fear of the Jews,
CHAP. VII. came to the governor, and entreated
the governor that he would give him
1 Manner of Christ's crucifixion leave to take away the body of Jesus
with the two thieves. CHAPTER VIII. from the cross.

THEN Jesus went out of the 1 Miraculous appearance at his death. 13 And the governor gave him leave.
hall, and the two thieves 10 The Jews say the eclipse was natural.
with him. 12 Joseph of Arimathaea embalms Christ's 14 And Nicodemus came, bringing
body and buries it. with him a mixture of myrrh and
2 And when they came to the aloes about a hundred pounds
place which is called Golgotha, AND it was about the sixth weight; and they took down Jesus
they stript him of his raiment, and hour, and darkness was upon from the cross with tears, and
girt him about with a linen cloth, the face of the whole earth until bound him in linen cloths with
and put a crown of thorns upon his the ninth hour. spices, according to the custom of
head, and put a reed in his hand. burying among the Jews;
2 And while the sun was eclipsed,
3 And in like manner did they behold the veil of the temple was 15 And placed him in a new
to the two thieves who were rent from the top, to the bottom; tomb, which Joseph had built,
crucified with him, Dimas on his and the rocks also were rent, and and caused to be cut out of a rock,
right hand and Gestas on his left. the graves opened, and many in which never any man had been
bodies of saints, which slept, put; and they rolled a great stone
4 But Jesus said, My Father, arose. to the door of the sepulchre.
forgive them, For they know not
what they do. 3 And about the ninth hour
Jesus cried out with a loud voice,
5 And they divided his garments, Eli, Eli, lama sabacthani? which CHAPTER IX.
and upon his vesture they cast lots. being interpreted is, My God, My
God, why hast thou forsaken me? 1 The Jews angry with Nicodemus:
6 The people in the mean time 5 and with, Joseph of Arimathaea,
stood by, and the chief priests 4 And after these things, Jesus 7 whom they imprison.
and elders of the Jews mocked him, said, Father, into thy hands I
saying, He saved others, let him commend my spirit; and having WHEN the unjust Jews heard
now save himself if he can; if he said this, he gave up the ghost. that Joseph had begged and buried
be the son of God, let him now the body of Jesus, they sought
come down from the cross. 5 But when the centurion saw after Nicodemus, and those fifteen
that Jesus thus crying out gave up men who had testified before the
7 The soldiers also mocked him, the ghost, he glorified God, and governor, that Jesus was not born
and taking vinegar and gall, offered said, Of a truth this was a just through fornication, and other
it to him to drink, and said to him, man. good persons who had shown any
If thou art king of the Jews, good actions towards him.
deliver thyself. 6 And all the people who stood
by, were exceedingly troubled at 2 But when they all concealed
8 Then Longinus, a certain soldier, the sight; and reflecting upon themselves through fear of the
taking a spear, pierced his side, what had passed, smote upon their Jews, Nicodemus alone showed
and presently there came forth blood breasts, and then returned to the himself to them, and said, How
and water. city of Jerusalem. can such persons as these enter

30
into the synagogue? there was no window; they fastened of Jesus, and said to them, Who are
the door, and put a seal upon those women, to whom the angel spoke?
3 The Jews answered him, But the lock; Why did ye not seize them.
how durst thou enter into the
synagogue, who wast a confederate 13 And Annas and Caiaphas placed 8 The soldiers answered and said,
with Christ? Let thy lot be along a guard upon it, and took counsel We know not who the women were;
with him in the other world. with the priests and Levites, besides we became as dead persons
that they should all meet after through fear, and how could we
4 Nicodemus answered, Amen; the Sabbath, and they contrived seize those women?
so may it be, that I may have to what death they should put Joseph.
my lot with him in his kingdom. 9 The Jews said to them, As the
14 When they had done this, the Lord liveth, we do not believe you;
5 In like manner Joseph, when rulers, Annas and Caiaphas,
he came to the Jews, said to them, ordered Joseph to be brought 10 The soldiers answering said to
Why are ye angry with me for forth. the Jews, when ye saw and heard
desiring the body of Jesus of Jesus working so many miracles,
Pilate? Behold, I have put him in (In this place there is a portion and did not believe him, how should
my tomb, and wrapped him up in of the Gospel lost or omitted. ye believe us? Ye well said,
clean linen, and put a stone at the which cannot be supplied. It As the Lord liveth, for the Lord
door of the sepulchre: may, nevertheless, be surmised truly does live.
from the occurrence related in
6 I have acted rightly towards the next chapter, that the order 11 We have heard that ye shut
him; but ye have acted unjustly of Annas and Caiaphas were rendered up Joseph, who buried the body of
against that just person, in unnecessary by Joseph's miraculous Jesus, in a chamber, under a lock
crucifying him, giving him vinegar escape, and which was announced which was sealed; and when ye
to drink, crowning him with thorns, to an assembly of people.) opened it, found him not there.
tearing his body with whips, and
praying down the guilt of his blood 12 Do ye then produce Joseph
upon you. whom ye put under guard in the
CHAPTER X. chamber, and we will produce
7 The Jews at the hearing of Jesus whom we guarded in the
this were disquieted and troubled; 1 Joseph's escape. sepulchre.
and they seized Joseph, and 2 The soldiers relate Christ's resurrection.
commanded him to be put in custody 18 Christ is seen preaching in Galilee. 13 The Jews answered and said,
before the Sabbath, and kept there 21 The Jews repent of their cruelty to him. We will produce Joseph, do ye
till the Sabbath was over. produce Jesus. But Joseph is in
WHEN all the assembly heard his own city of Arimathaea.
8 And they said to him, Make this (about Joseph's escape),
confession; for at this time it is they admired and were astonished, 14 The soldiers replied,
not lawful to do thee any harm, because they found the same seal If Joseph be in Arimathaea,
till the first day of the week come. upon the lock of the chamber, and and Jesus in Galilee, we heard
But we know that thou wilt not be could not find Joseph. the angel inform the women.
thought worthy of a burial; but
we will give thy flesh to the birds 2 Then Annas and Caiaphas went 15 The Jews hearing this, were
of the air, and the beasts of the forth, and while they were all afraid, and said among themselves,
earth. admiring at Joseph's being gone, If by any means these things
behold one of the soldiers, who should become public, then
9 Joseph answered, That speech kept the sepulchre of Jesus, spake everybody will believe in Jesus.
is like the speech of proud Goliath, in the assembly,
who reproached the living God in 16 Then they gathered a large
speaking against David. But ye 3 That while they were guarding sum of money, and gave it to the
scribes and doctors know that God the sepulchre of Jesus, there was soldiers, saying, Do ye tell the
saith by the prophet, Vengeance is an earthquake; and we saw an angel people that the disciples of Jesus
mine, and I will repay to you evil of God roll away the stone of the came in the night when ye were
equal to that which ye have sepulchre and sit upon it; asleep, and stole away the body of
threatened to me. Jesus; and if Pilate the governor
4 And his countenance was like should hear of this, we will satisfy
10 The God whom you have lightning and his garment like him and secure you.
hanged upon the cross, is able to snow; and we became through fear
deliver me out of your hands. All like persons dead. 17 The soldiers accordingly took
your wickedness will return upon the money, and said as they were
you. 5 And we heard an angel saying instructed by the Jews; and their
to the women at the sepulchre of report was spread abroad among
Jesus, Do not fear; I know that all the people.
11 For the governor, when he you seek Jesus who was crucified;
washed his hands, said, I am clear he is risen as he foretold; 18 But a certain priest Phinees,
from the blood of this just person. Ada a schoolmaster, and a Levite,
But ye answered and cried out, 6 Come and see the place where named Ageus, they three came from
His blood be upon us and our he was laid; and go presently, and Galilee to Jerusalem, and told
children. According as ye have tell his disciples that he is risen the chief priests and all who
said, may ye perish for ever. from the dead; and he will go before were in the synagogues, saying,
you into Galilee; there ye shall
12 The elders of the Jews hearing see him as he told you. 19 We have seen Jesus, whom
these words, were exceedingly ye crucified, talking with his
enraged; and seizing Joseph, they 7 Then the Jews called together eleven disciples, and sitting in the
put him into a chamber where all the soldiers who kept the sepulchre midst of them in Mount Olivet,

31
and saying to them, declared to us according to the
instructions which we gave them. 9 We know that it was malicious
20 Go forth into the whole world, They must either be faithful to us counsel which we took against
preach the Gospel to all nations, or to the disciples of Jesus. thee, and that the Lord took care
baptizing them in the name of the of thee, and the Lord himself
Father, and the Son, and the Holy delivered thee from our designs.
Ghost; and whosoever shall believe Peace be unto thee, Joseph, who
and be baptized, shall be saved. CHAPTER XI. art honourable among all the
people.
21 And when he had said these 1 Nicodemus counsels the Jews.
things to his disciples, we saw him 6 Joseph found. 10 And they chose seven of
ascending up to heaven. 11 Invited by the Jews to return. Joseph's friends, and said to them,
19 Relates the manner of his miraculous escape. When ye come to Joseph, salute
22 When the chief priests and him in peace, and give him this
elders, and Levites heard these THEN Nicodemus arose, and letter.
things, they said to these three said, Ye say right, O sons of
men, Give glory to the God of Israel; ye have heard what those 11 Accordingly, when the men
Israel, and make confession to three men have sworn by the Law came to Joseph, they did salute
him, whether those things are true, of God, who said, We have seen him in peace, and gave him the
which ye say ye have seen and heard. Jesus speaking with his disciples letter.
upon mount Olivet, and we saw
23 They answering said, As the him ascending up to heaven. 12 And when Joseph had read it,
Lord of our fathers liveth, the he said, Blessed be the Lord God,
God of Abraham, and the God of 2 And the scripture teacheth who didst deliver me from the
Isaac, and the God of Jacob, us that the blessed prophet Elijah Israelites, that they could not
according as we heard Jesus talking was taken up to heaven, and Elisha shed my blood. Blessed be God,
with his disciples, and according being asked by the sons of the who hast protected me under thy
as we saw him ascending up to prophets, Where is our father Elijah? wings.
heaven, so we have related the He said to them, that he is taken up
truth to you. to heaven. 13 And Joseph kissed them, and
took them into his house. And on
24 And the three men farther 3 And the sons of the prophets the morrow, Joseph mounted his
answered, and said, adding these said to him, Perhaps the spirit ass, and went along with them to
words, If we should not own the hath carried him into one of the Jerusalem.
words which we heard Jesus speak, mountains of Israel, there perhaps
and that we saw him ascending we shall find him. And they besought 14 And when all the Jews heard
into heaven, we should be guilty Elisha, and he walked about with these things, they went out to
of sin. them three days, and they could meet him, and cried out, saying,
not find him. Peace attend thy coming hither,
25 Then the chief priests father Joseph.
immediately rose up, and holding 4 And now hear me, O sons of
the book of the law in their hands, Israel, and let us send men into 15 To which he answered,
conjured these men, saying, Ye the mountains of Israel, lest Prosperity from the Lord attend
shall no more hereafter declare perhaps the spirit hath carried all the people.
those things which ye have spoken away Jesus, and there perhaps we
concerning Jesus. shall find him, and be satisfied. 13 And they all kissed him; and
Nicodemus took him to his house,
26 And they gave them a large 5 And the counsel of Nicodemus having prepared a large
sum of money, and sent other pleased all the people; and they entertainment.
persons along with them, who sent forth men who sought for Jesus,
should conduct them to their own but could not find him; and they 17 But on the morrow, being
country, that they might not by any returning, said, We went all about, a preparation-day, Annas, and
means make any stay at Jerusalem. but could not find Jesus, but we Caiaphas, and Nicodemus, said to
have found Joseph in his city of Joseph, Make confession to the
27 Then the Jews did assemble Arimathaea. God of Israel, and answer to us
all together, and having expressed all those questions which we shall
the most lamentable concern said, 6 The rulers hearing this, and ask thee;
What is this extraordinary thing all the people, were glad, and
which is come to pass in Jerusalem? praised the God of Israel, because 18 For we have been very much
Joseph was found, whom they had troubled, that thou didst bury the
28 But Annas and Caiaphas comforted shut up in a chamber, and could body of Jesus; and that when we
them, saying, Why should we believe not find. had locked thee in a chamber, we
the soldiers who guarded the sepulchre could not find thee; and we have
of Jesus, in telling us, that an angel 7 And when they had formed a been afraid ever since, till this
rolled away the stone from the door large assembly, the chief priests time of thy appearing among us.
of the sepulchre? said, By what means shall we bring Tell us therefore before God, all
Joseph to us to speak with him? that came to pass.
29 Perhaps his own disciples told
them this, and gave them money 8 And taking a piece of paper, 19 Then Joseph answering,
that they should say so, and they they wrote to him, and said, Peace said Ye did indeed put me under
themselves took away the body of Jesus. be with thee, and all thy family, confinement, on the day of
We know that we have offended preparation, till the morning.
30 Besides, consider this, that against God and thee. Be pleased
there is no credit to be given to to give a visit to us, your fathers, 20 But while I was standing at
foreigners, because they also took for we were perfectly surprised at prayer in the middle of the night,
a large sum of us, and they have your escape from prison. the house was surrounded with

32
four angels; and I saw Jesus as the face of all people; a light to We all knew the blessed Simeon,
the brightness of the sun, and fell enlighten the Gentiles, and the the high-priest, who took Jesus
down upon the earth for fear. glory of thy people Israel. when an infant into his arms in
the temple.
21 But Jesus laying hold on my 4 Simeon in like manner blessed
hand, lifted me from the ground, Mary the Mother of Jesus, and 16 This same Simeon had two sons
and the dew was then sprinkled said to her, I declare to thee of his own, and we were all present
upon me; but he, wiping my face, concerning that child; He is at their death and funeral.
kissed me, and said unto me, Fear appointed for the fall and rising
not, Joseph; look upon me for again of many, and for a sign 17 Go therefore and see their
it is I. which shall be spoken against; tombs, for these are open, and
they are risen: and behold, they
22 Then I looked upon him, and 5 Yea, a sword shall pierce are in the city of Arimathaea,
said, Rabboni Elias! He answered through thine own soul also, and spending their time together in
me, I am not Elias, but Jesus of the thoughts of many hearts shall offices of devotion.
Nazareth, whose body thou didst be revealed.
bury. 18 Some, indeed, have heard
6 Then said all the Jews, Let the sound of their voices in prayer,
23 I said to him, show me the us send to those three men, who but they will not discourse with
tomb in which I laid thee. said they saw him talking with anyone, but they continue as mute
his disciples in mount Olivet. as dead men.
24 Then Jesus, taking me by the
hand, led me unto the place where 7 After this, they asked them 19 But come, let us go to them,
I laid him, and showed me the what they had seen; who answered and behave ourselves towards them
linen clothes, and napkin which I with one accord, In the presence with all due respect and caution.
put round his head. Then I knew of the God of Israel we affirm, And if we can bring them to swear,
that it was Jesus, and worshipped that we plainly saw Jesus talking perhaps they will tell us some of
him, and said; Blessed be he who with his disciples in Mount Olivet, the mysteries of their resurrection.
cometh in the name of the Lord. and ascending up to heaven.
20 When the Jews heard this
25 Jesus again taking me by the 8 Then Annas and Caiaphas took they were exceedingly rejoiced.
hand, led me to Arimathaea, to my them into separate places, and
own house, and said to me, Peace examined them separately; who 21 Then Annas and Caiaphas,
be to thee; but go not out of thy unanimously confessed the truth, Nicodemus, Joseph, and Gamaliel,
house till the fortieth day; but and said, they had seen Jesus. went to Arimathaea, but did not
I must go to my disciples. find them in their graves; but
9 Then Annas and Caiaphas said walking about the city, they found
"Our law saith, By the mouth of them on their bended knees at
two or three witnesses every word their devotions:
CHAPTER XII. shall be established."
22 Then saluting them with all
1 The Jews astonished and confounded. 10 But what have we said? respect and deference to God, they
16 Simeon's two sons, Charinus and Lenthius, The blessed Enoch pleased God, brought them to the synagogue at
rise from the dead at Christ's crucifixion. and was translated by the word of Jerusalem; and having shut the
19 Joseph proposes to get them to relate the God; and the burying-place of the gates, they took the book of the
mysteries of their resurrection. blessed Moses is known. law of the Lord,
21 They are sought and found,
22 brought to the synagogue, 11 But Jesus was delivered to 23 And putting it in their hands,
23 privately sworn to secrecy, Pilate, whipped, crowned with swore them by God Adonai, and
25 and undertake to write what they had seen. thorns, spit upon, pierced with a the God of Israel, who spake to
spear, crucified, died upon the our fathers by the law and the
WHEN the chief priests and cross, and was buried, and his prophets, saying, If ye believe
Levites heard all these body the honourable Joseph buried him who raised you from the dead,
things, they were astonished, and in a new sepulchre, and he testifies to be Jesus, tell us what ye have
fell down with their faces on the that he saw him alive. seen, and how ye were raised from
ground as dead men, and crying the dead.
out to one another, said, What is 12 And besides, these men have
this extraordinary sign which is declared, that they saw him talking 24 Charinus and Lenthius, the
come to pass in Jerusalem? We with his disciples in Mount Olivet, two sons of Simeon, trembled
know the father and mother of and ascending up to heaven. when they heard these things, and
Jesus. were disturbed, and groaned; and
13 Then Joseph rising up, said at the same time looking up to
2 And a certain Levite said, to Annas and Caiaphas, Ye may be heaven, they made the sign of the
I know many of his relations, justly under a great surprise, cross with their fingers on their
religions persons, who are wont to that you have been told, that tongues,
offer sacrifices and burnt-offerings Jesus is alive, and gone up to
to the God of Israel, in the temple, heaven. 25 And immediately they spake,
with prayers. and said, Give each of us some
14 It is indeed a thing really paper, and we will write down for
3 And when the high-priest surprising, that he should not you all those things which we have
Simeon took him up in his arms, only himself arise from the dead, seen. And they each sat down
he said to him, Lord, now lettest but also raise others from their and wrote, saying:--
thou thy servant depart in peace, graves, who have been seen by
according to thy word; for mine many in Jerusalem.
eyes have seen thy salvation,
which then halt prepared before 15 And now hear me a little CHAPTER XIII.

33
11 To which he replied, I am 6 Then will Christ, the most
1 The narrative of Charinus and Lenthius the voice of one crying in the merciful Son of God, come on
commences. wilderness, John the Baptist, and earth to raise again the human
3 A great light in hell. the prophet of the Most High, who body of Adam, and at the same
7 Simeon arrives, and announces the coming of went before his coming to prepare time to raise the bodies of the
Christ. his way, to give the knowledge of dead, and when he cometh he will
salvation to his people for the be baptized in Jordan;
O LORD Jesus and Father, who forgiveness of sins.
art God, also the resurrection 7 Then with the oil of his
and life of the dead, give us 12 And I, John, when I saw mercy he will anoint all those
leave to declare thy mysteries, Jesus coming to me, being moved who believe in him; and the oil
which we saw after death, belonging by the Holy Ghost, I said, Behold of his mercy will continue to
to thy cross; for we are sworn by the Lamb of God, behold him who future generations, for those
thy name. takes away the sins of the world. who shall be born of the water
and the Holy Ghost unto eternal
2 For thou hast forbidden thy 13 And I baptized him in the life.
servants to declare the secret river Jordan, and saw the Holy
things, which were wrought by Ghost descending upon him in the 8 And when at that time the
thy divine power in hell. form of a dove, and heard a voice most merciful Son of God, Christ
from heaven saying, This is my Jesus, shall come down on earth,
3 When we were Placed with beloved Son, in whom I am well he will introduce our father Adam
our fathers in the dept of hell, pleased. into Paradise, to the tree of mercy.
in the blackness of darkness,
on a sudden there appeared the 14 And now while I was going 9 When all the patriarchs and
colour of the sun like gold, before him, I came down hither to prophets heard all these things
and a substantial purple-coloured acquaint you, that the Son of God from Seth, they rejoiced more.
light enlightening the place. will next visit us, and, as the
day-spring from on high, will come to
4 Presently upon this, Adam, us, who are in darkness and the
the father of all mankind, with shadow of death. CHAPTER XV.
all the patriarchs and prophets,
rejoiced and said, That light is the 1 Quarrel between Satan and the prince of hell,
author of everlasting light, who concerning the expected arrival of Christ in hell.
hath promised to translate us to CHAPTER XIV.
everlasting light. WHILE all the saints were
rejoicing, behold Satan, the
5 Then Isaiah the prophet cried 1 Adam causes Seth to relate what he heard prince and captain of death, said
out and said, This is the light from Michael the archangel, when he sent him to the prince of hell,
of the Father, and the Son of God, to Paradise to entreat God to anoint his
according to my prophecy, when I head in his sickness. 2 Prepare to receive Jesus of
was alive upon earth. Nazareth himself, who boasted
BUT when the first man our father that he was the Son of God, and
6 The land of Zabulon, and the Adam heard these things, that yet was a man afraid of death, and
land of Nephthalim, beyond Jordan, Jesus was baptized in Jordan, said, My soul is sorrowful even to
a people who walked in darkness, he called out to his son Seth, death.
saw a great light; and to them and said,
who dwelled in the region of the 3 Besides he did many injuries
shadow of death, light is arisen. 2 Declare to your sons, the to me and to many others; for
And now he is come, and hath patriarchs and prophets, all those those whom I made blind and lame
enlightened us who sat in death. things, which thou didst hear from and those also whom I tormented
Michael, the archangel, when I with several devils, he cured by
7 And while we were all rejoicing sent thee to the gates of Paradise, his word; yea, and those whom I
in the light which shone upon us, to entreat God that he would brought dead to thee, he by force
our father Simeon came among us, anoint my head when I was sick. takes away from thee.
and congratulating all the company,
said, Glorify the Lord Jesus Christ 3 Then Seth, coming near to the 4 To this the prince of hell
the Son of God. patriarchs and prophets, said, I, replied to Satan, Who is that so
Seth, when I was praying to God powerful prince, and yet a man who
8 Whom I took up in my arms when at the gates of Paradise, beheld is afraid of death?
an infant in the temple, and the angel of the Lord, Michael,
being moved by the Holy Ghost, appear unto me, saying, I am sent 5 For all the potentates of the
said to him, and acknowledged, unto thee from the Lord; I am earth are subject to my power,
That now mine eyes have seen thy appointed to preside over human whom thou broughtest to subjection
salvation, which thou hast prepared bodies. by thy power.
before the face of all people; a
light to enlighten the Gentiles, 4 I tell thee, Seth, do not pray 6 But if he be so powerful in his
and the glory of thy people Israel. to God in tears, and entreat him human nature, I affirm to thee for
for the oil of the tree of mercy truth, that he is almighty in his
9 All the saints who were in wherewith to anoint thy father divine nature, and no man can
the depth of hell, hearing this, Adam for his head-ache; resist his power:
rejoiced the more.
5 Because thou canst not by any 7 When therefore he said he was
10 Afterwards there came forth means obtain it till the last day afraid of death, he designed to
one like a little hermit, and was and times, namely, till five thousand ensnare thee, and unhappy it will be
asked by every one, Who art thou? and five hundred years be past. to thee for everlasting ages,

34
8 Then Satan replying, said to 20 Bring not therefore this person
the prince of hell, Why didst thou hither, for he will set at liberty 11 And I said in another place,
express a doubt, and wast afraid to all those whom I hold in prison O grave, where is thy victory?
receive that Jesus of Nazareth, under unbelief, and bound with O death, where is thy sting?
both thy adversary and mine? the fetters of their sins, and will
conduct them to everlasting life. 12 When all the saints heard
9 As for me, I tempted him and these things spoken by Isaiah,
stirred up my old people the Jews they said to the prince of hell,
with zeal and anger against him; Open now thy gates, and take
CHAPTER XVI. away thine iron bars; for thou
10 I sharpened the spear for his wilt now be bound, and have no
suffering; I mixed the gall and 1 Christ's arrival at hell-gates;
vinegar, and commanded that he the confusion thereupon. power.
should drink it; I prepared the 19 He descends into hell.
cross to crucify him, and the nails 13 Then was there a great voice,
to pierce through his hands and AND while Satan and the Prince as of the sound of thunder, saying,
feet; and now his death is near of hell were discoursing thus Lift up your gates, O princes; and
at hand, I will bring him hither, to each other, on a sudden there be ye lifted up, ye gates of hell,
subject both to thee and me. was a voice as of thunder, and the and the King of Glory will enter
rushing of winds, saying, Lift up in.
11 Then the prince of hell your gates, O ye princes; and be
answering, said, Thou saidst to me ye lift up, O everlasting gates, 14 The prince of hell perceiving
just now, that he took away the and the King of Glory shall come in. the same voice repeated, cried out,
dead from me by force. as though he had been ignorant,
2 When the prince of hell heard Who is that King of Glory?
12 They who have been kept here this, he said to Satan, Depart from
till they should live again upon me, and begone out of my habitations; 15 David replied to the prince
earth, were taken away hence, if thou art a powerful warrior, of hell, and said, I understand the
not by their own power, but by fight with the King of Glory. words of that voice, because I
prayers made to God, and their But what hast thou to do with spake them in his spirit. And now,
almighty God took them from me. him? as I have before said, I say unto
thee, the Lord strong and powerful,
13 Who then is that Jesus of 3 And he cast him forth from his the Lord mighty in battle: he is
Nazareth that by his word hath habitations. the King of Glory, and he is the
taken away the dead from me Lord in heaven and in earth.
without prayer to God? 4 And the prince said to his
impious officers, Shut the brass gates 16 He hath looked down to hear
14 Perhaps it is the same who of cruelty, and make them fast with the groans of the prisoners, and to
took away from me Lazarus, after iron bars, and fight courageously, set loose those that are appointed
he had been four days dead, and lest we be taken captives. to death.
did both stink and was rotten, and
of whom I had possession as a dead 5 But when all the company of 17 And now, thou filthy and
person, yet he brought him to life the saints heard this they spake stinking prince of hell, open thy
again by his power. with a loud voice of anger to the gates, that the King of Glory may
prince of hell, enter in; for he is the Lord of
15 Satan answering, replied to heaven and earth.
the prince of hell, It is the very 6 Open thy gates, that the King
same person, Jesus of Nazareth. of Glory may come in. 18 While David was saying this,
the mighty Lord appeared in the
16 Which when the prince of hell 7 And the divine prophet David form of a man, and enlightened
heard, he said to him, I adjure cried out, saying, Did not I, when those places which had ever before
thee by the powers which belong on earth, truly prophesy and say, been in darkness.
to thee and me, that thou bring O that men would praise the Lord
him not to me. for his goodness, and for his 19 And broke asunder the fetters
wonderful works to the children which before could not be broken;
17 For when I heard of the power of men! and with his invincible power
of his word, I trembled for fear, visited those who sate in the deep
and all my impious company were 8 For he hath broken the gates darkness by iniquity, and the shadow
at the same disturbed; of brass, and cut the bars of iron of death by sin.
in sunder. He hath taken them
18 And we were not able to detain because of their iniquity, and
Lazarus, but he gave himself a because of their unrighteousness
shake, and with all the signs of they are afflicted. CHAPTER XVII.
malice he immediately went away
from us; and the very earth, in 9 After this, another prophet, 1 Death and the devils in great horror
which the dead body of Lazarus namely, holy Isaiah, spake in like at Christ's coming.
was lodged, presently turned him manner to all the saints, Did not 13 He tramples on death, seizes the prince
out alive. I rightly prophesy to you when I of hell, and takes Adam with him to Heaven.
was alive on earth?
19 And I know now that he is IMPIOUS death and her cruel
Almighty God who could perform 10 The dead men shall live, and officers hearing these things,
such things, who is mighty in his they shall rise again who are in were seized with fear in their
dominion, and mighty in his human their graves, and they shall rejoice several kingdoms, when they saw
nature, who is the Saviour of who are in the earth; for the dew the clearness of the light,
mankind. which is from the Lord, shall
bring deliverance to them. 2 And Christ himself on a sudden

35
appearing in their habitations, prince of hell, deprived him of all acquire by the forbidden tree, and
they cried out therefore, and said, his power, and took our earthly the loss of Paradise, thou hast
We are bound by thee; thou seemest father Adam with him to his glory. now lost by the wood of the
to intend our confusion before cross;
the Lord.
10 And thy happiness all then
3 Who art thou, who has no signs CHAPTER XVIII. expired, when thou didst crucify
of corruption, but that bright Jesus Christ the King of Glory.
appearance which is a full proof of 1 Beelzebub, prince of hell, vehemently upbraids
thy greatness, of which yet thou Satan for 11 Thou hast acted against thine
seemest to take no notice? persecuting Christ and bringing him to hell. own interest and mine, as thou
14 Christ gives Beelzebub dominion over Satan wilt presently perceive by those
4 Who art thou, so powerful, forever, large torments and infinite
and so weak, so great and so little; as a recompence for taking away Adam and his punishments which thou art
mean, and yet a soldier of the first sons. about to suffer.
rank, who can command in the form
of a servant and a common soldier? THEN the prince of hell took 12 O Satan, prince of all evil,
Satan, and with great indignation author of death, and source of all
5 The king of Glory, dead and said to him, O thou prince of pride, thou shouldest first have
alive, though once slain upon the destruction, author of Beelzebub's inquired into the evil crimes of
cross? defeat and banishment, the scorn Jesus of Nazareth, and then thou
of God's angels and loathed by all wouldest have found that he was
6 Who layest dead in the grave, righteous persons! What inclined guilty of no fault worthy of death.
and art come down alive to us, thee to act thus?
and in thy death all the creatures 13 Why didst thou venture,
trembled, and all the stars were 2 Thou wouldst crucify the King without either reason or justice,
moved; and now hast thy liberty of Glory, and by his destruction, to crucify him, and hast brought
among the dead, and givest hast made us promises of very down to our regions a person
disturbance to our legions? large advantages, but as a fool innocent and righteous, and thereby
wert ignorant of what thou wast hast lost all the sinners, impious
7 Who art thou, who dost release about. and unrighteous persons in the
the captives that were held whole world?
in chains by original sin, and 3 For behold now that Jesus of
bringest them into their former Nazareth, with the brightness of 14 While the prince of hell was
liberty? his glorious divinity, puts to flight thus speaking to Satan, the King
of Glory said to Beelzebub the
8 Who art thou, who dost spread all the horrid powers of darkness prince of hell, Satan the prince
so glorious and divine a light over and death; shall be subject to thy dominions
those who were made blind by the for ever, in the room of Adam and
darkness of sin? 4 He has broke down our prisons his righteous sons, who are mine,
from top to bottom, dismissed
9 In like manner all the legions all the captives, released all
of devils were seized with the like who were bound, and all who were
horror, and with the most submissive wont formerly to groan under the CHAPTER XIX.
fear cried out, and said, weight of their torments, have
now insulted us, and we are like 1 Christ takes Adam by the hand,
10 Whence comes it, O thou to be defeated by their prayers. the rest of the saints join hands,
Jesus Christ, that thou art a man and they all ascend with him to Paradise.
so powerful and glorious in majesty 5 Our impious dominions are
so bright as to have no spot, and subdued, and no part of mankind THEN Jesus stretched forth his
so pure as to have no crime? For is now left in our subjection, but hand, and said, Come to me,
that lower world of earth, which on the other hand, they all boldly all ye my saints, who were created
was ever till now subject to us, defy us; in my image, who were condemned
and from whence we received by the tree of the forbidden fruit,
tribute, never sent us such a 6 Though, before, the dead never and by the devil and death;
dead man before, never sent such durst behave themselves insolently
presents as these to the princes of towards us, nor being prisoners, 2 Live now by the wood of my
hell. could ever on any occasion be cross; the devil, the prince of this
merry. world, is overcome, and death is
11 Who therefore art thou, who conquered,
with such courage enterest among 7 O Satan, thou prince of all
our abodes, and art not only not the wicked, father of the impious 3 Then presently all the saints
afraid to threaten us with the and abandoned, why wouldest thou were joined together under the
greatest punishments, but also attempt this exploit, seeing our hand of the most high God; and
endeavourest to rescue all others prisoners were hitherto always the Lord Jesus laid hold on Adam's
from the chains in which we hold without the least hope of hand, and said to him, Peace be
them? salvation and life? to thee, and all thy righteous
posterity, which is mine.
12 Perhaps thou art that Jesus, 8 But now there is not one of
of whom Satan just now spoke to them does ever groan, nor is there 4 Then Adam, casting himself
our prince, that by the death of the least appearance of a tear in at the feet of Jesus, addressed
the cross thou wert about to any of their faces. himself to him with tears, in
receive the power of death. humble language, and a loud voice,
9 O prince Satan, thou great saying,
13 Then the King of Glory keeper of the infernal regions,
trampling upon death, seized the all thy advantages which thou didst 5 "I will extol thee, O Lord, for

36
thou halt lifted me up, and hast hath enlightened us. This is our when thou comest into thy kingdom.
not made my foes to rejoice over God for ever and ever; he shall
me. O Lord my God, I cried 10 He presently regarded my
unto thee, and thou hast healed reign over us to everlasting ages. supplication, and said to me,
me." Amen. Verily I say unto thee, this day
thou shalt be with me in Paradise.
6 "O Lord thou hast brought up 18 In like manner all the prophets
my soul from the grave; thou spake the sacred things of his 11 And he gave me this sign of
hast kept me alive, that I should praise, and followed the Lord. the cross, saying, Carry this, and
not go down to the pit." go to Paradise; and if the angel
who is the guard of Paradise will
7 "Sing unto the Lord, all ye not admit thee, show him the sign
saints of his, and give thanks at CHAPTER XX. of the cross, and say unto him
the remembrance of his holiness, Jesus Christ who is now crucified,
for his anger endureth but for a 1 Christ delivers Adam to Michael the archangel. hath sent me hither to thee.
moment; in his favour is life." 3 They meet Enoch and Elijah in heaven,
5 and also the blessed thief, who relates 12 When I did this and told the
8 In like manner all the saints, how he came to Paradise. angel who is the guard of Paradise
prostrate at the feet of Jesus, all these things, and he heard
said with one voice, Thou art come, THEN the Lord, holding Adam them, he presently opened the
O Redeemer of the world, and hast by the hand, delivered him gates, introduced me, and placed
actually accomplished all things, to Michael the archangel; and he me on the right hand in Paradise,
which thou didst foretell by the led them into Paradise, filled with
law and thy holy prophets. mercy and glory; 13 Saying, Stay here a little
time, till Adam, the father of all
9 Thou hast redeemed the living 2 And two very ancient men mankind, shall enter in, with all
by thy cross, and art come down met them, and were asked by the his sons, who are the holy and
to us, that by the death of the saints, Who are ye, who have not righteous servants of Jesus Christ,
cross thou mightest deliver us yet been with us in hell, and have who was crucified.
from hell, and by thy power from had your bodies placed in Paradise?
death. 14 When they heard all this
3 One of them answering, said, account from the thief, all the
10 O Lord, as thou hast put the I am Enoch, who was translated patriarchs said with one voice,
ensigns of thy glory in heaven, by the word of God: and this man Blessed be thou, O Almighty God,
and hast set up the sign of thy who is with me, is Elijah the the Father of everlasting goodness,
redemption, even thy cross on earth; Tishbite, who was translated in a and the Father of mercies, who hast
so, Lord, set the sign of the victory fiery chariot. shown such favour to those who were
of thy cross in hell, that death sinners against him, and hast
may have dominion no longer. 4 Here we have hitherto been, brought them to the mercy of
and have not tasted death, but are Paradise, and hast placed them
11 Then the Lord stretching now about to return at the coming amidst thy large and spiritual
forth his hand, made the sign of of Antichrist, being armed with provisions, in a spiritual and
the cross upon Adam, and upon divine signs and miracles, to holy life. Amen.
all his saints. engage with him in battle, and to be
slain by him at Jerusalem, and to
12 And taking hold of Adam by be taken up alive again into the
his right hand, he ascended from clouds, after three days and a CHAPTER XXI.
hell, and all the saints of God half.
followed him. 1 Charinus and Lenthius being only allowed
5 And while the holy Enoch three days to remain on earth,
13 Then the royal prophet, David, and Elias were relating this, 7 deliver in their narratives, which miraculously
boldly cried, and said, O sing behold there came another man in a
unto the Lord a new song, for he miserable figure, carrying the sign correspond; they vanish,
hath done marvellous things; his of the cross upon his shoulders. 13 and Pilate records these transactions.
right hand and his holy arm have
gotten him the victory. 6 And when all the saints saw THESE are the divine and
him, they said to him, Who art sacred mysteries which we saw
14 The Lord hath made known thou? For thy countenance is like and heard. We, Charinus and
his salvation, his righteousness a thief's; and why dost thou carry Lenthius are not allowed to declare
hath he openly shewn in the sight a cross upon thy shoulders? the other mysteries of God, as the
of the heathen. archangel Michael ordered us,
7 To which he answering, said,
15 And the whole multitude of Ye say right, for I was a thief, 2 Saying, ye shall go with my
saints answered, saying, This who committed all sorts of wickedness brethren to Jerusalem, and shall
honour have all his saints, Amen, upon earth. continue in prayers, declaring and
Praise ye the Lord. glorifying the resurrection of
8 And the Jews crucified me Jesus Christ, seeing he hath raised
16 Afterwards, the prophet with Jesus; and I observed the you from the dead at the same
Habbakuk cried out, and said, surprising things which happened time with himself.
Thou wentest forth for the salvation in the creation at the crucifixion
of thy people, even for salvation of the Lord Jesus. 3 And ye shall not talk with
with thine anointed. any man, but sit as dumb persons
9 And I believed him to be the till the time come when the Lord
17 And all the saints said, Creator of all things, and the will allow you to relate the
Blessed is he who cometh in the Almighty King; and I prayed to mysteries of his divinity.
name of the Lord; for the Lord him, saying, Lord remember me,

37
4 The archangel Michael farther orders the book of the Scriptures; and dead, of which we have a written
commanded us to go beyond Jordan, causes the Jews to relate what they really account in our hands.
to an excellent and fat country, knew concerning Christ.
where there are many who rose 14 They declare that they crucified Christ 10 And it is our custom annually
from the dead along with us in ignorance, and that they now know him to open this holy book before an
for the proof of the resurrection to be the Son of God, according to the assembly, and to search there for
of Christ. testimony of the Scriptures; which, the counsel of God.
after they put him to death, were examined.
5 For we have only three days 11 And we found in the first of
allowed us from the dead, who AFTER these things Pilate went the seventy books, where Michael
arose to celebrate the passover of to the temple of the Jews, the archangel is speaking to the
our Lord with our parents, and to and called together all the rulers third son of Adam the first man,
bear our testimony for Christ the and scribes, and doctors of the an account that after five thousand
Lord, and we have been baptized law, and went with them into a five hundred years, Christ the
in the holy river of Jordan. And chapel of the temple. most beloved son of God was to
now they are not seen by any one. come on earth,
2 And commanding that all the
6 This is as much as God allowed gates should be shut, said to them, 12 And we further considered,
us to relate to you; give ye I have heard that ye have a certain that perhaps he was the very God
therefore praise and honour to large book in this temple; I desire of Israel who spoke to Moses,
him, and repent, and he will have you, therefore, that it may be Thou shalt make the ark of the
mercy upon you. Peace be to you brought before me. testimony; two cubits and a half
from the Lord God Jesus Christ, shall be the length thereof, and a
and the Saviour of us all. Amen, 3 And when the great book, cubit and a half the breadth thereof,
Amen, Amen. carried by four ministers of the and a cubit and a half the height
temple, and adorned with gold and thereof.
7 And after they had made an precious stones, was brought,
end of writing, and had written Pilate said to them all, I adjure 13 By these five cubits and a
on two distinct pieces of paper, you by the God of your Fathers, half for the building of the ark
Charinus gave what he wrote into the who made and commanded this temple of the Old Testament, we perceived
hands of Annas, and Caiaphas, and to be built, that ye conceal not the and knew that in five thousand
Gamaliel. truth from me. years and half (one thousand) years,
Jesus Christ was to come in the
8 Lenthius likewise gave what 4 Ye know all the things which ark or tabernacle of a body;
he wrote into the hands of Nicodemus are written in that book; tell me
and Joseph; and immediately they therefore now, if ye in the 14 And so our Scriptures testify
were changed into exceeding white Scriptures have found any thing of that he is the Son of God, and the
forms and were seen no more. that Jesus whom ye crucified, and at Lord and King of Israel.
what time of the world he, ought
9 But what they had written to have come: show it me. 15 And because after his suffering,
was found perfectly to agree, the our chief priests were surprised
one not containing one letter more 5 Then having sworn Annas and at the signs which were wrought
or less than the other. Caiaphas, they commanded all the by his means, we opened that book
rest who were with them to go out to search all the generations down
10 When all the assembly of the of the chapel. to the generation of Joseph and
Jews heard all these surprising Mary the mother of Jesus,
relations of Charinus and Lenthius, 6 And they shut the gates of the supposing him to be of the
they said to each other, Truly all temple and of the chapel, and said seed of David;
these things were wrought by to Pilate, Thou hast made us to
God, and blessed be the Lord Jesus swear, O judge, by the building of 16 And we found the account of
for ever and ever, Amen. this temple, to declare to thee that the creation, and at what time he
which is true and right. made the heaven and the earth,
11 And they went all out with and the first man Adam, and that
great concern, and fear, and 7 After we had crucified Jesus, from thence to the flood, were two
trembling, and smote upon their not knowing that he was the Son thousand seven hundred and forty-
breasts and went away every one of God, but supposing he wrought eight years.
to his home. his miracles by some magical arts,
we summoned a large assembly in 17 And from the flood to Abraham,
12 But immediately all these this temple. nine hundred and twelve.
things which were related by the And from Abraham to Moses, four
Jews in their synagogues concerning 8 And when we were deliberating hundred and thirty. And from
Jesus, were presently told by Joseph among one another about the Moses to David the King, five
and Nicodemus to the governor. miracles which Jesus had wrought, hundred and ten.
we found many witnesses of our
13 And Pilate wrote down all own country, who declared that 18 And from David to the Babylonish
these transactions, and placed all they had seen him alive after his captivity five hundred years.
these accounts in the public records death, and that they heard him And from the Babylonish captivity
of his hall. discoursing with his disciples, and to the incarnation of Christ, four
saw him ascending into the height hundred years.
of the heavens, and entering into
them; 19 The sum of all which amounts
CHAPTER XXII. to five thousand and half (a thousand.)
9 And we saw two witnesses,
1 Pilate goes to the temple; calls together whose bodies Jesus raised from the 20 And so it appears, that Jesus
the rulers, and scribes, and doctors. dead, who told us of many strange whom we crucified, is Jesus Christ
2 Commands the gates to be shut; things which Jesus did among the the Son of God, and true Almighty

38
God. Amen. as we have innumerable instances of forgeries by the neat, and large enough for us
faithful in the both.
(In the name of the Holy Trinity, primitive ages, grounded on less plausible reasons.
thus end the acts of our Saviour Whether it be
Jesus Christ, which the Emperor canonical or not, it is of very great antiquity, and is
Theodosius the Great found at appealed to by CHAPTER II.
Jerusalem, in the hall of Pontius several of the ancient Christians. The present
Pilate, among the public records; translation is made from The answer of Jesus by Ananias the footman
the things were acted in the the Gospel, published by Grynaeus in the to Abgarus the king,
nineteenth year of Tiberius Caesar, Orthodoxographa, vol. i, tom, 3 declining to visit Edessa.
Emperor of the Romans, and in ii, p. 613.]
the seventeenth year of the ABGARUS, you are happy,
government of Herod, the son of Notwithstanding the diversity of opinions here forasmuch as you have
Herod and of Galilee, on the alluded to, the majority believed on me, whom you
eighth of the calends of April, of the learned believe that the internal evidence of have not seen.
which is the twenty-third day of the authenticity of
the month of March, in the CCIId this Gospel is manifested in the correct details of that 2 For it is written concerning
Olympiad, when Joseph and Caiaphas period of me, that those who have seen me
were rulers of the Jews; being a Christ's life on which it treats, while it far excels the should not believe on me, that
History written in Hebrew by canonical they who have not seen might
Nicodemus, of what happened after Evangelists narrative of the trial of our Saviour believe and live.
our Saviour's crucifixion.) before Pilate, with
more minute particulars of persons, evidence, 3 As to that part of your letter,
circumstance, &c. which relates to my giving you a
visit, I must inform you, that I
REFERENCES TO THE GOSPEL OF must fulfil all the ends of my
NICODEMUS, FORMERLY mission in this country, and after
CALLED THE ACTS OF PONTIUS that be received up again to him
PILATE. who sent me.
THE EPISTLES OF
[Although this Gospel is, by some among the JESUS CHRIST & ABGARUS KING OF 4 But after my ascension I will
learned, supposed to have EDESSA. send one of my disciples, who will
been really written by Nicodemus, who became a cure your disease, and give life to
disciple of Jesus Christ, you, and all that are with you.
and conversed with him; others conjecture that it was CHAPTER I.
a forgery towards
the close of the third century by some zealous A copy of a letter written by King Abgarus to
believer, who, observing Jesus;
that there had been appeals made by the Christians of and sent to him by Ananius, his footman, to REFERENCES TO THE EPISTLES OF
the former age, Jerusalem, JESUS CHRIST AND
to the acts of Pilate, but that such acts could not be 5 inviting him to Edessa. ABGARUS KING OF EDESSA.
produced,
imagined it would be of service to Christianity to ABGARUS, king of Edessa, to [The first writer who makes any mention of the
fabricate and publish Jesus the good Saviour, who Epistles that passed
this Gospel; as it would both confirm the Christians appears at Jerusalem, greeting. between Jesus Christ and Abgarus, is Eusebius,
under persecution, Bishop of Caesarea, in
and convince the Heathens of the truth of the 2 I have been informed concerning Palestine, who flourished in the early part of the
Christian religion. The you and your cures, which are fourth century. For
Rev. Jeremiah Jones says, that such pious frauds performed without the use of their genuineness, he appeals to the public registers
were very common among medicines and herbs. and records of the
Christians even in the first three centuries; and that a City of Edessa in Mesopotamia, where Abgarus
forgery of this 3 For it is reported, that you reigned, and where he
nature, with the view above-mentioned, seems cause the blind to see, the lame to affirms that he found them written in the Syriac
natural and probable. The walk, do both cleanse lepers, and language. He published a
same author, in noticing that Eusebius in his cast out unclean spirits and devils, Greek translation of them, in his Ecclesiastical
Ecclesiastical History, and restore them to health who have History. The learned
charges the Pagans with having forged and published been long diseased; and raiseth up world has been much divided on this subject; but,
a book, called "The the dead; notwithstanding the
Acts of Pilate," takes occasion to observe that the erudite Grabe, with Archbishop Cave, Dr, Parker,
internal evidence of 4 All which when I heard, I was and other divines, have
this Gospel shows it was not the work of any persuaded of one of these two, strenuously contended for their admission into the
Heathen, but that if in the namely, either that you are God canon of Scripture,
latter end of the third century we find it in use among himself descended from heaven; they are deemed apocryphal. The Rev. Jeremiah
Christians (as who do these things, or the Son Jones observes, that the
it was then certainly in some churches), and about of God. common people in England have this Epistle in their
the same time find a houses in many
forgery of the Heathens under the same title, it seems 5 On this account therefore I places, fixed in a frame, with the picture of Christ
exceedingly have written to you, earnestly to before it; and that
probable that some Christians, at that time, should desire you would take the trouble they generally, with much honesty and devotion,
publish such a piece of a journey hither, and cure a regard it as the word of
as this, in order partly to confront the spurious one of disease which I am under. God, and the genuine Epistle of Christ.]
the Pagans, and
partly to support those appeals which had been made 6 For I hear the Jews ridicule
by former Christians you and, intend you mischief.
to the Acts of Pilate; and Mr. Jones says, he thinks so
more particularly 7 My city is indeed small, but

39
15 And whatsoever things are 4 We were much delighted with
THE EPISTLE OF sound and true, and of good report, your book of many Epistles, which
ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE and chaste, and just, and lovely, you have written to some cities
LAODICEANS. these things do. and chief towns of provinces, and
contain wonderful instructions for
1 He salutes the brethren; 16 Those things which ye have moral conduct:
3 exhorts them to persevere in good works, heard, and received, think on these
4 and not to be moved by vain speaking. things, and peace shall be with 5 Such sentiments, as I suppose
6 Rejoices in his bonds, you. you were not the author of, but
10 desires them to live in the fear of the Lord. only the instrument of conveying,
17 All the saints salute you. though sometimes both the author
PAUL an Apostle, not of men, and the instrument,
neither by man, but by Jesus 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ, to the brethren which are Christ be with your spirit. Amen. 6 For such is the sublimity of
at Laodicea. those, doctrines, and their grandeur,
19 Cause this Epistle to be read that I suppose the age of a man
2 Grace be to you, and peace to the Colossians, and the Epistle is scarce sufficient to be instructed
from God the Father and our Lord of the Colossians to be read among and perfected in the knowledge of
Jesus Christ. you. them. I wish your welfare, my brother.
Farewell.
3 I thank Christ in every prayer
of mine, that ye may continue and
persevere in good works, looking REFERENCES TO THE EPISTLE OF ST.
for that which is promised in the PAUL THE APOSTLE CHAPTER II.
day of judgment. TO THE LAODICEANS.
PAUL to SENECA Greeting.
[This Epistle has been highly esteemed by several
4 Let not the vain speeches of learned men of the I RECEIVED your letter yesterday
any trouble you, who pervert the church of Rome and others. The Quakers have with pleasure, to which I could
truth, that they may draw you printed a translation, and immediately have written an answer,
aside from the truth of the Gospel plead for it, as the reader may see, by consulting had the young man been at home,
which I have preached. Poole's Annotation on whom I intended to have sent to you:
Col. vi. 16. Sixtus Senensis mentions two MSS., the
5 And now may God grant, that one in the Sorbonne 2 For you know when, and by whom,
my converts may attain to a Library at Paris, which is a very ancient copy, and at what seasons, and to whom I must
perfect knowledge of the truth the other in the deliver everything which I send.
of the Gospel, be beneficent, Library of Joannes a Viridario, at Padua, which he
and doing good works which transcribed and 3 I desire therefore you would
accompany salvation. published; and which is the authority for the not charge me with negligence, if
following translation. I wait for a proper person.
6 And now my bonds, which I There is a very old translation of this Epistle in the
suffer in Christ, are manifest, British Museum, 4 I reckon myself very happy in
in which I rejoice and am glad. among the Harleian MSS., Cod. 1212.] having the judgment of so valuable
For I know that this shall a person, that you are delighted
turn to my salvation for ever, with my Epistles:
which shall be through your
prayer, and the supply of the 5 For you would not be esteemed
Holy Spirit. a censor, a philosopher, or be the
tutor of so great a prince, and a
8 Whether I live or die, to live THE EPISTLES OF master of everything, if you were
shall be a life to Christ, to die ST. PAUL THE APOSTLE TO SENECA, not sincere. I wish you a lasting
will be joy. WITH prosperity.
SENECA'S TO PAUL.
9 And our Lord will grant us
his mercy, that ye may have the CHAPTER I.
same love, and be like-minded. CHAPTER III.
ANNAEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting.
10 Wherefore, my beloved, as ANNAEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting.
ye have heard of the coming of I SUPPOSE, Paul, you have been
the Lord, so think and act in fear, informed of that conversation, I HAVE completed some volumes
and it shall be to you life eternal; which passed yesterday between and divided them into their
me and my Lucilius, concerning proper parts.
11 For it is God, who worketh hypocrisy and other subjects; for
in you: there were some of your disciples 2 I am determined to read them
in company with us; to Caesar, and if any favourable
12 And do all things without opportunity happens, you also
sin. 2 For when we were retired into shall be present, when they are
the Sallustian gardens, through read;
13 And what is best, my beloved which they were also passing, and
rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ would have gone another way, by 3 But if that cannot be, I will
and avoid all filthy lucre. our persuasion they joined appoint and give you notice of a
company with us. day, when we will together read
14 Let all your requests be made over the performance.
known to God, and be steady in 3 I desire you to believe, that
the doctrine of Christ. we much wish for your conversation; 4 I had determined, if I could
with safety, first to have your

40
opinion of it, before I published your affection for me, you should
it to Caesar, that you might be offend your master:
convinced of my affection to you. CHAPTER VII.
Farewell, dearest Paul. 5 His anger indeed will do us no
ANNAEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting. harm, if he continue a heathen;
nor will his not being angry be
I PROFESS myself extremely of any service to us:
CHAP. IV. pleased with the reading your
PAUL to SENECA Greeting. letters to the Galatians, 6 And if the empress act worthy
Corinthians, and people of Achaia. of her character, she will not be
AS often as I read your letters, angry; but if she act as a woman,
I imagine you present with 2 For the Holy Ghost has in she will be affronted. Farewell.
me; nor indeed do I think any them by you delivered those
other, than that you are always sentiments which are very lofty,
with us. sublime, deserving of all respect,
and beyond your own invention. CHAPTER IX.
2 As soon therefore as you begin
to come, we shall presently see 3 I could wish therefore, that ANNEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting.
each other. I wish you all when you are writing things so
prosperity. extraordinary, there might not KNOW that my letter, wherein
be wanting an elegancy of speech I acquainted you, that I had
agreeable to their majesty. read to the Emperor your Epistles,
does not so much affect you as the
CHAPTER V. 4 And I must own, my brother, nature of the things (contained
that I may not at once dishonestly in them.)
ANNAEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting. conceal anything from you, and be
unfaithful to my own conscience, 2 Which do so powerfully divert
WE are very much concerned that the emperor is extremely men's minds from their former
at your too long absence pleased with the sentiments of manners and practices, that I have
from us. your Epistles; always been surprised, and have
been fully convinced of it by many
2 What is it, or what affairs are 5 For when he heard the beginning arguments heretofore.
they, which obstructs your coming? of them read, he declared, that he
was surprised to find such notions 3 Let us therefore begin afresh;
3 If you fear the anger of in a person, who had not had a and if any thing heretofore has
Caesar because you have abandoned regular education. been imprudently acted, do you
your former religion, and made forgive.
proselytes also of others, you 6 To which I replied, That the
have this to plead, that your Gods sometimes made use of mean 4 I have sent you a book decopia
acting thus proceeded not from (innocent) persons to speak by, and verborum. Farewell, dearest Paul.
inconstancy, but judgment. gave him an instance of this in a
Farewell. mean countryman named Vatienus,
who, when he was in the country
of Reate, had two men appeared CHAPTER X.
to him, called Castor and Pollux,
CHAPTER VI. and received a revelation from the PAUL to SENECA Greeting.
gods. Farewell.
PAUL to SENECA and LUCILIUS AS often as I write to you,
Greeting. and place my name before yours,
I do a thing both disagreeable
CONCERNING those things, CHAPTER VIII. to myself, and contrary to our
about which ye wrote to me, religion:
it is not proper for me to mention PAUL to SENECA Greeting.
anything in writing with pen and 2 For I ought, as I have often
ink: the one of which leaves ALTHOUGH I know the emperor is declared, to become all things to
both an admirer and favourer of all men, and to have that regard
marks, and the other evidently our religion, yet give me leave to your quality, which the Roman
declares things. to advise you against your suffering law has honoured all senators with;
any injury (by showing favour to us). namely, to put my name last in the
2 Especially since I know that (inscription of the) Epistle, that
there are near you, as well as me, 2 I think indeed you ventured I may not at length with uneasiness
those who will understand my upon a very dangerous attempt, and shame be obliged to do that
meaning. when you would declare (to the which it was always my inclination
emperor) that which is so very to do. Farewell, most respected
3 Deference is to be paid to contrary to his religion, and way master. Dated the fifth of the
all men, and so much the more, of worship; seeing he is a calends of July, in the fourth
as they are more likely to take worshipper of the heathen gods. Consulship of Nero, and Messala.
occasions of quarrelling.
3 I know not what you particularly
4 And if we show a submissive had in view, when you told him of
temper, we shall overcome this; but I suppose you did it out CHAPTER XI.
effectually in all points, if so of too great respect for me.
be they are, who are capable of ANNAEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting.
seeing and acknowledging themselves 4 But I desire that for the future
to have been in the wrong. Farewell. you would not do so; for you had ALL happiness to you,
need be careful, lest by showing my dearest Paul.

41
have attained to, shall abide
2 If a person so great, and 7 And as the life of every without decay for ever.
every way agreeable as you are, excellent person is now sacrificed
become not only a common, but instead of that one person (who is 4 Believe that you ought to
a most intimate friend to me, the author of the mischief), so this avoid the superstitions of Jews
how happy will be the case of one shall be sacrificed for many, and Gentiles.
Seneca! and he shall be devoted to be burnt
with fire instead of all.
3 You therefore, who are so 5 The things which you have in
eminent, and so far exalted above 8 One hundred and thirty-two houses, some measure arrived to, prudently
all, even the greatest, do not think and four whole squares (or islands) make known to the emperor, his
yourself unfit to be first named in were burnt down in six days: the family, and to faithful friends;
the inscription of an Epistle; seventh put an end to the burning.
I wish you all happiness. 6 And though your sentiments
4 Lest I should suspect you intend will seem disagreeable, and not
not so much to try me, as to banter 9 Dated the fifth of the calends be comprehended by them, seeing
me; for you know yourself to be a of April, in the Consulship of most of them will not regard your
Roman citizen. Frigius and Bassus. discourses, yet the Word of God
once infused into them, will at
5 And I could wish to be in that length make them become new men,
circumstance or station which you aspiring towards God.
are, and that you were in the same CHAPTER XIII.
that I am. Farewell, dearest Paul. 7 Farewell Seneca, who art
Dated the tenth of the calends of ANNAEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting. most dear to us. Dated on the
April, in the Consulship of Aprianus calends of August, in the
and Capito. Consulship of Leo and Savinus.
ALL happiness to you, my dearest
Paul.

CHAPTER XII. 2 You have written many volumes in REFERENCES TO THE EPISTLES OF ST.
an allegorical and mystical style, PAUL THE APOSTLE
ANNAEUS SENECA to PAUL Greeting. and therefore such mighty matters TO SENECA, WITH SENECA'S TO
and business being committed to you, PAUL.
ALL happiness to you, my dearest require not to be set off with any
Paul. Do you not suppose I am rhetorical flourishes of speech, [Several very learned writers have entertained a
extremely concerned and grieved but only with some proper elegance. favourable opinion of
that your innocence should bring these Epistles. They are undoubtedly of high
you into sufferings? 3 I remember you often said, antiquity. Salmeron cites
that many by affecting such a style them to prove that Seneca was one of Caesar's
2 And that all the people should do injury to their subjects, and household, referred to by
suppose you (Christians) so criminal, lose the force of the matters they Paul, Philip iv. 22, as saluting the brethren at
and imagine all the misfortunes treat of. Philippi. In Jerome's
that happen to the city, to be enumeration of illustrious men, he places Seneca, on
caused by you? 4 But in this I desire you to account of these
regard me, namely, to have respect Epistles, amongst the ecclesiastical and holy writers
3 But let us bear the charge to true Latin, and to choose just of the Christian
with a patient temper, appealing words, that so you may the better Church. Sixtus Senensis has published them in his
for our innocence to the court manage the noble trust which is Bibliotheque, p 89, 90;
above, which is the only one our reposed in you. and it is from thence that the present translation is
hard fortune will allow us to address made. Baronius,
to, till at length our misfortunes 5 Farewell. Dated the fifth of Bellarmine, Dr. Cave, Spanheim, and others, contend
shall end in unalterable happiness. the nones of July, Leo and Savinus that they are not
Consuls. genuine.]
4 Former ages have produced
(tyrants) Alexander the son of
Philip, and Dionysius; ours also
has produced Caius Caesar; whose CHAPTER XIV.
inclinations were their only laws.
PAUL to SENECA Greeting.
5 As to the frequent burnings
of the city of Rome, the cause is THE ACTS OF ST. PAUL AND
manifest; and if a person in my YOUR serious consideration is THECLA.
mean circumstances might be allowed requited with those discoveries,
to speak, and one might declare which the Divine Being has The martyrdom of the holy and glorious
these dark things without danger, granted but to few; first Martyr and Apostle Thecla.
every one should see the whole of
the matter. 2 I am thereby assured that
I sow the most strong seed in a CHAPTER I.
6 The Christians and Jews are fertile soil, not anything material,
indeed commonly punished for the which is subject to corruption, but 1 Demas and Hermogenes become Paul's
crime of burning the city; but that companions.
impious miscreant, who delights the durable word of God, which 4 Paul visits Onesiphorus.
in murders and butcheries, and shall increase and bring forth fruit 8 Invited by Demos and Hermogenes.
disguises his villainies with lies, to eternity. 11 Preaches to the household of Onesiphorus.
is appointed to, or reserved till, 12 His sermon.
his proper time. 3 That which by your wisdom you

42
WHEN Paul went up to Iconium, heart; for they shall see God. Paul was, she both night and day
after his flight from Antioch, heard Paul's sermons concerning
Demas and Hermogenes became 13 Blessed are they who keep God, concerning charity, concerning
his companions, who were then their flesh undefiled (or pure); faith in Christ, and concerning
full of hypocrisy. for they shall be the temple of God. prayer;

2 But Paul looking only at the 14 Blessed are the temperate 3 Nor would she depart from
goodness of God, did them no (or chaste); for God will reveal the window, till with exceeding
harm, but loved them greatly. himself to them. joy she was subdued to the
doctrines of faith.
3 Accordingly he endeavoured 15 Blessed are they who abandon
to make agreeable to them all the their worldly enjoyments; for they 4 At length, when she saw many
oracles and doctrines of Christ, shall be accepted of God. women and virgins going into
and the design of the Gospel of Paul, she earnestly desired that
God's well-beloved son; instructing 16 Blessed are they who have she might be thought worthy to
them in the knowledge of Christ, wives, as though they had them appear in his presence, and hear
as it was revealed to him. not; for they shall be made angels the word of Christ; for she had
of God. not yet seen Paul's person, but only
4 And a certain man named heard his sermons, and that alone.
Onesiphorus, hearing that Paul 17 Blessed are they who tremble
was come to Iconium, went out at the word of God; for they 5 But when she would not be
speedily to meet him, together shall be comforted. prevailed upon to depart from the
with his wife Lectra, and his sons window, her mother sent to Thamyris,
Simmia and Zeno, to invite him to 18 Blessed are they who keep who came with the greatest pleasure,
their house. their baptism pure; for they shall as hoping now, to marry her.
find peace with the Father, Son, Accordingly he said to Theoclia,
5 For Titus had given them a and Holy Ghost. Where is my Thecla?
description of Paul's personage,
they as yet not knowing him in 19 Blessed are they who pursue 6 Theoclia replied, Thamyris,
person, but only being acquainted the wisdom or doctrine of Jesus I have something very strange to
with his character. Christ; for they shall be called tell you; for Thecla, for the space
the sons of the Most High. of three days, will not move from
6 They went in the king's highway the window, not so much as to eat
to Lystra, and stood there waiting 20 Blessed are they who observe or drink, but is so intent in
for him, comparing all who passed the instructions of Jesus Christ; hearing the artful and delusive
by with that description which for they shall dwell in eternal discourses of a certain foreigner,
Titus had given them. light. that I perfectly wonder Thamyris,
that a young woman of her known
7 At length they saw a man coming 21 Blessed are they, who for the modesty, will suffer herself to be
(namely Paul), of a low stature, love of Christ abandon the glories so prevailed upon.
bald on the head; with crooked thighs, of the world, for they shall judge
handsome legs, hollow-eyes; and a angels, and be placed at the right 7 For that man has disturbed
crooked nose; full of grace, for hand of Christ, and shall not suffer the whole city of Iconium, and
sometimes he appeared as a man, the bitterness of the last judgment. even your Thecla, among others.
sometimes he had the countenance All the women and young men
of an angel. And Paul saw Onesiphorus, 22 Blessed are the bodies and souls flock to him to receive his
and was glad. of virgins; for they are acceptable doctrine; who, besides all the
to God, and shall not lose the reward rest, tells them that there is
8 And Onesiphorus said: of their virginity; for the word of but one God, who alone is to be
Hail, thou servant of the blessed their (heavenly) Father shall prove worshipped, and that we ought
God. Paul replied, The grace of effectual to their salvation in the to live in chastity.
God be with thee and thy family. day of his Son, and they shall enjoy
rest for evermore. 8 Notwithstanding this, my
9 But Denies and Hermogenes daughter Thecla, like a spider's
were moved with envy, and, under web fastened to the window, is
a show of great religion, Demas captivated, by the discourses of
said, And are not we also servants CHAPTER II. Paul, and attends' upon them with
of the blessed God? Why didst prodigious eagerness, and vast
thou not salute us? 1 Thecla listens anxiously to Paul's preaching. delight; and thus, by attending
5 Thamyris, her admirer, concerts with Theoclia on what he says, the young woman
10 Onesiphorus replied, Because her mother to dissuade her, is seduced. Now then do you go,
I have not perceived in you the 12 in vain. and speak to her, for she is
fruits of righteousness; nevertheless, 14 Demas and Hermogenes vilify Paul to betrothed to you.
if ye are of that sort, ye shall be Thamyris.
welcome to my house also. 9 Accordingly Thamyris went,
WHILE Paul was preaching and having saluted her, and taking
11 Then Paul went into the house this sermon in the church care not to surprise her, he said,
of Onesiphorus, and there was great which was in the house of Thecla, my spouse, why sittest
joy among the family on that account: Onesiphorus, a certain virgin thou in this melancholy posture?
and they employed themselves in prayer, named Thecla (whose mother's What strange impressions are
breaking of bread, and hearing Paul name was Theoclia, and who was made upon thee? Turn to Thamyris,
preach the word of God concerning betrothed to a man named Thamyris) and blush.
temperance and the resurrection, sat at a certain window in her house.
in the following manner: 10 Her mother also spake to her
2 From whence, by the advantage after the same manner, and said,
12 Blessed are the pure in of a window in the house where Child, why dost thou sit so

43
melancholy, and, like one stranger's discourses, that I am in
astonished, makest no reply? danger of losing my intended wife. 5 Paul then spake with a loud
voice, saying, As I am now called
11 Then they wept exceedingly, 4 Then Demas and Hermogenes to give an account, O governor,
Thamyris, that he had lost his answered both together, and said, of my doctrines, I desire your
spouse; Theoclia, that she had Let him be brought before the audience.
lost her daughter; and the maids, governor Castellius, as one who
that they had lost their mistress; endeavours to persuade the people 6 That God, who is a God of
and there was an universal into the new religion of the vengeance, and who strands in need
mourning in the family. Christians, and he, according to of nothing but the salvation of his
the order of Caesar, will put him creatures, has sent me to reclaim
12 But all these things made no to death, by which means you will them from their wickedness, and
impression upon Thecla, so as to obtain your wife; corruptions; from all (sinful)
incline her so much as to turn to pleasures, and from death; and to
them, and take notice of them; 5 While we at the same time will persuade them to sin no more.
for she still regarded the teach her, that the resurrection
discourses of Paul. which he speaks of is already come,
and consists in our having children; 7 On this account, God sent his
13 Then Thamyris ran forth into and that we then arose again, Son Jesus Christ, whom I preach,
the street to observe who they when we came to the knowledge of God. and in whom I instruct men to
were that went in to Paul, and place their hopes, as that person
came out from him; and he saw 6 Thamyris having this account who only had such compassion on
two men engaged in a very warm from them, was filled with hot the deluded world, that it might
dispute, and said to them; resentment: not, O governor, be condemned,
but have faith, the fear of God,
14 Sirs, what business have 7 And rising early in the morning the knowledge of religion, and the
you here? and who is that man he went to the house of Onesiphorus, love of truth.
within, belonging to you, who attended by the magistrates, the
deludes the minds of men, both Jailor, and a great multitude of 8 So that if I only teach those
young men and virgins, persuading people with staves, and said to Paul; things which I have received by
them, that they ought not to marry, revelation from God, where is my
but continue as they are? 8 Thou hast perverted the city crime?
of Iconium, and among the rest,
15 I promise to give you a Thecla, who is betrothed to me, 9 When the governor heard this,
considerable sum, if ye will give so that now she will not marry he ordered Paul to be bound,
me a just account of him; for I am me. Thou shalt therefore go with and to be put in prison, till he
the chief person of this city. us to the governor Castellius. should be more at leisure to hear
him more fully.
16 Demas and Hermogenes replied, 9 And all the multitude cried
We cannot so exactly tell who he out, Away with this imposter, for 10 But in the night, Thecla
is; but this we know, that he he has perverted the minds of our taking off her ear-rings, gave them
deprives young men of their wives, and all the people hearken to the turnkey of the prison, who
(intended) wives, and virgins of to him. then opened the door to her, and
their (intended) husbands, by let her in;
teaching, There can be no future
resurrection, unless ye continue 11 And when she made a present
in chastity, and do not defile your CHAPTER IV.
flesh. of a silver looking-glass to the
1 Paul accused before the governor by Thamyris. jailor, was allowed to go into the
5 Defends himself. room where Paul was; then she set
9 Is committed to prison, down at his feet, and heard from
10 and visited by Thecla. him the great things of God.
CHAPTER III.
THEN Thamyris standing before 12 And as she perceived Paul
1 They betray Paul. the governor's judgment-seat, not to be afraid of suffering,
7 Thamyris arrests him with officers. spake with a loud voice in the but that by divine assistance
following manner. he behaved himself with courage,
THEN said Thamyris, Come along her faith so far increased that
with me to my house, and refresh 2 O governor, I know not whence she kissed his chains.
yourselves. So they went to a very this man cometh; but he is one
splendid entertainment, where who teaches that matrimony is
there was wine in abundance, unlawful. Command him therefore
and very rich provision. to declare before you for what CHAPTER V.
reason he publishes such doctrines.
2 They were brought to a table 1 Thecla sought and found by her relations.
richly spread, and made to drink 3 While he was saying thus, 4 Brought with Paul before the governor.
plentifully by Thamyris, on account Demas and Hermogenes (whispered to 9 Ordered to be burnt, and Paul to be whipt.
of the love he had for Thecla Thamyris, and) said; Say that he 15 Thecla miraculously saved.
and his desire to marry her. is a Christian, and he will
presently be put to death. AT length Thecla was missed
3 Then Thamyris said, I desire and sought for by the family
ye would inform me what the 4 But the governor was more and by Thamyris in every street,
doctrines of this Paul are, that deliberate, and calling to Paul, as though she had been lost; till
I may understand them; for I am he said, Who art thou? What dost one of the porter's fellow-servants
under no small concern about Thecla, thou teach? They seem to lay told them, that she had gone out
seeing she so delights in that gross crimes to thy charge. in the night-time.

44
naked to the stake, extorted tears 8 Thecla then standing behind
2 Then they examined the porter, from the governor, with surprise him, cried out in the following
and he told them, that she was beholding the greatness of her beauty. words: O sovereign Lord Creator
gone to the prison to the strange of heaven and earth, the Father of
man. 14 And when they had placed thy beloved and holy Son, I praise
the wood in order, the people thee that thou hast preserved me
3 They went therefore according commanded her to go upon it; which from the fire, to see Paul again.
to his direction, and there found she did, first making the sign of
her; and when they came out, they the cross. 9 Paul then arose, and when he
got a mob together, and went and saw her, said, O God, who searchest
told the governor all that had 15 Then the people set fire to the heart, Father of my Lord Jesus
happened. the pile; though the flame was Christ, I praise thee that thou hast
exceeding large, it did not touch answered my prayer.
4 Upon which he ordered Paul her; for God took compassion on
to be brought before his judgment her, and caused a great eruption 10 And there prevailed among them
seat. from the earth beneath, and a in the cave an entire affection to
cloud from above to pour down each other; Paul, Onesiphorus,
5 Thecla in the mean time lay great quantities of rain and hail; and all that were with them being
wallowing on the ground in the filled with joy.
prison, in that same place where 16 Insomuch that by the rupture
Paul had sat to teach her; upon of the earth, very many were 11 They had five loaves, some
which the governor also ordered in great danger, and some were herbs and water, and they solaced
her to be brought before his killed, the fire was extinguished, each other in reflections upon the
judgment-seat; which summons she and Thecla preserved. holy works of Christ.
received with joy, and went.
12 Then said Thecla to Paul,
6 When Paul was brought thither, If you be pleased with it, I will
the mob with more vehemence cried CHAPTER VI. follow you whithersoever you go.
out, He is a magician, let him die.
1 Paul with Onesiphorus in a cave. 13 He replied to her, Persons
7 Nevertheless the governor 7 Thecla discovers Paul; are now much given to fornication,
attended with pleasure upon Paul's 12 proffers to follow him: and you being handsome, I am
discourses of the holy works of 13 he exhorts her not for fear of fornication. afraid lest you should meet with
Christ; and, after a council called, greater temptation than the former,
he summoned Thecla, and said to IN the mean time Paul, together and should Not withstand, but be
her, Why do you not, according with Onesiphorus, his wife and overcome by it.
to the law of the Iconians, marry children, was keeping a fast in a
Thamyris? certain cave, which was in the 14 Thecla replied, Grant me
road from Iconium to Daphne. only the seal of Christ, and no
8 She stood still, with her eyes temptation shall affect me.
fixed upon Paul; and finding she 2 And when they had fasted for
made no reply, Theoclia, her several days, the children said to 15 Paul answered, Thecla, wait
mother cried out saying, Let the Paul, Father, we are hungry, and with patience, and you shall
unjust creature be burnt; let her have not wherewithal to buy bread; receive the gift of Christ.
be burnt in the midst of the theatre, for Onesiphorus had left all his
for refusing Thamyris, that all substance to follow Paul with his
women may learn from her to avoid family.
such practices. CHAPTER VII.
3 Then Paul, taking off his coat,
9 Then the governor was exceedingly said to the boy, Go, child, and buy 1 Paul and Thecla go to Antioch.
concerned, and ordered Paul to be bread, and bring it hither. 2 Alexander, a magistrate, falls in love with
whipt out of the city, and Thecla Thecla:
to be burnt. 4 But while the boy was buying 4 kisses her by force:
the bread, he saw his neighbour 5 she resists him:
10 So the governor arose, and went Thecla, and was surprised, and 6 is carried before the governor, and condemned
immediately into the theatre; and said to her, Thecla, where are you to be thrown to wild beasts.
all the people went forth to see going?
the dismal sight. THEN Paul sent back Onesiphorus
5 She replied, I am in pursuit and his family to their own home,
11 But Thecla, just as a lamb in of Paul, having been delivered and taking Thecla along with him,
the wilderness looks every way to from the flames. went for Antioch;
see his shepherd, looked around
for Paul; 6 The boy then said, I will bring 2 And as soon as they came in.
you to him, for he is under great to the city, a certain Syrian,
12 And as she was looking upon concern on your account, and has named Alexander, a magistrate in
the multitude, she saw the Lord been in prayer and fasting these the city, who had done many
Jesus in the likeness of Paul, and six days. considerable services for the city
said to herself, Paul is come to see during his magistracy, saw Thecla,
me in my distressed circumstances. 7 When Thecla came to the cave, and fell in love with her, and
And she fixed her eyes upon him; she found Paul upon his knees endeavoured by many rich presents
but he instantly ascended up to praying and saying, O holy Father, to engage Paul in his interest.
heaven, while she looked on him. O Lord Jesus Christ, grant that
the fire may not touch Thecla; 3 But Paul told him, I know not
13 Then the young men and women but be her helper, for she is the woman of whom you speak, nor
brought wood and straw for the thy servant. does she belong to me.
burning of Thecla; who being brought

45
4 But he being a person of great young woman, Thecla, be reputed city be destroyed for this vile
power in, Antioch, seized her in by you as your daughter in my action. Kill us all, O governor.
the street and kissed her: which stead; and desire her that she O cruel sight! O unrighteous
Thecla would not bear, but looking should pray for me, that I may be judgment.
about for Paul, cried out in a translated to a state of happiness.
distressed loud tone, Force me not,
who am a stranger; force me not, 6 Upon which Trifina, with a
who am a servant of God; I am mournful air, said, My daughter CHAPTER IX.
one of the principal persons of Falconilla has appeared to me, and
Iconium, and was obliged to leave ordered me to receive you in her 1 Thecla thrown naked to the wild beasts;
that city because I would not be room; wherefore I desire, Thecla, 2 but they all refuse to attack her.
married to Thamyris. that you would pray for my daughter, 8 She baptizes herself in a pit of water.
that she may be translated into 10 Other wild beasts refuse to injure her.
5 Then she laid hold on Alexander, a state of happiness, and to life 11 Tied to wild bulls.
tore his coat, and took his crown eternal. 13 Miraculously saved.
off his head, and made him appear 21. Released.
ridiculous before all the people. 7 When Thecla heard this, she 24 Entertained by Trifina,
immediately prayed to the Lord,
6 But Alexander, partly as he and said: O Lord God of heaven and THEN Thecla was taken out of
loved her, and partly being ashamed earth, Jesus Christ, thou Son of the hand of Trifina, stripped
of what had been done, led her to the Most High, grant that her naked, had a girdle put on, and
the governor, and upon her confession daughter Falconilla may live forever. thrown into the place appointed
of what she had done, he condemned Trifina hearing this, groaned again, for fighting with the beasts: and
her to be thrown among the beasts. and said: O unrighteous judgments! the lions and the bears were let
O unreasonable wickedness! that loose upon her.
such a creature should (again)
be cast to the beasts! 2 But a she-lion, which was of
CHAPTER VIII. all the most fierce, ran to Thecla,
and fell down at her feet. Upon
2 Thecla entertained by Trifina; 8 On the morrow, at break of day, which the multitude of women
3 brought out to the wild beasts; Alexander came to Trifina's house, shouted aloud.
a she-lion licks her feet. and said: The governor and the
5 Trifina upon a vision of her deceased people are waiting; bring the 3 Then a she-bear ran fiercely
daughter, adopts Thecla, criminal forth. towards her, but the she lion met
11 who is taken to the amphitheatre again. the bear, and tore it in pieces.
9 But Trifina ran in so violently
WHICH when the people saw, they upon him, that he was affrighted, 4 Again a he-lion, who had been
said: The judgments passed in this and ran away. Trifina was one of wont to devour men, and which
city are unjust. But Thecla desired the royal family; and she thus belonged to Alexander, ran towards
the favour of the governor, that expressed her sorrow, and said; her; but the she-lion encountered
her chastity might not be attacked, Alas! I have trouble in my house the he-lion, and they killed each
but preserved till she should be on two accounts, and there is no other.
cast to the beasts. one who will relieve me, either
under the loss of my daughter, or 5 Then the women were under
2 The governor then inquired, my being unable to save Thecla. a greater concern, because the
Who would entertain her; upon But now, O Lord God, be thou the she-lion, which had helped Thecla,
which a certain very rich widow, helper of Thecla thy servant. was dead.
named Trifina, whose daughter
was lately dead, desired that she 10 While she was thus engaged. 6 Afterwards they brought out
might have the keeping of her; the governor sent one of his own many other wild beasts; but Thecla
and she began to treat her in her officers to bring Thecla. Trifina stood with her hands stretched
house as her own daughter. took her by the hand, and, going towards heaven, and prayed; and
with her, said: I went with when she had done praying, she
3 At length a day came, when Falconilla to her grave, and now turned about, and saw a pit of
the beasts were to be brought forth must go with Thecla to the beasts. water, and said, Now it is a proper
to be seen; and Thecla was brought time for me to be baptized.
to the amphitheatre, and put into 11 When Thecla heard this, she
a den in which was an exceeding weeping prayed, and said: O Lord 7 Accordingly she threw herself
fierce she-lion, in the presence of God, whom I have made my confidence into the water, and said, In thy
a multitude of spectators. and refuge, reward Trifina for her name, O my Lord Jesus Christ, I
compassion to me, and preserving am this last day baptized. The
4 Trifina; without any surprise, my chastity. women and the people seeing this,
accompanied Thecla, and the cried out and said, Do not throw
she-lion licked the feet of Thecla. 12 Upon this there was a great yourself into the water. And the
The title written which denoted noise in the amphitheatre; the governor himself cried out, to
her crime, was Sacrilege. Then beasts roared, and the people think that the fish (sea-calves)
the women cried out, O God, the cried out, Bring in the criminal. were like to devour so much
judgments of this city are beauty.
unrighteous. 13 But the women cried out,
and said: Let the whole city 8 Notwithstanding all this,
5 After the beasts had been suffer for such crimes; and Thecla threw herself into the water,
shown, Trifina took Thecla home order all of us, O governor, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
with her, and they went to bed; to the same punishment. O unjust
and behold, the daughter of Trifina, judgment! O cruel sight! 9 But the fish (sea-calves) when
who was dead, appeared to her they saw the lightning and fire,
mother, and said; Mother, let the 14 Others said, Let the whole were killed, and swam dead upon

46
the surface of the water, and a as to my state, I am a believer on CHAPTER X.
cloud of fire surrounded Thecla; Jesus Christ his Son, in whom
so that as the beasts could not God is well pleased; and for that 1 Thecla visits Paul;
come near her, so the people could reason none of the beasts could 6 visits Onesiphorus;
not see her nakedness. touch me. 8 and visits her Mother
9 who repulses her.
10 Yet they turned other wild 19 He alone is the way to eternal 14 Is tempted by the devil.
beasts upon her; upon which they salvation, and the foundation of 16 Works miracles.
made a very mournful outcry; and eternal life. He is a refuge to
some of them scattered spikenard, those who are in distress; a support BUT it was no small surprise
others cassia, others amomus (a to the afflicted, hope and defence to Paul when he saw her and the
sort of spikenard, or the herb of to those who are hopeless; and in people with her; for he imagined
Jerusalem, or ladies rose), others a word, all those who do not some fresh trial was coming upon them;
ointment; so that the quantity of believe on him, shall not live,
ointment was large, in proportion but suffer eternal death. 2 Which when Thecla perceived,
to the number of people; and upon she said to him: I have been baptized,
this all the beasts lay as though 20 When the governor heard these O Paul; for he who assists you in
they had been fast asleep, and did things, he ordered her clothes preaching, has assisted me to baptize.
not touch Thecla. to be brought, and said to her,
Put on your clothes. 3 Then Paul took her, and led her
11 Whereupon Alexander said to the house of Hermes; and Thecla
to the governor, I have some very 21 Thecla replied: May that God related to Paul all that had
terrible bulls; let us bind her to who clothed me when I was naked befallen her in Antioch, insomuch
them. To which the governor, with among the beasts, in the day of that Paul exceedingly wondered,
concern, replied, You may do what judgment clothe your soul with and all who heard were confirmed
you think fit. the robe of salvation. Then she in the faith, and prayed for
took her clothes, and put them Trifina's happiness.
12 Then they put a cord round on; and the governor immediately
Thecla's waist, which bound also published an order in these words: 4 Then Thecla arose, and said
her feet, and with it tied her to I release to you Thecla the servant to Paul, I am going to Iconium.
the bulls, to whose privy-parts they of God. Paul replied to her: Go and teach
applied red-hot irons, that so they the word of the Lord.
being the more tormented, might 22 Upon which the women cried
more violently drag Thecla about, out together with a loud voice, 5 But Trifina had sent large sums
till they had killed her. and with one accord gave praise of money to Paul, and also clothing
unto God, and said; There is but by the hands of Thecla, for the
13 The bulls accordingly tore one God, who is the God of Thecla; relief of the poor.
about, making a most hideous noise; the one God who hath delivered
but the flame which was about Thecla, Thecla. 6 So Thecla went to Iconium.
burnt off the cords which were And when she came to the house
fastened to the members of the 23 So loud were their voices, of Onesiphorus, she fell down upon
bulls, and she stood in the middle that the whole city seemed to be the floor where Paul had sat and
of the stage, as unconcerned as shaken; and Trifina herself heard preached, and, mixing tears with
if she had not been bound. the glad tidings, and arose again, her prayers, she praised and
and ran with the multitude to glorified God in the following
14 But in the mean time Trifina, meet Thecla; and embracing her, words:
who sat upon one of the benches, said: Now I believe there shall
fainted away and died; upon which be a resurrection of the dead; 7 O Lord the God of this house,
the whole city was under a very now I am persuaded that my daughter in which I was first enlightened by
great concern. is alive. Come therefore home thee; O Jesus, son of the living
with me, my daughter Thecla, and God, who wast my helper before
15 And Alexander himself was I will make all over that I have the governor, my helper in the
afraid, and desired the governor, to you. fire, and my helper among the
saying: I entreat you, take beasts; thou alone art God for
compassion on me and the city, 24 So Thecla went with Trifina, ever and ever, Amen.
and release this woman, who has and was entertained there a few
fought with the beasts; lest both days, teaching her the word of the 8 Thecla now (on her return)
you and I, and the whole city, Lord, whereby many young women found Thamyris dead, but her
be destroyed; were converted; and there was mother living. So calling her
great joy in the family of Trifina. mother, she said to her: Theoclia,
16 For if Caesar should have any my mother, is it possible for you
account of what has passed now, 25 But Thecla longed to see Paul, to be brought to a belief, that
he will certainly immediately and inquired and sent every where there is but one Lord God, who
destroy the city, because Trifina, to find him; and when at length dwells in the heavens? If you
a person of royal extract, and a she was informed that he was at desire great riches, God will
relation of his, is dead upon her Myra, in Lycia, she took with her give them to you by me; if you
seat. many young men and women; and want your daughter again, here
putting on a girdle, and dressing I am.
17 Upon this the governor called herself in the habit of a man,
Thecla from among the beasts to him, she went to him to Myra in Lycia, 9 These and many other things
and said to her, Who art thou? and and there found Paul preaching she represented to her mother,
what are thy circumstances, that not the word of God; and she stood (endeavouring) to persuade her
one of the beasts will touch thee? by him among the throng. (to her own opinion). But her
mother Theoclia gave no credit to
18 Thecla replied to him; I am the things which were said by the
a servant of the living God; and martyr Thecla.

47
THE devil then suggested bad
10 So that Thecla perceiving, advice to their minds; and 10 Now also deliver me from
she discoursed to no purpose, being on a certain day met together the hands of these wicked and
signing her whole body with the to consult, they reasoned among unreasonable men nor suffer them
sign (of the cross), left the house each other thus: The virgin is a to debauch my chastity which I
and went to Daphne; and when priestess of the great goddess have hitherto preserved for thy
she came there, she went to the Diana, and whatsoever she requests honour; for I love thee, and long
cave, where she had found Paul from her, is granted, because she for thee, and worship thee,
with Onesiphorus, and fell down is a virgin, and so is beloved O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost,
upon the ground; and wept before by all the gods. for evermore. Amen.
God.
2 Now then let us procure some 11 Then came a voice from
11 When she departed thence, rakish fellows, and after we have heaven, saying, Fear not Thecla,
she went to Seleucia, and made them sufficiently drunk, and my faithful servant, for I am with
enlightened many in the knowledge given them a good sum of money, thee. Look and see the place
of Christ. let us order them to go and debauch which is opened for thee; there thy
this virgin, promising them, if eternal abode shall be; there thou
12 And a bright cloud conducted they do it, a larger reward. shalt receive the (beatific) vision.
her in her journey.
3 (For they thus concluded among 12 The blessed Thecla observing,
13 And after she had arrived at themselves, that if they be able saw the rock opened to as large
Seleucia she went-to a place out to debauch her, the gods will no a degree as that a man might enter
of the city, about the distance more regard her nor Diana cure in; she did as she was commanded,
of a furlong, being afraid of the the sick for her). bravely fled from the vile crew,
inhabitants, because they were and went into the rock, which
worshippers of idols. 4 They proceeded according to instantly so closed, that there
this resolution, and the fellows was not any crack visible where
14 And she was lead (by the went to the mountain, and as fierce it had opened.
cloud) into a mountain called as lions to the cave, knocking at
Calamon, or Rodeon. There she the door. 13 The men stood perfectly
abode many years, and underwent astonished at so prodigious a
a great many grievous temptations 5 The holy martyr Thecla relying miracle, and had no power to detain
of the devil, which she bore in a upon the God in whom she believed, the servant of God; but only
becoming manner, by the assistance opened the door, although she was catching hold of her veil (or hood),
which she had from Christ. before apprised of their design, they tore off a piece of it;
and said to them, Young men,
15 At length certain gentle-women what is your business? 14 And even that was by the
hearing of the virgin Thecla, went permission of God, for the
to her, and were instructed by her 6 They replied, Is there any confirmation of their faith,
in the oracles of God, and many of one within, whose name is Thecla? who should come to see this
them abandoned this world, and led She answered, What would you venerable place; and to convey
a monastic life with her. have with her? They said, We blessings to those in succeeding
have a mind to lie with her. ages, who should believe on our
16 Hereby a good report was Lord Jesus Christ from a pure heart.
spread everywhere of Thecla, and 7 The blessed Thecla answered,
she wrought several (miraculous) Though I am a mean old woman, 15 Thus suffered that first
cures, so that all the city and I am the servant of my Lord Jesus martyr and apostle of God, and
adjacent countries brought their Christ; and though you have a virgin, Thecla, who came from
sick to that mountain, and before vile design against me, ye shall Iconium at eighteen years of age;
they came as far as the door of not be able to accomplish it. They afterwards, partly in journeys and
the cave, they were instantly cured replied, Is it impossible? but we travels, and partly in a monastic
of whatsoever distemper they had. must be able to do with you what life in the cave, she lived seventy-
we have a mind, two years; so that she was ninety
17 The unclean spirits were cast years old when the Lord translated
out, making a noise; all received 8 And while they were saying her.
their sick made whole, and glorified this, they laid hold on her by main
God, who had bestowed such power force, and would have ravished her. 16 Thus ends her life.
on the virgin Thecla; Then she with the (greatest)
mildness said to them: Young men 17 The day which is kept sacred
18 Insomuch that the physicians have patience, and see the glory to her memory, is the twenty-fourth
of Seleucia were now of no more of the Lord. of September, to the glory of the
account, and lost all the profit Father, and the Son, and the Holy
of their trade, because no one 9 And while they held her, she Ghost, now and for evermore. Amen.
regarded them; upon which they looked up to heaven and said: O
were filled with envy, and began God most reverend, to whom none
to contrive what methods to take can be likened; who makest thyself
with this servant of Christ. glorious over thine enemies; who REFERENCES TO THE ACTS OF ST.
didst deliver me from the fire, PAUL AND THECLA.
didst not give me up to Thamyris,
and didst not give me up to [Tertullian says that this piece was forged by a
CHAPTER XI. Alexander: who deliveredst me Presbyter of Asia, who
from the wild beasts; who didst being convicted, "confessed that he did it out of
1 Thecla is attempted to be ravished, preserve me in the deep waters; respect to Paul," and
12 escapes by a rock opening, who hast everywhere been my Pope Gelasius, in his Decree against apocryphal
17 and closing miraculously. helper, and hast glorified thy books, inserted it among
name in me;

48
them. Notwithstanding this, a large part of the the elect of God, which a few offence towards each other; not
history was credited and headstrong and self-willed men mindful of injuries; all sedition
looked upon as genuine among the primitive have fomented to such a degree of and schism was an abomination
Christians. Cyprian, madness, that your venerable and unto you.
Eusebius, Epiphanius, Austin, Gregory, Nagianzen. renowned name, so worthy of all
Chrysostom, and Severus men to be beloved, is greatly 14 Ye bewailed every one his
Sulpitius, who all lived within the fourth century blasphemed thereby. neighbours' sins, esteeming their
mention Thecla or defects your own.
refer to her history. Basil of Seleucia wrote her acts, 4 For who that has ever been
sufferings and among you has not experienced 15 Ye were kind one to another
victories, in verse; and Euagrius Scholasticus an the firmness of your faith, and without grudging; being ready to
ecclesiastical its fruitfulness in all good works; every good work. And being
historian, about 590, relates that "after the Emperor and admired the temper and adorned with a conversation
Zeno, had moderation of your religion in altogether virtuous and religious,
abdicated his empire, and Basilik had taken Christ; and published abroad the ye did all things in the fear of
possession of it, he had a magnificence of your hospitality; God; whose I commandments were
vision of the holy and excellent martyr Thecla, who and thought you happy in your written upon the tables of your
promised him the perfect and certain knowledge of heart.
restoration of his empire; for which, when it was the Gospel?
brought about, he
erected and dedicated a most noble and sumptuous 5 For ye did all things without
temple to this famous respect of persons, and walked CHAPTER II.
martyr, Thecla, at Seleucia, a city of Isauria, and according to the laws of God;
bestowed upon it very being subject to those who had How their divisions began.
noble endowments, which (says the author) are the rule over you, and giving the
preserved even till this honour that was fitting to the aged ALL honour and enlargement
day." Hist. Ecel. lib. 3 cap. 8.--Cardinal Barenius, among you. was given unto you; and so
Locrinus, Archbishop was fulfilled that which is written,
Wake, and others; and also the learned Grabe, who 6 Ye commanded the young men my beloved did eat and drink, he
edited the Septuagint, to think those things that were was enlarged and waxed fat, and
and revived the Acts of Paul and Thecla, consider modest and grave. he kicked.
them as having been
written in the Apostolic age; as containing nothing 7 The women ye exhorted to do 2 From hence came emulation,
superstitious, or all things with an unblameable, and envy, and strife, and sedition;
disagreeing from the opinions and belief of those and seemly, and pure conscience; persecution and disorder, war and
times; and, in short, loving their own husbands, as was captivity.
as a genuine and authentic history. Again, it is said, fitting: and that keeping themselves
that this is not within the bounds of a due obedience, 3 So they who were of no renown,
the original book of the early Christians; but they should order their houses lifted up themselves against
however that may be, it gravely, with all discretion. the honourable; those of no
is published from the Greek MS. in the Bodleian reputation against those who were
Library at Oxford, which 8 Ye were all of you humble- in respect; the foolish against the
Dr. Mills copied and transmitted to Dr. Grabe.] minded, not boasting of anything wise; the young men against the
desiring rather to be subject than aged.
to govern; to give than to receive;
being a content with the portion 4 Therefore righteousness and
God hath dispensed to you: peace are departed from you,
because every one hath forsaken
9 And hearkening diligently to the fear of God; and is grown blind
THE FIRST EPISTLE OF his word, ye were enlarged in in his faith; nor walketh by the
CLEMENT TO THE CORINTHIANS. your bowels, having his sufferings rule of God's commandments nor
always before your eyes. liveth as is fitting in Christ:

CHAPTER I. 10 Thus a firm, and blessed, 5 But every one follows his
and profitable peace was given own wicked lusts: having taken
Clement commends them for their excellent order unto you: and an unsatiable desire up an unjust and wicked envy, by
and piety in Christ, before their schism broke out. of doing good; and a plentiful which death first entered into the
effusion of the Holy Ghost was world.
THE Church of God which is upon all of you.
at Rome, to the Church of God
which is at Corinth, elect, 11 And being full of good
sanctified by the will of God, designs, ye did with, great CHAPTER III.
through Jesus Christ our Lord: readiness of mind, and with
grace and peace from the Almighty a religious confidence stretch Envy and emulation the original of all
God, by Jesus Christ, be multiplied forth your hands to God Almighty; strife and disorder. Examples of the
unto you. beseeching him to be merciful mischiefs they have occasioned.
unto you, if in anything ye had
2 Brethren, the sudden and unwillingly sinned against him. FOR thus it is written,
unexpected dangers and calamities And in process of time it came to
that have fallen upon us, have, we 12 Ye contended day and night pass, that Cain brought of the fruit
fear, made us the more slow in our for the whole brotherhood; that of the ground an offering unto the
consideration of those things which with compassion and a good Lord. And Abel, he also brought
you inquired of us: conscience, the number of his of the firstlings of his flock,
elect might be saved. and of the fat thereof:
3 As also of that wicked and
detestable sedition, so unbecoming 13 Ye were sincere, and without 2 And the Lord had respect unto

49
Abel, and to his offering. But times he was in bonds; he was precious his blood is in the sight
unto Cain and unto his offering he whipped, was stoned; he preached of God: which being shed for our
had not respect. And Cain was both in the East and in the West; salvation, has obtained the grace
very sorrowful, and his countenance leaving behind him the glorious of repentance for all the world.
fell. report of his faith:
6 Let us search into all the
3 And the Lord said unto Cain, 14 And so having taught the ages that have gone before us;
Why art thou sorrowful? And whole world righteousness, and and learn that our Lord has in
why is thy countenance fallen? for that end travelled even to every one of them still given place
If thou shalt offer aright, but not the utmost bounds of the West; for repentance to all such as would
divide aright, hast thou not sinned? he at last suffered martyrdom turn to him.
Hold thy peace: unto thee shall by the command of the governors,
be his desire, and thou shalt rule 7 Noah preached repentance;
over him. 15 And departed out of the and as many as hearkened to him
world, and went unto his holy were saved. Jonah denounced
4 And Cain said unto Abel his place; having become a most destruction against the Ninevites.
brother, Let us go down into the eminent pattern of patience
field. And it came to pass, as unto all ages. 8 Howbeit they repenting of
they were in the field, that Cain their sins, appeased God by their
rose up against Abel his brother, 16 To these Holy Apostles prayers: and were saved, though
and slew him. were joined a very great number they were strangers to the covenant
of others, who having through of God.
5 Ye see, brethren, how envy envy undergone in like manner
and emulation wrought the death many pains and torments, have 9 Hence we find how all the
of a brother. For this, our father left a glorious example to us.
Jacob fled from the face of his ministers of the grace of God
brother Esau. 17 For this, not only men but have spoken by the Holy Spirit of
women have been persecuted; repentance. And even the Lord of
6 It was this that caused Joseph and having suffered very grievous all, has himself declared with an
to be persecuted even unto death, and cruel punishments, have oath concerning it;
and to come into bondage. Envy finished the course of their faith
forced Moses to flee from the with firmness; and though weak 10 As I live, saith the Lord,
face of Pharoah king of Egypt, in body, yet received a glorious I desire not the death of a sinner,
when he heard his own countryman reward. but that he should repent. Adding
ask him, "Who made thee a Judge, farther this good sentence, saying
and a ruler over us? Wilt thou 18 This has alienated the Turn from your iniquity, O house
kill me as thou didst the minds even of women from their of Israel.
Egyptian yesterday?" husbands; and changed what was
once said by our father Adam; 11 Say unto the children of
7 Through envy Aaron and Miriam This is now bone of my bones, my people, though your sins should
were shut out of the camp, from and flesh of my flesh. reach from earth to heaven; and
the rest of the congregation though they shall be redder than
seven days. 19 In a word, envy and strife, scarlet, and blacker than sackcloth
have overturned whole cities, and yet if ye shall turn to me with all
8 Emulation's sent Dathan and rooted out great nations from off your heart, and shall call me
Abiram quick into the grave because the earth. father, I will hearken to you, as
they raised up a sedition against to a holy people.
Moses the servant of God.
12 And in another place he saith
9 For this, David was not CHAPTER IV. on this wise: wash ye, make you
only hated of strangers, but was clean; put away the evil of your
persecuted even by Saul the king 4 He exhorts them to live by holy rules, and doings from before mine eyes;
of Israel. repent cease to do evil, learn to do well;
of their divisions, and they shall be forgiven. seek judgment, relieve the
10 But not to insist upon ancient oppressed, judge the fatherless,
examples, let us come to those THESE things, beloved, we plead for the widow.
worthies that have been nearest write unto you, not only for
to us; and take the brave your instruction, but also for our 13 Come now and let us reason
examples of our own age. own remembrance. together, saith the Lord: though
your sins be as scarlet, they shall
11 Through zeal and envy, the 2 For we are all in the same be as white as snow; though they
most faithful and righteous pillars lists, and the same combat is be as red as crimson, they shall
of the church have been persecuted prepared for us all. be as wool.
even to the most grievous deaths.
3 Wherefore let us lay aside all 14 If ye be willing and obedient
12 Let us set before our eyes, vain and empty cares; and let us ye shall eat the good of the land
the holy Apostles; Peter by unjust come up to the glorious and but, if ye refuse and rebel, ye
envy underwent not one or two, venerable rule of our holy calling. shall be devoured with the sword;
but many sufferings; till at last for the mouth of the Lord hath
being martyred, he went to the 4 Let us consider what is good, spoken it.
place of glory that was due unto
him. and acceptable and well-pleasing 15 These things has God
in the sight of him that made us. established by his Almighty will,
13 For the same cause did desiring that all his beloved
Paul in like manner receive the 5 Let us look steadfastly to the should come to repentance.
reward of his patience. Seven blood of Christ, and see how

50
10 And again he saith: and discovering them unto them.
God brought forth Abraham, and
CHAPTER V. said unto him; look now toward
heaven, and tell the stars, if thou 8 Then she said to the spies,
1 He sets before them the examples of holy men, be able to number them: so shall I know that the Lord your God has
whose piety is recorded in the Scripture. thy seed be. given this city into your hands;
for the fear of you is fallen upon
WHEREFORE let us obey his 11 And Abraham believed God, all that dwell therein. When,
excellent and glorious will; and it was counted to him for therefore, ye shall have taken it,
and imploring his mercy and righteousness. ye shall save me and my father's
goodness, let us fall down upon house.
our faces before him, and cast 12 Through faith and hospitality
ourselves upon his mercy; laying he had a son given him in his 9 And they answered her, saying,
aside all vanity, and contention, old age; and through obedience It shall be as thou hast spoken
and envy which leads unto death. he offered him up in sacrifice to unto us, Therefore, when thou
God, upon one of the mountains shalt know that we are near, thou
2 Let us look up to those who which God showed into him. shalt gather all thy family together,
have the most perfectly ministered upon the house-top and they shall
to his excellent glory. Let us be saved: but all that shall be
take Enoch for our example; found without thy house shall
who being found righteous in CHAPTER VI. be destroyed.
obedience, was translated, and
his death was not known. 1 Redemption for such as have been eminent for 10 And they gave her moreover
their a sign, that she should hang
3 Noah being proved to be faith, kindness, and charity to their neighbours. out of her house a scarlet rope,
faithful, did by his ministry, showing thereby, that by the
preach regeneration to the world; BY hospitality and goodliness blood of our Lord, there should be
and the Lord saved by him all the was Lot saved out of Sodom, redemption to all that believe and
living creatures, that went with when all the country round about hope in God. Ye see, beloved,
one accord into the ark. was destroyed by fire and brimstone.
how there was not only faith, but
4 Abraham, who was called 2 The Lord thereby making it prophesy too in this woman.
God's friend, was in like manner manifest, that he will not forsake
found faithful; inasmuch as he those that trust in him; but will
obeyed the commands of God. bring the disobedient to punishment
and correction. CHAPTER VII.
5 By obedience he went out of
his own country, and from his 3 For his wife who went out 1 What rules are given for leading a holy life.
own kindred, and from his father's with him, being of a different
house; that so forsaking a small mind, and not continuing in the LET us, therefore, humble ourselves,
country, and a weak affinity, and same obedience, was for that reason brethren, laying aside all pride,
a little house, he might inherit set forth for an example, being and boasting, and foolishness,
the promises of God. turned into a pillar of salt and anger: And let us do as it
unto this day. is written.
6 For thus God said unto him;
4 That so all men may know, 2 For thus saith the Holy Spirit;
"get thee out of thy country, and that those who are double minded, Let not the wise man glory in his
from thy kindred, and from thy and distrustful of the power of wisdom, nor the strong man in
father's house, unto a land that God, are prepared for condemnation, his strength, nor the rich man
I will show thee." and to be a sign to all succeeding in his riches; but let him that
ages. glorieth, glory in the Lord, to seek
7 "And, I will make thee a great him, and to do judgment and justice.
nation, and will bless thee, and 5 By faith and hospitality was
make thy name great, and thou Rahab the harlot saved. For when 3 Above all, remembering the
shalt be blessed. And I will the spies were sent by Joshua the words of the Lord Jesus, which he
bless them that bless thee, and son of Nun to search out Jericho, spake concerning equity and long
curse them that curse thee; and and the king of Jericho knew that suffering, saying,
in thee shall all families of the they were come to spy out his
earth be blessed," country, he sent men to take them, 4 Be ye merciful, and ye shall
so that they might be put to obtain mercy; forgive, and ye
8 And again when he separated death. shall be forgiven; as ye do, so
himself from Lot, God said unto shall it be done unto you; as ye
him; I Lift up now thine eyes, and 6 Rahab therefore, being hospitable, give, so shall it be given unto
look from the place where thou received them, and hid them under you; as ye judge, so shall ye be
art northward, and southward, and the stalks of flax, on the top of judged; as ye are kind to others,
eastward, and westward, for all her house. so shall God be kind to you; with
the land which thou seest, to thee what measure ye mete, with the
will I give it, and to thy seed for 7 And when the messengers that same shall it be measured to you
ever. were sent by the king came unto again.
her, and asked her, saying,
9 And I will make thy seed as There came men unto thee to spy 5 By this command, and by
the dust of the earth, so that if a out the land, bring them forth, for these rules, let us establish
man can number the dust of the so hath the king commanded: She ourselves, that so we may always
earth, then shall thy seed also be answered, The two men whom ye walk obediently to his holy words;
numbered. seek came unto me, but presently being humble minded:
they departed, and are gone: Not

51
6 For so says the Holy Scripture; deal confidently with him. 12 Yet it pleased the Lord to
upon whom shall I look, even upon bruise him; he hath put him to
him that is poor and of a contrite grief: when thou shalt make his
spirit, and that trembles at my word. soul an offering for sin, he shall
CHAPTER VIII. see his seed, he shall prolong his
7 It is, therefore, just and days, and the pleasure of the Lord
righteous, men and brethren, that He advises then, to be humble, and, follow the shall prosper in his hand.
we should become obedient unto God, examples of Jesus, and of holy men in all ages.
rather than follow such as through 13 He shall see of the travail
pride and sedition, have made FOR Christ is theirs who are of his soul, and shall be satisfied:
themselves the ring-leaders of humble, and not who exalt by his knowledge shall my righteous
a detestable emulation. themselves over his flock. The servant justify many; for he shall
sceptre of the majesty of God, our bear their iniquities.
8 For it is not an ordinary harm Lord Jesus Christ, came not in
that we shall do ourselves, but the show of pride and arrogance, 14 Therefore will I divide him
rather a very great danger that we though he could have done so; a portion with the great, and he
shall run, if we shall rashly give but with humility as the Holy shall divide the spoil with the
up ourselves to the wills of men, Ghost had before spoken strong; because he hath poured
who promote strife and seditions, concerning him. out his soul unto death; and he
to turn us aside from that which is was numbered with the transgressors,
fitting. 2 For thus he saith, Lord, who and he bare the sin of many, and
hath believed our report, and to made intercession for the
whom is the arm of the Lord transgressors.
9 But let us be kind to one revealed; For he shall grow up
another, according to the compassion before him as a tender plant, and 15 And again he himself saith,
and sweetness of him that made us. as a root out of a dry ground; I am a worm and no man, a reproach
of men, and despised of the people.
10 For it is written, The merciful 3 He hath no form or comeliness, All they that see me laugh me to
shall inherit the earth; and they and when we shall see him, there scorn; they shoot out their lips,
that are without evil shall be left is no beauty that we should desire they shake their heads, saying;
upon it: but the transgressors shall him. He trusted in the Lord that he
perish from off the face of it. would deliver him, let him
4 He is despised and rejected of deliver him seeing he delighted
11 And again he saith, I have men; a man of sorrows and acquainted in him.
seen the wicked in great power with grief.
and spreading himself like the 16 Ye see, beloved, what the
cedar of Libanus. I passed by, 5 And we hid, as it were, our pattern is that has been given to
and lo! he was not; I sought his faces from him; he was despised, us. For if the Lord thus humbled
place, but it could not be found. and we esteemed him not. himself, what should we do who
are brought by him under the
12 Keep innocently, and do the 6 Surely he hath borne our yoke of his grace?
thing that is right, for there shall griefs, and carried our sorrows
be a remnant to the peaceable yet we did esteem him stricken, 17 Let us be followers of those
man. smitten of God, and afflicted. who went about in goat-skins, and
sheep-skins; preaching the coming
13 Let us, therefore, hold fast 7 But he was wounded for our of Christ.
to those who religiously follow transgressions; he was bruised for
peace; and not to such as only our iniquities; the chastisement 18 Such were Elias, and Eliaxus,
pretend to desire. of our peace was upon him; and and Ezekiel, the prophets,
with his stripes we are healed. And let us add to these, such
14 For he saith in a certain others as have received the like
place, This people honoureth me 8 All we like sheep have gone testimony.
with their lips, but their heart astray; we have turned every one
is far from me. to his own way; and the Lord hath 19 Abraham has been greatly
laid on him the iniquity of us all. witnessed of; having been called
15 And again, They bless with the friend of God. And yet he
their mouths, but curse in their 9 He was oppressed, and he was steadfastly beholding the glory of
hearts. afflicted, yet he opened not his God, says with all humility, I am
mouth: he is brought as a lamb to dust and ashes.
16 And again he saith, They the slaughter; and as a sheep
loved him with their mouths, and before her shearers is dumb, 20 Again of Job, it is thus
with their tongues they lied to so he openeth not his mouth. written, That he was just, and
him. For their heart was not right without blame, true; one that served
with him, neither were they 10 He was taken from prison God, and abstained from all evil.
faithful in his covenant. and from judgment; and who shall Yet he accusing himself, said, No
declare this generation? For he man is free from pollution, no,
17 Let all deceitful lips become was cut off out of the land of the not though he should live but one
dumb, and the tongue that speaketh living: for the transgression of my day.
proud things. Who have said, with people was he stricken.
our tongue will we prevail; our lips 21 Moses was called faithful in
are our own, who is Lord over us? 11 And he made his grave with all God's House; and by his conduct
the wicked, and with the rich in the Lord punished Israel by stripes
18 For the oppression of the his death; because he had done no and plagues.
poor, for the sighing of the needy, violence, neither was any deceit
now will I arise saith the Lord; in his mouth. 22 And even this man, though
I will set him in safety, I will thus greatly honoured, spake not

52
greatly of himself; but when the 10 And the conflux of the vast
oracle of God was delivered to him 38 O Lord open thou my lips, sea, being brought together by his
out of the bush, he said, Who and my mouth shall show forth order into its several collections,
am I, that thou dost send me? I thy praise. passes not the bounds that he has
am of a slender voice, and a slow set to it;
tongue. 39 For thou desirest not sacrifice,
else would I give it; thou 11 But as he appointed it, so it
23 And again he saith, I am as remains. For he said, Hitherto
the smoke of the pot. delightest not in burnt-offerings. shalt then come, and thy floods
shall be broken within thee.
24 And what shall we say of 40 The sacrifices of God are
David, so highly testified of in the a broken spirit; a broken and a 12 The ocean impassable to
Holy Scriptures? To whom God said, contrite heart, O God, thou wilt mankind, and the worlds that are
I have found a man after my own not despise. beyond it are governed by the
heart, David the son of Jesse, same commands of their great
with my holy oil have I anointed master.
him.
CHAPTER IX. 13 Spring and summer, autumn
25 But yet he himself saith unto and winter, give place peaceably
God, Have mercy upon me, O God, He again persuades them to compose their to each other.
according to thy loving kindness; divisions.
according unto the multitude of 14 The several quarters of the
thy tender mercies, blot out my THUS has the humility and winds fulfil their work in their
transgressions. godly fear of these great seasons, without offending one
and excellent men recorded in another.
26 Wash me thoroughly from the Scriptures, through obedience,
mine iniquity, and cleanse me made not only us, but also the 15 The ever-flowing fountains,
from my sin. For I acknowledge generations before us better; made both for pleasure and health,
my transgressions, and my sin is even as many as have received his never fail to reach out their breasts
ever before me. holy oracles with fear and truth. to support the life of men.

27 Against Thee only have I 2 Having therefore so many, 16 Even the smallest creatures
sinned, and done this evil in and such great and glorious live together in peace and concord
thy sight; that thou mightest examples, let us return to that with each other.
be justified when thou speakest; peace which was the mark that
and be clear when thou judgest. from the beginning was set before 17 All these has the Great Creator
us; and Lord of all, commanded to
28 Behold I was shapen in observe peace and concord; being
iniquity, and in sin did my mother 3 Let us look up to the Father good to all.
conceive me. and Creator of the whole world;
and let us hold fast to his glorious 18 But especially to us who flee
29 Behold, thou desirest truth and exceeding gifts and benefits to his mercy through our Lord
in the inward parts; and in the of peace. Jesus Christ; to whom be glory
hidden part thou shalt make me to and majesty for ever and ever.
know wisdom. 4 Let us consider and behold Amen.
with the eyes of our understanding
30 Purge me with hyssop, and his long suffering will; and think
I shall be clean: wash me, and I how gentle and patient he is
shall be whiter than snow. towards his whole creation. CHAPTER X.

31 Make me to hear joy and 5 The heavens moving by his He exhorts them to obedience, from the
gladness, that the bones which appointment, are subject to him consideration
thou hast broken may rejoice. in peace. of the goodness of God, and of his presence in
every place.
32 Hide thy face from my sins, 6 Day and night accomplish the
and blot out all mine iniquities. courses that he has allotted unto TAKE heed, beloved, that his
Create in me a clean heart O God; them, not disturbing one another. many blessings be not to our
and renew a right spirit condemnation; except we shall
within me. 7 The sun and moon, and all the walk worthy of him, doing with
several companies and constellations one consent what is good and
34 Cast me not away from thy of the stars, run the courses that pleasing in his sight.
presence, and take not thy holy he has appointed to them in concord,
spirit from me. without departing in the least from 2 The spirit of the Lord is a
them. candle, searching out the inward
35 Restore unto me the joy of parts of the belly.
thy salvation, and uphold me with 8 The fruitful earth yields its
thy free spirit. food plentifully in due season both 3 Let us therefore consider how
to man and beast, and to all animals near he is to us; and how that
36 Then will I teach transgressors that are upon it, according to his none of our thoughts, or reasonings
thy ways, and sinners shall be will; not disputing, nor altering which we frame within ourselves,
converted unto thee. any thing of what was ordered by him. are hid from him,

37 Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, 9 So also the unfathomable and 4 It is therefore just that we
O God, thou God of my salvation; unsearchable floods of the deep, should not forsake our rank, by
and my tongue shall sing aloud are kept in by his command; doing contrary to his will.
of thy righteousness.

53
5 Let us choose to offend a few resurrection to us. The night lies
foolish and inconsiderate men, 5 The eyes of the Lord are upon down, and the day arises: again
lifted up and glorying in their the righteous, and his ears are the day departs and the night
own pride, rather than God. open unto their prayers. comes on.

6 Let us reverence our Lord 6 But the face of the Lord is 19 Let us behold the fruits of
Jesus Christ whose blood was against them that do evil, to cut the earth. Every one sees how the
given for us. off the remembrance of them from seed is sown. The sower goes
the earth. forth, and casts it upon the earth;
7 Let us honour those who are and the seed which when it was
set over us; let us respect the 7 The righteous cried, and the sown fell upon the earth dry and
aged that are amongst us; and let Lord heard him, and delivered naked, in time dissolves.
us instruct the younger men, in him out of all his troubles.
the discipline and fear of the 20 And from the dissolution,
LORD. 8 Many are the troubles of the the great power of the providence
wicked; but they that trust in the of the Lord rises it again; and of
8 Our wives let us direct, to do Lord mercy shall encompass them one seed many arise, and bring
that which is good. about. forth fruit.

9 Let them show forth a lovely 9 Our all-merciful and beneficent


habit of purity, in all their Father hath bowels of compassion
conversation; with a sincere towards them that fear him: and CHAPTER XII.
affection of meekness. kindly and lovingly bestows his
graces upon all such as come to The Resurrection further proved.
10 Let the government of their him with a simple mind.
tongues be made manifest by their LET us consider that wonderful
silence. 10 Wherefore let us not waver, type of the resurrection which
neither let us have any doubt in is seen in the Eastern countries:
11 Let their charity be without our hearts, of his excellent and that is to say, in Arabia.
respect of persons, alike towards glorious gifts.
all such as religiously fear 2 There is a certain bird called
God. 11 Let that be far from us a Phoenix; of this there is never
which is written, Miserable are but one at a time: and that lives
12 Let your children be bred the double-minded, and those who five hundred years. And when
up in the instruction of Christ: are doubtful in their hearts; the time of its dissolution draws
near, that it must die, it makes
13 And especially let them learn 12 Who say these things have itself a nest of frankincense, and
how great a power humility has we heard, and our fathers have myrrh, and other spices into which
with God; how much a pure and told us these things. But behold when its time is fulfilled it enters
holy charity avails with him; how we are grown old, and none of and dies.
excellent and great his fear is; them has happened unto us.
and how it will save all such as 3 But its flesh putrefying, breeds
turn to him with holiness in a pure 13 O ye fools consider the trees: a certain worm, which being nourished
mind. take the vine for an example. with the juice of the dead bird
First it sheds its leaves; then it brings forth feathers; and when
14 For he is the searcher of the buds; after that it spreads its it is grown to a perfect state,
thoughts and counsels of the heart; leaves; then it flowers; then come it takes up the nest in which
whose breath is in us, and when the sour grapes; and after them the bones of its parent lie, and
he pleases he can take it from follows the ripe fruit. See how in carries it from Arabia into Egypt,
us. a little time the fruit of the trees to a city called Heliopolis:
comes to maturity.
4 And flying in open day in the
14 Of a truth yet a little while sight of all men, lays it upon the
and his will shall suddenly be altar of the sun, and so returns
CHAP. XI. accomplished. from whence it came.

Of faith: and particularly what we are 15 The Holy Scripture itself 5 The priests then search into
to believe as to the Resurrection. bearing witness, that He shall the records of the time: and find
quickly come and not tardy, and that it returned precisely at the
BUT all these things must be that the Lord shall suddenly come end of five hundred years.
confirmed by the faith which to his temple, even the 3 holy ones
is in Christ; for so He himself whom ye look for. 6 And shall we then think it to
bespeaks us by the Holy Ghost; be any very great and strange
16 Let us consider, beloved, thing for the Lord of all to raise
2 Come ye children and hearken how the Lord does continually up those that religiously serve him
unto me, and I will teach you the show us, that there shall be a in the assurance of a good faith,
fear of the Lord. What man is future resurrection; of which he when even by a bird he shows us
there that desireth life, and loveth has made our Lord Jesus Christ the greatness of his power to fulfil
to see good days? the first fruits, raising him from his promise?
the dead.
3 Keep thy tongue from evil, 7 For he says in a certain place,
and thy lips that they speak no 17 Let us contemplate, beloved, Thou shalt raise me up and I shall
guile. the resurrection that is continually confess unto thee.
made before our eyes.
4 Depart from evil and do good; 8 And again, I laid me down
seek peace and pursue it. 18 Day and night manifest a and slept, and awaked, because

54
thou art with me. thou art there; if I shall go to the of ourselves; for God hateth those
uttermost parts of the earth, there that commend themselves.
9 And again, Job says, Thou is thy right hand: if I shall make
shalt raise up this flesh of mine, my bed in the deep, thy Spirit is 8 Let the witness of our good
that has suffered all these there. actions be given to us by others,
things. as it was given to the holy men
5 Whither then shall any one that went before us.
10 Having therefore this hope, go; or whither shall he run from
let us hold fast to him who is him that comprehends all things? 9 Rashness, and arrogance, and
faithful in all his promises, and confidence, belong to them who
righteous in all his judgments; 6 Let us therefore come to him are accursed of God: but equity,
who has commanded us not to lie, with holiness of heart, lifting up and humility, and mildness, to
how much more will he not chaste and undefiled hands unto such as are blessed by him.
himself lie? him; loving our gracious and
merciful Father, who has made us 10 Let us then lay hold of his
11 For nothing is impossible to partake of his election. blessing, and let as consider what
with God but to lie. are the ways by which we may
7 For so it is written, When attain unto it.
12 Let his faith then be stirred the Most High divided the nations;
up again in us; and let us consider when he separated the sons of 11 Let us look back upon those
that all things are nigh unto him. Adam, he set the bounds of the things that have happened from
nations, according to the number the beginning.
13 By the word of his power he of his angels; his people Jacob
made all things: and by the same became the portion of the Lord, 12 For what was our Father
word he is able, (whenever he and Israel the lot of his Abraham blessed? Was it not
will,) to destroy them. inheritance. because that through faith he
wrought righteousness and truth?
14 Who shall say unto him, 8 And in another place he saith,
what dost thou? or who shall Behold the Lord taketh unto himself 13 Isaac being fully persuaded
resist the power of his strength? a nation, out of the midst of the of what he knew was to come,
nations, as a man taketh the first- cheerfully yielded himself up for
15 When, and as he pleased, fruits of his flour; and the Most a sacrifice. Jacob with humility
he will do all things; and nothing Holy shall come out of that nation. departed out of his own country,
shall pass away of all that has been fleeing from his brother, and went
determined by him. unto Laban and served him; and
so the sceptre of the twelve tribes
16 All things are open before CHAPTER XIV. of Israel was given unto him.
him; nor can anything be hid
from his counsel. How we must live that we may please God. 14 Now what the greatness of
this gift was, will plainly appear,
17 The heavens declare the WHEREFORE we being apart if we shall take the pains distinctly
glory of God, and the firmament of the Holy One: let us do to consider all the parts of it.
showeth his handy work. Day all those things that pertain unto
unto day uttereth speech, and holiness: 15 For, from him came the
night unto night showeth priests and Levites; who all
knowledge. There is no speech nor 2 Fleeing all evil-speaking ministered at the altar of God.
language where their voice is not against one another; all filthy
heard. and impure embraces, together with 16 From him came our Lord
all drunkenness, youthful lusts, Jesus Christ, according to the
abominable concupiscences, flesh.
detestable adultery, and
CHAPTER XIII. execrable pride. 17 From him came the kings,
and princes, and rulers in Judah.
It is impossible to escape the vengeance of God, 3 For God saith, he resisteth
if we continue in sin. the proud, but giveth grace to the 18 Nor were the rest of his
humble. tribes in any little glory: God
SEEING then all things are seen having promised that their seed
and heard by God, let us fear 4 Let us therefore hold fast to shall be as the stars of heaven.
him, and let us lay aside our those to whom God has given his
wicked works which proceed from grace. 19 They were all therefore
ill desires; that through his mercy greatly glorified, not for their own
we may be delivered from the 5 And let us put on concord, sake, or for their own works, or
condemnation to come. being humble, temperate; free for the righteousness that they
from all whispering and detraction; themselves wrought, but through
2 For whither can any of us flee and justified by our actions, his will.
from his mighty hand? Or what not our words.
world shall receive any of those 20 And we also being called by
who run away from him? 6 For he saith, Doth he that the same will in Christ Jesus, are
speaketh and heareth many things, not justified by ourselves, neither
3 For thus saith the Scripture and is of a ready tongue, suppose by our own wisdom, or knowledge,
in a certain place. Whither shall that he is righteous? Blessed is or piety, or the works which we
I flee from thy spirit, or where he that is born of a woman, that have done in the holiness of our
shall I hide myself from thy liveth but a few days: use not hearts.
presence? therefore much speech.
21 But by that faith, by which
4 If I ascend up into heaven, 7 Let our praise be of God, not God Almighty has justified all

55
men from the beginning; to whom CHAPTER XVI.
be glory for ever and ever, Amen. 2 Life in immortality! brightness
A virtuous life enforced from the examples in righteousness! truth in full
of the holy angels, and from the exceeding assurance! faith in confidence!
greatness of that reward which God has prepared temperance in holiness!
CHAPTER XV. for us.
3 And all this has God subjected
We are justified by faith; yet this must not THE good workman with to our understandings:
lessen our care to live a virtuous life, confidence receives the bread of
nor our pleasure in it. his labour; but the sluggish and 4 What therefore shall those
lazy cannot look him in the face things be which he has prepared
WHAT shall we do therefore, that set him on work. for them that wait for him?
brethren? Shall we be slothful
in well-doing, and lay aside 2 We must therefore be ready 5 The Creator and Father of
our charity? God forbid that any and forward in well-doing: for spirits, the Most Holy; he only
such thing should be done by us. from him are all things. knows both the greatness and
beauty of them,
2 But rather let us hasten with 3 And thus he foretells us,
all earnestness and readiness of behold the Lord cometh, and his
mind, to perfect every good work. reward is with him, even before his 6 Let us therefore strive with
For even the Creator and Lord of face, to render to everyone according all earnestness, that we may be
all things himself rejoices in his to his work. found in the number of those that
own works. wait for him, that so we may
4 He warns us therefore beforehand, receive the reward which he has
3 By his Almighty power he with all his heart to this end, promised.
fixed the heavens, and by his that we should not be slothful and
incomprehensible wisdom he negligent in well-doing. 7 But how, beloved, shall we do
adorned them. this? We must fix our minds by
5 Let our boasting, therefore, faith towards God, and seek those
4 He also divided the earth and our confidence be in God things that are pleasing and
from the water, with which it is let us submit ourselves to his will, acceptable unto him.
encompassed: and fixed it as a Let us consider the whole multitude
secure tower, upon the foundation of his angels, how ready they 8 We must act conformably to
of his own will. stand to minister unto his will. his holy will; and follow the way
of truth, casting off from us all
5 He also by his appointment, 6 As saith the Scripture, unrighteousness and iniquity,
commanded all the living creatures thousands of thousands stood together with all covetousness,
that are upon it, to exist. before him and ten thousand strife, evil manners, deceit,
times ten thousand ministered whispering, detractions; all
6 So likewise the sea, and all unto him. And they cried, saying, hatred of God, pride and boasting;
the creatures that are in it; Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of vain-glory and ambition;
having first created them, he hosts; The whole earth is full
enclosed them therein by his power. of his glory. 9 For they that do these things
are odious to God; and not only
7 And above all, he with his 7 Wherefore let us also, being they that do them, but also all
holy and pure hands, formed man, conscientiously gathered together such as approve of those that do
the most excellent; and, as to his in concord with one another; as them.
understanding, truly the greatest it were with one mouth, cry,
of all other creatures; the character earnestly unto him, that he would 10 For thus saith the Scripture,
of his own image. make us partakers of his great and But unto the wicked, God said,
glorious promises. What hast thou to do to declare
8 For thus God says; Let us my statute, or that thou shouldst
make man in our image, after our 8 For he saith, a Eye hath not take my covenant in thy mouth?
own likeness; so God created man, seen, nor ear heard, neither have Seeing that thou hatest instruction,
male and female created he them. entered into the heart of man, the and castest my words behind thee.
things which God has prepared for
9 And having thus finished all them that wait for him, 11 When thou sawest a thief,
these things, he commended all then thou consentedst with him;
that he had made, and blessed thou hast been partaker with
them, and said, increase and adulterers, Thou givest thy mouth
multiply. CHAPTER XVII. to evil, and thy tongue frameth
deceit. Thou sittest and speakest
10 We see how all righteous men 1 We must attain the gifts of God by faith and against thy brother; thou slanderest
have been adorned with good works obedience, thine own mother's son.
Wherefore even the Lord himself, which we must carry on in an orderly pursuing of
having adorned himself with his the 12 These things hast thou done
works, rejoiced. duties of our several stations, without envy or and I kept silence; thou thoughtest
contention. that I was altogether such a one
11 Having therefore such an 24 The necessity of different orders among men. as thyself: but I will reprove thee,
example, let us without delay, 33 We have none of us anything but what we and set them in order before thine
fulfil his will; and with all received of God: eyes.
our strength, work the work of whom therefore we ought in every condition
righteousness. thankfully to obey. 13 Now consider this ye that
forget God, lest I tear you in pieces,
HOW blessed and wonderful, and there be none to deliver.
beloved, are the gifts of God.

56
14 Whose offereth praise, FOOLISH and unwise men, who
glorifieth me; And to him that 29 But there must be a mixture have neither prudence, nor
disposeth his way aright, will in all things, and then there will learning, may mock and deride
I show the salvation of God. be use and profit too. us; being willing to set up
themselves in their own conceits.
15 This is the way, beloved, in 30 Let us, for example, take
which we may find our Saviour, 2 But what can a mortal man
even Jesus Christ, the high-priest our body: the head without the do? Or what strength is there in
of all our offerings, the defender feet is nothing, neither the feet him that is made out of the dust?
and helper of our weakness. without the head.
3 For it is written, there was no
16 By him we look up to the 31 And even the smallest members shape before mine eyes; only I
highest heavens; and behold, as of our body are yet both necessary heard a sound and a voice.
in a glass, his spotless and most and useful to the whole body.
excellent visage.
32 But all conspire together, 4 For what? Shall man be pure
17 By him are the eyes of our and are subject to one common before the Lord? Shall he be
hearts opened; by him our foolish use, namely, the preservation of blameless in his works?
and darkened understanding the whole body.
rejoiceth to behold his wonderful 5 Behold, he trusteth not in
light. 33 Let therefore our whole body his servants; and his angels he
by saved in Christ Jesus; and let chargeth with folly.
18 By him would God have us everyone be subject to his neighbour,
to taste the knowledge of according to the order in which 6 Yes, the heaven is not clean
immortality: who being the he is placed by the gift of God. in his sight, how much less they
brightness of his glory, is by that dwell in houses of clay; of
so much greater than the angels, 34 Let not the strong man despise which also we ourselves were
as he has by inheritance obtained the weak; and let the weak see that made?
a more excellent name than they. he reverence the strong.
7 He smote them as a moth:
19 For so it is written, who 35 Let the rich man distribute and from morning even unto the
maketh his angels spirits, and his to the necessity of the poor; and evening they endure not. Because
ministers a flame of fire: let the poor bless God, that he has they were not able to help
given one unto him, by whom his themselves, they perished;
20 But to his son, thus saith the want may be supplied. he breathed upon them and they
Lord, Thou art my Son, to-day died, because they had no wisdom.
have I begotten thee. 36 Let the wise man show forth
his wisdom, not in words, but in 8 Call now if there be any that
21 Ask of me and I will give good works. will answer thee; and to which of
thee the heathen for thy inheritance, the angels wilt thou look?
and the utmost parts of the earth 37 Let him that is humble, not
for thy possession. bear witness to himself, but let 9 For wrath killeth the foolish
him leave it to another to bear man, and envy slayeth him that is
22 And again he saith unto him, witness of him. in error.
Sit thou on my right hand until
I make thine enemies thy 38 Let him that is pure in the 10 I have seen the foolish taking
foot-stool. flesh, not grow proud of it, knowing root, but lo, their habitation was
that it was from another that he presently consumed.
23 But who are his enemies? received the gift of continence.
even the wicked, and such who 11 Their children were far from
oppose their own wills to the 39 Let us consider therefore, safety, they perished at the gates
will of God. brethren, whereof we are made; of those who were lesser than
who, and what kind of men we themselves: and there was no man
24 Let us therefore march-on, came into the world, as it were to help them.
men and brethren, with all out of a sepulchre, and from outer
earnestness in his holy laws. darkness. 12 For what was prepared for
them, the righteous did eat; and
25 Let us consider those who 40 He hath made us, and formed they shall not be delivered from
fight under our, earthly governors us, brought us into his own world; evil.
How orderly, how readily, and having presented us with his
with what exact obedience they benefits, even before we were born. 13 Seeing then these things are
perform those things that are manifest unto us, it will behove
commanded them. 41 Wherefore, having received us to take care that looking into
all these things from him, we the depths of the divine knowledge,
26 All are not generals, nor ought in everything to give thanks we do all things in order,
colonels, nor captains, nor unto him, to whom be glory for whatsoever our Lord has commanded
inferior officers: ever and ever. Amen. us to do.

27 But everyone in his respective 14 And particularly that we


rank does what is commanded him by perform our offerings and service to
the king, and those who have the CHAPTER XVIII. God, at their appointed seasons
authority over him. for these he has commanded to be
Clement therefore exhorts them to do everything done, not rashly and disorderly,
28 They who are great, cannot orderly in the Church, as the only way to please but at certain determinate times
subsist without those that are little; God. and hours.
nor the little without the great;

57
15 And therefore he has ordained to the will of God. and opened the tabernacle of
by his supreme will and authority, witness; and brought forth the
both where, and by what persons, 3 For having received their rods.
they are to be performed; that command, and being thoroughly
so all things being piously done assured by the resurrection of our 13 And the rod of Aaron was
unto all well-pleasing, they Lord Jesus Christ, and convinced found not only to have blossomed,
may be acceptable unto him. by the word of God, with the but also to have fruit upon it.
fulness of the Holy Spirit, they
16 They therefore who make went abroad, publishing, That the 14 What think you, beloved?
their offerings at the appointed kingdom of God was at hand. Did not Moses before know what
seasons, are happy and accepted; should happen?
because through obeying the 4 And thus preaching through
commandments of the Lord, countries and cities, they appointed 15 Yes verily: but to the end
they are free from sin. the first fruits of their conversion there might be no division, nor
to be bishops and ministers over tumult in Israel, he did in this
17 And the same care must be such as should afterwards believe, manner, that the name of the true
had of the persons that minister having first proved them by the and only God might be glorified;
unto him. Spirit. to whom be honour for ever and
ever, Amen.
18 For the chief-priest has his 5 Nor was this any new thing;
proper services; and to the priest seeing that long before it was 16 So likewise our Apostles
their proper place is appointed; written concerning bishops and knew by our Lord Jesus Christ,
and to the Levites appertain their deacons. that there should contentions arise,
proper ministries; and the layman upon account of the ministry.
is confined within the bounds of 6 For thus saith the Scripture,
what is commanded to laymen. in a certain place; I will appoint 17 And therefore having a perfect
their overseers in righteousness, fore-knowledge of this, they
19 Let every one of you therefore, and their ministers in faith. appointed persons, as we have
brethren, bless God in his proper before said, and then a gave
station, with a good conscience, 7 And what wonder if they, to direction, how, when they should
and with all gravity, not exceeding whom such a work was committed die, other chosen and approved men
the rule of his service that is by God in Christ, established such should succeed in their ministry.
appointed to him. officers as we before mentioned;
when even that blessed and faithful 18 Wherefore we cannot think
20 The daily sacrifices are not servant in all his house, Moses, that those may justly be thrown
offered everywhere; nor the peace- set down in the Holy Scriptures out of their ministry, who were
offerings, nor the sacrifices all things that were commanded either appointed by them, or
appointed for sins and transgressions; him. afterwards chosen by other eminent
but only at Jerusalem: nor in any men, with the consent of the whole
place there, but only at the altar 8 Whom also all the rest of the church; and who have with all
before the temple; that which is prophets followed, bearing witness lowliness and innocency ministered
offered being first diligently with one consent to those things to the flock of Church, in peace,
examined by the high-priest and that were appointed by him. and without self-interest, and
the other minister we before were for a long time commended
mentioned. 9 For he, perceiving an emulation by all.
to arise among the tribes concerning
21 They therefore who do any the priesthood, and that there was 19 For it would be no small sin
thing which is not agreeable to his a strife about it, which of them in us, should we cast off those
will, are punished with death. should be adorned with that glorious from their ministry, who holily
name; commanded their twelve captains and without blame fulfil the
22 Consider, brethren, that by to bring to him twelve rods; every duties of it.
how much the better knowledge tribe being written upon its rod,
God has vouchsafed unto us, by so according to its name, 20 Blessed are those priests,
much the greater danger are we who having finished their course
exposed to. 10 And he took them and bound before these times, have obtained
them together, and sealed them a fruitful and perfect dissolution
with the seals of the twelve princes for they have no fear, lest any one
of the tribes: and laid them up in should turn them out of the place
CHAPTER XIX. the tabernacle of witness, upon which is now appointed for them.
the table of God.
The orders of Ministers in Christ's Church 21 But we see how you have
established 11 And when he had shut the put out some, who lived reputably
by the Apostles, according to Christ's command, door of the tabernacle, he sealed among you, from the ministry,
7 after the example of Moses. up the keys of it, in like manner which by their innocence they had
16 Therefore they who have been duly placed in as he had done the rods; and said adorned.
the unto them, Men and brethren,
ministry according to their order, cannot without whichsoever tribe shall have its
great sin be put out of it. rod blossom, that tribe has God
chosen to perform the office of a CHAPTER XX.
THE Apostles have preached to priest, and to minister unto him
us from the Lord Jesus Christ in holy things. He exerts them to peace from examples out of
Jesus Christ from God. the Holy Scriptures,
12 And when the morning was 20 particularly from St. Paul's exhortation to
2 Christ therefore was sent by come, he called together all Israel, them.
God, the Apostles by Christ; so six hundred thousand men; and
both were orderly sent, according showed to the princes their seals YE are contentious, brethren,

58
and zealous for things that differ from us.
pertain not unto salvation. 15 Wherefore are there strifes,
and anger, and divisions, and 26 Insomuch that the name of
2 Look into the Holy Scriptures, schisms, and wars, among us? the Lord is blasphemed through
which are the true words of the your folly; and even ye yourselves
Holy Ghost. Ye know that there 16 Have we not all one God, are brought into danger by it.
is nothing unjust or counterfeit and one Christ? Is not one spirit
written in them. of grace poured out upon us all? 27 Let us therefore with all
Have we not one calling in Christ. haste put an end to this sedition;
3 There you shall not find that and let us fall down before the
righteous men were ever cast off 17 Why then do we rent and Lord, and beseech him with tears
by such as were good themselves. tear in pieces the members of that he would be favourably
Christ; and raise seditious against reconciled to us, and restore us
4 They were persecuted, but it our own body? And are come to such again to a seemly and holy course
was by the wicked and unjust. a height of madness, as to forget of brotherly love.
that we were members one of another?
5 They were cast into prison, 28 For this is the gate of
but they were cast in by those that 18 Remember the words of our righteousness, opening unto life:
were unholy. Lord Jesus, (how he said, Woe to As it is written, I Open unto me
that man by whom offences come). the gates of righteousness; I will
6 They were stoned, but it was It, were better for him that he go into them and will praise the
by transgressors. had never been born, than that he Lord. This is the gate of the Lord,
should have offended one of my the righteous shall enter into it.
7 They were killed, but by accursed elect. It were better for him,
men, and such as had taken up an that a mill-stone should be tied 29 Although therefore many
unjust envy against them. about his neck, and he should be gates are opened, yet this gate of
cast into the sea, than that he righteousness is that gate in Christ
8 And all these things they should offend one of my at which blessed are they that
underwent gloriously. little ones. enter in, and direct their way in
holiness and righteousness; doing
9 For what shall we say, 19 Your schism has perverted all things without disorder.
brethren? Was Daniel cast into the many, has discouraged many: it
den of lions, by men fearing has caused diffidence in many, and 30 Let a man be faithful, let
God? Shadrach, Meshach, and grief in us all. And yet your him be powerful in the utterance
Abednego, were they cast into the sedition continues still. of knowledge; let him be wise in
fiery furnace by men, professing making an exact judgment of
the excellent and glorious worship 20 Take the Epistle of the words; let him be pure in all
of the Most High? God forbid. blessed Paul the Apostle into your his actions.
hands; What was It that he wrote
10 What kind of persons then to you at his first preaching the 31 But still by how much the
were they that did these things? Gospel among you? more he seems to be above others,
They were men abominable, full by reason of these things, by so
of all wickedness; who were 21 Verily he did by the spirit much the more will it behove him
incensed; to so great a degree, admonish you concerning himself, to be humble-minded; and to seek
as to bring those into sufferings, and Cephas, and Apollos, because what is profitable to all men, and
who with a holy and unblameable that even then ye had begun to not his own advantage.
purpose of mind worshipped God: fall into parties and factions
not knowing that the Most High is among yourselves.
the protector and defender of all
such as with a pure conscience 22 Nevertheless your partiality CHAPTER XXI.
serve his holy name: to whom be then led you into a much less sin
glory for ever and ever, Amen. forasmuch as ye placed your 1 The value which God, puts upon love and
affections upon Apostles, men unity: the effects of a true charity,
11 But they who with a full of eminent reputation in the 8 which is the gift of God, and must be obtained
persuasion have endured these church; and upon another, who by prayer.
things, are made partakers of glory was greatly tried and approved
and honour: and are exalted and of by them. HE that has the love that is in
lifted up by God for a memorial Christ, let him keep the
throughout all ages, Amen. 23 But consider, we pray you, commandments of Christ.
who are they that have now led
12 Wherefore it will behove you astray; and lessened the 2 For who is able to express the
us also, brethren, to follow such reputation of that brotherly love obligation of the love of God?
examples as these; for it is that was so eminent among you; What man is sufficient to declare,
written, Hold fast to such as are and is fitting, the excellency of its
holy; for they that do so shall be 24 It is a shame, my beloved, beauty?
sanctified. yea, a very great shame, and
unworthy of your Christian 3 The height to which charity
13 And again in another place profession, to hear that the leads, is inexpressible.
he saith, With the pure, thou shalt most firm and ancient church
be pure (and with the elect thou of the Corinthians should, 4 Charity unites us to God;
shalt be elect,) but with, the by one or two persons, be led charity covers the multitude of
perverse man thou shalt be perverse. into a sedition against its sins: charity endures all things;
priests. is long-suffering in all things.
14 Let us therefore join ourselves
to the innocent and righteous; for 25 And this report is come not
such are the elect of God. only to us, but to those also that 5 There is nothing base and

59
sordid in charity: charity lifts not repent, and return to their unity, confessing their 11 For when Moses went up into
itself up above others; admits of sin to God, the mount, and tarried there forty
no divisions; is not seditious; but 7 which he enforces from the example of Moses, days and forty nights in fasting
does all things in peace and concord. 10 and of many among the heathen, and humiliation; God said unto
23 and of Judith and Esther among the Jews. him, Arise, Moses, and get thee
6 By charity were all the elect of down quickly from hence, for thy
God made perfect: Without it nothing LET us therefore, as many as people whom thou broughtest out
have transgressed by any of of the land of Egypt, have
is pleasing and acceptable in the the suggestions of the adversary, committed wickedness: they have
sight of God. beg God's forgiveness. soon transgressed the way that
I commanded them, and have made
7 Through charity did the Lord 2 And as for those who have to themselves graven images.
join us into himself; whilst for been the heads of the sedition and
the love that he bore towards us, faction among you, let them look 12 And the Lord said unto him,
our Lord Jesus Christ gave his to the common end of our hope. I have spoken unto thee several
own blood for us, by the will of times, saying, I have seen this
God; his flesh for our flesh; his 3 For as many as are endued people, and behold it is a stiff-
soul for our souls. with fear and charity, would rather necked people: let me therefore
they themselves should fall into destroy them, and put out their
8 Ye see, beloved, how great trials than their neighbours: And name from under heaven. And I
and wonderful a thing charity is; choose to be themselves condemned, will make unto thee a great and a
and how that no expressions are rather than that the good and just wonderful nation, that shall be
sufficient to declare its perfection. charity delivered to us, should much larger than this.
suffer.
9 But who is fit to be found in 13 But Moses said, Not so,
it? Even such only as God shall 4 For it is seemly for a man Lord: Forgive now this people
vouchsafe to make so. to confess wherein he has their sin; or if thou wilt not,
transgressed. blot me also out of the book of
10 Let us therefore pray to him, the living. O admirable charity!
and beseech him, that we may be 5 And not to harden his heart, O insuperable perfection! The servant
worthy of it; that so we may live as the hearts of those were speaks freely to his Lord: He beseeches
in charity; being unblameable, hardened, who raised up sedition him either to forgive the people,
without human propensities, against Moses the servant of God or to destroy him together with them.
without respect of persons. whose punishment was manifest
unto all men, for they went down 14 Who is there among you
11 All the ages of the world, alive into the grave; death that is generous? Who that is
from Adam, even unto this day, swallowed them up. compassionate? Who that has
are passed away; but they who any charity? Let him say, if this
have been made perfect in love, 6 Pharaoh and his host, and sedition, this contention, and these
have by the grace of God obtained all the rulers of Egypt, their schisms, be upon my account,
a place among the righteous; and chariots also and their horsemen, I am ready to depart; to go away
shall be made manifest in the were for no other cause drowned whithersoever you please; and do
judgment of the kingdom of Christ. in the bottom of the Red Sea, whatsoever ye shall command me:
and perished; but because they Only let the flock of Christ be in
12 For it is written, Enter into hardened their foolish hearts, peace, with the elders that are set
thy chambers for a little space, till after so many signs done in the over it.
my anger and indignation shall land of Egypt, by Moses the
pass away: And I will remember servant of God. 15 He that shall do this, shall
the good day, and, will raise you get to himself a very great honour
up out of your graves. 7 Beloved, God is not indigent in the Lord; and there is no place
of anything; nor does he demand but what will be ready to receive
13 Happy then shall we be, anything of us, but that we him: For the earth is the Lord's,
beloved, if we shall have fulfilled should confess our sins unto him. and the fulness thereof.
the commandments of God, in the
unity of love; that so, through 8 For so says the Holy David, 16 These things, they who have
love, our sins may be forgiven us. I will confess unto the Lord, and their conversation towards God
it shall please him better than a not to be repented of, both have
14 For so it is written, Blessed young bullock that hath horns and done, and will always be ready to
are they whose iniquities are hoof. Let the poor see it and be do.
forgiven, and whose sins are covered. glad.
Blessed is the man to whom the 17 Nay and even the Gentiles
Lord imputeth no sin, and in whose 9 And again he saith, Offer themselves have given us examples
mouth there is no guile. unto God the sacrifice of praise, of this kind.
and pay thy vows unto the Most
15 Now this blessing is fulfilled Highest. And call upon me in the 18 For we read, How many
in those who are chosen by God day of trouble, and I will deliver kings and princes, in times of
through Jesus Christ our Lord, to thee, and thou shalt glorify me. pestilence, being warned by their
whom be glory for ever and ever, The sacrifice of God is a broken oracles, have given up themselves
Amen. spirit. unto death; that by their own
blood, they might deliver their
10 Ye know, beloved, ye know country from destruction.
full well, the Holy Scriptures;
CHAPTER XXII. and have thoroughly searched into 19 Others have forsaken their
the oracles of God: call them cities, so that they might put an
1 He exhorts such as have been concerned in therefore to your remembrance. end to the seditions of them.
these divisions to

60
20 We know how many among my hand and ye regarded not.
ourselves, have given up 6 The righteous, saith he, shall
themselves unto bonds, that instruct me in mercy and reprove 20 But ye have set at nought all
thereby they might free others me; but let not oil of sinners my counsel, and would none of
from them. make fat my head. my reproof. I will also laugh at
your calamity, and mock when
21 Others have sold themselves 7 And again he saith, Happy your fear cometh.
into bondage, that they might feed is the man whom God correcteth;
their brethren with the price of therefore despise not thou the 21 When your fear cometh as
themselves. chastening of the Almighty. desolation, and your destruction
as a whirlwind, when distress and
22 And even many women, 8 For he maketh gore and bindeth anguish cometh upon you.
being strengthened by the grace up; he woundeth and his hands
of God, have done many glorious make whole. 22 Then shall ye call upon me
and manly things on such occasions. but I will not hear you: the
9 He shall deliver thee in six wicked shall seek me but they
23 The blessed Judith, when troubles; yea in seven there shall shall not find me. For that they
her city was besieged, desired the no evil touch thee. In famine he hated knowledge, and did not seek
elders, that they would suffer her shall redeem thee from death; and the fear of the Lord.
to go into the camp of their enemies; in war from the power of the sword.
and she went out exposing herself 23 They would not hearken
to danger, for the love she bare 10 Thou shalt be hid from the unto my counsel: they despised
to her country and her people scourge of the tongue; neither all my reproof. Therefore shall
that were besieged: and the shalt thou be afraid of destruction they eat of the fruit of their own
Lord delivered Holofernes into when it cometh. ways; and be filled with their
the hands of a woman. own wickedness.
11 Thou shalt laugh at the
24 Nor did Esther, being perfect wicked and sinners; neither shalt
in faith, expose herself to any thou be afraid of the beasts of the
less hazard, for the delivery of the earth. The wild beast shall be at
twelve tribes of Israel, in danger peace with thee. CHAPTER XXIV.
of being destroyed. For by fasting
and humbling herself, she entreated 12 Then shalt thou know that 1 Recommends them to God. Desires speedily to
the Great Maker of all things, the thy house shall be in peace; and hear
God of spirits; so that beholding the habitation of thy tabernacle that this Epistle has had a good effect upon them.
the humility of her soul, he shall not err. Then shalt know 4 Conclusion.
delivered the people, for whose also that thy seed shall be great
sake she was in peril. and thy offspring as the grass of NOW God, the inspector of all
the earth. things, the Father of Spirits,
and the Lord of all flesh, who
13 Thou shalt come to thy hath chosen our Lord Jesus Christ,
CHAPTER XXIII. grave as the ripe corn, that is and us by him, to be his peculiar
taken in due time: like as a shock people;
The benefit of mutual advice and correction. of corn cometh in, in its season.
He entreats them to follow that which is here 2 Grant to every soul of man
given to them. 14 Ye see, beloved, how there that calleth upon his glorious and
shall be a defence to those that are holy name, faith, fear, peace,
WHEREFORE let us also pray corrected of the Lord. For being long-suffering, patience, temperance,
for such as are fallen into a good instructor, he is willing to holiness and sobriety, unto all
sin. That being endued with admonish us by his holy discipline. well-pleasing in his sight;
humility and moderation, they through our High-Priest and
may submit not unto us, but to 15 Do ye therefore who laid the Protector Jesus Christ, by whom
the wish of God. first foundation of this sedition, be glory and majesty, and power,
submit yourselves unto your and honour unto him now and for
2 For by this means they shall priests; and be instructed unto ever more, Amen.
obtain a fruitful and perfect repentance, bending the knees of
remembrance, with mercy, both in your hearts. 3 The messengers whom we
our prayers to God, and in our have sent unto you, Claudius,
mention of them before his saints. 16 Learn to be subject, laying Ephebus, and Valerios Bito, with
aside all proud and arrogant Fortunatus, send back to us again
3 Let us receive correction, at boasting of your tongues. with all speed, in peace and with
which no man ought to repine. joy, that they may the sooner
17 For it is better for you to be acquaint us with your peace and
4 Beloved, the reproof and the found little, and approved, in the concord, so much prayed for and
correction which we exercise sheepfold of Christ, than to seem desired by us: and that we may
towards one another, is good, and to yourselves better than others, rejoice in your good order.
exceeding profitable: for it unites and be cast out of his fold.
us the more closely to the will of 4 The grace of our Lord Jesus
God. 18 For thus speaks the Christ be with you, and with all
excellent and all-virtuous wisdom, that are any where called by God
5 For, so says the Holy Scripture, Behold I will pour out the word through him: To whom be honour
The Lord corrected me, but he did of my spirit upon you, I will make and glory, and might and majesty,
not deliver me over unto death. For known my speech unto you. and eternal dominion, by Christ
whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, Jesus, from everlasting to
and scourgeth every son whom he 19 Because I called and ye everlasting, Amen.
receiveth. would not hear, I stretched out

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sin; not considering from whence the manner of a woman in travail,
we have been called, and by whom, we should not cease to put up our
REFERENCES TO CLEMENT'S FIRST and to what place; and how much prayers unto God abundantly.
EPISTLE TO THE CORINTHIANS. Jesus Christ vouchsafed to suffer
4 And for what follows, because
[Clement was a disciple of Peter, and afterwards for our sakes. she that is desolate hath more
Bishop of Rome. Clemens children than she that hath a husband;
Alexandrinus calls him an apostle. Jerome says he 4 What recompense then shall it was therefore added, because
was an apostolic man, we render unto him? Or what our people which seemed to have
and Rafinus that he was almost an apostle. Eusebius fruit that may be worthy of what been forsaken by God, now believing
calls this the he has given to us? in him, are become more than they
wonderful Epistle of St. Clement, and says that it who seemed to have God.
was publicly read in 5 For indeed how great are
the assemblies of the primitive church. It is included those advantages which we owe to 5 And another Scripture saith,
in one of the him in relation to our holiness? a I came not to call the righteous
ancient collections of the Canon Scripture. Its He has illuminated us; as a father, but sinners (to repentance). The
genuineness has been he has called us his children; meaning of which is this; that
much questioned, particularly by Photius, patriarch he has saved us who were lost and those who were lost must be saved:
of Constantinople in undone.
the ninth century, who objects that Clement speaks 6 For that is, indeed, truly great
of worlds beyond the 6 What praise shall we give to and wonderful, not to confirm those
ocean: that he has not written worthily of the divinity him? Or what reward that may things that are yet standing, but
of Christ; and be answerable to those things those which are falling,
that to prove the possibility of a future resurrection, which we have received.
he introduces the 7 Even so did it seem good to
fabulous story of the phoenix's revival from its own 7 We were defective in our Christ to save what was lost; and
ashes. To the latter understandings; worshipping stones, when he came into the world, he
objection, Archbishop Wake replies that the and wood; gold, and silver, and saved many, and called us who
generality of the ancient brass, the work of men's hands; were already lost.
Fathers have made use of the same instance in proof and our whole life was nothing
of the same point; else but death. 8 Seeing then he has showed
and asks, if St. Clement really believed that there so great mercy towards us; and
was such a bird, and 8 Wherefore being encompassed chiefly for that we who are alive,
that it did revive out of the cinders of the body after with darkness, and having such a do now no longer sacrifice to dead
burning, where mist before our eyes, we have Gods, nor pay any worship to
was the, great harm either in giving credit to such a looked up, and through his will them, but have by him been
wonder, or, have laid aside the cloud wherewith brought to the knowledge of
believing it, to make rich a use as he here does of we were surrounded. the Father of truth.
it?--The present is
the Archbishop's translation from the ancient Greek 9 For he had compassion upon 9 Whereby shall we show that
copy of the Epistle, us, and being moved in his bowels we do indeed know him, and by
which is at the end of the celebrated Alexandrine towards us, he saved us; having not denying him by whom we
MS. of the Septuagint beheld in us much error, and have come to the knowledge of
and New Testament, presented by Cyril, patriarch of destruction; and seeing that we had him.
Alexandria, to King no hope of salvation, but only
Charles the First, now in the British Museum. The through him. 10 For even he himself saith,
Archbishop, in Whosoever shall confess me before
prefacing his translation, esteems it a great blessing 10 For he called us, who were men, him will I confess before
that this not; and was pleased from nothing my Father. This therefore is our
"Epistle" was at last so happily found out, for the to give us being. reward, if we shall confess him by
increase and whom we have been saved.
confirmation both of our faith and our charity.]
11 But, wherein must we confess
CHAPTER II. him?--Namely, in doing those
things which he saith, and not
THE SECOND EPISTLE OF 1 That God had before prophesied by Isaiah, disobeying his commandments
CLEMENT TO THE CORINTHIANS that the Gentiles should be saved; by worshipping him not with
8 And that this ought to engage, such especially our lips only, but with all our
to live well; without which they will still heart, and with all our mind. For
miscarry. he saith in Isaiah; This people
CHAPTER I. honoureth me with their lips, but
REJOICE, thou barren, that their heart is far from me.
That we ought to value our salvation; bearest not, break forth and
and to show that we do by a sincere obedience. cry thou that travailest not; for 12 Let us then not only call
she that is desolate hath many him Lord; for that will not save
BRETHREN, we ought so to more children than she that hath us. For he saith: Not everyone
think of Jesus Christ as of a husband. that saith unto me Lord, Lord,
God: as of the judge of the living, shall be saved, but he that doth
and the dead; nor should we think 2 In that saying, Rejoice thou righteousness.
any less of our salvation. barren that bearest not, he spake
of us: for our church was barren 13 Wherefore, brethren,
2 For if we think meanly of before children were given unto it. let us confess him by our works;
him, we shall hope only to receive by loving one another; in not
some small things from him. 3 And again; when he said, committing adultery, not speaking
Cry thou that travailest not: evil against each other, not envying
3 And if we do so, we shall he implied thus much: That after one another; but by being temperate,

62
merciful, good. his own soul?
14 Let us therefore repent, whilst
14 Let us also have a mutual 6 Now this world and that we are yet upon the earth: for we
sense of one another's sufferings; to come are two enemies. This are as clay in the hand of the
and not be covetous of money; but speaketh of adultery and corruption, artificer. For the potter if he
let us, by our good works, confess of covetousness and deceit; but that make a vessel, and it be turned
God, and not by those that are renounces these things. amiss in his hands, or broken,
otherwise. again forms it anew; but if he has
7 We cannot, therefore, be the gone so far as to throw it into the
15 Also let us not fear men: but friends of both; but we must furnace of fire, he can no more
rather God. Wherefore, if we resolve by forsaking the one, bring any remedy to it.
should do such wicked things, the to enjoy the other. And we think
Lord hath said; Though ye should it is better to hate the present 15 So we, whilst we are in this
be joined unto me, even in my very things, as little, short-lived, world should repent with our whole
bosom, and not keep my commandments, and corruptible; and to love heart for whatsoever evil we have
I would cast you off, and say unto those which are to come, which done in the flesh; while we have
you; Depart from me; I know not are truly good and incorruptible. yet the time of repentance, that
whence you are, ye workers of iniquity. we may be saved by the Lord.
8 For, if we do the will of
Christ, we shall find rest: 16 For after we shall have
but if not, nothing shall deliver departed out of this world, we
CHAPTER III. us from eternal punishment if we shall no longer be able either
shall disobey his commands. For to confess our sins or repent
1 That, whilst we secure the other world, even thus saith the Scripture in in the other.
we need not fear what can befall its in this. the prophet Ezekiel, If Noah, Job,
5 That, if we follow the interests of this present and Daniel should rise up, they 17 Wherefore, brethren, let us,
world, shall not deliver their children in doing the will of the Father,
we cannot escape the punishment of the other. captivity. and keeping our flesh pure,
10 Which ought to bring us to repentance and and observing the commandments
holiness, 9 Wherefore, if such righteous of the Lord, lay hold on eternal
14 and that presently: because in this world men are not able by their life: for the Lord saith in the
is the only time for repentance. righteousness to deliver their Gospel, If ye have not kept that
children; how can we hope to which was little, who will give
THEREFORE brethren, leaving enter into the kingdom of God, you that which is great?--
willingly for conscience sake except we keep our baptism holy For I say unto you, he that is
our sojourning in this world, and undefiled? Or who shall be faithful in that which is
let us do the will of him who has our advocate, unless we shall least, is faithful also in much.
called us, and not fear to depart be found to have done what is holy
out of this world. and just? 18 This, therefore, is what he
saith; keep your bodies pure, and
2 For the Lord saith, Ye shall 10 Let us, therefore, my brethren, your seal without spot, that ye
be as sheep in the midst of wolves. contend with all earnestness, may receive eternal life.
Peter answered and said, What if knowing that our combat is at
the wolves shall tear in pieces the hand; and that many go long
sheep? Jesus said unto Peter, voyages to encounter for a
Let not the sheep fear the wolves corruptible reward. CHAPTER IV.
after death: And ye also fear not
those that kill you, and after that 11 And yet all are not crowned, We shall rise, and be judged, in our bodies;
have no more than they can do unto but they only that labour much, therefore we must live well in them;
you; but fear him who after you and strive gloriously. Let us, 6 that we ought, for our own interest,
are dead, has power to cast both therefore, so contend, that we may to live well; though few seem to
soul and body into hell-fire. all be crowned. Let us run in the mind what, really is for their advantage;
straight road, the race that is 10 and we should not deceive ourselves:
3 For consider, brethren, that incorruptible: and let us in great seeing God will certainly judge us,
the sojourning of this flesh in the numbers pass unto it, and strive and render to all of us according to our works.
present world, is but little, and of that we may receive the crown.
a short continuance, but the promise But if we cannot all be crowned, AND let not any one among you
of Christ is great and wonderful, let us come as near to it as we are say, that this very flesh is
even the rest of the kingdom able. not judged, neither raised up.
that is to come, and of eternal life. Consider, in what were you saved
12 Moreover, we must consider, in what did you look up, if not
4 What then must we do that that he who contends in a corruptible whilst you were in the flesh?
we may attain unto it?--We must combat; if he be found doing anything
order our conversation, holy and that is not fair, is taken away and 2 We must, therefore, keep our
righteously, and look upon all the scourged, and cast out of the lists. flesh as the temple of God. For
things of this world as none of What think ye then that he shall in like manner as ye were called
ours, and not desire them. For, suffer, who does anything that is in the flesh, ye shall also come
if we desire to possess them we not fitting in the combat of to judgment in the flesh. Our one
fall from the way of righteousness. immortality? Lord Jesus Christ, who has saved
us, being first a spirit, was made
5 For thus saith the Lord, No 13 Thus speaks the prophet flesh, and so called us; even so we
servant can serve two masters. If concerning those who keep not also shall in this flesh receive the
therefore we shall desire to serve their seal; Their worm shall not reward.
God and Mammon, it will be without die, and their, fire shall not be
profit to us. For what will it profit, quenched; and they shall be for a 3 Let us, therefore, love one
if one gain the whole world, and lose spectacle unto all flesh. another, that we may attain unto

63
the kingdom of God. Whilst we 13 Wherefore my brethren, let
have time to be healed, let us us not doubt in our minds, but let
deliver up ourselves to God our us expect with hope, that we may REFERENCE TO THE SECOND EPISTLE
physician, giving our reward unto receive our reward; for he is THE CORINTHIANS.
him. faithful, who has promised that
he will render to everyone a [Archbishop Wake is the translator of this Second
4 And what reward shall we reward according to his works. Epistle, which he says
give?--Repentance out of a pure was not of so great reputation among the primitive
heart. For he knows all things 14 If, therefore, we shall do Fathers as the first.
beforehand, and searches out our what is just in the sight of God He defends it notwithstanding; and in answer to
very hearts. we shall enter into his kingdom, those who objected to
and shall receive the promises; Clement's First Epistle, that it did not duly honour
5 Let us, therefore, give praise Which neither eye has seen, nor the Trinity; the
unto him: not only with our ear heard, nor have entered into Archbishop refers to this as containing proof of the
mouths, but with all our souls; the heart of man. writer's fulness of
that he may receive us as children. belief on that point.]
For so the Lord hath said; They 15 Wherefore let us every
are my brethren, who do the will hour expect the kingdom of God
of my father. in love and righteousness; because
we know not the day of God's
6 Wherefore, my brethren, appearing.
let us do the will of the Father,
who hath called us, that we may THE GENERAL EPISTLE OF
live. Let us pursue virtue, and BARNABAS.
forsake wickedness, which leadeth CHAPTER V.
us into sins; and let us flee all
ungodliness, that evils overtake A FRAGMENT. CHAPTER I.
us not.
Man's immortal nature a type of the Lord's Preface to the Epistle.
7 For, if we shall do our diligence kingdom.
to live well, peace shall follow us. ALL happiness to you my sons
And yet how hard is it to find a man 1 * * * For the Lord and daughters, in the name
that does this? For almost all are himself, being asked by a certain of our Lord Jesus Christ, who
led by human fears, choosing rather person, When his kingdom should loved us, in peace.
the present enjoyments, than the
future promise. come? answered, When two shall 2 Having perceived abundance
be one, and that which is without of knowledge of the great and
8 For they know not how great as that which is within; and the excellent laws of God to be in you,
a torment the present enjoyments male with the female, neither male I exceedingly rejoice in your blessed
bring with them; nor what delights nor female. and admirable souls, because ye
the future promise. have so worthily received the
2 Now two are one, when we grace which was grafted in you.
9 And if they themselves only speak the truth to each other, and
did this, it might the more easily there is (without hypocrisy) one 3 For which cause I am full of
be endured; but now they go on seal in two bodies: joy, hoping the rather to be saved;
to infect innocent souls with their inasmuch as I truly see a spirit
evil doctrines; not knowing that 3 And that which is without as infused into you, from the pure
both themselves, and those that that which, is within;--He means fountain of God:
hear them, shall receive a double this; he calls the soul that which
condemnation. is within, and the body that which 4 Having this persuasion, and
is without. As therefore thy body being fully convinced thereof,
10 Let us, therefore, serve appears, so let thy soul be seen by because that since I have begun to
God with a pure heart, and we its good works. speak unto you, I have had a more
shall be righteous: but if we shall than ordinary good success in the
not serve him, because we do not 4 And the male with, the female, way of the law of the Lord, which
believe the promise of God, we neither Male nor female;--He is in Christ,
shall be miserable. means this; he calls our anger
the male, our concupiscence the 5 For which cause brethren, I
11 For thus saith the prophet; female. also think verily that I love you
Miserable are the double-minded, above my own soul; because that
who doubt in their heart, and say, 5 When therefore a man is come therein dwelleth the greatness of
these things we have heard, even. to such a pass that he is subject faith and charity, as also the hope
in the time of our fathers, but we neither to the one nor the other of of that life which is to come.
have seen none of them, though these (both of which, through the
we have expected them from day prevalence of custom, and an evil 6 Wherefore considering this,
to day. education, cloud and darken the that if I shall take care to
reason,) communicate to you a part of what
12 O ye fools! compare yourselves I have received, it shall turn to
to a tree; take the vine for an 6 But rather, having dispelled my reward, that I have served such
example. First it sheds its leaves, the mist arising from them, and good souls. I gave diligence to
then it buds, then come the sour being full of shame, shall by write in a few words unto you;
grapes, then the ripe fruit; repentance have united both his that together with your faith, your
even so my people has borne its soul and spirit in the obedience knowledge also may be perfect.
disorders and afflictions, but shall of reason; then, as Paul says, there is
hereafter receive good things. in us neither male nor female. 7 There are therefore three
things ordained by the Lord; the

64
hope of life, the beginning, and is without the yoke of any such cry and he shall say, Here I am;
the completion of it. necessity, might have the spiritual if thou put away from the midst of
offering of, men themselves. thee the yoke; the putting forth
8 For the Lord hath both of the finger, and speaking vanity;
declared unto us, by the prophets, 9 For so the Lord saith again and if thou draw out thy soul to
those things that are past; and to those heretofore; Did I at all the hungry; and satisfy the
opened to us the beginnings of command your fathers when they afflicted soul.
those that are to come. came out of the land of Egypt
concerning burnt-offerings of 20 In this, therefore, brethren,
9 Wherefore, it will behove us, sacrifices? God has manifested his foreknowledge
as he has spoken, to come more and love for us; because the
holily, and nearer to his altar. 10 But this I commanded them, people which he has purchased to
saying, Let none of you imagine his beloved Son were to believe
10 I therefore, not as a teacher evil in your hearts against his in sincerity; and therefore he has
but as one of you, will endeavour neighbour, and love no false oath. shown these things to all of us,
to lay before you a few things by that we should not run as
which you may, on many accounts, 11 Forasmuch then as we are proselytes to the Jewish Law.
become the more joyful. not without understanding, we
ought to apprehend the design of
our merciful Father. For he
speaks to us, being willing that CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER II. we who have been in the same
error about the sacrifices, should The prophecies of Daniel concerning the ten
That God has abolished the legal sacrifices, seek and find how to approach kings,
to introduce the spiritual righteousness of the unto him. and the coming of Christ.
Gospel.
12 And therefore he thus WHEREFORE it is necessary
SEEING then the days are bespeaks us, The sacrifice of God that searching diligently into
exceedingly evil, and the (is a broken spirit,) a broken and those things which are soon to
adversary has got the power of this contrite heart--God will not despise. come to pass, we should write to
present world we ought to give the you what may serve to keep you
more diligence to inquire into the 13 Wherefore brethren, we ought whole.
righteous judgments of the Lord. the more diligently to inquire
after those things that belong 2 To which end, let us flee from
2 Now the assistants of our to our salvation, that the every evil work and hate the errors
faith are fear and patience; our adversary may not have any of the present time, that we may
fellow-combatants, long suffering entrance into us, and deprive be happy in that which is to come.
and continence. us of our spiritual life.
3 Let us not give ourselves the
3 Whilst these remain pure 14 Wherefore he again speaketh liberty of disputing with the wicked
in what relates unto the Lord, to them, concerning these things; and sinners; lest we should chance
wisdom, and understanding, and Ye shall not fast as ye do this day, in time to become like unto them.
science, and knowledge, rejoice to make your voice to be heard on high.
together with them. 4 For the consummation of sin
15 Is it such a fast that I have is come, as it is written, as the
4 For God has manifested to us chosen? A day for a man to afflict prophet Daniel says. And for this
by all the prophets, that he has no his soul? Is it to bow down his end the Lord hath shortened the
occasion for our sacrifices, or head like a bulrush, and to spread times and the days, that his
burnt-offerings, or oblations: sackcloth and ashes under him? beloved might hasten his coming
saying thus; To what purpose is Wilt thou call this a fast, and an to his inheritance.
the multitude of your sacrifices acceptable day to the Lord?
unto me, saith the Lord. 5 For so the prophet speaks;
16 But to us he saith on this There shall ten kings reign in
5 I am full of the burnt-offerings wise: Is not this the fast that I the heart, and there shall rise last
of rams, and the fat of fed beasts; have chosen, to loose the bands of of all another little one, and he
and I delight not in the blood of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, shall humble three kings.
bullocks, or of he-goats. and to let the oppressed go free:
and that ye break every yoke? 6 And again Daniel speaks in
6 When ye come to appear like manner concerning the kingdoms;
before me, who hath required 17 Is it not to deal thy bread and I saw the fourth beast dreadful
this at your hands? Ye shall no to the hungry, and that thou bring and terrible, and strong exceedingly;
more tread my courts. the poor that are cast out to thy and it had ten horns. I considered
house? When thou seest the naked the horns, and behold there came up
7 Bring no more vain oblations, that thou cover him, and that thou among them another little horn,
incense is an abomination unto me hide not thyself from thy own before which were three of the first
your new moons and sabbaths, flesh. horns plucked up by the roots.
and the calling of assemblies
I cannot bear with, it is iniquity, 18 Then shall thy light break 7 We ought therefore to understand
even the solemn meeting; your forth as the morning, and thy this also: And I beseech you, as one
new moons and your appointed health shall spring forth speedily; of your own brethren, loving you all
feasts my soul hateth. and thy righteousness shall go beyond my own life, that you look
before thee; the glory of the Lord well to yourselves, and be not like
8 These things therefore hath shall be thy reward. to those who add sin to sin, and say;
God abolished, that the new law That their covenant is ours also.
19 Then shalt thou call and Nay, but it is ours only: for they
of our Lord Jesus Christ, which the Lord shall answer; thou shalt have forever lost that which Moses

65
received. happen to us; as it is written the world.
There may be many called, but
8 For thus saith the Scripture few chosen. 11 And finally, teaching the
And Moses continued fasting forty people of Israel, and doing many
days and forty nights in the Mount; wonders and signs among them,
and he received the covenant from he preached to them, and shewed
the Lord, even the two tables of CHAPTER IV. the exceeding great love which
stone, written by the hand of God. he bare towards them.
That Christ was to suffer is proved
9 But having turned themselves from the prophecies concerning him. 12 And when he chose his apostles,
to idols they lost it; as the Lord which were afterwards to publish
also said to Moses; Moses, go For this cause did our Lord his Gospel, he took men who had
down quickly, for thy people which vouchsafe to give up his body been very great sinners; that
thou hast brought forth out of to destruction, that through the thereby he might plainly shew
Egypt, have corrupted themselves, forgiveness of our sins we might That he came not to call the
and turned aside from the way be sanctified; that is, by the righteous but sinners to
which I commanded them. And sprinkling of his blood. repentance.
Moses cast the two tables out of
his hands; and their covenant was 2 Now for what concerns the 13 Then he clearly manifested
broken; that the love of Jesus things that are written about him, himself to be the Son of God.
might be sealed in your hearts, some belong to the people of the For had he not come in the flesh,
unto the hope of his faith. Jews, and some to us. how should men have been able to
look upon him, that they might be
10 Wherefore let us give heed 3 For thus saith the Scripture; saved?
unto the last times. For all the He was wounded for our transgressions,
time past of our life and our faith, he was bruised for our iniquities, 14 Seeing that if they beheld
will profit us nothing; unless we and by his blood we are healed. only the sun, which was the work
continue to hate what is evil, and He was led as a lamb to the of his hands, and shall hereafter
to withstand the future temptations. slaughter, and as a sheep before cease to be, they are not able to
So the Son of God tells us; Let us his shearers is dumb, so he endure steadfastly to look against
resist all iniquity and hate it. opened not his mouth. the rays of it;

11 Wherefore consider the works 4 Wherefore we ought the more 15 Wherefore the Son of God
of the evil way. Do not withdraw to give thanks unto God, for that came in the flesh for this cause,
yourselves from others as if you he hath both declared unto us that he might fill up the measure
were already justified; but coming what is passed, and not suffered of their iniquity, who have
altogether into one place, inquire us to be without understanding of persecuted his prophets unto
what is agreeable to and profitable those things that are to come. death. And for the same reason
for the beloved of God. For the also he suffered.
Scripture saith; Woe unto them 5 But to them he saith; The
that are wise in their own eyes; nets are not unjustly spread for 16 For God hath said of the
and prudent in their sight. the birds. stripes of his flesh, that they were
from them. And, I will smite the
12 Let us become spiritually a 6 This he spake, because a man shepherd, and the sheep of the
perfect temple to God. As much will justly perish, if having the flock shall be scattered.
as in us lies let us meditate upon knowledge of the way of truth, he
the fear of God; and strive to the shall nevertheless not refrain 17 Thus he would suffer, because
utmost of our power to keep his himself from the way of darkness. it behoved him to suffer upon the
commandments; that we may rejoice cross.
in his righteous judgments. 7 And for this cause the Lord
was content to suffer for our souls, 18 For thus one saith,
13 For God will judge the world although he be the Lord of the prophesying concerning him;
without respect of persons and whole earth; to whom God said Spare my soul from the sword.
everyone shall receive according before the beginning of the world, And again, My flesh trembleth
to his works. Let us make man after our own for fear.
image and likeness.
14 If a man shall be good, his 19 And again, the congregation
righteousness shall go before him 8 Now how he suffered for us, of wicked doers rose up against
if wicked, the reward of his seeing it was by men that he me, (They have pierced my
wickedness shall follow him. underwent it, I will shew you. hands and my feet).

15 Take heed therefore lest 9 The prophets having received 20 And again he saith, I gave
sitting still now, that when we are from him the gifts of prophecy, my back to the smiters, and my
called, we fall asleep in our sins; spake before concerning him: face I set as a hard rock.
and the wicked one getting the
dominion over us, stir us up, and 10 But he, that he might
shut us out of the kingdom of the abolish death, and make known the
Lord. resurrection from the dead, was CHAPTER V.
content, as it was necessary, to
16 Consider this also: although appear in the flesh, that he might The subject continued.
you have seen so great signs and make good the promise before given
wonders done among the people to our fathers, and preparing And when he had fulfilled the
of the Jews, yet this notwithstanding himself a new people, might commandment of God, What
the Lord hath forsaken them. demonstrate to them whilst he was says he? Who will contend with
upon earth, that after the me? Let him stand against me
17 Beware, therefore, lest it resurrection he would judge or who is he that will implead

66
me? Let him draw near to the Blessed be our Lord, who has then with honey; so we being
servant of the Lord. Woe be to given us wisdom, and a heart to kept alive by the belief of his
you! Because ye shall all wax understand his secrets. For so promises and his word, shall live
old as a garment, the moth says the prophet, "Who shall and have dominion over the land.
shall eat you up. understand the hard sayings of the
Lord? But he that is wise, and 22 For he foretold before, saying,
2 And again adds the prophet, intelligent, and that loves his increase and multiply, and have
He is put for a stone of Lord." dominion over the beasts, fishes,
stumbling. Behold I lay in Zion and birds.
for a foundation, a precious 11 Seeing therefore he has
stone a choice corner-stone; renewed us by the remission of our 23 But who is there that is now
an honourable stone. And what sins, he has put us into another able to have this dominion over
follows? And he that hopeth frame, that we should have souls the wild beasts, or fishes, or fowls
in him shall live for ever. like those of children, forming of the air? For you know that to
us again himself by the spirit. rule, is to have power; that a man
3 What then? Is our hope built should be set over what he rules.
upon a stone? God forbid. But 12 For thus the Scripture saith
because the Lord hath hardened concerning us, where it introduceth 24 But forasmuch as this we
his flesh against sufferings, he the Father speaking to the Son; have not now, he tells us when we
saith, I have put me as a firm Let us make man after our likeness shall have it; namely, when we
rock. and similitude; and let them have shall become perfect, that we may
dominion over the beasts of the be made the inheritors of the
4 And again the prophet adds; earth, and over the fowls of the covenant of the Lord.
The stone which the builders air, and the fish of the sea.
refused has become the head of
the corner. And again he saith 13 And when the Lord saw the
This is the great and wonderful man which he had formed, that CHAPTER VI.
day which the Lord hath made. behold he was very good; he said,
a I write these things the more Increase and multiply, and The sacrifice of Jesus, and of a goat,
plainly to you that ye may replenish the earth. And this an evident type of Christ crucified.
understand: I For indeed I he spake to his son.
could be content even to die UNDERSTAND then my beloved
for your sakes. 14 I will now show you, how he children, that the good God hath
made us a new creature, in the before manifested all things unto
5 But what saith the prophet latter days.
again; The counsel of the wicked us, that we might know to whom
encompassed me about. They 15 The Lord saith; Behold I we ought always to give thanks
came about me, as bees about the will make the last as the first. and praise.
honey-comb: and, Upon my vesture Wherefore the prophet thus spake,
Enter into the land flowing with 2 If therefore the Son of God
they cast lots. milk and honey, and have dominion who is the Lord of all, and shall
over it. come to judge both the quick and
6 Forasmuch then as our Saviour dead, hath suffered, that by his
was to appear in the flesh and 16 Wherefore ye see how we stripes we might live; let us
suffer, his passion was hereby are again formed anew; as also believe that the Son of God could
foretold. he speaks by another prophet; not have suffered but for us. But
Behold saith the Lord, I will take being crucified, they gave him
7 For thus saith the prophet from them; that is, from those vinegar and gall to drink.
against Israel: "Woe be to their whom the spirit I of the Lord
soul because they have taken foresaw, their hearts of stone, 3 Hear therefore how the priests
wicked counsel against themselves, and I will put into them hearts of the temple did foreshow this
saying; let us lay snares for the of flesh. also: the Lord by his command
righteous, because he is which was written, declared that
unprofitable to us." 17 Because he was about to be whosoever did not fast the
made manifest in the flesh and to appointed fast he should die the
8 Moses also in like manner dwell in us. death: because he also was himself
speaketh to them; Behold thus one day to offer up his body for
saith the Lord God; Enter ye 18 For, my brethren, the our sins; that so the type of
into the good land of which the habitation of our heart is a 'holy what was done in Isaac might be
Lord hath sworn to Abraham, and temple unto the Lord. For the prophet fulfilled, who was offered upon the
Isaac, and Jacob, that he would saith again, In what place shall I altar.
give it you, and possess it; a land appear before the Lord my God,
flowing with milk and honey. and be glorified? 4 What therefore is it that he
says by the prophet? And let
9 Now what the spiritual meaning 19 He answers I will confess them eat of the goat which is
of this is, learn; It is as if it unto thee in the congregation in offered in the day of the fast for
had been said, Put your trust in the midst of my brethren; and will all their sins. Hearken diligently,
Jesus, who shall be manifested to sing unto thee in the church of (my brethren,) and all the priests,
you in the flesh. For man is the the saints: and they only shall eat the inwards
earth which suffers: forasmuch not washed with vinegar.
as out of the substance of the 20 Wherefore we are they whom
earth Adam was formed. he has brought into that good land. 5 Why so? because I know
that when I shall hereafter offer
10 What therefore does he mean 21 But what signifies the milk my flesh for the sins of a new
when he says, Into a good land and honey? Because as the child people, ye will give me vinegar to
flowing with milk and honey? is nourished first with milk, and drink mixed with gall; therefore

67
do ye only eat, the people fasting first institution of circumcision Abraham
the while, and lamenting in mystically foretold Christ by name.
sackcloth and ashes.
CHAPTER VII. AND therefore the Scripture
6 And that he might foreshow
that he was to suffer for them, The red heifer, another type of Christ. again speaks concerning our
hear then how he appointed it. ears, that God has circumcised
BUT what type do ye suppose them, together with our hearts.
7 Take, says he, two goats, fair it to have been, where it is For thus saith the Lord by the
and alike, and offer them; and let commanded to the people of Israel, holy prophet: By the hearing of
the high priest take one of them that grown persons in whom sins the ear they obeyed me.
for a burnt offering. And what are come to perfection, should
shalt be done with the other? Let offer an heifer, and after they had 2 And again, They who are afar
it, says he, be accursed. killed it should burn the same; off, shall hear and understand
what things I have done. And
8 Consider how exactly this 2 But then young men should again, Circumcise your hearts,
appears to have been a type of take up the ashes and put them in saith the Lord.
Jesus. And let all the congregation vessels; and tie a piece of scarlet
spit upon it, and prick it; and wool and hyssop upon a stick, and 3 And again he saith, Hear O
put the scarlet wool about its so the young men should sprinkle Israel! For thus saith the Lord
head; and thus let it be carried every one of the people, and they thy God. And again the Spirit of
forth into the wilderness. should be clear from their sins? God prophesieth, saying: Who is
there that would live for ever, let
9 And this being done, he that 3 Consider how all these are him hear the voice of my Son.
was appointed to convey the goat, delivered in a figure to us.
led it into the wilderness, and 4 And again, Hear, O Heavens,
took away the scarlet wool, and 4 This heifer is Jesus Christ; and give ear O Earth! Because
put it upon a thorn bush, whose the wicked men that were to offer the Lord has spoken these things
young sprouts, when we find it are those sinners who brought for a witness.
them in the field, we are wont to him to death; who afterwards have
eat: so the fruit of that thorn no more to do with it: for the 5 And again, he saith, Hear
only is sweet. sinners have no more the honour the word of the Lord, ye princes
of handling it: of the people. And again, Hear
10 And to what end was this O children! The voice of one
ceremony? Consider; one was 5 But the young men that performed crying in the wilderness.
offered upon the altar, the the sprinkling, signified those who
other was accursed. preach to us the forgiveness of 6 Wherefore he has circumcised
sins, and the purification of the our ears, that we should hear his
11 And why was that which was heart, to whom the Lord gave word, and believe. But as for
accursed crowned? Because they authority to preach his Gospel: that circumcision, in which the
shall see Christ on that day having being at the beginning twelve, Jews trust, it is abolished: for the
a scarlet garment about his body; to signify the tribes, because circumcision of which God spake,
and shall say: Is not this he whom there were twelve tribes of Israel. was not of the flesh.
we crucified; having despised him,
pierced him, mocked him? Certainly, 6 But why were there three 7 But they have transgressed
this is he, who then said, young men appointed to sprinkle? his commands, because the evil
that he was the Son of God. To denote Abraham, and Isaac, one hath deceived them. For
and Jacob, because they were thus God bespeaks them; Thus
12 As therefore he shall be great before God. saith the Lord your God, (Here I
then like to what he was on find the new law) Sow not among
earth, so were the Jews heretofore 7 And why was the wool put thorns; but circumcise yourselves
commanded, to take two goats fair upon a stick? Because the kingdom to the Lord your God. And what
and equal; that when they shall of Jesus was founded upon the cross; doth he mean by this saying?
see (our Saviour) hereafter coming and therefore they that put their Hearken unto your Lord.
(in the clouds of heaven), they may trust in him, shall live for ever.
be amazed at the likeness of the 8 And again he saith, Circumcise
goats. 8 But why was the wool and the hardness of your heart, and
hyssop put together? To signify harden not your neck. And again,
13 Wherefore ye here again that in the kingdom of Christ there Behold, saith the Lord, all the
see a type of Jesus who was to shall be evil and filthy days, in nations are uncircumcised, (they
suffer for us. which however, we shall be saved; have not lost their fore-skin): but
and because he that has any disease this people is uncircumcised in
14 But what then signifies this, in the flesh by some filthy humours, heart.
That the wool was to be put into is cured by hyssop.
the midst of the thorns? 9 But you will say the Jews
9 Wherefore these things being were circumcised for a sign. And
15 This also is a figure of Jesus, thus done, are to us indeed evident, so are all the Syrians and Arabians,
set out to the church. For as he who but to the Jews they are obscure; and all the idolatrous priests: but
would take away the scarlet wool because they hearkened not unto are they therefore of the covenant
must undergo many difficulties, the voice of the Lord. of Israel? And even the Egyptians
because that thorn was very sharp, themselves are circumcised.
and with difficulty get it: So,
says Christ, they that will see me, 10 Understand therefore, children,
and come to my kingdom, must CHAPTER VIII. these things more fully, that
through many afflictions and Abraham was the first, that
troubles attain unto me. Of the circumcision of the ears and how in the brought in circumcision, looking

68
forward in the Spirit, to Jesus; themselves food; but injuriously 13 Nor stood in the way of
circumcised, having received the ravish away the things of others, sinners, as they who seem to fear
mystery of three letters. and watch how to lay snares for the Lord, but yet sin, as the sow.
them; when at the same time they
11 For the Scripture says that appear to live in perfect innocence. 14 And hath not sat in the seat
Abraham circumcised three hundred of the scorners; as those birds
and eighteen men of his house. 3 So these birds alone (seek not who sit and watch that they may
But what therefore was the mystery food for themselves,) but sitting devour.
that was made known unto him! idle, seek how they may eat of the
flesh others have provided being 15 Here you have the law
12 Mark, first the eighteen, and destructive through their concerning meat perfectly set
next the three hundred. For the wickedness. forth and according to the
numeral letters of ten and eight true knowledge of it.
are T H. And these denote Jesus.
6 Neither, says he, shalt thou 16 But, says Moses, ye shall
13 And because the cross was eat the lamprey, nor the polypus, eat all that divideth the hoof, and
that by which we were to find nor the cuttle-fish; that is thou cheweth the cud. Signifying
grace, therefore he adds, three shalt not be like such men, by thereby such an one as having
hundred; the note of which is T seeking to converse with them taken his food, knows him that
(the figure of his cross). who are altogether wicked and nourisheth him; and resting upon
Wherefore by two letters he adjudged to death. For so those him, rejoiceth in him.
signified Jesus, and by the fishes are alone accursed, that
third his cross. wallow in the mire, nor swim as other 17 And in this he spake well,
fishes, but tumble in the dirt at having respect to the commandment.
14 He who has put the engrafted the bottom of the deep. What, therefore, is it that
gift of his doctrine within us, he says?--That we should hold
knows that I never taught to 7 But, he adds, neither shalt fast to them that fear the Lord;
anyone a more certain truth: but I thou eat of the hare. To what with those who meditate on the
trust that ye are worthy of it. end?--To signify this to us; command of the word which they
Thou shalt not be an adulterer, have received, in their heart;
nor liken thyself to such persons. with those that declare the
For the hare every year multiplies righteous judgments of the Lord,
CHAPTER IX. the places of its conception; and and keep his commandments;
as many years as it lives, so many
That the commands of Moses concerning clean it has. 18 In short, with those who
and unclean know that to meditate is a work
beasts, were all designed for a spiritual 8 Neither shalt thou eat of the of pleasure, and therefore exercise
signification. hyena: that is, again, be not an themselves in the word of the
adulterer, nor a corrupter of Lord.
BUT why did Moses say Ye others; neither be like to such.
shall not eat of the swine, And wherefore so?--Because that 19 But why might they eat
neither the eagle nor the hawk; creature every year changes its those that clave the hoof?
nor the crow; nor any fish that kind, which is sometimes male Because the righteous liveth in this
has not a scale upon him?--I and sometimes female. present world; but his expectation
is fixed upon the other. See,
answer that, in the spiritual sense, 9 For which cause also he justly brethren, how admirably Moses
he comprehended three doctrines, hated the weazel; to the end that commanded these things.
that were to be gathered from they should not be like such
thence. persons who with their mouths 20 But how should we thus
commit wickedness by reason of know all this, and understand it?
2 Besides which he says to them their uncleanness; nor join We, therefore, understanding
in the book of Deuteronomy, And themselves with those impure women, aright the commandments, speak
I will give my statutes unto this who with their mouths commit as the Lord would have us.
people. Wherefore it is not the wickedness. Because that animal Wherefore he has circumcised our
command of God that they should conceives with its mouth. ears and our hearts, that we might
not eat these things; but Moses in know these things.
the spirit spake unto them. 10 Moses, therefore, speaking
as concerning meats, delivered
3 Now the sow he forbad them indeed three great precepts to
to eat; meaning thus much: Thou them in the spiritual signification CHAPTER X.
shalt not join thyself to such of those commands. But they
persons as are like unto swine, according to the desires of the Baptism and the cross of Christ
who, whilst they live in pleasure, flesh, understood him as if he foretold in figures under the law.
forget their God; but when any want had only meant it of meats.
pinches them, then they know the LET us now inquire whether
Lord: as the sow when she is full 11 And therefore David took the Lord took care to manifest
knows not her master, but when aright the knowledge of his anything beforehand concerning water
she is hungry she makes a noise; three-fold command, saying in and the cross.
and being again fed, is silent. like manner:
2 Now for the former of these,
4 Neither, says he, shalt thou 12 Blessed is the man that hath it is written to the people of
eat the eagle, nor the hawk, nor not walked in the counsel of the Israel how they shall not receive
the kite, nor the crow; that is, ungodly; as the fishes before that baptism which brings to
thou shalt not keep company with mentioned in the bottom of the forgiveness of sins; but shall
such kind of men as know not how deep, in darkness. institute another to themselves
by their labour and sweat to get that cannot.

69
Jacob was the praise of all the type of Jesus, to show that he was
3 For thus saith the prophet: earth; magnifying thereby the to die, and then that he, whom
Be astonished, O Heaven! and vessel of his spirit. they thought to be dead, was to
let the earth tremble at it, because give life to others; in the type
this people have done two great 14 And what follows?--And of those that fell in Israel.
and wicked things: they have left there was a river running on the
me, the fountain of living water, right hand, and beautiful trees 8 For God caused all sorts of
and have digged for themselves grew up by it; and he that shall serpents to bite them, and they
broken cisterns, that can hold no eat of them shall live for ever. died: forasmuch as by a serpent
water. The signification of which is this transgression began in Eve; that
that we go down into the water so he might convince them that
4 Is my holy mountain of Zion, full of sins and pollutions, but for their transgressions they shall
a desolate wilderness? For ye come up again, bringing forth be delivered into the pain of death.
shall be as a young bird when its fruit; having in our hearts the
nest is taken away. fear and hope which is in Jesus, 9 Moses then himself, who had
by the spirit. And whosoever commanded them, saying, Ye shall
5 And again the prophet saith, shall eat of them shall live for not make to yourselves any graven
I will go before thee, and will ever. or molten image, to be your God
make plain the mountains, and yet now did so himself, that he
will break the gates of brass, and 15 That is, whosoever shall might represent to them the figure
will snap in sunder the bars of hearken to those who call them, and of the Lord Jesus.
iron; and will give thee dark, shall believe, shall live for ever.
and hidden, and invisible 10 For he made a brazen
treasures, that they may know serpent, and set it up on high,
that I am the Lord God. and called the people together
CHAPTER XI. by a proclamation: where being come,
6 And again: he shall dwell they entreated Moses that he would
in the high den of the strong The subject continued. make an atonement for them, and
rock. And then, what follows in pray that they might be healed.
the same prophet? His water is IN like manner he determines
faithful; ye shall see the king concerning the cross in another 11 Then Moses spake unto them,
with glory, and your soul shall prophet, saying: And when shall saying: when any one among you
learn the fear of the Lord. these things be fulfilled? shall be bitten, let him come unto
the serpent that is set upon the
7 And again he saith in another 2 The Lord answers: When the pole; and let him assuredly trust
prophet: He that does these tree that is fallen shall rise, and in him, that though he be dead,
things; I shall be like a tree when blood shall drop down from yet he is able to give life, and
planted by the currents of water, the tree. Here you have again presently he shall be saved; and so
which shall give its fruit in its mention made, both of the cross, they did. See therefore how here
season. Its leaf also shall not and of him that was to be crucified also you have in this the glory of
wither, and whatsoever he doth upon it. Jesus; and that in him and to
it shall prosper. him are all things.
3 And yet farther he saith by
8 As for the wicked it is not Moses; (when Israel was fighting 12 Again; What says Moses to
so with them; but they are as the with, and beaten by, a strange Joshua, the Son of Nun, when he
dust which the wind scattereth people; to the end that God might gave that name unto him, as being
away from the face of the earth. put them in mind how that for a prophet, that all the people might
their sins they were delivered unto hear him alone? Because the
9 Therefore the ungodly shall death) yea, the holy spirit put it father did manifest all things
not stand in the judgment, neither into the heart of Moses, to represent concerning his son Jesus, in Joshua,
the sinners in the council of the both the sign of the cross, and of the Son of Nun; and gave him
righteous. For the Lord knoweth him that was to suffer: that so that name when he sent him to spy
the way of the righteous, and the they might know that if they did out the land of Canaan, saying;
way of the ungodly shall perish. not believe in him, they should be Take a book in thine hands,
overcome for ever. and write what the Lord saith.
10 Consider how he has joined Forasmuch as Jesus the Son of God
both the cross and the water 4 Moses therefore I piled up shall in the last days cut off by the
together. armour upon armour in the middle roots all the house of Amalek, see
of a rising ground, and standing here again Jesus, not the son of
11 For this he saith: Blessed up high above all of them, stretched man, but the Son of God, made
are they who put their trust in the forth his arms, and so Israel again manifest in a type, and in the flesh.
cross, and descend into the water; conquered.
for they shall have their reward in 13 But because it might hereafter
due time: then, saith he, will I 5 But no sooner did he let down be said that Christ was the
give it them. his hands, but they were again Son of David; therefore David
slain. And why so?--To the end fearing and well knowing the errors
12 But as concerning the present they might know, that except they of the wicked, saith; the Lord
time, he saith, their leaves shall trust in him they cannot be saved. said unto my Lord, sit thou on my
not fall: meaning thereby, that right hand until I make thine
every word that shall go out of 6 And in another prophet, he enemies thy footstool.
your mouth, shall through faith saith, I have stretched out my
and charity be to the conversion hands all the day long to a people 14 And again Isaiah speaketh
and hope of many. disobedient, and speaking against on this wise, The Lord said unto
my righteous way. Christ my Lord, I have laid hold
13 In like manner doth another on his right hand, that the nations
prophet speak. And the land of 7 And again Moses makes a should obey before him, and I will

70
break the strength of kings. yet farther taken notice of this, from darkness; and establish
by Abraham too; our understanding a covenant with us by his word.
15 Behold, how doth David and of it will then be perfectly
Isaiah call him Lord, and the Son established. 20 For so it is written that the
of God. father commanded him by delivering
10 What then saith the Scripture us from darkness, to prepare unto
of Abraham, when I be believed, himself a holy people.
and it was imputed unto him for
CHAPTER XII. righteousness? Behold I have made 21 Wherefore the prophet saith
thee a father of the nations, I the Lord thy God have called
The Promise of God not made to the Jews only, which without circumcision believe thee in righteousness, and I will
but to the Gentiles also, and fulfilled to us by in the Lord. take thee by thy hand, and will
Jesus Christ. strengthen thee, and give thee
11 Let us therefore now inquire for a covenant of the people; for a
BUT let us go yet further, and whether God has fulfilled the light to the Gentiles. To open the
inquire whether this people be covenant, which he sware to our eyes of the blind, to bring out the
the heir, or the former; and fathers, that he would give this prisoners from the prison, and them
whether the covenant be with us people? Yes, verily, he gave it; that sit in darkness out of the
or with them. but they were not worthy to receive prison house.
it by reason of their sins.
2 And first, as concerning 22 Consider, therefore, from
the people, hear now what the 12 For thus saith the prophet whence we have been redeemed.
Scripture saith: And Moses continued fasting in And again the prophet saith
mount Sinai, to receive the covenant The spirit of the Lord is upon me,
3 Isaac prayed for his wife of the Lord with the people, forty because he hath anointed me: he
Rebekah, because she was barren; days and forty nights. hath sent me to preach glad tidings
and she conceived. Afterwards to the lowly; to heal the broken in
Rebekah went forth to inquire 13 And he received of the Lord heart; to preach remission to the
of the Lord. two tables written with the finger captives, and give sight unto the
of the Lord's hand, in the Spirit. blind; to proclaim the acceptable
4 And the Lord said unto her; And Moses, when he had received year of the Lord, and the day of
There are two nations in thy womb, them, brought them down that he restitution; to comfort all that
and two people shall come from might deliver them to the people. mourn.
thy body; and the one shall have
power over the other, and the 14 And the Lord said unto
greater shall serve the lesser. Moses; Moses, Moses, get thee
Understand here who was Isaac; down quickly, for the people which CHAPTER XIII.
who Rebekah; and of whom it was thou broughtest out of the land of
foretold, this people shall be Egypt have done wickedly. That the sabbath of the Jews was but a figure
greater than that. of a more glorious sabbath to come, and their
15 And Moses understood that temple, of the spiritual temples of God.
5 And in another prophecy Jacob they had again set up a molten
speaketh more clearly to his image: and he cast the two tables FURTHERMORE it is written
son Joseph, saying; Behold the out of his hands; and the tables concerning the sabbath, in the
Lord hath not derived me of seeing of the covenant of the Lord were Ten Commandments, which God
thy face, bring me thy sons that broken. Moses therefore received spake in the mount Sinai to Moses,
I may bless them. And he brought them, but they were not worthy. face to face: Sanctify the sabbath
unto his father Manasseh and of the Lord with pure hands, and
Ephraim, desiring that he should 16 Now then learn how we have with a clean heart.
bless Manasseh, because he was received them. Moses, being a
the elder. servant, took them; but the Lord 2 And elsewhere he saith;
himself has given them unto us, If thy children shall keep my
6 Therefore Joseph brought him that we might be the people of his Sabbaths, then will I put my
to the right hand of his father inheritance; having suffered for mercy upon them.
Jacob. But Jacob by the spirit us.
foresaw the figure of the people 3 And even in the beginning of
that was to come. 17 He was therefore made the creation he makes mention of
manifest; that they should fill the sabbath. And God made in
7 And what saith the Scripture? up the measure of their sins, six days the works of his hands,
And Jacob crossed his hands, and and that we being made heirs by and he finished them on the seventh
put his right hand upon Ephraim, him, should receive the covenant day; and he rested the seventh
his second, and the younger son, of the Lord Jesus. day, and sanctified it.
and blessed him. And Joseph said
unto Jacob; Put thy right hand 18 And again the prophet saith 4 Consider, my children, what
upon the head of Manasseh, for he Behold, I have set thee for a light that signifies, he finished them
is my first-born son. And Jacob unto the Gentiles; to be the saviour in six days. The meaning of it is
said unto Joseph; I know it, my of all the ends of the earth, saith this: that in six thousand years
son, I know it; but the greater the Lord; the God who hath redeemed the Lord God will bring all things
shall serve the lesser; though he thee. to an end.
also shall be blessed.
19 Who for that very end 5 For with him one day is
8 Ye see of whom he appointed was prepared, that by his own a thousand years; as himself
it, that they should be the first appearing he might redeem our testifieth, saying, Behold this
people, and heirs of the covenant. hearts, already devoured by day shall be as a thousand years.
death, and delivered over to Therefore, children, in six days,
9 If therefore God shall have the irregularity of error, that is, in six thousand years,

71
shall a all things be accomplished. it came to pass; for through their forasmuch as he never either
wars it is now destroyed by their heard him speaking such words
6 And what is that he saith, enemies; and the servants of their out of his mouth, nor ever
And he rested the seventh day enemies build it up. desired to hear them.
he meaneth this: that when
his Son shall come, and abolish 15 Furthermore it has been 24 This is that spiritual temple
the season of the Wicked One, made manifest, how both the city that is built unto the Lord.
and judge the ungodly; and shall and the temple, and the people of
change the sun and the moon, and Israel should be given up. For
the stars; then he shall gloriously the scripture saith; And it shall
rest on that seventh day, come to pass in the last days, that CHAPTER XIV.
the Lord will deliver up the sheep
7 He adds, lastly: Thou shalt of his pasture, and their fold, and Of the way of light; being a summary of what
sanctify it with clean hands and their tower unto destruction. And a Christian is to do, that he maybe happy for ever.
a pure heart. Wherefore we are it is come to pass, as the Lord hath
greatly deceived if we imagine spoken. AND thus I trust, I have
that anyone can now sanctify that declared to you as much, and
day which God has made holy, 16 Let us inquire therefore, with as great simplicity as I
without having a heart pure in whether there be any temple of could, those, things which provide
all things. God? Yes there is: and there for your salvation, so as not to
where himself declares that he have omitted any thing that might
8 Behold, therefore, he will then would both make and perfect it. be requisite thereunto.
truly sanctify it with blessed rest, For it is written: And it shall
when we (having received the be that as soon as the week shall 2 For should I speak farther of
righteous promise, when iniquity be completed, the temple of the the things that now are, and of
shall be no more, all things being Lord shall be gloriously built in those that are to come, you would
renewed by the Lord) shall be able the name of the Lord. not yet understand them, seeing
to sanctify it, being ourselves first they lie in parables. This therefore
made holy; 17 I find therefore that there shall suffice as to these things.
is a temple. But how shall it be
9 Lastly, he saith unto them built in the name of the Lord? I 3 Let us now go on to the other
Your new moons and your Sabbaths will shew you. kind of knowledge and doctrine.
I cannot bear them. Consider There are two ways of doctrine
what he means by it; the 18 Before that we believed in and power; the one of light, the
Sabbaths, says he, which ye now God, the habitation of our heart other of darkness.
keep are not acceptable unto me, was corruptible, and feeble, as a
but those which I have made; temple truly built with hands. 4 But there is a great deal of
when resting from all things I difference between these two ways
shall begin the eight day, that is, 19 For it was a house full for over one are appointed the
the beginning of the other world. of idolatry, a house of devils; angels of God, the leaders of
inasmuch as there was done in it the way of light; over the other,
10 For which cause we observe whatsoever was contrary unto God. the angels of Satan. And the one
the eight day with gladness, in But it shall be built in the name is the Lord from everlasting to
which Jesus rose from the dead; of the Lord. everlasting; the other is the
and having manifested himself to prince of the time of
his disciples, ascended into heaven. 20 Consider, how that the unrighteousness.
temple of the Lord shall be very
11 It remains yet that I gloriously built; and by what 5 Now the way of light is this:
speak to you concerning the temple: means that shall be, learn. If any one desires to attain to the
how those miserable men being place that is appointed for him,
deceived have put their trust 21 Having received remission and will hasten thither by his
in the house, and not in God of our sins, and trusting in the works. And the knowledge that
himself who made them, as if name of the Lord, we are become has been given to us for walking
it were the habitation of God. renewed, being again created as it in it, to this effect: Thou shalt
were from the beginning. Wherefore love him that made thee: thou
12 For much after the same God truly dwells in our house, shalt glorify him that hath
manner as the Gentiles, they that is, in us. redeemed thee from death.
consecrated him in the temple.
22 But how does he dwell in us? 6 Thou shalt be simple in heart,
13 But learn therefore how By the word of his faith, the calling and rich in the spirit. Thou shalt
the Lord speaketh, rendering the of his promise, the wisdom of his not cleave to those that walk in
temple vain: Who has measured the righteous judgments and the commands the way of death. Thou shalt hate
heaven with a span, and the earth of his doctrine. He himself prophesies to do anything that is not pleasing
with his hand? Is it not I? Thus within us, he himself dwelleth in us, unto God. Thou shalt abhor all
with the Lord, Heaven is my and openeth to us who were in bondage dissimulation. Thou shalt not
throne, and the earth is my of death the gate of our temple, neglect any of the commands of
footstool. What is the house that is, the mouth of wisdom, having the Lord.
that ye will build me? Or what given repentance unto us; and by this
is the place of my rest? Know means has brought us to be an 7 Thou shalt not exalt thyself,
therefore that all their hope incorruptible temple. but shalt be humble. Then shalt
is vain. not take honour to thyself. Thou
23 He therefore that desires to shalt not enter into any wicked
14 And again he speaketh after be saved looketh not unto the counsel against thy neighbour.
this manner: Behold they that man, but unto him that dwelleth Thou shalt not be over confident
destroy this temple, even they in him, and speaketh by him; in thy heart.
shall again build it up. And so being struck with wonder,

72
8 Thou shaft not commit
fornication, nor adultery. 18 Thou shalt love, as the apple 5 From whom gentleness and
Neither shalt thou corrupt of thine eye, everyone that speaketh patience are far off: who love
thyself with mankind. Thou unto thee the Word of the Lord. vanity, and follow after rewards;
shalt not make use of the Call to thy remembrance, day and having no compassion upon the
word of God, to any impurity, night, the future judgment. poor; nor take any pains for such
as are heavy laden and oppressed.
9 Thou shalt not except any 19 Thou shalt seek out every
man's person, when thou reprovest day, the persons of the righteous; 6 Ready to evil speaking,
any one's faults. Thou shalt be and both consider and go about to not knowing him that made them;
gentle. Thou shalt be quiet. exhort others by the word, and murderers of children; corrupters
Thou shalt tremble at the words meditate how thou mayest save a of the creature of God; that turn
which thou hast heard. Thou soul. away from the needy; oppress the
shalt not keep any hatred in thy afflicted; are the advocates of the
heart against thy brother. Thou 20 Thou shaft also labour with rich, but unjust judges of the poor;
shalt not entertain any doubt thy hands to give to the poor, being altogether sinners.
whether it shall be or not. that thy sins may be forgiven thee,
Thou shalt not deliberate whether 7 It is therefore fitting
10 Thou shalt not take the name thou shouldst give; nor having that learning the just commands
of the Lord in vain. Thou shalt given, murmur at it. of the Lord, which we have before
love thy neighbour above thy own mentioned, we should walk in them.
soul, 21 Give to everyone that asks For he who does such things shall
so shalt thou know who is the good be glorified in the kingdom of Hod.
11 Thou shalt not destroy thy rewarder of thy gifts.
conceptions, before they are 8 But he that chooses the other
brought forth; nor kill them 22 Keep what thou hast received; part, shall be destroyed, together
after they are born. thou shalt neither add to it nor with his works. For this cause
take from it. there shall be both a resurrection,
12 Thou shalt not withdraw thy and a retribution.
hand from thy son, or from thy 23 Let the wicked be always
daughter; but shall teach them thy aversion. Thou shalt judge 9 I beseech those that are in
from their youth the fear of the with righteous judgment. Thou high estate among you, (if so be
Lord. shalt never cause divisions; but you will take the counsel which
shalt make peace between those with a good intention I offer to
13 Thou shalt not covet thy that are at variance, and bring you,) you have those with you
neighbour's goods; neither shalt them together. towards whom you may do good;
thou be an extortioner. Neither do not forsake them.
shall thy heart be joined to proud 24 Thou shalt confess thy sins;
men; but thou shalt be numbered and not come to thy prayer with 10 For the day is at hand in
among the righteous and the an evil conscience. which all things shall be destroyed,
lowly. Whatever events shall together with the wicked one.
happen unto thee, thou shalt 25 This is the way of light. The Lord is near, and his reward
receive them as good. is with him.

14 Thou shalt not be double- 11 I beseech you, therefore,


minded or double-tongued; for a CHAPTER XV. again, and again, Be as good
double tongue is the snare of death. lawgiver's to one Another; continue
Thou shalt be subject unto the Of the way of darkness; that is, what kind of faithful counsellors do each other
Lord and to inferior masters as to persons remove from among you all hypocrisy.
the representatives of God, in fear shall be for ever cast out of the kingdom of God.
and reverence. 12 And may God, the Lord
BUT the way of darkness is of all the world, give you
15 Thou shalt not be bitter in crooked, and full of cursing. wisdom, knowledge, counsel,
thy commands towards any of thy For it is the way of eternal death, and understanding of his
servants that trust in God; lest with punishment; in which they judgments in patience:
thou chance not to fear him who that walk meet those things that
is over both; because he came not destroy their own souls. 13 Be ye taught of God;
to call any with respect of persons, seeking what it is the Lord
but whomsoever the spirit had 2 Such are; idolatry, confidence, requires of you, and doing it;
prepared. pride of power, hypocrisy, double- that ye may be saved in the
mindedness, adultery, murder, rapine, day of judgment.
16 Thou shalt communicate to pride, transgression, deceit, malice,
thy neighbour of all thou hast; arrogance, witchcraft, covetousness, 14 And if there be among you
thou shalt not call anything and the want of the fear of God. any remembrance of what is good,
thine own: for if ye partake of think of me; meditating on these
such things as are incorruptible, 3 In this, walk those, who are things, that both my desire and
how much more should you do it the persecutors of them that are my watching for you may turn to
in those that are corruptible? good; haters of truth; lovers of a good account.
lies; who know not the reward of
17 Thou shalt not be forward to righteousness, nor cleave to any 15 I beseech you; I ask it as a
speak; for the mouth is the snare thing that is good. favour of you; whilst you are in
of death. Strive for thy soul with this beautiful tabernacle of the
all thy might. Reach not out 4 Who administer not righteous body, be wanting in none of these
thine hand to receive, and judgment to the widow and orphan; things; but without ceasing seek
withhold it not when thou who watch for wickedness, and not them, and fulfil every command,
shouldest give. for the fear of the Lord; For these things are fitting and

73
worthy to be done. deservedly happy: being blessed 9 And that being, subject to
through the greatness and fullness your bishop, and the presbytery,
16 Wherefore I have given the of God the Father, and predestinated ye may be wholly and thoroughly
more diligence to write unto you before the world began; that it sanctified.
according to my ability, that you should be always unto an enduring
might rejoice. Farewell, children and unchangeable glory; united and 10 These things I prescribe to
of love and peace. chosen through his true passion, you, not as if I were somebody
according to the will of the Father, extraordinary: for though I am
17 The Lord of glory and of and Jesus Christ our God; all bound for his name, I am not yet
all grace, be with your spirit, happiness, by Jesus Christ, perfect in Christ Jesus. But now
Amen. and his undefiled grace. I begin to learn, and I speak to
you as fellow disciples together
2 I have heard of your name with me.
[The end of the Epistle of Barnabas much beloved in God; which ye
the Apostle, and fellow-traveller have very justly attained by a 11 For I ought to have been
of St. Paul the Apostle.] habit of righteousness, according stirred up by you, in faith: in
to the faith and love which is in admonition; in patience; in long-
Jesus Christ our Saviour. suffering; but forasmuch as
charity suffers me not to be
REFERENCES TO THE GENERAL 3 How that being followers of silent towards you, I have first
EPISTLE OF BARNABAS. God, and stirring up yourselves taken upon me to exhort you, that
by the blood of Christ ye have ye would all run together,
[Barnabas was a companion and fellow-preacher perfectly accomplished the work according to the will of God.
with Paul. This Epistle that was con-natural unto you.
lays a greater claim to canonical authority than most 12 For even Jesus Christ, our
others. It has been 4 For hearing that I came bound inseparable life, is sent by the
cited by Clemens, Alexandrinus, Origen, Eusebius, from Syria, for the common name will of the Father; as the bishops,
and Jerome, and many and hope, trusting through your appointed unto the utmost bounds of
ancient Fathers. Cotelerius affirms that Origen and prayers to fight with beasts at the earth, are by the will of Jesus
Jerome esteemed it home; so that by suffering I may Christ.
genuine and canonical; but Cotelerius himself did become indeed the disciple of him
not believe it to be who gave himself to God, an offering 13 Wherefore it will become you
either one or the other; on the contrary, he supposes and sacrifice for us; ye hastened to run together according to the
it was written for to see me. I received, therefore, will of your bishop, as also ye do,
the benefit of the Ebionites, (the christianized Jews,) in the name of God, your whole
who were multitude in Onesimus; 14 For your famous presbytery,
tenacious of rites and ceremonies. Bishop Fell worthy of God, is fitted as exactly
feared to own expressly 5 Who by: inexpressible love is to the bishop, as the strings are
what he seemed to be persuaded of, that it ought to ours, but according to the flesh to the harp.
be treated with the is our bishop; whom I beseech you,
same respect as several of the books of the present pray Jesus Christ, to love: and that 15 Therefore in your concord
canon. Dr. Bernard, you would all strive to be like unto and agreeing charity, Jesus Christ
Savilian professor at Oxford, not only believed it to him. And blessed be God, who is sung; and every single person
be genuine, but has granted unto you, who are so among you makes up the chorus:
that it was read throughout in the churches of worthy of him, to enjoy such an
Alexandria, as the excellent bishop. 16 That so being all consonant
canonical Scriptures were. Dodwell supposed it to in love, and taking up the song
have been published 6 For what concerns my fellow of God, ye may in a perfect unity
before the Epistle of Jude, and the writings of both servant Burrhus, and your most with one voice, sing to the Father
the Johns. Vossius, blessed deacon in things pertaining by Jesus Christ; to the end that
Dupuis, Dr. Cane, Dr. Mill, Dr, S. Clark, Whitson, to God; I entreat you that he may he may both hear you, and perceive
and Archbishop Wake tarry longer, both for yours, and by your works, that ye are indeed
also esteemed it genuine: Menardus, Archbishop your bishop's honour. the members of his son.
Land, Spanheim, and others
deemed it apocryphal.] 7 And Crocus also worthy of 17 Wherefore it is profitable for
both our God and you, whom I you to live in an unblameable
have received as the pattern unity, that so ye may always have
of your love, has in all things a fellowship with God.
refreshed me, as the Father of
our Lord Jesus Christ shall also
refresh him; together with Onesimus,
THE EPISTLE OF and Burrhus, and Euplus, and Fronto, CHAPTER II.
IGNATIUS TO THE EPHESIANS. in whom I have, as to your charity,
seen all of you, And may always, 1 The benefit of subjection.
have joy of you, if I shall be 4 The bishop not to be respected the less
CHAPTER I. worthy of it. because he is not forward in exacting it:
8 warns brethren against heretics; bidding
1 Ignatius commends the brethren for sending 8 It is therefore fitting that you them cleave to Jesus, whose divine and human
Onesimus and other members of the church to should by all means glorify Jesus mature is declared: commends them for their care
him. Christ, who hath glorified you to keep themselves from false teachers:
8 Exhorts them to unity; that by a uniform obedience ye and shews them the way to God.
13 by a due subjection to their bishop; may be perfectly joined together
in the same mind, and in the same FOR if I in this little time have
IGNATIUS, who is also called judgment; and may all speak the had such a familiarity with
Theophorus, to the church which same things concerning everything: your bishop, I mean not a carnal,
is at Ephesus in Asia; most but spiritual acquaintance with

74
him; how much more must I think cannot do the works of the spirit; may be found in you: but ye may
you happy who are so joined to him, neither they that are of the spirit remain in all holiness and sobriety
as the church is to Jesus Christ, the works of the flesh; as he both of body and spirit, in Christ
and Jesus Christ to the Father; that has faith cannot be an infidel; Jesus.
so that all things may agree in nor he that is an infidel have
the same unity. faith. But even those things 5 The last times are come upon
which ye do according to the flesh us: let us therefore be very
2 Let no man deceive himself; are spiritual; forasmuch as ye do reverent, and fear the long-
if a man be not within the altar, all things in Jesus Christ. suffering of God, that it be
he is deprived of the bread of God. not to us unto condemnation.
For if the prayer of one or two
be of such force, as we are told; 10 Nevertheless I have heard 6 For let us either fear the
how much more powerful shall of some who have passed by you, wrath that is to come, or let us
that of the bishop and the whole having perverse doctrine; whom love the grace that we at present
church be? ye did not suffer to sow among enjoy; that by the one or other of
you; but stopped your ears, that these, we may be found in Christ
3 He therefore that does not ye might not receive those things Jesus, unto true life.
come together in the same place that were sown by them: because
with it, is proud, and has already being the stones of the temple of 7 Besides him, let nothing be
condemned himself; for it is written, the Father, prepared for his worthy of you; for whom also I
God resisteth the proud. Let us take building; and drawn up on high bear about these bonds; those
heed therefore, that we do not set by the Cross of Christ, spiritual jewels, in which I would
ourselves against the bishop, as by an engine; to God that I might arise through
that we may be subject to God. your prayers.
11. Using the Holy Ghost as the
4 The more any one sees his rope: your faith being your support; 8 Of which I entreat you to
bishop silent, the more let him and your charity the way that leads make me always partaker, that I
revere him. For whomsoever the unto God. may be found in the lot of the
master of the house sends to be Christians of Ephesus, who have
over his own household, we ought 12 Ye are therefore, with all always agreed with the Apostles,
in like manner to receive him, as your companions in the same through the power of Jesus Christ.
we do him that sent him. It is journey full of God; his spiritual
therefore evident that we ought temples, full of Christ, and of 9 I know both who I am, and
to look upon the bishop, even as holiness: adorned in all things to whom I write: I, a person
we do upon the Lord himself. with the commands of Christ. condemned; ye, such as have
obtained mercy; I, exposed
5 And indeed Onesimus himself 13 In whom also I rejoice that to danger; ye confirmed
does greatly commend your good I have been thought worthy by against danger.
order in God: that you all live this present epistle to converse,
according to the truth, and that and joy together with you; that 10 Ye are the passage of
no heresy dwells among you. For with respect to the other life, ye those that are killed for God;
neither do ye hearken to anyone love nothing but God only. the companions of Paul in the
more than to Jesus Christ mysteries of the Gospel; the
speaking to you in truth. holy, the martyr, the deservedly
most happy Paul: at whose feet
6 For some there are who CHAPTER III. may I be found, when I shall have
carry about the name of Christ attained unto God; who throughout
in deceitfulness, but do things 1 Exhorts them to prayer; to be unblamable. all his epistles, makes mention
unworthy of God; whom ye must 5 To be careful of salvation; of you in Christ Jesus.
flee, as ye would do so many 11 frequent in public devotion;
wild beasts. For they are raving 13 and to live in charity. 11 Let it be your care therefore
dogs, who bite secretly; against to come more fully together, to
whom ye must guard yourselves, PRAY also without ceasing for the praise and glory of God;
as men hardly to be cured. other men; for there is hope for when ye meet fully together
of repentance in them, that they in the same place, the powers of
7 There is one Physician, both may attain unto God. Let them the devil are destroyed, and his
fleshy and spiritual; made and therefore at least be instructed by mischief is dissolved by the unity
not made; God incarnate; true your works, if they will be no of your faith.
life in death; both of Mary and other way.
of God: first passible, then 12 And indeed, nothing is better
impassible; even Jesus Christ our 2 Be ye mild at their anger; than peace, by which all war both
Lord. humble at their boasting; to their spiritual and earthly is abolished.
blasphemies return your prayers
8 Wherefore let no man deceive to their error, your firmness in 13 Of all which, nothing is hid
you; as indeed neither are ye the faith; when they are cruel, from you, if ye have perfect faith
deceived, being wholly the be ye gentle; not endeavouring and charity in Christ Jesus, which
servants of God. For inasmuch as to imitate their ways. are the beginning and end of life.
there is no contention nor strife
among you, to trouble you, ye (3 Let us be their brethren in 14 For the beginning is faith;
must needs live according to God's all kindness and moderation, but the end is charity. And these two
will. My soul be for yours; let us be followers of the Lord; joined together, are of God; but
and I myself, the expiatory for who was ever more unjustly all other things which concern a
offering for your church of Ephesus; used? More destitute? More holy life, are the consequences of
so famous throughout the world. despised?). these.

9 They that are of the flesh 4 That so no herb of the devil 15 No man professing a true

75
faith, sinneth; neither does he on his head; that he might breathe
who has charity hate any. the breath of immortality unto his 15 But if Jesus Christ shall
church. give me grace through your prayers,
16 The tree is made manifest and if it be his will, I purpose
by its fruit; so they who profess 5 Be not ye therefore anointed in a second epistle which I will
themselves to be Christians are with the evil savour of the doctrine suddenly write unto you, to manifest
known by what they do. of the prince of this world: let him to you more fully the dispensation
not take you captive from the life of which I have now begun to speak,
17 For Christianity is not the that is set before you. about the new man, which is Jesus
work of an outward profession; Christ; both in his faith, and
but shows itself in the power of 6 And why are we not all charity; in his suffering, and
faith, if a man be found faithful wise, seeing we have received in his resurrection.
unto the end. the knowledge of God, which is
Jesus Christ? Why do we suffer 16 Especially if the Lord shall
18 It is better for a man to hold ourselves foolishly to perish; make known unto me, that ye all
his peace, and be; than to say, he not considering the gift which by name come together united in
is a Christian, and not to be. the Lord has truly sent to us? one faith, and in Jesus Christ;
who was of the race of David
19 It is good to teach; if what 7 Let my life be sacrificed according to the flesh; the Son
he says he does likewise. for the doctrine of the cross; of man, and son of God; obeying
which is indeed a scandal to the your bishop and the presbytery
20 There is therefore one master unbelievers, but to us is salvation with an entire affection; breaking
who spake, and it was done; and and life eternal. one and the same bread, which is
even those things which he did the medicine of immortality;
without speaking, are worthy 8 Where is the wise man? our antidote that we should not
of the Father. Where is the disputer? Where die, but live for ever in Christ
is the boasting of those who Jesus.
21 He that possesses the word are called wise?
of Jesus, is truly able to bear his 17 My soul be for yours, and
very silence. That he may be perfect, 9 For our Lord Jesus Christ was theirs whom ye have sent, to the
he will do according to what he according to the dispensation of glory of God; even unto Smyrna,
speaks, and be known by those God, conceived in the womb of from whence also I write to you;
things of which he is silent. Mary, of the seed of David, giving thanks unto the Lord and
by the Holy Ghost. He was born loving Polycarp even as I do you.
22 There is nothing hid from and baptized, that through his Remember me, as Jesus Christ does
God, but even our secrets are nigh passion he might purify water, remember you.
unto him. to the washing away of sin.
18 Pray for the church which is
23 Let us therefore do all 10 Now the Virginity of Mary, in Syria from whence I am carried
things, as becomes those who and he who was born of her, was bound to Rome; being the least
have God dwelling in them; kept in secret from the prince of of all the faithful which are there,
that we maybe his temples; this world; as was also the death as I have been thought worthy to
and he may be our God as also of our Lord: three of the mysteries be found, to the glory of God.
he is, and will manifest himself the most spoken of throughout the
before our faces, by those things world, yet done in secret by God. 19 Fare ye well in God the
for which we justly love him. Father, and in Jesus Christ, our
11 How then was our Saviour common hope. Amen.
manifested to the world? A star
shone in heaven beyond all the
CHAPTER IV. other stars, and its light was
inexpressible, and its novelty
1 To have a care for the Gospel. struck terror into men's minds. THE EPISTLE OF
9 The virginity of Mary, the incarnation, All the rest of the stars, IGNATIUS TO THE MAGNESIANS
and the death of Christ, were hid from the Devil. together with the sun and moon,
11 How the birth of Christ was revealed. were the chorus to this star;
16 Exhorts to unity. but that sent out its light CHAPTER I.
exceedingly above them all.
BE not deceived, my brethren: 4 Ignatius mentions the arrival of Damas,
those that corrupt families 12 And men began to be troubled their bishop, and others,
by adultery, shall not inherit to think whence this new star 6 whom he exhorts them to reverence
the kingdom of God. came so unlike to all the others. notwithstanding he was a young man.

2 If therefore they who do this 13 Hence all the power of magic IGNATIUS, who is also called
according to the flesh, have became dissolved; and every bond Theophorus, to the blessed
suffered death; how much more shall of wickedness was destroyed: men's church, by the grace of God the
he die, who by his wicked doctrine ignorance was taken away; and Father, in Jesus Christ our Saviour;
corrupts the faith of God, for which the old kingdom abolished; God through whom I salute the church
Christ was crucified? himself appearing in the form which is at Magnesia, near the
of a man, for the renewal of Maeander: and wish it all joy in
3 He that is thus defiled, shall eternal life. God the Father, and in Jesus
depart into unquenchable fire, and Christ.
so also shall he that hearkens to 14 From thence began what
him. God had prepared: from thence. 2 When I heard of your well-
forth things were disturbed; ordered love and charity in God,
4 For this cause did the Lord forasmuch as he designed to being full of joy, I desired much
suffer the ointment to be poured abolish death. to speak unto you in the faith of

76
Jesus Christ. altar; as to one: Jesus Christ,
1 That as all must die, who proceeded from one Father,
3 For having been thought 4 he exhorts them to live orderly and in unity. and exists in one; and is
worthy to obtain a most excellent returned to one.
name, in the bonds which I carry
about, I salute the churches; SEEING then all things have
wishing in them a union both of an end, there are these two
the body and spirit of Jesus Christ, indifferently set before us, CHAPTER III.
our eternal life: as also of faith death and life: and everyone
and charity, to which nothing is shall depart unto his proper place. 1 He cautions them against false opinions.
preferred: but especially of Jesus 3 Especially those of Ebion and the Judaising
and the Father; in whom if we Christians.
undergo all the injuries of the 2 For as there are two sorts of
prince of this present world, and coins, the one of God, the other of BE not deceived with strange
escape, we shall enjoy God, the world, and each of these has doctrines; nor with old fables
its proper inscription engraven which are unprofitable. For if
4 Seeing, then, I have been upon it; so also is it here. we still continue to live according
judged worthy to see you, by to the Jewish law, we do confess
Damas your most excellent bishop; 3 The unbelievers are of this ourselves not to have received grace.
and by your worthy presbyters, world; but the faithful, through For even the most holy prophets
Bassus and Apollonius; and by my charity have the character of God lived according to Christ Jesus.
fellow-servant Sotio, the deacon; the Father by Jesus Christ:
by whom if we are not readily 2 And for this cause were they
5 In whom I rejoice, forasmuch disposed to die after the likeness persecuted, being inspired by his
as he is subject unto his bishop as of his passion, his life is not in us. grace to convince the unbelievers
to the grace of God; and to the and disobedient that there is one
presbytery as to the law of Jesus 4 Forasmuch, therefore, as I God who has manifested himself
Christ; I determined to write have in the persons before mentioned, by Jesus Christ his Son; who is
unto you. seen all of you in faith and charity; his eternal word, not coming forth
I exhort you that ye study to do all from silence; who in all things
6 Wherefore it will become you things in a divine concord: pleased him that sent him.
also not to use your bishop too
familiarly upon the account of his 5 Your bishop presiding in the 3 Wherefore if they who were
youth; but to yield all reverence place of God; your presbyters in brought up in these ancient laws,
to him according to the power of the place of the council of the came nevertheless to the newness
God the Father; as also I perceive Apostles; and your deacons most of hope; no longer observing
that your holy presbyters do: not dear to me, being entrusted with sabbaths, but keeping the Lord's
considering his age, which indeed the ministry of Jesus Christ; who
to appearance is young; but as was the Father before all ages, day in which also our life is
becomes those who are prudent in and appeared in the end to us. sprung up by him, and through
God, submitting to him, or rather his death, whom yet some deny:
not to him but to the Father of our 6 Wherefore taking the same
Lord Jesus Christ, the bishop of holy course, see that ye all 4 (By which mystery we have
us all. reverence one another, and let no been brought to believe and
one look upon his neighbour after therefore wait that we maybe
7 It will therefore behove you the flesh; but do ye all mutually found the disciples of Jesus
with all sincerity, to obey your love each other in Jesus Christ. Christ, our only master:)
bishop; in honour of him whose
pleasure it is that ye should do so. 7 Let there be nothing that may 5 How shall we be able to live
be able to make a division among different from him; whose disciples
8 Because he that does not do you; but be ye united to your the very prophets themselves
so, deceives not the bishop whom bishop, and those who preside being, did by the spirit expect him
he sees, but affronts him that is over you, to be your pattern and as their master;
invisible. For whatsoever of this direction in the way to immortality.
kind is done, it reflects not upon 6 And therefore he whom they
man, but upon God, who knows 8 As therefore the Lord did justly waited for, being come,
the secrets of our hearts. nothing without the Father, being raised, them up from the dead.
united to him; neither by himself
9 It is therefore fitting, nor yet by his Apostles, so neither 7 Let us not then be insensible
that we should not only be called do ye do anything without your of his goodness; for should he
christians, but be so. bishop and presbyters: have dealt with us according to
our works, we had not now had a
10 As some call indeed their 9 Neither endeavour to let being.
governor, bishop; but yet do all anything appear rational to
things without him. yourselves apart; 8 Wherefore being become his
disciples, let us learn to live
11 But I can never think 10 But being come together into according to the rules of
that such as these have a good the same place, have one common Christianity; for whosoever is
conscience, seeing that they are prayer; one supplication; called by any other name besides
not gathered together thoroughly one mind; one hope; one in charity, this, he is not of God.
according to God's commandment. and in joy undefiled.
9 Lay aside therefore the old and
11 There is one Lord Jesus sour, and evil leaven; and be ye
Christ, than whom nothing is better. changed into the new leaven, which
Wherefore come ye all together, as is Jesus Christ.
CHAPTER II. unto one temple of God; as to one

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10 Be ye salted in him, lest any the Holy Ghost: that so ye may will of God and Jesus Christ, and
one among you should be corrupted; be united both in body and spirit. so rejoiced together with me in my
for by your Savior ye shall bonds for Jesus Christ, that in
be judged. 7 Knowing you to be full of effect I saw your whole church in
God, I have the more briefly him.
11 It is absurd to name Jesus exhorted you.
Christ, and to Judaize. For the 4 Having therefore received
christian religion did not embrace 8 Be mindful of me in your testimony of your good will towards
the Jewish, but the Jewish the prayers, that I may attain unto me for God's sake, by him; I seemed
christian; that so every tongue God, and of the church that is in to find you, as also I knew that ye
that believed might be gathered Syria, from which I am not worthy were the followers of God.
together unto God. to be called.
5 For whereas ye are subject to
12 These things, my beloved, I 9 For I stand in need of your your bishop as to Jesus Christ, ye
write unto you; not that I know joint prayers in God, and of your appear to one to live not after the
of any among you that lie under charity, that the church which is manner of men, but according to
this error: but as one of the least in Syria may be thought worthy Jesus Christ who died for us,
among you, I am desirous to forewarn to be nourished by your church. that so believing in his death,
you, that ye fall not into the ye might escape death.
snares of false doctrine. 10 The Ephesians from Smyrna
salute you, from which place I 6 It is therefore necessary, that
13 But that ye be fully instructed write unto you; (being present as ye do, so without your bishop
in the birth, and suffering, and here to the glory of God, in like you should do nothing: also be
resurrection of Jesus Christ, manner as you are,) who have in ye subject to your presbyters, as
our hope; which was accomplished all things refreshed me, together to the Apostles of Jesus Christ our
in the time of the government of with Polycarp, the bishop of the hope; in whom if we walk, we
Pontius Pilate, and that most truly Smyrneans. shall be found in him.
and certainly: and from which God
forbid that any among you should 11 The rest of the churches in 7 The deacons also, as being
be turned aside. the honour of Jesus Christ salute the ministers of the mysteries of
you. Jesus Christ, must by all means
please ye. For they are not the
12 Farewell, and be ye strengthened ministers of meat and drink,
CHAPTER IV. in the concord of God; enjoying but of the church of God. Wherefore
his inseparable spirit, which they must avoid all offences,
1 Commends their faith and piety; exhorts them is Christ Jesus. as they would do fire.
to persevere;
10 desires their prayers for himself and the 8 In like manner let us reverence
church at Antioch. the deacons as Jesus Christ;
and the bishop as the Father; and
MAY I therefore have joy of THE EPISTLE OF the presbyters as the Sanctuary of
you in all things, if I shall IGNATIUS TO THE TRALLIANS. God, and college of the Apostles.
be worthy of it. For though I am
bound, yet am I not worthy to be CHAPTER 1. 9 Without these there is no
compared to one of you that are at church; concerning all which, I
liberty. 1 Acknowledges the coming of their bishop. am persuaded that ye think after
5 Commends them for their subjection to their the very same manner; for I have
2 I know that ye are not puffed bishop, received, and even now have with
up; for ye have Jesus Christ in priests, and deacons; and exhorts them to me, the pattern of your love, in
your hearts. continue in it: your bishop.
15 is afraid even of his over-great desire to suffer,
3 And especially when I commend lest it should be prejudicial to him. 10 Whose very look is instructive;
you, I know that ye are ashamed, and whose mildness powerful: whom
as it is written, The just man IGNATTUS, who is also called I am persuaded, the very Atheists
condemneth himself. Theophorus, to the holy church themselves cannot but reverence.
which is at Tralles in Asia:
4 Study therefore to be confirmed beloved of God, the Father of Jesus 11 But because I have a love
in the doctrine of our Lord, and Christ; elect and worthy of God, towards you, I will not write any
of his Apostles; that so whatever having peace through the flesh and more sharply unto you about this
ye do, ye may prosper both in body blood, and passion of Jesus Christ matter, though I very well might
and spirit, in faith and charity, our hope; in the resurrection which but now I have done so, lest being
in the Son, and in the Father, is by him: which also I salute in a condemned man, I should seem
and in the Holy Spirit; in the its fullness, continuing in the to prescribe to you as an Apostle.
beginning, and in the end: apostolical character, wishing all
joy and happiness unto it. 12 I have great knowledge in
5 Together with your most worthy God; but I refrain myself, lest
bishop, and the well-wrought 2 I have heard of your blameless I should perish in my boasting.
spiritual crown of your presbytery, and constant disposition through
and your deacons, which are patience, which not only appears 13 For now I ought the more
according to God. in your outward conversation, but to fear, and not to hearken to
is naturally rooted and grounded those that would puff me up.
6 Be subject to your bishop, and in you.
to one another, as Jesus Christ 14 For they that speak to me,
was to the Father, according to the 3 In like manner as Polybius in my praise, chasten me.
flesh; and the Apostles, both to your bishop has declared unto me,
Christ, and to the Father; and to who came to me to Smyrna, by the 15 For I indeed desire to suffer,

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but I cannot tell whether I am greatly beloved by me, foreseeing together with the churches of
worthy so to do. the snares of the devil. God that are present with me;
who have refreshed me in all
16 And this desire, though to 7 Wherefore putting on meekness, things, both in the flesh and
others it does not appear, yet to renew yourselves in faith, in the spirit.
myself it is for that very reason which is the flesh of the Lord;
the more violent. I have, therefore, and in charity, which is the blood 2 My bonds, which I carry about
need of moderation; by which the of Jesus Christ. me for the sake of Christ,
prince of this world is destroyed. (beseeching him that I may
8 Let no man have any grudge attain unto God) exhort you that
17 Am I not able to write to against his neighbour. Give no you continue in concord among
you of heavenly things?--But I occasion to the Gentiles; lest by yourselves, and in prayer with
fear lest I should harm you, who means of a few foolish men, the one another.
are yet but babes in Christ; whole congregation of God be
(excuse me this care;) and lest evil spoken of. 3 For it becomes everyone of
perchance being not able to you, especially the presbyters, to
receive them, ye should be 9 For woe to that man through refresh the bishop, to the honour
choken with them. whose vanity my name is of the Father of Jesus Christ, and
blasphemed by any. of the Apostles.
18 For even I myself, although
I am in bonds, yet am not therefore 10 Stop your ears therefore, 4 I beseech you, that you hearken
able to understand heavenly things; as often as any one shall speak to me in love; that I may not by
contrary to Jesus Christ, who was those things which I write, rise up
19 As the assembly of angels, of the race of David; by the Virgin in witness against you.
and the several companies of them, Mary.
under their respective princes; 5 Pray also for me; who,
things visible and invisible: but 11 Who was truly born, and through the mercy of God, stand
in these I am yet a learner. did eat and drink; was truly in need of your prayers, that I
persecuted under Pontius Pilate; may be worthy of the portion which
20 For many things are wanting to was truly crucified and dead; both I am about to obtain, and that I
us, that we come not short of God. those in heaven and on earth, and be not found a reprobate.
under the earth, being spectators
of it: 6 The love of those who are at
Smyrna and Ephesus salute you.
CHAP. II. 12 Who, was also truly raised Remember in your prayers the
from the dead by his Father, after church of Syria, from which I am
1 Warns them against heretics, the same manner as HE will also not worthy to be called, being one
4 exhorts them to humility and unity, raise up us who believe in him by of the least of it.
10 and briefly sets before them the true Christ Jesus; without whom we
doctrine concerning Christ. have no true life. 7 Fare ye well in Jesus Christ;
being subject to your bishop as to
EXHORT you therefore, or 13 But if, as some who are the command of God; and so like.
rather not I, but the love of Atheists, that is to say infidels, wise to the presbytery.
Jesus Christ; that ye use none but pretend, that he seemed to suffer,
christian nourishment; abstaining (they themselves only seeming to 8 Love every one his brother
from pasture which is of another exist) why then am I bound?-- with an unfeigned heart. My soul
kind, I mean heresy. Why do I desire to fight with be your expiation, not only now,
beasts?--Therefore do I die in but when I shall have attained
2 For they that are heretics, vain: therefore I will not speak unto God; for I am yet under
confound together the doctrine of falsely against the Lord. danger.
Jesus Christ, with their own poison:
whilst they seem worthy of belief: 14 Flee therefore these evil 9 But the Father is faithful in
sprouts which bring forth deadly Jesus Christ, to fulfil both mine
3 As men give a deadly potion fruit; of which if any one taste, and your petition; in whom may
mixed with sweet wine; which he he shall presently die. ye be found unblameable.
who drinks of, does with the
treacherous pleasure sweetly 15 For these are not the plants
drink in his own death. of the Father; seeing if they were,
they would appear to be the
4 Wherefore guard yourself branches of the cross, and their
against such persons; and that fruit would be incorruptible; by THE EPISTLE OF
you will do, if you are not puffed which he invites you through his IGNATIUS TO THE ROMANS.
up; but continue inseparable from passion, who are members of him.
Jesus Christ our God, and from
your bishop, and from the 16 For the head cannot be without CHAPTER I.
commands of the Apostles. its members, God having promised
a union with himself. Ignatius testifies his desire to see, and his
5 He that is within the altar, hopes of suffering for Christ
is pure; but he that is without, 5 which he earnestly entreats them not to prevent,
namely, does anything without the 10 but to pray for him, that God would strengthen
bishop, the presbyters, and deacons, CHAP. III. him to the combat.
is not pure in his conscience.
He again exhorts to unity, and desires their
6 Not that I know there is any prayers for himself, and for his church at Antioch. IGNATIUS, who is also called
thing of this nature among you; Theophorus, to the church
but I fore-arm you, as being I SALUTE you from Smyrna, which has obtained mercy from

79
the majesty of the Most High called a christian, but be found it.
Father, and his only begotten one.
Son Jesus Christ; beloved, and 9 But I am the more instructed
illuminated through the will of him 11 For if I shall be found a by their injuries; yet am I not
who willeth all things which are christian, I may then deservedly therefore justified.
according to the love of Jesus be called one; and be thought
Christ our God; which also presides faithful, when I shall no longer 10 May I enjoy the wild beasts
in the place of the region appear to the world. that are prepared for me; which
of the Romans; and which I salute also I wish may exercise all their
in the name of Jesus Christ, as 12 Nothing is good, that is fierceness upon me.
being united both in flesh and seen.
spirit to all his commands, and 11 And whom for that end I will
filed with the grace of God; with 13 For even our God, Jesus encourage, that they may be sure
all joy in Jesus Christ our God. Christ, now that he is in the to devour me, and not serve me as
Father, does so much the more they have done some, whom out of
2 Forasmuch as I have at last appear. fear they have not touched. But
obtained through my prayers to if they will not do it willingly,
God, permission to see your faces, 14 A christian is not a work of I will provoke them to it.
which I much desired to do; being opinion; but of greatness of mind,
bound in Jesus Christ, I hope ere especially when he is hated by the 12 Pardon me in this matter; I
long to salute you, if it shall be world. know what is profitable for me,
the will of God to grant me to now I begin to be a disciple.
attain unto the end I long for. Not shall any thing move me
whether visible or invisible,
3 For the beginning is well CHAPTER. II. that I may attain to Jesus Christ.
disposed, if I shall but have grace,
without hindrance, to receive what Expresses his great desire and determination 13 Let fire and the cross; let
is appointed for me. to suffer martyrdom. the companies of wild beasts;
let breakings of bones, and tearing
4 But I fear your love, lest it I WRITE to the churches, and of members; let the shattering in
do me an injury; for it is easy for signify to them all, that I am pieces of the whole body, and all
you to do what you please; but it willing to die for God, unless you the wicked torments of the devil
will be hard for me to attain unto hinder me. come upon me; only let me enjoy
God, if you spare me. Jesus Christ.
2 I beseech you that you show
5 But I would not that ye not an unseasonable good will 14 All the ends of the world,
should please men, but God; whom towards me. Suffer me to be food and the kingdoms of it, will profit
also ye do, please. For neither to the wild beasts, by whom I shall me nothing: I would rather die
shall I hereafter have such an attain unto God. for Jesus Christ, than rule to the
opportunity of going unto God; nor utmost ends of the earth. Him
will you, if ye shall now be silent, 3 For I am the wheat of God, I seek who died for us; him I
ever be entitled to a better work. and I shall be ground by the teeth desire who rose again for us.
For if you, shall be silent in my of the wild-beasts, that I may be This is the gain that is laid up
behalf, I shall be made partaker of found the pure bread of Christ. for me.
God. Rather encourage the beasts,
that they may became my sepulchre, 15 Pardon me, my brethren, ye
6 But if you shall love my body, and may let live nothing of my shall not hinder me from living;
I shall have my course again to body; that being dead I may not nor seeing I desire to go to God,
run. Wherefore ye cannot do me be troublesome to any. may you separate me from him,
a greater kindness, than to suffer for the sake of this world;--nor
me to be sacrificed unto God, now 5 Then shall I be truly the induce me by any of the desires of
that the altar is already prepared: disciple of Jesus Christ, when the it. Suffer me to enter into pure
world shall not see so much as my light, where being come, I shall
7 That when ye shall be gathered body. Pray therefore unto Christ be indeed the servant of God.
together in love, ye nay give for me, that by these instruments
thanks to the Father through I may be made the sacrifice of 16 Permit me to imitate the
Christ Jesus, that he has God. passion of my God. If any one has
vouchsafed to bring a bishop God within himself, let him consider
of Syria unto you, being called 6 I do not, as Peter and Paul, what I desire; and let him have
from the east unto the west. command you. They were Apostles, compassion on me, as knowing how
I a condemned man; they were free, I am straightened.
8 For it is good for me to turn but I am even to this day a servant:
from the world, unto God; that I
may rise again unto him. 7 But if I shall suffer, I shall
then become the freeman of Jesus CHAPTER III.
9 Ye have never envied any one; Christ, and shall rise free. And
ye have taught others. I would now, being in bonds, I learn not Further expresses his desire to suffer.
therefore that ye should now do to desire any thing.
those things yourselves, which THE prince of this world would
in your instructions you have 8 From Syria even unto Rome, fain carry me away, and corrupt
prescribed to others. I fight with beasts both by sea and my resolution towards my God.
land; both night and day: being Let none of you therefore help
10 Only pray for me, that God bound to ten leopards, that is to him; rather do ye join with me,
would give me both inward and say, to such a band of soldiers, that is, with God.
outward strength, that I may not who, though treated with all manner
only say, but will; nor be only of kindness, are the worse for 2 Do not speak with Jesus

80
Christ, and yet covet the world. beloved of me. As for those which 5 Wherefore as becomes the
Let not any envy dwell with you; are come from Syria, and are gone children both of the light and of
no, not though I myself, when I before me to Rome, to the glory truth; flee divisions and false
shall be come unto you, should of God, I suppose you are not doctrines; but where your shepherd
exhort you to it, yet do not ye ignorant of them. is, there do ye, as sheep, follow
hearken to me; but rather believe after.
what I now write to you. 14 Ye shall therefore signify to
them that I draw near, for they, 6 For there are many wolves
3 For though I am alive at the are all worthy both of God and of who seem worthy of belief, that
writing of this, yet my desire is you: Whom it is fit that you with a false pleasure lead captive
to die. My love is crucified; and refresh in all things. those that run in the course of
the fire that is within me does God; but in the concord they shall
not desire any water; but being 15 This have I written to you, find no place.
alive and springing within me, the day before the ninth of the,
says, Come to the Father. calends of September. Be strong 7 Abstain therefore from those
unto the end, in the patience of evil herbs which Jesus Christ does
4 I take no pleasure in the food Jesus Christ. not dress: because such are not
of corruption, nor in the pleasures the plantation of the Father. Not
of this life. that I have found any division
among you, but rather all manner
5 I desire the bread of God of purity.
which is the flesh of Jesus Christ,
of the seed of David; and the 8 For as many as are of God,
drink that I long for is his blood, IGNATIUS TO THE and of Jesus Christ, are also with
which is incorruptible love. PHILADELPHIANS. their bishop. And as many as
shall with repentance return into
6 I have no desire to live any the unity of the church, even these
longer after the manner of men; shall also be the servants of God,
neither shall I, if you consent. CHAPTER I. that they may live according to
Be ye therefore willing, that ye Jesus Christ.
yourselves also maybe pleasing to Commends their bishop, whom they had sent unto
God. I exhort you in a few words; him, 9 Be not deceived brethren;
I pray you believe me. warns them against division and schism. if any one follows him that makes
a schism in the church, he shall
7 Jesus Christ will shew you IGNATIUS, who is also called not inherit the kingdom of God.
that I speak truly. My mouth is Theophorus, to the church of If any one walks after any other
without deceit, and the Father God the Father, and our Lord opinion, he agrees not with the
hath truly spoken by it. Pray Jesus Christ, which is at Philadelphia passion of Christ.
therefore for me, that I may in Asia; which has obtained mercy,
accomplish what I desire. being fixed in the concord of God, 10 Wherefore let it be your
and rejoicing evermore in the passion endeavour to partake all of the
8 I have not written to you after of our Lord, and being fulfilled in same holy eucharist.
the flesh, but according to the will all mercy through his resurrection:
of God. If I shall suffer, ye have Which also I salute in the blood of 11 For there is but one flesh of
loved me: but if I shall be rejected, Jesus Christ, which is our eternal our Lord Jesus Christ; one cup
ye have hated me. and undefiled joy; especially if
they are at unity with the bishop, in the unity of his blood; and one
9 Remember in your prayers and presbyters who are with him, altar;
the church of Syria, which now and the deacons appointed according
enjoys God for its shepherd instead to the mind of Jesus Christ; whom 12 As also there is one bishop,
of me. Let Jesus Christ only oversee he has settled according to his own together with his presbytery, and
it, and your charity. will in all firmness by his Holy the deacons my fellow servants
Spirit: that so whatsoever ye do, ye may
10 But I am even ashamed to do it according to the will of God.
be reckoned as one of them; for
neither am I worthy, being the 2 Which bishop I know obtained
least among them, and as one that great ministry among you,
born out of due season. But not of himself, neither by men, CHAPTER II.
through mercy I have risen to nor out of vain glory; but by the
be somebody, if I shall get unto love of God the Father, and our Desires their prayers, and to be
God. Lord Jesus Christ. united, but not to Judaize.

11 My spirit salutes you; and 3 Whose moderation I admire; MY brethren, the love I have
the charity of the churches that who by his silence is able to do towards you makes me the
have received me in the name of more than others with all their more large; and having a great
Jesus Christ; not as a passenger, vain talk. For he is fitted to the joy in you, I endeavour to secure
for even they that were not near commands, as the harp to its strings. you against danger; or rather not
to me in the way, have gone before I, but Jesus Christ; in whom
me to the next city to meet me. 4 Wherefore my soul esteems being bound, I the more fear,
his mind towards God most happy, as being yet only on the way
12 These things I write to you knowing it to be fruitful in all to suffering.
from Smyrna, by the most worthy virtue, and perfect; full of
of the church of Ephesus. constancy, free from passion, 2 But your prayer to God shall
and according to all the make me perfect, that I may attain
13 There is now with me, together moderation of the living God. to that portion, which by God's
with many others, Crocus, most mercy is allotted to me Fleeing

81
to the Gospel as to the flesh of the bishop: Informs them he had heard that the persecution
Christ; and to the Apostles as was stopped at Antioch: and directs them to send
to the presbytery of the church. 15 Keep your bodies as the a messenger thither to congratulate with the
temples of God: Love unity; church.
3 Let us also love the prophets, Flee divisions; Be the followers
forasmuch as they have led us of Christ, as he was of his Father. NOW as concerning the church
to the Gospel, and to hope in of Antioch which is in Syria,
Christ, and to expect him. 16 I therefore did as became seeing I am told that through
me, as a man composed to unity your prayers and the bowels which
4 In whom also believing they for where there is division, ye have towards it in Jesus Christ,
were saved in the unity of Jesus and wrath, God dwelleth not. it is in peace; it will become you,
Christ; being holy men, worthy as the church of God, to ordain
to be loved, and had in wonder; 17 But the Lord forgives all some I deacon to go to them thither
that repent, if they return to the as the ambassador of God; that
5 Who have received testimony unity of God, and to the council he may rejoice with them when
from Jesus Christ, and are of the bishop. they meet together, and glorify
numbered in the Gospel of our God's name.
common hope. 18 For I trust in the grace
Jesus Christ that he will free 2 Blessed be that man in Jesus,
6 But if any one shall preach you from every bond. Christ, who shall be found worthy
the Jewish law unto you, hearken of such a ministry; and ye yourselves
not unto him; for it is better to 19 Nevertheless I exhort you also shall be glorified.
receive the doctrine of Christ from that you do nothing out of strife
one that has been circumcised, than but according to the instruction 3 Now if you be willing, it is
Judaism from one that has not. of Christ. not impossible for you to do this
for the grace of God; as also the
7 But if either the one, or other, 20 Because I have heard other neighbouring churches have
do not speak concerning Christ some who say; unless I find sent them some bishops, some
Jesus; they seem to me to be but written in the originals, I will priests and some deacons.
as monuments and sepulchres of not believe it to be written in
the dead, upon which are written the Gospel. And when I said, 4 As concerning Philo the deacon
only the names of men. It is written; they answered of Cilicia, a most worthy man,
from what lay before them in the he still ministers unto me in the
8 Flee therefore the wicked arts corrupted copies. word of God: together with Rheus
and snares of the prince of this of Agathopolis a singular good
world; lest at any time being 21 But to me Jesus Christ person, who has followed me even
oppressed by his cunning, ye grow instead of all the uncorrupted from Syria, not regarding his life:
cold in your charity. But come monuments in the world; together These also bear witness unto you.
altogether into the same place, with those undefiled monuments,
with an undivided heart. his cross, and death, and 5 And I myself give thanks to
resurrection, and the faith God for you, that you receive them
9 And I bless my God that I which is by him; by which I as the Lord shall receive you.
have a good conscience towards desire, through your prayers, But for those that dishonoured
you, and that no one among you to be justified. them, may they be forgiven
has whereof to boast either openly through the grace of Jesus Christ.
or privately, that I have been 22 The priests indeed are
burthensome to him in much or good; but much better is the High 6 The charity of the brethren
little. Priest to whom the Holy of Holies that are at Troas salutes you:
has been committed; and who from whence also I now write
10 And I wish to all, among alone has been intrusted with the by Burrhurs, who was sent together
whom I have conversed, that secrets of God. with me by those of Ephesus and
may not turn to a witness again Smyrna, for respect sake.
them. 23 He is the door of the Father;
by which Abraham, and Isaac, 7 May our Lord Jesus Christ
11 For although some would and Jacob, and all the prophets, honour them; in whom they hope,
have deceived me according to enter in; as well as the Apostles, both in flesh, and soul, and spirit;
the flesh, yet the spirit, being and the church. in faith, in love, in unity.
from God, is not deceived: for it Fare-well in Christ Jesus our
knows, both whence it comes and 24 And all these things tend to common hope.
whither it goes, and reproves the the unity which is of God. Howbeit
secrets of the heart. the Gospel has somewhat in it far
above all other dispensations;
12 I cried whilst I was among namely, the appearance of our
you; I spake with a loud voice: Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ,
attend to the bishop, and to the his passion and resurrection.
presbytery, and to the deacons. IGNATIUS TO THE SMYRNEANS.
25 For the beloved prophets
13 Now some supposed that I spake referred to him; but the Gospel CHAPTER I.
this as foreseeing the division is the perfection of incorruption.
that should come among you. All therefore together are good, 1 Declares his joy for their firmness in the
if ye believe with charity. Gospel.
14 But he is my witness for 4 Enlarges on the person of Christ, against such
whose sake I am in bonds that as pretend that Christ did not suffer.
I know nothing from any man.
But the spirit spake, saying CHAPTER III. IGNATIUS, who is also called
on this wise: Do nothing without Theohorus, to the church of

82
God the Father, and of the beloved 12 But after his resurrection he make any mention of them, till
Jesus Christ, which God hath did eat and drink with them, as he they shall repent to a true belief
mercifully blessed with every was flesh; although as to his of Christ's passion, which is our
good gift; being filled with faith Spirit he was united to the Father. resurrection.
and charity, so that it is wanting
in no gift; most worthy of God, 12 Let no man deceive himself;
and fruitful in saints; the church both the things which are in heaven,
which is at Smyrna in Asia; all CHAPTER II. and the glorious angels, and princes,
through his immaculate spirit, whether visible or invisible, if they
through word of God. 1 Exhorts them against heretics. believe not in the blood of Christ,
8 The danger of their doctrine. it shall be to them, unto condemnation.
2 I glorify God, even Jesus
Christ, who has given you such NOW these things, beloved, I put 13 He that is able to receive
wisdom. you in mind of, not questioning this, let him receive it. Let no
but that you yourselves also man's place or state in the world
3 For I have observed that you believe that they are so. puff him up: that which is worth
are settled in an immoveable faith, all his faith and charity, to it
as if you were nailed to the cross 2 But I arm you before-hand nothing is to be preferred.
of our Lord Jesus Christ, both in against certain beasts in the shape
the flesh and in the spirit; and of men, whom you must not only 14 But consider those who are
are confirmed in love through the not receive, but if it be possible of a different opinion from us,
blood of Christ; being fully must not meet with. as to what concerns the grace of
persuaded of those things which Jesus Christ which is come unto us,
relate unto our Lord. 3 Only you must pray for them, how contrary they are to the
that if it be the will of God they design of God.
4 Who truly was of the race may repent; which yet will be
of David according to the flesh, very hard. But of this our Lord 15 They have no regard to charity,
but the Son of God according to Jesus Christ has the power, who no care of the widow, the fatherless,
the will and power of God; is our true life. and the oppressed; of the bond or
truly born of the Virgin, and free, of the hungry or thirsty.
baptised of John; that so all 4 For if all these things were
righteousness might be fulfilled done only in show by our Lord, 16 They abstain from the eucharist,
by him. then do I also seem only to be and from the public offices;
bound: because they confess not the eucharist
5 He was also truly crucified to be the flesh of our Saviour Jesus
by Pontius Pilate, and Herod the 5 And why have I given up myself Christ which suffered for our sins,
Tetrarch, being nailed for us in to death, to the fire, to the and which the Father of his goodness
the flesh; by the fruits of which sword, to wild beasts? raised again from the dead.
we are, even by his most blessed
Passion; 6 But now the nearer I am to 17 And for this cause contradicting
the sword, the nearer I am to the gift of God, they die in their
6 That he might set up a token God: when I shall come among disputes; but much better would it
for all ages through his resurrection, the wild beasts, I shall come to be for them to receive it, that they
to all his holy and faithful servants, God. might one day rise through it.
whether they be Jews or Gentiles,
in one body of his church. 7 Only in the name of Jesus 18 It will therefore become you.
Christ, I undergo all, to suffer to abstain from such persons, and
7 Now all these things he suffered together with him; he who was not to speak with them, neither in
for us that we might be saved; and made a perfect man strengthening, public nor in private.
he suffered truly, as he also truly me.
raised up himself; and not, as some 19 But to hearken to the prophets,
unbelievers say, that he only seemed 8 Whom some not knowing, do and especially to the Gospel, in
to suffer; they themselves 'only deny; or rather have been denied which both Christ's passion is
seeming to be.' by him, being the advocates of manifested unto us, and his
death, rather than of the truth. resurrection perfectly declared.
8 And as they believe so shall it Whom neither the prophecies, nor
happen unto them, when being divested the law of Moses have persuaded; 20 But flee all divisions, as the
of the body they shall become mere nor the Gospel itself, even to this beginning of evils.
spirits. day; nor the sufferings of every
one of us.
9 But I know that even after his
resurrection he was in the flesh; 9 For they think also the same CHAPTER III.
and I believe that he is still so. things of us. For what does a
man profit me, if he shall praise 1 Exhorts them to follow their bishop and pastors;
10 And when he came to those me, and blaspheme my Lord; not but especially their bishop.
who were with Peter, he said confessing that he was truly made 6 Thanks them for their kindness,
unto them, Take, handle me, and man? 11 and acquaints them with the ceasing of the
see that I am not an incorporeal persecution at Antioch.
daemon. And straightway they 10 Now he that doth not say
felt and believed; being convinced this, does in effect deny him, SEE that ye all follow your
both by his flesh and spirit. and is in death. But for the names bishop, as Jesus Christ, the
of such as do this, they being Father; and the presbytery, as
11 For this cause they despised unbelievers, I thought it not the Apostles; and reverence the
death, and were bound to be above fitting to write them unto you. deacons, as the command of God.
it.
11 Yea, God forbid that I should 2 Let no man do any thing

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of what belongs to the church
separately from the bishop. 15 Nevertheless by the will of 26 I salute Alce my well-beloved,
God I have been thought worthy together with the incomparable
3 Let that eucharist be looked of this honour; not for that I Daphnus, and Eutechnus, and all
upon as well established, which is think I have deserved it, but by by name.
either offered by the bishop, or by the grace of God;
him to whom the bishop has given. 27 Farewell in the grace of God.
his consent. 16 Which I wish may be perfectly
given unto me, that through your
4 Wheresoever the bishop shall prayers I may attain unto God.
appear, there let the people also
be: as where Jesus Christ is, there 17 And therefore, that your
is the Catholic church. work may be fully accomplished,
both upon earth and in heaven; IGNATIUS TO POLYCARP
5 It is not lawful without the it will be fitting, and for the
bishop; neither to baptize, nor to honour of God, that your church CHAPTER I.
celebrate the Holy Communion appoint some worthy delegate,
but whatsoever he shall approve who being come as far as Syria, Ignatius blesses God for the firm,
of, that is also pleasing unto God; may rejoice together with them establishment of Polycarp in the
that so whatever is done, may be that they are in peace; and that faith, and gives him particular
sure and well done. they are again restored to their directions for improving it.
former state, and have again
6 For what remains, it is very received their proper body. IGNATIUS, who is also called
reasonable that we should repent Theophorus, to Polycarp, bishop
whilst there is yet time to return 18 Wherefore I should think it of the church which is at Smyrna;
unto God. a worthy action, to send some their overseer, but rather himself
one from you with an epistle, overlooked by God the Father,
7 It is a good thin to have a to congratulate with them their and the Lord Jesus Christ;
due regard both to God, and to peace in God; and that through all happiness.
the bishop: he that honours the your prayers, they have now
bishop, shall be honoured of God; gotten to their harbour. 2 Having known that thy mind
but he that does any thing without towards God, is fixed as it were
his knowledge, ministers unto the 19 For inasmuch as ye are perfect upon an immoveable rock;
devil. yourselves, you ought to think I exceedingly give thanks, that
those things that are perfect. For I have been thought worthy to
8 Let all things therefore abound when you are desirous to do well, behold thy blessed face, in
to you in charity; seeing that ye God is ready to enable you there. which may I always rejoice in God.
are worthy. unto.
3 Wherefore I beseech thee by
9 Ye have refreshed me in all 20 The love of the brethren that the grace of God with which thou
things; so shall Jesus Christ you. are at Troas salute you; from whence art clothed, to press forward in
Ye have loved me both when I was I write to you by Burrhus whom ye thy course, and to exhort all
present with you, and now being sent with me, together with the others that they may be saved.
absent, ye cease not to do so. Ephesians, your brethren; and who
has in all Things refreshed me. 4 Maintain thy place with all
10 May God be your reward, care both of flesh and spirit: Make
for whom whilst ye undergo all 21 And I would to God that all it thy endeavour to preserve unity,
things, ye shall attain unto would imitate him, as being a pattern than which nothing is better.
him. of the ministry of God. May his grace Bear with all men even as the
fully reward him. Lord with thee.
11 Ye have done well in that ye
have received Philo, and Rheus 22 I salute your very worthy 5 Support all in love, as also
Agathopus, who followed me for bishop, and your venerable presbytery; thou dost. Pray without ceasing
the word of God, as the deacons and your deacons, my fellow-servants;
of Christ our God. and all of you in general, and every ask more understanding than what
one in particular, in the name of thou already hast. Be watchful,
12 Who also gave thanks unto Jesus Christ, and in his flesh and having thy spirit always awake.
the Lord for you, forasmuch as ye blood; in his passion and resurrection
have refreshed them in all things. both fleshly and spiritually; and in 6 Speak to every one according
Nor shall any thing that you have the unity of God with you. as God shall enable thee. Bear
done be lost to you. the infirmities of all, as a
23 Grace be with you, and mercy, perfect combatant; where the
13 My soul be for yours, and and peace, and patience, for evermore. labour is great, the gain is
my bonds which ye have not despised, the more.
nor been ashamed of. Wherefore 24 I salute the families of my
neither shall. Jesus Christ, brethren, with their wives and 7 If thou shalt love the good
our perfect faith, be ashamed children; and the virgins that are disciples, what thank is it? But
of you. called widows. Be strong in the rather do thou subject to thee
power of the Holy Ghost. Philo, those that are mischievous, in
14 Your prayer is come to the who is present with me salutes meekness.
church of Antioch, which is in you.
Syria. From whence being sent 8 Every wound is not healed
bound with chains becoming God. 25 I salute the house of Tavias, with the same plaister: if the
I salute the churches; being not and pray that it may be strengthened accessions of the disease be
worthy to be called from thence, in faith and charity, both of flesh vehement, modify them with soft
as being the least among them. and spirit. remedies: be in all things wise

84
as a serpent, but harmless as a 1 Greets Polycarp on the peace of the church at
dove. 5 Let them not desire to be Antioch:
set free at the public cost, that 2 and desires him to write to that and other
9 For this cause thou art they be not slaves to their own churches.
composed of flesh and spirit; lusts.
that thou mayest modify those NOW forasmuch as the church
things that appear before thy face. 6 Flee evil arts; or rather make of Antioch in Lyria is, as
not any mention of them. I am told, in peace through your
10 And as for those that are not prayers; I also have been the more
seen, pray to God that he would 7 Say to my sisters, that they comforted, and without care in
reveal them into thee, that so love the Lord; and be satisfied God; if so be that by suffering, I
thou mayest be wanting in nothing, with their own husbands, both in shall attain unto God; and through
but mayest abound in every gift. the flesh and spirit. your prayers I may be found a
disciple of Christ.
11 The times demand thee, as 8 In like manner, exhort my
the pilots the winds; and he that brethren in the name of Jesus 2 It will be very fit, O most
is tossed in a tempest, the haven Christ, that they love their wives, worthy Polycarp, to call a select
where he would be. even as the Lord the church. council, and choose some one
whom ye particularly love, and
12 That thou mayest attain unto 9 If any man can remain in a who is patient of labour: that he
God, be sober as the combatant virgin state, to the honour of the may be the messenger of God;
of God. The crown proposed to flesh of Christ, let him remain and that going unto Syria, he may
thee is immortality, and eternal without boasting; but if he boast, glorify your incessant love, to the
life: concerning which thou art he is undone. And if he desire to praise of Christ.
also fully persuaded. I will be be more taken notice of than the
thy surety in all things, by my bishop he is corrupted. 3 A Christian has not the power
bonds, which thou halt loved. of himself; but must be always
10 But it becomes all such as at leisure for God's service.
13 Let not those that seem are married, whether men or women, Now this work is both God's and
worthy of credit, but teach other to come together with the consent our's; when ye shall have
doctrines, disturb thee. Stand of the bishop, that so their perfected it.
firm and immoveable, as an anvil marriage may be according to
when it is beaten upon. godliness, and not in lust. 4 For I trust through the grace
of God that ye are ready to every
14 It is the part of a brave 11 Let all things be done to the good work that is fitting for you
combatant to be wounded, and yet honour of God. in the Lord.
overcome. But especially we ought
to endure all things for God's 12 Hearken unto the bishop, 5 Knowing therefore your
sake, that he may bear with us. that God also may hearken unto earnest affection for the truth,
you. My soul be security for I have exhorted you by these short
15 Be every day better than them that submit to their bishop, letters.
others; consider the times, and with their presbyters and deacons.
expect him, who is above all time, And may my portion be together 6 But forasmuch as I have not
eternal; invisible, though for our with theirs in God. been able to write to all the
sakes made visible: impalpable, churches, because I must suddenly
13 Labour with one another; sail from Troas to Neapolis;
and impassible, yet for us contend together, run together, (for so is the command of those
subjected to sufferings; enduring suffer together; sleep together, to whose pleasure I am subject;)
all manner of ways for our salvation. and rise together; as the stewards, do you write to the churches that
and assessors, and ministers of are near you, as being instructed
God. in the will of God, that they also
may do in like manner.
CHAPTER II. 14 Please him under whom ye
war; and from whom ye receive 7 Let those that are able send
1 Continues his advice, your wages. Let none of you be messengers; and let the rest send
6 and teaches him how to advise others. found a deserter; but let your their letters by those who shall be
12 Enforces unity and subjection to the bishop. baptism remain, as your arms; sent by you: that you may be
your faith, as your helmet; your glorified to all eternity,
LET not the widows be neglected: charity, as your spear; your of which you are worthy.
be thou after God, their Guardian. patience, as your whole armour.
8 I salute all by name; particularly
2 Let nothing be done without thy 15 Let your works be your the wife of Epitropus with all her
knowledge and consent; neither do charge, that so you may receive house and children. I salute Attalus
thou anything but according to the a suitable reward. Be long my well-beloved.
will of God; as also thou dost, suffering therefore towards each
with all constancy. other in meekness; as God is 9 I salute him who shall be
towards you. thought worthy to be sent by you
3 Let your assemblies be more
full: inquire into all by name. 16 Let me have joy of you in into Syria. Let grace be ever
all things. with him, and with Polycarp who
4 Overlook not the men and sends him.
maid servants; neither let them
be puffed up: but rather let them 10 I wish you all happiness in
be the more subject to the glory CHAPTER III. our God, Jesus Christ; in whom
of God, that they may obtain from continue, in the unity and
him a better liberty. protection of God.

85
in our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye is the kingdom of God.
11 I salute Alce my well- received the images of a true love,
beloved. Farewell in the Lord. and accompanied, as it behoved you,
those who were in bonds, becoming
saints; which are the crowns of CHAPTER II.
such as are truly chosen by God
and our Lord: 2 Exhorts to Faith, Hope, and Charity.
5 Against covetousness, and as to the
REFERENCES TO THE SEVEN 3 As also that the root of the duties of husbands, wives, widows,
EPISTLES OF IGNATIUS. faith which was preached from 9 deacons, young men, virgins, and presbyters.
ancient times, remains firm in you
[The Epistles of Ignatius are translated by to this day; and brings forth fruit THESE things, my brethren,
Archbishop Wake from the text to our Lord Jesus Christ, who I took not the liberty of myself
of Vossius. He says that there were considerable suffered himself to be brought to write unto you concerning
difference in the even to the death for our sins: righteousness, but you yourselves
editions; the best for a long time extant containing before encouraged me to it.
fabrications, and 4 Whom God hath raised up, having
the genuine being altered and corrupted. Archbishop loosed the pains of death. Whom 2 For neither can i, nor any
Usher printed old having not seen, ye love; in whom other such as I am, come up to
Latin translations of them at Oxford, in 1644. At though now ye see him not, yet the wisdom of the blessed and
Amsterdam, two years believing, ye rejoice with joy renowned Paul; who being himself
afterwards, Vossius printed six of them in their unspeakable and full of glory. in person with those who then
ancient and pure Greek; lived, did with all exactness and
and the seventh, greatly amended from the ancient 5 Into which many desire to soundness teach the word of truth;
Latin version, was enter; I knowing that by grace ye and being gone from you wrote an
Printed at Paris, by Ruinart, in 1689, in the Acts and are saved; not by works, but by epistle to you.
Martyrdom of the will of God through Jesus
Ignatius, from a Greek uninterpolated copy. These Christ. 3 Into which if you look, you
are supposed to form will be able to edify yourselves in
the collection that Polycarp made of the Epistles of 6 Wherefore girding up the the faith that has been delivered
Ignatius, mentioned loins of your minds; I serve unto you, which is the mother of
by Irenaes, Origen, Eusebius, Jerome, Athanasius, the Lord with fear, and in truth; us all; being followed with hope,
Theodoret, and other laying aside all empty and vain and led on by a general love, both
ancients: but many learned men have imagined all of speech, and the errors of many; towards God and towards Christ,
them to be believing in him that raised up and towards our neighbour.
apocryphal. This supposition, the piety of our Lord Jesus Christ from the
Archbishop Wake, and his dead, and hath given him glory 4 For if any man has these
persuasion of their utility to the faith of the church, and a throne at his right hand. things, he has fulfilled the law
will not permit of righteousness: for he that has
him to entertain: hence he has taken great pains to 7 To whom all things are made charity is far from all sin.
render the present subject, both that are in heaven,
translation acceptable, by adding numerous readings and that are in earth; whom every 5 But the love of money is the
and references to the living creature shall worship; root of all evil. Knowing therefore
Canonical Books.] who shall come to be the judge of that as we brought nothing into this
the quick and dead: whose blood world, so neither may we carry any
God shall require of them that thing out; let us arm ourselves
believe not in him. with the armour of righteousness.

8 But he that raised up Christ 6 And teach ourselves first to


from the dead, shall also raise up walk according to the commandments
THE EPISTLE OF us in like manner, if we do his of the Lord; and then your wives
POLYCARP TO THE PHILIPPIANS. will, and walk according to his to walk likewise according to the
commandments; and love those faith that is given to them; in
[The genuineness of this Epistle is controverted, things which he loved: charity, and in purity; loving
but implicitly their own husbands, with all
believed by Archbishop Wake, whose translation 9 Abstaining from all sincerity, and all others alike,
is below. There is unrighteousness; inordinate affection, with all temperance; and to bring up
also a translation by Dr. Cave attached to his life and love of money; from evil. their children in the instruction
of Polycarp.] speaking; false witness; not and fear of the Lord.
rendering evil for evil, or
railing for railing, or striking 7 The widows likewise teach
CHAPTER I. for striking, or cursing that they be sober as to what
for cursing: concerns the faith of the Lord:
Polycarp commends the Philippians for their praying always for all men; being far
respect to 10 But remembering what the from all detraction, evil speaking,
those who suffered for the Gospel; and for their Lord has taught us saying, Judge false witness; from covetousness,
own faith. not, and ye shall not be judged; and from all evil.
forgive and ye shall be forgiven;
POLYCARP, and the presbyters be ye merciful, and ye shall obtain 8 Knowing that they are the
that are with him, to the mercy; for with the same measure altars of God, who sees all blemishes,
church of God which is at Philippi; that ye meet withal, it shall be and from whom nothing is hid; who
mercy unto you, and peace from measured to you again. searches out the very reasonings,
God Almighty, and the Lord Jesus and thoughts, and secrets of our
Christ our Saviour, be multiplied. 11 And again; Blessed are the hearts.
poor, and they that are persecuted
2 I rejoiced greatly with you for righteousness sake; for theirs 9 Knowing therefore that God

86
is not mocked, we ought to walk of you that ye obey the word of
worthy both of his command and 19 Let us therefore serve him in righteousness, and exercise all
of his glory. fear, and with all reverence as patience; which ye have seen set
both himself hath commanded; forth before your eyes, not only
10 Also the deacons must be and as the Apostles who have in the blessed Ignatius, and Zozimus,
blameless before him, as the preached the Gospel unto us, and and Rufus; but in others among
ministers of God in Christ, and the prophets who have foretold yourselves; and in Paul himself,
not of men. Not false mousers, not the coming of our Lord have and the rest of the Apostles:
double tongued, not lovers of money; taught us:
but moderate in all things; 8 Being confident of this, that
compassionate, careful; walking 20 Being zealous of what is all these have not run in vain, but
according to the truth of the Lord, good; abstaining from all offence, in faith and righteousness; and
who was the servant of all. and from false brethren; and are gone to the place that was due
from those who bear the name of to them from the Lord; with
11 Whom if we please in this Christ in hypocrisy; who deceive whom also they suffered.
present world, we shall also be vain men.
made partakers of that which is 9 For they loved not this
to come, according as he has present world; but him who died,
promised to us, that he will raise and was raised again by God for
us from the dead; and that if we CHAPTER III. us.
shall walk worthy of him, we shall
also reign together with him, if 1 As to faith in our Saviour Christ; 10 Stand therefore in these
we believe. his nature and sufferings, the resurrection and things, and follow the example of
judgment. the Lord; being firm and immutable
12 In like manner the younger 3 Exhorts to prayer in the faith, lovers of the
men must be unblameable in all 5 and steadfastness in the faith, from the brotherhood, lovers of one
things; above all, taking care of examples of Christ, another: companions together
their purity, and to restrain 7 and Apostles and saints, and exhorts to in the truth, being kind and
themselves from all evil. For it is carefulness gentle towards each other,
good to be cut off from the lusts that in all well-doing. despising none.
are in the world; because every
such lust warreth against the FOR whosoever does not confess 11 When it is in your power to
spirit: and neither fornicators, that Jesus Christ is come in do good defer it not, for charity
nor effeminate, nor abusers of the flesh, he is Antichrist: and delivered from death.
themselves with mankind, shall whoever does not confess his
inherit the kingdom of God; nor suffering upon the cross, is 12 Be all of you subject one to
they who do such things as are from the devil. another, having your conversation
foolish and unreasonable. honest among the Gentiles; that
2 And whosoever perverts the by your good works, both ye
13 Wherefore ye must needs oracles of the Lord to his own yourselves may receive praise, and
abstain from all these things, lusts, and says that there shall. the Lord may not be blasphemed
being subject to the priests and neither be any resurrection, nor through you. But woe be to him
deacons, as unto God and Christ. judgment, he is the first-born of by whom the name of the Lord is
Satan. blasphemed.

14 The virgins admonish to 3 Wherefore leaving the vanity 13 Therefore teach all men
walk in a spotless and pure of many, and their false doctrines; sobriety; in which do ye also
conscience. let us return to the word that was exercise yourselves.
delivered to us from the beginning:
15 And let the elders be Watching unto prayer; and
compassionate and merciful towards persevering in fasting;
all; turning them from their errors; CHAPTER IV.
seeking out those that are weak; 4 With supplication beseeching
not forgetting the widows, the the all seeing God not to lead us Valens, a presbyter, having fallen into the sin
fatherless, and the poor; but into temptation; as the Lord hath of covetousness, he exhorts them against it.
always providing what is good said, The spirit is truly willing,
both in the sight of God and man. but the flesh is weak. I am greatly afflicted for Valens,
who was once a presbyter among you;
16 Abstaining from all wrath, 5 Let us therefore without ceasing that he should so little understand
respect of persons, and unrighteous hold steadfastly to him who is our the place that was given to him in
judgment; and especially being hope, and the earnest of our the church, Wherefore I admonish you
free from all covetousness. righteousness, even Jesus Christ; that ye abstain from covetousness;
Who, his own self, bare our sins and that ye be chaste, and true of
17 Not easy to believe anything in his own body on the tree: who speech.
against any; not severe in judgment; did no sin, neither was guile found
knowing that we are all debtors in his mouth; but suffered all for 2 Keep yourselves from all evil.
in point of sin. us that we might live through For he that in these things cannot
him. govern himself, how shall he be
18 If therefore we pray to the able to prescribe them to another?
Lord that he would forgive us, we 6 Let us therefore imitate his
ought also to forgive others; for patience; and if we suffer for his 3 If a man does not keep himself
we are all in the sight of our Lord name, let us glorify him; for this from covetousness, he shall be
and God; a and must all stand before example he has given us by himself, polluted with idolatry, and be
the judgment-seat of Christ; and so have we believed. judged as if he were a Gentile.
and shall every one give an
account of himself. 7 Wherefore I exhort all 4 But who of you are ignorant

87
of the judgment of God? Do we 14 The Epistle of Ignatius, caught me away, and carried me
not know that the saints shall which he wrote unto us, together through a certain place towards
with what others of his have come the right hand, through which no
judge the world, as Paul teaches? to our hands, we have sent to you, man could pass. It was a place
according to your order; which among rocks, very steep, and
5 But I have neither perceived are subjoined to this Epistle: unpassable for water.
nor heard anything of this kind
in you, among whom the blessed 15 By which we may be greatly 4 When I was past this place,
Paul laboured; and who are profited; for they treat of faith I came into a plain; and there
named in the beginning of his and patience, and of all things that falling down upon my knees, I
Epistle. pertain to edification in the Lord began to pray unto the Lord, and
Jesus. to confess my sins.
6 For he glories of you in all
the churches who then only knew 16 What you know certainly of 5 And as I was praying, the
God; for we did not then know Ignatius, and those that are heaven was opened, and I saw the
him. Wherefore, my brethren, I with him, signify to us. woman which I had coveted,
am exceedingly sorry both for him saluting me from heaven, and
and for his wife; to whom God 17 These things have I written saying, Hermas, hail! and I looking
grant a true repentance. unto you by Crescens, whom by upon her, answered, Lady, what
this present Epistle I have dost thou do here? She answered
7 And be ye also moderate upon recommended to you, and do now me, I am taken up hither to accuse
this occasion; and look not upon again commend. thee of sin before the Lord.
such as enemies, but call them
back as suffering and erring 18 For he has had his conversation 6 Lady, said I, wilt thou
members, that ye may save your without blame among us; and I suppose convince me? No, said she: but
whole body: for by so doing, also with you. hear the words which I am about
ye shall edify your own selves. to speak unto thee. God who
19 Ye will also have regard unto dwelleth in heaven, and hath made
8 For I trust that ye are well his sister when she shall come all things out of nothing, and
exercised in the Holy Scriptures, unto you. hath multiplied them for his holy
and that nothing is hid from you church's sake, is angry with thee
but at present it is not granted 20 Be ye safe in the Lord Jesus because thou hast sinned against
unto me to practise that which is Christ; and in favour with all me.
written, Be angry and sin not; yours. Amen.
and again, Let not the sun go 7 And I answering said unto
down upon your wrath. her, Lady, if I have sinned against
thee, tell me where, or in what
9 Blessed be he that believeth place, or when did I ever speak
and remembereth these things; an unseemly or dishonest word
which also I trust you do. unto thee?
THE FIRST PART OF THE
10 Now the God and Father of BOOK OF HERMAS CALLED HIS 8 Have I not always esteemed
our Lord Jesus Christ, and he VISION. thee as a lady? Have I not always
himself who is our everlasting reverenced thee as a sister? Why
high-priest, the Son of God, even then dost thou imagine these
Jesus Christ, build you up in faith VISION I. wicked things against me?
and in truth, and in all meekness
and lenity; in patience and long- 1 Against filthy and proud thoughts; 9 Then she, smiling upon me,
suffering, in forbearance and 20 also the neglect of Hermas in chastising his said: the desire of naughtiness
chastity: children. has risen up in thy heart. Does
it not seem to thee to be an ill
11 And grant unto you a lot and HE who had bred me up sold a thing for a righteous man to have
portion among his saints, and us certain young maid at Rome; an evil desire rise up in his heart.
with you; and to all that are under whom when I saw many years
the heavens, who shall believe in after, I remembered her, and 10 It is indeed a sin, and that a
our Lord Jesus Christ, and in his began to love her as a sister. very great sin, to such a one; for
Father who raised him from the dead. It happened some time afterwards, a righteous man thinketh that
that I saw her washing in the river which is righteous. And whilst
12 Pray for all the saints: Tyber; and I reached out my hand he does so, and walketh uprightly,
pray also for kings, and all that unto her, and brought her out of he shall have the Lord in heaven
are in authority; and for those who the river, favourable unto him in all his
persecute you, and hate you, and for business.
the enemies of the cross; that your 2 And when I saw her I thought
fruit may be manifest in all; and with myself, saying, How happy 11 But as for those who think
that ye may be perfect in Christ. should I be if I had such a wife, wickedly in their hearts, they take
both for beauty and manners. to themselves death and captivity;
13 Ye wrote to me, both ye, and This I thought with myself; nor and especially those who love this
also Ignatius, that if any one did I think any thing more. But present world, and glory in their
went from hence into Syria, he not long after, as I was walking, riches, and regard not the good
should bring your letters with and musing on these thoughts, I things that are to come; their
him; which also I will take care began to honour this creature of souls wander up and down and
of, as soon as I shall have a God, thinking with myself; how know not where to fix.
convenient opportunity; either noble and beautiful she was.
by myself, or him whom I shall 12 Now this is the case of such
send upon your account. 3 And when I had walked a little, as are double-minded, who trust
I fell asleep; and the spirit not in the Lord, and despise and

88
neglect their own life. consumed in secular affairs. the foregoing for the revolters and
heathen.
13 But do thou pray unto the 23 But now the mercy of God
Lord, and he will heal thy sins, hath taken compassion upon thee, 33 And as she was talking with
and the sins of thy whole house, and upon thine house, and hath me, two men appeared, and took
and of all his saints. greatly comforted thee. Only her upon their shoulders, and
as for thee, do not wander, but be went to the east where the chair
14 As soon as she had spoken of an even mind, and comfort thy was.
these words the heaven were shut, house.
and I remained utterly swallowed 34 And she went cheerfully
up with sadness and fear: and 24 As the workman bringing away; and as she was going, said
said within myself, if this be laid forth his work, offers it to unto me, Hermas, be of good
against me for sin, how can I be whomsoever he pleaseth; so shalt cheer.
saved. thou by teaching every day what
is just, cut off a great sin.
15 Or how should I ever be able Wherefore cease not to admonish thy
to entreat the Lord for my many sons, for the Lord knows that they VISION II.
will repent with all their heart,
and great sins? With what words and they shall be written in the Again, of his neglect in correcting his talkative
shall I beseech him to be merciful book of life. wife;
unto me? and of his lewd sons.
25 And when she had said this,
16 As I was thinking over these she added unto me; Wilt thou AS I was on the way to Cuma,
things, and meditating in myself hear me read? I answered her, about the same time that I
upon them, behold a chair was Lady, I will. went the year before, I began to
set over against me of the whitest call to mind the vision I formerly
wool, as bright as snow. 26 Hear then, said she; had. And again the spirit carried
and opening the book she read, me away, and brought me into the
17 And there came an old woman gloriously, greatly, and wonderfully, same place, in which I had been
in a bright garment, having such things as I could not keep in the year before.
a book in her hand, and sat alone, my memory. For they were terrible
and saluted me, saying, Hermas, words, such as no man could bear. 2 And when I was come into the
hail! and I being full of sorrow place, I fell down upon my knees,
and weeping, answered, Hail Lady! 27 How it be I committed her and began to pray unto the Lord,
last words to my remembrance; and to glorify his name, that he
18 And she said unto me, Why for they were but few, and of great had esteemed me worthy, and had
art thou sad, Hermas, who wert use to us:-- manifested unto me my former
wont to be patient, and modest, sins.
and always cheerful? I answered, 28 Behold the mighty Lord, who
and said to her, Lady, a reproach by his invisible power, and with 3 And when I arose from prayer,
has been laid to my charge by an his excellent wisdom made the behold I saw over against me the
excellent woman, who tells me world, and by his glorious counsel old woman whom I had seen the
that I have sinned against her. beautified his creature, and with last year, walking and reading
the word of his strength fixed the in a certain book.
19 She replied, Far be any such heaven, and founded the earth
thing from the servant of God. upon the waters; and by his 4 And she said unto me, Canst
But it may be the desire of her powerful virtue established the thou tell these things to the
has risen up in thy heart? For Holy Church, which he hath elect of God? I answered and said
indeed such a thought maketh the blessed. unto her, Lady, I cannot retain
servants of God guilty of sin. so many things in my memory, but
29 Behold he will remove the give me the book, and I will write
20 Nor ought such a detestable heavens, and the mountains, the them down.
thought to be in the servant of hills, and the seas; and all things
God: nor should he who is approved shall be made plain for his elect; 5 Take it, says she, and see that
by the Spirit desire that which that he may render unto them the thou restore it again to me.
is evil; but especially Hermas, promise which he has promised,
who contains himself from all with much honour and joy; if so 6 As soon as I had received it,
wicked lusts, and is full of all be that they shall keep the I went aside into a certain place
simplicity, and of great innocence. commandments of God, which they of the field, and transcribe every
have received with great faith. letter, for I found no syllables.
21 Nevertheless the Lord is
not so much angry with thee for 30 And when she had made an end 7 And as soon as I had finished
thine own sake, as upon the of reading, she rose out of the what was written in the book, the
account of thy house, which has chair; and behold four young men book was suddenly caught out of
committed wickedness against the came, and carried the chair to my hand, but by whom I saw not.
Lord, and against their parents. the east.
8 After fifteen days, when I
22 And for that out of thy 31 And she called me unto her, had fasted, and entreated the Lord
fondness towards thy sons, thou and touched my breast, and said with all earnestness, the knowledge
hast not admonished thy house, unto me, Did my reading please of the writing was revealed unto me.
but hast permitted them to live thee? I answered, Lady, these Now the writing was this:--
wickedly; for this cause the Lord last things please me; but what
is angry with thee: but he will heal went before was severe and hard. 9 Thy seed, O Hermas! hath
all the evils that are done in thy sinned against the Lord, and have
house. For through their sins 32 She said unto me, these last betrayed their parents, through
and iniquities, thou art wholly things are for the righteous, but their great wickedness. And they

89
have been called the betrayers of done, neither neglect thy sister, I had yet delivered her book to
their parents, and have gone on in the elders of the church? And
their treachery. but take care that they amend of I answered, that I had not yet.
their former sins.
10 And now have they added 35 She replied, Thou hast well
lewdness to their other sins, and 22 For they will be instructed done, for I have certain words
the pollutions of their naughtiness: by this doctrine, if thou shalt not more to tell thee. But when I
thus have they filled up the measure be mindful of what they have done shall have finished all the words,
of their iniquities. But do thou wickedly. they shall be clearly understood
upbraid thy sons with all these by the elect.
words; and thy wife, who shall be 23 For the remembrance of evils
as thy sister; and let her learn worketh death, but the forgetting 36 And thou shalt write two
to refrain her tongue, with which of them eternal life. books, and send one to Clement
she calumniates. and one to Grapte. For Clement
24 But thou, O Hermas! hast shall send it to the foreign cities,
11 And when she shall hear these undergone a great many worldly because it is permitted to him so
things, she will refrain herself, troubles for the offences of thy to do: but Grapte shall admonish
and shall obtain mercy. house, because thou hast neglected the widows and orphans.
them, as things that did not belong
12 And they also shall be unto thee; and thou art wholly 37 But thou shalt read in this
instructed, when thou shalt have taken up with thy great business. city with the elders of the church.
reproached them with these words,
which the Lord has commanded to 25 Nevertheless, for this cause
be revealed unto them. shalt thou be saved, that thou hast
not departed from the living God, VISION III.
13 Then shall their sins be and thy simplicity and singular
forgiven, which they have heretofore continency shall preserve thee, if Of the building of the church triumphant,
committed, and the sins of all the thou shalt continue in them. and of the several sorts of reprobates.
saints who have sinned even unto
this day; if they shall repent with 26 Yes, they shall save all such THE vision which I saw, brethren,
all their hearts, and remove all as do such things, and walk in was this.
doubts out of their hearts. innocence and simplicity.
2 When I had often fasted and
14 For the Lord hath sworn by 27 They who are of this kind prayed unto the Lord, that he
his glory concerning his elect, shall prevail against all impiety, would manifest unto me the
having determined this very time, and continue until life eternal. revelation, which he had promised
that if any one shall even now by the old woman to show unto me;
sin, he shall not be saved. 28 Happy are all they that do the same night she appeared unto
righteousness, they shall not be me, and said unto me,
15 For the repentance of the consumed for ever.
righteous has its end; the days of 3 Because thou dost thus afflict
repentance are fulfilled to all the 29 But thou wilt say, Behold thyself, and art so desirous to know
saints; but to the heathen, there there is a great trial coming. If all things, come into the field,
is repentance even unto the last it seem good to thee, deny him where thou wilt, and about the
day. again. sixth hour, I will appear unto thee,
and show thee what thou must
16 Thou shalt therefore say to 30 The Lord is nigh to them that see.
those who are over the church, turn to him, as it is written in
that they order their ways in the book of Heldam and Modal, 4 I asked her, saying; Lady,
righteousness; so that they may who prophesied to the people of into what part of the field? She
fully receive the promise with Israel in the wilderness. answered, wherever thou wilt, only
much glory. choose a good and a private place.
31 Moreover, brethren, it was And before I began to speak and
17 Stand fast therefore ye that revealed to me, as I was sleeping, tell her the place, she said unto
work righteousness and continue by a very goodly young man, saying me; I will come where thou wilt.
to do it, that your departure may unto me, What thinkest thou of that
be with the holy angels. old woman from whom thou receivedst 5 I was therefore, brethren in
the book; who is she? I answered, the field and I observed the hours,
18 Happy are ye, as many as a Sybil. and came into the place where I
shall endure the great trial that is had appointed her to come.
at hand, and whosoever shall not 32 Thou art mistaken said he,
deny his life. she is not. I replied, Who is she 6 And I beheld a bench placed;
then, sir? He answered me, It is it was a linen pillow, and over it
19 For the Lord hath sworn by the church of God. spread a covering of fine linen.
his Son, that whoso, denieth his
Son and HIM, being afraid of his 33 And I said unto him, Why 7 When I saw these things ordered
life, he will also deny him in the then does she appear old? She is in this manner, and that there was
world that is to come. therefore, said he, an old woman, nobody in the place, I began to be
because she was the first of all astonished, and my hair stood on end,
20 But those who shall never the creation, and the world was and a kind of horror seized me;
deny him, he will of his exceeding made for her. for I was alone.
great mercy be favourable unto
them. 34 After this I saw a vision at 8 But being come to myself,
home in my own house, and the and calling to mind the glory of
21 But thou, O Hermas! remember old woman, whom I had seen before, God, and taking courage, I fell
not the evils which thy sons have came to me and asked me whether down upon my knees and began

90
again to confess my sins as before. yet thy defects are many. But
thou shalt be purged from thy 32 Others I saw falling into the
9 And whilst I was doing this, defects, as also all who doubt not fire and burning; others fell near
the old woman came thither with shall be cleansed from all the sins the water, yet could not roll
the six young men whom I had which they have committed unto themselves into it, though very
seen before, and stood behind me this day. desirous to fall into the water.
as I was praying, and heard me
praying and confessing my sins 21 And when she had said this 33 And when she had showed
unto the Lord. she would have departed. me these things she would have
departed; but I said to her, Lady,
10 And touching me, she said; 22 Wherefore, falling down before what doth it profit me to see these
Leave off praying now only for thy her feet, I began to entreat her, things, and not understand what
sins; pray also for righteousness, for the Lord's sake, that she they mean?
that thou mayest receive a part of would show me the vision which
it in thy house. she had promised. 34 She answered and said unto
me; You are very cunning, in
11 And she lifted me up from 23 Then she again took me by that you are desirous to know
the place, and took me by the the hand, and lifted me up, and those things which relate to the
hand, and brought me to the seat; made me sit upon the seat at the tower. Yea, said I, lady, that I
and said to the young men, go, left side; and holding up a certain may declare them unto the brethren,
and build. bright wand, said unto me, Seest and they may rejoice, and hearing
thou that great thing? I replied, these things may glorify God
12 As soon as they were departed, Lady, I see nothing. with great glory.
and we were alone, she said unto me;
sit here. I answered her; Lady, 24 She answered, Dost thou not 35 Then she said, Many indeed
let those who are elder sit first. see over against thee a great tower, shall hear them, and when they
She replied, Sit down as I bid you. which is built upon the water with shall have heard them, some shall
bright square stones? rejoice, and others weep. And
13 And when I would have sat yet even these, if they shall
on the right side, she suffered me 25 For the tower was built upon repent, shall rejoice too.
not, but made a sign to me with a square by these six young men
her hand, that I should sit on the that came with her. 36 Hear therefore what I shall
left. say concerning the parable of the
26 But many thousand of other tower, and after this be no longer
14 As I was therefore musing, men brought stones; some drew importunate with me about the
and full of sorrow, that she would them out of the deep, others revelation.
not suffer me to sit on the right carried them from the ground,
side, she said unto me, Hermas, and gave them to the six young men; 37 For these revelations have
why art thou sad? and they took them and built. an end, seeing they are fulfilled.
But thou dost not leave off to
15 The place which is on the 27 As for those stones which desire revelations, for thou art
right hand is theirs who have were drawn out of the deep, they very urgent.
already attained unto God, and have put them all into the building;
suffered for his name-sake. But for they were polished, and their 38 As for the tower which thou
there is yet a great deal remaining squares exactly answered one another, seest built, it is myself, namely,
unto thee, before thou canst sit and so one was joined in such wise the church, which have appeared
with them. to the other, that there was no to thee both now and heretofore.
space to be seen where they Wherefore ask what thou wilt
16 But continue as thou doest, joined, insomuch that the whole concerning the tower, and I will
in thy sincerity, and thou shalt sit tower appeared to be built as it reveal it unto thee, that thou
with them; as all others shall, were of one stone. mayest rejoice with the saints.
who do their works, and shall bear
what they have borne. 28 But as for the other stones 39 I said unto her, Lady,
that were taken off from the because thou hast thought me once
17 I said to her; Lady, I would ground, some of them they rejected, worthy to receive from thee the
know what it is that they have others they fitted into the building. revelation of all these things,
suffered? Hear then, said she: declare them unto me.
wild beasts, scourgings, 29 As for those which were rejected,
imprisonments, and crosses some they cut out, and cast them 40 She answered me, Whatsoever
for his name-sake. at a distance from the tower; is fit to be revealed unto thee
but many others of them lay round shall be revealed: only yet thy
18 For this cause the right hand about the tower, which they made heart be with the Lord, and doubt
of holiness belongs to them, and no use of in the building. not, whatsoever thou shalt see.
to all others as many as shall
suffer for the name of God; but 30 For some of these were 41 I asked her, Lady, why is the
the left belongs to the rest. rough, others had clefts in them, tower built upon the water? She
others were white and round, not replied, I said before to thee that
19 Howbeit the gifts and the proper for the building of the thou wert very wise to inquire
promises belong to both, to them tower. diligently concerning the building,
on the right, and to those on the therefore thou shalt find the truth.
left hand; only that sitting on the 31 But I saw the other stones
right hand they have some glory cast afar off from the tower, and 42 Hear therefore why the tower
above the others. falling into the high-way, and yet is built upon the water: because
not continuing in the way, but your life is and shall be saved by
20 But thou art desirous to sit were rolled from the way into a water. For it is founded by the
on the right hand with them, and desert place. word of the almighty and honourable

91
name, and is supported by the 54 They which are drawn out to the saints, and therefore are
invisible power and virtue of God. of the deep and put into the unprofitable.
building, and whose joints agree
43 And I answering, said with the other stones which are 65 Those that have clefts in
unto her, These things are very already built, are those which are them, are they that keep up discord
admirable; but, lady, who are already fallen asleep, and have in their hearts against each other,
those six young men that build? suffered for the sake of the Lord's and live not in peace; that are
name. friendly when present with their
44 They are, said she, the angels brethren, but as soon as they are
of God, who were first appointed, 55 And what are the other departed from one another, their
and to whom the Lord has delivered stones, lady, that are brought wickedness still continues in
all his creatures, to frame and from the earth? I would know
build them up, and to rule over what are they. their hearts: these are the clefts
them. For by these the building which are seen in those stones.
of the tower shall be finished. 56 She answered, They which
lie upon the ground and are not 66 Those that are maimed and
45 And who are the rest who polished, are those which God has short, are they who have believed
bring them stones? approved, because they have indeed, but still are in great
walked in I the law of the Lord, measure full of wickedness; for
46 They also are the holy angels and directed their ways in his this cause they are maimed and
of the Lord; but the others are commandments. not whole.
more excellent than these. Wherefore
when the whole building of the 57 They which are brought and 67 But what are the white and
tower shall be finished, they put in the building of the tower, round stones, lady, and which are
shall all feast together beside are the young in faith and the not proper for the building of the
the tower, and shall glorify God, faithful. And these are admonished tower?
because the structure of the by the angels to do well because
tower is finished. iniquity is not found in them. 68 She answering said unto
me: How long wilt thou continue
47 I asked her, saying, I would 58 But who are those whom they foolish and without understanding,
know the condition of the stones, rejected, and laid beside the tower? asking everything and discerning
and what the meaning of them nothing?
is? 59 They are such as have sinned
and are willing to repent; for 69 They are such as have faith
48 She answering, said unto which cause they are not cast far indeed, but have withal the riches
me, Art thou better than all others from the tower, because they will of this present world. When
that this should be revealed unto be useful for the building, if they therefore any troubles arise, for
thee? For others are both before shall repent. the sake of their riches and traffic,
thee and better than thou art, they deny the Lord.
to whom these visions should be 60 They therefore that are yet
made manifest. to repent, if they repent they shall 70 I answering, said unto her,
become strong in the faith; that When therefore will they be
49 Nevertheless, that the name is, if they repent now, whilst the profitable to the Lord? When their
of God may be glorified, it has been tower is building. For if the riches shall be cut away, says she,
shown and shall be revealed unto building shall be finished there in which they take delight, then
thee, for the sake of those who are will then be no place for them to they will be profitable unto the
doubtful, and think in their hearts be put in, but they shall be rejected; Lord for his building.
whether these things are so or not. for he only has this privilege who
shall now be put into the tower. 71 For as a round stone, unless
50 Tell them that all these it be cut away and is cast somewhat
things are true, and that there is 61 But would you know who of its bulk, cannot be made square,
nothing in them that is not true they are that were cut out, and so they who are rich in this world;
but all are firm and truly cast afar off from the tower? unless their riches be pared off;
established. Lady said I, I desire it. cannot be made profitable unto the
Lord.
51 Hear now then concerning 62 They are the children of iniquity,
the stones that are in the building. who believed only in hypocrisy, 72 Learn this from thy own
and departed not from their evil experience: when thou wert rich,
52 The square and white stones ways; for this cause they shall not thou wast unprofitable; but now
which agree exactly in their joints, be saved, because they are not of thou art profitable, and fit for the
are the apostles, and bishops, and any use in the building by reason life which thou hast undertaken;
doctors, and ministers, who of their sins. for thou also once was one of
through the mercy of God have those stones.
come in, and governed, and taught 63 Wherefore they are cut out,
and ministered holily and modestly and cast afar off, because of the 73 As for the rest of the stones
to the elect of God, both they anger of the Lord, and because which thou sawest cast afar
that have fallen asleep, and which they have provoked him to anger off from the tower, and running in
yet remain; and have always against them. the way, and tumbled out of the
agreed with them, and have had way into desert places; they are
peace within themselves, and have 64 As for the great number of
heard each other. other stones which thou hast seen such as have believed indeed,
placed about the tower, but now but through their doubting have
53 For which cause their joints put into the building; those which forsaken the true way, thinking that
exactly meet together in the building are rugged, are they who have they could find a better. But they
of the tower. known the truth, but have not wander and are miserable, going
continued in it, nor been joined into desolate ways.

92
Faith; The next, which is girt have heard and done them, they
74 Then for those stones which up, and looks manly, is named may be cleansed from their
fell into the fire and were burnt, Abstinence: she is the daughter iniquities, and thou together
they are those who have for ever of Faith. with them.
departed from the living God;
nor doth it ever come into their 86 Whosoever therefore shall 96 Hear me therefore, O my
hearts to repent, by reason of the follow her shall be happy in all sons! I have bred you up in much
affection which they bear to their his life, because he shall abstain simplicity, and innocency, and
lusts and wickedness which they from all evil works, believing that modesty, for the love of God,
commit. if he shall contain himself from which has dropped down upon
all concupiscence, he shall be you in righteousness, that you
75 And what are the rest which the heir of eternal life. And should be sanctified and justified
fell by the water, and could not what, lady, said I, are the other from all sin and wickedness; but
roll into the water? five? ye will not cease from your evil
doings.
76 They are such as have heard 87 They are, replied she, the
the word, and were willing to be daughters of one another. The 97 Now therefore hearken unto
baptised in the name of the Lord; first of them is called Simplicity; me, and have peace one with another,
but considering the great holiness the next Innocence; the third and visit one another, and receive
which the truth requires, have Modesty; then Discipline; and one another, and do not enjoy
withdrawn themselves, an walked the last of all is Charity. When the creatures of God alone.
again after wicked lusts. therefore thou shalt have fulfilled
the works of their mother, thou 98 Give freely to them that are
77 Thus she finished the shalt be able to do all things. in need. For some by too free
explanation of the tower. feeding contract an infirmity in
88 Lady, said I, I would know their flesh, and do injury to their
78 But I being still urgent, what particular virtue every one bodies; whilst the flesh of others,
asked her, Is there repentance of these has. who have not food, withers away,
allowed to all those stones which because they want sufficient
are thus cast away, and were not 89 Hear then, replied she; nourishment, and the bodies are
suitable to the building of the they have equal virtues, and their consumed.
tower; and shall they find place virtues are knit together, and
in this tower? follow one another as they were 99 Wherefore this intemperance
born. is hurtful to you, who have, and
79 They may repent, said she, do not contribute to them that
yet they cannot come into this 90 From Faith proceeds Abstinence; want. Prepare for the judgment
tower; but, they shall be placed from Abstinence, Simplicity; from that is about to come upon you.
in a much lower rank, and then Simplicity, Innocence; from Innocence,
only after they shall have been Modesty; from Modesty, Discipline 100 Ye that are the more eminent,
afflicted and fulfilled the days of and Charity. Therefore the works search out them that are hungry,
their sins. of these are holy, and chaste, and whilst the tower is yet unfinished.
right. For when the tower shall be finished,
80 And for this cause they shall ye shall be willing to do good,
be removed, because they have 91 Whoever therefore shall and shall not find any place in it.
received the word of righteousness: serve these, and hold fast to their
and then they shall be translated works, he shall have his dwelling 101 Beware, therefore, ye that
from their afflictions, if they in the tower with the saints of glory in your riches, lest perhaps
shall have a true sense in their God. they groan who are in want, and
hearts of what they have done amiss. their sighing come up unto God,
92 Then I asked her concerning and ye be shut out with your goods
81 But if they shall not have the times, whether the end were without the gate of the tower.
this sense in their hearts, they now at hand?
shall not be saved by reason of 102 Behold I now warn you who
the hardness of their hearts. 93 But she cried out with a loud are set over the church, and love
voice, saying, O foolish man! the highest seats, be not ye like
82 When therefore I had done Dost thou not see the tower yet a unto those that work mischief.
asking her concerning all these building? When therefore the
things, she said unto me, Wilt tower shall be finished, and built, 103 And they indeed carry about
thou see something else? And it shall have an end; and indeed their poison in boxes, but ye
being desirous of seeing it, it shall soon be accomplished. contain your poison and infection
I became very cheerful of in your hearts, and will not purge
countenances. 94 But do not ask me any more them, and mix your sense with a
questions. What has been said pure heart, that ye might find
83 She therefore looking back may suffice thee and all the saints mercy with the Great King.
upon me, and smiling a little, said for the refreshment of your spirits.
unto me, Seest thou seven women For these things have not been 104 Take heed, my children,
about the tower? Lady, said I, revealed to thee only, but that that your dissensions deprive you
I see them. thou mayest make them manifest not of your lives. How will ye
unto all. instruct the elect of God, when
84 This tower, replied she, is ye yourselves want correction?
supported by them, according to 95 For therefore, O Hermas, Wherefore admonish one another,
the command of the Lord: hear after three days thou must understand and be at peace among yourselves,
therefore the effects of them. these words which I begin that I, standing before your
to speak unto thee, that thou Father, may give an account
85 The first of them, which mayest speak them in the ears of of you unto the Lord.
holds fast with her hand, is called the saints; that when thou shall

93
105 And when she had made 117 I replied and said, But we saw her yet younger, fair and
an end of talking with me, the six shall learn these things more cheerful, and of a serene
young men that built, came and carefully from you. countenance.
carried her to the tower; and four
others took up the seat on which 118 Hear then, says he, concerning 129 For, as if some good news
she sat, and they also went away the figures about which you inquire. comes to him that is sad, he
again to the tower. I saw not the straightway forgets his sadness,
faces of these, for their backs 119 To begin; in the first vision and regards nothing else but the
were towards me. she appeared to thee in the shape good news which he has heard;
of an old woman sitting in, a chair, and for the rest he is comforted,
106 As she was going away, I because your old spirit was decayed, and his spirit is renewed through
asked her, that she would reveal and without strength, by reason the joy which he has received
to me what concerned the three of your infirmities, and the even so you have been refreshed
forms, in which she had appeared doubtfulness of your heart. in your spirit by seeing these good
unto me. things.
120 For as they who are old
107 But she answering said unto have no hope of renewing 130 And for that you saw her
me, concerning these things themselves, nor expect any thing sitting upon a bench, it denotes a
thou must ask some other, that but their departure; so you being strong position; because a bench
they may be revealed unto thee. weakened through your worldly has four feet, and stands strongly.
affairs gave yourself up to sloth, And even the world itself is upheld
108 Now, brethren, in the first and cast not away your solicitude by the four elements.
vision the last year, she appeared from yourself upon the Lord: and
unto me exceedingly old, and your sense was confused, and you 131 They therefore that repent
sitting in a chair. grew old in your sadness. perfectly, shall be young; and
they that turn from their sins
109 In another vision, she had 121 But, sir, I would know why with their whole heart, shall
indeed a youthful face, but her she sat upon a chair? be established.
flesh and hair were old; but she
talked with me standing, and was 122 He answered, because every 132 And now you have the
more cheerful than the first time. Revelation fully, ask no more
one that is weak sitteth upon a to have any thing farther
110 In the third vision, she was chair by reason of his infirmity, revealed unto you.
in all respects much younger, and that his weakness may be upheld.
comely to the eye; only she had Behold therefore the figure of the 133 But if any thing is to be
the hair of an aged person: yet first vision. revealed, it shall be made manifest
she looked cheerful, and sat upon unto you.
a seat. 123 In the second vision you
saw her standing, and having a
111 I was therefore very sad youthful face, and more cheerful
concerning these things, until I than her former; but her flesh VISION IV.
might understand the vision. and her hair were ancient. Hear,
said he, this parable also. Of the trial, and tribulation that is about
112 Wherefore I saw the same to come upon men.
old woman in a vision of the night 124 When any one grows old,
saying unto me, All prayer needeth he despairs of himself by reason I SAW a vision brethren, twenty
humiliation. Fast, therefore, and of his infirmity and poverty, and days after the former vision;
thou shalt learn from the Lord expects nothing but the last day of a representation of the tribulation
that which thou dost ask. I fasted his life. that is at hand. I was walking in
therefore one day. the field way.
125 But on a sudden an inheritance
113 The same night a young is left to him, and he hears of it, 2 Now from the public way to
man appeared to me and said, and rises: and being become the place whither I went is about
Why dost thou thus often desire cheerful, he puts on new strength. ten furlongs; it is a way very
Revelations in thy prayers? Take And now he no longer sits down, little frequented:
heed that by asking many things, but stands, and is delivered from
thou hurt not the body. Let these his former sorrow; and sits not, 3 And as I was walking alone, I
Revelations suffice thee. but acts manfully. entreated the Lord that he would
confirm the Revelations which he
114 Canst thou see more notable 126 So you, having heard the had shown unto me by his Holy
Revelations than those which Revelation which God revealed Church.
thou hast already received? unto you, because God had
compassion upon you, and renewed 4 And would grant repentance
115 I answered and said unto your spirit, both laid aside your to all his servants who had been
him, Sir, I only ask this one infirmities, and strength came to offended, that his great and
thing upon the account of the you, and you grew strong in the honourable name might be glorified,
three figures of the old woman faith; and God, seeing your and because he thought me worthy
that appeared to me, that the strength, rejoiced. to whom he might show his wonders,
Revelation may be complete. and, that I might honour him,
127 For this cause he showed and give thanks unto him.
116 He answered me, You are you the building of the tower,
not without understanding, but and will show other things unto you, 5 And behold somewhat like a
your doubts make you so; for as if you shall have peace with all voice answered me; Doubt not,
much as you have not your heart your heart among each other. Hermas. Wherefore I began to
with the Lord. think, and say within myself, why
128 But in the third vision you should I doubt, seeing I am thus

94
settled by the Lord, and have seen said she, because thou didst cast 27 But the white colour denotes
such glorious things? thy whole care upon God, and the time of the world which is to
opened thy heart unto him, come, in which the elect of God
6 I had gone but a little farther, believing that thou couldst be safe shall dwell: because the elect of
brethren, when behold I saw a by no other than by his great and God shall be pure and without
dust rise up to heaven. I began honourable name. spot until life eternal.
to say within myself, is there a
drove of cattle coming, that rises 18 For this cause the Lord sent 28 Wherefore do not thou cease
such a dust? his angel, who is over the beast, to speak these thing in the ears of
whose name is Hegrin, and stopped the saints. Here ye have the figure
7 It was about a furlong off from his mouth, that he should not of the great tribulation that is
me. And behold I saw the dust devour thee, Thou hast escaped about to come; which, if you
rise more and more, insomuch that a great trial through thy faith, and please, shall be nothing to you.
I began to suspect that there was because thou didst not doubt for
somewhat extraordinary in it. such a terrible beast. 29 When she had spoken thus
much, she departed; but I saw
8 And the sun shone a little; 19 Go, therefore, and relate to not whither she went. But suddenly
and behold I saw a great beast, as the elect of God the great things I heard a noise, and I turned
it were a whale; and fiery locusts that he hath done for thee. And back, being afraid, for I thought
came out of his mouth. The height thou shalt say unto them, that this that the beast was coming toward
of the beast was about a hundred beast is the figure of the trial that me.
feet, and he had a head like a is about to come.
large earthen vessel.
20 If, therefore, ye shall have
9 I began to weep, and to pray prepared yourselves, ye may escape
unto the Lord that he would deliver it, if your hearts be pure and
me from it. Then I called to mind without spot; and if ye shall serve
the word which I had heard; God all the rest of your days THE SECOND PART OF THE
Doubt not, Hermas. without complaint. BOOK OF HERMAS, CALLED HIS
COMMANDS.
10 Wherefore, brethren, putting 21 Cast all your care upon the
on a divine faith, and remembering Lord, and he will direct them.
who it was that had taught me great Believe in God, ye doubtful, Introduction.
things, I delivered myself bodily because he can do all things;
unto the beast. he can both turn away his wrath WHEN I had prayed at home,
from you, and send you help and and was sat down upon the
11 Now the beast came on in security. bed, a certain man came in to me
such a manner, as if it could at with a reverend look, in the habit
once have devoured a city. 22 Woe to the doubtful, to those of a Shepherd, clothed with a white
who shall hear these words, and cloak, having his bag upon his
12 I came near unto it, and the shall despise them: it had been back, and his staff in his hand, and
beast extended its whole bulk upon better for them that they had not saluted me.
the ground, and put forth nothing been born.
but its tongue, nor once moved itself 2 I returned his salutation, and
till I had quite passed by it. 23 Then I asked her concerning immediately he sat down by me,
the four colours which the beast and said unto me, I am sent by
13 Now the beast had upon its had upon its head. But she that venerable messenger, that
head four colours; first black, answered me saying; Again thou I should dwell with thee all the
then a red and bloody colour, then art curious in that thou asketh remaining days of thy life.
a golden, and then a white. concerning these things. But I
said to her, Lady, chew me what 3 But I thought that he was
14 After that I had passed by they are? come to try me, and said unto him,
it, and was gone forward about Who are you? For I know to
thirty feet, behold there met me a 24 Hear, said she; The black whom I am committed. He said
certain virgin, well adorned as if which thou sawest denotes the unto me, Do you not know me?
she had been just come out of her world in which you dwell. The I answered no. I am, said he,
bride-chamber; all in white, having fiery and bloody colour signifies that shepherd to whose care you
on white shoes, and a veil down her that this age must be destroyed are delivered.
face, and covered with shining hair. by fire and blood.
4 Whilst he was yet speaking,
15 Now I knew by my former 25 The golden part are ye, who his shape was changed; and when
visions that it was the church, have escaped out of it; for as gold I knew that it was he to whom I
and thereupon grew the more cheerful. is tried by the fire, and is made was committed, I was ashamed,
She saluted me, saying, Hail, O Man! profitable, so are ye also in like and a sudden fear came upon me,
I returned the salutation, saying, manner tried who dwell among the and I was utterly overcome with
Lady, Hail! men of this world. sadness, because I had spoken so
foolishly unto him.
16 She answering said unto me, 26 They therefore, that shall
Did nothing meet you, O man! endure to the end, and be proved 5 But he said unto me, Be not
I replied, Lady, there met me such by them, shall be purged. And as ashamed, but receive strength in
a beast, as seemed able to devour gold, by this trial, is cleansed thy mind, through the commands
a whole people; but by the power and loses its dross, so shall ye which I am about to deliver unto
of God, and through his singular also cast away all sorrow and thee. For, said he, I am sent to
mercy, I escaped it. trouble, and be made pure for show unto thee all those things
the building of the tower. again, which thou hast seen before,
17 Thou didst escape it well, but especially such of them as may

95
be of most use unto thee. any one speak evil of others. the Lord, and become robbers of
the Lord, not rendering to God
6 And first of all write my 3 For if thou observest not this, what they received from him.
Commands and Similitudes, the rest thou also who hearest shall be
thou shall so write as I shall show partaker of the sin of him that 4 For they received the spirit
unto thee. But I therefore bid speaketh evil, by believing the free from lying: If therefore they
thee first of all write my Commands slander, and thou also shalt have make that a liar, they defile what
and Similitudes, that by often sin, because thou believedst him was committed to them by the
reading of them thou mayest that spoke evil of thy brother. Lord, and become deceivers.
the more easily keep them in
memory. 4 Detraction is a pernicious 5 When I heard this, I wept
thing; an inconstant, evil spirit; bitterly; and when he saw me
7 Whereupon I wrote his Commands that never continues in peace, but weeping, he said unto me, Why
and Similitudes, as he bade me. is always in discord. Wherefore weepest thou? And I said, Because,
refrain thyself from it, and keep sir, I doubt whether I can be saved.
8 Which things if when you peace ever more with thy brother.
have heard, ye shall observe to do 6 He asked me, Wherefore?
them, and shall walk according to 5 Put on an holy constancy, I replied, Because, sir, I never
them, and exercise yourselves in in which there are no sins, but spake a true word in my life; but
them with a pure mind, ye shall all is full of joy; and do good always lived in dissimulation, and
receive from the Lord those things of thy labours. affirmed a lie for truth to all men;
which he has promised unto you. and no man contradicted me, but
6 Give without distinction to all gave credit to my words. How
9 But if having heard them ye all that are in want, not doubting then can I live, seeing I have done
shall not repent, but shall still go to whom thou givest. in this manner?
on to add to your sins, ye shall
be punished by him. 7 But give to all, for God will 7 And he said unto me, Thou
have us give to all, of all his own thinkest well and truly; for thou
10 All these things that Shepherd, gifts. They therefore that receive oughtest, as the servant of God,
the angel of repentance, commanded shall give an account to God, both to have walked in the truth, and
me to write. wherefore they received and for not have joined an evil conscience
what end. with the spirit of truth, nor have
grieved the holy and true Spirit
8 And they that receive without of God.
COMMAND I. real need, shall give an account
for it; but he that gives shall be 8 And I replied unto him,
Of believing in one God. innocent. Sir, I never before hearkened
so diligently to these things.
FIRST of all believe that 9 For he has fulfilled his duty He answered, Now thou hearest them
there is one God who created and as he received it from God; not Take care from henceforth, that
brought all things out of nothing even those things which thou hast
into existence. making any choice to whom he formerly spoken falsely for the
should give, and to whom not. sake of thy business, may, by
2 He comprehends all things, And this service he did with thy present truth receive pardon.
and is only INFINITE, not to be simplicity and to the glory
comprehended by any. of God. 9 For even those things may
be forgiven, if for the time to come
3 Who can neither be defined 10 Keep therefore this command thou shalt speak the truth; and
by any words, nor conceived by according as I have delivered it by so doing thou mayest attain
the mind. into thee: that thy repentance unto life.
nay be found to be sincere, and
4 Therefore believe in him, and that good may come to thy house; 10 And whosoever shall hearken
fear him; and fearing him abstain and have a pure heart. unto this command, and do it,
from all evil. and shall depart from all lying,
he shall live unto God.
5 Keep these things, and cast
all lust and iniquity far from COMMAND III.
thee, and put on righteousness,
and thou shalt live to God, if thou Of avoiding lying, and the repentance of Hermas COMMAND IV.
shalt keep his commandment. for his dissimulation.
Of putting away one's wife for adultery.
MOREOVER he said unto me
love truth; and let all the FURTHERMORE, said he, I
COMMAND II. speech be true which proceeds out command thee, that thou keep
of thy mouth. thyself chaste; and that thou
That we must avoid detraction, and do our suffer not any thought of any
alms-deeds with simplicity. 2 That the spirit which the Lord other marriage, or of fornication,
hath given to dwell in thy flesh to enter into thy heart; for such
HE said unto me, Be innocent may be found true towards all a thought produces great sin.
and without disguise; so shalt men; and the Lord be glorified,
thou be like an infant who knows who hath given such a spirit unto 2 But be thou at all times mindful
no malice which destroys the thee: because God is true in all of the Lord, and thou shalt never
life of man. his words, and in him there is no sin. For if such an evil thought
lie. should arise in thy heart, then
2 Especially see that thou speak thou shall be guilty of a great
evil of none, nor willingly hear 3 They therefore that lie, deny

96
sin; and they who do such things, offended, should not offend any 21 But as to those who have
follow the way of death. more. been called to the faith, and since
that are fallen into any gross sin,
3 Look therefore to thyself, and 12 But for their former sins, the Lord hath appointed repentance,
keep thyself from such a thought; God who has the power of healing because God knoweth the thoughts
for where chastity remains in the will give a remedy; for he has of all men's hearts, and their
heart of a righteous man, there an the power of all things. infirmities, and the manifold
evil thought ought never to arise. wickedness of the devil, who is
13 I asked him again, and always contriving something
4 And I said unto him, Sir, said, Seeing the Lord hath thought against the servants of God, and
suffer me to speak a little to you. me worthy that thou shouldest maliciously lays snares for them.
He bade me say on. And I answered, dwell with me continually, speak
Sir, if a man that is faithful a few words unto me, because I 22 Therefore our merciful Lord
in the Lord shall have a wife, understand nothing, and my heart had compassion towards his creature,
and shall catch her in adultery; is hardened through my former and appointed that repentance, and
doth a man sin that continues to conversation; and open my gave unto me the power of it. And
live still with her? understanding because I am very therefore I say unto thee, if any
dull, and apprehend nothing at all. one after that great and holy
5 And he said unto me, As long calling shall be tempted by the
as he is ignorant of her sin, he 14 And he answering said devil and sin, he has one repentance.
commits no fault in living with unto me, I am the minister of But if he shall often sin and repent,
her; but if a man shall know his repentance, and give understanding it shall not profit such a one;
wife to, have offended, and she to all that repent. Does it not for he shall hardly live unto God.
shall not repent of her sin, but go seem to thee to be a very wise
on still in her fornication, and a thing to repent? Because he that 23 And I said, Sir, I am restored
man shall continue nevertheless does so gets great understanding. again to life since I have thus
to live with her, he shall become diligently hearkened to these
guilty of her sin, and partake with 15 For he is sensible that he commands. For I perceive that if I
her in her adultery. hath sinned and done wickedly in shall not hereafter add any more
the sight of the Lord, and he of my sins, I shall be saved.
6 And I said unto him, What remembers within himself that he
therefore is to be done, if the has offended, and repents and does 24 And he said, Thou shalt be
woman continues on in her sin? no more wickedly, but does that saved: and so shall all others, as
He answered, Let her husband put which is good, and humbles his many as shall observe these
her away, and let him continue soul and afflicts it, because he has commandments.
by himself; but if he shall put offended. You see therefore that
away his wife and marry another, repentance is great wisdom. 25 And again I said unto him,
he also doth commit adultery. Sir, seeing thou hearest me
16 And I said unto him, For this patiently, show me yet one thing
7 And I said, What, if the cause, sir, I inquire diligently more. Tell me, saith he, what it
woman that is so put away, should into all things, because I am a is.
repent, and be willing to return sinner, that I may know what I
to her husband, shall she not be must do that I may live; because 26 And I said, If a husband or
received by him? He said unto me, my sins are many. a wife die, and the party which
Yes; and if her husband shall survives marry again, does he sin
not receive her, he will sin, and 17 And he said unto me, Thou in so doing? He that marries
commit a great offence against shalt live if thou shalt keep these says he, sins not: howbeit, if
himself; for he ought to receive my commandments. And whosoever he shall remain single, he shall
the offender, if she repents: only shall hear and do these commands thereby gain to himself great
not often. shall live unto God. honour before the Lord.

8 For, to the servants of God, 18 And I said unto him, I have 27 Keep therefore thy chastity
there is but one repentance; and even now heard from certain and modesty, and thou shalt live
for this cause a man that putteth teachers, that there is no other unto God. Observe from henceforth
away his wife ought not to take repentance beside that of baptism, those things which I speak
another, because she may repent. when we go down into the water, with thee, and command thee to
and receive the forgiveness of our observe, from the time that I
9 This act is alike both in the sins; and that after that, we must have been delivered unto thee, and
man and in the woman. Now they sin no more, but live in purity. dwell in thy house.
commit adultery, not only who
pollute their flesh, but who 19 And he said unto me, Thou 28 So shall thy former sins be
also make an image. If therefore hast been rightly informed. Never- forgiven, if thou shalt keep these
a woman perseveres in any thing the-less seeing now thou inquirest my commandments. And in like
of this kind, and repents not, diligently into all things, I will manner shall all others be forgiven,
depart from her; and live not with manifest this also unto thee; yet who shall observe these my commandments.
her, otherwise thou also shalt be not so as to give any occasion of
partaker of her sin. sinning, either to those who shall
hereafter believe, or to those
10 But it is therefore commanded who have already believed in the COMMAND V.
that both the man and the woman Lord.
should remain unmarried, because Of the sadness of the heart, and of patience.
such persons may repent. 20 For neither they who have
newly believed, or shall hereafter Be patient, says he, and long-
11 Nor do I in this administer believe, have any repentance of sins, suffering; so shalt thou have
any occasion for the doing of these but forgiveness of them. dominion over all wicked works,
things; but rather that whoso has and shall fulfil all righteousness.

97
overthrows the doubtful, and those
2 For if thou shalt be patient, that are destitute of faith. I COMMANDED thee, said he,
the Holy Spirit which dwelleth in in my first commandments,
thee shall be pure, and not be 12 For as often as it sees such that thou shouldst keep faith and
darkened by any evil spirit; but men, it casts itself into their fear, and repentance. Yes, sir,
being full of joy shall be enlarged, hearts; and so a man or woman said I.
and feast in the body in which it is in bitterness for nothing: for
dwells, and serve the Lord with the things of life, or for sustenance, 2 He continued. But now I
joy, and in great peace. or for a vain word, if any should will shew thee the virtues of these
chance to fall in; or by reason commands, that then mayest know
3 But if any anger shall overtake of any friend, or for a debt, their effects; how they are
thee, presently the Holy Spirit or for any other superfluous prescribed alike to the just
which is in thee will be straightened things of the like nature. and unjust.
and seek to depart from thee.
13 For these things are foolish, 3 Do thou therefore believe the
4 For he is choked by the evil and superfluous, and vain to the righteous, but give no credit to
spirit, and has not the liberty of servants of God. But equanimity the unrighteous. For righteousness
serving the Lord as he would; for is strong, and forcible; and of keepeth the right way, but
he is grieved by anger. When, great power, and sitteth in great unrighteousness the wicked way.
therefore, both these spirits dwell enlargement; is cheerful, rejoicing
together, it is destructive to a in peace; and glorifying God at 4 Do thou therefore keep the
man. all times I with meekness. right way, and leave that which is
evil. For the evil way has not a
5 As if one should take a little 14 And this long-suffering good end, but hath many stumbling-
wormwood, and put it into a vessel dwells with those that are full of blocks; it is rugged and full
of honey, the whole honey would faith. But anger is foolish, and of thorns, and leads to destruction;
be spoiled; and a great quantity light, and empty. Now bitterness and it is hurtful to all such
of honey is corrupted by a very is bred through folly; by as walk in it.
little wormwood, and loses the bitterness, anger; by anger, fury;
sweetness of honey, and is no and this fury arising from so 5 But they who go in the right
longer acceptable to its Lord many evil principles, worketh a way walk with evenness, and without
because the whole honey is made great and incurable sin. offence; because it is not rough
bitter, and loses its use. nor thorny.
15 For when all these things,
6 But if no wormwood be put are in the same man in which the 6 Thou seest therefore how it is
into the honey, it is sweet and Holy Spirit dwells, the vessel best to walk in this way. Thou
profitable to its Lord. Thus is cannot contain them, but runs shalt therefore go, says he, and all
forbearance sweeter than honey, over: and because the Spirit being others, as many as believe in God
and profitable to the Lord who tender cannot tarry with the evil with all their heart, shall go
dwelleth in it. one; it departs and dwells with through it.
him that is meek.
7 But anger is unprofitable. 7 And now, says he, I understand
If therefore anger shall be mixed 16 When, therefore, it is first of all what belongs to faith.
with forbearance, the soul is departed from the man in whom it There are two angels with man;
distressed, and its prayer is dwelt, that man becomes destitute one of righteousness, the other
not profitable with God. of the Holy Spirit, and is afterwards of iniquity.
filled with wicked spirits, and
8 And I said unto him, Sir, is blinded with evil thoughts. 8 And I said unto him, Sir,
I would know the sinfulness of Thus doth it happen to all angry how shall I know that there are
anger, that I may keep myself from men. two such angels with man? Hear,
it. And he said unto me, Thou says he, and understand.
shall know it; and if thou shalt 17 Wherefore depart then from
not keep thyself from it, thou shalt anger, and put on equanimity, and 9 The angel of righteousness,
resist: wrath; so then shalt be is mild and modest, and gentle,
lose thy hope with all thy house. found with modesty and chastity and quiet. When, therefore, he
Wherefore depart from it. by God. Take good heed, therefore, gets into thy heart, immediately
that thou neglect not this commandment. he talks with thee of righteousness,
9 For I the messenger of of modesty, of chastity, of
righteousness am with thee, and 18. For if thou shalt obey this bountifulness, of forgiveness,
all that depart from it: as many command, then thou shalt also be of charity, and piety.
as shall repent with all their hearts, able to observe the other commandments
shall live unto God; and I will be with which I shall command thee. 10 When all these things come
them, and will keep them all. into thy heart, know then that the
19 Wherefore strengthen thyself angel of righteousness is with thee.
10 For all such as have repented now in these commands, that then
have been justified by the most mayest live unto God. And whosoever Wherefore hearken to this angel
holy messenger, who is a minister shall observe these commandments and to his works.
of salvation.
shall live unto God. 11 Learn also the works of the
11 And now, says he, hear angel of iniquity. He is first of
the wickedness of anger; how all bitter, and angry, and foolish;
evil and hurtful is is, and how it and his works are pernicious, and
overthrows the servants of God; COMMAND VI. overthrow the servants of God.
for it cannot hurt those that are When therefore these things come
full of faith because the power That every man has two angels and of the into thine heart; thou shalt know
of God is with them; but it suggestions of both. by his works, that this is the angel

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of iniquity. power, is to be feared. But he are very evil to the servants of
that has no power is despised by God, Wherefore the servant of
12 And I said unto him, Sir, every one. God must abstain from all these
how shall I understand these works.
things? Hear, says he, and 4 Fear the works of the Devil,
understand; When anger overtakes because they are evil. For by 7 Keep thyself therefore from
thee, or bitterness, know that he is fearing the Lord, thou wilt fear them, that thou mayest live unto
in thee: and do not the works of the Devil, God, and be written among those
but keep thyself from them. that abstain from them. And thus
13 As also, when the desire of have I shown thee what things
many things, and of the best meats, 5 There is therefore a twofold thou must avoid: now learn from
and of drunkenness; when the fear; if thou wilt not do evil, fear what thou must not abstain.
love of what belongs to others, the Lord and thou shalt not do it.
pride, and much speaking, and But if thou wilt do good, the fear 8 Abstain not from any good
ambition; and the like things, of the Lord is strong, and great works, but do them. Hear, said
come upon thee. and glorious. he, what the virtue of those good
works is which thou must do, that
14 When therefore these things 6 Wherefore, fear God and thou thou mayest be saved. The first
arise in thine heart, know that the shalt live: and whosoever shall of all is faith; the fear of the
angel of iniquity is with thee. fear him, and keep his commandments, Lord; charity; concord; equity;
Seeing therefore thou knowest his their life is with the Lord. truth; patience; chastity.
works, depart from them all, and But they who keep them not,
give no credit to him: because his neither is there life in them. 9 There is nothing better than
works are evil, and become not the these things in the life of men;
servants of God. who shall keep and do these
things in their life. Hear next
15 Here therefore thou hast COMMAND VIII. what follow these.
the works of both these angels.
Understand now and believe the That we must flee from evil, and do good works. 10 To minister to the widows;
angel of righteousness, because not to despise the fatherless and
his instruction is good. I HAVE told thee, said he, poor; to redeem the servants of
that there are two kinds of God from necessity; to be hospitable
16 For let a man be never so creatures of the Lord, and that (for in hospitality there is
happy; yet if the thoughts of the there is a two-fold abstinence. sometimes great fruit); not to be
other angel arise in his heart, that From some things therefore thou contentious, but be quiet.
man or woman must needs sin. must abstain, and from others not.
11 To be humble above all men;
17 But let man or woman be 2 I answered, Declare to me, to reverence the aged; to labour
never so wicked, if the works of sir, from what I must abstain, and to be righteous; to respect the
the angel of righteousness come from what not. Hearken, said he, brotherhood; to bear affronts; to
into their hearts, that man or Keep thyself from evil, and do it be long-suffering; not to cast
woman must needs do some good. not; yet abstain not from good, away those that have fallen from
but do it. For if thou shalt abstain the faith, but to convert them, and
18 Thou seest therefore how from what is good, and not do it, make them be of good cheer: to
it is good to follow the angel of thou shalt sin. Abstain therefore admonish sinners; not to oppress
righteousness. If therefore thou from all evil, and thou shalt know those that are our debtors; and all
shall follow him, and submit to all righteousness. other things of a like kind.
his works, thou shalt live unto God.
And as many as shall submit to 3 I said, What evil things are 12 Do these things seem to thee
his work shall live also unto God. they from which I must abstain? to be good or not? And I said,
Hearken, said he; from adultery, What can be better than these
from drunkenness, from riots, from words? Live then, said he, in
excess of eating, from daintiness these commandments, and do not
COMMAND VII. and dishonesty, from pride, from depart from them. For if thou
fraud, from lying, from detraction, shalt keep all these commandments,
That we must fear God but not the Devil. from hypocrisy, from remembrance thou shalt live unto God. And all
of injuries, and from all evil they that shall keep these
FEAR God, says he, and keep speaking. commandments shall live unto God.
his commandments. For if
thou keepest his commandments 4 For these are the works of
thou shalt be powerful in every iniquity, from which the servant
work, and all thy works shall be of God must abstain. For he that COMMAND IX.
excellent. For by fearing God, cannot keep himself from these
thou shalt do everything well. things, cannot live unto God. That we must ask of God daily;
and without doubting.
2 This is that tear with which 5 But hear, said he, what
thou must be affected that thou follows of these kind of things: AGAIN he said unto me; remove from
mayest be saved. But fear not for indeed many more there are thee all doubting; and question
the Devil: for if thou fearest the from which the servant of God must nothing at all when thou askest
Lord, thou shalt have dominion abstain. From theft, and cheating; any thing of the Lord; saying
over him; because there is no from false witness, from covetousness, within thyself, how shall I
power in him. from boasting, and all other things be able to ask any thing of the
of the like nature. Lord and receive it, seeing I have
3 Now if there be no power in so greatly sinned against him?
him, then neither is he to be 6 Do these things seem to thee
feared: for every one that has to be evil or not? Indeed they 2 Do not think thus, but turn

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unto the Lord with all thy heart, But doubting is an earthly spirit, and have put on the truth; they
and ask of him without doubting, and proceedeth from the Devil, are not joined to such spirits, but
and thou shalt know the mercy of and has no strength. depart from them. But they that
the Lord; bow that he will not
forsake thee, but will fulfil the 11 Do thou therefore keep the are doubtful, and often repenting,
request of thy soul. virtue of faith, and depart from like the heathens, consult them,
doubting, in which is no virtue, and heap up to themselves great
3 For God is not as men, mindful and thou shalt live unto God. And sin, serving idols.
of the injuries he has received; all shall live unto God, as many
but he forgets injuries, and has as do these things. 8 As many therefore as are
compassion upon his creature. such, inquire of them upon every
occasion; worship idols, and are
4 Wherefore purify thy heart foolish; and void of the truth.
from all the vices of this present COMMAND X.
world; and observe the commands For every spirit that is given
I have before delivered unto thee Of the sadness of the heart; and that from God needs not to be asked:
from God; and thou shall receive we must take, heed not to grieve the but having the power of divinity
whatsoever good things thou shalt spirit of God that is in us. speaks all things of itself,
ask, and nothing shall be wanting because he comes from above;
unto thee of all thy petitions; if PUT all sadness far from thee; from the power of God.
thou shalt ask of the Lord without for it is the sister of doubting
doubting. and of anger. How, sir, said I 10 But he, that being asked
is it the sister of these? For speaks according to men's desires
5 But they that are not such, sadness, and anger, and doubting, and concerning many other affairs
shall obtain none of those things seem to me to be very different of this present world, understands
which they ask. For they that are from one another. not the tidings which relate unto
full of faith, ask all things with God. For these spirits are darkened
confidence, and receive from the 2 And he answered: Art thou through such affairs, and corrupted,
Lord, because they ask without without sense that thou dost not and broken.
doubting. But he that doubts, understand it? For sadness is the
shall hardly live unto God, except most mischievous of all spirits, 11 As good vines if they are
he repent. and the worst to the servants of neglected, are oppressed with weeds
God: It destroys the spirits of all and thorns, and at last killed by
6 Wherefore purify thy heart men, and torments the Holy Spirit, them; so are the men who believe
from doubting, and put on faith, and it saves again. such spirits.
and trust in God, and thou shall
receive all that thou shalt ask. 3 Sir, said I, I am very foolish, 12 They fall into many actions
But if thou shouldest chance to and understand not these things. and businesses, and are void of
ask something, and not immediately I cannot apprehend how it can sense, and when they think of
receive it, yet do not therefore torment, and yet save. Hear, said things pertaining unto God, they
doubt, because thou hast not he, and understand. They who understand nothing at all; but
presently received the petition never sought out the truth, nor at any time they chance to hear
of thy soul. inquired concerning the majesty any thing concerning the Lord,
of God, but only believed, are their thoughts are upon their
7 For it may be thou shalt not involved in the affairs of the business.
presently receive it for thy trial, heathen.
or else for some sin which thou 13 But they that have the fear
knowest not. But do not thou 4 And there is another lying of the Lord, and search out the
leave off to ask, and then thou prophet that destroys the minds truth concerning God, having all
shalt receive. Else if thou shalt of the servants of God; that is their thoughts towards the Lord;
cease to ask, thou must complain of those that are doubtful, not of apprehend whatsoever is said to
of thyself, and not of God, that he those that fully trust in the Lord. them, and forthwith understand
has not given unto thee what thou Now those doubtful persons come it, because they have the fear
didst desire. to him, as to a divine spirit, and of the Lord in them.
inquire of him what shall befall
8 Consider therefore this doubting them. 14 For where the spirit of the
how cruel and pernicious it is; Lord dwells, there is also much
and how it utterly roots out many 5 And this lying prophet, having understanding added. Wherefore
from the faith, who were very no power in him of the Divine join thyself to the Lord, and thou
faithful and firm. For this doubting Spirit, answers them according to shalt understand all things.
is the daughter of the Devil, and their demands, and fills their souls
deals very wickedly with the with promises according as they 15 Learn now, O unwise man!
servants of God. desire. Howbeit that prophet is how sadness troubleth the Holy
vain, and answers vain things to Spirit, and how it saves. When
9 Despise it therefore, and thou those who are themselves vain. a man that is doubtful is engaged
shalt rule over it on every occasion. in any affair, and does not
Put on a firm and powerful faith: 6 And whatsoever is asked of accomplish it by reason of his
for faith promises all things him by vain men, he answers them doubting; this sadness enters
and perfects all things. But vainly; nevertheless he speaketh into him, and grieves the Holy
doubting will not believe that it some things truly. For the Devil Spirit, and makes him sad.
shall obtain any thing by all that fills him with his spirit, that he
it can do. may overthrow some of the 16 Again anger, when it over.
righteous. takes any man for any business he
10. Thou seest therefore, says is greatly moved; and then again
he, how faith cometh from above 7 Whosoever therefore are sadness entereth into the heart of
from God; and hath great power. strong in the faith of the Lord, him, who was moved with anger,

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and he is troubled for what he hath HE showed me certain men earthly spirit, which is empty and
done, and repenteth, because he sitting upon benches, and foolish, and without virtue. And
hath done amiss. one sitting in a chair: and he said first of all the man who is supposed
unto me; Seest thou those who sit to have the Spirit, (whereas he hath
17 This sadness therefore seemeth upon the benches? Sir, said I, it not in reality), exalteth himself,
to bring salvation, because he I see them. He answered, They and desires to have the first seat,
repenteth of his evil deed. But are the faithful; and he who sits and is wicked, and full of words.
both the other things, namely, in the chair is an earthly spirit.
doubting and sadness, such as 10 And spends his time in pleasure,
before was mentioned, vex the 2 For he cometh not into the and in all manner of voluptuousness,
spirit: doubting, because his assembly of the faithful, but avoids and receives the reward of his
work did not succeed; and sadness, it. But he joins himself to the divination; which if he receives
because he angered the Holy Spirit. doubtful and empty; and prophesies not, he does not divine.
to them in corners and hidden places;
18 Remove therefore sadness and pleases them by speaking according 11 Should the Spirit of God
from thyself, and afflict not the to all the desires of their hearts. receive reward, and divine? It doth
Holy Spirit which dwelleth in not become a prophet of God so to
thee, lest he entreat God, and 3 For he placing himself among do.
depart from thee. For the spirit empty vessels, is not broken, but
of the Lord which is given to the one fitteth the other. But 12 Thus you seethe life of each
dwell in the flesh, endureth no when he cometh into the company of these kind of prophets. Wherefore
such sadness. of just men, who are full of the prove that man by his life and works,
spirit of God, and they pray unto who says that he hath the Holy Spirit.
19 Wherefore clothe thyself the Lord; that man is emptied, And believe the Spirit which comes
with cheerfulness, which has always because that earthly spirit flies from God, and has power as such.
favour with the Lord, and thou shalt from him, and he is dumb, and But believe not the earthly and
rejoice in it. For every cheerful cannot speak anything. empty spirit, which is from the
man does well; and relishes those devil, in whom there is no faith
things that are good, and despises 4 As if in a store-house you nor virtue.
sadness. shall stop up wine or oil, and
among those vessels place an 13 Hear now the similitude
20 But the sad man does always empty jar; and when afterwards which I am about to speak unto
wickedly. First, he doth wickedly, you come to open it, you shall thee. Take a stone, and throw it
because he grieveth the Holy Spirit, find it empty as you stopped it up; up towards heaven; or take a
which is given to man being of a so those empty prophets when spout of water, and mount it up
cheerful nature. And again he does they come among the spirits of thitherward; and see if thou
ill, because be prays with sadness the just, are found to be such as canst reach unto heaven.
unto the Lord, and maketh not first they came.
a thankful acknowledgment unto him 14 Sir; said I, how can this be
of former mercies, and obtains not 5 I said, How then shall a done? For neither of those things
of God what he asks. man be able to discern them? which you have mentioned, are
Consider what I am going to say possible to be done. And he
21 For the prayer of a sad man concerning both kinds of men; answered, Therefore as these things
has not always efficacy to come up and as I speak unto thee so shalt cannot be done, so is the earthy
to the altar of God. And I said thou prove the prophet of God, spirit without virtue, and without
unto him, Sir, why has not the and the false prophet. effect.
prayer of a sad man virtue to come
up to the altar of God? Because, 6 And first try the man who 15 Understand yet farther the
said he, that sadness remaineth in hath the spirit of God, because power which cometh from above,
his heart. the spirit which is from above is in this similitude. The grains of
humble, and quiet, and departs hail that drop down are exceedingly
22 When therefore a man's from all wickedness; and from the small; and yet when they fall upon
prayer shall be accompanied with vain desires of the present world; the head of a man, how do they
sadness, it will not suffer his and makes himself more humble cause pain to it.
requests to ascend pure to the altar than all men; and answers to none
of God. For as wine when it is when he is asked; nor to every 16 And again, consider, the
mingled with vinegar, has not the one singly: for the Spirit of God droppings of a house; how the
sweetness it had before; so sadness doth not speak to a man when he little drops falling upon the earth,
being mixed with the Holy Spirit, will, but when God pleases. work a hollow in the stones.
suffers not a man's prayer to be
the same as it would be otherwise. 7 When therefore a man who hath 17 So in like manner the least
the Spirit of God hath come into things which come from above,
23 Wherefore cleanse thyself the church of the righteous, who and fall upon the earth, have great
from sadness, which is evil, and have the faith of God, and they force. Wherefore join thyself
thou shalt live unto God. And all pray unto the Lord; then the holy to this spirit, which has the
others shall live unto God, as many angel of God fills that man with power; and depart from the other
as shall lay aside sadness, and put the blessed Spirit, and he speaks which is empty.
on cheerfulness. in the congregation as he is moved
of God.

8 Thus therefore is the spirit, COMMAND XII.


COMMAND XI. of God known, because whosoever
speaketh by the Spirit of God, Of a two fold desire: that the commands of God,
That the spirits and prophets are to be speaketh as the Lord will. are not impossible: and that the devil is not
tried by their works; and of a twofold, spirit. to be feared by them that believe.
9 Hear now concerning the

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AGAIN he said unto me; and given him all power, that he
remove from thee all evil 10 And I said, Sir, I would should be able to fulfil all these
desires, and put on good and know how to serve that desire commands.
holy desires. For having put on a which is good? Hearken, said he,
good desire, thou shalt hate that Fear God, and put thy trust in 20 He is able, said he, to fulfil
which is evil, and bridle it as thou him, and love truth, and all these commands, who has the
wilt. But an evil desire is dreadful, righteousness, and do that Lord in his heart; but they who
and hard to be tamed. which is good. have the Lord only in their mouths,
their hearts are hardened, and
2 It is very horrible and wild; 10 If thou shalt do these things, they are far from the Lord: to
and by its wildness consumes men. thou shall be an approved servant such persons these commands are
And especially if a servant of God of God, and serve him; and all hard and difficult.
shall chance to fall into it, except others who shall in like manner
he be very wise, he is ruined by serve a good desire, shall live unto 21 Therefore, ye that are empty
it. For it destroys those who have God. and light in the faith, put the
not the garment of a good desire Lord your God in your hearts;
and are engaged in the affairs of 12 And when he had fulfilled and ye shall perceive how that
this present world; and delivers these twelve commands, he said nothing is more easy than these
them unto death. unto me, Thou hast now these commands, nor more pleasant, nor
commands, walk in them; and exhort more gentle and holy.
3 Sir, said I, what are the works those that hear them, to repent,
of an evil desire, which bring men and that they keep their 22 And turn yourselves to the
unto death? Shew them to me that repentance pure all the Lord your God, and forsake the
I may depart from them. Hear, said he, remaining days of their life. devil and his pleasures, because
by what works an evil desire bringeth they are evil, and bitter, and
the servants of God unto death. 13 And fulfil diligently this impure. And fear not the devil,
ministry which I commit to thee, because he has no power over you.
4 First of all, it is an evil desire and thou shalt receive great
to covet another man's wife, or advantage by it, and find favour 23 For I am with you, the
for a woman to covet another's with all such as shall repent messenger of repentance, who have
husband; as also to desire the and believe thy words. For I am the dominion over him. The devil
dainties of riches; and multitude with thee, and will force them doth indeed affright men but his
of superfluous meats; and drunkenness; to believe. terror is vain. Wherefore fear
and many delights. him not, and he will flee from you.
14 And I said unto him, Sir,
5 For in much delicacy there is these commands are great and 24 And I said unto him; Sir,
folly; and many pleasures are excellent, and able to cheer the hear me speak a few words unto
needless to the servants of God. heart of that man that shall be you. He answered, Say on: A
Such lusting therefore is evil and able to keep them. But, Sir, man indeed desires to keep the
pernicious, which brings to death I cannot tell, whether they can commandments of God, and there
the servants of God. For all such be observed by any man? is no one but what prays unto God,
lusting is from the devil. that he may be able to keep his
15 He answered, Thou shalt commandments;
6 Whosoever therefore shall easily keep these commands, and
depart from all evil desires, they shall not be hard: howbeit, 25 But the devil is hard, and
shall live unto God; but they if thou shalt suffer it once to by his power rules over the servants
that are subject unto them shall enter into thine heart that they of God. And he said; He cannot
die forever. For this evil lusting cannot be kept by any one, thou rule over the servants of God,
is deadly. Do thou therefore put shalt not fulfil them. who trust in him with all their
on the desire of righteousness, hearts.
and being armed with the fear of 16 But now I say unto thee,
the Lord resist all wicked lusting. if thou shalt not observe these 26 The devil may strive, but he
commands, and shall neglect them, cannot overcome them.
7 For this fear dwelleth in good thou shalt not be saved, nor thy
desires; and, when evil coveting children, nor thy house: because 27 For if ye resist him, he will
shall see thee armed with the fear thou hast judged that these flee away with confusion from you.
of the Lord, and resisting it; it commands cannot be kept by man. But they that are not full in the
will fly far from thee, and not faith, fear the devil, as if he had
appear before thee, but be afraid 17 These things he spake some great power. For the devil
of thy armour. very angrily unto me, insomuch tries the servants of God and if he
that he greatly affrighted me, finds them empty, he destroys
8 And thou shall have the victory, for he changed his countenance them.
so that a man could not bear his
and be crowned for it; and shall anger. 28 For as man, when he fills up
attain to that desire which is vessels with good wine, and among
good; and shall give the victory 18 And when he saw me altogether them puts a few vessels half full,
which thou hast obtained unto troubled and confounded, he began and comes to try and taste of the
God, and shall serve him in doing to speak more moderately and vessels, doth not try those that are
what thou thyself wouldest do. cheerfully, saying, O foolish, full, because he knows that they
and without understanding! are good, but tastes those that are
9 For if thou shalt serve good half full, lest they should grow
desires, and be subject to them; 19 Unconstant, not knowing sour; (for vessels half full soon
then thou shalt be able to get the the majesty of God how great and grow sour, and lose the taste of
dominion over thy wicked lustings; wonderful he is; who created the wine:) so the devil comes to the
and they will be subject to thee, world for man, and hath made servants of God to try them.
as thou wilt. every creature subject unto him;

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29 They that are full of faith 9 But what ye shall do for the
resist him stoutly, and he departs AND he said onto me; Ye know name of the Lord, ye shall find
from them, because he finds no that ye who are the servants in your city, and shall have joy
place where to enter into them of the Lord, live here as in without sadness or fear. Wherefore
then he goes to those that are not a pilgrimage; for your city covet not the riches of the heathen;
full of faith, and because he has a is far off from this city. for they are destructive to the
place of entrance he goes into servants of God.
them, and does what he will with 2 If, therefore, ye know your
them, and they become his servants. city in which ye are to dwell, 10 But trade with your own riches
why do ye here buy estates, and which you possess, by which ye may
30 But I, the messenger of provide yourselves with delicacies, attain unto everlasting joy.
repentance, say unto you, fear not and stately buildings, and
the devil, for I am sent unto you, superfluous houses? For he that
that I may be with you, as many provides himself these things 11 And do not commit adultery,
as shall repent with your whole in this city, does not think nor touch any other man's wife,
heart, and that I may confirm you of returning into his own city. nor desire her; but covet that
in the faith. which is thy own business, and
3 O foolish, and doubtful, and thou shalt be saved.
31 Believe therefore, ye who wretched man; who understandest
by reason of your transgressions not that all these things belong
have forgot God and your own to other men, and are under the
salvation; and adding to your power of another. For the Lord SIMILITUDE II.
sins have made your life very of this city saith unto thee;
heavy. Either obey my laws, or depart As the vine is supported by the elm,
out of my city. so is the rich man helped by the prayers of the
32 That if ye shall turn to the poor.
Lord with your whole hearts, and 4 What therefore shalt thou do
shall serve him according to his who art subject to a law in thine AS I was walking into the field,
will; he will heal you of your own city? Canst thou for thy and considered the elm and
former sins, and ye shall have estate, or for any of those things the vine, and thought with myself
dominion over all the works of the which thou hast provided, deny of their fruits, an angel appeared
devil. thy law? But if thou shalt deny unto me, and said unto me; What
it, and wilt afterwards return into is it that thou thinkest upon thus
33 Be not then afraid in the thy own city, thou shalt not be long within thyself?
least of his threatenings, for they received, but shall be excluded
are without force, as the nerves of thence. 2 And I said unto him, Sir, I
a dead man. But hearken unto think of this vine and this elm
me, and fear the Lord Almighty, 5 See therefore, that like a man because their fruits are fair.
who is able to save and to destroy in another country, thou procure And he said unto me; These two
you; and keep his commands, that no more to thyself than what is trees are set for a pattern to
ye may live unto God. necessary, and sufficient for thee; the servants of God.
and be ready, that when the God
34 And I said unto him; Sir, or Lord of this city shall drive 3 And I said unto him, Sir, I
I am now confirmed in all the thee out of it thou mayest oppose would know in what the pattern
commands of the Lord whilst you his law, and go into thine own of these trees which thou mentionest,
are with me, and I know that you city; where thou mayest with all does consist. Hearken, saith he;
will break all the powers of the cheerfulness live according to seest thou this vine and this
devil. thine own law with no wrong. elm? Sir, said I, I see them.

35 And we also shall overcome 6 Take heed therefore ye that 4 This vine, saith he, is fruitful,
him, if we shall be able, through serve God, and have him in your but the elm is a tree without fruit.
the help of the Lord, to keep these hearts: work ye the works of Nevertheless this vine unless it
commands which you have delivered. God, being mindful both of his were set by this elm, and supported
commands and of his promises, by it, would not bear much
36 Thou shalt keep them, said which he has promised; and be fruit; but lying along upon the
he, if thou shalt purify thy heart assured that he will make them ground, would bear but ill fruit,
towards the Lord. And all they good unto you; if ye shall keep because it did not hang upon the
also shall keep them who shall his commandments. elm; whereas, being supported
cleanse their hearts from the vain upon the elm, it bears fruit both
desires of the present world, and 7 Instead therefore of the for itself and for that.
shall live unto God. possessions that ye would otherwise
purchase, redeem those that are 5 See, therefore, how the elm
in want from their necessities, gives no less, but rather more
as every one is able; justify the fruit, than the vine. How, Sir,
widows; judge the cause of the said I, does it bear more fruit
fatherless; and spend your riches than the vine? Because, said he,
and your wealth in such works as the vine being supported upon
THE THIRD PART OF THE these. the elm gives both much and good
BOOK OF HERMAS, CALLED HIS fruit; whereas, if it lay along
SIMILITUDES. 8 For this end has God enriched upon the ground, it would bear
you, that ye might fulfil these but little, and that very ill too.
kind of services. It is much
SIMILITUDE I. better to do this, than to buy lands 6 This similitude, therefore,
or houses; because all such things is set forth to the servants of God;
That seeing we have no abiding city in this world, shall perish with this present time. and it represents the rich and poor
we ought to look after that which is to come. man. I answered, Sir, make this

103
manifest unto me. Hear, said he; These trees are like unto the men
the rich man has wealth: howbeit who live in the present world. I 6 Do then, therefore, bring forth
towards the Lord he is poor; for replied: Sir, why are they like good fruit, that in the summer thy
he is taken up about his riches, unto dried trees? Because, said fruit may be known; and keep
and prays but little to the Lord; he, neither the righteous, nor thyself from much business, and
and the prayers which he makes unrighteous, are known from one thou shalt not offend. For they
are lazy and without force. another; but all are alike in this who are involved in much business,
present world. sin much; because they are taken
7 When therefore, the rich man up with their affairs, and
reaches out to the poor those 3 For this world is as the winter serve not God.
things which he wants, the poor to the righteous men, because
man prays unto the Lord for the they are not known, but dwell 7 And how can a man that does
rich; and God grants unto the among sinners. not serve God, ask anything of
rich man all good things, because God, and receive it? But they
the poor man is rich in prayer; 4 As in the winter all the trees who serve him, ask and receive
and his requests have great power having lost their leaves, are like what they desire.
with the Lord. dry trees; nor can it be discerned
which are dry and which are green: 8 But if a man has only one
8 Then the rich man ministers so in this present world neither thing to follow, he may serve God,
all thing to the poor, because he the righteous, nor wicked are because his mind is not taken off
perceives that he is heard by the discerned from each other; but they from God, but he serves him with
Lord; and he the more willingly are all alike. a pure mind.
and without doubting, affords him
what he wants, and takes care that 9 If, therefore, thou shalt do
nothing be lacking to him. this, thou mayest have fruit in
SIMILITUDE IV. the world to come; and as many as
9 And the poor man gives shall do in like manner, shall
thanks unto the Lord for the rich; As in the summer the living trees are bring forth fruit.
because they both do their work distinguished
from the Lord. from the dry by their fruit and green leaves;
so in the world to come the righteous shall be
10 With men, therefore, the distinguished from the unrighteous by their SIMILITUDE V.
elm is not thought to give any happiness. Of a true fast, and the rewards of it:
fruit; and they know not, neither also of the cleanliness of the body.
understand that its company being AGAIN he showed me many
added to the vine, the vine bears a other trees, of which some AS I was fasting, and sitting
double increase, both for itself and had leaves, and others appeared down in a certain mountain,
for the elm. dry and withered. And he said and giving thanks unto God for all
unto me, Seest thou these trees the things that he had done unto
11 Even so the poor praying I answered, Sir, I see them; some me; behold, I saw the Shepherd,
unto the Lord for the rich, are are dry, and others full of leaves. who was wont to converse with
heard by him; and their riches me, sitting by me, and saying
are increased, because they minister 2 These trees, saith be, which unto me: What has brought thee
to the poor of their wealth. are green, are the righteous, who hither thus early in the morning?
They are, therefore, both made shall possess the world to come. I answered, Sir, to-day I keep a
partakers of each other's good For the world to come, is the summer station.
works. to the righteous; but to sinners
it is the winter. 2 He answered, What is a station;
12 Whosoever, therefore, shall I replied, it is a fast. He said,
do these things, he shall not be 3 When, therefore, the mercy What is that fast? I answered,
forsaken by the Lord, but shall be of the Lord shall shine forth, then I fast as I have been wont to
written in the book of life. they who serve God shall be made do. Ye know not, said he, what
manifest, and plain unto all. For it is to fast unto God; nor is this
13 Happy are they who are rich, as in the summer the fruit of every a fast which ye keep, profiting
and perceive themselves to be tree is shown and made manifest. nothing with God.
increased: for he that is sensible so also the works of the righteous
of this, will be able to minister shall be declared and made manifest, 3 Sir, said I, what makes you
somewhat to others. and they shall all be restored speak thus? He replied, I speak
in that world merry and joyful. it, because it is not the true fast
which you think that you keep;
4 For the other kind of men, but I will show you what that is
SIMILITUDE III. namely the wicked, like the trees which is a complete fast, and
which thou rawest dry, shall, as acceptable unto God.
As the great trees in the winter cannot be such, be found dry and without
distinguished from the dry; so neither can the fruit in that other world; and like 4 Hearken, said he, The Lord
righteous from the wicked in this present world. dry wood shall be burnt; and it does not desire such a needless
shall be made manifest that they fast; for by fasting in this manner,
AGAIN he showed me many have done evil all the time of their thou advancest nothing in
trees whose leaves were shed, life; righteousness.
and which seemed to me to be
withered, for they were all alike. 5 And they shall be burnt because 5 But the true fast is this: Do
And he said unto me, Seest thou they have sinned and have not nothing wickedly in thy life, but
these trees? I said, Sir, I see that repented of their sins. And serve God with a pure mind; and
they look like dry trees. also all the other nations shall keep his commandments, and walk
be burnt, because they have not according to his precepts, nor
2 He answering, said unto me; acknowledged God their Creator. suffer any wicked desire to enter

104
into the mind. to my commands.
16 Then he said to them, I
6 But trust in the Lord, that if indeed promised this servant his 27 I said unto him, sir, whatsoever
thou dost these things, any fearest liberty, if he observed the command thou shall command me, I will observe;
him, and abstaineth from every which I gave him; and he observed it, for I know that thou wilt be with me.
evil work, thou shall live unto and besides has done a good work I will, said he, be with thee who hast
God. to my vineyard, which has exceedingly taken up such a resolution; and I will
pleased me. be with all those who purpose in like
7 If thou shalt do this, thou manner.
shall perfect a great fast, and an 17 Wherefore, for this work
acceptable one unto the Lord. which he hath done, I will make 28 This fast, saith he, whilst
him my heir together with my thou dost also observe the
8 Hearken unto the similitude son; because that when he saw commandments of the Lord, is
which I am about to propose what was good, he neglected it exceeding good; therefore thus
unto thee, as to this matter. not, but did it. shalt thou keep it.

9 A certain man having a farm, 18 This design of the lord both 29 First of all, take heed to
and many servants, planted a vineyard his son and his friends approved, thyself, and keep thyself from every
in a certain part of his estate for namely, that his servant should be wicked act, and from every filthy
his posterity: heir together with his son. word, and from every hurtful desire;
and purify thy mind from all the
10 And taking a journey into 19 Not long after this the master vanity of this present world. If
a far country, chose one of his of the family calling together, his thou shalt observe these things,
servants which he thought the most friends, sent from his supper several this fast shall be right.
faithful and approved, and delivered kinds of food to that servant.
the vineyard into his care; 30 Thus therefore do. Having
commanding him that he should 20 Which when he had received, performed what is before written,
stake up the vines. Which if he he took so much of them as was that day on which thou fastest
did, and fulfilled his command, he sufficient for himself, and divided thou shalt taste nothing at all but
promised to give him his liberty. the rest among his fellow-servants. bread and water; and computing
Nor did he command him to do the quantity of food which thou
any thing more; and so went into 21 Which when they had received, art want to eat upon other days,
a far country. they rejoiced; and wished that thou shalt lay aside the expense
he might find yet greater favour which thou shouldest have made
11 And after that servant had with his lord, for what he had that day, and give it unto the
taken that charge upon him, he done to them. widow, the fatherless, and the
did whatsoever his lord commanded poor.
him. And when he had staked the 22 When his lord heard all these
vineyard, and found it to be full things, he was again filled with 31 And thus thou shalt perfect
of weeds, he began to think within great joy: and calling again his the humiliation of thy soul; that
himself, saying: friends and his son together, he he who receives of it may satisfy
related to them what his servant his soul, and his prayer come up
12 I have done what my lord had done with the meats which he to the Lord God for thee.
commanded me, I will now dig had sent unto him.
this vineyard, and when it is digged, 32 If therefore thou shalt thus
it will be more beautiful; and the 23 They therefore so much the accomplish thy fast, as I command
weeds being pulled up, it will more assented to the master of the thee, thy sacrifice shall be
bring forth more fruit and not be household; and he ought to make acceptable unto the Lord, and thy
choked by the weeds. that servant his heir together with fast shall be written in his book.
his son.
13 So setting about this work 33 This station, thus performed,
he digged it, and plucked up all 24 I said unto him, sir, I know is good and pleasing and acceptable
the weeds that were in it; and so not these similitudes, neither can unto the Lord. These things if thou
the vineyard became very beautiful I understand them, unless you shalt observe with thy children and
and prosperous, not being choked expound them unto me. I will, with all thy house, thou shalt
with weeds. be happy.
says he, expound, all things unto
14 After some time the lord of thee whatsoever I have talked with 34 And whosoever, when they
the vineyard comes and goes into thee, or shown unto thee. hear these things, shall do them,
the vineyard, and when he saw they also shall be happy; and
that it was handsomely staked and 25 Keep the commandments of whatsoever they shall ask of the
digged, and the weeds plucked up the Lord and thou shalt be approved, Lord they shall receive it.
that were in it, and the vines and shall be written in the number
flourishing, he rejoiced greatly at of those that keep his commandments. 35 And I prayed him that he
the care of his servant. But if besides those things which would expound unto me the similitude
the Lord hath commanded, thou shalt of the farm, and the Lord, and of
15 And calling his son whom add some good thing; thou shall the vineyard, and of the servant
he loved, and who was to be his purchase to thyself a greater dignity, that had staked the vineyard;
heir, and his friends with whom and be in more favour with the Lord and of the weeds that were
he was wont to consult; he tells than thou shouldst otherwise have been. plucked out of the vineyard; and
them what he had commanded his of his son and his friends which
servant to do, and what his 26 If therefore thou shalt keep he took into counsel with him;
servant had done more; and they the commandments of the Lord, for I understand that that was
immediately congratulated that and shalt add to them these stations, a similitude.
servant, that he had received so thou shall rejoice; but especially
full a testimony from his lord. if thou shalt keep them according 36 He said unto me, Thou art

105
very bold in asking; for thou the servants of God had
oughtest not to ask any thing; committed. 56 For such a stout course
because if it be fitting to show it pleased God, because he was not
unto thee, it shall be showed unto 47 The food which he sent him defiled in the earth, keeping the
thee. from his supper, are the commands Holy Spirit. He called therefore
which he gave to his people by his to counsel his Son, and the good
37 I answered him; Sir, whatsoever Son. The friends whom he called angels, that there might be some
thou shalt show me, without explaining to counsel with him, are the holy place of standing given to this
it unto me, I shall in vain see it, angels whom he first created. The body which had served the Holy
if I do not understand what it is. absence of the master of the household, Spirit without blame; lest it
And if thou shalt propose any is the time that remains unto should seem to have lost the
similitudes, and not expound them, his coming. reward of its service.
I shall in vain hear them.
48 I said unto him, Sir, all 57 For every pure body shall
38 He answered me again, saying: these things are very excellent, receive its reward; that is found
Whosoever is the servant of God, and wonderful, and good. But, without spot, in which the Holy
and has the Lord in his heart, continued I, could I or any other Spirit has been appointed to dwell.
he desires understanding of him, man besides, though never so wise, And thus you have now the exposition
and receives it; and he explains have understood these things? of this parable also.
every similitude, and understands
the words of the Lord which need 49 Wherefore now, sir, tell me, 58 Sir, said I, I now understand
an inquiry. what I ask. He replied, ask me your meaning, since I have heard
what thou wilt. Why, said I, is this exposition. Hearken farther,
39 But they that are lazy and the Son of God in this parable, said he: keep this thy body clean
slow to pray, doubt to seek from put in the place of a servant. and pure, that the Spirit which
the Lord: although the Lord be of shall dwell in it may bear witness
such an extraordinary goodness, 50 Hearken, he said: the Son unto it, and be judged to have
that without ceasing he giveth all of God is not put in the condition been with thee.
of a servant, but in great power
things to them that ask of him. and authority. I said unto him, 59 Also take heed that it be not
how, sir? I understand it not. instilled into thy mind that this
40 Thou therefore who art
strengthened by that venerable 51 Because, said he, the Son set body perishes, and thou abuse it
messenger, and hast received such his messengers over those whom to any lust. For if thou shalt
a powerful gift of prayer; seeing the Father delivered unto him, to defile thy body, thou shalt also at
thou art not slothful, why dost keep every one of them; but he the same time defile the Holy
thou not now ask understanding of himself laboured very much, and Spirit; and if thou shalt defile
the Lord, and receive it? suffered much, that he might blot the Holy Spirit, thou shall not
out their offences. live.
41 I said unto him; seeing I
have thee present, it is necessary 52 For no vineyard can be digged 60 And I said, What if through
that I should seek it of thee, and without much labour and pains. ignorance this should have been
ask thee; for thou shewest all Wherefore having blotted out the already committed, before a man
things unto me, and speakest to sins of his people, he showed to heard these words; How can he
me when thou art present. them the paths of life, giving attain into salvation, who has thus
them the law which he had defiled his body?
42 But if I should see or hear received of the Father.
these things when thou wert not 61 He replied, As for men's former
present, I would then ask the Lord 53 You see, said he, that he is actions which through ignorance
that he would chew them unto me. the Lord of his people, having they have committed, God only can
received all power from his Father. afford a remedy unto them; for all
43 And he replied, I said a But why the lord did take his the power belongeth unto him.
little before that thou wert subtle son into counsel, about dividing
and bold, in that thou asketh the the inheritance, and the good 62 But now guard thyself; and
meaning of these similitudes. angels, hear now. seeing God is almighty and merciful,
he will grant a remedy to what thou
44 But because thou still persistest, 54 That Holy Spirit, which was hast formerly done amiss, if for the
I will unfold to thee this parable created first of all, he placed in the time, to come thou shalt not defile
which then desirest, that thou mayest body in which God should dwell; thy body and spirit:
make it known unto all men. namely, in a chosen body, as it
seemed good to him. This body 63 For they are companions together,
45 Hear, therefore, said he, therefore into which the Holy and the one cannot be defiled but the
and understand. The farm before Spirit was brought, served that other will be so too. Keep therefore
mentioned denotes the whole earth. Spirit, walking rightly and purely both of them pure, and thou shalt
The Lord of the farm is he, who in modesty; nor ever defiled that live unto God.
created and finished all things; Spirit.
and gave virtue unto them.
55 Seeing therefore the body at
46 His son is the Holy Spirit; all times obeyed the Holy Spirit, SIMILITUDE VI.
the servant is the Son of God: the and laboured rightly and chastely
vineyard is the people whom he with him, nor faltered at anytime; Of two sorts of voluptuous men, and of
saves. The stakes are the messengers that body being wearied conversed their death and defection; and of the
which are set oven them by the Lord, indeed servilely, but being continuance of their pains.
to support his people. The weeds mightily approved to God with
that are plucked up out of the the Holy Spirit, was accepted by AS I was sitting at home, and
vineyard, are the sins which him. praising God for all the things

106
which I had seen; and was thinking with many pleasures, and they perish. had they any rest afforded them.
concerning the commands, that they
were exceedingly good, and great, 11 For they forget the commands 20 And I said unto the shepherd
and honest, and pleasant, and of the living God, and live in that was with me: Sir, who is this
such as were able to bring a man luxury and in vain pleasures, cruel and implacable shepherd, who
to salvation; I said thus within and are corrupted by the evil is moved with no compassion towards
myself, I shall be happy if I walk angel, some of them even unto these sheep? He answered, This
according to these commands; and death; and others to a falling shepherd is indeed one of the holy
whosoever shall walk in them shall away. angels, but is appointed for the
live unto God. punishment of sinners.
12 I replied; I understand not
2 Whilst I was speaking on this 21 To him therefore are delivered
wise within myself, I saw him what you mean, by saying unto those who have erred from God,
whom I had before been wont to death, and to a falling away. and served the lusts and pleasures
see, sitting by me; and he spake Hear, says he; all those sheep of this world. For this cause he
thus unto me: which thou sawest exceeding punishes them every one according
joyful, are such as have for ever to their deserts, with cruel and
3 What doubtest thou concerning departed from God, and given various kinds of pains.
my commands which I have delivered selves up to the lusts of this
unto thee? They are good, doubt not, present time. 22 Sir, said I, I would know
but trust in the Lord, and thou shalt what kind of pains they are which
walk in them; for I will give thee 13 To these therefore there is every one undergoes? Hearken,
strength to fulfil them. no return, by repentance, unto said he; The several pains and
life; because, to their other sins torments are those which men
4 These commands are profitable they have added this, that they every day undergo in their present
to those who shall repent of the have blasphemed the name of the lives. For some suffer losses;
sins which they have formerly lord: These kind of men are others poverty; others divers
committed; if for the time to come ordained unto death. sicknesses. Some are unsettled; others
they shall not continue in them. suffer injuries from those that are
14 But those sheep which thou unworthy; others fall under many
5 Whosoever therefore ye be sawest not leaping, but feeding in other trials and inconveniences.
one place; are such as have indeed
that repent, cast away from you given themselves up to pleasure 23 For many with an unsettled
the naughtiness of the present and delights; but have not spoken design at many things, and it
world; and put on all virtue, and anything wickedly against the Lord. profiteth them not; and they say
righteousness, and so shall ye be that they have not success in their
able to keep these commands; 15 These therefore are only undertakings.
and not sin from henceforth any fallen off from the truth, and so
more. have yet hope laid up for them in 24 They do not call to their
mind what they have done amiss,
6 For if ye shall keep yourselves repentance. For such a falling off and they complain of the Lord.
from sin for the time to come, hath some hope still left of a When therefore they shall have
ye shall cut off a great deal renewal; but they that are dead, undergone all kind of vexation
of your former sins. Walk in my are utterly gone for ever. and inconvenience; then they are
commands, and ye shall live unto delivered over to me for good
God: These things have I spoken 16 Again we went a little farther instruction, and are confirmed
unto you. forward, and he showed me a great in the Faith of the Lord, and
shepherd, who had as it were a rustic serve the Lord all the rest of
7 And when he, had said this, figure; clad with a white goat's skin, their days with a pure mind.
he added; let us go into the field, having his bag upon his shoulder,
and I will show thee shepherds of and in his hand a stick full of knots, 25 And when they begin to repent
sheep. I replied, sir, let us go. and very hard, and a whip in his other of their sins, then they call to
hand; and his countenance was stern and mind their works which they have
8 And we came into a certain sour, enough to affright a man; done amiss, and give honour to
field, and there he showed me a such was his look. God, saying, that he is a just
young shepherd, finely arrayed, Judge, and they have deservedly
with his garments of a purple 17 He took from that young suffered all things according to
colour. And he fed large flocks; shepherd such sheep as lived in their deeds.
and his sheep were full of pleasure, pleasures, but did not skip up and
and in much delight and cheerfulness; down; and drove them into a 26 Then for what remains of
and they skipping, ran here and there. certain steep craggy place fall of their lives, they serve God with a
thorns and briars, insomuch that pure mind; and have success in
9 And the shepherd took very they could not get themselves free all their undertakings, and receive
great satisfaction in his flock; and from them: from the Lord whatever they desire.
the countenance of that shepherd
was cheerful, running up and down 18 But being entangled in them, 27 And then they give thanks
among his flock. fed upon thorns and briars, and unto the Lord that they were
were grievously tormented with delivered unto me; nor do they
10 Then the angel said unto his whipping. For he still drove suffer any more cruelty.
me, Seest then this shepherd? them on, and afforded them not
I answered, sir, I see him. any place, or time, to stand still. 28 I said unto him; Sir, I entreat
He said unto me, this is the you still to show me now one thing.
messenger of delight and pleasure. 19 When therefore I saw them so What, said he, dost thou ask?
He therefore corrupts the minds cruelly whipped and afflicted, I said unto him; Are they who
of the servants of God, and turns I was grieved for them; because depart from the fear of God,
them from the truth, delighting them they were greatly tormented, nor tormented for the same time that

107
they enjoyed their false delight
and pleasures? He answered me; 38 Whosoever therefore have 5 But thy house hath committed
they are tormented for the same delivered themselves over to such many sins and offences, and therefore
time. pleasures, are thus punished; because that good messenger being grieved
that when they had life, they rendered at their doings commanded that for
29 And I said unto him; They themselves liable to death. some time thou shouldst suffer
are then tormented but little; affliction; that they may both
whereas they who enjoy their 39 I said unto him; Sir, what repent of what they have done, and
pleasures so as to forget God, pleasures are hurtful? He answered; may wash themselves from all the
ought to endure seven times as That is pleasure to every man lusts of this present world.
much punishment. which he doth willingly.
6 When therefore they shall have
30 He answered me; Thou art 40 For the angry man, gratifying repented, and be purified, then that
foolish, neither understandest thou his passion, perceives pleasure messenger which is appointed over
the efficacy of this punishment. in it; and so the adulterer, and thy punishment, shall depart from
I said unto him; Sir, if I understood drunkard; the slanderer and liar; thee.
it, I would not desire you to tell me. the covetous man and the defrauder;
and whosoever commits anything like 7 I said unto him; Sir, if they
31 Hearken, said he, and learn unto these, he followeth his evil have behaved themselves so as to
what the force of both is, both of disposition, because he receives anger that good angel, yet what
the pleasure and of the punishment. a satisfaction in the doing of it. have I done? He answered: They
An hour of pleasure is terminated cannot otherwise be afflicted,
within its own space: but one hour 41 All these pleasures and delights unless thou, who art the head
of punishment has the efficacy of are hurtful to the servants of God. of the family, suffer.
thirty days. Whosoever therefore For these therefore they are tormented
enjoys his false pleasure for one day, and suffer punishment. 8 For whatsoever thou shalt
and is one day, tormented; that one suffer, they must needs feel it
day of punishment is equivalent to 42 There are also pleasures that but as long as thou shalt stand
a whole year's space. bring salvation unto men. For many, well established, they cannot
when they do what is good, find experience any vexation.
32 Thus look how many days pleasure in it, and are attracted
any one pursues his pleasures, so by the delights of it. 9 I replied; But, sir, behold
many years is he punished for it.
You see therefore how that the 43 Now this pleasure is profitable they also now repent with all their
time of worldly enjoyments is but to the servants of God, and brings hearts. I know, says he, that they
short; but that of pain and torments, life to such men; but those hurtful repent with all their hearts; but
a great deal more. pleasures, which were before mentioned, dost thou therefore think that their
bring torments and punishment. offences who repent, are immediately
33 I replied; Sir, forasmuch as blotted out.
I do not understand at all these 44 And whosoever shall continue
times of pleasure and pain; I in them, and shall not repent of 10 No, they are not presently;
entreat you that you would explain what they have done, shall bring but he that repents must afflict his
yourself more clearly concerning death upon themselves. soul and show himself humble in
them. He answered me, saying; all his affairs, and undergo many
Thy foolishness still sticks unto and divers vexations.
thee.
SIMILITUDE VII. 11 And when he shall have suffered
34. Shouldst thou not rather all things that were appointed for him;
purify thy mind, and serve God? That they who repent, must bring forth, then perhaps HE that made him, and
Take heed, lest when thy time is fruits worthy of repent once. formed all things besides, will be
fulfilled, thou be found still moved with compassion towards him,
unwise. Hear then, as thou desirest, AFTER a few days I saw the and afford him some remedy; and
that thou mayest the more easily same person that before talked especially if HE shall perceive
understand. with me, in the same field, in his heart who repents, to be free
which I had seen those shepherds, from every evil work.
35 He that gives himself up one And he said unto me; What seekest
day to his pleasures and delights, thou? Sir, said I, I came to entreat 12 But at present it is expedient
and does whatsoever his soul desires, you that You would command the for thee, and for thy house, to be
is full of great folly, nor understands shepherd, who is the minister of grieved; and it is needful that
what he does, but the day following punishment, to depart out of my thou shouldst endure much vexation,
forgets what he did the day before. house, because he greatly afflicts as the angel of the Lord who committed
me. thee unto me, has commanded.
36 For delight and worldly
pleasure are not kept in memory, 3 And he answered, It is necessary 13 Rather give thanks unto the
by reason of the folly that is rooted for thee to endure inconveniencies Lord, that knowing what was to
in them. But when pain and torment and vexations; for so that good angel come he thought thee worthy, to
befall a man a day, he is in effect hath commanded concerning thee, whom he should foretell that trouble
troubled the whole year after; because he would try thee. was coming upon thee, who art able
because his punishment continues to bear it.
firm in his memory. 4 Sir, said I; What so great
offence have I committed, that I 14 I said unto him; Sir, but be
37 Wherefore he remembers it should be delivered to this messenger? thou also with me, and I shall
with sorrow the whole year; and Hearken, said he: Thou art indeed easily undergo any trouble. I will,
then calls to mind his vain pleasure guilty of many sins, yet not so said he, be with thee; and I will
and delight, and perceives that for many that thou shouldest be entreat the messenger who is set
the sake of that he was punished. delivered to this messenger. over thy punishment, that he

108
would moderate his afflictions Others gave in their rods dry the shepherd that was with me,
towards thee. indeed, but not touched with the I go my way; but do thou send
moth: these also he ordered to be these within the walls, every one
15 And moreover thou shalt set by themselves. into the place in which he has
suffer adversity but for a little deserved to dwell; examining first
time; and then thou shalt again 7 Others gave in their rods half their rods, but examine them
be restored to thy former state; dry; these also were set apart, diligently that no one deceive thee;
only continue on in the humility Others gave in their rods half dry and if any one shall escape thee,
of thy mind. and cleft; these too were set by I will try them upon the altar.
themselves. Others brought in Having said this to the shepherd,
16 Obey the Lord with a pure their rods half dry and half green, he departed.
heart; thou, and thy house, and and these were in like manner
thy children; and walk in the placed by themselves. 16 After he was gone, the shepherd
commands which I have delivered said unto me; Let us take the rods
unto thee; and then thy repentance 8 Others delivered up their rods from them, and plant them; if
may be firm and pure. two parts green, and the third perchance they may grow green again.
dry; and they too were set apart. I said unto him; Sir, how can those
17 And if thou shalt keep Others brought their rods two dry rods ever grow green again?
these things with thy house, thy parts dry, and the third green;
inconveniencies shall depart from thee. and were also placed by themselves. 17 He answered me; That tree.
is a willow, and always loves to
18 And all vexation shall in like 9 Others delivered up their rods live. If therefore these rods shall
manner depart from those, whosoever less dry (for there was but a very be planted, and receive a little
shall walk according to these commands. little, to wit, their tops dry), but moisture, many of them will
they had clefts, and these were set recover themselves.
in like manner by themselves. In
the rods of others there was but a 18 Wherefore I will try, and
SIMILITUDE VIII. little green, and the rest dry; and will pour water upon them, and if
these were set aside by themselves. any of them can live, I will rejoice
That there are many kinds of elect, and of with them; but if not, at least by
repenting sinners: and how all of these shall 10 Others came, and brought this means I shall be found not
receive a reward proportionable to the measure their rods green as they had to have neglected my part.
of their repentance and good works. received them, and the greatest
part of the people brought their 19 Then he commanded me to
AGAIN he showed me a willow rods thus; and the messenger call them; and they all came
which covered the fields and greatly rejoiced at these, and they unto him, every one in the rank
the mountains, under whose shadow also were put apart by themselves. in which he stood, and gave him
came all such as were called by their rods; which having received
the name of the Lord. 11 Others brought in their rods he planted every one of them in
not only green, but full of branches; their several orders.
2 And by that willow stood an. and these were set aside, being
angel of the Lord very excellent also received by the angel 20 And after he had planted
and lofty, and did cut down bows with great joy. Others brought them all, he poured much water
from the willow with a great their rods green with branches, upon them, insomuch that they
hook; and reached out to the people and those also some fruit upon were covered with water, and did
that were under the shadow of the them. not appear above it. Then when
willow, little rods, as it were he had watered them, he said unto
about a foot long. 12 They who had such rods, me; Let us depart, and after a
were very cheerful; and the angel little time we will return and visit
3 And when all of them had himself took great joy at them; them.
taken them, he laid aside his hook, nor was the shepherd that stood
and the tree continued entire, as I with me, less pleased with them. 21 For he who created this tree,
had before seen it; at which I would have all those live that
wondered, and mused within myself. 13 Then the angel of the Lord received rods from it. And I hope
commanded crowns to be brought, now that these rods are thus
4 Then that shepherd said unto and the crowns were brought made watered, many of them receiving
me; Forbear to wonder that the of palms; and the angel crowned in the moisture, will recover:
tree continues whole, those men in whose rods he found
not-with-standing so many boughs have the young branches with fruit, and 22 I said unto him, Sir, tell
been cut off from it: but stay a commanded them to go into the me what this tree denotes? For I
little, for now it shall be shown tower. am greatly astonished, that after
thee, what that angel means, who so many branches have been cut
gave those rods to the people. 14 He also sent those into the off, it seems still to be whole:
tower, in whose hands he found nor does there any thing the less
5 So he again demanded the branches without fruit, giving a of it appear to remain, which
rods of them; and in the same seal unto them. For they had the greatly amazes me.
order that every one had received same garment, that is, one white
them, was he called to him, and as snow; with which he bade them 23 He answered, Hearken. This
restored his rod; which when he go into the tower And so he did great tree which covers the plains
had received, he examined them. to those who returned their rods and the mountains, and all the
green as they had received them; earth, is the law of God, published
6 From some he received them giving them a white garment, and throughout the whole world.
dry and rotten, and as it were so sent them away to go into the
touched with the moth; those he tower. 24 Now this law is the Son of
commanded to be separated from God, who is preached to all the
the rest, and placed by themselves. 15 Having done this, he said to ends of the earth. The people

109
that stand under its shadow, are 34 And he brought me into the
those which have heard his preaching, field, and I called them all, 43 Then they reached in their
and believed. and they all stood ready in their rods, in which there was before
several ranks. Then he said unto but a little green, and the rest
25 The great and venerable them; let every one pluck up his dry. Their rods were for the
angel which you saw, was Michael rod, and bring it unto me. And most part found green, having
who had the power over his people, first they delivered theirs, whose little boughs, with fruit upon
and governs them. For he has rods had been dry and rotten. them; and the rest altogether
planted the law in the hearts green.
of those who have believed: and 35 And those whose rods still
therefore he visits them to whom continued so, he commanded to 44 And the shepherd upon sight
lie has given the law, to see if stand apart. Then they came of these rejoiced exceedingly,
they have kept it. whose rods had been dry but not because he had found them thus;
rotten. Some of these delivered. and they also went to their
26 And he examines every in their rods green; others dry proper orders.
one's rod; and of those, many that and rotten, as if they had been
are weakened: for those rods are touched by the moth. 45 Now after he had examined
the law of the Lord. Then he discerns all their rods, he said unto me,
all those who have not kept the law, 36 Those who gave them up I told thee that this tree loved
knowing the place of every one of them. green, he commanded to stand life thou seest how many have
apart: but those whose rods were repented, and attained unto
27 I said unto him, Sir, why dry and rotten, he caused to stand salvation. Sir, said I, I see it.
did he send away some to the with the first sort. Then came
tower, and left others here to you? they whose rods had been half 46 That thou mightest know
He replied, those who have dry, and cleft: many of these saith he, that the goodness and
transgressed the law, which they gave up their rods green, and mercy of the Lord is great, and
received from him, are left in my uncleft. to be had in honour; who gave
power, that they may repent of his spirit to them that were found
their sins: but they who fulfilled 37 Others delivered them up worthy of repentance.
this law and kept it, are under his green with branches, like unto
power. theirs who went crowned into the 47 I answered, Sir, why then
tower. Others delivered them did not all of them repent? He
28 But who then, said I, are up dry, but not rotten; and some replied, Those whose minds the
those, who went into the tower gave them up as they were before, Lords foresaw would be pure, and
crowned? He replied, all such as all dry, and cleft. that they would serve him with
having striven with the devil, have all their hearts, to them he gave
overcome him, are crowned: and 38 Every one of these he ordered repentance.
they are those, who have suffered to stand apart; some by themselves,
hard things, that they might keep others in their respective ranks. 48 But for those whose deceit
the law. and wickedness he beheld, and
32 Then came they whose rods perceived that they would not
29 But they who gave up their had been green, but cleft. These truly return unto him; to them
rods green, and with young delivered their rods altogether he denied any return unto
branches, but without fruit, have green, and stood in their own repentance, lest they should again
indeed endured trouble for the order. And the shepherd rejoiced blaspheme his law with wicked
same law, but have not suffered at these, because they were all words.
death; neither have they denied changed, and free from their
their holy law. clefts. 49 I said unto him; Now, Sir,
make known unto me, what is the
30 They who delivered up their 40 Then they gave in their rods, place of every one of those, who
rods green as they received them, who had them half green and have given up their rods, and
are those who were modest and half dry. Of these some were what their portion; that when
just, and have lived with a found wholly green, others half they may have not kept their seal
very pure mind, and kept the dry: others green, with young entire, but have wasted the seal
commandments of God. shoots. And all these were sent which they received, shall hear
away, every one to his proper and believe these thins, and may
31 The rest thou shalt know, rank. acknowledge their evil deeds and
when I shall have considered those repent;
rods which I have planted and 41 Then they gave up their
watered. rods, who had them before two 50 And receiving again their
parts green, and the third dry. seal from you, may give glory to
32 After a few days we returned, Many of those gave in their rods God, that he was moved with
and in the same place stood that green; many half dry; the rest compassion towards them, and sent
glorious angel, and I stood by him. dry but not rotten. So these were you to renew their spirits.
Then he said unto me; Gird thyself sent away, each to his proper
with a towel, and serve me. place. 51 Hearken, said he; they
whose rods have been found
33 And I girded myself with 42 Then came they who before and rotten, and as it were touched
a clean towel, which was made of had their rods two parts dry and with the moth; are the deserters
coarse cloth. And when he saw the third green; many of these and the betrayers of the church;
me girded, and ready to minister delivered up their rods half dry,
unto him, he said, Call those men others dry and rotten; others half 52 Who with the rest of their
whose rods have been planted, dry and cleft: but few green. And crimes, have also blasphemed the
every one in his order as he Lord, and denied his name when
gave them. all these were set every one in his he had called upon them. Therefore
own rank. all these are dead unto God

110
and thou seest that none of them with one another about these been, are those who have indeed
have repented, although they things. been faithful, but withal rich and
have heard my commands which full of good things; and thereupon
thou hast delivered unto them. 62 Nevertheless, seeing they upon have desired to be famous
From these men therefore life is are otherwise good, if when they among the heathen which are
far distant. shall hear these commands they without, and have thereby fallen
shall amend themselves, and shall into great pride, and begun to
53 They also who have delivered at my persuasion suddenly repent; aim at high matters, and to
up their rods dry, but not rotten, they shall at last dwell in the forsake the truth.
have not been far from them. For tower, like those who have truly
they have been counterfeits, and worthily repented. 71 Nor were they joined to the
and brought in evil doctrines, saints, but lived with the heathen;
and have perverted the servants 63 But if any one shall again and this life seemed the more pleasant
of God, especially those return to his dissension; he shall to them. Howbeit they have not
who had sinned; not suffering be shut out from the tower, and departed from God, but continued
them to return unto repentance, shall lose his life. For the life in the faith; only they have
but keeping them back by their of those who keep the commandments not wrought the works of faith.
false doctrines. of the Lord, consists in doing
what they are commanded; not in 72 Many therefore of these have
54 These therefore have hope; principality, or in any other repented; and begun to dwell in
and thou seest that many of them dignity. the tower. Yet others still living
have repented, since the time among the heathen people, and
that thou hast laid my commands 64 For by forbearance and humility being lifted up with their vanities,
before them; and many more of mind, men shall attain unto life; have utterly fallen away from
will yet repent. But they, that but by seditions and contempt of the God, and followed the works and
shall not repent; shall lose both law, they shall purchase death unto wickedness of the heathen.
repentance and life. themselves. These kind of men therefore are
reckoned among strangers to the
55 But they that have repented, 65 They who in their rods Gospel.
their place is begun to be within had half dry and half green, are
the first walls, and some of them those who are engaged in many 73 Others of these began to be
are even gone into the tower. affairs of the world, and are not doubtful in their minds; despairing
Thou seest therefore, said he, that joined to the saints. For which by reason of their wicked doings
in the repentance of sinners there cause half of them liveth, and ever to attain unto salvation
is life; but for those who repent half is dead. Others being thus made doubtful,
not, death is prepared. did moreover stir up dissensions.
66 Wherefore many of these
56 Hear now concerning since the time that they have 74 To these therefore, and to
those who gave in their rods half heard my commands, have repented, those who by reason of their doings
dry and full of clefts. Those whose and begun to dwell in the tower. are become doubtful, there is still
rods were only half dry, are the But some of them have hope of return; but they must repent
doubtful; for they are neither wholly fallen away; to these there quickly, that their place may be in
living nor dead. is no more place for repentance. the tower. But they that repent not,
and continue still in their pleasures,
57 But they who delivered in 67 For by reason of their present are nigh unto death.
their rods, not only half dry but interests, they have blasphemed
also full of clefts, are both doubtful and denied God: and for this 75 As for those who gave in
and evil speakers; who detract from wickedness they have lost life. their rods green, excepting their
those that are absent, and have And of these many are still in tops, which only were dry, and
never peace among themselves, doubt, yet these may return; and had clefts; these were always
and who envy one another. if they shall quickly repent, they good, and faithful, and upright
shall have a place in the tower; before God: nevertheless they
58 Howbeit, to those also but if they shall be more slow, sinned a little, by reason of their
repentance is offered; for thou they shall dwell within the walls; empty pleasures and trifling
seest that some of these have but if they shall not repent, they thoughts which they had within
repented. shall die. themselves.

59 Now all those of this kind 68 As for those who had two 76 Wherefore many of them
who have quickly repented, shall parts of their rods green, and the when they heard my words,
have a place in the tower; and third dry; they have by manifold repented forthwith, and began to
they who have been more slow in ways denied the Lord. Of these dwell in the tower. Nevertheless
their repentance, shall dwell within many have repented, and found some grew doubtful, and others
the walls: but they that shall a place in the tower: and many to their doubtful minds added
not repent, and shall continue on have altogether departed from dissensions. To these therefore
in their wicked doings, shall die God. These have utterly lost life.
the death. there is still hope of return,
69 And some being in a doubtful because they were always good;
60 As for those who had their state, have raise up dissensions: but they shall not hardly be moved.
rods green, but yet cleft; they these may yet return, if they
are such as were always faithful shall suddenly repent and not 77 As for those, lastly, who
and good, but they had some envy continue in their lusts; but if gave in their rods dry, their tops
and strife among themselves they shall continue in their only excepted, which alone were
concerning dignity and pre-eminence. evil-doing they shall die. green; they are such as have
believed indeed in God, but have
61 Now all such as are vain, and 70 They who gave in their lived in wickedness; yet without
without understanding, contend rods two parts dry, and the other departing from God: having always

111
willingly borne the name of the whosoever saw them could not choose
Lord, and readily received into 2 And because thou wert weak but desire to eat of their fruit.
their houses the servants of God. in body, it was not declared unto
thee by the angel, until thou wert 12 The twelfth mountain was
78 Wherefore hearing these strengthened by the Spirit, and altogether white, and of a most
things they returned, and without increased in force, that thou pleasant aspect, and itself gave a
delay repented, and lived in all mightest also see the angel: most excellent beauty to itself.
righteousness. And some of them
suffered death: others readily 3 For then indeed the building 13 In the middle of the plain
underwent many trials, being of the tower was very well and he showed me a huge white rock,
mindful of their evil doings. gloriously shown unto thee by the which rose out of the plain, and
church; nevertheless thou sawest the rock was higher than those
79 If And when he had ended all things shown unto thee as it mountains, and was square; so
his explications of all the rods, were by a virgin. that it seemed capable of supporting
he said unto me, Go, and say unto the whole world.
all men that they repent, and they 4 But now thou art enlightened
shall live unto God; because the by the angel, and yet by the same 14 It looked to me to be old,
Lord being moved with great Spirit. But thou must consider yet it had in it a new gate, which
clemency hath sent me to preach all things diligently; for therefore seemed to have been newly hewn
repentance unto all: am I sent into thy house by that out of it. Now that gate was
venerable messenger, that when bright beyond the sun itself;
80 Even unto those who by thou shalt have seen all things insomuch, that I greatly wondered
reason of their evil doings, deserve powerfully, thou mayest not be at its light.
not to attain unto salvation. But afraid as before.
the Lord will by patient, and keep 15 About the gate stood twelve
the invitation that was made by 5 And he led me to the height virgins; of which four that stood
his Son. of a mountain in Arcadia, and we at the corners of the gate, seemed
sat upon its top. And he showed to me to be the chiefest, although
81 I said unto him, sir, I hope me a great plain, and about it the rest were also of worth: and
that all when they shall hear these twelve mountains in different they stood in the four parts of the
things, will repent. For I trust figures. gate.
that everyone acknowledging his
crimes, and taking up the fear 6 The first was black as soot. 16 It added also to the grace of
of the Lord, will return unto The second was smooth, without those virgins, that they stood in
repentance. herbs. The third was full of pairs, clothed with linen garments,
thorns and thistles. The fourth and decently girded, their right
82 He said unto me, Whosoever had herbs half dried; of which arms being at liberty, as if they
shall repent with all their the upper part was green, but that were about to lift up some burthen;
hearts, and cleanse themselves next the root was dry; and some for so they were adorned, and were
from all the evils that I have of the herbs, when the sun grew
before mentioned, and not add hot, were dry. exceeding cheerful and ready.
anything more to their sins,
shall receive from the Lord cure 7 The fifth mountain was very 17 When I saw this, I wondered
of their former iniquities, if they do rugged; but yet had green herbs. with myself to see such great
not make any doubt of these commands, The sixth mountain was full of and noble things. And again I
and shall live unto God. clefts, some lesser, and some admired upon the account of those
greater; and in these clefts grew virgins, that they were so handsome
83 But they that shall continue grass, not flourishing, but which and delicate; and stood with such
to add to their transgressions, and seemed to be withering. firmness and constancy, as if they
still converse with the lusts of would carry the whole heaven.
the present world, shall condemn 8 The seventh mountain had
themselves unto death. But do delightful pasture, and was wholly 18 And as I was thinking thus
thou walk in these commands, and fruitful; and all kinds of cattle, within myself, the shepherd said
whosoever shall Walk in these, and and of the birds of heaven; fed unto me; What thickest thou within
exercise them rightly, shall live upon it; and the more they fed thyself? Why art thou disquieted,
unto God. on it, the more and better did the and fillest thyself with care?
grass grow.
84 And having showed me all 19 Do not seem to consider, as
these things, he said; I will show 9 The eighth mountain was full if thou wert wise, what thou doest
thee the rest in a few days. of fountains, and from those not understand, but pray unto the
fountains were watered all kinds of Lord, that thou mayest have ability
the creatures of Cod. The ninth to understand it. What is to come
mountain had no water at all, but thou canst not understand, but
SIMILITUDE IX. was wholly destitute of it; and thou seest that which is before
nourished deadly serpents, very thee.
The greatest mysteries of the militant and destructive to men.
triumphant Church which is to be built. 20 Be not therefore disquieted
10 The tenth mountain was full at those things which thou canst
AFTER I had Written the Commands of tall trees, and altogether shady; not see; but get the understanding
and similitudes of the Shepherd, and under the shade of them lay of those which thou seest.
the Angel of Repentance came unto cattle resting and chewing the cud.
me, and said to me, I will show 21 Forbear to be curious; and
thee all those things which the 11 The eleventh mountain was I will show thee all things that I
Spirit spake with thee under full of the thickest trees, and ought to declare unto thee: but
the figure of the church. For those trees seemed to be loaded first consider what yet remains.
that Spirit is the Son of God. with several sorts of fruits; that

112
22 And when he had said this unto 32 After these did fire and thirty
me I looked up, and behold I saw others rise up; and these were also 42 When all were departed,
six tall and venerable men coming; in like manner fitted into the same I said unto the shepherd; Sir,
their countenances were all alike, work. Then forty other stones were why is not the building of the
and they called a certain multitude brought up, and all these were added tower finished? Because it cannot,
of men; and they who came at their unto the building of that tower. said he, be finished until its Lord
call were also tall and stout. comes, and approves of the building;
33 So there began to be four that if he shall find any stones
23 And those six commanded ranks in the foundation of that in it that are not good they may
them to build a certain tower over tower; and the stones ceased to be changed; for this tower is built
that gate. And immediately there rise out of the deep; and they according to his will.
began to be a great noise of those also which built rested a little.
men running here and there about 43 Sir, said I, I would know
the gate, who were come together 34 Again, those six men commanded what the building of this tower
to build the tower. the multitude, that they should signifies; as also I would be
bring stones out of those twelve informed concerning this rock,
24 But those virgins which stood mountains to the building of the and this gate;
about the gate perceived that the same tower.
building of the tower was to be 44 And concerning the mountains,
hastened by them. And they 35 So they cut out of all the and the virgins, and the stones
stretched out their hands, as if mountains stones of divers colours, that did rise out of the deep,
they were to receive somewhat and brought them and gave them to and were not cut, but put into
from them to do. the virgins; which when they had the building just as they came
received they carried them, and forth; and why the ten stones
25 Then those six men commanded, were first laid in the foundation;
that they should lift up stones delivered them into the building then the twenty-five, then thirty-
out of a certain deep place, of the tower. five; then forty?
and prepare them for the building
of the tower. And there were 36 In which when they were built 45 Also concerning those stones
lifted up ten white stones, square, they became white, and different that were put into the building,
and not cut round. from what they were before; for and again taken out, and carried
they were all alike, and did back into their places? Fulfil, I
26 Then those six men called change their former colours. pray, the desire of my soul as to
the ten virgins to them, and And some were reached up by the all these things, and manifest all
commanded them to carry all the men themselves, which when they unto me.
stones that were to be put into came into the building, continued
the building, and having carried such is they were put in. 46 And he said unto me; If thou
them through the gate to deliver shalt not be dull, thou shall
them to those that were about to 37 These neither became white, know all, and shall see all the
build the tower. nor different from what they were other things that are about to
before; because they were not happen in this, tower: and shall
27 Immediately the virgins began carried by the virgins through understand diligently all these
all of them together to lift up the gate. Wherefore these stones similitudes.
those stones, that were before were disagreeable in the building;
taken out of the deep. which, when these six men perceived 47 And after a few days we
they commanded them to be removed, came into the same place where
28 And they who also stood about and put again in the place from we had sat before; and he said
the gate did carry stones in such which they were brought. unto me, Let us go unto the
a manner, that those stones which tower; for the Lord of it will
seemed to be the strongest were 38 And they said to those who come and examine it.
laid at the corners, and the rest brought these stones; Do not ye
were put into the sides; reach up to us any stones for this 48 So we came thither, and
building, but lay them down by found none but those virgins there.
29 And thus they carried all the the tower, that these virgins may And he asked them whether the
stones, and bringing them through carry them and reach them to us. Lord of that tower was come
the gate delivered them to the thither? And they replied, that
builders, as they had been 39 For unless they shall be he would be there presently to
commanded: who receiving them carried by these virgins through examine the building.
at their hands, built with them. this gate, they cannot change their
colours: therefore do not labour 49 After a very little while I
30 But this building was made in vain. saw a great multitude of men
upon that great rock, and over the coming, and in the middle of them
gate; and by these the whole tower 40 So the building that day a man so tall, that he surpassed
was supported. But the building was done; howbeit the tower was the tower in height.
of the ten stones filled the whole not finished, for it was afterwards
gate, which began to be made for to be built; therefore now also 50 About him were those six,
the foundation of that tower. there was some delay made of it. who before commanded in the
building, and all the rest of
31 After those ten stones did 41 And these six men commanded those who had built that tower,
five and twenty others rise up those that built to depart, and and many others of great dignity:
out of the deep; and these were as it were to rest for some time; and the virgins that kept the tower
placed in the building of the same but they ordered those virgins ran to meet him, and kissed him,
tower; being lifted up by those that they should not depart from and began to walk near unto him.
virgins, as the others had been the tower; so now they seemed
before. to me to be left for the guarding 51 But he examined the building
of it. with so much care, that he handled

113
every stone; and struck every one greatest part from these stones, these had cracks, and were become
with a rod which he held in his hand: and will add them to the building, black; others had large clefts;
and they will agree with the rest. these he commanded to be placed
52 Of which some being so struck with those that were rejected;
turned black as soot; others were 60 And I said, Sir, how will
rough; some looked as if they had they be able to fill the same place, 69 But the rest being cleansed
cracks in them; others seemed maimed; when they shall be so much cut and reformed, he commanded to
some neither black nor white; some away? He answered; They that be put into the building. These
looked sharp, and agreed not with the shall be found too little shall be therefore those virgins took up,
other stones, and others were full put into the middle of the building, and fitted into the middle of the
of spots. and the greater shall be placed building, because they were but
without, and keep them in. weak.
53 These were the several kinds
of those stones which were not 61 When he had said thus unto 70 After these he examined those
found proper in the building; all me, he added; Let us go, and after which were found half white and
which the Lord commanded to be three days we will return, and half black, and many of those
taken out of the tower, and laid I will put these stones, being which were now black; these also
near it, and other stones to be cleansed, into the tower. he ordered to be laid among
brought and put in their places. those that were cast away.
62 For all these that are about
54 And they that built, asked the tower must be cleansed, lest
him from which of the mountains the master of the house chance to 71 The rest were found altogether
he would have stones brought to come upon the sudden, and find white; those were taken up by the
put in the place of those that were those which are about the tower virgins, and fitted into the same
laid aside. But he forbad them unclean; and be so exasperated tower: and they were put in the
to bring any from the mountains, that these stones should never be outside, because they were found
and commanded that they should put into the building of this tower, entire; that so they might keep
take them out of a certain field and I shall be looked upon to have in those that were placed in the
that was near. been unmindful of my master's middle, for nothing was cut off
commands. from them.
55 So they digged in the field,
and found many bright square 63 When therefore we came 72 Next he looked upon those
stones, and some also that were which had been hard and sharp;
round. Howbeit, all that were after three days to the tower, but few of these were made use of,
found in that field were taken he said unto me; Let us examine because they could not be cut, for
away, and carried through the all these stones, and let us see they were found very hard: but
gate by those virgins; and those which of them may go into the the rest were formed, and fitted by
of them that were square were building. I answered, Sir, the virgins into the middle of the
fitted and put into the places of let us see. building, because they were more
those that were pulled out. weak.
64 And first of all we began
56 But the round ones were not to consider those which had been 73 Then he considered those
put into the building, because they black; for they were found just which had spots; of these a few
were hard, and it would have such as they were when they were were found black, and they were
required too much time to cut them pulled out of the tower: wherefore carried to their fellows. The rest
but they were placed about the he commanded them to be removed were white and entire; and they
tower, as if they should hereafter from the tower and put by themselves. were fitted by the virgins into the
be cut square, and put into the building, and placed in the outside,
building; for they were very 65 Then he examined those by reason of their strength.
white. which had been rough; and commanded
many of those to be cut round, and 74 After this he came to
57 When he who was chief in to be fitted by the virgins into consider those stones which were
dignity, and lord of the whole the building of the tower; so they white and round: and he said unto
tower saw this, he called to him took them, and fitted them into me, What shall we do with these
the shepherd that was with me, the middle of the building and stones? I answered, Sir, I cannot
and gave him the stones that were he commanded the rest to be laid tell.
rejected and laid about the tower, by with the black ones, for they
and said unto him; cleanse these also were become black. 75 He replied, Canst thou
stones with all care, and fit them think of nothing then for these?
into the building of the tower, that 66 Next he considered those I answered, Sir, I understand not
they may agree with the rest; but which were full of cracks, and this art; neither am I a stone-cutter,
those that will not suit with the many of those also he ordered to nor can I tell anything.
rest, cast away afar off from the be pared away, and so to be added
tower. to the rest of the building, by the 76 And he said, seest thou not
came virgins. that they are very round? Now
58 When he had thus commanded him, to make them square, I must cut
he departed, with all those that 67 These were placed without off a great deal from them; howbeit,
came with him to the tower but because they were found entire; it is necessary that some of these
those virgins still stood about but the residue through the should go into the building of the
the tower to keep it. multitude of their cracks could tower.
not be reformed, and therefore
59 And I said unto that shepherd; were cast away from the building 77 I answered; If it be necessary,
How can these stones, seeing they of the tower. why do you perplex yourself, and
have been rejected, return into not rather choose, if you have
the building of this tower? 68 Then he considered those any choice among them, and fit
He replied; I will cut off the that had been maimed; many of them into the building.

114
89 Then those virgins took besoms, they saw that I was kissed by her,
78 Upon this he chose out the and cleansed all the place around, began also to kiss me as a brother;
largest and brightest, and squared and took away all the rubbish, and led me about the tower, and
them; which, when he had done and threw water on; which being played with me.
the virgins took them up, and done, the palace became delightful,
fitted them into the building. and the tower beauteous. 101 Some of them also sung
psalms, others made up the chorus
79 And the rest that remained 90 Then he said unto me, All with them. But I walked about
were carried back into the same is now clean if the Lord should the tower with them, rejoicing
field from which they were taken; come to finish the tower, he will silently, and seeming to myself
howbeit, they were not cast away; find nothing whereby to complain to be grown young again.
because, said he, there is yet a of us.
little wanting to this tower, which 102 When the evening came on,
is to be built; and perhaps the 91 When he had said this he I would forthwith have gone
Lord will have these stones fitted would have departed. But I laid home, but they withheld me,
into this building, because they hold on his bag, and began to and suffered me not to depart.
are exceeding white. entreat him for the Lord's sake, that Wherefore I continued with them
he would explain to me all things that night near the same tower.
80 Then there were called twelve that he had shown me.
very stately women, clothed with 103 So they spread their linen
a black garment, girded, and their 92 He said unto me, I have at garments upon the ground; and
shoulders free, and their hair present a little business; but I placed me in the middle, nor did
loose. These seemed to me to be will suddenly explain all things they anything else, only they
country women. unto thee. Tarry here for me till prayed.
I come.
81 And the shepherd commanded 104 I also prayed with them
them to take up those stones 93 I said unto him, Sir, what without ceasing, nor less than
which were cast out of the building, shall I do here alone? He answered, they. Who, when they saw me pray
and carry them back to the mountains Thou art not alone, seeing all in that manner, rejoiced greatly:
out of which they were taken. these virgins are with thee. and I continued there with their
till the next day.
82 And they took them all up 94 I said, Sir, deliver me then
joyfully, and carried them back to unto them. Then he called them 105 And when we had worshipped God,
their places from whence they had and said unto them, I commend then the shepherd came and said unto
been taken. this man unto you until I shall them: You have done no injury to
come; this man? They answered, Ask him.
83 When not one stone remained I said unto him, Sir, I have received
about the tower, he said unto 95 So I remained with those a great deal of satisfaction in that
me, Let us go about this tower, virgins: now they were cheerful I have remained with them.
and see whether anything be and courteous unto me; especially
wanting to it. the four, which seemed to be 106 And he said unto me, How didst
the chiefest among them. thou sup? I answered, Sir, I feasted
84 We began therefore to go the whole night upon the words of
round about it; and when he saw 96 Then those virgins said the Lord. They received thee well
that it was handsomely built, he unto me, that shepherd will not then, said he? I said, Sir, very well.
began to be very glad; for it was return hither to-day. I said unto
so beautifully framed, that any one them, What then shall I do? They 107 He answered, Wilt thou
that had seen it must have been in answered, Tarry for him till the now learn what thou didst desire?
love with the building. evening, if perhaps he may come I replied, Sir, I will: and first I
and speak with thee; but if not, pray thee that thou shouldest show
85 For it seemed to be all but yet thou shalt continue with us me all things in the order that I
one stone, nor did a joint any till he does come. asked them.
where appear; but it looked as if
it had all been cut out of one rock. 97 I said unto them, I will 108 He answered, I will do all
tarry for him till evening; but if as thou wouldst have me, nor
86 And when I diligently he comes not by that time, I will will I hide any thing from thee.
considered what a tower it was, go home, and return hither again
I was extremely pleased: and he the next morning. 109 First of all, Sir, said I,
said unto me, Bring hither some tell me, what this rock and this
lime and little shells, that I may 98 They answered me, As thou gate denote? Hearken, said he;
fill up the spaces of those stones art delivered unto us, thou mayest this rock, and this gate, are the
that were taken out of the building, not depart from us. I said, Where Son of God. I replied, Sir, how
and put in again; for all things shall I tarry? can that be; seeing the rock is
about the tower must be made even. old, but the gate new?
99 They replied, Thou shalt
87 And I did as he commanded sleep with us as a brother, not 110 Hear, said he, O foolish
me, and brought them unto him as a husband; for thou art our man! and understand. The Son
and he said unto me, Be ready to brother, and we are ready from of God is indeed more ancient
help me, and this work will quickly henceforth to dwell with thee; than any creature; insomuch
be finished. for thou art very dear to us. that he was in council with his
Father at the creation of all
88 He therefore filled up 100 Howbeit I was ashamed to things.
the spaces of those stones, and continue with them. But she that
commanded the place about the tower seemed to be the chiefest amongst 111 But the gate is therefore
to be cleansed. them, embraced me, and began new, because he appeared in the
to kiss me. And the rest when last days in the fullness of time;

115
that they who shall attain unto 122 For it will avail thee nothing
salvation, may by it enter into the to take up the name of the Son of 131 Therefore were they cast
kingdom of God. God, unless thou shalt also off from the house of God, and
receive their garment from them. delivered to those women. But
112 You have seen, said he, For these virgins are the powers they that were not corrupted with
those stones which were carried of the Son of God. So shall a their beauty, remained in the
through the gate, how they were man in vain bear his name, unless house of God. This, said he, is
placed in the building of the he shall be also endued with his the signification of those stones
tower; but that those which were powers. which were rejected.
not carried through the gate,
were sent away into their own 123 And he said unto me, sawest 132 And I said, sir, what if
places? thou those stones that were cast any of these men shall repent, and
113 I answered, sir, I saw it. away? They bore indeed the name, cast away their desire of those
Thus, said he, no man shall enter but put not on their garment. women, and be converted, and
into the kingdom of God, but he I said, Sir, what is their return to these virgins, and put
who shall take upon him the name garment? Their very names, on again their virtue; shall they
of the Son of God. said he, are their garment. not enter into the house of God?

114 For if you would enter 124 Therefore whosoever beareth 133 They shall enter, said he,
into any city, and that city should the name of the Son of God, if they shall lay aside all the
he encompassed with a wall, and ought to bear their names also; works of those women, and shall
had only one gate, could you for the Son of God also himself resume the power of these virgins,
enter into that city except by that beareth their names. and shall walk in their works.
gate?
125 As for those stones, 134 And for this cause there is
115 I answered, Sir, how could continued he, which being delivered a stop in the building, that if they
I do otherwise? As therefore, said by their hands, thou sawest remain shall repent, they may be added
he, there would be no other way in the building, they were clothed to the building of this tower; but
of entering into that city but by with their power; for which cause if they shall not repent, that others
its gate, so neither can any one thou seest the whole tower of the may be built in their places, and
enter into the kingdom of God, same colour with the rock, and made so they may be utterly cast away.
but only by the name of his Son, as it were of one stone.
who is most dear unto him. 135 For all these things I gave
126 So also those who have thanks unto the Lord, that being
116 And he said unto me, believed in God by his Son, have moved with mercy towards all
Didst thou see the multitude of put on his spirit. Behold there those upon whom his name is
those that built that tower? Sir, shall be one spirit, and one body, carried, he sent to us the angel of
said I, I saw it. He answered, and one colour of their garments; repentance to preside over us who
All those are the angels, venerable and all they shall attain this, who have sinned against him; and that
in their dignity, shall bear the names of these virgins. he has refreshed our spirits which
were almost gone, and who had
117 With those is the Lord 127 And I said, Sir, why then no hope of salvation, but are now
encompassed as with a wall: but were those stones cast away which refreshed to the renewal of life.
the gate is the Son of God, who is were rejected, seeing they also
the only way of coming unto God. were carried through the gate, 136 Then I said, Show me now
For no man shall go to God, but and delivered by the hands of sir, why this tower is not built
by his Son. these virgins into the building upon the ground, but upon a rock,
of this tower? and upon the gate? He replied,
118 Thou sawest also, said he, Thou art foolish, and without
the six men, and in the middle of 128 Seeing, said he thou takest understanding, therefore thou
them that venerable great man, care to inquire diligently into all asketh this.
who walked about the tower, and things, hear also concerning those
rejected the stones out of the tower? stones which were rejected. All 137 And I said, sir, I must
these received the name of the needs ask all things of you
119 Sir, said I, I saw them. Son of God, and with that the because I understand nothing at all.
He answered, that tall man was power of these virgins. For all your answers are great and
the Son of God; and those six excellent; and which a man can
were his angels of most eminent 129 Having therefore received hardly understand.
dignity, which stand about him these spirits, they were perfected,
on the right hand and on the left. and brought into the number of 138 Hear, said he: The name
the servants of God; and they of the Son of God is great and
120 Of these excellent angels began to be one body, and to have without bounds, and the whole
none comes in unto God without one garment, for they were endued world is supported by it. If
him. He added, Whosoever there. with the same righteousness, therefore, said I, every creature
fore shall not take upon him his which they alike exercised. of God be sustained by his Son,
name, he shall nor enter into the why should he not support those
kingdom of God. 130 But after that they beheld also who have been invited by him,
those women which thou sawest and who carry his name, and walk
121 Then I said, What is this clothed with a black garment, in his commandments?
tower? This, said he, is the church. with their shoulders at liberty and
And what, Sir, are these virgins? their hair loose; they fixed their 139 Seest thou not, said he, that
He said unto me, These are the desires upon them, being tempted he doth support them, who with
holy spirits, for no man can enter with their beauty; and were all their heart, bear his name?
into the kingdom of God, except clothed with their power, He therefore is their foundation,
these clothe him with their garment, and cast off the clothing and gladly supports those who do
of the virgins: not deny his name, but willingly

116
bear it. this farther. He answered, What
dost then ask? Why did these 162 Hear, said he; These twelve
140 And I said: Sir, tell me stones come out of the deep, and mountains which thou seest, are
the names of these virgins; and of were placed into the building of twelve nations, which make up the
those women that were clothed this tower, seeing that they long whole world. Wherefore the Son
with the black garment. ago carried those holy spirits? of God is preached to them, by
those whom he sent unto them.
141 Hear, said he, the names of 151 It was necessary, said he,
those virgins which are the more for them to ascend by water, that 163 But why, said I, are they
powerful, and stand at the corners they might be at rest. For they different, and every one of a figure?
of the gate. These are their could not otherwise enter into the He replied, Hearken. Those twelve
names: kingdom of God, but by laying nations which possess the whole
aside the mortality of their former world, are twelve people.
142 The first is called Faith; life.
the second Continence; the third 164 And as thou hast beheld
Power; the fourth Patience; the 152 They therefore being dead, these mountains different, so are
rest which stand beneath these were nevertheless sealed with the they. I will therefore open to
are, Simplicity, Innocence, seal of the Son of God, and so thee the meaning and actions of
Chastity, Cheerfulness, Truth, entered into the kingdom of God. every mountain.
Understanding, Concord, Charity.
153 For before a man receives 165 But first, sir, said I, show
143 Whosoever therefore bear the name of the Son of God, he is me this; Seeing these mountains
these names, and the name of the ordained unto death; but when he are so different, how have they
Son of God, shall enter into the receives that seal, he is freed from agreed in the building of this
kingdom of God. death, and assigned unto life. tower; and been brought to one
colour; and are no less bright
144 Hear now, said he, the 154 Now that seal is the water than those that came out of the
names of those women, which of baptism, into which men go deep?
were clothed with the black garment. down under the obligation unto
Of these, four are the principal: death, but come up appointed unto 166 Because, replied he, all the
the first is Perfidiousness; life. nations which are under heaven,
the second, Incontinence; the have heard and believed in the
third, Infidelity; the fourth, 155 Wherefore to those also was same one name of the Son of God
Pleasure. this seal preached, and they made by whom they are called.
use of it, that they might enter
145 And the rest which follow into the kingdom of God. 167 Wherefore having received
are called thus, Sadness, Malice,
Lust, Anger, Lying, Foolishness, 156 And I said, Why then, sir, his seal, they have all been made
Pride, and Hatred. The servant did these forty stones also ascend partakers of the same understanding
of God, which carries these spirits, with them out of the deep, having and knowledge; and their faith
shall see indeed the kingdom of already received that seal? and charity have been the same;
God, but he shall not enter into it. and they have carried the spirits
157 He answered, Because of these virgins together with his
146 But, sir, what are those these Apostles and teachers, who name.
stones which were taken out of the preached the name of the Son of
deep and fitted into the building? God, dying after they had received 168 And therefore the building
The ten, said he, which were his faith and power, preached to of this tower appeared to be of the
placed at the foundation, are the them who were dead before: and same colour, and did shine like
first age; the following five-and- they gave this seal to them. the brightness of the sun.
twenty, are the second, of righteous
men. 158 They went down therefore 169 But after that they had thus
into the water with them, and again agreed in one mind, there began to
147 The next thirty-five, are the came up. But these went down be one body of them all; howbeit
prophets and ministers of the Lord. whilst they were alive, and came some of them polluted themselves,
And the forty, are the Apostles and up again alive: whereas those who and were cast off from those of the
doctors of the preaching of the were before dead, went down dead, righteous, and again returned to
Son of God. but came up alive; their former state, and became
even worse than they were before.
148 And I said, sir, why did the 159 Through these therefore
virgins put even those stones into they received life, and knew the 170 How, air, said I, were
the building after they were carried Son of God: for which cause they they worse who knew the Lord?
through the gate? And he said, came up with them, and were fit He answered: If he who knows
Because these first carried those to come into the building of the not the Lord liveth wickedly,
spirits, and they departed not one tower; and were not cut, but put the punishment of his wickedness
from the other, neither the men in entire; because they died in attends him;
from the spirits, nor the spirits righteousness, and in great purity;
from the men: only this seal was wanting to 171 But he who has known the
them. Lord, ought to abstain altogether
149 But the spirits were joined from all wickedness, and more and
to those men even to the day of 160 Thus you have the explication more to be the servant of
their death; who if they had not of these things. righteousness.
had these spirits with them, they
could not have been useful to the 161 I answered: Sir, tell me 172 And does not he then seem
building of this tower. now what concerns those mountains; to thee to sin more who ought to
why are they so different, some follow goodness, if he shall prefer
150 And I said, sir, show me of one form, and some of another? the part of sin; than he who

117
offends without knowing the left to them of repentance, if they being touched with the heat of the
power of God? shall speedily pursue it; but if sun, are withered;
they shall delay, they also shall
173 Wherefore these are indeed be partakers of death with the 194 It denotes the doubtful, who
ordained unto death; but they who foregoing kind. have believed, and some others
have known the Lord, and have who carry the Lord on their tongues,
seen his wonderful works, if they 184 I said, air, why is there but have him not in their hearts:
shall live wickedly, they shall be room left to those for repentance, therefore their grass is dry,
doubly punished, and shall die for and not to the foregoing kind, and without root; because they
ever. seeing their sins are well nigh the live only in words, but their
same? works are dead.
174 As therefore thou hast seen
that after the stones were cast out 185 There is therefore, said he, 195 These therefore are neither
of the tower, which had been rejected, to these a return unto life by dead nor living, and withal are
they were delivered to wicked and repentance, because they have not doubtful. For the doubtful are
cruel spirits; and thou beheldest blasphemed against their Lord, neither green nor dry; that is
the tower so cleansed, as if it had nor betrayed the servants of God: neither dead nor alive.
all been made of one stone: but by their desire of gain have
deceived men, leading them according 196 For as the herbs dry away
175 So the church of God, when to the lusts of sinners; wherefore at the sight of the sun, so the
it shall be purified: (the wicked they shall suffer for this thing. doubtful, as soon as they hear of
and counterfeits, the mischievous persecution, and fear inconveniencies,
and doubtful, and all that have 186 Howbeit there is still left return to their idols, and again
behaved themselves wickedly in it, them room for repentance, because serve them, and are ashamed
and committed divers kinds of sin, to bear the name of their Lord.
being cast out) shall become one they have not spoken any thing
body, and there shall be one wickedly against the Lord. 197 This kind of men then is
understanding, one opinion, neither dead nor alive; nevertheless
one faith, and the same charity. 187 They who are of the these also may live, if they shall
third mountain which had thorns presently repent; but if not,
176 And then shall the Son of and brambles, are those who they shall be delivered to those
God rejoice among them, and shall believed, but were some of them women, who shall take away their
receive his people with a pure will. rich; others taken up with many lives.
affairs: the brambles are their
177 And I said; Sir, all these riches; the thorns, those affairs in 198 As concerning the fifth
things are great and honourable; which they were engaged. mountain that is craggy, and yet
but now show unto me the effect has green grass; they are of this
and force of every mountain: that 188 Now they who are entangled kind who have believed, and are
every soul which trusteth in the in much business, and in diversity faithful indeed, but believe with
Lord, when it shall hear these of affairs, join not themselves to difficulty, and are bold and self-
things may honour his great, and the servants of God, but wander, conceited; and would be thought
wonderful, and holy name. being called away by those affairs to know all things, but really
with which they are choked. know nothing.
178 Hear, said he, the variety
of these mountains, that is, of the 189 And so they which are rich, 199 Wherefore, by reason of
twelve nations. with difficulty yield themselves to this confidence, knowledge is
the conversation of the servants departed from them; and a rash
179 They who have believed of God; fearing lest any thing presumption is entered into them.
of the first mountain, which is should be asked of them. These
black, are those who have revolted therefore shall hardly enter the 200 But they carry themselves
from the faith, and spoken wicked kingdom of God. high, and as prudent men; and
things against the Lord; and though they are fools, yet would
betrayed the servants of God. 190 For as men walk with difficulty seem to be teachers.
bare-foot over thorns, even so
180 These are condemned to these kind of men shall scarcely 201 Now by reason of this folly
death; there is no repentance for enter into the kingdom of God. many of them whilst they magnify
them: and therefore they are themselves, are become vain and
black, because their kind is 191 Nevertheless there is afforded empty. For boldness and vain
wicked. to all these a return unto repentance, confidence is a very evil spirit.
if they shall quickly return to it;
181 Of the second mountain because in their former days they 202 Wherefore many of these
which was smooth, are the having neglected to work, in the time are cast away; but others
hypocrites, who have believed, that is to come they may do some good. acknowledging their error, have
and the teachers of naughtiness: repented, and submitted themselves
and these are next to the foregoing, 192 If therefore having to those who are knowing.
which have not in them the fruit of repented they shall do the works
righteousness. of righteousness, they shall live; 203 And to all the rest of this
but if they shall continue in their kind, there is repentance allowed;
182 For as their mountain is evil courses, they shall be delivered forasmuch as they were not so
barren and without fruit so also to those women who will take away much wicked as foolish, and void
such kind of men have indeed the their lives. of understanding.
name of Christians, but are empty
of faith; nor is there any fruit of 193 As for the fourth mountain, 204 If these therefore shall
the truth in them. which had many herbs, the upper repent, they shall live unto God;
part of which is green, but but if not, they shall dwell with
183 Nevertheless there is room the roots dry, and some of which those women, who shall exercise

118
their wickedness upon them. 213 But I, who am the angel they shall not be found from their
appointed over your repentance, hearts to have denied Christ; but
205 For what concerns the exhort you, that as many as are of if any of these shall be found to
sixth mountain having greater and this kind would continue in the have denied him from his heart,
lesser clefts, they are such as have same purpose, that your seed may I cannot tell whether such a one
believed; but those in which were not be rooted out for ever. can attain unto life.
lesser clefts are they who have had
controversies among themselves; 214 For the Lord hath tried 224 I say therefore that if any
and by reason of their quarrels you, and written you into our one hath denied, he should in
languish in the faith: number; and all your seed shall these days return unto repentance;
dwell with the Son of God; for ye for it cannot be that anyone
206 Nevertheless many of these are all of his spirit. who now denies the Lord, can
have repented, and so will the rest afterwards attain unto salvation
when they shall hear my commands; 215 As concerning the eighth nevertheless repentance is promised
for their controversies are but mountain in which were a great unto them who have formerly denied.
small, and they will easily many springs, by which every
return unto repentance. kind of all the creatures of God 225 But he who will repent
was watered; they are such as must hasten on his repentance,
207 But those who have the have believed the Apostles which before the building of this tower
greater clefts, will be as stiff the Lord sent into all the world to is finished; otherwise, he shall be
stones, mindful of grudges and preach; delivered by those women unto
offences, and full of anger among death.
themselves. These therefore are 216 And some of them being
cast from the tower, and refused teachers have preached and taught 226 But they that are maimed,
to be put into its building; for purely and sincerely, and have are the deceitful; and those who
this kind of men shall hardly not in the least yielded to any evil, mix with one another, are the
live. desires, but have constantly walked serpents that you saw mingled in
in righteousness and truth. that mountain.
208 Our God and Lord, who
ruleth over all things, and has 217 These therefore have their 227 For as the poison of serpents
power over all his creatures, will conversations among the angels. is deadly unto men, so the words
not remember our offences, but is of such persons infect and
easily appeased by those who 218 Again; as for what concerns destroy men. They are therefore
confess their sins: but man being the ninth mountain which is maimed in their faith, by reason
languid, mortal, infirm, and full a desert, and full of serpents; they of that kind of life which they
of sins, perseveres in his anger are such as have believed, but had lead.
against man; as if it were in his many stains:
power to save or destroy him. 228 Howbeit some of them,
219 These are such ministers as having repented, have been saved;
209 But I, as the angel who am discharge their ministry amiss; and so shall others of the same
set over your repentance, admonish ravishing away the goods of the kind be also saved, if they shall
you, that whosoever among you has widows and fatherless; and serve repent; but if not, they shall die
any such purpose he should lay it themselves, not others, out of by those women who power and
aside, and return unto repentance; those things which they have force posses,
and the Lord will heal your former received.
sins, if you shall purge yourself 229 For what concerns the
from this evil spirit; but if you 220 These, if they continue in tenth mountain, in which were the
shall not do it, ye shall be this covetousness, have delivered trees covering the cattle, they are
delivered to him unto death. themselves unto death, nor shall such as have believed; and some
there be any hope of life for them. of them have been bishops, that is,
210 As for the seventh mountain But if they shall be converted, governors of the churches.
in which the grass was green and shall discharge their ministry
and flourishing, and the whole sincerely, they may live. 230 Others, are such stones as
mountain faithful; and all kind of have not feignedly, but with a
cattle fed upon the grass of it, and 221 As for those which were cheerful mind entertained the
the more the grass was eaten, so found rough, they are such as servants of God.
much the more it flourished; have denied the name of the Lord,
and not returned again to the 231 Then, such as have been set
211 They are such as believed, Lord, but have become savage over inferior ministries, and have
and were always good and upright; and wild; not applying themselves protected the poor and the widows;
and without any differences among to the servants of God; but being and have always kept a chaste
themselves, but still rejoiced separated from them, have for a conversation: therefore they
in the servants of God, having little carelessness lost their lives. also are protected by the Lord.
put on the spirit of these virgins;
and been always forward to show 222 For as a vine that is forsaken 232 Whosoever shall do on this
mercy to all men, readily giving in a hedge, and never dressed, wise, are honoured with the Lord;
to all men of their labours perishes and is choked by the and their place is among the
without upbraiding, and without weeds, and in time becomes wild, angels, if they shall continue
deliberation. and ceases to be useful to its lord; to obey the Lord even unto the end.
so this kind of men despairing of
212 Wherefore the Lord seeing themselves, and being soured, 233 As to the eleventh mountain
their simplicity and innocence, have begun to be unprofitable to in which were trees loaded
has increased them in the works of their Lord. with several sorts of fruit; they
their hands, and given them grace are such as have believed, and
in all their works. 223 Howbeit, to these there is, suffered death, for the name of the
after all, repentance allowed, if Lord; and have endured with a

119
heavy mind, and have given up 244 As for the twelfth mountain, or shall believe; for they are all
their lives with all their hearts. which was white, they are of the same kind. Happy is this
such as have believed like sincere kind, because it is innocent.
234 And I said, Why then, sir, children, into whose thoughts
have all these fruit indeed, but yet there never came any malice, nor 255 Hear now also concerning
some fairer than others? have they ever known what sin those round and bright stones; all
was, but have always continued in these are of this white mountain.
235 Hearken, said he: Whosoever their integrity. But they are therefore found
have suffered for the name of round, because their riches have
the Lord are esteemed honourable 245 Wherefore this kind of men a little darkened them from the
by the Lord; and all their offences shall without all doubt inherit the truth, and dazzled their eyes.
are blotted out, because they have kingdom of God; because they
suffered death for the name of the have never in any thing defiled 256 Howbeit they have never
Son of God. the commandments of God, but departed from the Lord, nor has
have continued with sincerity in any wicked word proceeded out
236 Hear now, why their fruits the same condition all the days of of their mouths; but all
are different, and some of them their lives. righteousness, and virtue,
excel others. They who were and truth.
brought before magistrates, and 246 Whosoever therefore, said
being asked, denied not the Lord, he, shall continue as children
but suffered with a ready mind; without malice; shall be more 257 When therefore the Lord
these are more honourable with honourable than all those of whom saw their minds, and that they
the Lord. The fruits therefore I have yet spoken: for all such might adorn the truth; he
that are the most fair are these. children are honoured by the commanded that they should continue
Lord, and esteemed the first of good, and that their riches should
237 But they who were fearful all. be pared away:
and doubtful, and have deliberated
with themselves whether they 247 Happy therefore are ye 258 For he would not have
should confess or deny Christ, and who shall remove all malice from them taken wholly away, to the
yet have suffered; their fruits are you, and put on innocence; be. end they might do some good
smaller, because that this thought cause ye shall first see the Lord. with that which was left, and live
came into their hearts. 248 And after he had thus unto God; because they also are
ended his explication of all the of a good kind.
238 For it is a wicked and evil mountains, I said unto him, Sir,
thought for a servant to deliberate show me now also what concerns 259 Therefore was there little
whether he should deny his master: the stones that were brought out cut off from them, and so they
Take heed therefore ye who of the plain, and put into the were put into the building of this
have such thoughts, that this mind tower in the room of those that tower.
Pontinrie not in you, and ye die were rejected.
unto God. 260 As for the rest which
249 As also concerning those continued still round, and were
239 But ye who suffer death for round stones which were added not found fit for the building of
his name sake, ought to honour into the building of the tower; this tower, because they have not
the Lord, that he has esteemed and also of those who still yet received the seal; they were
you worthy to bear his name; and continued round. carried back to their place, be.
that you should be delivered from cause they were found very
all your sins. 250 Hear now, says he, round.
concerning those stones which were
240 And why therefore do you brought out of the plain into the 261 But this present world must
not rather esteem yourselves happy? building of the tower, and placed be cut away from them, and the
Ye think verily that if any in the room of those that were vanities of their riches; and then
one among you suffer, he performs rejected: they are the roots of they will be fit for the kingdom of
a great work! Yet the Lord that white mountain. God. For they must enter into
giveth you life, and ye understand the kingdom of God, because God
it not. For your offences did 251 Wherefore because those has blessed this innocent kind.
oppress you; and if you had not who have believed of that mountain,
suffered for his name sake, ye would were very innocent; the lord of 262 Of this kind therefore none
now be dead unto the Lord. this tower commanded that they shall fall away: for though any of
which were of the roots of this them being tempted by the devil
241 Wherefore I speak this unto mountain should be placed into should offend, he shall soon return
you who deliberate whether ye the building. to his Lord God.
should confess or deny him. Confess
that ye have the Lord for your 252 For he knew that if they 263 I the angel of repentance
God, lest at any time denying him, were put into, this building they esteem you happy, whosoever are
ye be delivered up into bonds. would continue bright; nor would innocent as little children, because
any of them any more be made your portion is good and honourable
242 For if all nations punish black. with the Lord.
their servants which deny their
masters; what think you that the 253 But if he had added after 264 And I say unto all you
Lord will do unto you, who has this manner, from the rest of the who have received this seal; keep
the power of all things? mountains, he would almost have simplicity, and remember not the
needed again to visit the tower, offences which are committed
243 Remove therefore out of and to cleanse it. against you, nor continue in
your hearts these doubts, that ye malice, or in bitterness, through
may live for ever unto God. 254 Now all these white stones the memory of offences.
are the young men who have believed,

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265 But become one spirit, honour him, because he is so
and provide remedies for these patient with respect to your offences, 4 For if thou keepest those
evil rents, and remove them from and not like one of you; but repent, commands, all the lust and pleasure
you; that the lord of the sheep for it will be profitable for you. of this present world shall be
may rejoice at it; for he will subject to thee; and success shall
rejoice, if he shall find all whole. 275 All these things which follow thee in every good undertaking.
are above written, I the shepherd
266 But if any of these sheep and angel of repentance, have 5 Take therefore his gravity
shall be found scattered away, Woe shown and spoken to the servants and modesty towards thee, and
shall be to the shepherds; and of God. say unto all, that he is in great
if the shepherds themselves shall honour and renown with God, and
be scattered; what will they answer 276 If therefore ye shall believe is a prince of great authority, and
to the lord of the sheep-fold? and hearken to these words, and powerful in his office.
Will they say that they were shall walk in them and correct
troubled by the sheep? But your ways, ye shall live. But if 6 To him only is the power of
they shall not be believed. ye shall, continue in malice, and repentance committed throughout
in the remembrance of injuries, the whole world. Does he not
267 For it is an incredible thing no such sinners shall live unto seem to thee to be of great
that the shepherd should suffer by God. authority?
his flock; and he shall be the more
punished for his life. 277 All these things which were 7 But ye despise his goodness,
to be spoken by me, I have thus and the modesty which he shows
268 Now I am the shepherd; delivered unto you. Then the towards you.
and especially must give an shepherd said unto me, Hast thou
account of you. asked all things of me? 8 I said unto him; Sir, ask
I answered, sir, I have. him since the time that he came
269 Wherefore take care of into my house whether I have
yourselves whilst the tower is, 278 Why then, said he, hast done any thing disorderly, or
yet building. The Lord dwells thou not asked concerning the have offended him in any thing?
in those that love peace, for peace spaces of these stones that were
is beloved; but he is far off from put in the building, that I may 9 I know, said he, that thou
the contentious, and those who are explain that also unto thee? hast done nothing disorderly,
full of malice. I answered, sir, I forgot it. neither wilt thou hereafter do
Hear, then, said he, concerning any such thing, and therefore I
270 Wherefore restore unto him these also. speak these things with thee that
the Spirit entire, as ye received it. then mayest persevere; for he
For if thou shalt give unto a 279 They are those who have has given me a good account
fuller a garment new and whole, now heard these commands, and concerning thee.
thou wilt expect to receive it whole have repented with all their
again; if therefore the fuller shall hearts; 10 But thou shalt speak these
restore it unto thee torn, wouldst things to others, that they who
thou receive it? 280 And when the Lord saw either have repented, or shall
that their repentance was good repent, may be like-minded with
271 Wouldst thou not presently and pure, and that they could thee, and he may give me as
be angry, and reproach him, continue in it, he commanded good an account of them also;
saying: I gave my garment to thee their former sins to be blotted and that I may do the same unto
whole, why halt thou rent it, and out. For these spaces were their the Lord.
made it useless to me? Now it is sins, and they are therefore made
of no use to me, by reason of the even that they might not appear. 11 I answered; Sir, I declare
rent which thou hast made in it. to all men the wonderful works of
Wouldst thou not say all this to a SIMILITUDE X. God; and I hope that all who
fuller, for the rent which he made love them, and have before sinned,
in thy garment? Of Repentance and alms-deeds. when they shall hear these things,
will repent, and recover life.
272 If therefore thou wouldst AFTER I had written this
be concerned for thy garment, book, the angel which had 12 Continue therefore, said he,
and complain that thou hadst not delivered me to that shepherd, in this ministry, and fulfil it.
received it whole; what thinkest came into the house where I was And whosoever shall do according
thou that the Lord will do, who and sat upon the bed, and that to the commands of this shepherd,
gave his Spirit to thee entire, and shepherd stood at his right hand. he shall live; and shall have great
thou hast rendered him altogether honour both here and with the
unprofitable, so that he can be of 2 Then he called me and said Lord.
no use unto his Lord? For being unto me; I delivered thee and
corrupted by thee, he is no longer thy house to this shepherd, that 13 But they that shall not keep
profitable to him. thou mightest be protected by his commands, flee from their life,
him. I said, Yes, Lord. and are adversaries to it. And
273 Will not therefore the Lord they that follow not his commands,
do the same concerning his Spirit, 3 If therefore, said he, thou shall deliver themselves
by reason of thy deed? Undoubtedly, wilt be protected from all unto death; and shall be every
said I, he will do the same vexations and from all cruelty, and one guilty of his own blood.
to all those whom he shall find to have success in every good word
continue in the remembrance of and work, and have all virtue and 14 But I say unto thee, keep
injuries. righteousness; walk in those these commandments, and thou
commands which he has given thee, shalt find a cure for all thy sins.
274 Tread not then under foot and thou shalt have dominion
he said, his mercy; but rather over all sin. 15 Moreover, I have sent

121
these virgins to dwell with thee; suffers inconveniences in his abused it when a Montanist. Although Gelasius
for I have seen that they are very ranks it among the
kind to thee. Thou shalt therefore daily life, is in great torment apocryphal books, it is found attached to some of
have them for thy helpers, and necessity. Whosoever therefore the most ancient
that thou mayest the better keep delivers such a soul from necessity, MSS. of the New Testament; and Archbishop
the commands which he hath given gets great joy unto himself. Wake, believing it the
thee; for these commands cannot genuine work of an apostolical Father, preserves
be kept without these virgins. 26 For he that is grieved with it to the English
such inconveniencies is equally reader by the foregoing translation, in which he
16 And as I see how they are tormented, as if he were in chains. has rendered the
willing to be with thee, I will And many upon the account of three parts of it not only more exact, but in
also command them that they shall such calamities, being not able to greater purity than
not all depart from thy house. bear them, have chosen even to they had before appeared. The archbishop
destroy themselves. procured Dr. Grabe to
17 Only do thou purify thy entirely collate the old Latin version with an
house; for they will readily dwell 27 He therefore that knows the ancient MS. in the
in a clean house. For they are calamity of such a man, and does Lambeth library; and the learned prelate himself
clean and chaste, and industrious; not free him from it, commits a still further
and all of them have grace with great sin, and is guilty of his improved the whole from a multitude of
the Lord. blood. fragments of the original
Greek never before used for that purpose.]
18 If therefore thou shalt have 28 Wherefore exercise yourselves
thy house pure, they will abide in good works, as many as
with thee. But, if it shall be have received ability from the
never so little polluted, they will Lord; lest whilst ye delay to do
immediately depart from thy house; them, the building of the tower be
for these virgins cannot endure any finished; because for your sakes
manner of pollution. the building is stopped.

19 I said unto him; Sir, I hope 29 Except therefore ye shall


that I shall so please them, that make haste to do well, the tower
they shall always delight to dwell shall be finished, and ye shall be
in my house. And as he to whom shut out of it.
you have committed me, makes
no complaint of me; so neither 30 And after he had thus spoken
shall they complain. with me, he rose up from the bed
and departed, taking the shepherd
20 Then he said to that shepherd: and virgins with him.
I see that the servant of God will
live and keep these commandments, 31 Howbeit he said unto me,
and place these virgins in a pure that he would send back the
habitation. shepherd and virgins unto
my house. Amen.
21 When he had said this,
he delivered me again to that
shepherd, and called the virgins, REFERENCES TO THE BOOK OF
and said unto them; Forasmuch as I HERMAS, THE SHEPHERD.
see that ye will readily dwell in
this man's house, I commend him [This book, divided into three parts, called his
and his family to you, that ye may VISIONS, COMMANDS,
not at all depart from his house. and SIMILITUDES, is thus entitled, because it
And they willingly heard these was composed by
words. Hermas, brother to Pius, bishop of Rome; and
because the Angel, who
22 Then he said unto me, bears the principal part in it, is represented in the
Go on manfully in thy ministry; form and habit
declare to all men the great things of a shepherd. Ireneus quotes it under the very
of God, and thou shalt find grace name of Scripture.
in this ministry. Origen thought it a most useful writing, and that it
was divinely
23 And whosoever shall walk inspired; Eusebius says that, though it was not
in these commands, shall live, esteemed canonical,
and be happy in his life. But he it was read publicly in the churches, which is
that shall neglect them, shall not corroborated by
live, and shall be unhappy in his Jerome; and Athanasius cites it, calls it a most
life. useful work, and
observes, that though it was not strictly canonical,
24 Say unto all that whosoever the Fathers
can do well, cease not to exercise appointed it to be read for direction and
themselves in good works, for it confirmation in faith and
is profitable unto them. For I piety. Jerome, notwithstanding this, and that he
would that all men should be applauded it in his
delivered from the inconveniences catalogue of writers, in his comments upon it
they lie under. afterwards, terms it
apocryphal and foolish. Tertullian praised it
25 For he that wants, and when a Catholic, and

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